NEWS
DHL Strike - A four-day strike at DHL has caused delays in package processing, raising concerns about on-time deliveries for Christmas. While thousands of parcels piled up, DHL assured customers that all Christmas deliveries would be completed, with possible delays of only one day. The company mobilized extra staff and expected to clear the backlog quickly.
Verdict of Mazan Trial - The verdict of the Mazan trial has been delivered. Dominique Pelicot has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for aggravated rape of his ex-wife, Gisèle Pelicot, after drugging and exploiting her for a decade. All 50 co-defendants were also found guilty, with sentences ranging from 3 to 15 years, many below prosecution requests, and six were not detained despite their convictions. The verdict sparked outrage from feminist groups and victims' advocates, who criticized the leniency of some sentences as "insulting" and "a shame for French justice," while Dominique Pelicot's lawyer hinted at a possible appeal.
Brutal Assault in Nice - A man has deliberately rammed his car into a young woman, brutally assaulted her, and then forcibly dragged her into his vehicle before fleeing the scene in Nice. Witnesses described the event as "surreal," noting that the man claimed to know the victim and accused her of wrongdoing. Police were alerted, and an investigation is underway.
Mass CPR Session - Over 700 people have gathered to participate in a mass CPR session, aiming to break the world record and raise awareness of first aid training at the Palais des Sports in Toulon. While they fell short of Nice's 2016 record of 1,812 participants, organizers stressed the importance of training more people in life-saving skills. Each participant left with an inflatable mannequin to practice CPR at home and teach loved ones.
Christmas Gifts from the Princely Family - Nearly 700 children have received Christmas gifts from the Princely Family during a festive event at the Prince’s Palace in Monaco. The Cour d'Honneur was transformed into a magical setting with Christmas trees, performances, and a toy-filled distribution led by Prince Albert II, Princess Charlene, and their family. The joyful occasion brought smiles — and a few tears — as children unwrapped their early holiday surprises.
Sustainable Cattle Farmer in the Alpes-Maritimes - Benoît Viant, a former sports teacher, became a sustainable cattle farmer, producing, processing, and selling 100% local meat and vegetables within a 30 km radius in Guillaumes, Alpes-Maritimes. With his childhood friend, he built a food lab to create products like sausages and ready-made meals from farm-raised meat. This local, self-sufficient approach shields him from global competition and supports sustainable agriculture.
Retired Street Frighter Stars - Dominique (73) and Monique (90), two retired friends have become unlikely stars of the video game Street Fighter in La Valette-du-Var. Their passion for the game led them to a live showdown in front of 20,000 spectators, where the crowd's cheers energized them at Paris La Défense Arena. Back home, they continue to inspire their senior community, balancing card games with video game battles.
BUSINESS
Residents of the Strelitzia housing complex are frustrated with Côte d'Azur Habitat for delaying promised renovations from 2023 to 2028 in Antibes. Living conditions have worsened, with mould, rust, crumbling facades, and rat infestations reported. Despite a €3.7M renovation plan, residents feel neglected and demand urgent action.
The UK government plans to recruit 450 driving examiners to reduce driving test wait times from six months to seven weeks by December 2025. Measures include banning third-party bookings, extending cancellation notice periods, and reviewing advance booking rules. Instructors doubt the changes will be effective, calling the current system a "nightmare."
And - Water bills in England and Wales will rise by an average of £31 per year over five years from April, before inflation adjustments. Ofwat says the increase will fund a £104bn upgrade to reduce sewage discharges, but critics argue water firms have mismanaged infrastructure. Southern Water customers face the largest hike (53%), while Wessex and Northumbrian see the smallest (21%).
SPORTS
Tennis - British number one Jack Draper will miss the first event of the 2025 season with a hip injury but is "very positive" about competing at the Australian Open. The 22-year-old cancelled a training camp with four-time major champion Carlos Alcaraz in Spain.
Rugby Union - Scarlets centre Johnny Williams is hoping for a Six Nations recall after missing Wales' past two campaigns. Williams, 28, has been one of the form centres in Wales this season but was not selected by Warren Gatland for the summer tour of Australia or the three autumn internationals in November.
Football - The Friedkin Group has completed its takeover of Everton, ending the turbulent tenure of Farhad Moshiri. The deal for 99.5% of the club is believed to be worth in excess of £400m and the Toffees become the 10th club in the Premier League under majority American control.
WEATHER
Rather cloudy this afternoon with gentle to moderate winds. Highs of 15 degrees in Nice, 16 in Cannes, Saint-Tropez and Marseille, and 17 degrees in Toulon.
Tonight, mostly clear with temperatures dropping to 11 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, bright and clear with strong winds and highs of 16 degrees.
A powerful Mistral storm has swept through Provence, with wind gusts exceeding 150 km/h in some areas. ...
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France’s recently appointed Prime Minister François Bayrou has promised a new government "before Christmas" and reserves the possibility of using 49....
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A four-day strike at DHL has caused delays in package processing, raising concerns about on-time deliveries for Christmas....
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French judges in Avignon will today Thursday 19th December, deliver their verdicts in a mass rape case against 51 men that has appalled France and the...
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Monaco Info and TV Monaco are set to make way for a new television channel on September 1st of 2025. During the debates on the 2025 preliminary budget...
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