News
Delays and cancellations are expected today for flights landing in Paris- Due to bad weather forecast for Paris today flights leaving from Nice for the French capital are expected to be delayed or even cancelled according to Nice airport. Those in the Paris region have been advised to limit travel and work from home if possible. Snow and ice is expected as météo France placed 33 regions in the north of the country on an orange weather alert. Meanwhile the first sightings of snow have been reported in the Alpes Maritimes region at an altitude of just 400 metres.
Motorists called to be vigilant due to icy conditions on the roads - Emergency services in the Vaucluse have called for motorists to be vigilant, as the roads may be icy and locally snow-covered from Monday evening. Firefighters therefore recommend avoiding unnecessary travel, reduce speed and equip yourself with snow tyres. As a reminder, since November 1st in mountainous areas, it is mandatory to equip your vehicle with snow chains or winter tires.
Ski season marked by consecutive episodes of avalanches - The beginning of the ski season has been marked by consecutive episodes of avalanches and since the start of the season three people have died and six have been injured. According to Paul Marquis weather expert from the Hautes-Alpes, this is unheard of. Speaking to local media he added that "there were more accidents in one month than in three months last year."
Due to consecutive episodes of snow and mild spells in the last 15 days the avalanche risk level has been between 3 to 4, on a scale of 5, in the Southern Alps. For Paul Marquis, avalanches are not only the result of the weather but also "human imprudence" he points out that "some people don't pay attention off-piste and cause avalanches."
The avalanche risk will remain marked this weekend between 3 and 4 for a large part of the massifs of the Southern Alps. It is therefore strongly advised not to ski or hike off-piste. The prefecture of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence reminds the public to “take note of the weather forecast before leaving, be well equipped for the weather, inform relatives of their itinerary as well as departure and arrival times” adding that “you should never overestimate your abilities and if necessary, any planned outing in the high mountains should be postponed".
Caricature of Emmanuel Macron - Michel Flori the man behind a poster of a caricature of Emmanuel Macron as Hitler with the slogan “obey, get vaccinated”, which was displayed in Toulon in July 2021, has won his appeal under the “freedom of expression”. The poster had become known throughout France at the time and the court of Aix en Provence had sentenced Flori to a 5,000 euros fine for public insults. Following an appeal Tuesday saw the judgment overturned by the highest court ruling that such a caricature should be tolerated in France.
Elected official under investigation for “rape” - A local elected official from La Garde in the Var has been placed in police custody in an investigation for "rape". According to reports the defendant but also his wife are currently being heard under police custody by investigators from the Toulon judicial police service. Searches were carried out on Tuesday, at the workplace of the elected official. The investigation continues.
Large-scale training exercise – From today until December 16th, a large-scale training exercise for the national police and the air force is taking place in Aix-en-Provence and Salon-de-Provence. If you see numerous police cars, helicopters and soldiers in both Aix and Salon-de-Provence, authorities have called on the public not to panic. The large-scale training exercise for the national police and the air force is being carried out under real conditions and the objective is to test the operational chain. There is therefore no need to call the emergency numbers in order to avoid saturating the help lines.
Marseille takes action to end badly parked scooters and bicycles - Badly parked scooter and bicycles have been removed by the city council of Marseille. Monday marked the first operation to attempt to put an end to poor parking which is dangerous and prevents pedestrians from passing. With 600 car parks throughout the city and additional parking spaces provided the city hopes to restore order.
Nice Carnival 2023 - Tickets have gone on sales for next year’s Nice Carnival, which will take place from February 10th to the 26th. The online service can be found on the official website of the event and allows you to buy tickets to access all the highlights of 2023. The theme of the Nice Carnival, which celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2023 is the "King of the treasures of the world". There are specific rates for children, from 6 to 12 years old and for people with disabilities.
10th anniversary of Princess Charlene Foundation - To mark the tenth anniversary of her foundation, Princess Charlene has spoken to local media about her commitments, her vision for the future, her health as well her family which she describes as “her rock”. After 2021 being marked by a series of dental infections causing deep fatigue, the sovereign's wife is gradually recovering and regaining her energy. Since last spring, the princess has indeed resumed public activities. From major events in the Principality, to Paris Fashion Week and a charity gala in New York. Princess Charlene has also more recently been appointed as president of the SPA of Monaco and the end of 2022 also marks the first decade of the Princess Charlene Foundation. Launched in 2012 the organisation primary goal was to put an end to death by drowning in the world, by offering programs to teach children to swim. The Princess Charlene Foundation has since played a major role in gaining recognition for the public health problem and the Princess is proud of it.
Business
The rapid rise in consumer prices is slowing in the US, as the costs of energy, used cars, medical care and airfare fall. US inflation was 7.1% over the 12 months to the end of November, dropping from 7.7% in October. That was the slowest pace in nearly a year and better than analysts expected. But though the overall picture is improving, the cost of some items such as housing continues to climb. The US central bank has raised interest rates at the fastest pace in decades this year, in an effort to get the inflation problem under control.
Following his arrest on Monday in the Bahamas Sam Bankman-Fried, founder of the failed cryptocurrency exchange FTX, has been denied bail by a judge US authorities charged Mr Bankman-Fried with "one of the biggest financial frauds in US history" on Tuesday. The ex-FTX boss built a "house of cards on a foundation of deception”. Mr Bankman-Fried has indicated that he will fight extradition to the US.
Last month, FTX filed for bankruptcy in the US, leaving many users unable to withdraw their funds. According to a court filing, FTX owed its 50 largest creditors almost $3.1bn (£2.5bn).
Meanwhile, Hong Kong's financial markets watchdog has issued a warning over the risks of online platforms for cryptocurrency and other digital asset deposits. "Investors are urged to be wary of the potential high risks" associated with so-called "virtual asset arrangements”.
