NEWS
Weather for the Week - Enjoy the sunshine while it lasts in the Alpes-Maritimes! From Monday to Thursday, expect mostly sunny weather with mild temperatures, but starting Friday, clouds and rain will take over. The weekend is forecasted to be rainy, marking a shift to wetter conditions.
Rainy Month of March - March has been exceptionally rainy in the Alpes-Maritimes, breaking records after a very dry winter. Nice has already recorded 77 mm of rainfall, 50% more than the monthly average, with more rain expected. While beneficial for groundwater recharge, it hasn’t fully compensated for the drought since November.
Nuclear Policy Council - Emmanuel Macron is chairing a nuclear policy council to assess projects aimed at strengthening France's nuclear energy strategy, including small modular reactors and new EPR2 reactors. The meeting will address uranium supply challenges and state funding priorities to ensure long-term energy sovereignty. Additionally, the European Investment Bank is re-engaging in French nuclear projects, highlighting efforts to reduce dependence on Russia's Rosatom.
Train Delays - Train delays of up to three hours between Draguignan and Cannes were caused by carnival streamers landing on an overhead power line in Saint-Raphaël, Alpes-Maritimes. The SNCF had to cut power for several hours to remove the streamers, which posed a fire risk. Passengers faced long waits, with some arriving in Paris over three hours late.
Healthacre Challenges in the PACA Region - The PACA region faces healthcare challenges despite strong resources, including low vaccination rates, psychiatric care struggles, and a social care crisis. ARS director Yann Bubien highlights medical deserts, the need for better coordination, and initiatives like early mental health screening in schools. Solutions include improving access, training, and integrating new technologies while supporting healthcare professionals and associations.
Rural Veterinatians Increasingly Rarer - Rural veterinarians are becoming increasingly rare in the Alpes-Maritimes, despite high demand from local farmers. While veterinary schools see growing interest in farm animal care, most graduates still choose to work with pets. To address the shortage, the department offers financial aid to encourage new vets to settle in rural areas.
Delays in Elevator Repairs - Côte d'Azur Habitat criticizes the long delays in elevator repairs, with some residents waiting months, severely impacting daily life, especially for those with mobility issues. President Anthony Borré is pressuring service providers and imposing penalties, blaming supply chain issues for the delays. He also rejects government criticism of social landlords, calling for a meeting to address the problem.
Mélèze d'Or - The "Mélèze d'Or" is a secret honorary sculpture awarded by the Alpes-Maritimes Department to distinguished citizens and visitors. Designed by artist Éric Garence, it symbolizes the region with elements like a larch tree, a cross, a lily, and a palm tree. Given discreetly, past recipients include actor Jean Dujardin and a farmer who saved lives during Storm Alex.
NEWS UPDATE
Refusal to Comply Leads to Injured Policemen - A driver has refused to stop for police, injuring two municipal officers in the process in Nice. The suspect, spotted smoking while driving, hit one officer, then reversed into another before fleeing. After a chase through the city, he was arrested on Boulevard Gambetta, with the mayor praising the officers' bravery.
Scratch Card Winner - A man has won €500,000 with a Maxi Astro scratch card, purchased in a gift pack in Lorgues, Var. Shocked by seeing three Aries symbols, he scratched off the prize, revealing a life-changing amount. Planning a fresh start in a new region, his win joins the list of big lottery prizes in the Var.
BUSINESS
Elon Musk announced that SpaceX's Starship rocket could reach Mars by the end of next year, with human landings possibly starting by 2029, though 2031 is more likely. Despite multiple test failures, including a recent explosion, SpaceX plans to review the issues before future launches. The Starship is key to Musk's goal of colonizing Mars and supporting NASA's Artemis missions to the Moon.
And - Josef Fares and his studio Hazelight have found success with co-op games like Split Fiction and It Takes Two, proving that players enjoy collaborative experiences beyond competitive gaming. Split Fiction has been a hit, selling a million copies in 48 hours, and reflects a growing demand for social play, especially among younger gamers. Fares believes in sticking to creative vision over financial pressures, encouraging developers to trust their instincts rather than chase market trends.
SPORTS
Tennis - Teenager Mirra Andreeva underlined her growing reputation as the biggest emerging talent on the WTA Tour by shocking world number one Aryna Sabalenka to win the Indian Wells title. Russia's Andreeva, 17, produced a composed and clinical performance to fight back for a 2-6 6-4 6-3 victory. Meanwhile Great Britain's Jack Draper claims the biggest title of his career with a straight-sets win over Denmark's Holger Rune 6-2 6-2 in the Indian Wells final.
Golf - Rory McIlroy says he "should be going home with the trophy" but will have to return on Monday for a play-off after American JJ Spaun erased his lead over the final few holes at a storm-affected Players Championship. After a four-hour delay for lightning in Florida, the 2019 champion raced into a three-shot lead at the 12th hole, only to lose his touch on the greens and be dragged back by overnight leader Spaun.
Rugby Union - Grant Gilchrist has backed Gregor Townsend to remain as Scotland head coach despite the national team again failing to mount a meaningful Six Nations title challenge. Defeat by France in Paris confined the Scots to fourth place, the sixth time in Townsend's eight-year spell they have finished in the bottom half of the table.
WEATHER
Mostly sunny this afternoon except for Tende which still faces risks of rain for the rest of the afternoon with moderate winds. Highs of 14 degrees in Marseille, 15 in Nice, Cannes and Toulon and 16 degrees in Saint-Tropez.
Tonight, mostly clear with temperatures dropping to 5 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, cloudy with chances of light rain in the morning and partly cloudy in the afternoon with highs of 14 degrees and strong winds.
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