NEWS
Wintry Weather - Wintry weather with rain, snow, and strong winds are expected this week in the Alpes-Maritimes. Temperatures will range from -4°C in the mountains to 20°C on the coast. Expect occasional snow on Thursday, heavy winds up to 100km/h midweek, and a mix of rain and sunshine as the week progresses.
Armed Man Kills Himself in Nice - An armed man has held a person hostage in a parking lot before taking his own life on Sunday evening, in Nice. Police secured the hostage safely and praised their professionalism in handling the incident. A press briefing is scheduled for Monday to address the events.
Farmers Protest Mercosur - Farmers in Var and Vaucluse are blocking roads and roundabouts protesting against the Mercosur free trade agreement and unfair competition within the EU. They aim to defend food sovereignty, the economy, and consumer health. The action began at 9 a.m., with no set time to end the blockade.
Monaco National Day - Monaco celebrates its National Day tomorrow, the 19th of November, a tradition established by Prince Rainier III to honour his enthronement date and the feast of Blessed Rainier of Arezzo, which Prince Albert II continues in his memory. In an interview, Prince Albert addressed issues like anti-corruption efforts, judicial reforms, and Monaco's removal from the FATF "grey list," emphasizing patience, prudence, and trust to guide his reign. As he approaches 20 years of rule, his focus remains on balancing Monaco's social model, identity, and global openness.
Ventimiglia transforms in Tourist Destination - Ventimiglia, an Italian border town near Menton (Alpes-Maritimes), is transforming from a migrant transit hub to a tourist destination. The new mayor, Flavio di Muro, has implemented strict policies to close migrant shelters while welcoming luxury investments like a marina and high-end developments. Despite this shift, local volunteers continue to assist reduced numbers of migrants with meals, clothing, and medical care.
Ski Season Announced - Ski season is set to begin on the 7th of December, weather permitting in the Alpes-Maritimes. Resorts like Auron, Isola 2000, and La Colmiane plan to open that weekend, while Roubion-Les-Buisses will follow on the 21st of December. Fresh snowfall is also expected this Thursday in areas like Saint-Etienne-de-Tinée and Saint-Auban.
Great White Shark Spotted in the Var - A 4-meter Great White Shark was filmed off the Var coast near the Port-Cros National Park, a rare sighting confirmed by shark experts. Researchers highlight the importance of such observations for understanding the critically endangered species, now at 90% extinction risk. Witnesses are encouraged to share footage to advance scientific knowledge.
Michel Polnareff Last Concert - Michel Polnareff will perform in 2025 as part of his humorously titled "Ma dernière tournée" in Toulon and Marseille. An unreleased album is set for release on the 28th of February. The tour includes shows on June 4 in Marseille and July 12 at the Son by Toulon Festival, alongside artists like Gims and Sofiane Pamart.
BUSINESS
The Roquemaure town hall in Gard, France, will close for three days starting on the 19th of November to protest the €5 billion in budget cuts demanded from local governments under the 2025 Finance Bill. The municipality warns these cuts will reduce public services, investments, and projects, while emergency services will remain available via phone.
Domestic energy prices are set to rise slightly in January, with typical annual bills forecasted to reach £1,736, a 1% increase from the current rate. Prices are expected to remain high due to geopolitical tensions and infrastructure maintenance, with no return to pre-crisis levels in sight. Critics warn that withdrawing winter fuel payments for many pensioners may leave vulnerable groups struggling to afford heating this winter.
The UK government has allocated nearly £1bn to improve bus services across England, promising "London-style" operations with better reliability and frequency, particularly in rural areas. Local authorities will receive £712m to expand routes and protect services, with an additional £243m for operators, alongside a continued £3 single fare cap until the end of 2025. Plans include allowing local authorities to franchise bus services and lifting the ban on publicly owned bus companies.
And - The UK government insists on maintaining strict EV sales mandates despite industry concerns about job impacts and demand slumps. Starting in 2024, EVs must comprise a higher percentage of sales ahead of a 2035 ban on petrol and diesel cars. Manufacturers, while supporting climate goals, seek concessions such as reduced penalties and more buyer incentives, as sales lag behind targets.
SPORTS
Football - Tottenham midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur has been given a seven-match domestic ban by the Football Association for using a racial slur about team-mate Son Heung-min.
Rugby Union - England's Ellie Kildunne and Alex Matthews have been shortlisted for World Rugby's women's 15s Player of the Year award.
Tennis - Retiring superstar Rafael Nadal says he will not be distracted by emotion as he aims to help Spain win the Davis Cup in the final tournament of his illustrious career.
WEATHER
Partly cloudy this afternoon with moderate winds. Highs of 17 degrees in Marseille, 19 in Nice, and 20 degrees in Cannes, Saint-Tropez and Toulon.
Tonight, partly cloudy still with lows of 11 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, much the same, partly cloudy with sunny spells and highs of 18 degrees with moderate to strong winds.
A powerful Mistral storm has swept through Provence, with wind gusts exceeding 150 km/h in some areas. ...
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France’s recently appointed Prime Minister François Bayrou has promised a new government "before Christmas" and reserves the possibility of using 49....
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A four-day strike at DHL has caused delays in package processing, raising concerns about on-time deliveries for Christmas....
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French judges in Avignon will today Thursday 19th December, deliver their verdicts in a mass rape case against 51 men that has appalled France and the...
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Monaco Info and TV Monaco are set to make way for a new television channel on September 1st of 2025. During the debates on the 2025 preliminary budget...
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