NEWS
Jellyfish Boat Expert - French start-up IADYS has developed the Jellyfish Boat Expert, an AI-powered underwater cleaning robot to tackle port pollution in Marseille. Equipped with sonar, cameras, and sensors, it can collect waste, map the seabed, and operate autonomously. With €10 million in funding, IADYS is expanding globally, including a new US branch.
Grimaldi Forum Expands - The Grimaldi Forum has expanded by 6,000 m² to host more congresses, but Monaco faces a growing hotel shortage. In consequence, many visitors must stay far from Monaco due to limited accommodations. Officials acknowledge the issue, but financial constraints make hotel investments less attractive.
Challengin Ban on Large Cruise Ships - The mayor of Villefranche-sur-Mer plans to challenge Christian Estrosi’s ban on large cruise ships in court, calling it illegal. The legal appeal will be filed within three weeks, and a ruling is expected within ten days of submission. Villefranche’s mayor criticizes the ban’s economic impact, rejecting proposed compensation for local businesses.
Paul-Loup Sulitzer Passed Away - French writer and former businessman Paul-Loup Sulitzer has died at 78 in Mauritius following a stroke. Known for his political-financial thrillers, and for having lived in Nice for many years, he had been hospitalized after a fall. His daughter announced his passing on Thursday morning.
2016 Nice Attack Victims - A final ruling will determine which victims of the 2016 Nice attack are legally recognised on the 7th of February. The appeal process has reopened debates on geographical and temporal criteria, affecting first responders, unborn children, and those seeking compensation. Some victims may still face further legal battles for recognition and indemnification.
Man in Custody After Attempting to Poison People - A 38-year-old suspect is in custody after spreading a toxic substance at the Pasteur gym in Nice, though no one was seriously harmed. Surveillance footage captured the act, and initial tests suggest the substance may contain white phosphorus, a highly toxic substance which causes liver and jaw damage upon inhalation. Authorities have ruled out terrorism, citing possible psychological issues.
Drought Alert in the Bouches-du-Rhone - Due to low river flows and an ongoing rainfall deficit, the Bouches-du-Rhône department has been placed on drought alert. The Crau aquifer is particularly affected, with water levels dropping faster than in previous years. Authorities urge all users to conserve water, though upcoming rain may not be enough to replenish reserves.
BUSINESS
China has filed a WTO complaint against the US, accusing it of using false claims about fentanyl to justify tariffs on Chinese goods. The dispute follows Trump's tariff hikes, which have sparked economic uncertainty and retaliation from China. While China argues the measures violate trade rules, the WTO's ability to enforce rulings remains limited.
Norwegian energy giant Equinor is halving investment in renewables while increasing oil and gas production by 10% over two years, citing profitability concerns. CEO Anders Opedal insists the controversial Rosebank oil field will go ahead despite legal challenges. He also warns of potential gas price hikes next winter due to lower European storage levels.
SPORTS
Football - Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez has suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in his knee which is set to rule the centre-back out for the rest of the season.
Rugby Union - France have recalled fly-half Matthieu Jalibert to replace the suspended Romain Ntamack for Saturday's Six Nations match against England on Saturday. Ntamack is banned after being sent off for a tackle to the head of opposite number Ben Thomas late on in France's 43-0 thrashing of Wales on the opening weekend.
Lastly - More than 200 gold medals will be contested at the scaled-back Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games - the most in the event's history. Swimming, track cycling and Para-sports will each boast more medallists than in any of the previous 22 iterations of the Games. And athletics will have two new events - the mixed 4x400m relay and the Commonwealth Mile, which replaces the 1500m. Para-sports will be fully integrated across six of the 10 disciplines, with a Games record of 47 medal events in total.
WEATHER
Another beautiful day in the PACA region with bright and clear skies and a gentle breeze. Highs of 16 degrees in Nice, Cannes, Saint-Tropez, Toulon and 17 degrees in Marseille.
Tonight, mostly clear with lows of 7 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, cloudy with chances of rain in the Var and Bouches-du-Rhone departments with strong winds and highs of 14 degrees.
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Due to a yellow storm alert, all parks, gardens, and the coastal path are closed today in Nice.
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