NEWS
Go-Slow Protest - A small group of around 30 public sector workers staged a "go-slow" protest in Toulon, blocking roads to oppose President Macron's policies. They demand the repeal of the pension reform, the cancellation of sick leave penalties, and the protection of public sector jobs. Protesters warn they are ready for a "showdown" if Macron continues on the same political path.
No Elecricity in Nice - Around 14,000 homes have lost electricity for 30 minutes on the 10th December due to a technical issue at a power substation in the Gorbella district of Nice. Enedis resolved the problem remotely, restoring power by 10:45 a.m.
Earthquake - A 4.2 magnitude earthquake struck the Ubaye Valley in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, with tremors felt as far as Nice. While classified as "moderate," such quakes are common in the seismically active Alpine region. Experts stress the importance of anti-seismic construction to prevent casualties, as no method currently exists to predict earthquakes.
No Mail in Sorgues - Residents are protesting against delayed or undelivered mail, leading to missed benefits, fines, and financial hardships in Sorgues, Vaucluse. A resident-led collective has gathered 400 complaints, while the postal workers' union blames staff burnout and unfilled vacancies. La Poste denies any "particular issue," but the local mayor has requested a meeting with postal authorities.
3 Police Dogs Awarded - Three police dogs — Tina, Django, and Alpha — have been honoured on the 9th of December at the Marseille police headquarters for their years of service. The dogs played key roles in security for major events like the 2024 Olympics, anti-drug operations, and high-profile visits, including that of the Pope. The ceremony, held ahead of International Animal Rights Day, highlighted the vital role of police dogs in maintaining public safety.
52-year-old Man Dies After Scooter Accident - A 52-year-old man has died in a scooter accident on Tuesday morning in Mougins. He reportedly tried to overtake a car but was struck by an oncoming vehicle after falling. Despite emergency responders' efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene, and an investigation is underway.
499th Saint-Siffrein Fair - During the 499th Saint-Siffrein Fair, the city of Carpentras has distributed 100 kg of sweet potato fries grown on its own municipal farmland. This initiative is part of the city's effort to boost local food production, which also includes vegetables like eggplants, tomatoes, and butternut squash to supply school canteens.
''Nouvelles Perspectives'' - The "Nouvelles Perspectives" exhibition, marking 75 years of UNESCO's presence, explores the role of art in a world blending reality and virtuality in Monaco. Featuring local and international artists, the show raises questions about AI's impact on human creativity and society. Local artist Gregoire Moulin's sculpture symbolizes AI's seductive but potentially dangerous influence.
John B. Kelly Memorial in Argenteuil - Prince Albert II of Monaco and members of the Kelly family have inaugurated a mural and memorial trail in Argenteuil, Ile de France, to honour John B. Kelly, the maternal grandfather of the prince and a three-time Olympic rowing champion. The tribute, held on the centenary of Kelly's 1924 Olympic victory on the Seine, includes a riverside path and a mural by street artist Sckaro. The event celebrated Kelly’s legacy as an emblem of sporting excellence and perseverance.
Happy Birthday to Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella - Finally, today Tuesday the 10th December, is a day of celebration in Monaco! As Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella of Monaco celebrate their 10th birthday. Riviera Radio would like to wish them a very happy birthday! Don’t forget to check out the post on our Facebook page and leave a like and a comment.
BUSINESS
China has launched an anti-monopoly investigation into US chipmaker Nvidia, accusing it of violating 2020 commitments linked to its Mellanox acquisition. This move comes amid escalating US-China tensions over chip technology, following new US export restrictions and China's retaliatory curbs on key minerals. Nvidia, a leader in AI chip development, is also under scrutiny from regulators worldwide.
Severn Trent Water is accused of inflating its balance sheet by £1.68bn using a complex internal accounting scheme involving a shell company, making the company appear more financially stable than it is. Critics argue this "made-up money" supports large dividends to shareholders, despite customer calls for more investment in infrastructure. Severn Trent denies any wrongdoing, stating its accounts are legal, audited, and transparent.
Business failures in the Alpes-Maritimes have surged 26% in a year due to difficulties repaying COVID-era state-backed loans (PGE), with companies facing layoffs and mounting debts. Efforts are underway by local associations and the Chamber of Commerce to support distressed business leaders facing financial and mental health crises.
And - UK-based equipment hire giant Ashtead plans to shift its primary stock listing to the US, citing its North American-focused profits, workforce, and leadership. The move follows a trend of major firms leaving the London Stock Exchange, aiming to attract more US investors. Ashtead will maintain a secondary UK listing and expects to complete the transition within 12-18 months.
SPORTS
Tennis - World number one Aryna Sabalenka has been voted the WTA Player of the Year after securing four titles in 2024.
Football - Former Leicester City and Watford manager Nigel Pearson has said "learning to walk again has been an incredible challenge" after revealing he was dealing with a "neurological situation" last year.
Rugby Union - La Rochelle coach Ronan O'Gara says he is desperate to test himself in the international game but is wary of taking on a Wales team that have lost 12 Tests in a row.
WEATHER
Partly cloudy with sunny spells in the Alpes-Maritimes with greyer skies in the var and the Bouches-du-Rhône departments. Highs of 12 degrees in Marseille, 14 in Nice and Toulon, and 15 degrees in Cannes and Saint-Tropez.
Tonight, much the same with lows of 7 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, mostly sunny with highs of 15 degrees with moderate winds around Cannes and Saint-Tropez.
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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