News
Paris AI Summit kicks off as Macron unveils €109 billion investment and calls for global regulation -The Paris Artificial Intelligence Summit is set to open today Monday 10th February, bringing together political and business leaders. On Sunday, French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized the ongoing technological and scientific revolution, announcing a €109 billion investment in AI for France. He also called for global regulation of the sector ahead of the summit at the Grand Palais. France has partnered with eight countries, associations, and companies to launch "Current AI," a $400 million initiative for AI of general interest.
3-Year-Old girl dies in apartment fire in Nice; Father attempts rescue - A 3-year-old girl has tragically died in an apartment fire in Nice early on Sunday, February 9th. The fire broke out around 1 a.m. on the sixth floor of an eight-story building on Boulevard Henri-Sappia. Despite the efforts of 41 firefighters, who were quickly mobilized to extinguish the flames, the apartment was destroyed. The girl's father, who had been caring for her, attempted to save her but was unable to reach her due to the intensity of the fire. Five others sustained minor injuries. An investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the fire, which is believed to be accidental.
Tunisian suspect goes on trial for 2020 Nice Basilica attack, claims amnesia - Tunisian Brahim Aouissaoui accused of the 2020 attack on Nice’s Basilica, is to go on trial today Monday February 10th, for the murder of three victims. Despite being seriously injured and claiming amnesia, investigators argue his memory loss is a defence tactic. The 25-year-old who had become radicalized before the attack, travelled illegally from Tunisia to Italy and eventually to Nice. On October 29th, 2020, he murdered Nadine Devillers, Simone Barreto Silva, and Vincent Loquès. The trial is set to last until February 26th, with the defence questioning his mental health and ability to understand the charges.
Agreement reached for students in Valbonne’s English-Speaking Section – The Rectorate of Nice and the Aseica association have reached an agreement for the English-speaking international section in Valbonne, Biot, Mougins, and Roquefort-les-Pins. Starting in September 2025, the section will offer differentiated tuition fees based on family income. The goal is to allow scholarship students to access this prestigious program without changing its teaching model. The National Education Department will provide additional teachers to support the initiative.
Grasse Hospital seeks sponsors for Sustainable Regeneration Project - Grasse Hospital has launched a major sustainability initiative aimed at reducing its carbon footprint and improving the health of its patients and staff. Designated as a "pilot site for urban regeneration," the hospital plans to install green roofs, and other environmentally friendly measures. These changes are expected to reduce energy emissions by 75%, improve air quality by 66%, and lower temperatures in buildings. The hospital is now seeking sponsors to fund the project, with the first phase focusing on solar panel installation, set to begin by 2026.
Monaco artist sells artwork to fund rare disease treatment for wife – A British artist living in Monaco, is selling a piece of his artwork to raise funds for his wife, Emily, who suffers from a rare disease. In a desperate bid to finance life-saving treatment in the United States, Alan Walsh is offering an original painting for €12,500 and miniature replicas for €250. Expressing the pain of watching his wife suffer, Walsh said, "I had to do something," as he strives to help Emily in her battle with her health.
Audience with H.S.H. Prince Albert II and Mr. Antonio Tajani - H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco welcomed Mr. Antonio Tajani, Vice-President of the Council of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Italian Republic, at the Prince's Palace last Friday. During the meeting, Mr. Tajani was accompanied by several senior Italian representatives, including Mr. Riccardo Guariglia, Ambassador and Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mr. Alberto Cirio, President of the Piedmont Region, and H.E. Mrs. Manuela Ruosi, Ambassador of Italy to Monaco.
The discussions between the Prince and Mr. Tajani focused on bilateral relations, cultural ties between Italy and Monaco, as well as the Principality's participation as an observer in the Franco-Italian Border Cooperation Committee. This audience was held just ahead of the Franco-Italian Border Cooperation Commission meeting in Nice, which is co-chaired by the French and Italian Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Jean-Noël Barrot and Mr. Antonio Tajani.
Hector Jain Wins the Jeune Etoile Scholarship at the Prix de Lausanne 2025 - Hector Jain, an 18-year-old American student from the Princess Grace Academy has been awarded the prestigious Jeune Etoile Scholarship at the Prix de Lausanne 2025. The scholarship honours his exceptional talent, potential and the quality of the teaching he has received at the Academy.
Since 2014, 15 students from the Princess Grace Academy have been selected to participate in this renowned competition, and over the years, they have won 23 prizes, including 4 gold medals. The Prix de Lausanne is one of the most esteemed international dance competitions, open to young dancers aged 15 to 18 who are not yet professionals. Its goal is to identify and nurture the future stars of ballet by offering them scholarships to some of the world’s top dance schools and professional companies.
This accomplishment highlights the excellence of the Princess Grace Academy, under the direction of Luca Masala, and the guidance of the dedicated teaching team. The Ballets de Monte-Carlo, led by Jean-Christophe Maillot, is responsible for the school’s exceptional success.
Upcoming Events at the Princess Grace Academy for 2024/2025: February 17 to 22, 2025: Winter internship/auditions with the Academy's teaching team - June 20 and 21, 2025: GALA performance by the Academy's students at the Salle Garnier - July 7 to August 2, 2025: Summer internships with the Academy's teaching team and guest teachers
Nice ranked second in France's most popular holiday destinations - According to a recent Booking.com ranking, Nice has secured second place as one of the most popular cities for the February school holidays. The mild winter temperatures and the upcoming Nice Carnival, starting on February 15th, make the city a sought-after destination. Paris tops the list, followed by Nice, with Lyon in third place. Other cities on the rise include Menton, showcasing the growing appeal of the Mediterranean coast in winter. The full top 10 includes Paris, Nice, Lyon, Marseille, Chamonix, Menton, Bordeaux, Toulouse and Annecy.
