NEWS
Rain and Storms - The Alpes-Maritimes has seen 10 days of rain since the 10th of March, totalling nearly 150mm—more than usual for March but far less than last year's exceptional 250mm. While this persistent rain feels unusual, experts say it's within normal patterns and beneficial for groundwater levels. A brief dry spell is expected from Thursday, but further instability may return later in the week. Meanwhile, the Vaucluse department remains under a yellow storm alert this Monday 24th of March. After a rainy weekend that caused damage, intense thunderstorms are expected between 3pm and 7pm, with calmer weather returning in the evening. On Sunday, 101 lightning strikes have been recorded, with Ménerbes and Mérindol being the most affected.
Train Service Interrupted - Train service between Nice and Monaco has been completely interrupted until 2pm on Monday the 24th of March due to track work in Èze, according to SNCF. Even after service resumes, delays and cancellations are expected. Commuters face significant disruptions as a result.
Hospital Staff Protesting in Monaco - Hospital staff at CHPG in Monaco are protesting due to a lack of parking spaces near their workplace, which is causing daily stress. The hospital workers' union (SAHM) is demanding a parking spot for every employee who requests one and a standardized parking fee, but they have received no clear response from authorities. Frustration is growing, and the union is escalating its actions to pressure the government for a solution.
Woman Hit by a Bus - A 47-year-old woman has been lightly injured after being hit by a bus on Monday, the 24th of March in Cannes. The bus driver, a pregnant woman in her thirties, was extremely shocked and also taken to the hospital. The circumstances of the accident remain unclear.
Fatal Car Crash - A 19-year-old man has died in a car accident on the 23rd of March after leaving the Motor Passion event near Avignon, Vaucluse. Driving a classic car at high speed, he lost control on Avenue Pierre Semard and was ejected from the vehicle. Emergency services found the car crashed into a streetlight but were unable to save him.
Students Explore Social and Solidarity Economy - Students at Lycée Mistral have explored the social and solidarity economy through talks with experts and local businesses in Avignon, Vaucluse. Eight students created a podcast featuring interviews with specialists, highlighting the importance of this economic model in the Vaucluse department. The event also included workshops, discussions, and a pop-up shop run by students.
New Composting Centre Near French-Italian Border - A new composting centre, managed by ‘Terres en Compost’, aims to process up to 5 tons of food waste annually while educating businesses and households on sustainable waste management near the French-Italian border. Despite its potential to serve over 150 households, it struggles to attract clients due to a lack of awareness and incentives. The project, funded by local organizations, primarily focuses on promoting eco-friendly waste disposal practices.
NEWS UPDATE
Parking Scam - A parking scam with fraudulent QR codes appearing on parking meters has resurfaced on the 24th of March 24, in Nice. These fake codes mimic the PayByPhone system and direct users to a phishing website. The city has warned residents to only use the official app and has deployed agents to remove the scam stickers.
Le Petit Soleil de Seillans - The Menton-based association Le Petit Soleil de Seillans has launched a food drive to support parents of hospitalized children. Volunteers, already known for bringing toys to kids in oncology, now collect non-perishable food to ease parents' daily struggles. Donations can be dropped off at several local businesses, helping families facing the challenges of serious illness.
BUSINESS
Jamaica is in a heated dispute over whether rum made on the island but aged overseas can still be called "Jamaican rum." A new rule bans ageing rum abroad, supported by local producers who want stronger geographical protection, but opposed by a major distillery partly owned by a French company. The debate highlights issues of authenticity, economic impact, and national pride, with a legal appeal set for April.
DNA testing company 23andMe has filed for bankruptcy protection and announced the resignation of its CEO, Anne Wojcicki. The company will continue operations while attempting to sell itself under court supervision. Struggling with financial distress, data breaches, and failed business strategies, 23andMe has never turned a profit since going public in 2021.
And - Monaco's tourism sector is thriving, with hotel occupancy up 3% and average prices rising 5% in 2024. The Tourism Directorate is focusing on long-haul markets like the USA and the Middle East while boosting European visitors in low seasons. Monaco was also named "Best Destination in Europe 2025" by European Best Destinations.
SPORTS
Football - United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino had sections of his former club's fanbase giddy with excitement last week after he declared his desire to one day return to Tottenham. It isn't a new concept, Pochettino has previously been clear in his wish to become Spurs head coach for a second period - but the current conjecture over incumbent Ange Postecoglou's future has sharpened the issue.
Rugby Union - Newly-appointed Exeter head coach Rob Hunter says he will examine every facet of his side's game to get them to improve. Hunter took over after Ali Hepher was demoted last week in the light of the club's worst season since being promoted to the Premiership in 2010. His first game saw Exeter beaten 52-38 by Bristol in a thrilling 14-try encounter at Ashton Gate as the Chiefs remain second-from bottom of the Premiership with two wins from 12 games.
Tennis - Britain's Emma Raducanu is through to the last 16 of the Miami Open after opponent McCartney Kessler retired injured at the start of the second set. Raducanu had been utterly dominant and needed just 30 minutes to take the first set 6-1.
WEATHER
Cloudy across the riviera and thunderstorms occurring inland until this early evening with moderate winds. Highs of 15 degrees in Nice, and 16 degrees in Cannes, Saint-Tropez, Toulon and Marseille.
Tonight, cloudy across the region with lows of 10 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, after a dry start of the day, thunderstorms will cover the inland’s skies throughout the afternoon with highs of 16 degrees and moderate winds.
Three people have survived a mid-air collision involving two French Air Force Alpha Jets near an air base in northeastern France on Tuesday....
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Philippe Vedovini - the maternal grandfather of Émile Soleil - along with his wife and two of their adult children, have been placed in police custody...
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Princess Charlene of Monaco led the inaugural Road Safety Day on March 23rd in Larvotto, promoting bike safety and sustainable mobility. ...
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AS Cannes will face Reims in the Coupe de France semi-final on April 2nd, and the city of Cannes is setting up a fan zone on the Allées de la Liberté ...
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Four people, including the grandparents, are in police custody in connection with the death of 2-and-a-half-year-old Emile Soleil, whose remains were ...
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