US lawmakers have proposed a ban on TikTok citing concerns about national security. It is the latest move in the US against the company, which is owned by Chinese tech giant ByteDance. Last month, the head of the FBI voiced concern that China could use the app to influence users or control their electronics. Several US states have banned it from government devices.
And - Elon Musk is no longer the world's richest man after a sharp drop in the value of his shares in electric car company Tesla this year. According to both Forbes and Bloomberg, Mr Musk has been overtaken at the top spot by Bernard Arnault, the chief executive of luxury goods group LVMH. Mr Musk is chief executive and the largest shareholder in Tesla, with a reported stake of about 14%. He completed a $44bn takeover of social network Twitter in October. According to Forbes, Mr Musk is now worth about $178bn (£152bn). Meanwhile, Bernard Arnault has a value of $188bn.
World Cup
Argentina have beaten Croatia 3-0 in last night’s World Cup semi-final. Lionel Messi who believes Sunday's final will be his last appearance for Argentina in a World Cup scored his fifth goal of the 2022 tournament last night and admitted afterwards that he does not expect to appear in a sixth World Cup in four years’ time.
Meanwhile all eyes are on tonight’s semi-final between France and Morocco. Morocco are one step from a sensational place in the World Cup final, ahead of their semi-final meeting with defending champions France. Their achievements in Qatar, becoming the first African team to reach this stage, have come as a surprise to many, especially after the coach who led the Atlas Lions to the tournament was sacked in August. Kick off is at 8pm this evening.
Sport
Rugby - French rugby chief Bernard Laporte has been given a two-year suspended prison sentence and a 75,000 euro (£64,000) fine for corruption, nine months before the country hosts the World Cup. Hours after the verdict the French Rugby Federation president stepped down as vice-chair of World Rugby. Laporte was also banned from holding rugby posts for two years, but that is suspended pending an expected appeal. According to French news agency AFP, the court ruled that Laporte had showed favouritism in choosing France's shirt sponsor. Laporte, who coached France to the 2003 and 2007 World Cup semi-finals, was also found guilty of intervening with disciplinary action against Montpellier. He was convicted of helping to reduce a fine against the club from 70,000 euros (£60,000) to 20,000 euros (£17,000).
Cricket - Top Gear presenter Andrew 'Freddie' Flintoff has been hurt in an accident while filming for the BBC show. He received medical care at the scene before being taken to hospital for further treatment. The incident happened at Top Gear's test track in Surrey.
His injuries are not thought to be life-threatening, and a BBC spokesperson said details would be confirmed "in due course".
Formula One – Ferrari have named Frederic Vasseur as their team principal. The Frenchman will replace Mattia Binotto on 9 January. Vasseur will be charged with turning Ferrari into a team capable of winning the world championship.
Weather
Cloudy with the risk of some showers and a moderate breeze. Highs of 13 degrees in Nice and Cannes. 12 degrees in Monaco and Saint Paul de Vence. Light rain and a fresh breeze with highs of 12 degrees in Saint Tropez in the Var. 11 degrees and drizzle over the border in San Remo, Italy.
This evening going down to 6 degrees in the Alpes Maritimes and 7 degrees in Toulon and the Var.
The outlook for tomorrow heavy rain is forecast throughout the region highs of 12-13 degrees. Friday some scattered showers to start. Clearing by the afternoon highs of 14 degrees.
Sunrise 07.56hr
Sunset 16.53hr
News
Delays and cancellations are expected today for flights landing in Paris- Due to bad weather forecast for Paris today flights leaving from Nice for the French capital are expected to be delayed or even cancelled according to Nice airport. Those in the Paris region have been advised to limit travel and work from home if possible. Snow and ice is expected as météo France placed 33 regions in the north of the country on an orange weather alert. Meanwhile the first sightings of snow have been reported in the Alpes Maritimes region at an altitude of just 400 metres.
Motorists called to be vigilant due to icy conditions on the roads - Emergency services in the Vaucluse have called for motorists to be vigilant, as the roads may be icy and locally snow-covered from Monday evening. Firefighters therefore recommend avoiding unnecessary travel, reduce speed and equip yourself with snow tyres. As a reminder, since November 1st in mountainous areas, it is mandatory to equip your vehicle with snow chains or winter tires.
Ski season marked by consecutive episodes of avalanches - The beginning of the ski season has been marked by consecutive episodes of avalanches and since the start of the season three people have died and six have been injured. According to Paul Marquis weather expert from the Hautes-Alpes, this is unheard of. Speaking to local media he added that "there were more accidents in one month than in three months last year."
Due to consecutive episodes of snow and mild spells in the last 15 days the avalanche risk level has been between 3 to 4, on a scale of 5, in the Southern Alps. For Paul Marquis, avalanches are not only the result of the weather but also "human imprudence" he points out that "some people don't pay attention off-piste and cause avalanches."
The avalanche risk will remain marked this weekend between 3 and 4 for a large part of the massifs of the Southern Alps. It is therefore strongly advised not to ski or hike off-piste. The prefecture of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence reminds the public to “take note of the weather forecast before leaving, be well equipped for the weather, inform relatives of their itinerary as well as departure and arrival times” adding that “you should never overestimate your abilities and if necessary, any planned outing in the high mountains should be postponed".
Caricature of Emmanuel Macron - Michel Flori the man behind a poster of a caricature of Emmanuel Macron as Hitler with the slogan “obey, get vaccinated”, which was displayed in Toulon in July 2021, has won his appeal under the “freedom of expression”. The poster had become known throughout France at the time and the court of Aix en Provence had sentenced Flori to a 5,000
