NEWS
Train Services Halted between Nice and Monaco - Train service between Nice and Monaco will be completely halted on Saturday, the 30th of November, and until 9:30 AM on Sunday, the 1st of December, due to work on a new train maintenance centre in Nice. Travelers are advised to use regional "Zou!" buses as an alternative, with a special pass available for SNCF subscribers. Regular train services will resume Sunday morning, and other routes like Grasse-Cannes-Nice and Monaco-Ventimiglia remain operational with slight schedule adjustments.
50-year-old man Sentenced in Monaco for Assault - A 50-year-old man from Nice has been sentenced in Monaco for violently assaulting his ex-mistress at her workplace on the 16th and 17th of November leaving her severely injured. Previously convicted of domestic violence, the court ruled the attack was premeditated and sentenced him to two years in prison (one year suspended), banned him from contacting the victim for five years, and ordered €7,500 in damages.
Drug Trafficking Network Dismantled - A drug trafficking network has been dismantled on the 27th of November through a joint operation involving the GIGN and local gendarmes in Pertuis, Vaucluse. Seven suspects were arrested, and authorities seized 1 kg of cocaine, 40 kg of cannabis, a firearm, multiple phones, and significant cash assets. The suspects will soon face justice.
Miss France Agricole - Monia Lilamand, a 43-year-old organic farmer from Noves near Avignon, is competing for the title of Miss France Agricole 2025 to represent Provence and promote agriculture. After transitioning from a legal career to farming in 2018, she now cultivates 20 hectares of organic produce, including strawberries, apples, and melons. Passionate about her profession, she seeks to inspire others while addressing agricultural challenges, with voting open on the competition's Facebook page until the 29th of November.
Train of Starlink Satellites Spotted - A "train" of Starlink satellites has been spotted around 7pm on Thursday in the skies over the Cote d’Azur. These satellites, part of Elon Musk's SpaceX system, support telecommunications, military, and scientific research. By early 2024, 6,000 were in orbit, with plans for up to 42,000 in the future.
27th Monte-Carlo Salon de la Gastronomie - The 27th Monte-Carlo Gastronomie fair will take place from the 29th of November to the 2nd of December, featuring 100 stands, culinary demonstrations by renowned chefs, and gourmet competitions like Maestro Chef at the Fontvieille Chapiteau. Proceeds from a charity evening will benefit Monaco Collectif Humanitaire, supporting medical care for children from developing countries. Visitors can enjoy tastings, contests, and awards celebrating quality and sustainability in gastronomy.
BUSINESS
Black Friday can lead to overspending, with many deals not being genuine discounts, according to consumer group Which?. Experts advise sticking to a pre-planned list and budget, comparing prices across retailers and checking price histories, and considering second-hand platforms for better deals. Shoppers should also avoid unnecessary debt, use credit cards responsibly for added protection, and stay vigilant against scams by shopping from trusted retailers and verifying websites.
And - Canada's Competition Bureau has filed a lawsuit against Google, accusing it of anti-competitive practices in online advertising by tying its tools to dominate the market and distorting ad auctions in its favour. The Bureau seeks to compel Google to sell two ad tech tools and impose a fine of up to 3% of its global revenue. Google denies the claims, arguing there is significant competition in ad tech and intends to defend its case in court.
SPORTS
Tennis - Two-time Grand Slam champion Simona Halep has questioned the "big difference" in how tennis doping cases are handled after world number two Iga Swiatek received a one-month ban.
Cricket - Harry Brook's calculated century propelled England back into the first Test against New Zealand on the second day in Christchurch. Brook was dropped four times in his unbeaten 132, without which England might already be on the way to defeat.
Football - Manchester City's Rodri and Erling Haaland are the sole nominees from the Premier League in the best male player category at the 2024 Fifa Best Awards.
WEATHER
A wonderful end of the week with mostly sunny skies and gentle winds. Highs of 18 degrees in Saint-Tropez and Toulon, and 19 degrees in Nice, Cannes and Marseille.
Tonight, mostly clear with lows of 11 degrees.
Outlook for this weekend:
Sat: Partly cloudy with highs of 15 degrees
Sun: Mostly clear with highs of 16 degrees
Mon: Partly cloudy with highs of 16 degrees with gentle winds throughout the weekend.
French President Emmanuel Macron’s televised address after accepting Prime Minister Michel Barnier’s resignation sparked sharp critic
