NEWS
Improving Pregnancy - The Nice University Hospital (CHU) has introduced a comprehensive care pathway for women facing repeated IVF failures (Repeated Implantation Failure, RIF) and recurrent miscarriages, often with unexplained causes. This structured program, led by fertility and gynaecology specialists, offers personalized evaluations and coordinated support from medical, psychological, and nutritional experts. The goal is to better understand individual cases, identify potential causes, and improve pregnancy outcomes with tailored treatments.
Limb-Lengthening Technique - The Lenval Hospital in Nice has introduced an innovative limb-lengthening technique using a magnetic intramedullary nail, particularly suited for adolescents nearing the end of growth. This method offers a less invasive alternative to external fixators, reducing pain, infection risk, and recovery time while allowing gradual bone lengthening with minimal scarring. Since June 2023, the procedure, costing €15,000–€20,000, is covered by French social security, with eligibility primarily for those with leg length discrepancies over 4 cm.
Persion Hit by a Train - A person has been hit by a train at Toulon Sainte-Musse station on Monday, the 24th of February, causing major disruptions to rail traffic between Marseille and Nice. Two TGVs in Marseille's Saint-Charles station faced significant delays, and regional TER services were temporarily suspended. Emergency services were deployed, and an investigation is underway to determine the exact circumstances of the accident.
Cycling Accident - A 40-year-old cyclist has been hospitalized in serious condition after an accident with a car around 4:30 am in Mougins, Alpes-Maritimes. The cyclist, descending a narrow road in the wrong direction, braked suddenly, causing him to slip and become trapped under the vehicle, particularly by his arm. The car’s driver, a delivery man in his 60s, was unharmed, and drug tests were negative.
Hotel Fire - A guest started a fire in their hotel room around 2:30 am at Le Central hotel in Avignon likely intentionally. All guests were safely evacuated to the restaurant, and no one was injured. The guest responsible was taken into police custody.
Farmers To Claim Compensation for Last Year's Poor Harvest - Farmers in the Var department have until the 3rd of March 2025, to apply for compensation for losses caused by frost (April 19-23) and hail (May 15-24) in 2024. These weather events severely impacted vineyards and olive groves, with nearly 300 farms affected. The French government offers financial aid through the national solidarity scheme (ISN) to help cover uninsured losses.
La Valse - Camille Claudel’s iconic sculpture La Valse, along with two other works by the artist, is on display until the 1st of April at the Musée des Beaux-Arts in Draguignan. The sculptures, usually housed at the Camille Claudel Museum in Nogent-sur-Seine (currently closed for renovations), highlight Claudel's artistic talent beyond her relationship with Auguste Rodin. Claudel, who was interned from 1913 until her death in 1943, was largely forgotten for decades, but her work is now celebrated for its sensitivity and life.
Audibergue Ski resort Closed Again - The Audibergue ski resort has reopened on the 8th of February after seven years of closure due to a lack of snow but had to close again just 12 days later for the same reason in the Alpes-Maritimes. Operating the resort required significant effort and costs, with a small team working hard to prepare for the brief opening. The situation highlights the challenges of running low-altitude ski resorts amid changing weather patterns.
NEWS UPDATE
Single-Vehicle Accident - A single-vehicle accident occurred around 1:30 pm on Monday on the A8 motorway in Nice, causing two southbound lanes to close. The 20-year-old female driver was slightly injured and taken to Pasteur II Hospital. The accident required 17 firefighters and five emergency vehicles to respond.
Most Lightning-Struck Departments - The Var and Alpes-Maritimes have ranked 7th and 10th among France’s most lightning-struck departments in 2024, according to Météorage. The Var saw 1,316 lightning strikes, with four of its cities in the national top 10, including Fréjus (345 impacts). France recorded 410,000 cloud-to-ground lightning strikes, with storms peaking from June to August.
Earthquake - A 2.5-magnitude earthquake has struck on Monday the 24th of February near Vars in the Hautes-Alpes with tremors felt from Geneva to Bastia, Corsica, according to Sismoazur. The quake impacted areas from Cogolin to Breil-sur-Roya on the Côte d'Azur. This follows two Mediterranean coast quakes in late January.
Banning Powerful Cars to Young Drivers - To reduce risky driving behaviors, French Senator Audrey Linkenheld proposes a law to ban young drivers from using powerful cars during their 3-year probationary period. The restriction would apply to buying, renting, or using such vehicles, with a potential €1,500 fine for violations. The proposal aims to curb accidents linked to inexperienced drivers seeking speed.
BUSINESS
Canadian producers are promoting "maple water," a lightly sweet natural drink made from raw maple sap, as a healthier alternative to coconut water. The industry is growing, with brands like Maple3 expanding sales globally, but challenges remain, including high prices and the need for strong marketing support. Advocates highlight its natural antioxidants, but experts say mainstream success may require backing from major soft drink companies.
France has detected and stopped €466 million in health insurance fraud in 2023,, with most cases involving individual insured persons and healthcare professionals. In Monaco, fraud is reportedly rare due to strict monitoring systems, the limited use of third-party payments, and a small, well-connected healthcare network. While fraud does exist, mainly on an individual basis, strict controls, including on-site inspections and sanctions, help prevent large-scale schemes.
And - India and the UK have resumed free trade talks on Monday after nearly a year, with UK Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds meeting Indian counterpart Piyush Goyal in Delhi. Key issues include high Indian tariffs on Scotch whisky and visa rules for Indian professionals. Both countries aim to boost their £41bn ($52bn) trade relationship, with the UK prioritizing sectors like manufacturing, clean energy, and financial services.
SPORTS
Cricket - England bowler Brydon Carse is set to miss Wednesday's Champions Trophy match against Afghanistan and is a doubt for the remainder of the tournament. Carse, 29, has been struggling with a blister on a toe on his left foot and the issue reoccurred in Saturday's defeat by Australia.
Meanwhile, Middlesex have agreed a deal to sign Ireland fast bowler Josh Little. The 25-year-old will feature mainly in the club's T20 Blast squad, but is available for other formats if needed.
Tennis - Former world number one Venus Williams has turned down a wildcard for next month's Indian Wells tournament. Organisers said last week the 44-year-old had been invited but the seven-time Grand Slam singles champion has not taken it up.
Golf - Sweden's Anna Nordqvist has been named Europe captain for next year's Solheim Cup against the United States in the Netherlands. The 37-year-old, a three-time major winner, has played in nine Solheim Cups, winning 17, halving three and losing 15 of her 35 matches.
WEATHER
Mostly cloudy this afternoon with a gentle breeze. Highs of 16 degrees in Nice, Cannes, Toulon and Marseille, and 17 degrees in Saint-Tropez.
Tonight, cloudy still with lows of 11 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, grey and wet with highs of 15 degrees with gentle to moderate winds.
The Nice University Hospital (CHU) has introduced a comprehensive care pathway for women facing repeated IVF failures (Repeated Implantation Failure, ...
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A stabbing attack in Mulhouse on Saturday, February 22nd, has left one person dead and several local police officers injured...
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In celebration of its 20th anniversary, the Monaco Top Marques show is hosting a drawing competition for schoolchildren in CE2 to CM2 and 6th to 3rd g...
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The "Monaco for Employment" forum is back this Monday, February 24th, for its third edition at the Grimaldi Forum. ...
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In other news locally, firefighters are responding to two separate boat fires at the quayside in the Port of Agay in Saint-Raphaël in the Var on Sunda...
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