NEWS
Marine Le Pen Found guilty, Sentenced to 5 Years of Inelegibility - Far-Right deputy Marine Le Pen and eight other RN MEPs have been found guilty of misusing EU funds - estimated at 4.1 million euros - in the parliamentary assistants' case. She was sentenced to five years of ineligibility with immediate effect, along with a suspended prison sentence and a €300,000 fine. The ruling could significantly impact her 2027 presidential ambitions.
Yellow Strong Sinds Alert - Météo-France has issued a yellow wind alert for Bouches-du-Rhône and Vaucluse departments on the 31st of March, with gusts reaching up to 110 km/h. The alert will remain in place until 4pm, though clear skies and sunshine are expected throughout the day. Residents are advised to stay informed, avoid outdoor exposure, and secure loose objects.
Avalanche Risks - Météo-France has issued an avalanche warning for Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department on the 31st of March, with a level 3 out of 5 risk in the Haut-Verdon massif due to warm, sunny weather. Avalanches may be triggered by skiers or hikers, so off-piste activities are strongly discouraged. Authorities advise checking forecasts, carrying safety equipment, and informing others of planned routes.
Drones Fly Over Several Towns of the Var - Drones will fly over several towns of the Var department from the 31st of March to the 11th of April to inspect Enedis’ electrical lines and monitor surrounding vegetation. This routine operation ensures compliance with safety standards and helps prevent outages. Enedis uses drones for faster, safer inspections, reducing the need for heavy equipment and minimizing environmental impact.
Financial Misconduct in Nice - Four people are facing prison sentences for financial misconduct in managing Semiacs parking in Nice, with verdicts due on the 29th of April. The case, which began in 2013, involves fraud, corruption, and illegal market practices, allegedly benefiting key figures. Prosecutors have requested sentences ranging from one to four years, with fines and business bans.
Fire Broke Out in Carpentras - A fire broke out around 3am this morning in a four-story building, forcing the evacuation of 14 people in Carpentras, Vaucluse. Five residents suffered mild smoke inhalation but did not require hospitalization. Firefighters contained the blaze, which was caused by an electrical issue, allowing residents to return home.
Prison d'Epices - A 23-year-old from Avignon has written a book about his four-month incarceration at Pontet prison after being convicted of use of forgeries and fraud in Avignon, Vaucluse. Titled Prison d'épices, the book recounts his past, prison life, and reintegration, using writing as an alternative to violence. Released for good behaviour, he now focuses on running, has obtained his driving license, and signed a youth employment contract.
Seagull Population in Cannes - The Cannes City Hall is continuing its seagull population control program by sterilizing eggs to reduce urban overpopulation. A new online tool on www.cannes.com allows residents to report nests, improving efficiency and tracking interventions. Drones help locate nests, and eggs are sterilized using an eco-friendly sunflower oil solution.
Box 98 Opening on the 1st of April in Monaco - Starting on the 1st of April, Monaco will welcome Box 98, a 4,700 m² entertainment complex in Fontvieille, featuring an indoor karting track, arcade games, bowling, and karaoke. Created by former race car driver Clivio Piccione, the venue aims to fill the gap in leisure activities for Monaco’s youth. Box 98 will also host sports viewing events and themed nights, with hopes of becoming a permanent attraction despite its initial one-year lease.
NEWS UPDATE
Marine Le Pen Plans to Appeal - Marine Le Pen has been sentenced to five years of ineligibility, effective immediately, and four years in prison, including two under electronic monitoring. She plans to appeal, but this will not delay her ineligibility, potentially blocking her 2027 presidential bid. While she will keep her seat as an MP, she may lose her role as a Pas-de-Calais councilor, and her prison sentence will only take effect if upheld on appeal.
President Macron Outlines 8 Key Goals for UN Ocean Conference - French President Emmanuel Macron has outlined eight key goals for the upcoming UN Ocean Conference in Nice (from the 9th to the 13th of June) during the SOS Ocean summit in Paris. These include protecting the high seas, promoting sustainable fishing, expanding marine protected areas, decarbonizing maritime transport, reducing plastic pollution, increasing ocean-related funding, supporting local coastal initiatives, and strengthening scientific research. The summit aims to accelerate global commitments to ocean conservation and sustainability.
