A security cordon has been set up this afternoon in the area surrounding the US consulate in Marseille. Bomb disposal officers have now reportedly neutralised and destroyed a suspicious package which was found outside a bank a few dozen metres from the consulate in the 6th arrondissement. Traffic was disrupted and police and firefighters have been at the site this afternoon.
A woman has been given an eight month suspended prison sentence for causing a panic in central Nice on the 30th of April this year. The woman, along with her now deceased partner, had detonated a gas cartridge to escape a violent altercation with six people. The sound of the detonation caused panic, coming less than two years after the terrorist attack of July 14th 2016. Some people were injured by broken glass or trampled underfoot in the crowds.
The Mayor of Nice, Christian Estrosi, has announced that a payment of 20 euros will be given to certain individuals to help offset the rise in fuel taxes. The payment is limited to inhabitants of the 49 metropolitan municipalities who fulfil certain criterea. The measure is expected to cost 500,000 euros for 2019.
Two elected officials have been suspended by the President of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Region in connection with the Marseille building collapse. The two officials are Xavier Cachard, a Vice-President of the Region, who was one of the owners of one of the buildings which collapsed, and Arlette Fructus, Deputy Mayor of Housing, City Policy and Urban Renewal, and President of Marseille Habitat.
Two hundred temporary workers are still involved in cleaning up the beaches of Saint Tropez following the recent oil pollution which has hit the entire coastline of the Var. Pellets of oil still litter the sand as authorities say the clean-up operation could last at least until the end of March.
Almost 300 firefighters from all over France have been participating in exercises in the Vesubie Valley. The exercises are designed to rehearse their response to an earthquake or flood. The objective is to test the equipment and also to train the firefighters. The rehearsals are held annually at different locations in France.
BUSINESS
Walmart has announced a 3.6% rise in like-for-like sales for the third quarter compared to forecasts for a 2.9% increase. Total sales grew by 1.4% to $124.9bn.
Revenue fell at Manchester United in the first quarter of the year as the club played fewer home games. The club said sales for the three months ended 30 September reached £135m compared with £143.7m last year. The club is still sticking to its full year forecasts.
Pre-tax profits at Royal Mail more than halved to £33m for the six months to 23 September despite a 1% rise in revenues. Revenue from its GLS European parcel operations was up 9%, offsetting a 1% fall in the UK parcels and letters.
SPORT
Cricket…Sri Lanka are leading by 46 runs at the end of day two of the second test against England. Sri Lanka finished the day on 336.
Football…. Video assistant referees are set to be used in the Premier League next season after the clubs agreed in principle to the move. Clubs were provided with an update on this season's trials at a shareholders' meeting today. The Premier League will now make a formal request to the International Football Association Board and Fifa to use the system next season.
There’s plenty of action in the Uefa Nations League tonight as well as a stack of international friendly games. Wayne Rooney will captain England for part of tonight’s match against the USA at Wembley as he makes his farewell to international football. The Republic of Ireland play Northern Ireland, Germany host Russia and Poland play The Czech Republic.
Basketball.. LeBron James has become the fifth highest points scorer in NBA history. He passed Wilt Chamberlain in points scored, as the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Portland Trailblazers 126-117.
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