News
Floods: Three Departments Remain on Red Alert, Five on Orange as Weather Conditions Improve - As of today, Friday, January 31, 2025, the departments of Ille-et-Vilaine, Loire-Atlantique, and Morbihan in the west of France remain on red alert for flooding, with floodwaters receding slowly in the region. Meanwhile, five other departments—Seine-Maritime, Somme, Oise, Eure, and Sarthe—are on orange alert.
In the south-east, the orange alert for rain and floods has been lifted in the Var and the Alpes-Maritimes. A moderate rainy episode triggered by the Ivo depression affected the region on Thursday, with thunderstorms near the coast bringing heavy rainfall.
Strasbourg Becomes First City to Sign European Declaration of Animal Rights – In other news, Strasbourg has become the first city to sign the European Declaration of Animal Rights, a document aimed at improving animal protection. The declaration outlines key principles, including a ban on animal cruelty, the need for animals to have legal protections beyond administrative measures, and the promotion of education on animal rights.
Although the declaration has no legal standing, it serves as a foundation for future legal and political efforts. Strasbourg was chosen as the signing location due to its symbolic role as the "capital of Europe." Following Strasbourg, other cities, including Brest, Brives, Annecy, and Toulouse, are set to sign the declaration on February 17th. Additional cities like Toulon, Grenoble, and Lyon may follow suit. The declaration is also set to be presented to the European Parliament in March or April 2025, with hopes for wider support across Europe.
Thales Workers Protest Low Wage Hikes Despite €1.3 Billion Profits - Thales employees in Valbonne have protested demanding higher wage increases despite the company’s €1.3 billion profit for 2024. While Thales announced strong financial results and shareholder dividends, planned wage increases for 2025 are only 2%. On Thursday unions called for a 3.5% increase and a fixed €120 monthly raise for all employees. A recent meeting with management lasted only eight minutes, with no further offers made. Thales claims the negotiations were part of constructive dialogue, but workers plan to continue their protests next week.
Monaco’s National Council Urges Government to Honor Commitments Made by Late Minister Didier Guillaume – Monaco’s National Council led by President Thomas Brezzo has called on the Prince’s Government to maintain the commitments made by the late Minister of State Didier Guillaume. The gathering, which was postponed due to his sudden passing on January 17, reflected on Guillaume’s impactful leadership in just four months. The members praised Guillaume's ability to foster transparency and loyalty in government dealings, which had revitalized relations between Monaco’s government and the National Council. They expressed hope that the "Guillaume method"—focused on collaboration, clarity, and progress on sensitive issues—would continue under the interim leadership of Isabelle Berro-Amadeï.
Brezzo emphasized that the government should uphold commitments on critical matters such as the future of the Fontvieille shopping centre, housing projects in the Jardin Exotique, and waste treatment solutions in France. Despite Monaco’s budget deficit of €88.6 million, the 2025 budget was adopted without issue, signalling continued trust in government leadership.
Louane to Represent France at Eurovision in Heartfelt Tribute to Her Late Mother - French Pop singer Louane has announced on Instagram that she will represent France at Eurovision, with the final being held on May 17th in Basel, Switzerland. In a heartfelt video, Louane dedicated her participation to her late mother, who passed away from cancer in 2014. She recalled the excitement of watching Eurovision as a child and the dream of one day being part of it.
Known for hits like "Secret," Louane rose to fame after her appearance on The Voice in 2014 and starring role in La Famille Bélier. Her career continued with the success of her debut album Chambre 12 and her more recent album Solo. Louane follows Slimane, who placed fourth for France in Eurovision 2024. France has not won Eurovision since Marie Myriam's victory in 1977.
Boris Herrmann Finishes 12th in Vendée Globe After Grueling 80-Day Journey - German skipper Boris Herrmann has completed his second Vendée Globe, finishing in 12th place after 80 days at sea. Despite facing a series of technical challenges, including a lightning strike, sail damage, and a collision, Herrmann crossed the finish line in Les Sables-d'Olonne with his boat, still intact. Upon arrival, Herrmann celebrated with his wife, daughter, and Monaco Yacht Club partner Pierre Casiraghi, who joined him on board as the crowd cheered. Herrmann’s journey was marked by relentless determination and resilience, even as storms and equipment malfunctions took their toll.
86 Vintage Cars Depart Monaco for Historic Rally to Valencia – Finally, on Thursday evening, the Quai Albert-Ier in Monaco was transformed into a stunning parade of vintage cars, despite the rain. The vehicles, part of the 27th edition of the Rallye Monte-Carlo Historique, gathered in Monaco after 48 hours of excitement at Port Hercules.
After completing final technical checks, 86 cars set off for Valencia, marking the beginning of the historic rally. Monaco was one of four cities, along with Bad Homburg, Reims, and Turin, serving as a concentration point for the event.
