NEWS
Earthquake in the Var - A 4.3-magnitude earthquake has struck on the 9th of December near Saint-Paul-sur-Ubaye in the Var, with tremors felt as far as Nice. The quake, which lasted a few seconds, caused slight shaking and minor object falls near the epicentre. It follows a smaller 2.6-magnitude tremor earlier that morning and a 3.5-magnitude quake in October.
Vehicle on Fire on the A8 Motorway - A utility vehicle has caught fire on the A8 motorway on the 9th of December near Vidauban, causing significant traffic delays in the Nice-Aix direction. Firefighters quickly intervened to extinguish the flames, but the cause of the blaze remains unknown.
Three Police Officers Assaulted in Nice - Three police officers have been assaulted on the 8th of December while responding to a domestic dispute in Nice's Libération district. Two men and a woman were arrested for verbal abuse, death threats, and physical assault, including pulling an officer's hair and attacking others with crutches. All three officers have filed complaints.
ProovStation in Nice Airport - The Nice Airport Car Rental Centre is the first in France to install smart inspection gates from ProovStation. These AI-powered gates scan rental cars in 2-3 seconds, checking for damage at pickup and return, speeding up the process for customers and reducing disputes for rental companies. Three of the four gates are already operational, marking a major innovation in car rental logistics.
Avignon Off Festival, Artists Still Waiting for Payment - Six months after the Avignon Off Festival, theatre companies at Le Palace are still waiting for ticket revenue payments from the venue's new owner. Accused of mismanagement, the owner claims he is working to resolve the issue, but frustrated artists remain unpaid and sceptical.
Des Enfants et des Arbres - Students are planting trees with the guidance of a local farmer as part of the "Des enfants et des arbres" initiative to raise awareness of environmental and climate issues in Ollioules, near Toulon. The activity teaches children about biodiversity, agriculture, and resource management through hands-on learning. In a single day, they planted 150 trees, contributing to a broader effort that engaged 6,000 students nationwide last year.
Beauty Care for People with Disabilities - A beauty care workshop brings together young people with disabilities and student aestheticians, fostering social interaction and inclusion in Nice. The experience helps future aestheticians develop both technical and human skills, preparing them for careers in hospitals or social care. The initiative promotes well-being and boosts self-esteem for participants, highlighting the power of inclusion and empathy.
Recyclerie de La Source Holds 'Denim Decades' - The Recyclerie La Source is hosting an eco-friendly fashion show called "Denim Decades" on the 13th of December in Montauroux, Var. The show will feature 40 upcycled denim creations made from recycled jeans, promoting sustainability and inclusivity by involving adults with disabilities as models. Proceeds from ticket sales will support local charity "Au cœur des saisons" and the upcycled outfits will be available for purchase in January 2025.
BUSINESS
Tea consumption in the UK is declining, especially among younger generations, who prefer herbal, iced, and ready-to-drink beverages. Traditional brands like Typhoo are struggling, with sales of black tea dropping 4.3% in two years. To stay relevant, tea companies are pivoting to wellness drinks and innovative offerings like sparkling tea and kombucha.
Northern Ireland's Assembly will vote on whether to keep the Windsor Framework, which allows NI to remain in the EU's single market for goods, maintaining frictionless trade with Ireland but requiring checks on goods from the rest of the UK. While large firms have adapted, small businesses face ongoing bureaucracy. The framework offers NI unique dual market access to both the UK and EU, but its economic benefits remain under debate.
And - UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves will call for closer UK-EU economic ties, aiming to reduce trade barriers and boost growth, while maintaining Labour's stance against rejoining the EU. Her proposal could ease export rules on food, farming, and supply chains but may face trade-offs with US relations. The move follows calls from business groups and the Bank of England to "rebuild relations" with the EU.
SPORTS
Baseball - Juan Soto is set to sign what is reportedly the biggest contract in the history of sport after agreeing a $765m (£600m) deal over 15 years with Major League Baseball's New York Mets.
Football - England goalkeeper Ellie Roebuck said it was "a dream" to return to playing after almost a year out following a stroke. The 25-year-old revealed there was no lasting damage to her brain or vision.
Cricket - South Africa moved a step closer to the World Test Championship final with a 109-run victory over Sri Lanka in Gqeberha.
WEATHER
Mostly cloudy this afternoon. Highs of 12 degrees in Marseille, 13 degrees in Toulon, and 14 degrees in Nice, Cannes and Saint-Tropez.
Tonight, partly cloudy with lows of 9 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, partly cloudy with sunny spells and highs of 14 degrees.
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