NEWS
Concerns over Birds near Nice International Airport - Following a deadly plane crash in South Korea linked to a bird strike, concerns have arisen over bird safety at Nice Côte d'Azur Airport, which is located near a Natura 2000 protected area. Ecologists urge stabilising flight numbers and stricter environmental protections, while the airport employs measures like bird deterrents, patrols, and biodiversity assessments to minimise risks. Although no serious incidents have occurred, balancing aviation safety with biodiversity preservation remains a delicate challenge.
Train Traffic Heavily Disrupted - Train traffic between Aubagne, Toulon, and Carnoules remains heavily disrupted after a worker was electrocuted during overnight catenary replacement work. Service has resumed on a single track, but significant delays and cancellations are expected throughout the 22nd of January. An investigation is underway, and the long-term impact on the project's schedule is unclear.
Armed Man in Train - A 45-year-old man has been arrested by railway police after being found on a train with multiple bladed weapons and a replica assault rifle classified as dangerous under the law in Gap, Haute-Alpes. The man was taken into custody, and an investigation is underway.
Fined For Using Apple Pay at Toll - A driver received a €90 fine and three penalty points after paying a toll with Apple Pay on his phone, as using a phone while driving violates French traffic law. Though toll websites encourage contactless payments, current rules don't exempt phone use, making such fines legally difficult to contest. Calls for policy adjustments to clarify phone-based payments are growing.
New Medical Centre - A new medical centre has opened amidst intense flu activity in Saint-Laurent-du-Var, with one in ten deaths in the Paca region linked to the virus. Offering an alternative to overburdened hospital emergencies, the centre operates daily from 9am to 8pm, with seven doctors on rotation. Patients have praised the facility for providing timely care when GPs are unavailable.
Menton Store Taken Over - Hervé and Mélissa Claisse, a couple from the Ardennes, have taken over the Bureau Vallée store in Menton, combining their complementary backgrounds in hospitality and real estate. They’ve modernized the store while preserving its personal touch, aiming to balance online competition with in-store customer service. Their entrepreneurial venture reflects a shared passion for creating a family-oriented business.
BUSINESS
Waitrose is reinstating free coffee for all loyalty members, starting 27 January, without requiring a purchase, as long as they bring a reusable cup. This popular perk, first launched in 2013, was paused during Covid and later limited to those making in-store purchases. The move follows customer feedback, aiming to offer flexibility and boost goodwill.
And - UK government borrowing rose to £17.8bn in December, £10.1bn more than the previous year and the highest for the month in four years, driven by increased spending on public services, benefits, and debt interest. Interest on government debt hit £8.3bn, adding pressure to Chancellor Rachel Reeves' economic plans amid flatlining growth. Economists anticipate potential public spending cuts in March and possible tax increases in October's Budget.
SPORTS
Formula 1 - Lewis Hamilton has had his first experience of a Ferrari Formula 1 car at the team's Fiorano test track. The 40-year-old seven-time champion tested a 2023 car on Wednesday as part of his acclimatisation work with his new team.
Tennis - Ben Shelton reached his first Australian Open semi-final with a battling win over Lorenzo Sonego that took just under four hours. The big-serving American won 6-4 7-5 4-6 7-6 (7-4) and will face either defending champion Jannik Sinner or home hope Alex de Minaur for a place in the Melbourne final.
Cricket - England wicketkeeper Amy Jones says the team's "best cricket is yet to come" as they prepare to salvage some pride from the remainder of the Women's Ashes. Australia retained the Ashes at the earliest opportunity with a thumping 57-run win in the first T20 at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
WEATHER
Cloudy and rainy across the Alpes-Maritimes with moderate to strong winds. Highs of 13 degrees in Nice, Cannes and Saint-Tropez, 14 in Toulon and 15 degrees in Marseille.
Tonight, cloudy and rainy still in the Alpes-Maritimes and inland with lows of 9 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, mostly cloudy morning before the sky clears up in the afternoon with moderate to strong winds and highs of 15 degrees.
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