NEWS
A Truck on Fire Caused Major Traffic Disruption - A truck fire on the A8 motorway has caused major traffic disruptions on the 16th of December with all three lanes initially closed near Nice. Firefighters controlled the blaze using two fire hoses, and by 11:20 am, traffic resumed on a single lane. No injuries were reported, and entry ramps at Nice Est (Exit 55) and Nice Nord (Exit 54) have reopened.
Rail Revolution - Trains on the Côte d'Azur now run every 15 minutes between Cannes and Menton as part of a regional "rail revolution" linked to competition reforms. While more trains and extended schedules (5:45 am-2:00 am) are promised, initial delays and cancellations have frustrated commuters. The goal is to increase punctuality from 84% to 98%, but early feedback suggests it may take time to stabilize.
Mandatory Technical Inspection for Two-Wheelers - A new mandatory technical inspection for two-wheelers in France, effective since April 2024, requires vehicles registered before 2017 to be inspected before the 1st of January 2025. The inspection covers 77 points (like brakes and tires), costs €60-€90, and must be repeated every three years. While riders protest the rule, professionals argue it's crucial for safety.
Driving Licenses Suspended - Avignon police have carried out a major operation Saturday night near a nightclub between Sorgues and Le Pontet, Vaucluse. Around 15 driving licenses were suspended, 12 vehicles impounded, and 2 people arrested for multiple offenses, including drug and alcohol-impaired driving. The operation involved 25 officers and targeted road safety violations.
Maison Ronron - The Côte d'Azur sees a growing trend of luxury cat hotels, like Maison Ronron, offering individual or shared rooms with spaces for sleep, relaxation, and play in Beausoleil, Alpes-Maritimes. Cats enjoy a mix of private and communal areas, with a focus on comfort and personalized care. At €39 per night, it's pricier than classic boarding but popular, with bookings nearly full for Christmas.
Pères Noël Motards du Var - Around 1,000 motorcyclists dressed as Santa Claus paraded through the Var department on the 15th of December distributing candy to children along the route. Organized by the "Pères Noël Motards du Var," the event featured 600 festive, decorated motorcycles traveling from Hyères to Bandol. The popular annual tradition, now in its 16th year, will continue with a second parade on the 22nd of December in the Bouches-du-Rhône.
ATHOS Houses - ATHOS houses, established in 2021, offer non-medicalized support for military personnel with psychological trauma, helping them rebuild their lives in the PACA region. Located in peaceful, natural settings like Toulon, Var, these centres provide a supportive community where veterans engage in activities like cooking, DIY projects, and even scuba diving as therapy. To date, 391 veterans have been supported, with plans to expand from 4 to 10 ATHOS houses by 2030.
BUSINESS
The UK has joined the CPTPP, a trade pact with 11 Asia-Pacific nations, offering access to a £11 trillion market. While short-term economic gains are small (just 0.08% GDP growth over 10 years), the deal could boost trade in growing markets like Vietnam and support UK exporters. Critics raise concerns over environmental standards and tariff reductions on imports like Malaysian palm oil.
Job vacancies in the UK have dropped sharply, with a 26% year-on-year decline, signaling a possible recession, according to James Reed, head of the recruitment firm Reed. He blames the fall on weakened business confidence following a rise in employer wage taxes. The government argues the tax hike is necessary for fiscal stability, while critics warn it could drive layoffs, reduced hiring, and offshoring.
And - The UK government has approved the £3.6bn sale of Royal Mail's parent company to Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky’s EP Group. The deal includes commitments to maintain UK headquarters, protect worker rights, and uphold Royal Mail's Universal Service Obligation. The government retains a "golden share" to block major changes to ownership, HQ location, or tax residency.
SPORTS
Cricket- England's slide towards a massive defeat in the third Test against New Zealand was compounded by a concerning recurrence of Ben Stokes' hamstring injury. Stokes was in visible distress as he left the field clutching the same left hamstring he injured in August, subsequently missing four Tests.
Rugby Union - Tadhg Furlong has signed a two-year contract extension with Ireland and Leinster until the end of the 2026-27 season. The 32-year-old, whose Ireland debut was against Wales in 2015, has made 78 Test appearances and has won the Six Nations title three times.
Football - Austria striker Guido Burgstaller had his skull fractured when he was attacked in the centre of the country's capital city, his club Rapid Vienna have said.
WEATHER
Bright and clear with a gentle breeze. Highs of 16 degrees in Nice and Toulon, 17 in Cannes and Marseille, and 18 degrees in Saint-Tropez.
Tonight, clear skies with temperatures dropping to 7 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, mostly clear morning and cloudy afternoon with highs of 15 degrees and a gentle breeze.
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