News
Alpes-Maritimes and the Var on Yellow Rain-Flood Alert as Ivo Depression Brings Storms and Heavy Rain -Météo France has issued a yellow rain and flood alert for the Alpes-Maritimes and the Var departments today Thursday, January 30th. The warning was issued at 6am this Thursday morning and will remain in place throughout the day. After two days of sunshine, the rain is set to return to our region, and it's not expected to be just a light drizzle. The yellow alert was activated due to the arrival of the Ivo depression, which brought bad weather to the west of France on Wednesday. The heaviest rain and thunderstorms are anticipated during the early afternoon, particularly along the coast. Gusty winds reaching up to 60 km/h are also expected in coastal areas. Stay tuned for further updates and take necessary precautions if you're in the affected areas.
Flu Epidemic Intensifies in France: Rising Child Hospitalizations and Increased Mortality Among Adults - The flu epidemic continues to worsen across France, with an alarming rise in hospitalizations among children and increased mortality in adults. Despite the vaccine, which has been shown to have effectiveness in the elderly, the epidemic is spreading rapidly and proving deadly.
The Public Health Agency of France reported a "strong intensification" of the flu outbreak, with the latest figures showing a concerning increase in cases and hospitalizations. The epidemic is being fuelled by the simultaneous circulation of three strains of the virus, a situation not seen since the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Hospitals are overwhelmed, with many having activated emergency protocols to handle the influx of patients. In response, health authorities have extended the flu vaccination campaign until the end of February due to insufficient coverage.
Among adults, particularly those over 65, the flu has led to higher mortality rates compared to previous years, with approximately 7% of deaths linked to the virus. The elderly have been particularly vulnerable, with many still unvaccinated. Despite the flu vaccine's limited effectiveness in the elderly—around 35%—the vaccine remains important in reducing the overall spread of the virus. Health experts continue to emphasize the importance of barrier measures, including mask-wearing, handwashing, and ventilating indoor spaces, especially as the epidemic shows no signs of slowing down. Children are also heavily impacted by this year's flu, with an exceptional number of consultations and hospitalizations, especially among the youngest. Although mortality remains low in children, the flu has put significant strain on paediatric healthcare.
Many Students Fall Ill at Yves-Klein Middle School in La Colle-sur-Loup: Epidemic or Food Poisoning? – Meanwhile, a number of students at Yves-Klein middle school in La Colle-sur-Loup have fallen ill on Tuesday evening, presenting symptoms of gastroenteritis. As a result, many were absent from school on Wednesday, January 29th. The local mayor is waiting for the results of an investigation by the Department to confirm the cause. While some parents suspect food poisoning, many students, particularly in the 5th and 6th grades, have been affected by vomiting and diarrhoea. One parent, Christelle, said her daughter was unwell after eating at the school canteen, and others in her class reported similar symptoms.
However, both the mayor of La Colle-sur-Loup, Jean-Bernard Mion, and the school head, Jean-Luc Allegrini, believe the issue is more likely to be gastroenteritis, not food poisoning. The mayor also reassured the public that the water supply, which no longer comes from the Lauron River, is not a concern. The investigation is ongoing, and local authorities are taking necessary precautions. The mayor urged residents to stay vigilant and promised that preventive measures, including barrier gestures, would be reinforced in the coming days.
Nice Education Authority Announces 135 Additional Teaching Positions for 2025 School Year - The Nice education authority has announced the creation of 135 additional teaching positions for the start of the 2025 school year. This includes 60 positions for primary schools and 75 for secondary schools. The additional positions aim to improve student success, with a particular focus on reducing class sizes, especially in areas with greater educational needs. In addition to teaching positions, the Nice education authority will also gain 9 senior education advisor roles and 26 educational assistant positions, aimed at improving the atmosphere in schools, especially those which report a high number of violent incidents.
Vinci Autoroutes to Implement Limited Toll Increase of 0.77% Starting February 1st - Vinci Autoroutes has announced a limited increase in toll rates starting on February the 1st. The average increase will be just 0.77%, which is lower than the current inflation rate of 1.097% and will be the smallest increase in the sector. In a move to support everyday commuters, Vinci will freeze toll rates for 90% of journeys under 30 km and for 80% of those under 50 km. Additionally, tolls on bypass routes serving 35 major urban areas will remain unchanged. This is particularly aimed at those using the network for daily home-to-work travel.
