News
Macron champions Europe as AI leader amid summit disputes and global tensions - French President Emmanuel Macron has emphasized Europe's and France's role as leaders in artificial intelligence (AI) at the Paris AI summit, urging investors and tech companies to choose Europe for AI development. He contrasted France's reliance on nuclear energy with US President Donald Trump's focus on fossil fuels, saying, "Here, there is no need to drill. It’s plug, baby, plug. Electricity is available."
Macron highlighted the upcoming European AI strategy as a chance for Europe to accelerate in the field. However, criticism of a draft statement overshadowed the summit, with both the US and the UK reportedly unhappy with its wording. The draft emphasized AI that is “human rights-based, ethical, and safe,” but lacked focus on AI risks, sparking concern among experts.
The summit also addressed AI's environmental and inequality impacts, with calls for sustainable development and worker representation in AI use. Despite disagreements, Macron remained optimistic about Europe's role in shaping the future of AI.
Saliva tests for endometriosis to be reimbursed for 25,000 women – France’s Health Minister Catherine Vautrin has announced that certain women with endometriosis will have their saliva tests reimbursed, starting today Tuesday 11th February. The experimental tests, costing €800, detects the condition through RNA analysis and sequencing. Developed by a Lyon-based biotech company it has now been approved for large-scale testing by France's High Authority for Health (HAS). Initially, 25,000 women over 18 will be eligible for the test, with the first 2,500 included in a clinical study.
The results of this study will determine whether the reimbursement is expanded for all women, with a final decision expected once the HAS reviews the data. Endometriosis, affecting over 2 million women in France, often takes seven years to diagnose, significantly impacting the quality of life for many.
Monaco’s CHPG unveils groundbreaking radiotherapy advancements for cancer treatment - Meanwhile, here in Monaco the Princess Grace Hospital has revealed two major advances in radiotherapy. The new technology promises to transform the treatment of skin cancer. The first is a surface radiotherapy system which enhances treatment precision while protecting healthy tissue. The second is an advanced device targeting skin cancers that were previously unmanageable. The investment further cements the hospital's role as a leader in medical care.
Monaco’s real estate market hits record total sales – Recent data has shown that Monaco's real estate market has hit a record €5.9 billion in total sales in 2024, driven by a surge in new property transactions. Newly built homes accounted for €3.7 billion, surpassing all previous sales between 2006 and 2021. The market saw the completion of 159 new residences. Demand for large family-sized residences dominated, with 95% of homes sold featuring three or more bedrooms. Monaco's property market continues to defy global trends, thriving due to high international interest and luxurious living options.
Marine le pen inherits million-euro apartment from supporter - Marine Le Pen, leader of France's National Rally, has unexpectedly inherited a luxurious apartment in Cannes from Monique Plaideux, a 94-year-old supporter who passed away in 2023. The 102m² property, with a terrace and stunning views of the Bay of Cannes, was left to Le Pen in her will. A longtime supporter of Le Pen and the National Rally, Plaideux had no family and chose the politician as her sole heir. The apartment was later sold for over a million euros. The inheritance has sparked speculation, with some suggesting the funds may help Le Pen settle an outstanding tax dispute.
Fight breaks out between travellers in Draguignan city centre - A fight has erupted between travellers in Draguignan on Monday February 10th, 2025. The incident, which took place near the local Spar supermarket, drew a large crowd of witnesses during the busy lunchtime hours. Municipal police responded swiftly and arrested several individuals. Authorities are investigating the cause of the altercation.
Anger in Mouans-Sartoux over illegal caravan installation on playground – Meanwhile, about fifteen caravans have been illegally set up on the playground of the François Jacob school in Mouans-Sartoux, blocking fire access and depriving children of their play space. The Mayor Pierre Aschieri has expressed his frustration, highlighting that the town already provides two official reception areas for travellers. On Monday he criticized the lack of assistance from state services and vowed to take legal action if no solution is found. The situation reflects a growing shortage of reception areas in the department.
