NEWS
Monaco Granted APS to Ukrainian Refugees - Since the start of the Russian offensive in Ukraine on the 24th of February 2022, Monaco has granted temporary residence permits (APS) to 274 Ukrainian refugees. However, 219 of these permits were cancelled as 194 individuals left Monaco and 25 obtained permanent residency. Currently, 55 Ukrainians with valid APS remain in the Principality, benefiting from support like psychological aid, employment assistance, French language training, and medical coverage.
Air Treatment for Public Kindergarten - The Rotary Club of Monaco, along with the Rotary Club of Genoa Nord and other partners, have co-financed an air treatment unit (UTA) for a public kindergarten in Piazza Sarzano, Genoa. Since December 2024, the UTA has provided fresh, oxygen-rich air to two classrooms, improving air quality by filtering out pollutants like carbon dioxide, fine dust, and volatile organic compounds. The initiative aims to protect children's health from the long-term effects of indoor air pollution, as highlighted in UNICEF's 2017 "Danger in the Air" report.
Train Breakdown - A train breakdown in Monaco has caused major disruptions on the SNCF rail network in the Paca region on Tuesday, the 25th of February. The incident, involving a stalled construction vehicle, halted trains between Nice and Ventimiglia, leading to cascading delays and frustration among passengers. Initial estimates for service resumption were repeatedly pushed back, with SNCF aiming for traffic to resume by 11 am.
Off-Duty Police Officer Saves Woman - An off-duty police officer has saved the life of a 71-year-old woman on Saturday, the 22nd of February, by jumping into the Carpentras canal to rescue her, in the Vaucluse department. He was alerted by a green handbag left on the bank and found the woman in hypothermia, floating on her back. She had fallen while collecting wicker and is now in stable condition in the Avignon hospital’s intensive care unit.
Hyeres' Road Safety - After a 21-year-old woman died in a tragic road accident near Hyères, in the Var, local police have adopted a zero-tolerance approach to road safety. The crash occurred when a speeding driver, under the influence of alcohol and drugs, collided with her vehicle while attempting a dangerous overtake. To prevent future tragedies, authorities will increase road checks, especially on high-risk routes, with the possibility of installing a speed radar.
Avignon's City Walls at Risk of Collapse - Several sections of Avignon's historic 14th-century city walls are at risk of collapse, with one-third needing repair within the next three to four years. On the 23rd of February, eight stone crenelations fell in the Saint-Lazare area, prompting urgent renovations. The annual restoration costs €300,000, with half funded by the French government.
Oscars of Luxury Travel Hosted in Monaco Starting Tomorrow - The Forbes Travel Guide is hosting its luxury travel "Summit" in Monaco from Wednesday, marking its first event in the Principality. Known as the "Oscars" of luxury travel, the event will celebrate top global brands in hospitality, featuring conferences, networking, and awards. Chef Alain Ducasse will receive the "Award of Excellence" at a gala on Thursday.
Geological and History Secrets in the Alpes-Maritimes - Over the weekend, the Naturalists Association of Nice and the Alpes-Maritimes have hosted an event at the Nice Natural History Museum, inviting the public to uncover the geological and historical secrets of their collected rocks. Amateur and expert geologists worked together, comparing the field to detective work, as they analysed fossils, minerals, and rock formations. Attendees of all ages, including young collectors like Aidan and geology enthusiasts like Science teacher Fabienne, learned how each discovery contributes to the vast puzzle of Earth's history.
BUSINESS
Technicolor, the iconic visual effects (VFX) company known for films from Disney’s Pinocchio (1940) to Mufasa: The Lion King (2024), has entered administration in the UK, leading to most of its 440 UK staff being made redundant. The collapse follows failed attempts to find a buyer amid economic challenges, the US writers' strike, and cash flow issues. The administration affects only the UK arm, while Technicolor's global operations, including studios like MPC, Mikros Animation, and The Mill, remain uncertain.
And - Ukraine and the US are close to a deal granting the US access to Ukraine’s valuable mineral deposits, including graphite, lithium, and rare earth metals, to reduce US dependency on China. While the US seeks substantial control over these resources, President Zelensky is pushing back on demands for a 50% or full revenue share, wanting security guarantees in return. The deal, seen by some as "colonial," could boost Ukraine’s economy through technology, investment, and job creation.
SPORTS
Football - AS Cannes faces Guingamp in the French Cup quarterfinals on the 25th of February at 9pm, an impressive feat for the National 2 club. Coach Damien Ott, who transformed the team with an aggressive, high-pressing style, emphasizes progress and team cohesion over dreaming of victory. Around 9,000 fans are expected at the Stade Pierre de Coubertin.
Meanwhile, Arsenal will not stop fighting for the Premier League title despite slipping 11 points behind leaders Liverpool, says Gunners’ boss Mikel Arteta. The Gunners lost further ground on league leaders Liverpool last weekend following a 1-0 defeat by West Ham at the Emirates.
Cricket - England Test captain Ben Stokes is set to miss this summer's Hundred to focus on his fitness for the Ashes in Australia at the end of the year.
Tennis - Britain's Cameron Norrie has been beaten 7-6 (7-5) 6-3 by teenage American qualifier Learner Tien in the opening round of the Mexican Open in Acapulco.
WEATHER
Cloudy with chances of rain in the Var and inland. Highs of 15 degrees in Nice and Marseille, and 16 degrees in Cannes, Saint-Tropez and Toulon.
Tonight, mostly clear with temperatures dropping to 10 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, back to bright and clear skies with highs of 16 degrees and strong winds, especially on the western side of the region.
Since the start of the Russian offensive in Ukraine on the 24th of February 2022, Monaco has granted temporary residence permits (APS) to 274 Ukrainia...
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UFC Que Choisir’s latest survey has compared supermarket prices across the Côte d’Azur. Here’s a breakdown of the cheapest options in key cities:...
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Train traffic is disrupted between Nice and Ventimiglia due to a breakdown on a train at Monaco station. ...
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French President Emmanuel Macron has stated that any peace deal with Russia "must not mean a surrender of Ukraine," following comments from Donald Tru...
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American actor George Clooney has opened up to the New York Times about his life in the Var, where he enjoys a more rural lifestyle in Brignoles. ...
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