Evening Update Tuesday 26th November 2024

NEWS
Trial for Suspected Murder - A 21-year-old Italian man, suspected of murdering his 22-year-old French girlfriend in April in northern Italy, has been extradited to Italy for trial. The victim, found stabbed in an abandoned church, had previously filed multiple complaints against him for domestic violence. The suspect, already convicted in France for earlier abuse, had denied being dangerous but now faces trial for her murder in Italy.

Marineland Orcas NOT to be Transferred to Japan - French Environment Minister Agnès Pannier-Runacher opposes transferring Marineland's last two orcas to Japan, citing weaker animal welfare regulations there. She suggests alternatives like a Spanish park or a Canadian marine sanctuary, though Marineland argues the sanctuary is impractical. The orcas must leave Marineland by December 2026 due to a 2021 law banning their captivity.

Severe Animal Cruelty - A 70-year-old woman is accused of severe animal cruelty after over 100 birds, including parakeets, have been found dead or living in appalling conditions in her home in Antibes. Despite a court order to protect the birds, many remain trapped as the owner locked the property. Authorities are investigating, and a psychiatric evaluation has been ordered for the woman.

Special Buoy under Maintenance - A mooring buoy used to anchor cruise ships while preserving marine ecosystems is undergoing maintenance in Sanary-sur-Mer, Var. Installed in 2021, the buoy prevents ships from damaging the seabed, especially vital Posidonia seagrass, and doubles as a habitat for marine life. It will be ready for use again by February, ahead of 27 cruise stops planned for 2025.

50 Years Since Simone Veil Became Health Minister - Today marks the 50th year Simone Veil, a Holocaust survivor from Nice, became a champion for human rights and women's equality in France. As Minister of Health in 1974, she spearheaded the legalization of abortion, transforming the lives of countless women. Later, as the first elected president of the European Parliament, she dedicated her life to advancing women's rights and European unity, earning her a place in the Panthéon in 2018.
 

BUSINESS
A planned December meeting of the Alpes-Maritimes departmental council has been postponed to January 2025, sparking criticism from the opposition. They claim financial mismanagement has depleted reserves and forced cuts to social aid, including a budget shortfall of €80 million. The majority denies this, attributing the delay to uncertainties in national budget policies.

US department store Macy has delayed releasing its latest accounts after discovering a staff member had concealed over $130M in small-package delivery costs over three years. The issue, under investigation, is not expected to impact payments or operations, and the employee responsible has been dismissed. The company, facing sales declines, aims to resolve this matter before the holiday season.

And - UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced reforms aimed at increasing employment, including job centre overhauls, mental health funding, and a "Youth Guarantee" for training or job opportunities. The plan targets an 80% employment rate but faces criticism for lacking detail on welfare changes and imposing benefit sanctions. Business leaders and experts warn tax hikes and sanctions may hinder progress despite calls for tackling economic inactivity.
 

SPORTS
Rugby Union - Wales full-back Liam Williams will return for a second spell at Saracens following his exit from Japanese side Kubota Spears.

Cricket - Surrey will begin their bid for a fourth successive County Championship title with a tough away game against Essex.

Football - Arsenal defender Lotte Wubben-Moy has been called up to the England squad for the. friendlies against the United States and Switzerland.

Golf - Rory McIlroy has been nominated for the PGA Tour Player of the Year award alongside Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele.
 

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

Tonight, grey skies across the region with lows of 12 degrees.

Outlook for tomorrow, mostly fine in most of the region though the clouds will remain over Nice with chances of rain in the evening. Highs of 17 degrees with a gentle breeze.

Last local news

Evening Update Friday 6th December 2024

French President Emmanuel Macron’s televised address after accepting Prime Minister Michel Barnier’s resignation sparked sharp criticism from oppositi...