News
French President to visit Notre-Dame - Five and a half years after a devastating fire destroyed its roof and spire, causing major damage throughout, French President Emmanuel Macron will today Friday 29th November, visit renovation works at the Notre-Dame cathedral in Paris. One of the French capitals most beloved and visited monuments which is to reopen on December 7th. Notre-Dame de Paris has long been celebrated in books and movies. The first stone was laid in 1163, and construction continued for much of the next century, with major restoration and additions made in the 17th and 18th century. Victor Hugo used the cathedral as a setting for his 1831 novel, "The Hunchback of Notre-Dame". It remains unclear what exactly caused the fire. French authorities have said an electrical fault, or a burning cigarette may have been responsible.
Cases of scabies in nursery in Cannes – In local news, two cases of scabies have been reported at a nursery in Cannes. Management have said they are monitoring the situation closely; however, parents have voiced their “anger and concern”, claiming that it took too long to be notified. The ARS (Regional Health Agency) replied to local media on the subject, saying that "scabies is not a disease that is subject to mandatory reporting to their services”. Adding that a “case was reported on November 26th, and measures have since been taken by the Babilou nursery in Cannes”. Scabies is very contagious and spreads through direct human contact (skin to skin), and through clothing and bedding. Symptoms are spots and itching, which require medical treatment.
Accident - A 45-year-old man has been airlifted to hospital after a serious accident on an electric scooter in Gassin, in the Var. The incident occurred on Thursday evening at around 8pm. The victim was taken to hospital in Toulon. An investigation has been opened to determine the exact circumstances no other vehicle was involved.
Train traffic - Train traffic will be interrupted on November 30th between Nice and Monaco. Due to renovation work at Nice-Ville station, trains will not be in services from Saturday, November 30th until Sunday, December 1st at 9am. Trains will run as normal between Cannes, Grasse and Nice and between Ventimiglia and Monaco, there will be one train every hour. The SNCF indicates that no replacement buses are planned and suggests that passengers use the existing ZOU line (600).
HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco - HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco and American actor Leonardo DiCaprio have joined explorer and marine biologist, Enric Sala, on an expedition to the Solomon Islands where the largest coral in the world has just been discovered. Prince Albert planned the stopover in the Pacific on his way to Singapore to attend a gala for his foundation this week. He joined the National Geographic Pristine Seas expedition team there, led by marine biologist Enric Sala. A leading figure in ocean exploration and science. Meanwhile, guest of honour at the first Gala for the Ocean in Monaco in 2017, Leonardo DiCaprio remains an activist committed to the environmental cause.
Telethon - For the first time, the Telethon will take place in two stages in Monaco. The first phase will begin this Saturday with the second phase taking place in January. This Saturday, November 30th from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the Promenade Honoré-II, Santa Claus will be waiting for young and old for a souvenir photo at the community centre. At the same time, there will be a sale of objects, cuddly toys, Christmas decorations and drinks all to raise funds for charity. The Telethon "flash mob" will be open to all at 3pm. To donate, collection points and a sale of all kinds of objects will be set up at the Condamine market and in the Fontvieille shopping centre. The proceeds collected by the association "Monaco maladies scientifiques" will then be donated to the AFM-Téléthon. The second phase of the Téléthon in the Principality will take place from January 18 to 19, 2025, with the Téléthon village at the Espace Léo-Ferré.
Business
Australia’s parliament has approved the worlds strictest law on social media after introducing a ban on children under 16 from using it. The ban will not take effect for at least 12 months and could see tech companies fined up to A$50m if they don't comply. Critics say questions over how the ban will work have been left unanswered. Having passed the Senate by 34 votes to 19 late on Thursday, the bill returned to the House of Representatives where it passed early on Friday.
Typhoo Tea has entered administration. Administrators were appointed this week to the more than 100-year-old tea brand, but a potential buyer may have already emerged. Consumer goods wholesaler Supreme announced its takeover discussions were "at an advanced stage" but cautioned "there can be no certainty" the purchase will take place.
Sport
Football – Rangers have kept up their hopes of automatic qualification from the league phase of the UEFA Europa League after beating OGC Nice 4-1 on home ground on Thursday evening. In the Premier League this evening Brighton are at home to Southampton.
Formula One - Lando Norris says Max Verstappen "should start doing comedy" after the Dutchman suggested he could have won the world title in Norris' McLaren. The Red Bull driver's remarks are based on his belief that the McLaren was the faster car for much of the season. Verstappen said after last weekend's Las Vegas Grand Prix, where he won the title, that he would have wrapped it up sooner if he were driving for McLaren, and that it would have been "pretty much the same" in a Ferrari.
Weather
Sunny with a gentle breeze. Highs of 18 degrees in Nice, 17 degrees in Monaco. Sunny intervals and highs of 17 degrees in Saint Tropez. This evening going down to 9 degrees with clear skies.
The outlook for Saturday, light cloud and scattered showers. Sunday mainly fine highs of
