Evening Update Tuesday 19 December 2023

The family of a man who died at Hyeres Hospital in October have filed a complaint against the establishment. According to reports in French media, the 25 year old died from septic shock after spending ten hours on a stretcher in the emergency department. The hospital has said that it will co-operate in the investigation.

Two people have been taken into police custody in connection with a fatal shooting in Corsica this morning. A man in his sixties died after being shot in front of his business in a village in the south-west of the island. A burnt out car was found several kilometers from the scene.

Firefighters in Nantes have been staging a demonstration today. They are protesting against sanctions against ten local firefighters who took part in a demonstration when President Macron visited the town last month.

The French government has announced that from January 1, the Pôle Emploi will be replaced by France Travail, a new operator of the public employment service. It said that the objective of France Travail is "to guarantee support and services even more adapted to the needs of unemployed people and companies recruiting across the country".

The SNCF have warned against a scam currently doing the rounds on social media. It takes the form of a fake competition with the title of “Happy Travels and Best Wishes”. The scam promises the opportunity for 1,000 people to win free train travel for a year. The SNCF recommends that you do not open the link or share it.

The Var prefecture has reminded residents that if you are away during school holidays, the police or gendarmerie services can, at your request, monitor your home or business during their daily patrols. The "Operation Tranquility Holidays" service is available not just in the Var but nationally across France. It's possible to register online and obtain further details on https://www.masecurite.interieur.gouv.fr/fr

 

BUSINESS

UK clothing retailer Superdry has said that unseasonably warm weather in the autumn has impacted sales in the first half of its year. It reported a fall in retail sales of just over 13% in its first half compared to the same period last year. It said that current trading has remained "challenging" although it had seen "modest signs of improvement" in the recent colder weather.

The world's second largest shipping line, Maersk, said that it would reroute some of its vessels after attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea. Several other businesses, including BP, have temporarily stopped shipments through the area after ships were attacked by Houthi rebels in Yemen. The attacks have led the United States to launch an international naval operation to protect ships in the Red Sea, with countries including the UK, Canada, France, Bahrain, Norway and Spain joining the security operation.

 

SPORT

Cricket... Australia's Mitchell Starc has become the most expensive signing in Indian Premier League history. He was bought for 24.75 crore Indian rupees which is about £2.3m by Kolkata Knight Riders. The bid broke the record set earlier in the day when Pat Cummins was sold for 20.5 crore rupees.

Rugby Union....Argentina have appointed Felipe Contepomi as head coach. He's a former player and assistant coach. He replaces Australian Michael Cheika who has left the role after reaching the semi-finals of the 2023 World Cup with the team.

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