NEWS
Flood in the Var - The Var department is under orange alert for storms, heavy rain, intense flooding, hail, and strong winds. Authorities urge extreme caution, particularly in the Lavandou area, where 230 mm of rain fell in just one hour. Water was rapidly rising up to 1 meter, flooding shops and causing cars to float. The Villa Mauresque’s parking area has collapsed, a power pole has fallen, and emergency services arrived as roads were blocked and damage spread across the town. Throughout the region, including Vidauban and La Môle, multiple rivers overflowed, submerging roads and damaging infrastructure. A woman in Vidauban has reported being trapped in her home, with floodwaters reaching her garage and no alternate way out. Authorities have confirmed at least one death, one serious injury, and one person missing. Over 200 firefighters have been deployed, with reinforcements from neighbouring departments. Several towns declared emergency conditions, and public parks in Nice and Antibes have closed as a precaution, while train disruptions continue in the southwest due to earlier severe weather.
Sciencists Against Nice Airport Expansion - Many scientists strongly oppose the planned expansion of Nice Airport, citing serious risks to public health and the environment. They warn of increased air and noise pollution affecting nearby communities, including schools, and criticize the project's flawed impact study and disregard for climate and seismic risks. Experts suggest investing in rail infrastructure instead, accusing the project of prioritizing tourism over local needs and social equity.
Gynecologists Support Legalizing Abortion - Monaco’s gynecologists have voiced strong support for a new bill legalizing abortion, emphasizing patient safety and accessible care within the country. Women’s rights groups also back the proposal, while calling for improvements, particularly regarding minors and the mandatory waiting period. The bill marks a major shift from the symbolic 2019 law, aiming to provide a clear and effective legal framework for abortion in Monaco.
Parents Block School - Parents have blocked school entrance to protest the cancellation of school trips due to safety concerns after threats were received by staff at Grands Cyprès elementary school in Avignon. They demand more security and funding for transport so activities like swimming can resume safely. While supporting the teachers, parents stress that children are unfairly affected by the situation.
Rihanna in Cannes Film Festival - At the Cannes Film Festival, Rihanna has surprised fans by appearing for the descent of the red carpet, hand in hand with A$AP Rocky, proudly showing her baby bump in a turquoise dress. Though expected for the film premiere, she skipped the official red carpet walk, while Rocky attended in support of Spike Lee's film Highest 2 Lowest. Despite the rain, the couple posed affectionately for photographers, adding extra glamour to the evening.
Pedro Pascal, Internet's Favourite Cool Guy - Actor Pedro Pascal has surprised fans by flying economy from London to Nice for the Cannes Film Festival, blending in with regular passengers, sandwich in hand and smile on his face. A video of the moment went viral, earning him even more praise for his humble, down-to-earth attitude in contrast to typical celebrity behaviour. Already known for his bold fashion, political activism, and charm, Pascal continues to prove he's not just a star, he's the internet’s favourite “cool guy next door.”
NEWS UPDATE
Flooding Update - Following the deadly storms in the Var department on the 20th of May, the parish priest of Le Lavandou, Father Pierre Pommeret, has announced that Sunday Mass on the 25th of May will be dedicated to the victims of the disaster. The service will take place at 10:30 AM at Saint-Louis Parish Church. Father Pommeret has extended his prayers to all those suffering from loss, uncertainty, and material damage. The aftermath of the violent storms paints a grim picture: heavy flooding has devastated the Lavandou area, with homes submerged, seaside infrastructure destroyed, and several campsites, including the well-known Hubac du Bleu, either wiped out or severely damaged. At least three people have died due to the storms, two in Le Lavandou, including an elderly vacationing couple, and one in Vidauban. Many residents are still without electricity and clean water. The mayor of Le Lavandou, Gil Bernardi, has described the scene as resembling a "war zone." Emergency crews, including energy company Enedis, are working to restore services. In response, the regional government of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur has activated the Natural Disaster Relief Fund to support affected communities while over 200 firefighters are on the ground, with reinforcements from nearby departments.
BUSINESS
Heavy rains have flooded large parts of Bengaluru, killing three people and disrupting daily life, especially in tech hubs. Authorities are on high alert for more rain as the city struggles with water-logging, damaged property, and traffic chaos. Critics blame poor urban planning and neglected infrastructure for the recurring flooding issues.
And - The UK plans to pursue a trade deal with Gulf countries next, following recent agreements with the US, EU, and India, which Chancellor Rachel Reeves says will boost economic growth. While the government touts these as world-leading deals, opposition parties have criticized concessions made, particularly regarding fishing and food standards. Human rights concerns and political backlash could complicate future negotiations, especially with the Gulf nations.
SPORTS
Football - The first-ever Racing Stars Football Cup will take place on the 21st of May at Monaco’s Stade Louis II, featuring motorsport legends and celebrities playing football just before the Monaco Grand Prix. Organized by Louis Ducruet and the Barbagiuans of Monaco under Prince Albert II’s patronage, the match supports two charities: the Jules Bianchi Association and Be Safe Monaco. With stars like Pierre Gasly, Carlos Sainz, Mika Häkkinen, and others, the event blends sport, solidarity, and entertainment for a meaningful cause.
Tennis - Iga Swiatek's recent dominance at the French Open - and the tournaments leading up to it - has led to a regal nickname: the Queen of Clay. The 23-year-old Pole has won four of the past five Roland Garros women's singles titles and arrives in Paris as the three-time defending champion. But this year there are considerable doubts about if she can continue her reign. For the first time since 2020 - when she claimed her maiden title as an unheralded teenager - Swiatek arrives without winning a WTA tournament in the first five months of the season. As a result, the former long-time world number one has dropped to fifth in the rankings.
Rugby Union - Former England full-back Mike Brown has announced his retirement from rugby at the end of the season - with a parting plea to those who run the game. The 39-year-old, currently with Leicester Tigers, will bring down the curtain on a 20-year career which saw him earn 72 caps for his country.
WEATHER
Mostly cloudy with showery thunderstorms on the coast and inland, though nice and dry in the bouches-du-rhone department. We’ve got moderate to strong winds across the region with highs of 19 degrees in Cannes, 20 in Nice, 21 in Saint-Tropez and 22 degrees in Toulon and Marseille.
Tonight, mostly clear across the region with temperatures dropping to 14 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, partly cloudy on the coast with showery thunderstorms inland with highs of 22 degrees with strong winds in the west side of the region.
The Var department is under orange alert for storms, heavy rain, intense flooding, hail, and strong winds. Authorities urge extreme caution, particula...
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France’s last two captive orcas remain stranded in an abandoned marine park, caught in a bureaucratic deadlock. ...
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Six departments in the southwest of France were placed on and orange weather alert for rain and flooding on Monday evening. The affected areas include...
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Expect unsettled weather today across the Alpes-Maritimes. The department is under yellow alert for rain, flooding, and thunderstorms. Thunderstorms w...
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Over 500 taxi drivers are striking on Monday the 19th of May, in the Bouches-du-Rhône, Var and Alpes-Maritimes departments to protest new health insur...
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