NEWS
New Year Celebrations - New Year celebrations along the Riviera will include fireworks, dancing and live music. In the Alpes-Maritimes, several cities are organizing shows and gatherings. Though, to ensure safety, the Var Prefect has banned fireworks and retail fuel sales in portable containers from the 30th of December to the 2nd of January. The restrictions apply to individuals in certain communes and public gathering areas. Authorities will enforce these measures with police checks.
Sunny Weather - The Alpes-Maritimes will enjoy sunny weather with seasonal temperatures for New Year’s Eve, reaching up to 14°C in coastal areas like Nice and Menton. New Year’s Day will also be sunny, though mornings will be cold with temperatures as low as -4°C in some areas. While there’s no snow forecast in the mountains, artificial snow ensures skiing remains possible on some slopes.
Mandatory Technical Inspections - All motorized two-wheelers in France must undergo technical inspections, starting with bikes over seven years old by tomorrow, the 31st of December. While aimed at improving safety, many riders criticize it as unnecessary and costly, citing that technical issues account for only 0.3% of accidents. The inspection covers brakes, emissions, lights, tires, and more, with costs averaging €60 to €80.
Register Your Firearms - French hunters and sport shooters must register on the SIA (Arms Information System) to retain their firearm rights by tomorrow, the 31st of December. Failure to do so will result in fines and restrictions on selling or repairing firearms. The platform, launched in 2022, aims to improve firearm traceability and requires identification documents, proof of residence, and a hunting or shooting license to register.
Will Remote Work Continue in 2025? - The shift back to in-office work is causing concern among employees accustomed to remote work, popularized during the COVID-19 pandemic. While many companies, like Amadeus and Orange, adopt hybrid models, others, such as Amazon, push for full-time presence, sparking resistance. Remote work remains valued for work-life balance, but the debate highlights differing views on productivity, collaboration, and employee satisfaction.
Mazan Rape Trial - Dominique Pelicot, the main defendant in the Mazan rape case, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison and decided not to appeal his conviction. Instead, his lawyer aims to focus on securing a sentence adjustment. Meanwhile, 17 co-defendants have filed appeals, and the prosecution could potentially trigger a retrial for Pelicot.
Healthcare Severely Strained in Vaucluse - Healthcare access between Christmas and New Year is severely strained, with general practitioners on holiday, emergency departments partially closed, and walk-in clinics overwhelmed in Vaucluse. Patients face long waits or are turned away entirely, with few options for timely care. In urgent cases, calling 15 may help direct patients to a solution within 48 hours.
5th Truffle Market - The 5th truffle market has highlighted the growing popularity of truffles on Sunday 29th of December, despite their high price of €1,200 per kilo in Gourdon, Alpes-Maritimes. Truffle farming, with over 400 hectares of oak trees planted in the past 30 years, is replacing traditional wild harvesting due to climate challenges. The event featured demonstrations and contests, showcasing the economic and cultural value of this luxury product.
BUSINESS
Boeing has faced a turbulent year, grappling with safety crises, whistleblower allegations, financial losses, and a costly workers' strike. The company’s new CEO, Kelly Ortberg, aims to rebuild trust, overhaul culture, and prioritize safety, though insiders claim profit-driven practices persist. Experts say restoring employee and customer confidence will be crucial for Boeing to reclaim its position in the aerospace market.
Kenyan coffee farmers face economic and climate challenges, despite producing prized beans. Smallholders like Simon Macharia navigate labor-intensive farming and low wages, while climate change exacerbates pests, diseases, and water scarcity. Efforts to adapt include tree planting for shade, but concerns about sustainability threaten the future of the industry.
And - The gaming industry is set for a major 2025, highlighted by Grand Theft Auto 6, expected to be one of the biggest game launches ever, alongside other notable releases and hardware updates like the anticipated Nintendo Switch 2. The year also sees challenges for indie developers and a pivotal moment for esports with the first Olympic Esports Games in Saudi Arabia, raising discussions on sportswashing.
SPORTS
Football - Liverpool winger Mohamed Salah says he is "far away" from signing a new deal at the Premier League club.
Meanwhile, Millwall have appointed former Preston North End, Sunderland and Stoke City boss Alex Neil as head coach on a "long-term" contract.
Cricket - Australia bowl out India for 155 to win the fourth Test by 184 runs in the final session of the match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The home team now lead the series 2-1 with a fifth and final Test to play.
Tennis - Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios have put on a show as they secured a 6-4 6-7 (4-7) 10-8 win over Austria's Alexander Erler and Germany's Andreas Mies, making their debut as a doubles team.
WEATHER
Mostly clear this afternoon according to the lords of Meteo-France, though the skies over Monaco are rather grey. Highs of 14 degrees in Nice, 15 in Toulon and Marseille, and 16 degrees in Cannes and Saint-Tropez.
Tonight, bit cloudy from Saint-Tropez to Nice with lows of 7 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, mostly clear with highs of 15 degrees with a gentle breeze.
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