NEWS
Monaco's National Day - Monaco's National Day celebrations began with a solemn mass called the Te Deum at the Cathedral of Monaco attended by Prince Albert II, Princess Charlène, and the princely family. The event honours the principality's traditions, featuring prayers and hymns, followed by medal ceremonies and a military parade. Until 2pm, a giant stockfish dish was prepared and there will be musical entertainment from 7:30pm at the Condamine marketplace. The festivities reflect the Monégasque people's unity and reverence for their sovereign.
Abducted Boy in Avignon - A 17-year-old was abducted in front of a children's shelter on Monday in Avignon. The teenager was reportedly forced into a car, possibly at gunpoint. Police have launched an investigation into the incident.
Invasive Electric Ants - A second infestation of invasive electric ants (Wasmannia auropunctata) has been found following a first case in 2022 in the Var region. Native to South America, these ants are harmful to biodiversity, causing painful stings and disrupting ecosystems by driving away or eliminating wildlife. Listed as a concerning invasive species by the EU, they are thought to have spread through the ornamental plant trade.
Auchan Marseille Soap Recalled - An Auchan-brand Marseille soap (300g) is being recalled due to a microbiological risk, including mould and a fungus potentially harmful to immunocompromised individuals. The affected lot (230308) was sold nationwide in France between the 16th of June and the 27th of September. Customers can call 03.59.30.59.30 for more information.
Pics d'Or Awards - The satirical “Pics d’Or” awards by the Abbé Pierre Foundation highlight the worst anti-homeless urban measures in France, with Marseille and Toulon among the nominees. The awards aim to denounce hostile architecture, like spikes or barriers, that push homeless people away rather than addressing the root causes of homelessness. The foundation advocates for humane solutions, including affordable housing and dignified treatment, while raising awareness about the issue.
40th Campaign of Restos du Coeur - The 40th campaign of Restos du Cœur has begun, focusing on supporting babies aged 0-36 months, amid rising child poverty in Vaucluse. With 18 centres serving 8,500 people weekly, the organization emphasizes tailored baby care, nutrition guidance, and aid for families to escape poverty. They urgently seek more volunteers and hygiene product donations to sustain their work.
Shopping Promenade Riviera - The Polygone Riviera shopping centre, rebranded ‘Shopping Promenade Riviera’ is undergoing major updates in Cagnes-sur-Mer, Alpes-Maritimes. A Speed Park featuring bowling, karting, and laser games will replace the former ‘Printemps’ store by late 2025, alongside a Fort Boyard-themed leisure space. The centre will also expand stores like JD Sports and add 6-8 new restaurants.
BUSINESS
Novo Nordisk has launched its weight-loss drug Wegovy in China, targeting the country's 180 million people with obesity. The drug, priced at 1,400 yuan ($194) for four injections, is not covered by insurance and competes with Eli Lilly's upcoming treatment. Wegovy, which helps patients lose over 10% of body weight, is popular globally but has side effects and a high risk of weight regain after discontinuation.
The UK government’s proposed inheritance tax changes for farms, affecting estates over £1m with a 20% tax, have sparked backlash from farmers and the NFU, who warn it could force families to sell farms to wealthy investors. Farmers argue the policy will devastate small farms and exacerbate mental health challenges, despite government claims that it targets only the wealthiest 500 estates annually. Thousands are rallying in London to demand reconsideration, calling the policy a "betrayal" of rural communities.
And - UK retailers, including Tesco, Amazon, and Marks & Spencer, warn of job losses, higher prices, and shop closures due to rising costs from tax hikes, wage increases, and new packaging levies, adding £7 billion annually to their expenses. The British Retail Consortium urges the government to phase in changes and reduce business rates, arguing the measures will harm growth and inflation. The Treasury defends the taxes as essential to fund public services, while unions welcome the wage boosts.
SPORTS
Football - Manchester City forward Lauren Hemp has had surgery on a knee injury, ruling her out of England's upcoming friendlies with the United States and Switzerland.
Rugby Union - Saracens full-back Alex Goode will have surgery this week on a quad injury keeping him out for up to three months.
Golf - LIV Golf's Sergio Garcia is set to rejoin the DP World Tour for the 2025 season as he seeks to play at next year's Ryder Cup.
WEATHER
Mostly sunny this afternoon with moderate to strong winds in the Var. Highs of 18 degrees in Nice, Toulon and Marseille, and 20 degrees in Cannes and Saint-Tropez.
Tonight, cloudy with chances of rain inland and lows of 11 degrees with strong winds.
Outlook for tomorrow, mostly clear with strong winds and highs of 19 degrees.
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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