News
French President receives full military honours at the White House - President Joe Biden has greeted President Emmanuel Macron at the White House with full military honours and a pledge to maintain "unwavering" US-French friendship ahead of talks on Ukraine, China and a looming trade dispute. Standing on a red-carpeted podium with Macron on Thursday, Biden said: "France is our oldest ally, our unwavering partner in freedom's cause."
France prepares for power cuts this winter - The energy supplier Enedis and the operator of the electricity transmission network RTE are planning a nationwide test on December 9th in view of potential power cuts. In collaboration with prefectures across France the excise is to allow authorities to be prepared in case of a power cuts.
GP strike continues - Many General Practitioners across France are on strike today for a second consecutive day with some reports saying that about 75% of GPs locally are taking part. Amongst their demands are an increase in the consultation fee from 25 to 50 euros.
SNCF strike from today through until Sunday - Meanwhile, a reminder that industrial action by controllers is expected to affect train services this weekend. About 60% of TGV and Inter City trains are expected to be cancelled and local TER services are also expected to be disrupted. Information about specific local trains can be found on https://www.ter.sncf.com/sud-provence-alpes-cote-d-azur
Two bodies of two babies found frozen in a freezer in Carpentras – In local news this morning, a woman has been placed in police custody after two frozen bodies of two babies were found in a freezer at her home in the town of Bédoin in the Vaucluse. According to the public prosecutor of Carpentras, the discovery was made by police on Thursday morning. The 41-year-old mother was arrested on the spot. At this stage of the investigation, it is impossible to specify the age or sex of the babies as well as their possible links with the woman in police custody. The investigation has been entrusted to the gendarmerie of Carpentras.
Monegasque handed a six-month suspended sentence for growing cannabis in his apartment - A Monegasque has been handed a six-month suspended sentence for growing cannabis in his apartment. Twenty-one cannabis plants were discovered in the apartment in Moneghetti. According to local media the former gardener was growing the cannabis for personal consumption.
Monaco calls for vigilance regarding covid and seasonal flu - The Monaco government has called for vigilance regarding Covid-19 and seasonal flu as the end-of-year celebrations approach. It said that the strict application of barrier gestures remains "absolutely necessary" to fight effectively against winter viruses and prevent a new epidemic wave. The government strongly recommends wearing a mask in the event of suspected infection, as well as on public transport and in high-traffic commercial and tourist areas. It added that up-to-date booster vaccination, particularly for people at risk or people aged 60 and over, remains one of the most effective means of protection against serious illness.
Quilt commemorative ceremony - His Serene Highness Prince Albert of Monaco has been joined by his sister and his niece as he commemorated people who lost their lives to AIDS on Thursday evening. Prince Albert took part in the Quilt commemorative ceremony at the Oceanographic Museum paying tribute to the victims of the AIDS crisis on World Aids Day. His sister Princess Stephanie, who created the association Fight AIDS Monaco, was present for the event, alongside her daughter, Camille Gottlieb.
Christmas sale in Monaco to benefit the children of Burkina Faso - The “Mission Enfance association” has organised a Christmas sale in Monaco today to benefit children of Burkina Faso. Clothes, shoes and accessories for women, men and children, linen, toys and decorative items are available selling for between 3 to 20 euros. All items are clean and in good condition. The sale is taking place in the offices of Mission Enfance, 19 avenue des Papalins from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Port de Fontvieille public car park offers one hour of free parking. More information can be found at www.missionenfant.org
The Weeknd adds new date to concert in Nice next year - The Weeknd has added a new date to his concert in Nice next year. The "Blinding Lights" singer will perform on Saturday July 22nd and Sunday July 23rd at the Allianz Riviera, to celebrate the album "After Hours" released in 2020. Ticket sales will be available from today at midday on the Allianz Riviera website and at the usual points of sale. Prices are between €79 and €156.
Business
France’s Prime Minister has revealed the government’s pension reform confirming that the French will have to work until the age of 65. In an interview with the Parisian newspaper, Elisabeth Borne confirms that the details of her plan will be unveiled on December 15th. The Prime Minister explains that the first generation affected by the reform will be that of 1961. Then, the reform will be implemented gradually from 2023 to affect all employees in 2031.
The UK government is set to miss its target for securing post-Brexit trade agreements, as figures show a 15% fall in the number of UK exporters. At the 2019 election the Conservatives promised to get agreements covering 80% of UK trade by the end of this year. The most recent figures suggest it will be just 63%.
And – Elon Musk's satellites are to be part of a UK trial to get high-speed internet to remote homes and companies. The enhanced package of connectivity - operated by his Starlink technology - is part of government plans to ensure everyone can access reliable coverage. It will test how more than 3,000 low-Earth orbit small satellites can be used to help more than a dozen "very hard to reach" places. The rollout will initially be trialled at three remote locations located in the North York Moors National Park, the Lake District and within Snowdonia National Park. After the trials, the government will consider the viability of using the technology.
World Cup
Despite Germany’s 4-2 win against Costa Rica on Thursday. Germany are out of the World Cup.
Meanwhile history was made as three women referees took charge of the World Cup game between Germany and Costa Rica. Frenchwoman Stephanie Frappart led the line up which marked the first time in a men's World Cup game where an all-female refereeing team was in charge.
Japan scored a controversial winner as they staged another extraordinary World Cup comeback to top Group E beating Spain 2-1 and reaching the last 16.
Morocco ended 36 years of World Cup hurt by progressing to the knockout stage beating Canada 2-1 - then set their sights on going all the way and Belgium have been knocked out of the World Cup at the group stage as Croatia progressed at their expense with a goalless draw in Qatar.
Today in Group G Cameroon play Brazil kick off is at 8pm. Serbia play Switzerland with an 8pm kick off and at 4pm in Group H Ghana play Uruguay and South Korea play Portugal.
Sport
Cricket - There was some breath-taking batting from England in the first Test in Pakistan for 17 years. Today is day 2 of 5 of the test match series and Pakistan are still to bat.
Formula One - Spanish IndyCar driver Alex Palou will be one of McLaren's Formula 1 reserve drivers in 2023. The 25-year-old will be McLaren's reserve at all grands prix that do not clash with his commitments in IndyCar. McLaren have not said who will fill the role at other times. In 2022, the team had access to a total of four reserve drivers.
Golf - Northern Ireland teenager Tom McKibbin struck a hole-in-one in only his second event on the DP World Tour at the South African Open. The 19-year-old is tied for seventh after carding a five-under-par 67 in his opening round in Johannesburg.
Athletics - Malcolm Brown, who coached Alistair and Jonny Brownlee to Olympic medals, has won an International Olympic Committee lifetime achievement award. "Achieving Olympic success requires more than training, skill, science and technique. It requires belief and trust," said Brown. "It has been a privilege to receive that trust." Brown worked with athletes such as Dame Kelly Holmes and Paula Radcliffe before moving into triathlon.
Weather
Sunny becoming increasingly cloudy as the day continues. Highs of 14 degrees in Nice, 16 in Cannes and 15 in Saint Tropez. This evening going down to 6 degrees in Nice and 4 degrees in the Var with rain expected.
The outlook for the weekend, rain with the possibility of some sunny intervals. Highs of between 11-12 inland and 14-15 degrees along the coast.
Sunrise 07.44hr
Sunset 16.54hr
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