National News France
American woman arrested after allegedly throwing newborn from hotel window in Paris - A young American woman has been arrested in Paris after allegedly throwing a newborn from a hotel window, resulting in the baby's death. Authorities are investigating the incident as a homicide and are considering the possibility of pregnancy denial, where a woman remains unaware of her pregnancy. The baby was thrown from a second-floor window on Monday and later pronounced dead at the hospital. The woman, traveling through Europe with a group of friends, was taken to a hospital for treatment after childbirth and has been placed in police custody.
Changes for March 1st - As with every first of the month in France several changes are set to take place on March 1st, 2025. Firstly, channels C8 and NRJ12 will stop broadcasting on DTT after France’s State Council validated the decision, with LCP Public Sénat and Gulli replacing them. The plane ticket tax will increase significantly, with economy class tickets for France and Europe seeing a rise from €2.63 to €7.40 and a tougher CO2 penalty for cars will come into effect, with higher rates for more polluting vehicles.
Local News
Toulon experiences least sunny February in over 50 years due to high-pressure weather system - Toulon in the Var is experiencing its least sunny month of February in over 50 years, with a deficit of 57 hours of sunshine compared to the norm. The city has recorded only 83 hours of sunshine so far this month, the lowest since 1974. The unusual grey weather is due to prolonged high-pressure conditions and high humidity, which has hidden the sun. Despite this, temperatures have been above average, and rainfall has exceeded normal levels. However, sunnier and drier conditions are expected to return this week.
Exceptionally high temperatures forecast for ski resorts in the Southern Alps - Meanwhile, abnormally high temperatures are forecast for ski resorts north of Nice at the end of this week, with temperatures reaching up to 8°C this weekend. Resorts like Valberg and La Colmiane will see highs of 8°C, while Isola 2000 will remain cooler at 1°C. The warm weather is raising concerns about snow melting, with some areas already closed due to lack of snow. However, snowfall is expected over the weekend.
Pine processionary caterpillars are back - Pine processionary caterpillars are hatching across the French Riviera, marking a time of concern for pet owners and hikers. These toxic caterpillars can cause severe reactions in both humans and animals. The caterpillars are especially dangerous to pets, particularly dogs, and can lead to allergic reactions, tongue swelling, or even death. Local authorities have been taking action to limit the spread of them, including installing traps on affected trees. Pet owners should take immediate action if their animals come into contact with the caterpillars. For more information go to the government website link for this week’s woofer of the week on Riviera Radio’s Facebook page.
Prince Albert and Princess Charlene visit renovated Monte-Carlo crèche - Prince Albert II of Monaco and Princess Charlene have visited the newly renovated Monte-Carlo crèche, accompanied by Mayor Georges Marsan and other local officials. The crèche, which serves children aged 2 months to 2 years, reopened on January 16th, 2025, after extensive renovation work. The project focused on improving facilities, ensuring accessibility, and modernizing technical installations. The project is part of Monaco's ongoing efforts to support early childhood development.
Free home delivery - Monaco residents can now enjoy free home delivery when shopping at the Principality's three marketplaces: Marché de la Condamine, Monte-Carlo market, and Monaco-Ville market. The town hall offers the daily service from 7:30 am to 2 pm, excluding Sundays. The goal is to enhance the shopping experience and support local trade. To arrange a delivery, residents can contact the respective markets: +377 93 30 63 94 for Condamine and Monaco-Ville, or +377 93 25 46 45 for Monte-Carlo.
Personal trainer cycles 900 miles on Raleigh chopper to raise awareness for motor neurone disease - Personal trainer Mike Humphrey’s from East Yorkshire has described cycling 900 miles (1,450km) from Hull Marina to the highest ski resort in Europe on a Raleigh Chopper bicycle as "unreal." 33-year-old Humphreys took on the challenge to raise awareness and funds for motor neurone disease (MND), following his 30 marathons in 30 days last year. Inspired by TV personality Paddy McGuinness' Raleigh Chopper ride for Children in Need, Humphreys completed his journey to Val Thorens in the French Alps, which sits at an altitude of 7,546ft (2,300m).
He described the ride as "a stepping stone to something bigger" planned for the summer. Despite expecting a difficult ride, he admitted the challenge was tougher than anticipated, especially when he lost the gears on the second day and was stuck in second gear, making the ride even harder.
Alpine Quest: Monegasque champion leads epic 2,000 km journey across the Alps for Climate awareness - Finally, closer to home, a Monegasque triathlete and world champion, and her friend a Swiss mountain guide, are to embark on the "Alpine Quest" challenge on March 1st, 2025. Over two months, they will travel nearly 2,000 km across five countries, all while raising awareness about climate change. The journey, which ends in Monaco on May 1st, will include 14 elite athletes and scientists, with their experiences shared through a documentary and live school sessions on environmental topics. Ahead of the departure on Saturday Riviera Radio would like to wish Loubna Freih and Mélanie Corthay the very best of luck!