Air France launches special flights from Nice to Los Angeles and New York - Air France will this year offer special flights connecting Nice Airport to New York and Los Angeles, catering to American customers attending major events on the French Riviera. A flight from Los Angeles to Nice will be available on May 2nd, 2025, arriving in Nice on May 3rd at 9:40 a.m., with the return flight from Nice to Los Angeles on May 26th, 2025. Meanwhile, there will be four special flights between New York-JFK and Nice for the Cannes Lions festival in June 2025. Flights from New York to Nice will be on June 14th and 15th, with returns from Nice to New York on June 19th and 20th.
Tom Cruise receives Grand Medal from the Aéro-Club of France – American actor Tom Cruise has been awarded the Grand Medal of the Aéro-Club of France for his significant contribution to aviation and inspiring future pilots. Known for his iconic role as a fighter jet pilot in Top Gun, Cruise has also been a licensed private pilot since 1994. In 2022, he joined the Patrouille de France on an honorary basis. The actor was named Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres in July 2024 for promoting French culture, notably through Mission Impossible 6, filmed in Paris.
Casting call for extras in TF1's "Summer 36" historical series in Nice - TF1 is casting extras for Summer 36, the final instalment of the trilogy directed by Fred Garson. The production is seeking male and female extras, aged between 16 and 80, to portray a range of characters such as aristocrats, workers, dancers, musicians, and bar staff. Filming will take place from April 1st to May 18th, 2025, in Nice, Grasse, and Sospel. Extras should not have visible tattoos or modern cosmetic surgery, and hairstyles should be period appropriate. Those interested can apply on the website www.figurants.com
13th Pink Ribbon Monaco Walk: A Strong Moment of Solidarity - Finally, well ldone to everyone who took part in the 13th Pink Ribbon Monaco Walk. Hundreds of participants gathered on Port Hercule on Sunday to raise awareness and support the fight against breast cancer. The event was a powerful display of solidarity and commitment, with the Monegasque community coming together for this important cause as part of the Monaco Run. The funds raised during the walk will contribute to a study conducted in Monaco focused on the screening of lobular breast cancer. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated and showed their support for this essential cause
Business
President Donald Trump has announced plans to impose a 25% import tax on all steel and aluminium entering the US, a move that will significantly impact Canada. He also revealed that further tariffs would be announced later in the week on countries that tax US imports, although he did not specify which nations would be affected or if there would be any exemptions. "If they charge us, we charge them," Trump said. He made the comments while traveling from his resort in Florida to the Super Bowl in New Orleans on Sunday.
Meanwhile, China’s retaliatory import taxes on some American goods will take effect today Monday 10th February, escalating the trade war between the US and China. The move follows the implementation of new US tariffs on 10% of all Chinese products, which began on the 4th of February.
And – The CEO of Marks & Spencer CEO Stuart Machin has criticized the UK government for "raiding" retailers amid rising taxes. In an article for the Sunday Times, he highlighted challenges such as increased National Insurance Contributions (NICs) and higher packaging levies. He urged the government to stagger the NIC changes to ease the burden on businesses. A Treasury spokesperson responded, stating that measures introduced in last year's Budget were designed to provide stability and foster growth for businesses.
Sport
Rugby Union – In the Six Nations Ireland’s 32-18 victory over Scotland on Sunday afternoon showed they are still running for a Triple Crown and Grand Slam. Ireland’s well-rounded game highlighted their relentless approach.
Meanwhile, England snatched a dramatic 26-25 victory over Six Nations favourites France as Elliot Daly scored a decisive 79th-minute try at Twickenham. Wales however have apologies to fans following a 14th consecutive Test defeat losing 22-15 against Italy at the weekend.
American football - The Philadelphia Eagles cruised to a dominant 40-22 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl, denying the Chiefs an unprecedented third consecutive title. Despite a strong playoff run, including their fifth Super Bowl appearance in six years, the Chiefs were overwhelmed in New Orleans.
Football - Plymouth Argyle celebrated a "magical day" as they stunned Premier League leaders Liverpool 1-0 in the FA Cup, sending the Championship strugglers into round five. Plymouth became the first team from outside the Premier League to knock out the top-flight leaders since Wigan’s victory over Manchester City in February 2018.
Vendée Globe - At just 23 years old, Violette Dorange has become the youngest sailor to complete the Vendée Globe, finishing in 25th place after 90 days at sea. Her first solo, non-stop round-the-world race was filled with challenges, but she overcame them to make history. Her achievement captivated the public, and thousands gathered to welcome her back to Les Sables-d'Olonne, where her supporters celebrated her remarkable journey.
Tennis - Carlos Alcaraz claimed his first indoor hardcourt title by edging a tight final against Australia's Alex de Minaur at the Rotterdam Open. The victory, a 17th ATP title for the 21-year-old Spanish star, marked his first win since Beijing in September.
Weather
Cloudy with some sunny intervals. Light winds and highs of 14 degrees in Nice and Sazint-Tropez, 13 degrees in Monaco and Vence, 15 degrees in Cannes, Saint-Raphael. This evening going down to 9 degrees.
The outlook for Tuesday and Wednesday light rain is forecast with a gentle to moderate breeze across the region. Highs of 13-14 degrees.
Sunrise 07.35am
Sunset 05.53pm
Weather elsewhere
London 5° light rain.
Dublin 6° light rain.
Paris 7° light showers and sunny intervals.
Local snow report
Isola 2000 – 3° sunny intervals 15/19 lifts operating. 41/46 slopes are open. 90cm snow.
Valberg – 7° sunny intervals - 11/15 lifts running. 25/42 runs open. 60cm snow.
Auron – 6° sunny intervals - 17/19 lifts running. 43/43 runs open. 100cm snow.
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