NEWS
Train Accident - A woman has been fatally struck by a train at Golfe-Juan station, causing major disruptions on the rail network between Antibes and Monaco. Train services have been halted since Thursday morning, with delays of over two hours reported. Emergency responders have completed their intervention, but traffic remains severely impacted.
MEasles Cases on the Rise Since Last Year - Measles cases in Europe have doubled in 2024, reaching the highest level in 25 years, with 127,350 cases and 38 deaths reported. The WHO warns that low vaccination rates, especially among children under five, are fuelling the resurgence, with Romania and Kazakhstan being the most affected. Experts urge governments to strengthen immunization efforts to prevent further outbreaks.
Deputy Mayor of Fréjus' Trial Appealed - Patrick Renard, a deputy mayor of Fréjus, is facing an appeal after being acquitted of inciting racial hatred for comments he made about an interracial couple. The association La Maison des Potes, which filed the complaint, argues that his remarks were racist and unacceptable from a public official. The court's final decision is expected on the 22nd of April, with further legal action still possible.
Two Men Arrested Following Murder in Avignon - Two men, aged 20 and 22, have been arrested in connection with the murder of a 38-year-old man in a parking lot on the 31st of January in Avignon. The victim was fatally stabbed in the heart after a night out, and surveillance footage captured an altercation at the crime scene. The suspects, from Carpentras, were taken into custody on Tuesday and are set to appear before a judge on Thursday.
Police Attacker Deemed Mentally Ill - Four police officers were attacked by a knife-wielding man in November 2021, claiming to act “in the name of the prophet” in Cannes. Initially deemed fully responsible, recent psychiatric evaluations suggest the attacker may have had diminished mental capacity due to schizophrenia. If confirmed in court on the of 13th of March, he could be declared criminally irresponsible and placed in psychiatric care instead of prison.
Car Cable Project Linking Saint-Laurent-du-Var and Nice Delayed - The planned cable car linking Saint-Laurent-du-Var to Nice has been delayed again due to financial constraints following Covid-19 and recent storms, though the mayor insists it is postponed, not cancelled. Opposition members demand the project's full abandonment, citing high costs and safety concerns, while the mayor prioritizes other transport projects, particularly improvements to the RM6202 bis road. The cable car remains controversial, with debates over its necessity, environmental benefits, and potential risks continuing ahead of upcoming local elections.
Carboard Wine Bottles - A French entrepreneur, Thomas de Lagarde, is introducing wine bottles made of cardboard to reduce carbon emissions while maintaining traditional consumption habits. Though the idea challenges France’s cultural attachment to glass bottles, he argues most wines are consumed within a year, making the switch practical. Similar to previous innovations like canned rosé, this eco-friendly packaging could gain traction if consumers embrace the change.
NEWS UPDATE
Trade War - Donald Trump has threatened to impose 200% tariffs on French and European wines and spirits if the EU does not withdraw its planned 50% tariffs on American whiskey. The EU introduced these tariffs in response to U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum, escalating trade tensions. France’s trade minister vowed to resist the threats, while European alcohol producers expressed frustration at being caught in a trade dispute unrelated to their industry.
Nice-Matin Strike - Employees of Nice-Matin are on strike on the 13th of March, suspending both print and digital editions due to concerns about the future of their newspapers. The protest follows the possible abandonment of a shared printing center project, which unions fear could lead to job losses and operational disruptions. A motion of no confidence has also been voted against the management, with further strikes possible if demands for job security and investment are not met.
BUSINESS
Ineos Automotive, owned by billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe, is recalling over 7,000 Grenadier SUVs in the US due to faulty door latches that could cause doors to open while driving. The company will replace door button assemblies for free, marking another challenge after a previous manufacturing halt. Despite global sales, Ineos Automotive reported a €1.4bn loss in 2023.
And - Roblox CEO Dave Baszucki says parents uncomfortable with the platform shouldn't let their kids use it but insists the company prioritizes safety. Despite concerns over harmful content, he defends Roblox's monitoring systems and age ratings, though a BBC test found ways to bypass some filters. With over 80 million daily players and a $41bn valuation, Roblox continues expanding, aiming to be "the future of communication."
SPORTS
Rugby Union - Gregor Brown and Matt Fagerson replace the benched Jonny Gray and injured Jack Dempsey for Scotland's final Six Nations match away to France on Saturday (20:00 GMT). Brown starts in the second row while Number 8 Fagerson joins prop brother Zander
Tennis - British number one Jack Draper has reached the Indian Wells quarterfinals for the first time by beating world number four Taylor Fritz 7-5 6-4 with one of the best performances of his career.
Formula 1 - Lewis Hamilton says he does not feel any pressure to prove himself as he starts his Ferrari career at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. The seven-time champion left Mercedes after 12 seasons in which they became the most successful team-driver combination in Formula 1 history.
WEATHER
Cloudy with occasional sunny spells and moderate to strong winds. Highs of 14 degrees in Marseille, 15 in Nice and Toulon, 16 in Cannes and 17 degrees in Saint-Tropez.
Tonight, chances of light rain with temperatures dropping to 8 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow going into the weekend, cloudy with light rain. Highs of 15 degrees and moderate winds.
A woman has been fatally struck by a train at Golfe-Juan station, causing major disruptions on the rail network between Antibes and Monaco. ...
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French police are investigating the fatal shooting of 71-year-old former mafia boss Jean-Pierre Maldera on a motorway near Grenoble in south-eastern F...
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Locally the "Paracetamol Challenge" on TikTok has led to a worrying rise in hospital admissions to A&E at the Lenval children’s hospital in Nice. ...
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The number of cases of measles is rising in France, prompting health authorities to warn of a potential wider spread....
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French MPs have adopted a resolution in support of Ukraine, calling for the seizure of Russian assets. ...
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