NEWS
Rapid HIV Diagnostics in Pharmacies - For the first time in France, rapid HIV diagnostic tests are now available in pharmacies in Alpes-Maritimes. Conducted without a prescription or upfront payment, the tests provide immediate, confidential results. Currently offered in six pharmacies around Menton, the initiative aims to expand based on its success, supporting efforts to end HIV transmission.
Corsica in Orange Alert for Strong Winds - Corsica is still under an orange weather alert for strong winds and faces disruptions in both its departments. Flights from Calvi and Bastia, as well as all operations at Bastia port, have been cancelled, while some maritime routes have been altered. Winds reaching 180 km/h caused road closures, transport suspensions, and heightened fire risks, prompting officials to urge caution and restrict outdoor activities.
Vehicle on Fire on the A8 Motorway - A vehicle has caught fire on the A8 motorway, causing a complete traffic shutdown in both directions near Nice. The incident occurred around late morning, and Vinci Autoroutes closed the entrance at Nice-Est. By 11:50am, all traffic was halted.
School Bus in a Ditch - A school bus has fallen into a ditch this morning, injuring 2 teenagers on the 12th departmental near Puget-Ville, Var. The bus driver was trying to dodge an oncoming vehicle and ended in a ditch. More than 15 firefighters intervened with two teenagers suffering minor rib injuries. Traffic was severely disrupted.
16 Year-Old Passes Away after Scooter Accident - A 16 year-old boy died after his scooter collided head-on with a car on the Route de Richerenches in Visan, Vaucluse, on the evening of the 19th of November. Despite efforts by emergency responders, he was pronounced dead at the scene. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the accident.
Armed Robbery - Two armed and masked individuals carried out an armed robbery on the 20th of November, fleeing with an envelope at the post office on the island of Porquerolles, Var. The post office worker, left in shock, received medical attention and was taken to the mainland. Police are investigating, analysing evidence, and reviewing surveillance footage.
Illegal Waste Dumping in the Var - French municipalities are cracking down on illegal waste dumping, a costly and environmentally damaging problem. Using surveillance cameras and specialized brigades, cities like Draguignan and Le Luc have reduced incidents significantly, with fines reaching up to €500. Supported by the gendarmerie’s environmental command and tools like the “Gendélus” app, mayors are receiving resources to address the issue, which impacts finances, public health, and quality of life.
Diamant Brut - Diamant Brut, the debut film by Agathe Riedinger, explores the struggles and dreams of a 19-year-old aspiring reality TV star, set against the backdrop of Fréjus and the Côte d'Azur. Featuring non-professional actress Malou Khebizi, the film critiques class dynamics, the allure of social media, and society's obsession with desirability. Released on November 20, it offers a raw portrayal of ambition and the human need for love.
BUSINESS
Officials have signed a new agreement to strengthen the fight against tax and social benefits fraud in the Var. The convention allows administrations to conduct judicial procedures, including summoning individuals and seizing assets, to target increasingly complex fraud networks. In 2023, fraud in the Var totalled €26.5 million, with significant efforts focused on illegal work, especially in construction.
Maersk, a major container shipping company, will stop using the Port of Felixstowe from February 2025, shifting its operations to the London Gateway port in Essex, citing better service optimization. This move affects Asia-Europe routes under the Gemini cooperation but leaves other routes unchanged. The announcement follows recent plans for a £2 billion expansion of London Gateway and Stansted.
Cuts to the winter fuel allowance, restricted to only the poorest pensioners, could push 50,000 more pensioners into relative poverty next year and 100,000 annually in later years, according to government estimates. While Labour defends the cuts as necessary to address a fiscal deficit, critics argue they unfairly harm vulnerable pensioners during a cost-of-living crisis. Efforts to offset the impact include encouraging pensioners to claim pension credit, but concerns about poverty rates remain high.
And - Northern Rail has pledged to improve its poor performance after widespread criticism over cancellations, delays, and unreliable services, including over 1,000 train cancellations during half-term. The firm blames crew availability and aging infrastructure but has introduced an improvement plan aiming for 90% punctuality by 2027. Critics, including passengers, businesses, and leaders like Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, argue the service is stifling regional growth and call for urgent action.
SPORTS
Rugby Union - Matt Taylor expects a close encounter when Scotland and Australia meet in the latest instalment of the "great rivalry" between the sides on Sunday.
Cricket - Batter Paige Scholfield has been withdrawn from England's T20 squad for their tour of South Africa because of an ankle injury.
Football - Wales' players believe they will get better and better under Craig Bellamy as they look to take Nations League momentum towards the World Cup.
Tennis - Rafael Nadal says he would like to be remembered as "a kid who followed their dreams" as the tennis great bid a poignant farewell to the sport. In 23 years, he won 22 Grand Slams as his career came to an end on Tuesday night in Malaga after Spain were beaten by the Netherlands in the Davis Cup quarterfinals.
TRAFFIC
Vinci Autoroutes is resurfacing an 8.5 km stretch of the A8 highway between Mougins and Villeneuve-Loubet, using eco-friendly methods to recycle 100% of old asphalt, with 40% reused on-site. The €7 million project, involving nighttime closures to minimize traffic disruption, aims to ensure durability and reduce environmental impact, with completion expected by early December.
WEATHER
Mostly clear with strong winds today. Highs of 17 degrees in Marseille and Toulon, 19 in Saint-Tropez and Cannes, and 20 degrees in Nice.
Tonight, bit cloudy with strong winds persisting in the var with lows of 14 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, mostly cloudy with chances of light rain and gusts of up to 60km/h. Highs of 16 degrees.
For the first time in France, rapid HIV diagnostic tests are now available in pharmacies in Alpes-Maritimes. ...
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The Princess Grace Irish Library here in the Principality is today celebrating its 40th anniversary. Created by Prince Rainier III of Monaco in memory...
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French President Emmanuel Macron has said that China has an important role to play in avoiding nuclear escalation, after Russian President Vladimir Pu...
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The Liautaud Tunnel in Nice will be closed on Thursday, 21st of November from 9 PM to 1 AM for a civil security drill simulating a vehicle fire and su...
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Roadworks will affect traffic on the A8 motorway from the 18th to the 22nd of November, with closures and diversions during nighttime hours (9 PM–5 AM...
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