NEWS
Rail Strike - Rail unions in France have called an “ultimatum” strike from the 20th of November at 7pm to the 22nd of November at 8am to oppose the dismantling of SNCF’s freight division. If negotiations fail, an indefinite strike may start on the 11th of December, just before the school holidays. The strike also protests increased competition in the rail sector, which raises concerns about job security and working conditions.
Air Stike - Despite a call for an air sector strike over a proposed tax increase, flight disruptions are minimal on Thursday, 14th of November in France. Only four Transavia flights (2% of its schedule) are cancelled, while other airlines like Air France, easyJet, and Air Caraïbes report normal operations. The strike protests a planned €1 billion tax increase on aviation for environmental and fiscal reasons.
Farmers Protest - Farmers have protested early Thursday morning by blocking the LIDL distribution, using tractors, burning pallets, and even bringing a cow to the site in Rousset’s centre, Bouches-du-Rhône. They’re demonstrating against government inaction on reforms and the EU-Mercosur trade agreement, with a larger national protest planned for Monday.
Search in Nice's City Hall - Investigators are currently searching Nice’s city hall following a complaint by an opposition green party, which led to an investigation into potential conflicts of interest at the Nice Climate Summit. Allegations were raised about the mayor’s wife participating in the city-sponsored event, sparking concerns over impartiality. The city maintains no laws were broken and is cooperating with the investigation while contesting the opposition's accusations as defamatory.
Car Accident - A man has been injured in a collision between a car and a two-wheeler on Thursday morning near the Allianz Riviera stadium in Nice. Emergency services attended to him at the scene, but the severity of his injuries and the cause of the accident remain unknown. Police are investigating.
Wild Boars - Wild boars have increasingly roamed urban areas, sparking mixed reactions from residents in Marseille’s Saint-Loup neighbourhood. While some locals are concerned about safety, others have embraced or even befriended the animals, with sightings becoming common in parks and residential areas. Residents are urging city authorities to manage the situation amid growing safety and property damage concerns.
Winter Equipment Mandatory - Winter equipment like chains or certified winter tires is mandatory, due to the Montagne II law, in 82 mountain communes in Alpes-Maritimes. This requirement aims to improve road safety in snowy conditions. Similar winter equipment rules are in place across 47 other French mountainous departments.
BUSINESS
Poverty has surged in the Alpes-Maritimes region, with a 7% increase in 2024, particularly affecting single mothers and elderly people. Rising living costs and a lack of affordable housing leave many struggling, with some households in Nice having just €1 per person per day after essential expenses. Charities like Secours Populaire provide crucial support, highlighting the urgent need for housing reforms and a human approach to digitalized social services.
Elhée, a baby care brand from Toulon, innovates with eco-friendly silicone products, including a patented rounded baby bottle and a new orthodontic pacifier to promote healthy dental development. Known for collaborations with brands like Liberty London and soon That’s Mine, Elhée is expanding internationally and plans further growth through capital investment and U.S. market entry. The company aims to reach €4M in revenue by 2025.
And - Homebase has entered administration, endangering 2,000 jobs. While CDS Superstores, owner of The Range, has purchased the brand and up to 70 stores, saving around 1,600 jobs, 49 stores remain unsold and at risk. Despite efforts to restructure, Homebase struggled due to economic pressures, including inflation and declining consumer spending.
SPORTS
Boxing - Former world heavyweight champion Mike Tyson, aged 58, will face YouTuber-turned-fighter Jake Paul, aged 27, at Dallas' AT&T Stadium on Friday. Tyson has not fought as a professional in 19 years and appeared disinterested in a conference as Paul dominated the microphone.
Rugby Union - World champions South Africa have made 12 changes to their starting XV for Saturday's Autumn Nations Series match with England at Allianz Stadium.
Formula 1 - Monaco will continue to host Formula 1 races until at least 2031 after a new six-year deal was agreed.
WEATHER
Bright and clear today with highs of 18 degrees in Nice and Marseille, and 19 degrees in Cannes, Saint-Tropez and Toulon with moderate winds.
Tonight, clear skies with lows 11 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, much the same bright and clear with highs of 18 degrees and a gentle breeze.
Rail unions in France have called an “ultimatum” strike from the 20th of November at 7pm to the 22nd of November at 8am to oppose the dismantling of S...
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A murder investigation has been opened after the body was found of a woman who went missing earlier this month in Saint-Raphaël....
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Train service between Cannes and Nice is disrupted this Wednesday due to an accident, where a 64-year-old woman was found under a train and taken to t...
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The towns that make up the Nice metropolitan area have approved a wide-ranging six-year plan to improve access to housing on the Riviera....
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Researchers in Nice, led by Prof. Véronique Paquis, have identified an antibiotic, nifuroxazide, that shows promise in treating ALS (Charcot’s disease...
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