News
Train strike - Industrial action is affecting train services in our region today Tuesday 3rd October. The SNCF has said that there will be disruption to trains on the TERZOU network. Bus services are replacing some trains. You can search for trains which are running on https://www.ter.sncf.com/sud-provence-alpes-cote-d-azur/se-deplacer/fiches-horaires
New police units across France - As part of a nationwide objective to increase the network and visibility of law enforcement, five new police squads will be created in the Alpes-Maritimes and Var. The move comes as part of the creation of more than 200 “fixed” and “mobile” units by 2027 throughout France. New barracks will be set up in La Gaude and Tourrette-Levens, with both structures being armed by around ten soldiers. The same goes for the municipalities of Cuers and Cotignac, in the Var. Cagnes sur mer will welcome a mobile unit. The new units are set to be up and running by the beginning of November.
State housing in Monaco - The Monegasque Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies has published a study on the question of state housing to estimate the future needs of the Monegasque population. According to data in 2023, housing represents 425.3 million euros, or 19.37% of total state expenditure. The study shows that in eighteen years, the Monegasques community could expand by nearly 1,000 nationals, going from 9,686 people, as of December 31, 2022, to 10,660. A projection based on the assumptions of births, deaths, naturalizations by sovereign order and acquisition of nationality by marriage. The study concludes that "the number of state-owned apartments necessary by 2040 would be between 4,377 and 5,266 to accommodate between 65 and 80% of the Monegasque population”.
Road accident - Four people have been injured, two seriously, following a road accident in Saint-Raphael in the Var. The accident occurred on Monday afternoon when the driver lost control of his vehicle and hit an electricity pylon. All four were taken to hospital. An investigation has been opened by police.
Collection of trainers for the most deprived - An association in collaboration with the sports store Decathlon here in Monaco has launched “a trainer collection for the most deprived”. A collection point has been set up at the entrance to the Fontvieille store so that passers-by can drop off their trainers. Donations can be dropped off until October 14th. To support the association, go to https://www.semeursdspér-monaco.com/
Vincent van Gogh exhibition - An exhibition at the Musée d’Orsay in Paris, has added AI and VR in a display of Vincent van Gogh last works. Described as a “unique exhibition” with an “astonishing variety of paintings”, the works displayed cover the period in which he ended his life. Before entering the exhibition, visitors are invited to the interactive experience, it’s the first time the Musée d’Orsay has put on a VR experience with an exhibition. At the end of the exhibition, which opens on today Tuesday 3rd October and runs until February next year, visitors can pose the artist’s AI incarnation questions in a feature developed by a technology start-up, which claims its speciality is “breathing life into historical figures”.
Business
It was back in March 2022 that the fast food chain Burger King said that it had started the process to leave Russia, following the war in Ukraine. However, more than a year later, Burger King remains open as usual in the country. Since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, Western companies have been under pressure to leave Russia. Restaurant Brands International (RBI), which owns 15% of the fast-food's franchise business in Russia, told the BBC it had "no new updates to share at this time" on its exit. Critics accused RBI of "sustaining Putin's regime" by failing to ditch its stake in its Russian business.
The ex-CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch and his British partner face allegations of exploitation from men recruited for sex events they hosted around the world. The investigation carried out by the BBC found a highly organised network used a middleman to find young men for the events with Mike Jeffries and Matthew Smith. Eight men told the BBC they attended these events, some of whom alleged they were exploited or abused. Mr Jeffries and Mr Smith did not respond to requests for comment.
And – It’s been announced that the chairman of the John Lewis Partnership is set to leave the business in 2025. The announcement comes just weeks after it warned of a two-year extension to its turnaround plan. The loss-making, employee-owned company said Dame Sharon White was not seeking a second term when her five-year term ends in February 2025.The decision makes her the briefest serving boss in the firm's history.
Sport
Football – Sir Jim Ratcliffe, is reportedly contemplating buying a minority stake in Manchester United Football Club rather than seeking full control, in an effort to end a nearly 10 months-long process to resolve the club's future ownership.
And - In the Premier League last night Chelsea beat Fulham 2-0 and this evening Luton Town are at home to Burnley. Kick-off is at 8.30pm French time.
Formula One – Motorsport’s governing body, the FIA has approved the US-based Andretti team's bid to enter Formula 1 with General Motors' Cadillac brand. Andretti Formula Racing were the only team approved by the FIA out of four candidates who made it to the second phase of the new team’s process. All others were deemed not to have met the required criteria. Andretti-Cadillac's bid will now be assessed by rights holders Formula 1 on a commercial basis.
Cricket - England finalised their preparation for their 50-over World Cup defence with a four-wicket win over Bangladesh. England start their World Cup campaign against New Zealand on Thursday.
Weather
Clear skies and a gentle breeze. Highs of 25 degrees in Monaco and Nice. 26 degrees in Saint-Tropez and 29 degrees in Vence. This evening going down to 19 degrees with clear skies.
The outlook for tomorrow. Sunny intervals with the possibility of some light showers in places. Highs of 24 degrees. Thursday mainly fine with highs of 25-26 degrees.
Sunrise 07.29am
Sunset 07.08pm
And Finally
A list of the UK's top 'perfect' retirement locations has been revealed and while the stereotypical retirement destination, in most peoples' minds, is a seaside town such as Bournemouth it would appear that the recent data shows otherwise. A new ranking system has calculated that regions such as the Outer Hebrides, Exeter and Kirklees are the top places for retirement when all pensioners' needs are factored in.
The 1,000 people surveyed said healthcare access was the most important factor in what they wanted in a retirement location, with 88 per cent prioritising it. Healthcare was followed by access to green space (75 per cent) and local leisure activities (31 per cent) as priorities, along with low crime, affordable houses and how happy local residents are.
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