Evening Update Wednesday 12th February 2025

NEWS
Juvenile Justice - Gabriel Attal's proposed law to toughen juvenile justice, including immediate trials and harsher sanctions for parents, is under debate in France's National Assembly. The bill, opposed by left-wing parties, responds to rising youth violence, with backing from some right-wing groups. However, its passage is uncertain due to divided support within the majority and strong opposition from legal professionals.

Bruno Retailleau Aims to Preside LR Party - Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau has announced his candidacy for the presidency of right-wing party Les Républicains (LR) in a letter to party members, sparking internal tensions. His move is seen as triggering a leadership battle, particularly with Laurent Wauquiez, who is also expected to run following Eric Ciotti’s departure. The new LR president will be elected in May, following a political meeting next week to organize the vote.

Kindergarten Demolished - After major structural cracks appeared, the Jean-Jaurès kindergarten has been demolished due to collapse risks, with 130 students relocated to a temporary school in Draguignan, Var. The demolition, costing €300,000, will be followed by a community-involved reconstruction project focusing on sustainability. The new school, expected to take years to complete, may also host local associations outside school hours.

Attempted Murder in Nice - An 18-year-old man has been arrested for attempted murder after stabbing another young man in the face during an altercation on a tram in Nice. The victim, who initially hesitated to file a complaint, identified the attacker, leading to his arrest in Grasse. The suspect has since been transferred to police custody in Nice for further investigation.

Padel Best Village - The Padel Best Expo, now renamed Padel Best Village, returns to the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco on the 26th and 27th of April with tournaments, networking opportunities, and sports conferences. Football stars like Dida and Papu Gomez will compete, alongside a new Italy-France Padel Cup and an inclusive tournament for disabled players. The event concludes with a charity gala supporting Fight Aids Monaco.

LGBTQIA + Centre - Toulon has opened its first LGBTQIA+ centre, offering support, information, and community space within the local Planning Familial. The initiative aims to combat social isolation, provide assistance on rights and administrative issues, and support trans individuals. While currently small, the centre hopes to expand and reach more people through local and online initiatives.

Free Events in the 2025 Nice Carnival - The 2025 Nice Carnival offers many free ways to enjoy the event, including costume-entry to parades, the Carnavalina street parade, and the LGBTQIA+ Queernaval. Other highlights include the King's incineration and fireworks, a costumed sea plunge, and a family-friendly Carnival Village. Various free workshops, exhibitions, and talks explore the history and satire of the carnival.
 

BUSINESS
Goldman Sachs dropped its diversity rule for advising company boards, saying it had served its purpose, though US board diversity growth has slowed. Vice Chair Richard Gnodde also urged the UK government to accelerate infrastructure projects and warned that uncertainty over Trump's trade policies was dampening investment. He emphasized that Goldman Sachs remains committed to diversity despite broader corporate rollbacks.

And - Coca-Cola may shift to more plastic bottles in the US if Trump's 25% aluminium tariff raises can prices. This move follows the company's reduced sustainability goals and ongoing criticism as a major plastic polluter. Meanwhile, Trump also ended a government effort to replace plastic straws with paper.
 

SPORTS
Football - Angus MacDonald says he is "gutted" to have missed one of Exeter City's penalties in the FA Cup loss to Nottingham Forest. The League One Grecians held the side third in the Premier League to a 2-2 draw after extra time, despite having Ed Turns sent off in the 87th minute.

Cricket - Australia spinner Matthew Kuhnemann has been reported for a suspected illegal bowling action. The 28-year-old was Australia's leading wicket-taker in their 2-0 Test series win in Sri Lanka but was reported following the second Test in Galle.

Rugby Union - London Irish Rugby Club have been bought out of administration by a consortium led by former Formula 1 team owner and businessman Eddie Jordan. In June 2023 London Irish were forced out of the Premiership because of unpaid wages and shortly after put into administration by former owner Mick Crossan with debts of about £30m.
 

WEATHER
Mostly cloudy with chances of light rain this afternoon with moderate to strong winds. Highs of 14 degrees in Nice, Cannes, Saint-Tropez, and Toulon and 15 degrees in Marseille. 

Tonight, mostly grey with temperatures dropping to 10 degrees.

Outlook for tomorrow, grey morning and with sunny spells in the afternoon with highs of 15 degrees with moderate winds.

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