NEWS
Smartphone Restrictions - France is pushing for a European agreement to require social media platforms to verify users' ages, aiming to ban access before age 15 and smartphone use before age 11. If no deal is reached within three months, the French government plans to act alone and impose national sanctions. Minister Clara Chappaz stresses the urgency, citing the negative impact of screens on youth and referencing similar enforcement on adult sites.
Weather for the Week - Unsettled weather is expected this week in the Alpes-Maritimes, with thunderstorms, showers, and occasional sunny spells. Monday to Friday will bring varying conditions, from storms and rain to clearer skies midweek, with temperatures ranging between 5°C and 25°C. The weekend is also forecast to be rainy, continuing the unstable pattern typical for May during the Cannes Film Festival.
Monaco's New Road Safety Bill - Monaco has introduced a new road safety bill aiming to toughen penalties for driving under the influence, speeding, and refusing police orders, with jail time increasing to up to 2–3 years. Police will gain broader authority to conduct alcohol and drug tests without needing an accident or offense as a trigger. Transport professionals like taxi and bus drivers face even stricter penalties, and repeat speeding offenses over 50 km/h will become criminal. The bill is expected to be voted on in the autumn session.
Diving Accidents - French maritime authorities are warning about a rise in diving accidents in spring, especially around May holidays, due to poorly prepared amateur divers taking excessive risks. Several serious incidents, including a death near Marseille and others requiring hyperbaric treatment, have prompted calls for greater caution. Authorities urge divers to check their health and equipment, avoid solo dives, and delay diving if conditions or personal readiness aren’t ideal - reminding that diving remains a high-risk sport.
Explosion - Around 100 residents have been evacuated Sunday evening after an explosion in a five-story apartment building in the Notre-Dame des Marins neighbourhood of Martigues, Bouches-du-Rhone. Two people were slightly injured, and three others were in shock, according to local firefighters. The cause of the explosion is still unknown.
Fire - A fire broke out on the evening of the 11th of May in a 300 m² boat storage hangar in La Roquette-sur-Siagne, Alpes-Maritimes, prompting the intervention of 25 firefighters. The flames were quickly contained with no casualties, though significant damage occurred to boat equipment inside. This incident follows a string of suspected arson attacks targeting boats in the region earlier this year.
Artisanal Fishermen Protest - For the first time in 15 years, about 50 artisanal fishermen from the region have protested on the 12 of May outside the Alpes-Maritimes prefecture in Nice. They denounce EU regulations they say are unsuitable for small-scale fishing, particularly a costly GPS system (VMS) mandated by 2027. Fishermen argue it’s unnecessary for their near-shore operations and financially burdensome, prompting a delegation to meet with officials.
NEWS UPDATE
No Finish Line - The No Finish Line Nice runs from the 14th to the 18th of May along the Quai des États-Unis, where participants walk or run to raise €1 per kilometre for children's projects. Over 6,000 people have already signed up, with proceeds funding initiatives like sports wheelchairs, hospital entertainment, and inclusive playgrounds. Open to all ages and abilities, the event promotes community spirit and inclusivity, with some participants aiming to run up to 500 km.
Return Products Contamined by Listeria - A Monoprix Bio lentil and smoked tofu salad is being recalled due to listeria contamination (lot 25113, best before May 11, 2025). The product has been sold nationwide in France between the 26th of April and the 9th of May. Listeriosis is a rare but serious infection that can be fatal or cause severe complications, especially for pregnant women.
Reduction of Taxes in Eze - Local taxes have been unexpectedly reduced twice in one month due to a newly discovered law requiring equal changes to built and non-built property tax rates in Eze, Alpes-Maritimes. After an initial 1-point drop, the non-built property tax was lowered again by 0.02% to stay compliant. During the same council meeting, the mayor also raised concerns about insufficient bus service for locals amid a booming tourist season.
BUSINESS
The U.S. and China have agreed to temporarily reduce the tariffs they impose on each other's goods by 115% for 90 days. The deal follows productive trade talks held in Switzerland over the weekend. This marks the first formal meeting since the US imposed major tariffs on Chinese imports in January. Meanwhile, European stocks rose by 2-3%, and gold price fell by 3% to $3,224.34 an ounce.
And - The White House is in talks with Qatar to temporarily use a luxury Boeing 747-8 jet worth 400 million euros as a potential replacement for Air Force One. U.S President Donald Trump has referred to it as a “free gift,” sparking legal and ethical concerns, while Qatar and the U.S. say discussions are ongoing and under legal review. The plane would be retrofitted before use and may later be donated to Trump’s presidential library, echoing a similar precedent from the Reagan era.
SPORTS
Football - Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice missed the game against Liverpool on Sunday with a muscular issue believed to be a hamstring strain. Rice played all 90 minutes of last Wednesday's 2-1 loss at Paris Saint-Germain but did not make the Gunners squad that came back from two goals down to earn a draw with the Premier League champions.
Cricket - Legendary India batter Virat Kohli has announced his immediate retirement from Test cricket. His decision comes before this summer's five-Test tour of England, which starts on 20 June, and follows captain Rohit Sharma's retirement on Wednesday. Kohli, 36, has played 123 Tests for India and scored 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85.
Rugby Union - Leicester Tigers have appointed former England and British and Irish Lions lock Geoff Parling as their head coach from next season. The 41-year-old has signed a long-term deal and replaces former Australia coach Michael Cheika, who leaves after just one season at Welford Road.
WEATHER
Mostly fine on the riviera with thunderstorms and rain planned inland. Moderate to strong winds across the region with highs of 20 degrees in Nice, 21 in Cannes, Toulon and Marseille, and 22 degrees in Saint-Tropez.
Tonight, mostly clear with temperatures dropping to 15 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, light rain in Nice and thunderstorms roaring inland until early evening. Highs of 20 degrees.
France is pushing for a European agreement to require social media platforms to verify users' ages, aiming to ban access before age 15 and smartphone ...
Read More
French President Emmanuel Macron has confirmed that France is in talks with allies about possibly supporting Ukraine with troops, amid its ongoing war...
Read More
Thundery showers are forecast in Nice and the Alpes Maritimes. Some sunny intervals as the day progresses. Highs of 20 degrees. ...
Read More
American Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been elected Pope Leo XIV, becoming the first U.S.-born pope and signalling continuity with Pope Francis’...
Read More
A Polish man in his forties has been hospitalized in Valence after enduring a harrowing journey between two TGV carriages from Paris. ...
Read More
