NEWS
Preventive Iodine tablets given to Residents - France's Ministry of Armed Forces is distributing iodine tablets to residents near Toulon's military port as a preventive measure against potential nuclear accidents, given the presence of nuclear-powered submarines. The tablets protect the thyroid from radioactive iodine exposure in case of an incident, but they should only be taken under official instruction. Residents can collect the tablets for free from participating pharmacies, while institutions must follow specific procedures to obtain them.
Woman is in Remission from HIV - A 60-year-old woman in Marseille has achieved rare HIV remission following a bone marrow transplant, marking the first such case in France and the eighth globally. The transplant, performed to treat acute leukaemia, involved a donor with a rare mutation, preventing HIV from binding to cells. While this treatment is not widely applicable, it offers hope for future HIV research and treatments.
Monaco Invests to Protect the Larvotto Beach - Monaco is investing €9 million to replace insufficient underwater geotubes at Larvotto Beach with durable rock islands to better protect against storm surges and coastal erosion. The project includes ecological measures, such as creating habitats for marine life and minimizing environmental impact. Construction will occur in two phases, with completion expected by the end of 2025.
Plane Tree Falls on Hotel in Menton - A massive sycamore tree has collapsed onto the façade and entrance of the Best Western Prince de Galles hotel in Menton, causing extensive damage but no injuries. The incident occurred on a busy street, sparking concerns about the poor condition of other trees in the area. Emergency services swiftly cleared the scene, and the hotelier hopes for quick repairs before the upcoming Fête du Citron.
Homeless Man Steals in Monaco - A homeless man has been caught stealing €51 worth of food from a supermarket while carrying €5,180 in cash of dubious origin, which was confiscated by the court in Monaco. He claimed the money was from informal jobs, but falsified documents raised suspicions, leading to a suspended 15-day prison sentence and the seizure of the funds. The court criticised his actions as dishonest and inconsistent with his financial claims.
Weapons Seized in Nice - Police have arrested five individuals after reports of armed, masked men in the streets of Nice’s Bon-Voyage district. A subsequent raid uncovered a cache of weapons, including loaded firearms, and bags of drugs in a nearby apartment. The case, linked to drug trafficking, follows a history of violence in the area.
Nice Opera Transforms into University Library - Twice a month, Nice Opera transforms into a university library, allowing students to study during live opera rehearsals, such as Mozart’s The Magic Flute. This initiative, a partnership with the University Côte d’Azur, aims to demystify opera and attract younger audiences, offering a unique, inspiring study atmosphere. Organisers hope the experience sparks a lasting appreciation for the art form.
BUSINESS
Cannes is promoting cryptocurrency payments by training local merchants as part of its Web strategy, aiming to attract high-spending tourists and luxury clientele. While adoption is still limited, luxury retailers see potential, using software to convert crypto transactions into euros seamlessly. The initiative aligns with events like the Ethereum Community Conference, with workshops planned to address technical, legal, and financial concerns.
The UK government is optimistic about strengthening trade ties with the US under President-elect Trump, with Lord Mandelson appointed ambassador to the US to foster collaboration. Critics like Nigel Farage argue the government is too focused on balancing EU and US relations, risking missed trade opportunities. Calls for swift action on a UK-US trade deal have sparked concerns over potential compromises on domestic standards and priorities.
And - Debates over remote working continue, with critics like former M&S boss Lord Rose blaming it for declining productivity claiming it is “not doing proper work", while others argue it boosts employee motivation and flexibility. Some companies and public bodies are pushing staff back into offices, citing collaboration benefits, but unions and employees are resisting, emphasising personal and economic advantages of hybrid models. Experts note remote working is likely here to stay, offering potential productivity gains and opportunities for those needing flexibility.
SPORTS
Cricket - Australia captain Alyssa Healy has been ruled out of the first T20 of the Women's Ashes because of a foot injury.
Tennis - Defending champion Jannik Sinner came through a tough physical battle against Holger Rune to reach the Australian Open quarterfinals. Despite shaking during the changeovers, the world number one prevailed to win 6-3 3-6 6-3 6-2 against the Dane.
Golf - Sepp Straka overcame some late nerves to claim his third PGA Tour title with victory in The American Express at La Quinta in California. The Austrian carded a two-under-par 70 in the last round to finish two shots clear of America's Justin Thomas.
WEATHER
Cloudy with light rain and moderate to strong winds. Highs of 13 degrees in Cannes and Toulon and 14 degrees in Nice, Saint-Tropez and Marseille.
Tonight, partly cloudy with lows of 10 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, we’ll enjoy clear skies in the morning before rain comes back early evening making its way across the region with moderate to strong winds and highs of 14 degrees
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