NEWS
La Palmosa Hospital in Renovation - The La Palmosa Hospital in Menton has relocated its emergency services to temporary facilities for 18 months due to major renovation work. Despite the same 400m² space, staff face new logistical challenges, including reliance on remote radiology services from Lyon. The renovations aim to triple the size of the emergency unit, add short-stay hospital rooms, and enhance capacity, with completion expected in early 2026 at a cost of €8 million.
Strikes Disrupts After-School Services - After-school services will be heavily disrupted on Thursday, 12th of December due to a strike organized by the FO Territoriaux union in Valbonne. Staff from schools, including animators, catering, and maintenance workers will participate, affecting 8 establishments where most services (midday and evening care, transport) will be closed. Despite a national suspension of the strike, Valbonne's local action will proceed as planned.
Fire in Cannes - A fire broke out on the night of the 10-11th of December due to an electrical issue at Ma Nolan's Irish Pub in central Cannes. The fire caused significant damage to the 300 m² establishment, especially on the ground floor and first floor. Firefighters extinguished the blaze by 3:30 am, with no casualties reported. The pub, considered a local institution, is temporarily closed along with the building housing it.
Woman Found Dead in Her Home - A 24-year-old woman has been found dead at her home in Avignon, after firefighters were alerted by her mother. The state of the flat suggests that the young woman had been subjected to extreme violence. An investigation for murder has been launched, led by Avignon's Organized and Specialized Crime Division.
Dutch Karting Champion Arrested - A 21-year-old Dutch karting champion named Senna has been given a 6-month suspended sentence after assaulting a hotel night porter in Nice. The incident occurred after he returned to the hotel intoxicated, demanded service, and attacked the porter with punches and kicks, causing a three-week work absence for the victim. Despite the conviction, Senna was allowed to recover his passport and return home.
Wild Boar Spotted in Eze - A wild boar has been spotted running on the road ignoring traffic lights and surprising onlookers near the beach in Èze, Alpes-Maritimes. Sightings of wild boars in urban areas near Nice have become more frequent, with past appearances on the Promenade des Anglais and in city waterways. Authorities may organize hunts to control their presence when they pose a threat to public safety.
Christmas Trees Throughout the Year - A French nurseryman, Olivier Bedel, offers to care for customers' potted Christmas trees throughout the year, encouraging reuse for multiple holiday seasons. His initiative promotes sustainability by reducing tree waste and supporting living plants that continue to absorb carbon. Despite this, most customers still prefer cut trees for convenience and lower cost, though Bedel highlights the environmental impact of their production and disposal.
BUSINESS
Avanti West Coast train managers will strike on the 22nd, 23rd and 29th December over "unacceptable" rest day working arrangements. Services will be limited, with a revised timetable available on the 14th of December. The RMT union claims managers are being treated unfairly compared to senior staff, while Avanti aims to resolve the dispute.
And - Rents for newly let properties in the UK have risen 27% since 2021, outpacing wage growth and leaving tenants, especially students and low-income renters, struggling with affordability. Although rent growth has slowed to 3.9% annually, sharp increases persist in areas like Northern Ireland and towns like Rochdale. With demand outpacing supply and many landlords planning to sell, rents are forecast to rise by 4% in 2025.
SPORTS
Golf - Scottie Scheffler matched Tiger Woods by becoming the only second man to win the PGA Tour player of the year award in three consecutive seasons.
Rugby Union - Leicester Tigers back Harry Simmons has retired on medical grounds after sustaining an eye injury at the start of the year. The 27-year-old academy graduate was injured during an Investec Champions Cup match against Leinster in January.
In other news, the rugby community has rallied around the loved ones of former England rugby international Tom Voyce, who went missing in an area flooded by Storm Darragh. Police fear Mr Voyce has died after trying to cross Abberwick Ford in his car which was then pulled along by the current of the river in Northumberland.
WEATHER
Mostly clear this afternoon with moderate winds near Cannes, Saint-Tropez and Toulon. Highs of 14 degrees in Toulon and Marseille, 15 in Nice and Cannes, and 16 degrees in Saint-Tropez.
Tonight, mostly clear with lows of 8 degrees
Outlook for tomorrow, fine and bright with highs of 15 degrees and moderate winds in the same places.
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