NEWS
Fight Against Organised Crime - French Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin has made the fight against organised crime and drug trafficking a top priority, focusing on money laundering and asset seizures, including speeding up the sale of confiscated goods. Plans include 100 additional magistrates by 2027, the creation of a specialised anti-crime prosecution office by 2026, and enhanced measures such as area bans and expulsions for foreign offenders. The minister also announced increased resources for juvenile justice, with 100 new child judges by 2027.
Restructuring Place des Moulins - The planned restructuring of Place des Moulins faces concerns over its high costs, initially estimated at over €30 million in Monaco. While €1 million has already been allocated for studies, the government has asked the architect to reduce the budget while maintaining quality. A revised proposal is expected by early 2025, pending approval from all stakeholders.
New Fire and Rescue Centre in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin - Mayor Patrick Cesari has launched the construction of a new fire and rescue centre for €2.7 million in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, Alpes-Maritimes. The 528.6 m² facility will replace the existing first-aid station to meet growing local needs, hosting up to seven firefighters during peak periods. Modern equipment and revised intervention zones aim to improve emergency response for nearby towns and Monaco.
New Pharmacy Technician Training Programme in Cannes - Cannes will introduce a pharmacy technician training programme (D.E.U.S.T.) at its municipal apprenticeship centre from September 2025, addressing local demand for skilled professionals and improving access for young residents. This complements Cannes’ growing higher education offerings, including the Campus Georges Méliès and upcoming Vatel hospitality school, establishing the city as a hub for learning and professional integration. With high employment rates for graduates and a strong focus on healthcare and creative industries, Cannes continues to enhance its educational landscape.
Ambitious Agenda For Mandelieu-la-Napoule - Mayor Sébastien Leroy, has announced an ambitious agenda for 2025, including renewable energy projects for major residences, extensive urban redevelopment, flood prevention works, and new community spaces in Mandelieu-la-Napoule, Alpes-Maritimes. He highlighted a focus on safety, with plans to expand urban surveillance and honour law enforcement, while also promoting environmental initiatives like urban forests and sustainable transport. Leroy called for civic engagement, stating 2025 will be a year of "combats and commitments" to uphold local and national values.
Car Accident in Villeneuve-Loubet - An 11-year-old girl has been hit by a car on the 28th of January in Villeneuve-Loubet but thankfully sustained only minor injuries. She was transported to CHU-Lenval in Nice, and the driver's lack of visibility, not speed or substance use, was cited as the cause. An investigation is underway by local gendarmerie.
Baby Dolphin Found on the Shore of Les Sablettes - A baby dolphin with head and eye injuries has been found dead on Sablettes beach in La Seyne, Var. Authorities have alerted a specialised veterinarian, and the Natura 2000 network will examine the body to determine the cause of death.
Mini-tornado Struck Overnight - A mini-tornado struck overnight, uprooting around 15 poplar trees that fell onto roads and damaged power lines, leaving 30 residents without electricity in Barbentane, Bouches-du-Rhône. Significant damage was reported along the route de la gare, which remains closed until further notice, likely reopening by Tuesday evening. Enedis is currently working to bring electricity back to those affected by the storm.
Rollerblader from Toulon - Jérémy, a 28-year-old rollerblader from Toulon, has gone viral on Instagram and TikTok for his incredible speed (up to 50 km/h) and skilful manoeuvres through the city and port. Known for his daring acrobatics and humour, he films himself tackling challenges like jumping over high bars or even doing chores on rollers. Despite his talent, he balances his passion with his day job as a shop adviser.
BUSINESS
The Alpes-Maritimes, already 99.9% covered by 4G, is set to see nearly 1,800 new 5G installations despite debates over their necessity. Critics argue the government encourages excessive deployment by selling expensive 5G licences and mandating network expansion. However, regulators note that operators meet their coverage obligations, leaving site decisions largely in their hands.
The UK government plans to ease restrictions on defined benefit pension schemes to unlock £160bn in surplus funds for economic investment. This is part of efforts to boost growth amid stagnant economic performance and zero growth between July and September. The move includes exploring pension "megafunds" and encouraging large-scale investments in UK infrastructure.
And - Chinese AI firm DeepSeek has shaken global tech markets with its low-cost chatbot, built for $6m using innovative techniques and fewer chips than US rivals like OpenAI. Shares in major US tech firms like Nvidia and Microsoft plummeted, while experts highlight the model's potential to disrupt the AI industry by lowering costs. Founder Liang Wenfeng's approach has raised questions about US AI dominance, prompting both praise and scepticism from industry leaders.
SPORTS
Football – Brazilian club Santos are in talks to re-sign Neymar after his contract with Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal was cancelled by mutual consent. The 32-year-old Brazil international is expected to sign a short-term deal at the club where he began his career.
Tennis – Britain’s Henry Patten has set his sights on becoming the top-ranked doubles player in the world after winning his second Grand Slam title. Patten and Finnish partner Harri Heliovaara are now ranked third and fourth by the ATP following their epic men’s doubles win over Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori in a late-night final at the Australian Open last weekend.
Rugby Union – David Nucifora has been hailed as one of the “absolute best” after being confirmed as the performance manager for the British and Irish Lions tour of Australia this summer.
WEATHER
Mostly sunny on the Cote d’Azur with chances of rain and snow inland and strong winds across the region. Highs of 14 degrees in Toulon and Marseille, and 16 degrees in Nice, Cannes and Saint-Tropez.
Tonight, mostly clear with lows of 10 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, mostly fine with highs of 15 degrees until the end of the afternoon when light rain will come back and stick with us until Friday.
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