NEWS
Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) - Monaco has renewed its support for the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), with Ambassador Frédéric Labarrere signing two voluntary contribution agreements. The funds will support training African chemistry researchers in biotoxin analysis. Monaco, a founding member of the OPCW since 1997, reaffirms its commitment to the global ban on chemical weapons.
Road Fatalities Fell - Road fatalities in mainland France fell by 6% in November 2024 compared to November 2023, with 270 deaths recorded. Serious injuries also dropped slightly (-1%), but deaths among motorcyclists, cyclists, and 18-24-year-olds increased. Meanwhile, road deaths in French overseas territories surged by 87%, prompting authorities to urge sobriety during year-end festivities.
Fire in La Brigue - A nighttime fire on 12th of December destroyed a family home, injuring a father and his two 9-year-old daughters from smoke inhalation in La Brigue, Alpes-Maritimes. The blaze, which started on the second floor and spread to the roof, caused a village-wide power outage until 8:30 a.m. Thanks to the children detecting the smoke early, the family escaped, and firefighters quickly controlled the fire.
Fire in Le Cannet - A fire broke out in a four-story building, starting in a third-floor kitchen before spreading to the terrace, destroying balconies and kitchens on the 2nd and 3rd floors in Le Cannet, Alpes-Maritimes. Firefighters extinguished the blaze around 11 a.m., with no injuries reported, and local authorities are arranging housing for affected residents.
Gunshots in Nice - Bursts of Kalashnikov gunfire have been heard on the 11th of December striking several apartments on the 12th, 13th, and 14th floors but causing no injuries in the Moulins district of Nice. Police found 7.62mm shell casings at the scene, and an investigation is underway for attempted homicide, gang activity, and weapons violations.
French Road Code Affects Bicycles - A new French road code decree bans flashing rear lights on bicycles, requiring fixed lights instead, while allowing extra lighting on helmets, bags, and clothing, plus brake lights and turn signals. Cyclists face an €11 fine for non-compliance, but some worry about unclear product standards and the shift of safety responsibility to cyclists.
Free Access to Monaco Mediatheque - Access to Monaco's Media Library will be completely free Starting on the 1st of January 2025 to promote cultural access and education for all. The initiative aims to tackle societal challenges like digital illiteracy, media education, and environmental issues. A new media library is also set to open on the Ilot Pasteur near College Charles III later in 2025.
Movember Barber - Laurent Briard, a barber from Cannes, and his team raised over €22,000 for Movember 2024, placing 2nd in France after winning 1st place in 2023. Movember raises awareness for men's health issues like prostate and testicular cancer. Briard engages donors with fun events like beard trimming, concerts, and sports challenges, driven by a personal mission inspired by his grandfather's cancer battle.
BUSINESS
The Nissart, Nice's local currency since 2017, will issue 3,000 new bills worth €31,600 for use in 24 local businesses, including restaurants, shops, and even a law firm. Each Nissart equals one euro and promotes local culture and products. This year's "0 Nissart" bill pays tribute to late artist Ben, with proceeds supporting the creation of a bilingual Nissart school.
Police are investigating potential crimes linked to the Post Office Horizon IT scandal, focusing on misconduct by Post Office, Fujitsu employees, and external lawyers. The probe, involving 100 officers, may lead to trials by 2027, with over 3,000 affected victims and evidence from 1.5 million documents. Victims welcome the progress but express frustration over the long wait for justice.
And - Ofgem plans to force energy firms to offer two tariff options: one with a standing charge and one without, letting customers choose which suits them best. The proposal aims to give low-energy users, like single-person households, more control over bills, but could raise costs for high-energy users, such as people with disabilities. Ofgem also proposes measures to address £3.8bn in unpaid bills, including potential debt write-offs and better support for indebted customers.
SPORTS
Swimming - The captain of the French team took silver in the 50m butterfly on Wednesday at the World Short Course Swimming Championships in Budapest. The other Frenchwoman in the final, Mélanie Henique, from the cercle des nageurs de Marseille (CNM) finished 6th.
Rugby Union - England fly-half Marcus Smith has signed a new contract with Harlequins keeping him at the club until at least 2028. The 25-year-old, who has 41 international caps and has scored 284 points for his country, started all four of the autumn internationals.
Cricket - England beat South Africa by six wickets in a rain-affected encounter in Potchefstroom to secure a 2-1 one-day international series win. Set a revised target of 152 in 23 overs, England slipped to 25-3 with Proteas all-rounder Marizanne Kapp delivering another masterful new-ball spell.
WEATHER
Mostly Sunny this afternoon with moderate winds on the Riviera. Highs of 15 degrees in Nice, Cannes, Saint-Tropez and Toulon, and 16 degrees in Marseille.
Tonight, Mostly cloudy across the region with lows of 7 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, cloudy with light rain and moderate winds. Highs of 13 degrees.
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