Evening Update Thursday 28th November 2024

NEWS
Ghost Fishing Nets - The Alpes-Maritimes department is tackling "ghost fishing nets," abandoned plastic nets that harm marine ecosystems. Led by marine engineer Coralie Meinesz, teams map and recover these nets, with operations planned in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin following previous efforts in Théoule-sur-Mer. Ghost nets damage biodiversity, entangle marine life, and contribute significantly to oceanic plastic pollution.

Fraudulent Check turns into Drug Possession Charges - A 42-year-old man has been arrested for extortion involving a fraudulent check used to swindle a senior citizen out of cash and sports betting tickets in Sanary-sur-Mer. During the arrest, police found 3.1 kg of cannabis resin, adding drug possession charges. A stolen checkbook was also discovered at his home, leading to further accusations of receiving stolen goods.

Burned in a Restaurant - Five people have been burned, amongst three are seriously injured, in a restaurant incident involving an ethanol heater in Cannes. A 35-year-old woman and a 56-year-old man have been airlifted to Toulon hospital, while a 30-year-old man has also been hospitalized in serious condition. Two others sustained minor burns and were treated at Cannes hospital.

Motorcycle Accident - A motorcyclist in his 30s sustained minor chest injuries following a collision with a car near the Gusto restaurant in Cagnes-sur-Mer, Alpes-Maritimes. The accident caused traffic slowdowns on the seafront and nearby roads on Thursday morning.

Car Crashes Through a Bridge Barrier - A 35-year-old woman is in critical condition after her car crashed through a bridge barrier, plunging into the Paillon River during the night in Nice. Emergency responders rescued her and transported her to Pasteur Hospital after providing on-site medical care.

Missing Person Found - A 75-year-old man went missing Wednesday afternoon while walking his dog and has been found around 10:30 PM suffering from hypothermia in Vacqueyras, Vaucluse. Rescue teams, including a drone and search dogs, located him in the countryside, and he was taken to Orange hospital for treatment.

Farmers Protest - Over 100 farmers from the Alpes-Maritimes protested early Thursday morning around 6am gathering at the Cadam, in Nice. They dumped products like wool and manure to voice opposition to the Mercosur free trade agreement with South America. This follows similar protests by farmers across France.

Cannes' 3rd Spatial Meeting - Cannes will host the 3rd "Rencontres du Spatial", Spatial meeting event on the 12th of December at the CINEUM, bringing together space industry professionals, investors, and startups. Organized by local and regional authorities with key partners like CNES, the event aims to support French space companies and showcase new technologies through expert panels, startup pitches, and exhibitions. To attend you’d need to register in advance.
 

BUSINESS
Ford UK has called for government incentives to boost electric vehicle (EV) demand, warning that without such measures, mandated EV sales targets could hurt the industry. This comes amid job cuts at Ford and Stellantis, with Stellantis announcing the closure of a Luton plant, partly blaming EV mandates. Industry leaders argue weak EV demand, high discounts, and rigid sales quotas threaten UK jobs and manufacturing viability, urging urgent policy adjustments.

And - Donald Trump’s re-election and tariff promises have sparked concern among businesses, with small firms like handbag maker MinkeeBlue rushing to mitigate potential impacts. Proposed tariffs targeting major trade partners could lead to price hikes, supply chain disruptions, and economic uncertainty. While some companies adjust strategies to cope, experts warn of higher consumer costs and limited job growth benefits.
 

SPORTS
Football - Former Chelsea and England midfielder Frank Lampard has been appointed head coach of Championship club Coventry City on a two-and-a-half-year deal.

Meanwhile, Benfica come from behind to claim a dramatic victory against Monaco 3-2.

Rugby Union - Exeter forward Jacques Vermeulen says he is frustrated that he is not being allowed to be eligible to play for England as he still is in the process of gaining British citizenship.

Cricket - England off-spinner Shoaib Bashir said he is "not perfect" and "learning on the job" after his four wickets on the opening day of the first Test against New Zealand in Christchurch.
 

WEATHER
Partly cloudy with a gentle breeze. Highs of 16 degrees in Nice, 17 in Cannes and Marseille, 19 in Toulon, and 20 degrees in Saint-Tropez.

Tonight, mostly clear with lows of 12 degrees.

Outlook for tomorrow, bright and clear with highs of 18 degrees and a gentle breeze.

 

 

Last local news

Evening Update Friday 6th December 2024

French President Emmanuel Macron’s televised address after accepting Prime Minister Michel Barnie