NEWS
Darmanin Plans to Create High-Security Prison - French Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin plans to create a high-security prison for France’s 100 most dangerous drug traffickers, selecting one of four potential sites. The facility, set to open by the 31st of July, will ensure total isolation to prevent smuggling. Two more similar prisons are planned within the next two years.
Meningitis Cases in the PACA Region - Two people have died from meningitis since January in the Alpes-Maritimes, with five cases reported in the department and 13 in the PACA region. Experts link the rise in cases to post-COVID immunity decline and respiratory virus resurgence. Meningitis, a severe infection of the brain’s protective membranes, primarily affects infants, young children, and young adults.
Italian Minister Has Visited Prince Albert II - Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani has met with Prince Albert II on the 7th of February in Monaco to discuss bilateral relations, cultural ties, and cross-border cooperation. The meeting preceded a Franco-Italian border cooperation commission in Nice later that day.
Students part of the Youth Natinal Council of Monaco - Ten students from Monaco have been selected for the 2025 Youth National Council to propose ideas on making the principality more attractive. Their suggestions include improved public transport, more youth-friendly events, and affordable social spaces. Their proposals will be refined over the coming months and presented to officials by mid-2025.
Ecology Minister Calls for the Creation of European Marine Sanctuary - France’s Ecology Minister, Agnès Pannier-Runacher, is calling for the creation of a marine sanctuary in Europe for orcas and dolphins, including Marineland’s orcas. She opposes their transfer to Japan and plans to work with Spain, Italy, and Greece on a joint project. Animal rights activists, including One Voice, are rallying in support.
Villefranche to Limit Airbnb Rentals - Villefranche-sur-Mer wants to limit Airbnb rentals to boost long-term rentals and attract more permanent residents. The mayor is imposing a restriction of one Airbnb rental per household for a maximum of six years. With this measure and stricter controls, the city hopes to bring back 1,000 residents and stabilize its population.
Police and Lignes d'Azur Agents Checks - Police and Lignes d’Azur agents have conducted a large roadside check on the 13th of February in Saint-Laurent-du-Var, Alpes-Maritimes, inspecting over 1,000 people. No bus drivers tested positive for drugs or alcohol, but 20 transport fines and several traffic infractions were issued. One undocumented immigrant was arrested, and a passenger was fined for cannabis possession.
Matchmaking Agencies - Matchmaking agencies are positioning themselves as a human-centred alternative to dating apps, offering personalized selection, security, and deep relationship guidance. Unlike algorithm-driven apps, they focus on real-life meetings and in-depth profiling—but this tailored service comes at a cost, ranging from €1,000 to €2,000 per year. While more expensive than dating apps, agencies appeal to busy professionals and older clients seeking meaningful connections beyond endless swiping.
Odd Seizure at Border Toll Checks - French customs officers have seized nine fossilized dinosaur teeth at a checkpoint on the A8 motorway on the Turbie pay toll near the Italian border. Experts from the Menton Prehistory Museum confirmed they date back 66–72 million years and originated from Morocco. As the shipment lacked proper documentation, the fossils will likely be donated to the museum. The driver, not aware nor involved in that traffic, was able to continue his journey towards Milan.
2030 Winter Olympics - The 2030 Winter Olympics closing ceremony will be held in Nice, as confirmed by the president of the PACA region. Edgar Grospiron, former Olympic ski champion, has been appointed president of the Games' organizing committee (COJOP). The committee will be officially established on the 18th of Februarys.
BUSINESS
Donald Trump is planning new tariffs on countries with trade policies he deems unfair to the US, targeting nations like the EU, India, Vietnam, and Thailand. His administration aims to impose "reciprocal tariffs" based on each country's trade practices, sparking global trade talks. While Trump argues the move will boost US manufacturing, experts warn of potential higher costs and economic uncertainty.
And - Blue Origin is laying off nearly 1,400 employees (10% of its workforce) to streamline operations and focus on launching its New Glenn rocket. The company, founded by Jeff Bezos, is shifting from research to production to compete with rivals like SpaceX. The layoffs come amid leadership changes and efforts to secure more commercial and government contracts.
SPORTS
Football - Arne Slot said "emotions got the better of me" as the Liverpool head coach waits to learn his punishment after being sent off in Wednesday's Merseyside derby which concluded in a 2-2 draw. Dutchman Slot, 46, was shown a red card after approaching referee Michael Oliver on the pitch following the full-time whistle at Goodison Park.
Cricket - Twenty-one-year-old fast bowler Sonny Baker has been given a development central contract by England after impressing on the Lions tour of Australia. Baker's only first-class match to date is the match against Australia A, in which he took 3-60.
Rugby Union - England full-back Max Malins will rejoin Saracens from Bristol Bears at the end of the 2024-25 season. Malins made 36 appearances for the Bears over two spells with the club, scoring 22 tries.
WEATHER
Partly cloudy with sunny spells in the Alpes-Maritimes and mostly clear in the rest of the region with moderate winds. Highs of 12 degrees in Marseille, 15 in Nice and Cannes, and 16 degrees in Saint-Tropez and Toulon.
Tonight, clear skies with temperatures dropping to 7 degrees.
Outlook for this weekend:
Sat: bright and clear with highs of 15 degrees.
Sun: cloudy with sunny spells and highs of 14 degrees.
Mon: mostly clear with highs of 15 degrees and moderate winds.
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A judge has authorised a dive to inspect the wreckage of a plane in the sea off Antibes. The plane crashed into the Mediterranean on September 11 1968...
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In France, drinking water is heavily contaminated with "forever pollutants," particularly trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), as revealed by two studies from ...
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The trial of the Tunisian man accused of the murder of three people in the Nice Basilica attack is continuing in Paris. Yesterday the families of the ...
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Four cities in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur (PACA) region made Booking.com's 2025 list of the "most welcoming destinations in France." ...
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