NEWS
Online Fundraiser for Mayotte - The RCT has launched an online fundraiser to support victims of Cyclone Chido in Mayotte, with proceeds going to the Fondation de France for emergency aid like shelter, food, and psychological support. Donations up to €1,000 are eligible for a 75% tax deduction until the 17th of May 2025. The cyclone has caused 22 deaths and 1,373 injuries, according to provisional reports.
Trial For Assaulting Police in Vieux Nice - Three of the five suspects accused of assaulting police officers in Vieux Nice will remain in prison until their trial on the 14th of February 2025. The courtroom was filled with police presence, signalling a strong demand for pre-trial detention. While three suspects were detained, two with minimal criminal records were released under judicial supervision.
Shooting in Aix-en-Provence - A 20-year-old man has been found shot dead late on the 17th of December near Avenue Philippe Solari in Aix-en-Provence. The incident is believed to be a carjacking gone wrong, with local residents reporting hearing at least one gunshot. The victim was already deceased when emergency services arrived.
Agricultural Accident Kills a Man - A 42-year-old man has died after being caught in an agricultural machine used for sorting potatoes on Tuesday around 5 pm in Piolenc, Vaucluse. Despite efforts by emergency services to revive him, he did not survive. The man became trapped between two conveyor belts of the machine.
Knife Assault in a Bar - A fight broke out at the Belgian Attitude bar, leaving two people with knife wounds and a police officer assaulted in Cagnes-sur-Mer. The main suspect, a woman who stabbed the bar manager, fled during the commotion and is still being sought by police. Another intoxicated customer who punched an officer has been arrested and remains in custody as the investigation continues.
Former Mayor of Sanary-sur-Mer Imprisoned - The former mayor of Sanary-sur-Mer, Ferdinand Bernhard, has been declared ineligible for public office for five years due to charges of embezzlement, illegal interest-taking, and favouritism. He was sentenced to two years of suspended prison time and had nearly €1 million in real estate confiscated. Despite resigning as mayor in 2021, he is accused of continuing to influence local affairs, leading to further legal action against him.
Postal Storage in Monaco - Monaco has opened a 1,500 m² logistics hub, the Point Accueil Marchandises (PAM), to optimize parcel storage and deliveries. It aims to reduce urban traffic by centralizing up to 2,500 daily packages and using electric delivery vehicles. The PAM features 24/7 lockers and a customer service desk for parcel drop-off and pick-up.
Marseille, A Pioneer in Renewable Energy - Marseille is a pioneer in renewable energy with its Sormiou biomethane unit, which recently expanded to produce 35% more biomethane. Wastewater from 17 nearby communes is processed into biogas and biomethane, providing green energy for 3,300 homes and urban heating. The project reduces CO2 emissions and supports biodiversity in the Calanques National Park.
Two Festive Concierges Decorate their Building Lobbies - Two concierges, Frédéric and Patricia Carpentier, transform their building lobbies into magical Christmas markets each December in Nice’s Fabron district. Over three weeks, they create festive scenes with trees, lights, and decorations, delighting 120 residents with new additions each year. Their passion and creativity have become a beloved tradition, bringing joy and holiday spirit to the community.
Funfair Near Nice - A funfair for the holiday season will be hosted for the first time, in the village of Blausasc near Nice. Open until the 6th of January, it features attractions like a hall of mirrors, shooting games, claw machines, and food stands, bringing festive cheer to the village.
BUSINESS
Tata Group, owner of Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), is accused of arranging the dismissal and blacklisting of whistleblower Hazar Denli after he raised safety concerns about VinFast electric cars. Denli claims faulty car components posed serious safety risks, which were later linked to a fatal crash and U.S. investigations. Both Tata and JLR declined to comment, while Denli is pursuing legal action for unfair dismissal.
And - Avanti West Coast train managers will strike on New Year’s Eve, 2 January, and every Sunday from 12 January to 25 May after rejecting a revised offer on rest day working. The RMT union says the strikes aim to push for a negotiated settlement, while Avanti warns of "significant disruption" for passengers. The dispute centres on pay and shift allocation for rest day work amid ongoing rail industry labour tensions.
SPORTS
Golf - PGA Tour superstars Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler showed their superiority against LIV Golf pair Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka in a floodlit exhibition billed by some as a grudge match between the rival factions.
Tennis - Former world number one Simona Halep has received a wildcard for Australian Open qualifying. The 33-year-old Romanian was given a four-year doping ban that was reduced to nine months this year.
Rugby Union - Newcastle Falcons have signed centre Max Clark on a three-month deal. Previously of Bath and Welsh sides Dragons and Cardiff Blues, Clark had been training with Saracens.
WEATHER
Partly Cloudy with sunny spells and a gentle breeze. Highs of 14 degrees in Nice, 15 in Toulon, and 16 degrees in Cannes, Saint-Tropez and Marseille.
Tonight, mostly cloudy on the Riviera with lows of 9 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, partly cloudy with highs of 15 degrees.
A student at a school in Brittany has died after being stabbed by another student this afternoon. Three other pupils were also injured in the incident...
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SNCF unions are warning of a "dark week" ahead as a strike looms over the May 8th bank holiday weekend. Fabien Villedieu, federal secretary of the SUD...
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Fine and sunny with moderate to strong winds in the Var. Highs of 19 degrees in Monaco, Nice and Saint-Tropez, 20 degrees in Mougins, Antibes and Cann...
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There have been 65 attacks on prison officers and prisons since April 13, according to French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau. Speaking to French m...
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Many world leaders are expected to attend Pope Francis' funeral on Saturday in St. Peter's Square, including U.S. President Donald Trump, French Presi...
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