NEWS
Sunny Weather This Week - The Alpes-Maritimes will enjoy sunny weather all week. Maximum temperatures will gradually drop from 17°C Monday to 14°C Thursday, before rising to 19°C Saturday, well above seasonal norms. However, minimum temperatures will remain below freezing, reaching as low as -7°C in Guillaumes on Monday.
2024 Drug Trafficking Report - The Alpes-Maritimes prefect has highlighted increasing drug trafficking in 2024, with over 1,600 operations, 2,000 arrests, and large seizures, including a 130% rise in cocaine. Emphasizing tougher judicial measures and targeting consumers as enablers, the prefect supports new national strategies for stricter penalties and enhanced security in 2025. Police unions demand more resources, citing overwork and a lack of judicial follow-through.
Studens Learn Coral Restoration Techniques - Guided by marine conservationist Sandrine Treyvaud, students have learned coral restoration techniques, to address threats from human activity and climate change in Toulon, Var. Through hands-on workshops mimicking real-life coral grafting, they explored coral's vital role in marine ecosystems, from nurturing marine life to protecting coastlines. This initiative aims to raise awareness and inspire future environmental action.
Pesticides Use in the Vaucluse Department - NGO's analysis of public sales data have released a study finding that the Vaucluse department is the highest user of pesticides per cultivated hectare in the PACA region and ranks 4th nationally for pesticide volume relative to agricultural land in 2022. However, most pesticides used are sulphur-based and permitted in organic farming, making it 50th for synthetic pesticide use.
CGT Strike Hlats All Sailings From Marseille - CGT union workers at La Méridionale and Corsica Linéa have launched a two-day strike from the 13th to the 15th of January, halting all sailings from Marseille to protest job losses due to increased competition in Mediterranean passenger maritime transport. The strike aims to protect 600 jobs, with the union warning of unfair competition and risks to French mariners' status and passenger safety.
Noah Syndrome - Volunteers have helped people suffering from a rare condition as part of Les Chats de Stella association in the Alpes-Maritimes. The "Noah syndrome" involves compulsive hoarding of animals in unsanitary conditions, often linked to underlying mental health issues like depression or OCD and can stem from trauma. While individuals believe they are rescuing animals, neglect often leads to severe suffering. Cases, such as one in Nice with over 160 animals in an apartment, highlight the legal and ethical challenges in addressing this behaviour. Animal abuse is punishable by 3 years' imprisonment and a fine of €45,000.
Dean & Deluca in Metropole Shopping in Monaco - Dean & Deluca, the iconic American restaurant chain blending Italian and New York influences, has opened its first European location on the 11th of January at Métropole Shopping in Monaco. Offering gourmet fast food, in-house dining, and a fine grocery section, it features homemade dishes like salads, soups, and specialty sandwiches. Managed by Clara Rosso, whose family has deep ties to the brand, the establishment emphasizes personal service and operates daily from 8am to 7:30pm.
Monaco Info and TV Monaco will Merge into a Single TV Network - Monaco will consolidate its two TV channels, Monaco Info and TV Monaco, into a single new public TV network by the 1st of September, exiting the TV5 Monde network for cost savings and greater independence. The new channel will have a modern governance structure, focus on international visibility, and enhance its digital presence to engage younger audiences. The move aims to streamline operations and redefine Monaco’s media landscape while maintaining a focus on promoting the principality globally.
High Number of Visitors in Le Boréon - Le Boréon, a tranquil skiing station in the Alpes-Maritimes, has seen high visitor numbers due to favourable weather, offering 30 km of trails for all levels. With snow management efforts and family-friendly features like snow cannons for kids, it provides activities such as cross-country skiing, biathlon, and mountain walks. Despite past challenges like storm Alex, the station thrives as a peaceful alternative to larger resorts.
BUSINESS
Homeownership on the Côte d’Azur is increasingly challenging due to rising property prices (+19% in four years), declining purchasing power, and soaring mortgage rates (now 3.5% from 1.5% in 2018). Despite foreign buyers being a minority (11%), the market is dominated by local residents and retirees, with young professionals disproportionately affected. High costs and interest rates now limit access, especially for younger age groups.
The UK government unveiled a £14bn-backed AI Opportunities Action Plan to boost growth, create 13,250 jobs, and improve public services. Key initiatives include AI Growth Zones, infrastructure investments, and applications in areas like road maintenance, education, and healthcare. The plan emphasizes safety, economic transformation, and positioning Britain as a global AI leader.
And - Chancellor Rachel Reeves defended her visit to China amid UK market turbulence, citing £600m in potential economic gains and deeper trade cooperation with China. Critics questioned the timing, given rising borrowing costs and stagnant growth, but Reeves emphasized balancing economic ties with national security and values. Talks included trade, climate cooperation, and contentious issues like human rights, with business leaders advocating engagement with China’s vast market.
SPORTS
Tennis - Fast-rising British star Jacob Fearnley kept his focus and composure to beat an ailing Nick Kyrgios 7-6 (7-3) 6-3 7-6 (7-2) on the home favourite's long-awaited comeback at the Australian Open.
Rugby Union - Exeter director of rugby Rob Baxter says it is up to him and his coaches to get the side out of its current poor run of form. The Chiefs were thrashed 69-17 by French Top 14 leaders Bordeaux in the Champions Cup on Saturday.
Boxing - Former mixed martial arts champion Khabib Nurmagomedov was escorted from a plane after he refused to move from an exit seat. The Russian, 36, had a disagreement with a flight attendant before take-off on the Frontier Airlines flight which was reportedly flying from Las Vegas to Los Angeles.
WEATHER
Bright and clear today with moderate to strong winds on the Cote d’Azur. Highs of 12 degrees in Marseille, 15 in Toulon, Saint-Tropez and Cannes and 16 degrees in Nice.
Tonight, clear skies with lows of 2 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, much the same! Clear skies and highs of 15 degrees with gentle to moderate winds.
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