NEWS
Espresso Riviera - A new overnight train called "Espresso Riviera" will be launched on the 4th of July connecting Rome to Marseille every weekend, with scenic coastal views and a daytime leg from Genoa. The train stops in major Riviera cities including Monaco, Nice, and Toulon. Passengers can disembark on the way there and board on the return. Comfortable travel options include sleeper cabins at night and sea-view lounges by day.
Risk of Dengue - The Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region faces a high risk of dengue in 2025, following a record number of local cases in 2024 linked to the tiger mosquito. Active dengue and chikungunya outbreaks in French overseas territories increase the threat of imported cases. Authorities urge residents to eliminate stagnant water and report any infections to help prevent local transmission.
La Brute Sentenced - A key figure in the DZ Mafia, known as "la brute", has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for a 2021 attempted murder linked to Marseille's drug wars. He admitted in court to ordering the shooting of a rival, while his co-accused denies being the shooter. The trial highlights the brutal violence of Marseille's narcotics underworld, though defence lawyers question the evidence and level of premeditation.
Dog Abuse - A man has been taken into custody for throwing live puppies into trash bins; with two sadly passing away from the abuse in Nice. He was running an illegal dog breeding operation, using a staffie couple for profit. One surviving puppy and the parents are now under protection, while the suspect faces charges under a fast-track plea deal process.
Military Planes in Toulon - Military planes have flown over Toulon on the 22nd of May, sparking curiosity and concern among residents. The Air and Space Force confirmed it was a training exercise but gave no further details. The type and number of aircraft remain unknown, leaving the event shrouded in mystery.
Cruise Ship in Menton - A large cruise ship, Crystal Serenity, has anchored in a designated mooring area within a protected Natura 2000 zone off Menton, Alpes-Maritimes, which has sparked outrage from an environmental group. The group criticizes the ecological impact of such moorings, including damage to seagrass and marine life, despite official claims that the area allows regulated activity. Concerns are also rising about a potential increase in cruise ship traffic due to restrictions at nearby ports like Villefranche-sur-Mer.
La Source Media Library - The La Source media library has been fully renovated to become a more welcoming and modern cultural space for all residents, especially adults and families in Villefranche-sur-Mer, Alpes-Maritimes. It now offers redesigned areas with comfortable seating, digital resources, and new services like a parenting section, storytelling space, and creative workshops. The grand reopening is scheduled for Tuesday, the 27th of May at 4:30pm, supported by local and departmental institutions.
Toulon Provence Regatta - The Toulon Provence Regatta will take place from the 22nd-25th of May, featuring four days of sailing races, public festivities, and historic yachts in Toulon, Var. This second edition includes legendary 12 mJI boats and opens to other classes like the 2.4 mR. Visitors can enjoy waterfront activities, boat tours, and even attend a rare auction of a cinematic schooner once redesigned by Fellini.
NEWS UPDATE
Police Protests - Police officers from the Alpes-Maritimes, represented by the Alliance Police union, are heading to Pau, Pyrénées-Atlantiques department, to protest staff shortages and outdated transfer policies. They claim the region is missing 200–250 officers and that current rules prevent critical posts like Cannes from being filled. The union demands urgent reforms, including more frequent transfer opportunities and realistic staffing discussions.
Car Accident - A car accident has occurred on Friday afternoon on the A8 motorway at the Villeneuve-Loubet exit (n°47), causing its temporary closure. Emergency services responded, leading to traffic congestion in the area. Drivers are advised to exit at the exit n°48 Cagnes-sur-Mer instead.
Train Accident - A 22-year-old man from Menton has been struck and killed by a train near Menton Garavan station on Tuesday night. Initial findings suggest it may have been a suicide, though the investigation is ongoing. The tragic news has deeply affected the local youth community.
New Electricians School in Nice - The new École de Production offers hands-on electrician training for 15–17-year-olds who have left the traditional school system, aiming to help them earn a CAP diploma and find work in Nice. Backed by local industry and public funding, students gain real-world experience through practical projects. The school’s driving force, Marcel Ragni, was honoured with the National Order of Merit for his lifelong dedication to industry and youth education.
BUSINESS
In the small village of Dresden, New York, locals are battling noise and environmental concerns caused by a nearby Bitcoin mining facility, part of U.S President Donald Trump's push to make the U.S. the global crypto-mining hub. The constant hum and energy demands of these mines have sparked backlash even in Trump-supporting rural areas, leading to bans, lawsuits, and local opposition across the country. Despite Trump’s full embrace of crypto, including launching his own coin, resistance is growing as communities experience the disruptive real-world impacts of Bitcoin mining firsthand.
And - U.S President Donald Trump hosted a private dinner for top investors of the $TRUMP meme coin, drawing criticism from Democrats who called it corrupt and a way to buy access to the President. The coin, which soared then crashed in value, has been linked to controversial figures and Trump's growing involvement in the crypto world. Critics warn of conflicts of interest, while Trump positions himself as a pro-crypto leader aiming to bring the industry back to the U.S.
SPORTS
Basketball - This weekend in Abu Dhabi, the Principality's club, Roca Team, will be taking part in the second Final Four in its history, bringing together the 4 best teams of the Euroleague season. On the 6th of May, the Roca Team of Monaco had given us a breathtaking performance in the quarterfinals, claiming victory against Barcelona 85-84.
Formula 1 - Ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix on the 25th of May, Charles Leclerc hopes to repeat his 2024 home victory, despite Ferrari's inconsistent 2025 start and stronger competition from Oscar Piastri and Max Verstappen. A new rule requiring two pit stops adds strategic complexity, but Leclerc’s deep connection with Monaco could give him an edge. Meanwhile, McLaren leads the standings with Piastri and Norris, while Red Bull’s Verstappen is quickly closing the gap, making for a thrilling showdown.
Rugby Union - Castleford Tigers have extended the contract of Alex Mellor until the end of the 2027 season. The 30-year-old second-row forward has played 59 Super League games for the Tigers since joining from Leeds Rhinos in 2022.
WEATHER
Mostly sunny with occasional cloudy intervals helping us not boil under the scorching sun. we’ve got moderate to strong winds across the region with highs of 22 degrees in Nice, 23 in Cannes, 24 in Toulon and 25 degrees in Saint-Tropez and Marseille.
Tonight, mostly clear with temperatures dropping to 15 degrees.
Outlook for this weekend,
Sat: mostly clear with highs of 22 degrees.
Sun: partly cloudy with highs of 22 degrees.
Mon: partly cloudy with light rain in Tende. Highs of 22 degrees with moderate to strong winds.
A new overnight train called "Espresso Riviera" will be launched on the 4th of July connecting Rome to Marseille every weekend, with scenic coastal vi...
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Taxi drivers across France remain mobilized for a fourth consecutive day, as tensions rise ahead of a high-stakes meeting scheduled for Saturday at th...
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A new law passed by the French Parliament on the 21st of May, will ban telemarketing calls without prior consumer consent, aiming to protect people fr...
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French President Emmanuel Macron's political party, Renaissance, has proposed banning those under the age of 15 in France from wearing the Muslim head...
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The Alpes-Maritimes department has once again been placed on a yellow thunderstorm alert. While the morning will see some clear spells, conditions are...
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