News
Macron warns against peace deal - French President Emmanuel Macron has warned against a peace deal over Ukraine, following Donald Trump's suggestion that Russia may not make concessions in negotiations. Macron emphasized that only Ukraine's president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, could negotiate on behalf of his country, and a peace that amounted to surrender would be "bad news for everyone," including the US. Trump plans to begin talks with Russia, asserting that Putin "wants peace" in Ukraine, but Zelenskyy’s adviser said no talks with Russia were expected in Munich. Macron added that Europe should play a role in regional security and that Ukraine should decide on territorial issues. Some Republicans expressed concerns about negotiations affecting Ukraine's sovereignty. Trump also criticized Europe's financial contributions to Ukraine, calling for more equitable support.
Meningitis outbreak in Alpes-Maritimes: Two deaths and five cases reported - The Alpes-Maritimes department is facing a concerning rise in meningitis. Recent data shows that between January 1st and February 13th, 2025, five cases of meningitis were reported, including two fatal ones. In response to the situation the Regional Health Agency (ARS) has updated its prevention and vaccination policies making vaccination mandatory for children. The department of Bouches-du-Rhône is also seeing a rise in cases, with 13 reported since the start of the year.
Teenager arrested for attempted Murder on Nice tram - A 17-year-old has been arrested in Grasse for allegedly attempting to murder a 19-year-old man on a tram in Nice. The attack occurred on February 8th, 2025, at the Virgile Barel tram stop during an altercation between the two young men, who are believed to know each other. The victim, who sustained a minor facial injury, was taken to Pasteur Hospital. The suspect is currently in custody, with investigations ongoing.
Edgar Grospiron appointed President of the Organising Committee for the 2030 Winter Olympic Games - Edgar Grospiron has been appointed President of the Organising Committee for the 2030 Winter Olympic Games, to be held in the Sud-Paca region. The announcement was made by Renaud Muselier on the Azur Politique programme. 55-year-old Grospiron, is an Olympic gold medallist in freestyle skiing (1992 Albertville) and a three-time world champion. He will be officially appointed on February 18th, 2025. France’s Sport Minister Marie Barsacq has praised his energy, passion, and expertise, calling it a symbolic appointment, marking 33 years since his Olympic victory in Albertville.
Major disruptions to tram and bus lines in Nice during Carnival – From tomorrow Saturday February 15th and during the Nice Carnival, tram and bus services will face significant disruptions as festivities take over the city centre. The celebrations, including parades will affect transport routes.
Key Changes: Tram Line 1: Service will be limited, operating only between Henri Sappia and Jean Médecin, and between Garibaldi and Hôpital Pasteur. Stations like Masséna, Opéra, and Cathédrale won't be served. Bus Routes: Modifications will also impact bus lines 8+, 12+, 57, and 9. These changes will last for three weeks, with varying schedules. Full details are available on the Lignes d’Azur website.
Fete du Citron – Meanwhile, if you're attending the Fête du Citron in Menton, expect heavy crowds and major traffic restrictions, especially on Sundays and Thursdays when parades take place. The city center will be closed to vehicles, and parking will be limited, with police guiding visitors to designated areas. Travelers are advised to arrive early, use public transport, and follow road signs for a smoother experience.
Antibes spreads the Love: Roses, Parades, and Venetian Flair - Finally, Antibes is celebrating Valentine's Day with an "Italian Weekend" from today and through until Sunday, featuring events inspired by the Venice carnival. Highlights include rose distributions in the old town today and parades on Saturday and Sunday. The weekend also offers various workshops, including makeup, origami, and painting for all ages. The event is open to everyone, not just couples, to celebrate love in all its forms.
Business
President Donald Trump is intensifying plans to target exports from countries with trade policies deemed unfair to the US. On Thursday, he signed a memo directing staff to develop custom tariffs based on factors like tariffs, exchange rates, trade balances, and other rules. The White House highlighted that tariffs from other countries were not the main concern, pointing to the European Union's policies as disadvantaging US exporters. While many details are unclear, the move is expected to trigger global trade discussions.
And - TikTok is back on the US app stores of Apple and Google after President Trump postponed the enforcement of its ban until April 5. The app, used by over 170 million Americans, briefly disappeared last month as the ban deadline neared. Trump later signed an executive order granting TikTok a 75-day extension to comply with a law requiring it to be sold. TikTok has yet to comment on the matter.
Sport
Football - For the first time, semi-automated offside technology will be used in English domestic football during the fifth round of the FA Cup. The Football Association (FA) confirmed on Thursday that the system will be implemented in the seven matches held at Premier League stadiums.
After its successful trial in the Emirates FA Cup, the Premier League plans to roll out the technology later this season.
In the Premier League this evening, Brighton are at home to Chelsea.
Darts - World champion Luke Littler claimed a thrilling 6-5 victory over world number one Luke Humphries in a last-leg decider to win night two of the Premier League in Glasgow. The 18-year-old displayed remarkable resilience earlier in the evening, battling back from 5-1 down to defeat Rob Cross.
Formula One - A German court has convicted three men of attempting to blackmail the family of ex-Formula 1 champion Michael Schumacher. Schumacher, who has not been seen in public since a 2013 ski accident that caused severe brain injuries, has had his medical condition kept private by his family.
And - The Monaco Grand Prix will now be called the Tag Heuer Monaco Grand Prix, marking the race's first-ever title sponsorship. This follows a renewed partnership between Formula 1 and the Swiss watch brand, which has been involved with the race since 2011. The agreement includes new branding and a prominent trackside presence for Tag Heuer during the event, set for May 22-25.
Rugby Union - An independent review has deemed the Rugby Football Union's executive pay scheme, which led to chairman Tom Ilube's resignation, as an "appropriate remuneration structure." The scheme, which included a £358,000 bonus for CEO Bill Sweeney, sparked criticism as the union posted nearly £40m in losses and made job cuts.
Weather
Fine and sunny with a gentle breeze. Highs of 15 degrees in Nice, 13 degrees in Monaco, 14 degrees in Saint-Tropez. This evening going down to 10 degrees along the coast.
The outlook for the weekend, mainly fine and sunny tomorrow. Sunny intervals on Sunday. Highs of 13 degrees.
Sunrise 07.30am
Sunset 05.59pm
Weather elsewhere
Paris 5° sunny.
London 5° sunny intervals.
Dublin 7° light rain.
Local snow report – Yellow avalanche warning is in place.
Isola 2000 – 2° sunny 18/19 lifts operating. 44/46 slopes are open. 100cm snow.
Valberg – 9° sunny 12/15 lifts running. 31/42 runs open. 60cm snow.
Auron – 6° sunny 19/19 lifts running. 42/43 runs open. 100cm snow.
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