Evening Update Monday 11th November 2024

NEWS
Stormy Tuesday - A cold air mass will bring rain and a drop in temperatures on Tuesday in the Alpes-Maritimes and Var, with highs falling to around 17-18°C. Sunshine will return by Wednesday, but rain is likely over the weekend, especially in the Var on Saturday and both regions on Sunday evening.

Roadworks Ahead - Sections of the A8 motorway and several ramps will be closed at night this week for maintenance in the Alpes-Maritimes. Closures include the Mougins-Antibes section from the 12th to the 14th of November and the Nice-Est and Menton ramps from the 12th to the 15th of November, with diversions in place. The Condamine Tunnel will also be closed nightly for maintenance.

Vandalised Women Silhouettes - Silhouettes symbolizing victims of violence against women have been vandalised amid a month-long awareness campaign by the collective NousToutes06 and the city of Grasse, Alpes-Maritimes. The campaign organised events including self-defence workshops, screenings, and a final demonstration on the 30th of November, where each 2024 femicide victim will be represented by a person lying on the ground with their name.

Vandalised Memorial - The memorial honouring victims of terrorist attacks at Marseille’s Saint-Charles station has been heavily vandalised, with the main plaque removed, the French flag defaced, and part of the structure burned. This act is particularly distressing as it’s located near a site where two young women were killed in a 2017 attack.

A Mare has Fallen in a Swimming Pool - A mare has fallen into a swimming pool, requiring eight firefighters to rescue it by building a makeshift staircase from wood and straw bales in Caumont-sur-Durance, Vaucluse. The operation was challenging due to the slippery surface, but the horse, only slightly injured, was safely retrieved and later examined by a vet.

Model-Building Workshops in la Trinité - Enthusiasts of model-building of any age gather each week to create historical and imaginative miniature scenes, sharing skills and stories in this screen-free hobby in La Trinité, Alpes-Maritimes. The club fosters patience, precision, and historical curiosity. On the 16th and 17th of November, they’ll host their first Figurine and Model Exhibition with free entry, workshops, with over 25 associations participating.

Bigre, a Historical Podcast for Children - The podcast ‘Bigre!’, created by Clémence de Moulins-Vaute, reimagines French history to engage kids from 7-12 years-old, using lively stories and immersive soundscapes to bring the past to life. Aimed at sparking children’s imaginations, it also emphasizes inclusivity by featuring female perspectives often overlooked in history. The first season, on Prehistory, is available on platforms like Amazon, Apple, and Deezer.
 

BUSINESS
Smart meters face connectivity issues due to reliance on radio signals, unlike the mobile network used in the south, leaving some customers unable to receive accurate readings and bills in northern England and Scotland. Energy suppliers and experts criticize the rollout's regional tech divide and outdated regulations that limit flexibility, contributing to higher costs and frustration among users. Despite efforts to fix these issues, many households miss out on the benefits of smart meters, impacting the government’s goal for widespread adoption.

And - Over 200 hospitality leaders warn that increased National Insurance (NI) taxes will lead to job losses and closures, especially as smaller firms can’t pass costs to customers. Chancellor Rachel Reeves defends the tax hike, aimed to fund public services, but industry leaders call for alternative measures to protect low-wage employees. The £25bn revenue from NI increases makes it one of the largest tax-raising moves in UK history.
 

SPORTS
Golf - Bernhard Langer shot lower than his age to snatch victory at the season-ending Charles Schwab Cup Championship and extend his record of winning a title every year on the PGA Tour Champions' circuit to 18 years.

Tennis - World number one Jannik Sinner brushed past Alex de Minaur 6-3 6-4 after Taylor Fritz defeated an irate Daniil Medvedev on the opening day of the ATP Finals.

Rugby Union - After the extraordinary 42-37 defeat by Australia, England head coach Steve Borthwick stands at exactly 50%, with 13 wins from his 26 matches in charge.
 

WEATHER
Mostly sunny this afternoon with highs of 19 degrees in Marseille, 20 in Nice and Cannes, and 21 degrees in Saint-Tropez and Toulon.

Tonight, mostly cloudy with temperatures dropping to 11 degrees.

Outlook for tomorrow, a cold air mass will bring rain, thunderstorms, and a drop in temperatures in the Alpes-Maritimes and Var, with highs falling to around 17 degrees. The rain will last until noon in the Alpes-Maritimes, and until the end of the day in the rest of the region with clearer skies coming back on Wednesday.