Charles Leclerc shifts gears to music with two new tracks celebrating his F1 victories - Finally, home boy Charles Leclerc is racing to the top of the music charts—literally! The F1 star, who took up piano during the 2020 lockdown, has just dropped two new tracks: "MC24" (for his Monaco Grand Prix victory) and "SIN24" (for his Singapore win). Turns out, he's not just great at the wheel of Ferrari—he’s got some serious musical talent too! With his previous Dreamers EP already a hit, Leclerc now boasts nine tracks available on all the major streaming platforms. Congratulations, Charles, you’re hitting all the right notes!
Business
Republicans in the US House of Representatives have narrowly passed a multi-trillion-dollar government spending bill, giving a significant boost to President Donald Trump’s 2025 agenda. The bill passed with a 217-215 vote on Tuesday, marks a crucial early test for Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson, who had previously cancelled an earlier vote due to insufficient support. While several Republicans called for more fiscal discipline, the budget includes $4.5 trillion in tax cuts, partially funded by spending cuts but also potentially increasing the US government's already substantial debt. The bill passed largely along party lines, with all Democrats voting against it and just one Republican opposing.
According to reports Ukraine has agreed to the terms of a major minerals deal with the US. The agreement has been described by officials as a positive outcome, noting it included several beneficial amendments, though no further details have been provided. Media reports suggest that Washington has dropped its initial demand for a share of $500bn (£395bn) in potential revenue from Ukraine's natural resources. However, the US has not offered firm security guarantees, a key demand from Ukraine. US President Donald Trump indicated that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to visit Washington to sign the deal this week, following tense exchanges between the two leaders.
And – U.S. President Donald Trump has proposed replacing the existing EB-5 immigrant investor visa program with a new "gold card" system, which would allow foreign investors to buy a route to American citizenship for $5 million. The EB-5 program currently grants green cards to foreign investors who contribute large sums to U.S. businesses and create jobs. Trump stated that the new "gold card" would provide green card privileges and serve as a pathway to citizenship for wealthy individuals. He suggested that Russian oligarchs could potentially qualify for the card. The details of the new system are expected to be released in two weeks. Trump criticized the EB-5 program, calling it "full of nonsense, make believe and fraud."
Sport
Football – In the Premier League on Tuesday evening Brighton beat Bournemouth 2-1 at home. Crystal Palace beat Aston Villa 4-1, Wolves lost 1-2 at home to Fulham and Chelsea achieved a 4-2 home win against Southampton.
In this evening’s Premier League action Brentford play Everton, Manchester United are at home to Ipswich Town, Nottingham Forest face Arsenal, Tottenham play Manchester City and Liverpool are at home to Newcastle United.
Meanwhile, in other football news, Rio Ferdinand has dismissed claims that Mohamed Salah is the Premier League's greatest ever player, despite the Egyptian's sensational form this season. 32year old Salah is having a career-best campaign at Liverpool, with 25 goals and 16 goal set ups in just 27 matches, as he propels the team towards a second Premier League title. His latest goal in a crucial 2-0 win over Manchester City helped Liverpool extend their lead to 11 points over Arsenal.
Cricket – England’s captain Jos Buttler has admitted that his future as skipper could be at risk during the Champions Trophy match against Afghanistan. England must win the crucial Group B match in today, Wednesday 26th February in order to avoid elimination from the competition. If they fail to progress, it will mark a third consecutive disappointing white-ball tournament under Buttler, following failed defences of the 50 and 20-over World Cups in 2023 and 2024.
Formula One – After George Russel spoke of “considerable steps” for Mercedes, to reporters on Tuesday, it is now Red Bull’s Max Verstappen who has expressed his confidence that the Red Bull team has made the right adjustments to their car as he aims for a fifth consecutive drivers' title.
Weather
Some passing cloud to start, clearing by this afternoon to give way to sunshine. Strong winds in the Var region. Highs of 16 degrees in Nice and Toulon, 14 degrees in Monaco, 18 degrees in Cannes and Saint-Tropez. This evening going down to 11 degrees along the coast and clear skies.
The outlook for tomorrow and Friday. Thursday sunny intervals. Strong winds persisting in the Var. Highs of 17 degrees. Friday some scattered showers inland. Remaining dry along the coast with sunny spells and a gentle breeze. Highs of 16 degrees.
Sunrise 07.11am
Sunset 06.15pm
Weather elsewhere
Liverpool 8° light rain. Dublin 9° gusty winds and rain. Sydney 25° sunny.
Madrid 14° sunny. Paris 11° sunny. Athens 17° light rain
Palma 16° sunny intervals. London 9° heavy rain. New York 12° sunny
The fourth annual "Monacollecte" event will take place on the 7th and 8th of March 2025, promoting waste reuse and recycling, with a special focus on ...
Read More
At the trial for the 2020 knife attack at the Notre-Dame Basilica in Nice, prosecutors requested a life sentence without the possibility of parole for...
Read More
- A young American woman has been arrested in Paris after allegedly throwing a newborn from a hotel window, resulting in the baby's death. Authorities...
Read More
Charles Leclerc is racing to the top of the music charts—literally! The F1 star, who took up piano during the 2020 lockdown, has just dropped two new ...
Read More
Pine processionary caterpillars are hatching across the French Riviera, marking a time of concern for pet owners and hikers. ...
Read More