Despite the increase, the new toll rates across Vinci's network will still be lower than the industry average, which is set to rise by 0.92%. For more details on the new toll rates, you can visit Vinci Autoroutes' website.
Delinquency in Monaco Up 4.1% in 2024, Driven by Increase in Thefts and Burglaries - According to statistics released by the Director of Public Security. In 2024, general delinquency in Monaco saw a slight rise of 4.1%. The increase is mainly due to a surge in thefts and burglaries. Specifically, burglaries rose by 54%, with 17 incidents compared to 11 in 2023, while thefts went up by 60%, particularly targeting unregistered two-wheelers like bicycles and scooters.
There were also two attempted homicides recorded this year, one within a family and the other related to a street dispute within the Sri Lankan community. Additionally, Monaco saw two armed robberies at luxury watch stores in the city.
Despite the rise in some criminal activities, the Director of Public Security Eric Arella, pointed out a 43% increase in proactive police actions, such as more street checks, leading to higher detection of offences like money laundering, drug possession, and violations of weapons laws. While crime levels in Monaco remain moderate and well-controlled, road crime continues to be a major concern. Accidents increased by 6% in 2024, with many incidents linked to alcohol, speed, and drug use.
Monaco Women’s Forum - This year, the Monaco Women Forum invites you to embark on an inspiring journey into The New Space Race. Dive into discussions on groundbreaking satellite technologies, their role in addressing climate challenges, and how AI is transforming space missions. Explore the future of human presence beyond Earth, tackle cybersecurity concerns, and examine the legal and ethical frameworks shaping sustainable space governance. You can join the Monaco Women’s Forum on March 21st, 2025, at Le Méridien Beach Plaza in Monaco for this extraordinary event, where brilliant minds will tackle the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of space exploration and its global impact.
Didier Deschamps Surprises U14s in Cap-d'Ail with Coaching Session – Finally, in a surprise visit to Cap-d'Ail, Didier Deschamps, coach of the French national football team, took on an unexpected role as coach of the U14 team. During a seminar in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat with his staff, Deschamps decided to visit the local club and share his expertise with the young players. The kids were amazed when they saw Deschamps arrive. The visit was part of an initiative by the French Football Federation to connect Deschamps and his staff with amateur clubs.
The surprise session, which lasted for an hour, was led by the U14 coach, Patrick Soules, with Deschamps stepping in to offer advice and guidance. Deschamps, known for his humility, took a hands-on approach, even leading part of the session after initially observing. Deschamps emphasized the importance of enjoying the game above all else, leaving the young players and coaches with some priceless memories.
Business
US President Donald Trump has signed a legal settlement with Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, in which Meta will pay approximately $25 million (£20 million). Trump had sued Meta and its CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, in 2021 following the suspension of his accounts after the January 6th Capitol riots. In July 2024, Meta lifted the final restrictions on Trump’s accounts as the US presidential elections approached.
OpenAI has raised concerns that rivals, including Chinese firms, are using its technology to rapidly develop their own AI tools. This comes after the emergence of DeepSeek, a Chinese app that reportedly mimics ChatGPT’s performance at a significantly lower cost. Microsoft, a major investor in OpenAI, is investigating whether OpenAI’s data has been used without authorization.
Coca-Cola products, including Coca-Cola Original Taste, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, Diet Coke, and Sprite Zero, have been recalled in the UK due to "elevated levels" of a chemical called chlorate. The recall also affects 6x250ml Appletiser multipacks sent to UK supermarkets, as well as products delivered to cafes and restaurants. This move follows a larger recall of Coca-Cola products across Europe. Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, the company’s bottling partner, stated that the risk of illness is "very low."
And - Lidl is set to open the UK’s first-ever in-store pub at its Dundonald store in Northern Ireland. Shoppers will now be able to enjoy a pint while browsing the booze aisle. Despite challenges from local off-licence chain Philip Russell Ltd, a judge ruled in Lidl’s favour, allowing the unique pub-off-licence concept to move forward. The £410,000 project will offer a new twist to grocery shopping, thanks to Dundonald's growing population and convenient location.
