NEWS
Patient Potentially Cured from HIV - A first in France, a patient in Marseille is "potentially" cured of HIV following a bone marrow transplant from a donor with a rare mutation blocking the virus. The 60-year-old woman, HIV-positive since 1999, received the transplant in 2020 to treat leukaemia. While not applicable to all, this marks the eighth global case and offers hope for HIV research.
Freed Hamas Hostages - Ohad Yahalomi, a 50-year-old father of three, is set to be released by Hamas as part of a ceasefire agreement. Captured on the 7th of October 2023, at Nir Oz, he is among 33 detainees to be freed in the first phase of the deal, which exchanges hostages for Palestinian prisoners. His family, including his son Eitan and grandmother in Nice, awaits his return.
Osfat Seizes Drugs - French anti-narcotics forces (Ofast) has dismantled a major drug trafficking network, seizing €300,000, 40 kg of cannabis resin, and 15 kg of herbal cannabis on the 14th of January in the Bouches-du-Rhône. Over 20 people were arrested, linked to deliveries and supply operations in Rognac and Marseille. This bust follows intensified crackdowns on organized crime in the region.
PACA has the Highest Abortion Rate of France - The PACA region has the highest abortion rate in mainland France, with 23.3 per 1,000 women (ages 15-49), compared to a national average of 16.8. This aligns with increased national abortion rates in recent years. Factors include limited sex education, younger populations in university cities, and improved medical training to offer tailored contraceptive advice.
Cold Case Solved - After 25 years, the 2000 murder of Ginette Naime, a care worker from the Var, may finally be solved. A 61-year-old man has been charged and remanded in custody following advances in DNA technology and the efforts of Nanterre's "Cold Cases" unit, which reopened the investigation in 2023. The suspect’s partial DNA was found under the victim's nails, leading to his arrest.
Criminal Fire - A fire broke out overnight in a seven-storey building, severely injuring four people, including a 5-year-old boy who was critically burned and airlifted to hospital in the Molières district of Miramas, Bouches-du-Rhône. A 41-year-old woman, a 69-year-old man, and a 5-year-old girl also suffered burns. The fire affected two apartments, and 11 other residents were safely evacuated. The cause appears to be of criminal origin, an investigation has been opened.
David Lynch Passed Away - Renowned filmmaker David Lynch, known for Mulholland Drive, Twin Peaks, and The Elephant Man, has passed away at 78 from a pulmonary illness. Tributes highlight his visionary art, blending surrealism and emotional depth, which captivated audiences worldwide. Cannes, where he won a Palme d'Or in 1990, mourns his loss, celebrating his timeless influence on cinema.
Nuits Carrées Festival - The Nuits Carrées festival returns on the 12th and 14th of June, featuring an eclectic lineup including Ben Mazué, Soolking, and rising star Théodora in Antibes. Known for its diverse music styles and early summer vibe, the festival expects to build on past successes, combining top-tier performances, local food and crafts, and initiatives like music therapy and anti-violence programs.
BUSINESS
Lord Wolfson, CEO of Next, criticised new tax and wage increases, warning they will make entry-level jobs harder to access and could lead to job cuts. He called for a slower implementation of National Insurance changes, arguing they disproportionately impact lower-paid workers. The Treasury defended the measures, citing economic growth goals, but businesses warn they could harm hiring and raise prices.
And - UK mobile, broadband, and pay-TV providers are now banned from issuing surprise mid-contract price rises under new Ofcom rules. Companies must inform customers upfront of any price increases, including their timing and amount, before contracts are agreed. Citizens Advice criticised the measures for not banning all mid-contract price hikes, warning some customers may still face higher-than-expected bills.
SPORTS
Football - Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has signed a new long-term deal with the club that will keep him at the Etihad until 2034. The Norwegian joined City from Dortmund in 2022 and has scored 111 goals in 126 games for the club since.
Tennis - Britain's Jacob Fearnley saw his encouraging Australian Open run come to an end against German second seed Alexander Zverev in the third round. The 23-year-old Briton lost 6-3 6-4 6-4 in Melbourne.
Golf - The Genesis Invitational will be held at a different location next month because of the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles, the PGA Tour has announced. Organisers have yet to confirm a new venue but said they would provide further updates in the coming days.
WEATHER
Bright and clear this Friday afternoon with moderate to strong winds. Highs of 13 degrees in Marseille, and 15 degrees in Nice, Cannes, Saint-Tropez and Toulon.
Tonight, clear skies with lows of 5 degrees.
Outlook for this weekend,
Sat: partly cloudy with strong winds and highs of 18 degrees.
Sun: cloudy with light rain in the morning and at night with strong winds and highs of 16 degrees.
Mon: Rainy on the Cote d’Azur with strong winds and highs of 16 degrees.
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A first in France, a patient in Marseille is "potentially" cured of HIV following a bone marrow transplant from a donor with a rare mutation blocking ...
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Police in the Haute Garonne have warned of a recent scam on social media which saw a woman claim on Facebook that she was the wife of one of the victi...
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Hollywood has paid tribute to David Lynch describing him as “a singular, visionary dreamer’. Steven Spielberg, Nicolas Cage, Ron Howard and others sha...
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