A workman has died after the collapse of a railway tunnel in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. He was part of a group working on the tunnel between Saint-André-les-Alpes and Moriez when part of it collapses this morning. The tunnel is over 1km long and is used by the Pignes tourist train which runs between Nice and Digne.
More information has emerged about the man who stabbed two people in Marseille yesterday. Police say that the man, who was shot dead by the authorities, had psychiatric problems. The prosecutor said today that there is nothing to suggest a terrorist connection. The two victims are being treated in hospital and their lives are not in danger.
The Var region has been placed on an air pollution alert today. The Prefect of the Var announced this morning his decision to issue the level 1 alert accompanied with advice to protect health such as, reducing any physical activities or intense outdoor sports and in the case of respiratory or cardiac discomfort, to consult your pharmacist or doctor as well as limiting your private and business trips along with the use of motor vehicles, focusing on carpooling and public transport.
A French national has died and three people have been injured after an avalanche on a marked ski slope at a major resort in the Swiss Alps. The avalanche was unusual in that it fell on a popular, marked slope when the avalanche risk was deemed low. The avalanche happened in Crans-Montana yesterday afternoon. Police said that the deceased person had been working in Crans Montana's ski patrol service.
150 trees are being felled in Sophia-Antipolis because of safety concerns. The trees are either at risk of falling onto the road or are deemed to be a fire risk. The area has a high density of pine trees which are highly flammable.
Monaco Tech, the Principality’s start-up incubator is calling for applications from innovators. MonacoTech was co-founded by the Principality of Monaco, Monaco Telecom and telecoms entrepreneur Xavier Niel. It helps companies and people with innovative, high growth potential business projects to get established in the Principality. Applications are being accepted until the 24th of February and you can get more details at www.monacotech.mc
BUSINESS
UBS has been fined €3.7bn by a French court in a case concerning tax fraud. The court in Paris found that the bank had illegally helped French clients hide billions of euros from French tax authorities between 2004 and 2012. UBS has denied any wrongdoing and a lawyer representing the firm said it would appeal against the ruling.
In the UK, the Competition and Markets Authority has issued its provisional report on the proposed merger between Sainsbury's and Asda. The CMA said that customers could see higher prices and less choice as a result of the proposed merger. It also said it could block the deal or force the sale of a large number of stores or even one of the brand names. Sainsbury's chief executive Mike Coupe described the CMA's analysis as "fundamentally flawed".
Satnav maker Garmin has reported a 4% increase in total revenue to $932m in the fourth quarter. The company said that growth was driven by strong performance in its aviation, marine, outdoor and fitness segments.
SPORT
Cricket…England are taking on the West Indies today in the One Day International Series in Barbados.
Golf….Steve Stricker has been named as captain of the United States Ryder Cup team. The United States is aiming to reclaim the cup at Whistling Straits in 2020. Stricker was on the winning side as a player in 2008, but also played in the 2010 and 2012 losses to Europe.
Rugby Union… Josh Strauss is available for Scotland's Six Nations match against France in Paris on Saturday - despite losing his passport. Strauss was a doubt for the match after his South African passport went missing. However, the Scottish Rugby Union says the situation has now been resolved. Scotland are aiming to beat France in Paris for the first time since 1999.
Formula 1…It’s the third day of pre-season testing in Barcelona today and the delayed Williams car has made its debut on the track. Carlos Sainz spun his car and ended up in the gravel. Daniil Kvyat was fastest overall, followed by Kimi Raikkonen and Daniel Ricciardo.
Football… Juventus midfielder Sami Khedira is expected to be out for about a month after having treatment for an irregular heartbeat. He had further tests after being ruled out of today’s Champions League game at Atletico Madrid because of the condition.
A new optional regional transport tax for businesses, introduced in France’s 2025 budget, aims to fund eco-friendly mobility projects. ...
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A judge has authorised a dive to inspect the wreckage of a plane in the sea off Antibes. The plane crashed into the Mediterranean on September 11 1968...
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In France, drinking water is heavily contaminated with "forever pollutants," particularly trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), as revealed by two studies from ...
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The trial of the Tunisian man accused of the murder of three people in the Nice Basilica attack is continuing in Paris. Yesterday the families of the ...
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Four cities in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur (PACA) region made Booking.com's 2025 list of the "most welcoming destinations in France." ...
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