NEWS
Charcot's Disease Promising Treatment - Researchers in Nice, led by Prof. Véronique Paquis, have identified an antibiotic, nifuroxazide, that shows promise in treating ALS (Charcot’s disease), a hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy that causes progressive loss of muscle tissue and touch sensation. By restoring mitochondrial function, the drug reduces neuron death in lab models, potentially improving nerve-to-muscle energy transfer essential for movement. They will now test this therapy in mice before human trials.
WWI Armistice Commemoration - Two associations in Cannes have commemorated the WWI Armistice on the 11th of November by recreating historical scenes with authentic Alpine Chasseur uniforms, honouring soldiers from Nice, Grasse, Antibes, and Menton who served in mountain combat. Alongside veterans, these passionate reenactors aim to preserve and share the legacy of the soldiers, particularly those of the 6th Alpine Battalion. The ceremony concluded with a traditional wreath-laying at the war memorial.
Cleaning Staff Still on Strike - Metro stations are overflowing with trash after a week-long cleaning staff strike, demanding that the new contractor, Atalian, retain 14 former employees in Marseille. Atalian has filed complaints against the previous contractor for alleged fraud, while the union accuses the transit authority of "social dumping." Passengers are frustrated, with concerns about hygiene and safety, as rats are increasingly present.
Protests Against Asphalt Factory - Protests against a temporary asphalt factory are ongoing due to unbearable fumes causing health issues and forcing residents to stay indoors in Lamanon, Bouches-du-Rhône. The "Défendons Lamanon" group demands the factory's closure, while local authorities have set up a monitoring committee to address concerns, and air quality sensors have been installed. Despite efforts to reduce emissions, the factory will operate until April 2025, which residents find unacceptable.
Terrorism Victims Memorial Vandalised, a Man Arrested - A 43-year-old man has been arrested Monday evening for allegedly vandalizing a memorial for terrorism victims at Marseille’s Saint-Charles station. The damage included removal of the main plaque, defacement of the French flag, and partial melting of the memorial base. The mayor of Marseille pledged to quickly restore the plaque amidst widespread public and political condemnation.
Snow has Returned to the Alpes-Maritimes - Snow has returned to the Alpes-Maritimes, delighting ski enthusiasts and mountain resorts like Isola 2000, Auron, and Valberg. The snowfall brings hope for an early season opening, though it’s expected to be brief as sun returns tomorrow. Several mountain passes are closed, and drivers are reminded of mandatory snow equipment due to yellow ice and snow alerts in the region.
Claude Bonucci - Claude Bonucci, an acclaimed French tailor who dressed stars like Prince and Coluche, was honoured by Cannes this year for his dedication to French craftsmanship. Known for his meticulous, high-end tailoring and commitment to apprenticeship, Bonucci recently closed his boutique and now hopes to open an haute couture museum in Nice.
BUSINESS
The UK unemployment rate rose to 4.3% from 4% in the latest quarter, with slower wage growth despite still outpacing inflation. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) advised caution with these figures due to data collection issues, while the Bank of England monitors these trends closely as businesses face rising costs from tax and wage hikes, potentially impacting future hiring.
Wessex Water was fined £500,000 for polluting rivers in Wiltshire and North Somerset in 2018, killing over 2,100 fish, including protected species. The company admitted negligence, as it failed to install monitoring systems on aging sewage pipes in time to prevent spills. Since the incidents, Wessex Water has invested in AI to better monitor and prevent future pollution.
And - France will increase pensions in 2025 by up to €800 million, implementing a 0.9% raise from January and additional boosts in July for lower incomes. This compromise between the government and the right aims to protect purchasing power while reducing originally planned savings. Budget Minister Laurent Saint-Martin expects to finalize the agreement with Parliament soon.
SPORTS
Football - Scotland have called up midfielder Stuart Armstrong for the Nations League games against Croatia and Poland as attackers Che Adams and Lewis Morgan withdraw from the squad.
Rugby Union - Mason Grady has been ruled out of Wales' remaining autumn games and is a doubt for the start of the 2025 Six Nations, against France in Paris on Friday, 31 January due to an ankle injury.
Tennis - Casper Ruud stunned an out-of-sorts Carlos Alcaraz to begin his ATP Finals campaign with a straight-set victory in Turin, winning 6-1 7-5.
WEATHER
Mostly cloudy with chances of rain in the west side of the region this afternoon with moderate to strong winds. Highs of 15 degrees in Marseille, 16 degrees in Toulon, 17 degrees in Nice and Cannes, and 18 degrees in Saint-Tropez.
Tonight, the grey should make way for clearer skies with lows of 12 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, bright and clear once again with highs of 19 degrees and a gentle breeze.
French prime minister François Bayrou has announced plans for a consultation on proportional representation in the country's legislative elections....
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A British man has died in an avalanche in the Savoie department. According to local reports, the man in his twenties was on a road near the ski resort...
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Senior US, European, and Ukrainian diplomats will meet again in London next week after what France called an "excellent" day of peace talks in Paris o...
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Mainly fine with light winds and highs of 17 degrees in Nice and Saint-Tropez, 16 degrees in Monaco, 19 degrees in Toulon. This evening going down to ...
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The French government has instructed local prefects across France to immediately reinforce surveillance and protection of prisons and their staff. The...
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