NEWS
Compensating Businesses Affected by Cruise Ship Ban - Nice’s mayor, Christian Estrosi, has said he is open to compensating Villefranche-sur-Mer’s businesses if they suffer losses due to the cruise ship ban. He insists the decision prioritises public health but acknowledges local economic concerns. Businesses may need to provide financial records for assessment.
Shortage of Speech Therapists - The Alpes-Maritimes faces a severe shortage of speech therapists, with long wait times for patients, sometimes up to a year. The crisis stems from a low training quota and poor pay, especially in public hospitals, pushing professionals to private practice. Experts call for higher salaries and increased training capacity to address the issue.
Ligue Contre le Cancer - The Ligue contre le cancer, Foodwatch, and Yuka have launched a petition to ban aspartame in Europe, citing its classification by the WHO as a possible carcinogen. They argue it poses risks of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes and call on EU leaders to take action. The petition urges policymakers to uphold food safety regulations and remove aspartame from the market.
HPV Vaccination and Cervical Cancer Screening - HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screening are improving but remain uneven due to territorial, socio-economic, and cultural barriers in France. While vaccination rates are rising, they vary significantly by region, and screening participation is still below WHO (World Health Organisation) targets. Countries with high HPV vaccine coverage, like Australia, are on track to eliminate cervical cancer within the next decade.
Breast Cancer Screening - Routine breast cancer screening is fully covered for women aged 50-74 in France, however, after 74, it becomes case-by-case and patient-funded, raising concerns over health inequalities. Experts cite overdiagnosis risks and costs as reasons for the age limit, though some argue it leaves older women vulnerable. Doctors recommend continued self-examinations and clinical checks for early detection.
Medical Student Hospitalised - The University of Nice has launched an internal investigation after a medical student was hospitalised in serious condition following an alleged hazing incident. Reports suggest second-year students were forced to drink excessive amounts of alcohol and other substances at a private party. The university is treating the matter with urgency, aiming to identify those responsible.
Fatal Stabbing in Avignon - A 38-year-old man has been found dead on a car park, having been fatally stabbed in the heart in Avignon. CCTV footage shows an altercation at the scene around 2am, and police are investigating but have made no arrests yet. The victim was known to authorities for minor drug and traffic offences.
Gendarmes Raid - Gendarmes have raided a home after discovering an illegal online sale of over 300 underwater-detected artefacts, including ancient coins in the Var. Metal detection for archaeological finds is strictly regulated and requires authorisation in France. The seized historical items were handed over to cultural authorities, while the seller faces legal consequences.
Solidarity Club for the Homeless - Students at Lycée Edmond Rostand in Marseille run a solidarity club, making and distributing hygiene kits for the homeless. They create the products in class and personalise the bags before handing them out. The next distribution will take place on the 4th of March 2025.
Juliette Binoche Presides over the Jury at the 78th Cannes Film Festival - French actress Juliette Binoche will preside over the jury at the 78th Cannes Film Festival in May 2025, succeeding Greta Gerwig. A Cannes veteran, she has won major awards at Cannes, Venice, and Berlin, including Best Actress for Copie conforme and is one of the few French Oscar winners. Known for her emotional moments, she moved audiences in 2024 when honouring Meryl Streep.
NEWS UPDATE
End-of-Life Care in Monaco - Monaco's National Council is reviewing a proposed law on end-of-life care, aiming to improve palliative care, prevent excessive treatment, and allow patients to express their final wishes. Consultations with doctors, associations, and religious representatives will help shape the legislation.
CMB Investment Conference - CMB Bank of Monaco has hosted an investment conference discussing key 2025 trends, including inflation, AI, private assets, and market opportunities. Experts from BlackRock, Blackstone, and Pimco highlighted the need for diversified, active investment strategies. CEO Francesco Grosoli emphasised the importance of expert guidance in a shifting global landscape.
Monaco Run 2025 - The Monaco Run 2025 takes place on the 8th and 9th of February, featuring races for all levels, from family-friendly distances to the fast-paced 5km Herculis. Set between sea and mountains, this event combines sport and inclusivity, attracting athletes from around the world. you could register for 15 euros on monacorun.com or call 92 05 43 05.
BUSINESS
Prime Minister Keir Starmer insisted the UK isn’t choosing between the US and the EU after Donald Trump threatened trade tariffs against Europe. While focusing on defence talks in Brussels, Starmer aims to strengthen UK-EU ties, risking tensions with the US. Meanwhile, the EU warns it will retaliate if unfairly targeted by US tariffs, and debate continues over future UK-EU trade cooperation.
And - The UK government defended its handling of AstraZeneca's scrapped £450m investment, saying it made a "significant offer" but couldn't justify more taxpayer funding. AstraZeneca cited delays and a reduced offer compared to the previous government as reasons for pulling out, though it will maintain existing jobs and production. Labour and the opposition blame each other for the failed deal, while the government insists AstraZeneca remains committed to the UK.
SPORTS
Football - Tottenham Hotspur defender Radu Dragusin is set to miss the rest of the season after injuring the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. The 23-year-old suffered the injury during Tottenham's defeat of Elfsborg in the Europa League last week and has to have surgery.
Rugby Union - Saracens centre Alex Lozowski has replaced the injured Cadan Murley in the England squad for Saturday's Six Nations match with France at Twickenham. Harlequins wing Murley, who scored a try on his debut against Ireland on Saturday, missed training on Monday with a foot injury which required a scan.
Cricket - England wicketkeeper Jamie Smith is likely to miss the first two one-day internationals against India this week but is expected to be fit for the Champions Trophy. Smith, 24, has a calf issue which caused him to leave the field during the third T20 in Rajkot on 28 January. He missed the following two games as India won the series 4-1.
WEATHER
Mostly sunny with a gentle breeze this afternoon. Highs of 15 degrees in Nice, Saint-Tropez and Marseille, and 16 degrees in Cannes and Toulon.
Tonight, mostly clear with lows of 8 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, much the same, bright and clear with highs of 15 degrees with moderate winds.
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