News
France Considers 'Taxe Lapin' Fining Patients for Missed Medical Appointments - France is considering a "taxe lapin” or “rabbit tax" to fine people who cancel medical appointments without warning. The proposal aims to hold patients accountable for missed appointments, which cost the healthcare system and prevent other patients from using possible appointments. The measure, which could involve a €5 fine for no-shows, was first proposed in April 2024 and is expected to be introduced in 2025. Some doctors and platforms like Doctolib remain reserved on the measure and others have expressed concerns over its implementation and fairness. Each year, 27 million medical appointments in France go unattended without prior notice.
“Paracetamol Challenge" – Dangerous Trend Sends Teenagers to Hospitals – Meanwhile, a new challenge circulating on TikTok, where teens ingest large amounts of paracetamol, has led to multiple hospitalizations, including the death of a 10-year-old. Parents are being warned of the game, which started in the U.S. in 2023 and causes severe liver damage, with potentially fatal consequences. Authorities warn that exceeding the recommended dose can lead to liver failure, kidney issues, and even death.
Water Restrictions Remain in Place in Pays de Fayence - Due to high murkiness caused by recent storms, several municipalities in the Pays de Fayence continue to face tap water restrictions. A "red level" alert is in effect, urging residents to boil water for consumption or avoid using it altogether if vulnerable. A distribution point for bottled water remains active at Maison de l'eau in Fayence. Authorities will update residents as conditions improve.
Marseille Crime Figure 'Gros Dédé' Shot Dead in Street Attack - André Cermolacce, known as "Gros Dédé," a figure in Marseille's organized crime, has been shot dead in a street attack. The 70-year-old was shot three times in the head by a hooded gunman on a scooter in the city's 14th arrondissement on Tuesday. Cermolacce who had a long criminal history had previously survived an assassination attempt and was linked to the 2005 murder of Judge Michel.
Major Alcohol And Drug Screening - A major alcohol and drug screening operation has been conducted on bus drivers in Mougins. Checks were carried out on Tuesday evening. For an hour, gendarmes and municipal police checked all buses on Avenue Maréchal Juin, following the recent tragic school bus accident in Châteaudun. The operation, aimed at ensuring road safety, tested drivers for alcohol and drugs. Local authorities emphasized the importance of preventive measures to protect public safety, especially for schoolchildren.
Speeding on the A8 motorway – Meanwhile, a motorist has been caught speeding at 208 km/h on the A8 motorway near Brignoles, far exceeding the 110 km/h speed limit. Despite heavy rain, he was intercepted by police. The driver, who was making a delivery, had his licence revoked for six months and faces potential fines, a three-year driving ban, and permanent vehicle confiscation. He is due to appear in court soon.
Cap 3000 and Nice Airport at Risk? Report Warns of Major Flood Threat - A recent report published by the Court of Auditors has highlighted the underestimated risk of flooding on the Cote d’Azur, particularly criticizing the expansion of the Cap 3000 shopping center near Nice. The report warns that urbanization along the Mediterranean coast increases vulnerability to rising sea levels and severe weather. It specifically points to Cap 3000’s 26,000 m2 expansion in Saint-Laurent-du-Var, an area exposed to both torrential river flooding and storm surges.
During Storm Alex in 2020, which caused ten deaths, the dike protecting the shopping center failed, necessitating emergency repairs. The report criticizes local planning policies for allowing such expansions despite evident risks. The Court of Auditors also flags Nice Airport as a flood-prone area, warning that its runways could be submerged if sea levels rise by just one meter. Despite this, an ongoing expansion project remains approved, with a legal challenge from environmental groups recently dismissed.
Environmentalists have welcomed the report, calling it validation of their concerns. They denounce « concrete heavy » policies and demand a halt to airport expansion, better flooding protection, and restrictions on construction on major riverbeds. Some preventative measures, such as non-renewal of certain beach concessions, are being taken, as seen in Villeneuve-Loubet. The report also warns that local officials may be underestimating their civil and criminal liability in the face of these growing risks.
Join the Fight: 13th Pink Ribbon Walk for Breast Cancer Awareness in Monaco - Finally, don’t forget that the 13th Pink Ribbon Walk will take place this Sunday, February 9th, in Monaco, starting at 10 a.m. at Port Hercule. The event aims to raise awareness of breast cancer screening and fund research, particularly at the Princess Grace Hospital Centre. Participants can join the 5-kilometer walk, wearing pink and contributing to the cause with a 30-euro registration fee. The walk is open to all ages, with children and pets are welcome. Funds raised will support research on lobular breast cancer screening.
Business
Google's parent company, Alphabet has revised its AI principles, no longer committing to avoid using artificial intelligence for purposes like developing weapons and surveillance tools. The updated guidelines remove a section that previously ruled out uses "likely to cause harm." In a blog post, Google senior vice president and head of Google DeepMind, defended the change, stating that businesses and democratic governments need to collaborate on AI that "supports national security."
Mattel, the toy giant behind Barbie and Hot Wheels, has announced it may raise prices in the US to offset the impact of Donald Trump's 10% tariffs on all imports from China, where nearly 40% of its production is based. The company also mentioned it could need to adjust its supply chain. Consumer and business groups in the US have raised concerns that the tariffs could disrupt supply chains and lead to higher prices.
