Evening Update Tuesday 29th October 2024

NEWS
Rockfall on Route de la Vésubie - A rockfall has injured two people on Tuesday 29th October in the commune of Utelle, Alpes-Maritimes. The boulder fell on a car travelling on route de la Vésubie. In consequence, the route de la Vésubie is closed from Plan du Var to Saint Jean la Rivière. Access to the rest of the valley is possible via the RM19 or Tinée - Valdeblore.

New Solar Panels in Cannes - New measures have been taken to increase energy independence in Cannes. The city has installed lightweight solar panels on its municipal greenhouses, generating 35% of their electricity needs. Funded in part by the Alpes-Maritimes Department's "GREEN Deal," the project is part of Cannes’ broader sustainability plan, aiming to expand to additional sites and share energy across municipal buildings.

Alleged Mail Shortage in Valbonne - An alleged mail shortage is occurring in Valbonne, Alpes-Maritimes. Between 100 and 300 Valbonne residents report not having received any mail as the postman is in holiday. According to them, officials don't have any plan to rectify the situation for another 2-3 weeks. This is causing great concern and inconvenience as time sensitive mail for businesses as well as personal mail is not reaching its destination.

Rally in Avignon - A rally has taken place in Avignon as unions and healthcare workers protested outside the regional health agency to defend public hospitals amid discussions on the 2025 social security budget. Workers highlighted ongoing issues like deteriorating conditions and staffing shortages. Another protest is planned for 7th of November at Avignon Hospital.

Les Moutons Marseillais - The "Les Moutons marseillais" association uses a flock of sheep to maintain municipal land, enriching the soil and reducing fire risks In Marseille. This Eco-pasturing, supported by the city, promotes urban biodiversity and offers residents a calming connection to nature. The project has been well-received, with plans for two new shepherds to continue this work.

One-of-a-kind Post-Mortem Artist - A one-of-a-kind artist creates detailed post-mortem hand casts as a unique memorial for grieving families in Cagnes-sur-Mer. Using a dental casting technique, she captures the unique features of each hand, offering a tangible way for people to remember their loved ones. Inspired by ancient funeral arts, her work has become a meaningful part of the mourning process for families who find solace in this personal keepsake.
 

BUSINESS
Caffè Nero has acquired the independent coffee chain 200 Degrees, which operates 21 UK stores and a Nottingham roastery. Caffè Nero plans to support 200 Degrees' growth while allowing it to operate independently within the Nero Group. 200 Degrees' management expressed enthusiasm for the brand's future expansion under this new partnership.

JP Morgan Chase is suing customers who exploited a glitch allowing them to withdraw large sums from ATMs before their cheques bounced. The lawsuit targets two individuals and two businesses accused of keeping over $660,000 in total. JP Morgan has since closed the loophole and is pursuing legal action to recover the funds and associated fees.

And - HSBC reported a 10% rise in quarterly profits to $8.5 billion, surpassing forecasts, and announced a major restructuring to split operations between eastern and western markets to address geopolitical tensions and cut costs. New CEO Georges Elhedery aims to implement these changes immediately, with full details expected in February, alongside a $3 billion share buyback. Additionally, HSBC named Pam Kaur as its first female CFO.
 

SPORTS
Football - Spain and Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati has won the women's Ballon d'Or for the second year in a row.

Rugby Union - English flanker Tom Curry has returned from hip injury and says his body is now "head and shoulders" better than it was during England's summer tour.

Tennis - Britain's Katie Boulter made light work of Japan's Aoi Ito to reach the second round of the Hong Kong Open. Second seed Boulter beat world number 156 Aoi 6-4 6-4.
 

WEATHER
Mostly sunny this afternoon with a gentle breeze. Highs of 22 degrees in Nice, 23 in Cannes, Saint-Tropez and Marseille, and 25 degrees in Toulon.

Tonight, the skies are clear with lows of 16 degrees.

Outlook for tomorrow, bright and clear with highs of 22 degrees.

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