Sick Leave Benefits to Drop - Sick leave benefits in France will decrease starting on the 1st of April as the Social Security daily allowance ceiling drops from 1.8 to 1.4 times the minimum wage. This change will mostly impact middle-income employees, with losses of up to €355 per month for those earning 1.8 times the minimum wage. Public sector employees have already seen reductions, receiving 90% of their salary instead of 100% during the first three months of sick leave.
A Case of Meningitis Detected in Nice A case of meningitis has been detected in a primary school in Nice, leading to the identification of around 20 contacts who have received preventive treatment. The infected person, a municipal staff member, has been hospitalized, and health authorities have activated an alert protocol. An information meeting for parents is scheduled, and further vaccination may be recommended based on test results.
Fire Rescue Vehicle Hits Scooter - A fire rescue vehicle responding to an emergency has collided with a scooter around 3pm on Monday in Nice's Saint-Roch district. The scooter rider, a man in his 30s, sustained minor injuries and was taken to Pasteur II hospital. His life is not in danger, but the exact circumstances of the accident remain unclear.
Beaches in Menton - The Court of Appeal has upheld the suspension of subcontracting agreements for two private beaches in Menton, rejecting appeals from the city and beach operators. The suspension follows concerns over irregularities in the bidding process flagged by state authorities. As a result, only three beaches may open this summer, with some owners considering selling their businesses.
Cap d'Ail Mayor Calls for a Ban Against OGC Nice Fans - Following disturbances caused by OGC Nice fans in Cap-d'Ail before their match against AS Monaco, the town's mayor, Xavier Beck, is calling for a ban on their future travel to Monaco. He has criticized the use of flares and fireworks, which caused panic and left the area littered with debris. Frustrated by repeated incidents, he plans to request intervention from the Prefecture of Alpes-Maritimes.
BUSINESS
Hollywood is grappling with AI's growing role in filmmaking, with some seeing it as a creative tool and others fearing job losses. AI is already being used in movies, voice alterations, and de-aging, while tech companies push for access to copyrighted content. As debates continue, industry figures stress the need to ensure AI benefits artists rather than replacing them.
And - Primark CEO Paul Marchant has resigned following an allegation about his behaviour in a social setting. After an investigation, he admitted to an error in judgment and apologized, with ABF emphasizing the importance of integrity and respect. Following his immediate departure, ABF’s finance director Eoin Tonge will serve as interim CEO.
SPORTS
Football - Arsenal and Tottenham will contest the first north London derby to be held outside the UK when the two teams face each other in a pre-season friendly in Hong Kong this summer. The London rivals will play in the newly-opened Kai Tak Stadium on July 31 as part of their preparations for the 2025-26 season.
Cricket - Corey Flintoff, the son of former England captain Andrew Flintoff, has signed a two-year rookie contract with Kent. The 19-year-old fast-bowling all-rounder came through Lancashire's academy ranks and played for the county's second team last summer. His younger brother Rocky made his debut as a 16-year-old for Lancashire last season and has gone on to play for England Lions.
Tennis - Czech teenager Jakub Mensik beat childhood idol Novak Djokovic to win the Miami Open 7-6 (7-4) 7-6 (7-4), having come close to withdrawing with a knee injury hours before his first-round match. Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam champion, had been bidding to become just the third man in the Open era to win 100 singles titles. Rising star Mensik is the ninth-youngest Masters 1000 champion and the second-youngest in Miami after Carlos Alcaraz.
WEATHER
Bright and clear throughout the region with moderate to strong winds. Highs of 20 degrees in Nice, Cannes, Saint-Tropez and Marseille, and 22 degrees in Toulon.
Tonight, clear skies with temperatures dropping to 12 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, partly cloudy with chances of light rain inland until late evening. Highs of 19 degrees with strong winds.
French president Emmanuel Macron has set out the key objectives for this summer's United Nations Ocean Conference, which will take place in Nice from ...
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Two Marseille drug enforcement officers are in custody over the disappearance of 350 kg of cocaine during a 2023 undercover operation. ...
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A local authority in the Var is calling for the speed limit on part of the A8 motorway to be cut from 130 to 110 kilometres per hour for environmental...
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Far-Right deputy Marine Le Pen and eight other RN MEPs have been found guilty of misusing EU funds in the parliamentary assistants' case. ...
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Judges are due to announce today their decision in the trial of French far-right leader Marine Le Pen over the alleged embezzlement of European Parlia...
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