Monaco Yacht Club set to make history at the admiral’s cup – Finally, for the first time, the Monaco Yacht Club is set to compete in the prestigious Admiral's Cup, one of the world’s most renowned offshore races. Taking place from July 17th to August 1st, 2025, in Cowes, in the UK, the event returns after a 20-year break. The Monegasque team, led by Peter Harrison and supported by Pierre Casiraghi, will race two exceptional boats. Backed by top sailors, including Boris Herrmann. The Yacht Club’s participation highlights Monaco’s commitment to advancing high-level sailing and inspiring future generations.
Business
A consortium led by Elon Musk has offered $97.4bn to acquire OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT. Musk’s attorney confirmed the bid for "all assets" of the tech company to its board. This offer adds a new chapter to the ongoing rivalry between Musk and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman over the future of the AI startup. In response, Altman posted on Musk’s social media platform X: "No thank you, but we will buy Twitter for $9.74 billion if you want."
President Donald Trump has announced a 25% import tax on all steel and aluminium entering the U.S., expanding existing trade barriers. The tariffs, set to take effect on March the 4th, will increase the cost of these metals, despite warnings of retaliation from political leaders in Canada, the U.S.'s largest supplier, and other nations. U.S. businesses that rely on these imports have expressed concerns, but Trump maintains the move will boost domestic production. He emphasized there would be no exceptions, stating that the new rules simplify the process.
And - Eurostar has resumed direct services between Amsterdam and London after an eight-month break due to the construction of a new terminal in Amsterdam. Services from Amsterdam's Centraal station to London St Pancras resumed on Monday, following the pause that began in June.
Sport
Football - Crystal Palace have advanced to the FA Cup fifth round with a comfortable 2-0 win at League Two Doncaster Rovers. In this evenings Champions League Brest play PSG and Manchester City are at home to Real Madrid.
Cricket - Ben Duckett says England’s priority is winning the Champions Trophy, not the result of their one-day series in India, despite being 2-0 down. England have lost six of their seven matches under Brendon McCullum's coaching. Duckett insists that their focus is on the Champions Trophy, which starts on February 22nd in Pakistan.
Golf - Tiger Woods has withdrawn from this week's Genesis Invitational, stating he's "still processing" the death of his mother, Kultida, who passed away on February the 4th. Though Woods initially planned to play, he said on social media, "I'm just not ready." He acknowledged his efforts to prepare, knowing it’s what his mother would have wanted, but added he's still coping with the loss.
Tennis - British number two Cameron Norrie has defeated American Zachary Svajda 7-5, 6-4 to reach the second round of the Delray Beach Open. Norrie, the 2022 champion, took 90 minutes to win against the world number 169.
Weather
Light rain is expected this morning intensifying by this afternoon with a yellow weather warning in place from 2pm, due to heavy rain and the risk of flooding. A gentle breeze. Highs of 14 degrees in Nice, Cannes and Menton, 12 degrees in Monaco, 13 degrees in Saint-Tropez and Mougins and 15 degrees in Marseille and Toulon. This evening going down to 10 degrees along the coast with cloudy skies.
The outlook for tomorrow and Thursday. Wednesday light rain, Thursday sunny intervals. Highs of 14 degrees.
Sunrise 07.34am
Sunset 05.55pm
Weather elsewhere
Berlin 4° sunny.
Val d’Isere 1° light snow.
Milan 9° misty.
Local snow report
Isola 2000 – 1° snowing 18/19 lifts operating. 43/46 slopes are open. 100cm snow.
Valberg – 4° snowing 12/15 lifts running. 31/42 runs open. 60cm snow.
Auron – 3° snowing 19/19 lifts running. 42/43 runs open. 100cm snow.
And Finally
Parts of South Australia are facing extreme heat, with temperatures approaching 50°C. Oak Valley is set to reach 48°C, and the Nullarbor will experience 47°C, marking the hottest temperatures in the region since 2007. Adelaide is expected to surpass 39°C.
In response, the South Australian government has activated a "Tier 1 Code Red" alert from 9am Tuesday to 5pm Wednesday, specifically targeting vulnerable populations, such as the homeless and elderly, to ensure they receive support. This includes outreach from support workers and Red Cross staff making daily check-ins.
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe heatwave warning for several districts, highlighting the risks posed by extreme heat, particularly when overnight temperatures remain high, preventing recovery.
This is the first significant heatwave in over three years, and authorities urge the public to take precautions.
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