Evening Update Friday 4th April 2025

NEWS
Traffic Jams This Evening in Nice-Ouest - Major traffic jams are expected in Nice-Ouest this Friday evening due to Lenny Kravitz’s concert at 8 pm at Palais Nikaïa and the OGC Nice–FC Nantes match at 8:45 pm at Allianz Riviera. Authorities urge people to arrive early and use public transport, carpooling, or park-and-ride options to avoid delays. The situation may be worsened by the start of school holidays in the region.

Traffic Disruptions Monaco E-Prix and Formula 1 - The Monaco E-Prix and Formula 1 Grand Prix will cause major traffic disruptions in 2025, with multiple roads switching to one-way and parking restrictions in place. Key areas like Avenue J.F. Kennedy and Port Hercule will see limited access until June. Pedestrian movement will also be restricted due to race infrastructure setup.

118th Edition of the Rolex Monte-Carlo - Player's Village Revisited - For its 118th edition, the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters has unveiled a luxurious new "Players' Village" at Monte-Carlo Beach, expanding the tournament area by 35%. Designed for comfort and privacy, it offers high-end amenities like a poolside lounge, fitness room, kids’ area, and direct access to the courts. The space ensures a seamless, exclusive experience for players and their teams, raising the tournament’s standards even higher.

Charles Leclerc Celebrates his 150th Race - Charles Leclerc will celebrate his 150th Formula 1 Grand Prix this weekend in Japan, marking the milestone with a special helmet. He pays tribute to his late father and close friend Jules Bianchi, who tragically crashed at Suzuka in 2014. Leclerc reflects emotionally on his journey from debuting in 2018 to becoming a key Ferrari driver.

Tensions at Bristol High School of Cannes - A series of antisemitic tags, smoke bomb incidents, and threats have created tension at the Bristol high school in Cannes. In response, authorities have launched strict security measures, including bag checks, increased police presence, and disciplinary crackdowns. While staff express concern over a deteriorating climate, many students say they don’t feel in real danger.

Spring Frost Damages Almond Harvest - Spring frost in mid-March have damaged early blooming almond trees, causing up to 60% crop loss for some producers in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department. Due to climate change, trees flower earlier and are more vulnerable to recurring frosts, forcing farmers to rethink their practices. Despite protection methods like straw fires and water spraying, losses are growing, and current insurance options are seen as inadequate.

European Artistic Crafts Days in Antibes - Antibes is celebrating its artisans until Sunday as part of the European Artistic Crafts Days, with free access to workshops and exhibitions across the city. Around 30 skilled professionals, including jewellers and woodworkers, are showcasing their craft in various locations like Vieil-Antibes and the Arcades gallery. The event highlights the poetic theme “Traits d’union,” linking tradition, innovation, generations, and craftsmanship.

Méditerranée 2050 - “Méditerranée 2050” is a stunning immersive exhibition, taking visitors on a futuristic underwater journey through a regenerated Mediterranean Sea at the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco. Spanning over 1,000m², it features giant projections, interactive zones, a life-size submersible, and a breathtaking VR dive. Fun, educational, and magical, it's designed for the whole family and can even be continued at home via a dedicated app.

Cannes Motorcycle and Scooter Show - The Cannes Motorcycle and Scooter Show takes place this weekend from 10 am to 6 pm at the Pierre-de-Coubertin stadium parking lot in La Bocca. Organized by the prestigious Moto Club de Cannes, the event will feature over 30 brands, test rides, vintage bikes, live shows, and family-friendly activities. With music, safety demos, and guest riders like Ornella Ungaro, it promises a festive atmosphere for all ages.

BMW Motorrad Tour - The BMW Motorrad Tour is a welcoming and vibrant event, perfect for anyone curious about exploring or getting to know BMW motorbikes. On the 26th and 27th of April, you’ll have the chance to test 18 BMW motorbikes in front the Yacht Club of Monaco. This exciting event also features a live DJ, food trucks, and local tastings—a free and fun experience for all! You can register by clicking on the link below: 
https://evenements.bmw-motorrad.fr/bmw-motorrad-tour-monaco
 

NEWS UPDATE 
Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters 2025 Access - The Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters 2025 takes place from April 5–13, with various transport options to access the Monte-Carlo Country Club. Spectators can park at designated areas and take free shuttle buses with a ticket, or arrive by train or intercity buses with special drop-off points. Free public transport and shuttles are organized throughout Monaco to ease access during the tournament.

New Incident at Bristol High School in Cannes - A day after a major police intervention at Bristol High School in Cannes, new disturbances have occurred with smoke bombs set off inside the school. Two students were arrested and taken into custody. Authorities and staff are determined to restore order, while teachers demand the school be classified as a "sensitive" institution due to ongoing unrest.
 

BUSINESS
Despite industry doubts after Northvolt's collapse, battery factories like ACC, AESC, and Verkor are progressing in northern France, aiming to support electric vehicle production, particularly for Renault and Peugeot. These projects are seen as strategic for Europe's independence from China, which still produces 83% of global batteries. However, the sector faces high costs, slow ramp-up times, funding challenges, and a lack of skilled workers, making long-term success uncertain.

‘Nowhere on Earth is safe from this’ says Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese after US President Donald Trump’s new tariffs included remote and uninhabited places like Australia’s Heard and McDonald Islands, home only to wildlife like penguins and seals. Australia and several of its territories, in addition to locations like Svalbard and the Falklands, now face levies of up to 29%. Critics, including Australia’s Prime Minister, say the move is baffling and unnecessary, as many of these areas have little to no trade with the US.

And - President Trump says a deal to sell TikTok is close, as the app faces a potential US ban by the 5th of April unless its Chinese owner ByteDance sells it. Multiple high-profile buyers, including Amazon, MrBeast, and Oracle’s Larry Ellison, have expressed interest. If no sale happens, the app could be removed from stores again, though Trump may extend the deadline.
 

SPORTS
Formula 1 - Alpine's Jack Doohan has suffered a high-speed crash as Friday practice at the Japanese Grand Prix was punctuated by four red-flag stoppages. The Australian was uninjured in the crash, which initial impressions suggested was caused by the DRS overtaking aid still being open as he entered the 160mph first corner.

Football - Kevin de Bruyne has confirmed he will leave Manchester City when his contract expires at the end of the season. De Bruyne, 33, has won 16 trophies since joining City from Wolfsburg in 2015, including six Premier League titles and the Champions League in 2023.

Golf - England's defending champion Lottie Woad holds a share of the lead going into the final round of the Augusta National Women's Amateur in Georgia. The 21-year-old, who is the world number one amateur, is trying to become the first player to win successive titles in the sixth staging of the prestigious event, which has the third round at Augusta National, home of the Masters.
 

WEATHER
Bright and clear in the Alpes-Maritimes and cloudy in the Var and Bouches-du-Rhône departments with moderate to strong winds. Highs of 19 degrees in Nice, 20 in Saint-Tropez, 21 in Cannes, and 22 degrees in Toulon and Marseille.

Tonight, mostly cloudy with temperatures dropping to 14 degrees.

Outlook for this weekend,
Sat: mostly sunny with highs of 19 degrees.
Sun: mostly clear with highs of 18 degrees until late afternoon when clouds and thunderstorms will pay a visit to the inland’s skies.
Mon: Cloudy with sunny spells and chances of light inland. Highs of 15 degrees with moderate winds.

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