NEWS
Train Accident Causes Disruption - Train service between Cannes and Nice is disrupted this Wednesday due to an accident, where a 64-year-old woman was found under a train and taken to the hospital in critical condition in Antibes. Delays and cancellations occurred until normal service resumed around noon.
Woman Helps Identify Murderer - A woman from Toulon helped identify and report a man suspected of multiple murders in France and an attack in the Netherlands, after he assaulted her on a train from Marseille to Toulon. She alerted train authorities, who then coordinated with police to detain him without resistance. The man, already under a deportation order, is now under investigation in connection with recent violent incidents, including a fatal assault with a brique on a homeless man in Lyon.
Coulée Bleue - Two walkways along the Cagne River will be de-paved and greened as part of a €2.6 million “coulée bleue” project in Cagnes-sur-Mer. The paths will feature permeable walkways, native plants, sports equipment, bike racks, and updated lighting, with work planned from April to December 2025. This greening effort is part of a broader initiative to enhance pedestrian and cycling spaces along the river.
Cooling Urban Spaces - Steps have been taken in response to climate change to cool its urban spaces, including planting over 60 trees, adding shading structures, and using lighter pavement materials to reduce temperatures in Cuers, Var. The town’s efforts serve as an inspiring example for other municipalities facing similar climate adaptation needs.
Urban Forest Project - A new 1.5-hectare urban forest project is underway to transform a flood-prone area into green space with 300 climate-resilient trees, shared gardens, and recreational zones in Antibes. The forest aims to reduce flood risks and enhance urban green spaces, with some areas set to open next year. The city plans to create more green spaces within 10 minutes’ reach of residents, with five new projects underway by the end of the current term.
Airbnb in Nice - In response to Nice Mayor Christian Estrosi’s proposal to cut Airbnb listings in the city by 50%, Airbnb expressed willingness to implement “proportional quotas” if balanced. Estrosi’s stance is supported by a new “Anti-Airbnb” law tightening regulations, while Airbnb argues that such rentals boost the local economy, including generating €4 million in tourist taxes for Nice. Airbnb suggests a quota model like that in Sables d’Olonne, aiming to balance affordable housing with occasional rentals.
AI Use in Cannes - Cannes’ Mayor David Lisnard announced expanded use of AI in municipal services to boost productivity, cut costs, and enhance service quality. The aim is to leverage AI for public benefit while respecting individual freedoms.
Winter Equipment Mandatory - Winter equipment like snow tires or chains is now mandatory until the 31st of March 2025, following the Montagne II law in 28 communes in the Var region. This rule applies to all vehicles, including cars, buses, and trucks, to ensure safer driving conditions. Similar measures are in place in 47 other mountainous departments across France.
BUSINESS
The UK government plans an independent review of rail fare enforcement after reports of harsh actions by train companies against passengers making honest mistakes. Transport Secretary Louise Haigh aims to ensure fair treatment, especially when prosecution for fare evasion may be excessive, as in the recent case involving Northern Railway and an engineering graduate. The review will examine when prosecution is appropriate and how clearly ticket rules are communicated to passengers.
The Post Office plans to close 115 loss-making branches and cut hundreds of head office jobs in a restructuring effort to improve finances. New chairman Nigel Railton aims to shift focus toward sub-postmasters with better pay and increased revenue share, especially as high street bank closures create opportunities for Post Offices. The government supports these changes to sustain the Post Office network, which is still highly valued by the public.
And - After Donald Trump’s election win, US financial markets surged as investors anticipate policy changes. Tesla, banks, cryptocurrency, private prison operators, and the dollar have all gained, reflecting hopes for lighter regulation, industry-specific support, and stricter immigration policies. While strong dollar gains signal economic confidence, there are inflation concerns tied to potential trade barriers and reduced immigration.
SPORTS
Rugby Union - Former Premiership club Wasps have moved a step closer to a return to professional rugby by securing land to build a new stadium in Kent.
Rugby League - Salford Red Devils have signed France international Justin Sangare on a two-year deal following his release from Leeds Rhinos.
Tennis - A severe weather alert in southern Spain has led to the opening tie of the Billie Jean King Cup between Spain and Poland being postponed.
Golf - Rory McIlroy is planning to retain key DP World Tour events as part of his schedule next year while reducing his PGA Tour commitments after an intense 2024.
WEATHER
Bright and clear with a gentle breeze this afternoon. Highs of 19 degrees in Nice, Toulon and Marseille, and 20 degrees in Cannes and Saint-Tropez.
Tonight, light clouds with temperatures dropping to 10 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, mostly clear with highs of 19 degrees with moderate winds.
The Channel Islands and France have signed an agreement to share information in the event of a nuclear or radiological incident. ...
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Police have issued a public appeal to locate Jacques Assouly, a 96-year-old man who has been missing since the 22nd of November, in the Ayguade area i...
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A car flipped onto its roof on Avenue du 11-Novembre on the 26th of November, seemingly without other vehicles involved in Antibes....
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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...
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French prosecutors have demanded a 20-year jail sentence for Dominique Pelicot, who is accused of drugging his wife Gisèle for a decade and inviting ...
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