Evening Update Friday 15th November 2024

NEWS
Better Train Frequency - TER train frequency will double between Cannes and Menton starting on the 15th of December, offering service every 15 minutes during peak hours. This marks the start of rail competition in the PACA region, with SNCF operating locally under a new subsidiary and private operator Transdev set to manage the Marseille-Nice line by mid-2025. These changes aim to improve service quality and alleviate punctuality issues in the region.

Farmers Protest Supermarkets - Farmers have dumped manure at the tax office, protesting supermarkets paying low prices for their products and government inaction in Tarascon,Bouches-du-Rhône. They also opposed imports like hormone-fed Brazilian chicken, criticizing EU-Mercosur trade agreements. The protest included blocking logistics platforms, welding gates, and staging further demonstrations in Châteaurenard.

Body of a Woman Found at Sea - The body of a woman wearing a wetsuit has been found by a sailor on the 14th of November in rough seas off Saint-Laurent-du-Var. Rescuers retrieved the body, which appeared to be in good condition, suggesting the death was recent. Authorities are investigating the identity of the victim and the circumstances surrounding her death.

Injured Motorcyclist - A 17-year-old motorcyclist has been seriously injured in a collision with a car on Thursday evening in Sainte-Cécile-les-Vignes (Vaucluse) and was airlifted to a hospital in Marseille. The 39-year-old driver of the car was unharmed but left in shock.

Hospitalized Delivery Driver - A delivery driver has been hospitalized after being attacked by a thief who stole an item, possibly a phone, from his truck in Grasse. The driver chased the thief, leading to a physical altercation before the suspect fled but was later arrested by police. The victim sustained minor injuries and plans to file a complaint.

New Nice Tunnel - The City of Nice is hosting another public visit of the new 800-meter westbound tunnel on the Pierre-Mathis road this Saturday, November 16, from 11 a.m. to noon, following the success of a previous event. Residents can walk through the tunnel before it officially opens to vehicles in early 2025, providing direct access to the highway.

Jean Bouin Ice Rink to be Transformed - Nice’s mayor, Christian Estrosi, announced that the Jean Bouin ice rink will be transformed into a large aquatic centre after the 2030 Winter Olympics. The new facility will feature a 50-meter pool, a 25-meter pool, and family-friendly areas, while a new ice rink will be built in the city’s west for the Olympics. This change addresses high maintenance costs and will double the facility’s capacity, benefiting local hockey and ice-skating communities.

CAP Program for Students with Disabilities - The CFA (Centre of Academical Formation) has launched a four-year inclusive CAP program tailored for students with disabilities, offering personalized support to help them gain confidence and develop skills in trades like cooking, baking, and more in Nice. Of 800 students, 143 with disabilities are pursuing this program, aimed at equipping them with employable skills and career opportunities.

Animal Wellness Fair in Menton - The Animal Wellness Fair in Menton returns for its second edition, with 35 exhibitors promoting animal well-being through activities, demonstrations, and conferences, but no adoptions or sales. Local associations like "Les protégés de Nathalie" are also involved, highlighting community efforts for animal welfare. Menton plans to expand initiatives for animals, including dog parks, an animal cemetery, and intercommunal projects by 2025.
 

BUSINESS
A hacker, Ilya Lichtenstein, was sentenced to five years in a US prison for laundering $70 million in bitcoin stolen in a 2016 Bitfinex hack, which later rose in value to over $4.5 billion. His wife, Heather Morgan, who helped launder the funds and gained notoriety as rapper "Razzlekhan," is awaiting sentencing. The case included the largest financial seizure in DOJ history, recovering $3.6 billion in stolen assets.

The UK economy grew by just 0.1% from July to September and shrank in September, as uncertainty over the Budget impacted business and household decisions. Businesses criticized tax rises for potentially harming hiring and investment, while Chancellor Rachel Reeves expressed dissatisfaction with the figures. Economists expect slow, uneven growth ahead, despite the government's "Budget for growth" offering only temporary economic boosts.

And - At the Paris Olympics, Volocopter's planned electric flying taxi service was limited to demonstration flights amid urgent funding challenges, with future hopes now pinned on a potential investment from China’s Geely. Other eVTOL companies face similar struggles: Lilium recently entered insolvency proceedings after a failed loan attempt, while Vertical Aerospace is seeking additional funds to avoid bankruptcy. Meanwhile, Airbus’s CityAirbus project remains on track, backed by stable funding and engineering expertise.
 

SPORTS
Cricket - Liam Livingstone was dropped three times before taking England to a series-clinching three-wicket win over West Indies in the third T20.

Football - Steve McClaren's Jamaica were beaten 1-0 at home by a USA side managed by Mauricio Pochettino in the first leg of their Concacaf Nations League quarter-final. Meanwhile, UK police will investigate claims Greek police in Athens used riot shields and tear gas on England supporters before the Nations League match with Greece.

Tennis - American tennis player Frances Tiafoe has been fined $120,000 (£94,737) for a furious outburst, in which he repeatedly swore at the chair umpire, during last month's Shanghai Masters. Tiafoe reacted angrily towards Jimmy Pinoargote after losing 5-7 7-5 7-6 (7-5) to Russia's Roman Safiullin.

Boxing - Mike Tyson slapped Jake Paul at a charged weigh-in for Friday&