News National
France’s interior minister bans son of al-Qaeda leader from Frances - France’s newly appointed interior minister Bruno Retailleau has announced that Omar Bin Laden son of the al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden, has been banned from returning to France. The 43-year-old has spent years living in Normandy, where he has earned a living as a landscape artist. But Retailleau said he signed an order barring him from returning to France, accusing him of writing social media posts last year which "glorified terrorism". Mr Bin Laden left France in 2023 after his residency permit was revoked for two years by officials in the wake of the posts. French media reported that the dispute related to content marking the anniversary of his father's death. Born in Saudi Arabia, Mr Bin Laden is the al-Qaeda leader's fourth-oldest son. He left his father's side in 2000 after training at camps in Afghanistan, telling his father that he did not want to be associated with the killing of civilians.
Local News
Strong winds and possibly more rain forecast - Following the rain which hit our region on Tuesday October 8th, leading to schools along with other public establishments being closed, Météo France has warned of a “large sea swell and high waves” along our region’s coastline. The prefecture of the Alpes Maritimes has issued a warning which is in place until midday today and then again this evening from 6pm and all-day Thursday. Swimming is dangerous and coastal paths will remain closed. There are reports of another yellow weather alert being issued from 9pm this Wednesday evening due to heavy rain and possible flooding.
Delays at Nice airport - Meanwhile, despite very little showing up on their website during the heavy rain on Tuesday, Nice Airport experienced many delays and cancellations. Despite the lifting of the orange weather warning at 2pm on Tuesday afternoon traffic at the airport remained disrupted until early evening; with some experiencing more than a 3-hour delay for a Nice to London flight.
Measures considered to be “extreme” for a violent Mediterranean episode which didn’t happen - Authorities in the Alpes Maritimes have come under fire due to the rather extreme measures taken on Tuesday for a “violent Mediterranean episode” which didn’t happen. Some have been asking how can they get it so wrong? Others, meanwhile, stand by the decision to be “safe rather than sorry”. For one independent weather expert Paul Marquis, the rather extreme measure of closing schools was driven by the fear from previous storms in our region, such as the devastating Storm Alex. Marquis says the overreaction will no doubt lead to such measures not being taken seriously in the future. While the Alpes Maritimes may have overreacted it was in fact in the neighbouring region of the Bouches-du-Rhône region, the torrential rains were reported. The Old Port of Marseille was submerged, and many areas were completely flooded. Locally in our region a few landslides occurred in Contes, Tourrettes-sur-Loup and Saint-Étienne-de-Tinée, leading to road closures.
Hysterical individual throws chairs at passers-by in Nice - In other news, police in Nice have arrested an individual after he threw chairs from a restaurant terrace at people in the street. The incident occurred in the city centre in the chic neighbourhood of Boulevard Victor Hugo, on Tuesday afternoon. Described by witnesses as “hysterical”, the man reportedly threatened members of the public and nearby shopkeepers. A passerby was slightly injured, but did not require treatment by the firefighters.
Tourism in Menton - Tourism in Menton is showing positive signs for 2024, with stable domestic stays and a significant rise in international visits. Events like the Menton Lemon Festival and mild weather have boosted early-year results, but spring and summer saw mixed booking trends. Despite some uncertainty for the year-end, the tourism office remains optimistic due to strong off-season bookings and growing international appeal.
Monte-Carlo Cigar Club - Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer is partnering with Dominique London to create an ultra-exclusive Monte-Carlo Cigar Club, set to open in spring 2025 at the Monte-Carlo Casino. The club will offer a luxurious experience for cigar enthusiasts, featuring a vast selection of premium cigars, a bar, and a terrace with stunning views. Access will be limited to members, continuing the group's focus on high-end, exclusive experiences.
Business
Brazil's Supreme Court has said it is lifting a ban on the social media platform X. The authorised "immediate return" of X's activities in the country came after it paid hefty fines and certain accounts accused of spreading misinformation were blocked. In a statement the platform paid fines totalling £3.8m and as required by law in Brazil agreed to appoint a local representative.
Negotiations with union representatives at Boeing have reached a stalemate after management announced that it is to withdraw its pay rise offer to striking workers. The aviation giant accused the union of not giving its proposals serious consideration. Last month, Boeing announced what it called its "best and final" offer to workers, which proposed a 30% rise over four years - lower than the 40% being demanded by the union. The firm has said the impact of the strike will depend on its duration. The last strike at Boeing in 2008 lasted about eight weeks.
And - Water firms in England and Wales have been ordered to return £157.6m to customers due to their poor performance. Last year, the water regulator ordered firms to repay £114m as part of a similar move. According to the regulator the results of its annual report on water company performance showed "disappointing results" and that money alone was not enough to address the problems facing the industry. The regulator also warned that firms were "falling further behind on key targets", with nine out of 11 suppliers experiencing an increase in "pollution incidents" last year. It comes as water bills in England and Wales are set to rise by an average of 21% over the next five years.
Sport
Football - Chelsea forward Cole Palmer has been named the England men's player of the year. Voted for by the public, Palmer was picked ahead of Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka, who finished second and third respectively. Palmer only made his debut for the Three Lions in November last year - in a 2-0 win against Malta at Wembley.
Palmer, who joined the Blues from Manchester City last summer, scored 25 goals in all competitions. He has scored twice for England and is expected to be involved in the upcoming Nations League fixtures against Greece on Thursday and Finland on Sunday. The 2023-24 England women’s player of the year is set to be announced later this month.
Cricket – In day two of five of the first Test England overcame significant setbacks to reach 96-1 to Pakistan’s massive 556. England are 460 runs behind Pakistan with 9 wickets remaining as they go into day three of five.
Formula One - Welsh teenager Ella Lloyd has joined the McLaren Driver Development programme. The 19-year-old will drive in Formula E's Women’s Test in Spain on the 7th of November and will then represent McLaren in the 2025 F1 Academy season. Lloyd, whose family is from south Wales, joins the programme following an impressive British F4 season where she secured four podiums.
Tennis - British number two Cameron Norrie marked his return after three months out due to injury with a straight-set win at the Roanne Challenger event in France. Norrie beat French world number 747 Etienne Donnet 6-1 6-2 to progress to the last 16.
Golf – United States captain Keegan Bradley has warned that any unruly spectators who "cross the line" will be ejected from next September's Ryder Cup.
Weather
Sunny intervals this morning, becoming increasingly cloudy with showers forecast for late afternoon and into the evening. Strong winds by this afternoon particularly in Marseille, where temperatures will reach 23 degrees. Highs of 22 degrees in Monaco and Nice. This evening going down to 15 degrees and cloudy.
The outlook for tomorrow, strong winds which are expected to clear the skies giving way to sunshine and highs of 25 degrees. Friday fine and sunny with highs of 22 degrees.
Sunrise 07.37am
Sunset 06.56pm
Weather elsewhere
London 17° light cloud.
New York 19° sunny intervals.
Paris 15° heavy rain.
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