Sport
Football - The Champions’ League group stage has wrapped up, and the knockout rounds are set. Manchester City fought back to beat Club Brugge and make the play-offs, while Aston Villa and Arsenal join Liverpool in the last 16. Celtic, despite losing 4-2 to Villa, also progress to the play-offs, meaning all five British teams are still in the league.
Teams in the last 16 include Liverpool, Barcelona, Arsenal, Inter Milan, Atletico Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, Lille, and Aston Villa. The play-off teams are Atalanta, Borussia Dortmund, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, AC Milan, PSV, Paris Saint-Germain, Benfica, Monaco, Brest, Feyenoord, Juventus, Celtic, Manchester City, Sporting, and Club Brugge.
As for the knockout phase draw, Celtic or Manchester City will face Real Madrid or Bayern Munich, while Liverpool could play PSG, Monaco, Benfica, or Brest. The last 16 matchups will be drawn on Friday, 31st of January, with matches scheduled for March.
Formula One - Lewis Hamilton has crashed his Ferrari during pre-season testing in Spain but was unhurt. The incident occurred on Wednesday on Hamilton's second day of testing with Ferrari. The seven-time champion lost control of the team's 2023 car while sharing the car with teammate Charles Leclerc. Ferrari has downplayed the incident, stating that it's normal as Hamilton adjusts to the car after 12 years with Mercedes. Ferrari is working to integrate Hamilton into the team before the season opener in Australia on March 14th. Further testing will take place in February, including a tyre test with Pirelli.
Tennis - The US Open will become a 15-day tournament starting in 2025, with matches kicking off on Sunday, August 24th, and finishing on Sunday, September 7th. This makes it the latest Grand Slam to adopt a Sunday start, following the Australian Open's move in 2024 and the French Open's shift in 2006. Wimbledon remains the only major to retain the traditional Monday start.
Monte-Carlo Historique Rallye - The 27th Rallye Monte-Carlo Historique kicks off this Saturday in Valencia, with 222 competitors ready to hit the road. Following the excitement of the WRC, the historic rally promises a different kind of challenge, focusing on consistency and precision rather than speed.
Unlike the intense competition of the WRC, the Historic Rally is all about regularity tests, where drivers must complete 17 stages at a pre-set average speed. With the emphasis on traditional rallying, the use of electronic devices like GPS are now banned, forcing co-drivers to rely on their own calculations to stay on track. The rally is open to cars registered between 1911 and 1982, offering a nostalgic look back at vintage vehicles that have participated in the Monte-Carlo Rally over the years. The conditions promise to be tough, with winter weather and unpredictable road surfaces expected to make things challenging, much like in the WRC. Unlike the WRC, however, the roads are still open to traffic, adding an extra element of excitement.
The rally will cover a total of 1,687 kilometers across 17 regularity stages, with competitors starting from four cities: Monaco, Bad Homburg, Reims, and Turin. The rally concludes in Monaco on Tuesday evening, with a dramatic final stage over the Col de Turini.
Weather
Météo France has issued a yellow rain and flood alert for the Alpes-Maritimes and the Var departments today Thursday, January 30th. The warning was issued at 6am this Thursday morning and will remain in place throughout the day. Rain is forecast across the region with winds picking up in the afternoon. Highs of 11 degrees. Friday should be mainly fine and dry with highs of 15 degrees.
Sunrise 07.49am
Sunset 05.38pm
Weather elsewhere
Rome 16° sunny.
Brussels 7° heavy rain.
Lisbon 14° gusty winds.
Local snow report
Isola 2000 – Snowfall 2°. 16/19 lifts operating. 31/46 slopes are open. 65cm snow.
Valberg – Snowfall, highs of 7°. 6/15 lifts running. 17/42 runs open. 40cm snow.
Auron – Snowfall, highs of 5°. 17/19 lifts running. 28/43 runs open. 70cm snow.
And Finally
Asteroid 2024 YR4: Scientists Warn of Potential Impact in 2032 - A newly discovered asteroid, 2024 YR4, poses a 1.2% chance of colliding with Earth on December 22, 2032. The nearly 200-foot rock could cause significant damage, especially if it strikes a major city. With its size similar to the Tunguska asteroid, which caused massive destruction in 1908, the potential for disaster is high, but scientists say the risk remains low. Ongoing observations aim to refine its trajectory, size, and composition. While the likelihood of impact is small, experts are closely monitoring this threat.
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