NEWS
Pollen Allergies - Climate change is causing pollen allergies to start earlier and become more intense, particularly in southern France. Rising temperatures lead to longer pollen seasons and higher allergen levels, with experts predicting that 50% of the population will be affected by 2050. Preventive strategies and treatments like antihistamines and desensitisation are becoming increasingly necessary.
18th Alpine Convention Ministerial Conference - The 18th Alpine Convention Ministerial Conference in Slovenia focused on quality of life and climate resilience in the Alps. Representatives from eight Alpine countries and the EU discussed climate education, risk management, and sustainable development. Monaco highlighted the role of education, while ministers emphasized cooperation and private sector involvement in tackling environmental challenges.
Tropical Crops Experiment in the Var - Facing rising temperatures, farmers are experimenting with tropical crops like bananas and papayas as a climate-resilient alternative in the Var. They are also sharing knowledge through networks to develop sustainable organic farming practices. The region supports these efforts by fostering collaboration and new market opportunities.
Renovated Music and Arts School, L'Eau-Vive - La Trinité has inaugurated a newly renovated music and arts school, L’Eau-Vive, which is three times larger than before. It offers free music education to local students, with instruments provided by the city. The school is part of a broader cultural development project, including a new pedestrian path and a large performance venue.
Lidl Employees Strikes - Lidl employees have launched an indefinite strike, protesting poor working conditions, unfilled job vacancies, and mandatory Sunday shifts in France. Unions demand salary increases and better staffing, citing extreme workloads and budget cuts. Strikes and blockades are affecting Lidl’s logistics centres and stores nationwide.
Monaco's Addiction Centre - Monaco’s new Addiction Care Centre, open since September, sees 80% of its consultations related to alcohol. Led by Dr. Jean-François Goldbroch, it offers personalized treatment without long wait times. Plans for 2025 include prevention programs and walk-in consultations for young people.
Nourrices - Some vulnerable women, often single mothers in poverty, are coerced into storing drugs for traffickers, risking severe legal consequences in Nice. Known as "nourrices," they face threats against their families and homes, making escape difficult. The justice system views them as key players in drug trafficking, with penalties of up to ten years in prison.
Ambulance Fraud Network - A major ambulance fraud network has been dismantled, with five people arrested for social security fraud and illegal labour practices in Vaucluse. The investigation uncovered luxury assets worth €200,000, inconsistent with the suspects’ declared incomes. One suspect is in custody, while the others await trial under judicial supervision.
NEWS UPDATE
Counterfeit Clothing Seized - Police have seized over 350 counterfeit clothing items, including jackets, t-shirts, bags, and shoes, from a local store in Toulon. Authorities warn shoppers to be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true.
Disaster Areas in the Alpes-Maritimes - Three communes in the Alpes-Maritimes - Escragnolles, Saint-Cézaire-sur-Siagne, and Tende - have been officially recognized as disaster areas after severe weather. This recognition allows affected residents to claim insurance compensation within 30 days.
Tree Causes Damage in a Cemetery - A tree weakened by a storm in March 2024 has been uprooted, damaging several gravesin the Caucade cemetery in Nice. The city quickly secured the area, and a contractor was hired to remove the tree. Authorities will contact affected families to address the damage.
BUSINESS
The UK government is investing £21.7bn in carbon capture technology, mostly funded through consumer bills, despite concerns from MPs about its financial impact and unproven effectiveness in the UK. Experts argue CCUS is essential for reaching net zero, but critics say the government has not ensured public benefits from the investment. The Public Accounts Committee recommends a full financial assessment and future profit-sharing mechanisms.
And - UK house prices have hit a record high, with the average property now £299,138, according to Halifax. Growth has slowed to 3.0% annually, with Northern Ireland seeing the strongest rise at 5.9%. Buyers are rushing to secure deals before stamp duty changes in April, while mortgage rates are expected to stay between 4-5% in 2025.
SPORTS
Football - Tottenham Hotspur head coach Ange Postecoglou says it is "really easy" for people to "stick their boots" into his team. Spurs were knocked out of the EFL Cup as they lost 4-0 in the semi-final second leg at Liverpool on Thursday night.
Cricket - Steve Smith hit his 36th Test century as Australia dominated Sri Lanka on day two of the second Test in Galle. Smith was 120 not out as Australia reached 330-3 at stumps, a first innings lead of 73.
Tennis - Great Britain's Cameron Norrie suffered a gruelling three-set defeat against American Reilly Opelka to exit the Dallas Open in the last 16. British number two Norrie, 29, lost 4-6 7-6 (7-5) 6-4 in a match that lasted two and a half hours.
WEATHER
Partly cloudy with strong winds across the region and light rain in the Var and Bouches-du-Rhône departments. Highs of 13 degrees in Saint-Tropez and Toulon and 14 degrees in Nice, Cannes and Marseille.
Tonight, cloudy with light rain and lows of 8 degrees.
Outlook for the weekend
Sat: Mostly cloudy and wet with strong winds and highs of 13 degrees.
Sun: partly cloudy with highs of 15 degrees.
Mon: partly cloudy with a gentle breeze and highs of 14 degrees.
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