NEWS
Weather for the Week - The Alpes-Maritimes will enjoy sunny and cool weather from the 3rd-6th of February, with clear skies and mild afternoons. From the 7th of February, clouds, rain, and even snow in the mountains are expected, continuing into the weekend. Temperatures will range from freezing in the hinterlands to around 15°C on the coast.
Stade Louis II Celebrates 40th Anniversary - Monaco is celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Stade Louis-II with an official ceremony and a public immersive exhibition showcasing its history. Since its inauguration by Prince Rainier III in 1985, the stadium has hosted major sports, cultural, and community events. The exhibition features archival materials curated by journalist Gérard Holtz and scenographer Ahmad Reshad.
Courts Face Shortage of Magistrates - Courts are facing a severe shortage of magistrates, with unfilled positions and rising caseloads worsening the situation in Nice and Grasse, Alpes-Maritimes. Despite government promises of reinforcements, uncertainty over the budget delays much-needed hires. Prosecutors warn that drug-related crime and serious offences are increasing, putting further strain on the justice system.
Rock Crashes into Classroom - A massive rock that crashed into a classroom at a school was airlifted away, and work has begun to secure the cliffside in Tourrette-Levens, Alpes-Maritimes. The school remains partially closed, with students relocated while geologists assess risks and install protective measures. Repairs and safety work are expected to take about a month.
Lost Cat Fraud - Sophie, who had lost her cat, has been targeted by scammers demanding a €300 ransom for an animal they didn’t have in Fréjus. She exposed the fraud on social media, discovering others had fallen victim. Authorities warn against paying ransoms without seeing the pet in person.
Off-Piste Accident - A 57-year-old skier has died in an avalanche while off-piste, buried under four metres of snow near Puy-Saint-Vincent in the Hautes-Alpes. Despite wearing an avalanche detector and being quickly located, rescuers were unable to save him. An investigation has been launched.
Nice Carnival - The association Nissa Pantai is honouring Giuseppe Garibaldi, an Italian general, revolutionary and republican who contributed to Italian unification and the creation of the Kingdom of Italy, with a mini carnival float, "Garibaldi dei Oceans," featuring a sea-themed design. Sculpted by young artists, it will be unveiled on the 5th of February in Nice before touring local carnivals.
NEWS UPDATE
Nice Mayor Requests more Police Resources - Nice’s mayor, Christian Estrosi, has met with Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau to request more police resources to combat drug trafficking after recent violent incidents. He also discussed expanding municipal police powers and installing additional traffic radars on the Promenade des Anglais. The minister is expected to visit Nice soon.
Nice Seeks a New Location for Administrative Detention Center - Nice is seeking a new location for its Administrative Detention Center, currently at Caserne Auvare, with a preferred site near the airport. Mayor Christian Estrosi proposed three potential sites to Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, who favours the airport option. A decision is expected by mid-year, with public consultation to follow.
BUSINESS
French airports have criticised the planned increase in the air ticket tax, calling it "economically irresponsible" and harmful to regional connectivity. The tax hike, from €2.63 to €7.30 for economy flights within France and Europe, aims to generate up to €850 million in revenue. The aviation sector warns it will hurt competitiveness, tourism, and economic growth.
Canada has imposed retaliatory 25% tariffs on $155bn worth of US goods in response to Trump's trade measures against Canada, Mexico, and China. Trudeau defended the move but warned of economic consequences, while experts fear rising prices and economic damage on both sides. Trump has threatened further tariffs if countries retaliate.
And - Sales of personalised number plates in the UK have more than doubled in the past decade, with over 1.2 million transactions in 2024. Many buyers see them as investments, with some plates selling for hundreds of thousands of pounds. The DVLA raised £276m from personalised registrations last year, while private trading has surged, particularly among younger buyers.
SPORTS
Football - Chelsea defender Ben Chilwell is set to join Premier League rivals Crystal Palace on loan for the rest of the season. Chelsea signed Chilwell from Leicester City on a five-year deal for £45m in 2020, before extending his contract in April 2023.
Tennis - Chile lost their Davis Cup qualifier against Belgium when Cristian Garin refused to continue playing after being knocked over by opponent Zizou Bergs. Bergs was given a code violation for unsportsmanlike conduct, but Chile called for him to be disqualified.
Meanwhile, The American Danielle Collins, 31, became a pantomime villain at last month's Australian Open after being jeered by fans throughout her second-round victory over home favourite Destanee Aiava. She responded by thanking the fans for "paying my bills" and said the money she received for the win would be used on a "five-star trip".
WEATHER
Bright and clear today with a gentle breeze. Highs of 16 degrees in Nice and Marseille, and 17 degrees in Cannes, Saint-Tropez and Toulon.
Tonight, clear skies with lows of 7 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, much the same, sunny and clear throughout the day with highs of 15 degrees and a gentle breeze.
The prefect of the Alpes-Maritimes has made a legal challenge against new limits on large cruise ship moorings in Nice and Villefranche....
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