Since Wednesday, the cars have been arriving steadily for inspections, and now, 221 competitors are gearing up for the 1,687-kilometre journey. The rally will include 17 regularity stages, starting on Saturday, with four days of racing before returning to the Principality’s parc ferme on Tuesday for a final special on the famous Turini night stage.
Business
US President Donald Trump confirmed he will implement 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico starting February the 1st. Trump has yet to decide whether oil imports will be included. He has also hinted at imposing new tariffs on China, though details remain unclear. China has warned against protectionism and called for a "win-win" solution to trade tensions. Both Canada and Mexico have threatened retaliatory measures. Imposing tariffs on oil imports could raise costs for businesses and consumers, potentially affecting prices from gas to groceries. The US imports about 40% of its crude, with the majority coming from Canada.
Apple's iPhone sales dropped by about 1% to $69.1bn at the end of last year, despite the introduction of new AI features. CEO Tim Cook noted stronger sales in regions like the US, where the features were available, but overall sales were affected by a drop in China and potential US tariffs. AI features, including a news roundup tool, have faced criticism but are expected to expand to more languages in April. Despite the iPhone sales dip, Apple’s total sales rose 4% to $124.3bn, driven by strong computer and services growth. Profits rose 7% to $36.3bn.
Sport
Rugby Union – The Six Nations gets underway this evening with France playing Wales in Paris. The match starts at 9.15pm French time. Meanwhile, 21-year-old Sam Prendergast will start at fly-half for Ireland against England in Saturday's Six Nations opener. The Leinster player, who featured in Ireland's last two November Tests, replaces Jack Crowley, despite Crowley's strong form for Munster. On Saturday Scotland play Italy followed by Ireland against England.
Football – In the Premier League on Saturday Nottingham Forest are at home to Brighton, Bournemouth play Liverpool, Everton face Leicester, Ipswich are at home to Southampton, Newcastle face Fulham and Wolves play Aston Villa.
Formula One - After over 30 years, Formula 1 is racing to return to Africa, with Rwanda and South Africa competing to host the first African Grand Prix since 1993, aiming for 2027. Lewis Hamilton, a longtime supporter of the idea, has gained backing from other drivers for the event.
Golf - Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry have both made hole-in-ones in the opening round of the Pebble Beach Pro-Am. McIlroy, starting at Spyglass Hill, recorded his second career PGA Tour ace on the par-three 15th. Later, Lowry matched him with a hole-in-one at Pebble Beach's famous seventh. Both finished tied for eighth at six-under-par 66, two shots behind leader Russell Henley.
Weather
Sunny intervals in the Alpes Maritimes with showers in parts of the Var this Friday morning. Moderate to strong winds forecast for the Var region by this afternoon and overnight storms expected across our region. Highs of 14 degrees in Nice, Saint-Tropez and Marseille. 15 degrees in Cannes and 13 degrees in Monaco. This evening going down to 9 degrees and cloudy.
The outlook for the weekend, Saturday, showers to start, clearing by the afternoon. Sunday remaining dry, with sunny intervals and highs of 15 degrees.
Sunrise 07.47am
Sunset 05.40pm
Weather elsewhere
London 8° heavy rain.
Dublin 9° sunny.
Bordeaux 11° sunny.
Local snow report
Isola 2000 – Sunny intervals with snowfall forecast. Highs of 1°. 16/19 lifts operating. 31/46 slopes are open. 65cm snow.
Valberg – Sunny intervals, snowfall, highs of 6°. 10/15 lifts running. 18/42 runs open. 40cm snow.
Auron – Sunny interval, snowfall, highs of 5°. 16/19 lifts running. 29/43 runs open. 70cm snow.
And Finally
Monster hunter Eoin O'Faodhagain claims to have captured the first Nessie sighting of 2025 while watching Loch Ness via webcam on Sunday. He spotted two humps, estimated at 20 feet long, rising and sinking in the water—behaviour he believes is characteristic of the Loch Ness Monster. O'Faodhagain ruled out other explanations, such as logs, wildfowl, or seals, and called it a "classic" sighting. The footage, captured on a webcam at the Clansman Hotel, shows the creature's humps moving against the current. O'Faodhagain has logged multiple sightings over the years, contributing to the Official Loch Ness Monster Sightings Register.
Three Departments Remain on Red Alert, Five on Orange as Weather Conditions Improve
Read More
The Alpes-Maritimes and Var departments have been placed on orange alert for heavy rain and flooding, with ongoing yellow alerts for thunderstorms. ...
Read More
Police Commissioner Eric Arella led the traditional Police Department New Year Address on Wednesday morning, chaired by H.S.H. the Sovereign Prince, w...
Read More
A seabed cleanup operation began in Cagnes-sur-Mer on January 29, 2025, to remove debris from a former fish farm. ...
Read More
An easyJet flight from Nice to Rennes on Sunday, January 26, was forced to turn back due to severe weather conditions caused by Storm Ivo. ...
Read More
