NEWS
Motorcycle Accident - Following the death of a 22-year-old man in a motorcycle accident, locals are mourning and denouncing the road as dangerously unsafe on Boulevard de Cessole in Nice. Residents describe the area as a “death boulevard,” plagued by frequent, often violent accidents, and are calling for urgent traffic-calming measures like traffic lights and speed bumps. The tragedy has reignited fears and frustration, with many demanding immediate action to prevent more deaths.
Fire in Antibes - A fire broke out early Friday morning in a first-floor apartment in old Antibes, prompting the evacuation of 13 residents, including two children. Fortunately, no one was injured, and firefighters quickly brought the blaze under control. Residents are advised to avoid the area while safety checks continue.
Establishing a United Nations Institute in Menton - French MP Alexandra Masson has advocated for establishing a United Nations Ocean Institute in Menton, Alpes-Maritimes. She believes the city is a strategic location to host an international centre focused on marine knowledge and preservation, given its proximity to the Mediterranean. The institute would boost local development and global environmental diplomacy while training future experts in ocean-related fields.
Semi-Wild Animals in Nice - Several birds—including three peacocks, six Yokohama hens, and a goose—roam freely across its seven hectares, delighting visitors at Nice’s Parc Phœnix. These birds, often rescued from customs seizures or given up by owners, live in semi-wild conditions, contributing ecologically by eating insects. Despite their tame appearance and playful behaviour, they remain wild animals under regular veterinary care.
Orcas Transfer Blocked - The planned transfer of two orcas and twelve dolphins from Marineland in Antibes to Spain has been blocked by Spanish authorities, who deemed the receiving facilities inadequate. With the park closed since January and caretakers’ contracts expiring soon, the animals are stuck in a critical situation. The French government has ordered their care to continue, while a long-term solution—like a marine sanctuary—remains at least a year away.
NEWS UPDATE
Fire Causes Traffic Disruptions - A hedge fire broke out near a children's garden on Friday afternoon, prompting a quick response from firefighters due to heavy smoke and the location’s sensitivity in Mandelieu. Two fire trucks and local police secured the area. Traffic and pedestrian access were temporarily blocked during the intervention.
Monaco Resident Missing - Fan Rapaire, a 23-year-old resident of Monaco, has been missing since Thursday at 1 pm, when he was last seen in Monaco. His family reported his disappearance on Friday, expressing deep concern over his unusual silence. He is 1.72 meters tall and is currently the subject of an active search.
Petrol Station to Reopen in Sospel - The village of Sospel will soon reopen a long-awaited petrol station, nearly nine years after the previous one burned down in 2016, sparing residents a 40 km trip for fuel. Despite an ongoing legal challenge by an environmental group, the mayor moved forward with construction, and the station is nearly ready to open. Locals welcome the project enthusiastically, though the site remains under threat due to its location in a protected natural zone.
BUSINESS
A U.S. delegation from Pennsylvania has visited Nice to encourage French Riviera entrepreneurs to set up operations in their state, highlighting economic strength, prime location, and business incentives. With sectors like tech, robotics, and life sciences thriving, and support programs in place, Pennsylvania presents itself as a strategic gateway to the U.S. and Canadian markets. Companies like Travel Planet are considering the move, drawn by the state's proximity to major cities and its competitive edge despite political uncertainties.
A nationwide strike in Argentina disrupted transport, with all domestic flights and many train and metro services cancelled, in protest against President Javier Milei’s austerity measures. These cuts—meant to fight hyperinflation—have reduced subsidies and public jobs but hit pensioners and low-income workers hard. While inflation has dropped, unions argue the reforms worsen living conditions, sparking ongoing protests and social unrest.
And - The UK economy grew by 0.5% in February, outperforming forecasts due to strong performances in services, manufacturing, and car production. Despite this, economists warn the boost may be short-lived as rising tariffs, taxes, and energy costs loom. Businesses like a Warwickshire 3D printing firm are already feeling pressure from domestic changes, adjusting hiring plans and looking to expand abroad.
SPORTS
Football - Egypt forward Mohamed Salah has signed a new two-year contract with Liverpool. His previous deal was scheduled to run out in the summer and there had been doubts he would stay with the Reds following comments from the 32-year-old during the season as well as speculation linking him with a move to Saudi Arabia.
Golf - England's Justin Rose leads the Masters after threatening to break the Augusta course record on an opening day where Rory McIlroy faded after a fast start. A majestic first round saw 44-year-old Rose card a seven-under 65, putting him three clear of a group featuring defending champion Scottie Scheffler at the top of leaderboard.
Rugby Union - Professional rugby in Wales faces yet another delay to its long-awaited new funding plan following the collapse of Cardiff. A year of wrangling looked to be finally coming to an end with a deal reached between the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) and its four regional sides. But Cardiff's decision to go into administration this week and the subsequent £1m WRU rescue has put that initial agreement on hold.
WEATHER
Partly cloudy with sunny intervals with moderate winds. Highs of 17 degrees in Marseille, 18 in Nice and Cannes, 20 in Toulon and 21 degrees in Saint-Tropez.
Tonight, partly cloudy with temperatures dropping to 12 degrees.
Outlook for this weekend,
Sat: mostly cloudy with moderate to strong winds and highs of 17 degrees.
Sun: mostly wet with strong winds and highs of 18 degrees.
Mon: Mostly wet with chances of thunderstorms on the Cote d’Azur. We’ll have highs of 18 degrees and moderate to strong winds.
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