Evening Update Monday 13th of May 2024

NEWS
France Lags Behind Europe - According to the European Cancer Organisation, France is lagging behind other European countries when it comes to cancer prevention and screening. On the other hand, France is a good performer when it comes to cancer care. In the case of screening breast cancer, it is only 47% in France, compared with 54% in Europe.

End-of-Life Bill - The National Assembly's special committee begins reviewing amendments to the end-of-life bill this Monday afternoon, marking the first time "aid in dying" is considered for certain patients in France. Over 1,900 amendments will be scrutinized by the committee's 71 members throughout the week, preceding the bill's presentation in the Chamber on May 27. The legislative process, expected to extend into at least summer 2025, may involve multiple exchanges with the Senate.

Menton Plans Development - The City of Menton has granted planning permission to SCCV Menton Borrigo to build a development at 53 avenue Cernuschi. The development consists of 118 homes, including 43 social rental units, 75 intermediate rental units, two shops, and 145 parking spaces. However, some residents oppose the project, citing concerns about increased traffic, noise pollution, and inconvenience from the three-year construction period. Nearly 200 signatures were collected on an online petition opposing the development.

Business is Booming in Menton - Menton experienced a bustling tourist season due to public holidays and the Monaco Grand Prix. With this weekend’s good weather, hotels were fully booked, and restaurant terraces were bustling for both lunch and dinner. Tourism professionals, including Roland Ariza from the Ibis budget hotel in Menton, reported a notable increase in sales, ranging from 16% to 17% over the past ten days.

Otera in Nice - Fresh produce chain Otera is opening its first shop in Nice on 15 May. The 750m2 shop, located at number 1 boulevard Saint-Roch, will feature stalls selling produce from local producers at affordable prices.

4th Edition of National Agriculture Day - The fourth edition of the National Agriculture Days will take place on June 7th, 8th, and 9th. These days offer an opportunity to learn about agriculture, explore food choices, and understand the journey from field to plate. The event aims to promote healthier eating habits, discover new products, and educate about the food processing chain. Last year, the event gathered over 150,000 visitors.

Yellow Alert in Alpes-Maritimes - After a sunny weekend, thunder is set to rumble across the Alpes-Maritimes Today. Météo France has placed the department under yellow alert from 2pm to 9pm.

Giraude Tunnel Completed - The work carried out by VINCI Autoroutes teams in the Giraude tunnel on the A8 motorway, straddling the border between France and Italy, has been completed.The project cost €5m.

 

BUSINESS
Despite Chinese fast fashion giant Shein's promises to improve working conditions, a recent report by Swiss advocacy group Public Eye suggests that workers at some of its supplier factories are still working up to 75 hours per week. The investigation, following up on a 2021 report, interviewed 13 employees across six factories, revealing that excessive overtime remains common. Shein's rapid growth, fueled by its strategy of offering cheap clothing and extensive social media marketing, has made it one of the world's largest fashion retailers. However, workers claim that their wages have barely changed since the initial report, ranging from 6,000 to 10,000 yuan per month (the equivalent of £663 to £1,104 a month), far below the living wage standard in China.

A teenage gamer with half a million YouTube followers says social media changed his life after he was sent £10,000 by world-renowned content creator MrBeast. The 18-year-old youtuber was inspired to make it a full-time career when he was set a series of gaming challenges by MrBeast in a "surreal" streaming experience. He now earns up to £25,000 a month and has been able to treat his family to holidays, a hot tub, and buy himself a car. He was featured as part of one of MrBeast’s videos, in a series where he gave fellow gamers extravagant donations and recorded their reactions - a video which has had 70 million views. While his most profitable month saw earnings of £25,000, he knows individuals making up to £300,000 monthly.

 

SPORTS
Golf - Nelly Korda's hopes of becoming the first player to win six consecutive LPGA Tour titles appear slim after a disappointing third round at the Cognizant Founders Cup. The 25-year-old American was four shots back after round two at the Upper Montclair County Club, and well positioned to continue her brilliant run of victories. But Korda could only manage a one-over-par 73 during her third round in New Jersey.

Tennis - Rafael Nadal's hopes of an 11th Italian Open title are over after defeat to world number nine Hubert Hurkacz. In what is likely to be the Spaniard's final appearance in Rome, Nadal, 37, was comfortably beaten 6-1 6-3 by the big-serving Pole in just 93 minutes.

Rugby Union - Premiership leaders Northampton Saints scored an extraordinary 14 tries to beat a much-changed Gloucester 90-0 and go five points clear at the top the table.

 

WEATHER
Quite sunny this afternoon with cloudy episodes. Highs of 22 degrees in Nice, 23 in Cannes and Saint-Tropez, 24 in Toulon and a very warm 25 degrees in Marseille.
Tonight, the clouds will cover the region with lows of 15 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, grey skies with episodic showers throughout the day. Highs of 19 degrees.

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