News
Winter flu - Public health France has said that the winter flu epidemic has intensified in cities across France and has generated “high hospital activity" with a "clear increase in the number of deaths". The week from January 6th to January 12th was marked by a "high level of intensity” in all age groups". In hospitals, visits to the A&E and hospitalizations of children under five for flu or flu like illness have risen sharply.
The flu epidemic was responsible for 611 deaths in the week ending on January 12th with 9.2% recorded in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur a region heavily impacted by this year’s winter flu epidemic.
Shocking data reveals unprecedented number of people using cocaine in France - According to data published by the French Observatory for Drugs and Addictive Trends this week, more than one million people in France used cocaine at least once in 2023. The demand for the drug has never been so high. Trends published on Wednesday 15th January, showed that this is almost double the number of 600,000 recorded in the previous report for 2022. In detail, 2.7% of the adults surveyed experimented with cocaine in 2023 (3.9% of men and 1.6% of women). Nearly one in ten people (9.4%) say they have already used it in their life (13.4% for men, 5.5% for women). France is now the seventh European country where the consumption is the highest. Research continues to find out the reasons behind the increase in numbers. Some researchers are pointing to the fact that the three main producing countries, Colombia, Bolivia and Peru have never produced so much cocaine, the drop in price, as well as drug dealers who are constantly improving their sales techniques in order to reach a wider range of consumers.
Joan of Arc Statue - The monumental statue of Joan of Arc, installed in December 2024, may soon be removed after the administrative court annulled its commissioning contract due to a lack of competitive bidding in Nice. The court found no exceptional artistic justification for awarding the €170,000 project without public tender. If upheld, the ruling mandates the statue's removal and reimbursement of funds.
Monaco mourns the death of emblematic figure Henry Rey - Former President of the Monegasque Olympic Committee, youngest ever President of AS Monaco FC, dedicated to the National Council for four decades and an emblematic figure in Monegasque history Henry Rey has died at the age of 86. Following the news of his passing HSH Prince Albert praised Rey’s contributions to the Principality’s political and sporting landscape, highlighting his leadership roles and enduring legacy. His influence extended beyond football, presiding over the Monte-Carlo Golf Club and the Monaco Weightlifting Federation, cementing his reputation as a passionate advocate for sport. Rey’s funeral will take place at the Monaco Cathedral on Friday January 17th.
Recruitment event at the Fairmont Monte Carlo - One of Monaco’s iconic hotel’s, which has been part of the Principalities landscape since 1975, is preparing to celebrate its 50th anniversary this year and ahead of celebrations the establishment is looking to take on around 300 new staff members for a range of roles. The Fairmont Monte Carlo will be hosting a recruitment open day on Tuesday 28th January. If you are interested, you are invited to come along with your CV to meet the recruitment team from 9am to 5.30pm.
Monaco Telethon - The second stage of the 2024 Monaco Téléthon will take place on the 18th and 19th of January 2025, at the Léo Ferré space in Monaco. The event aims to support research and aid for rare and genetic diseases through solidarity, entertainment, and innovation, with activities and challenges planned. Donations can be made via 3637 or afm-telethon.fr.
Joan of Arc Statue - The monumental statue of Joan of Arc, installed in December 2024, may soon be removed after the administrative court annulled its commissioning contract due to a lack of competitive bidding in Nice. The court found no exceptional artistic justification for awarding the €170,000 project without public tender. If upheld, the ruling mandates the statue's removal and reimbursement of funds.
Travelling hairdresser brings happiness to local in rural areas of the Var – Finally, From the catwalk to the small villages of the Var, Mayerling Géraci, a professional hairdresser, has decided to change her life and travel through the villages in the region to cut and style hair in her caravan for those living in rural areas. After making the lifestyle change five months ago, leaving behind the bright lights and glitter of fashion shows, Géraci beams with joy as she now cuts and styles the hair of villagers who are ever so grateful.
Business
The long-term survival prospects of French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou's minority government have shrunk as he fights to keep the Socialist Party from from backing a no-confidence vote today Thursday 16th January. Bayrou does look likely to rise out the no-confidence motion which has been put forward by 58 far-left France Unbowed (LFI), Green and communist lawmakers. However, a loss of socialist support would be a big blow, especially after he offered this week to renegotiate the much-disputed 2023 pension reform in order to win their support.
Canadian political leaders have said that "nothing is off the table" when it comes to responding to potential 25% tariffs from the US. President-elect Donald Trump, who takes office on Monday, has threatened to immediately impose levies on Canadian goods in an effort to force the country to crack down on illegal immigration and drug smuggling into the US. On Wednesday, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau held a meeting to discuss the country's coordinated response.
Borrowing costs for the UK government have plunged, as an unexpected drop in inflation at home and in the US raised bets that central banks will cut interest rates in the months ahead. The interest rate charged on key UK government debt dropped below 4.8%, retreating after last week's surge, when it had hit the highest level in 16 years. The moves followed new figures showing inflation cooled to 2.5% in December, from 2.6% in the prior month. It has eased pressure on Chancellor Rachel Reeves whose Budget policies have been criticised for contributing to the market turmoil.
Sport
Vendée Globe – Sailor Yoann Richomme from the Var has taken second place in the Vendée Globe. The 41-year-old was participating in the race for the first time and arrived at the finishing line more than 22 hours after the winner Charlie Dalin. Richomme crossed the finishing line at 7.12am on Wednesday completing his first solo round the world race, without assistance and without stopovers, in 65 days 18 hours 10 minutes or 22 hours 47 minutes and 13 seconds behind his rival and winner Charlie Dalin.
Football – In the Premier League London derby on Wednesday evening, Arsenal were victorious beating Tottenham 2-1. Arsenal are now four points behind Liverpool. Newcastle beat Wolves 3-0; Crystal Palace beat Leicester City 2-0 and Aston Villa won 1-0 against Everton. Ahead of Villa’s fixture on Wednesday the Prince of Wales had visited a Wetherspoon pub to enjoy a pint with fellow Aston Villa fans, chatting about the club before their upcoming match. Prince William joined eight supporters around a group of tables at the Birmingham pub, before the fans, all season ticket holders, made the trip to the club's away match at Everton on Wednesday. One fan said the prince was a "genuine bloke who really loves Villa". The prince is a lifelong Aston Villa fan and began supporting the club while at school.
Meanwhile, in the Champions League Aston Villa will soon be paying a visit to Monaco. AS Monaco are to host Villa next week on the 21st of January at the Stade Lousi II. The stakes are high for Monaco, who are currently in 16th place with just 10 points. Aston Villa, meanwhile, are in fifth place with 13 points.
In this evening’s Premier League Ipswich Town are at home to Brighton and Manchester United play Southampton.
Weather
Sunny with a fresh breeze and highs of 15 degrees in Nice and Menton, 13 degrees in Monaco, 12 degrees in Vence. Strong winds with sunny intervals and highs of 13 degrees in Saint-Tropez. Light winds and sunny intervals and highs of 14 degrees in Marseille. This evening going down to 5 degrees along the coast with clear skies.
The outlook for tomorrow and heading into the weekend. Friday, sunny with a moderate breeze and highs of 15 degrees. The weekend mainly fine and sunny with highs of 16-17 degrees.
Sunrise 08.00am
Sunset 05.20pm
Weather elsewhere
London 9° light cloud
Dublin 11° sunny
Paris 6° light cloud
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