Evening Update Wednesday 23 April 2025

There have been 65 attacks on prison officers and prisons since April 13, according to French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau. Speaking to French media today he said that the attacks were spread across about 30 departments and were "undoubtedly coordinated". He added that the attacks had included arson against prisons and on the homes of prison officers. He said that 125 investigators have been mobilised as well as thirty others from the scientific and technical police.

Bus drivers in Grasse have launched an indefinite strike. Walkouts are planned daily from 12:40 p.m. to 1:39 p.m. and from 7:30 p.m. to 8:29 p.m. on all urban lines except lines 40 and B, according to the bus company. Drivers are striking over working conditions.

Two new cases of equine infectious anemia have been detected in horses in the Var. The prefecture said that they were in the same pasture as the first stallion which was declared infected on April 10 in the North-East of the department. The animals have been euthanised. The Prefecture said that this incurable viral disease affects only equines such as horses, donkeys and mules and is not transmissible to humans.

The former Prefect of the Alpes-Maritimes Dominique Vian has died. Nice Mayor Christian Estrosi paid tribute to M. Vian, saying he was deeply committed to the public interest and "leaves behind the memory of a man of duty, compassionate and committed to serving our fellow citizens".

The Nice half marathon is coming up this Sunday. There will be many road closures, particularly affecting the Promenade des Anglais and surrounding areas. The Prefecture has said that the best way to cross Nice on Sunday will be on tramway lines L1, L2 and L3, the Voie Mathis and the A8 motorway. Details of road closures and parking restrictions can be found on https://www.nice.fr/fr/actualites/bien-circuler-et-stationner-a-nice?type=articles

Monaco has unveiled its pavilion at Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan. The government said that the pavilion is an invitation to explore Monaco's unique identity and learn more about its strong commitments. Designed around the theme “Take care of Wonder”, the Monaco pavilion offers visitors a sensory and interactive journey, illustrating the synergies between nature, culture and innovation.

 

BUSINESS

The European Union has ordered Apple and Meta to pay a combined €700m. It issued a €500m fine to Apple over issues surrounding its App Store, while Meta has been fined €200m in relation to the handling of user data. The European Commission started investigations against both companies last year under the Digital Markets Act which aims to promote fairness in the tech sector.

New data released today has shown that the UK government borrowed more than expected. Borrowing was £151.9bn in the year to March, up by £20.7bn from the year before. The increased borrowing has added to expectations that Chancellor Rachel Reeves will have to cut public spending or raise taxes later this year in order to stick to her self-imposed borrowing rules.

OpenAI has said it would be interested in buying the Chrome browser if Google was forced to sell it. OpenAI executive Nick Turley was testifying on behalf of the US government in an ongoing monopoly trial against Google. However, Google says Chrome is not for sale.

 

SPORT

Olympics... Simone Biles has said that she is unsure if she will compete at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. The 28 year old has won seven Olympic gold medals.

Cricket... Former Australia batter Keith Stackpole has died at the age of 84. He played in 43 Tests between 1966 and 1974. He also played in the first ever one-day international, against England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in 1971.

Snooker... Shaun Murphy is into the last 16 of the World Snooker Championship in Sheffield with a 10-4 win against Daniel Wells. The 42 year old is aiming to win a second world title, 20 years after his first.

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