Evening Update Tuesday 11th of February 2025

NEWS
New Tende Bridges - More than four years after Storm Alex, the inauguration of two new bridges in Tende marks the completion of reconstruction efforts in the Roya Valley. These resilient structures were designed to withstand future storms, restoring vital connections for residents. The next milestone is the long-awaited opening of the Tende tunnel, expected in June 2025.

H.S.H Attended Super Bawl - Prince Albert II of Monaco has attended the Super Bowl in New Orleans, where he met U.S. President Donald Trump in a casual setting celebrating their shared love of sports. Their meeting, captured in a photo by Monaco's U.S. embassy, marked Trump's first Super Bowl as president. During his private visit, Prince Albert II also participated in various events, including community initiatives and receptions.

Sentenced Bus Driver - A 29-year-old school bus driver has been sentenced to three years in prison, including one year under house arrest with an electronic bracelet, for driving without a license and under the influence of cannabis in Vaucluse. He was caught after transporting 40 students in Auriol, amid heightened scrutiny following a fatal bus accident involving a drug-impaired driver in France. The court also banned him from driving for a year and ordered mandatory treatment and employment.

Driver who Hit 5 Mayors Sentenced - A 30-year-old man has been sentenced to 18 months in prison, including nine months with an electronic bracelet, after crashing into a car carrying five mayors in Vaucluse while under the influence of alcohol and drugs. The accident, which nearly resulted in a head-on collision, left one mayor hospitalized with head injuries.

QuiNenVeut - "QuiNenVeut" is a social media-based donation network promoting kindness, respect, and sustainability. Founded in France, it has grown to 169 local groups and nearly 60,000 members, offering free items while fostering social connections. Now expanding internationally, it recently launched a mobile app to reach younger generations.

What is the Nice Carnival? - The Nice Carnival 2025 will soon be there, but what are the reasons behind this traditional festivity? The Nice Carnival is an ancient tradition blending satire, collective catharsis, and festive transgression. Rooted in pagan rituals, it allows people to mock power, connect with others, and momentarily escape societal norms. While it has evolved into a global spectacle, its essence remains a joyful act of liberation.

Valentine's Day Firefighters Video - A playful and suggestive Valentine's Day training video by the Antibes firefighters has gone viral on Instagram, amassing over 48 million views. Set to a song from Fifty Shades of Grey, the video humorously mimics sensual movements in a gym setting. While some find it “questionable,” most viewers are entertained, flooding the post with jokes and laughter.

Mont Serein Ski Resort Closed - The Mont Serein ski resort has closed its slopes due to a lack of snow, with rain replacing snowfall on Mont Ventoux, in Vaucluse. After a brief two-day partial opening, the resort is now waiting for fresh snowfall to reopen.
 

NEWS UPDATE 
Yello Rain Alert - The Alpes-Maritimes and Var departments are on yellow alert for heavy rain and flooding from Tuesday evening until at least Wednesday noon. Rain will persist overnight, with sunshine returning inland by Wednesday afternoon. An avalanche warning remains in effect in the mountains.

Salive-Based Tests for Endometriosis - France is launching saliva-based tests for endometriosis in 80 hospitals, including Nice's Archet Hospital, as part of a clinical trial for 2,500 patients. Developed by biotech company Ziwig, these tests analyze RNA in saliva and are covered by Social Security. The trial's results will determine whether the reimbursement is expanded nationwide. 
 

BUSINESS
Spain's economy is thriving post-Covid, driven by record tourism, EU recovery funds, and green energy investment. Despite challenges like high unemployment, public debt, and a housing crisis, Spain is leading eurozone growth. The government credits its balanced economic model and labour reforms for the country’s resilience.

President Trump has imposed a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminium imports to boost U.S. production, despite concerns from Canada and other trading partners. The move, set to take effect on March 4, has sparked fears of retaliation and higher costs for U.S. industries. While Trump argues it will strengthen the economy, critics worry about increased consumer prices and trade tensions.

And - Elon Musk and a group of investors have offered $97.4 billion to acquire OpenAI, but CEO Sam Altman rejected the bid with a playful counteroffer. Musk argues OpenAI has strayed from its original mission, while Altman insists a for-profit model is necessary for AI development. Meanwhile, OpenAI is collaborating on a $500 billion AI infrastructure project backed by Oracle and international investors.
 

SPORTS
Rugby Union - Warren Gatland is set to leave his role as Wales head coach after a record 14 successive Test match defeats. Gatland, 61, is contracted until the 2027 World Cup but was expected to depart at the end of the Six Nations.
Meanwhile, New Zealand Rugby (NZR) says it has launched legal action against Ineos for alleged breach of contract, claiming the British petrochemicals company has walked away three years early from its sponsorship deal.

Football - Liverpool manager Arne Slot says the defeat at Plymouth Argyle was "not acceptable" and that his side have to bounce back against Everton in the Merseyside derby on Wednesday (19:30 GMT). A much-changed Reds side were on the end of an FA Cup upset when they were beaten 1-0 at Plymouth, who are bottom of the Championship, on Sunday.
 

WEATHER
Mostly cloudy with chances of rain across the region and moderate winds. Highs of 13 degrees in Nice, Cannes and Saint-Tropez, 14 in Toulon and 15 degrees in Marseille.

Tonight, grey and wet with lows of 10 degrees.

Outlook for tomorrow, mostly cloudy with chances of rain with highs of 14 degrees and moderate winds.

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