NEWS
PM Adressed Cyclone Chido's Impact in La Réunion - French Prime Minister François Bayrou has concluded his visit addressing Cyclone Chido's impact on Mayotte with a stop in La Réunion. He met local officials, visited logistics hubs aiding Mayotte, and announced a recovery plan with measures for electricity restoration, addressing shantytowns, and financial, health, and education reforms. The delegation returned to Paris after the visit.
City of Nice Website Hacked - The website of the city of Nice has been targeted by pro-Russian hackers, allegedly in retaliation for aid provided to Ukraine by France, Denmark, and Lithuania. Similar attacks affected other French cities like Marseille and Bordeaux. Mayor Christian Estrosi condemned the cyberattack, stated no data breaches had been detected, and announced legal action.
Gendarmerie Helicopter Security Assessment - A gendarmerie helicopter has been spotted on the 31st of December as part of a routine security assessment over Nice and Saint-Laurent-du-Var. The operation aimed to photograph sensitive areas in preparation for New Year’s Eve.
Young Man Shot - A young man has been shot near a high school on Monday evening in Avignon's Rocade neighbourhood, sustaining serious injuries to his legs and pelvis and was hospitalized in critical condition. This marks the fifth gunshot victim in the Vaucluse department in 2024, following a fatal shooting in February. An investigation is underway.
Scooter Rider Dies After Crash - A 28-year-old scooter rider has died from injuries sustained after crashing while fleeing a police stop on the 31st of December in Avignon. He was traveling against traffic, lost control, and hit a median. Police stated they did not collide with him, and a witness confirmed the account.
Fines over Hospital Staff - Over 20 fines have been issued in three days to hospital staff, including nurses, who crossed a solid line coming out of the hospital parking to save time after exhausting night shifts in Nice. The practice, common for years without issue, led to penalties caught on surveillance cameras, sparking frustration among workers who feel unfairly targeted. The local union and hospital board have raised concerns, questioning the sudden enforcement.
Genoa's Historic Renaissance-Era Palace Opened - During the holiday season, Genoa’s historic Renaissance-era palaces open their doors for unique experiences, including guided tours and immersive events like candlelit dinners. These palaces, restored with significant investment in 2004, are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and showcase the city's rich history and artistry. Events like the Rolli Days highlight Genoa's cultural transformation into a premier tourist destination.
BUSINESS
Avanti West Coast rail services will be heavily disrupted on New Year’s Eve and 2 January due to an RMT strike over rest day pay. Limited trains will run on key routes, with no services to North Wales, Blackpool, or Edinburgh, and passengers are advised to travel on alternative dates or seek refunds. The dispute remains unresolved, with further strikes planned every Sunday from 12 January to 25 May.
Four former sub-postmasters, wrongfully convicted in the Post Office Horizon scandal, have been made OBEs for their justice campaign. The faulty accounting system led to widespread miscarriages of justice, with many imprisoned or financially ruined. While acknowledging the honour, they vow to continue their fight for justice amid slow compensation efforts and ongoing public outrage.
And - The Madoff Victim Fund has begun its final payouts, distributing $131.4 million, bringing total compensation to $4.3 billion for 40,930 claimants. Bernard Madoff, who ran one of the largest Ponzi schemes in history, defrauded individuals, charities, and institutions before his firm’s collapse in 2008. Nearly 94% of proven losses are expected to be recovered by 2025 through the fund and bankruptcy proceedings.
SPORTS
Football - Head coach Wayne Rooney has left Championship strugglers Plymouth Argyle by mutual agreement. The 39-year-old former England captain oversaw just four league wins and suffered 13 defeats in 23 Championship games after taking charge of the Pilgrims in May.
Tennis - Nick Kyrgios says he is unsure whether he will be fit enough to compete at the Australian Open after his first singles match in 18 months left him in "throbbing" pain.
Rugby Union - Bristol Bears have signed Ireland fly-half Harry Byrne on loan from Leinster. The 25-year-old has made 75 appearances for Leinster and played four times for his country.
WEATHER
Mostly clear this afternoon with a gentle breeze and clouds persisting over Monaco. Highs of 13 degrees on the coast of the Bouche-du-Rhône, 15 in the Var, and 16 degrees in the Alpes-Maritimes department.
Tonight, partly cloudy with lows of 8 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, mostly clear with highs of 13 degrees and clouds covering the sky on Thursday
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