NEWS
Bus Caught on Fire - A bus has caught fire on the A8 motorway on Thursday night near Villeneuve-Loubet, Alpes-Maritimes. The driver, who was alone, escaped with minor smoke inhalation and was taken to the hospital. Firefighters quickly controlled the blaze, and Vinci Autoroutes teams managed the traffic and secured the area.
Roadwork in Cagnes-sur-Mer - Roadwork has caused heavy traffic, bottlenecks, and frustration among drivers, with the closure of one lane significantly slowing commutes near the Cagnes-sur-Mer train station. Villeneuve-Loubet officials, not consulted on the changes, expressed concern over the impact on their residents. Villeneuve-Loubet’s city hall has demanded a reassessment of the closure due to the disruption it causes on nearby roads.
Donations Set in Menton For Spain - The humanitarian aid team of firefighters from Menton is calling for donations to support flood victims in Valencia, Spain. They urgently need supplies like bottled water, food, hygiene products, first-aid kits, and cleaning items, with three trucks scheduled to deliver these essentials. Donations can be dropped off at their Menton and Roquebrune-Cap-Martin locations or sent by check.
Red Cross Reduced to One Location in Carpentras - The Red Cross has been reduced to one location after losing a space provided by the Department, forcing it to halt its flea market activities since June in Carpentras. Despite extensive searching, the association has not found a suitable new space that meets accessibility and operational needs, risking a loss of volunteers. The remaining location has roofing issues, but it continues to serve as a food aid and clothing shop while the organization appeals for an appropriate venue.
Speleologists from Nice in Madagascar - Four speleologists from Nice have spent over 20 years exploring Madagascar’s Ankarana massif, uncovering more than 32 km of underground tunnels. Their work has revealed insights into the formation of the limestone caves and the impact of bats on cave morphology, with findings including ancient burial sites. Recently equipped with a drone, the team continues to chart unexplored regions, fuelled by the goal of understanding these unique geological features.
H.S.H Prince Albert II Awards Planetary Health Prize - Prince Albert II of Monaco has awarded the Planetary Health Prize to three laureates for their environmental contributions: Juma Xipaia for indigenous rights and Amazonian protection, Prof. Lidia Morawska for research on air quality's health impact, and NatureMetrics for biodiversity monitoring technology. This year’s ceremony, held at the Salle Garnier in Monaco, also recognized 24 young climate researchers from developing countries.
BUSINESS
Following the UK’s recent Budget announcement of National Insurance (NI) tax hikes for employers, major firms like Sainsbury's, Marks & Spencer, BT, and Wetherspoons are warning of potential price increases. Many companies face substantial new costs, which they say will likely contribute to inflation and may drive some firms, like Primark's owner, to invest overseas. The government justifies the NI hike as essential for funding public services, despite concerns it could impact both employees’ wages and inflation.
Nissan is cutting 9,000 jobs globally and reducing production by 20% to counter declining sales in China and the US, while also lowering its 2024 profit forecast by 70%. CEO Makoto Uchida says the restructuring aims to make Nissan leaner and more resilient; senior executives will also take pay cuts. Meanwhile, Nissan plans to boost its electric vehicle lineup in the UK with new models at its Sunderland plant.
And - Costa Cruises will launch weekly Mediterranean departures from La Seyne-sur-Mer Starting on the 16th of April 16, 2025, bringing an economic boost to the town with 500 new passengers and 3,000 stopover tourists each week. Local officials welcome the potential revenue, though residents express environmental concerns over pollution from docked ships. The port expects 150,000 visitors in the first season, with 27 departures planned.
SPORTS
Football - Galatasaray forward Mauro Icardi could miss the rest of the season after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament in their Europa League win against Tottenham.
Cricket - West Indies fast bowler Alzarri Joseph has been suspended for two matches for leaving the field after an argument with captain Shai Hope during the third one-day international against England.
Tennis - Defending champion Iga Swiatek has been knocked out of the WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia after group rival Barbora Krejcikova beat Coco Gauff to secure her place in the semi-finals.
WEATHER
Partly cloudy with sunny spells with gentle to moderate winds. Highs of 21 degrees in Nice, Cannes, Saint-Tropez and Toulon, and 23 degrees in Marseille.
Tonight, more clouds will cover the sky with temperatures dropping to 12 degrees.
Outlook for this weekend:
Sat: Still rather cloudy with highs of 21 degrees.
Sun: Mostly sunny with highs of 21 degrees.
Mon: Mostly sunny with highs of 19 degrees.
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