Meanwhile, the US Postal Service (USPS) has temporarily halted accepting parcels from mainland China and Hong Kong, though letters will still be accepted. The suspension, which is effective "until further notice," did not include a reason. This move follows the imposition of a 10% tariff by US President Donald Trump on all imports from China.
And – “CMB Finance Conference Highlights Key Investment Trends for 2025” - CMB Monaco has hosted an exclusive investment conference at the Fairmont, featuring experts from BlackRock, Blackstone, and Pimco. With over 150 guests in attendance, the event explored major trends shaping the investment landscape for 2025, including inflation, AI, private assets, and US equities. Jérôme Maman, Head of Investment & Credit Services at CMB Monaco, emphasized the importance of partnering with top international experts to provide innovative solutions for clients. Francesco Grosoli, CEO, stressed the need for proactive investment strategies, especially amid a rapidly changing economic and political landscape. CMB Monaco remains committed to equipping clients with the expertise to navigate these trends and seize new opportunities. CMB Monaco, established in 1976, is a leading private bank specializing in asset management and wealth advisory. Offering tailor-made solutions for Monegasque residents, it is dedicated to creating opportunities in both private banking and investment sectors. You can find out more by going to www.cmb.mc
Sport
Football – A recent report has shown that there have been 13 VAR mistakes in the Premier League this season, down from 20 at the same point last year. This includes four incorrect interventions and nine missed ones. The league's Key Match Incidents (KMI) panel found that the accuracy rate of VAR decisions has improved to 96.4%, up from 95.7%. Despite these improvements, errors still have significant consequences. Referees have also faced abuse, with police investigating threats made to Michael Oliver following a controversial decision in January.
Rugby Union - Alex Lozowski has replaced the injured Cadan Murley in the England training squad for Saturday's Six Nations match against France. Murley, who scored on his debut against Ireland, missed Monday's training session due to a foot injury requiring a scan. The 25-year-old could rejoin the England camp later in the tournament. Lozowski, 31, has not played for England since 2018, having earned five international caps under former head coach Eddie Jones.
Cricket – England’s wicketkeeper Jamie Smith is set to miss the first two one-day internationals against India this week due to a calf issue. He sustained the injury during the third T20 on January 28th and missed the following games as India won the series 4-1. Smith is expected to be fit for the Champions Trophy, which begins with England's match against Australia on 22nd of February. The three-match ODI series starts on Thursday, with the final match on 12th of February, the same day teams must submit their Champions Trophy squads.
Formula One - Britain's Oliver Bearman is focused on "continuous growth and development" as he prepares for his first full Formula 1 season with Haas. At just 19, Bearman signed a multi-year deal with the US-based team after making his debut last year, replacing Carlos Sainz. He became the third youngest F1 driver ever, following Max Verstappen and Lance Stroll.
Tennis - Two-time Grand Slam champion and former world number one Simona Halep has announced her retirement from tennis. The 33-year-old Romanian made the decision on court at the Transylvania Open after a 6-1, 6-1 loss to Lucia Bronzetti in the first round.
Golf - Tiger Woods has paid tribute to his mother, Kultida, following her death, calling her his "biggest fan and greatest supporter." Woods, 49, did not disclose the cause of her death, but noted she had attended his TGL match in Florida just last week. In a heartfelt message on social media, Woods expressed that none of his personal achievements would have been possible without his mother, who was a constant presence at his tournaments, including when he won his fifth Masters title in 2019.
Weather
Mainly fine with a gentle breeze. Highs of 13 degrees in Monaco, 14 degrees in Saint-Tropez, Vence and Nice, 15 degrees in Cannes and Toulon. This evening going down to 6 degrees along the coast
The outlook for tomorrow and Friday. Mainly fine becoming increasingly cloudy with showers expected by Friday evening and strong winds forecast for the Var region. Highs of 14-15 degrees.
Sunrise 07.42am
Sunset 05.46pm
Weather elsewhere
London 10° sunny light winds.
Palma 17° sunny.
Dublin 9° sunny.
Paris 9° misty.
Local snow report – Yellow avalanche risk is in place.
Isola 2000 – Sunny. Highs of 6°. 15/19 lifts operating. 41/46 slopes are open. 90cm snow.
Valberg – Sunny, highs of 11°. 11/15 lifts running. 25/42 runs open. 60cm snow.
Auron – Sunny, highs of 11°. 17/19 lifts running. 43/43 runs open. 100cm snow.
And Finally
Tired of tossing and turning at night? According to neuroscientists, wearing socks to bed might just be the key to a better night’s sleep. Dr. Jess, a TikTok sensation, claims that warm feet help cool your body down, signalling your brain it’s time to sleep.
A 2018 Japanese study backs this up: participants who wore socks to bed fell asleep 7.5 minutes faster, slept longer, and woke up less. So, if you’re sick of cold toes keeping you up, try this cozy hack tonight!
France is considering a "taxe lapin” or “rabbit tax" to fine people who cancel medical appointments without warning. The proposal aims to hold patient...
Read More
Due to high murkiness caused by recent storms, several municipalities in the Pays de Fayence continue to face tap water restrictions. ...
Read More
A recent report published by the Court of Auditors has highlighted the underestimated risk of flooding on the Cote d’Azur, particularly criticizing th...
Read More
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 ba...
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On Monday, two skiing accidents occurred in our regions ski resorts.
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