NEWS
Labour Day - Closed Services and Shops - On the 1st of May (Labour Day), most public services, shops, and supermarkets in France are closed, including transport in many areas, including Nice. All Lignes d'Azur services, including assistance for people with reduced mobility and customer service, will be closed. However, some restaurants, hotels, cinemas, and delivery platforms will still operate. Pharmacies on duty may remain open, while small shops or bakeries could open only if their service is deemed essential by local authorities. Normal service will resume on Friday, the 2nd of May, and continue as usual over the weekend.
March for Worker's Rights - Around 800 people have marched on the 1st of May for workers' rights, under a scorching sun in Nice. Unions have criticized President Macron’s “war effort” and called instead for a “peace effort” and better funding for public services. The demonstration ended with a solidarity barbecue at Place Garibaldi, joined by railway workers.
Lilly of the Valley's Dangerous if Consumed - Lily of the valley, traditionally given on the 1st of May in France, is a toxic plant that can cause serious health issues if ingested. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, slowed heart rate, high blood pressure, respiratory trouble, and even convulsions. It is especially dangerous for children and pets, and even the water from a vase of the flowers can be harmful if consumed.
Heavy Rains Led to Mosquitoes Return - Heavy rains in southern France have created ideal conditions for mosquito proliferation, especially the disease-carrying tiger mosquito, raising public health concerns. Residents report intense mosquito nuisances despite repellents, with some resorting to fans and mosquito nets. Authorities have launched treatment campaigns and public awareness efforts, urging citizens to eliminate standing water to help curb the spread.
French Navy Tested Explosives - The French Navy has tested an explosive surface drone by directing it at an unused transport ship off the coast of Toulon, in the Var, resulting in a controlled explosion. This test aims to strengthen high-intensity combat readiness and confirm the Navy’s ability to deploy remotely operated naval munitions. Environmental precautions were taken before the test, and the data will help refine future drone systems.
Forensic Doctors on Strike Indefinitely - Liberal forensic doctors have stopped working indefinitely for the Ministry of Justice due to not being paid since August 2024 in Toulon, Var. Their absence is already causing serious disruption to police procedures, victim support, and death certifications, as their roles are essential beyond just autopsies. They blame the issue on government budget delays following the parliamentary dissolution, with no payments expected before September 2025.
Turkish Interpreter Sentenced in Nice - A retired Turkish interpreter has been sentenced to six months' suspended prison for breaching professional secrecy in Nice. He called the brother of a man in police custody—possibly also involved in a migrant smuggling case—after interpreting during the suspect’s questioning. Although he denied receiving any payment, the court found his actions seriously compromised the investigation.
Animals rescued from Fire - Two dogs and a cat have been rescued unharmed from an apartment fire during the night from Wednesday to Thursday in Avignon, Vaucluse. The fire broke out around midnight on the third floor of a four-story building but was quickly contained to a single room. The tenant was not home, and no other residents were affected or evacuated.
NEWS UPDATE
Wild Boars Roaming in Nice - A family of wild boars was spotted roaming through the Paillon riverbed in Nice on the evening of the 29th of April, surprising passersby despite their growing presence in urban areas. Such sightings are becoming more frequent, especially in summer, though they still catch residents off guard. Authorities may organize culls if the animals pose a threat, and locals can report boar-related damage via a dedicated email.
Baker Still Opened despite Fines - Frederic Roy, a well-known baker in Nice, still chose to open his bakery on the 1st of May despite a legal ban, risking fines of €750 per employee. He defends his decision, citing decades of tradition and support from his staff, and criticizes what he sees as unjustified restrictions. While cafes and restaurants are allowed to open, exceptions for bakers are rare and subject to strict local approval.
Ships to Cut Sulphur Emissions - ships in the Mediterranean must drastically cut sulphur emissions starting on the 1st of May, to improve air quality and protect public health. The new rule, backed by all coastal countries and enforced by the UN’s maritime agency, limits sulphur content in fuel to 0.1%—five times stricter than the global standard. This measure is expected to prevent over 1,000 premature deaths and 2,000 childhood asthma cases annually in the region.
BUSINESS
U.S. President Donald Trump has defended the U.S. economy after it shrank by 0.3%, blaming stockpiling before tariffs and criticizing former President Biden despite only recently taking office. He highlighted $8 trillion in promised investments and urged support for his tax bill, while facing backlash from Democrats who call the economic downturn his responsibility. Trump’s trade war with China and widespread tariffs have disrupted markets, sparking concerns over shortages and a potential recession.
Tesla has strongly denied a report claiming its board is seeking a replacement for Elon Musk as CEO, calling it "absolutely false." The Wall Street Journal had reported the board was frustrated with Musk’s political role and Tesla’s falling stock, but both Tesla and Musk publicly refuted this. Despite criticism over his involvement in Trump’s administration, Musk said he will focus more on Tesla, while protests and boycotts against the brand continue.
And - Tesla registrations in France have fallen by nearly 60% in April compared to last year, amid a stagnant electric car market and possible backlash against Elon Musk. Since the start of 2025, Tesla sales have dropped 44%, while the overall car market is also down, though less sharply. Electric vehicle sales are stagnating overall, but brands like Renault, Volkswagen, and others are seeing strong growth in this segment, unlike Tesla.
SPORTS
Football - Lionel Messi's hopes of leading Inter Miami to their first Concacaf Champions Cup title are over this season after a comprehensive semi-final defeat by Vancouver Whitecaps. Trailing 2-0 from the first leg, Miami were beaten 3-1 at home in Fort Lauderdale as the Canadian side ran out 5-1 aggregate winners.
Rugby Union - Legendary captain Willie John McBride feels that Caelan Doris is the best candidate to lead the British and Irish Lions in Australia this summer. Head coach Andy Farrell will name his captain and squad in London on the 8th of May ahead of the three Tests with the Wallabies. Ireland back row Doris and England second row Maro Itoje have been touted as possible captains for the tour.
Tennis - An authoritative Jack Draper booked his place in the quarterfinals of the Madrid Open with a convincing 6-2 6-2 win against Tommy Paul. The British number one broke the American in the third and seventh games and served out to love to take the first set in 32 minutes.
WEATHER
It’s bright and clear throughout the region this afternoon. We can enjoy a gentle breeze and warm temperatures with highs of 23 degrees in Nice, and 25 degrees in Cannes, Saint-Tropez, Toulon and Marseille.
Tonight, it’s mostly clear with temperatures dropping to 18 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, cloudy with sunny intervals with highs of 23 degrees until late evening when rain and thunderstorms will invite themselves over our region’s skies and stay with us for the next 2 weeks according to Meteo-France.
Taxi drivers across France remain mobilized for a fourth consecutive day, as tensions rise ahead of a high-stakes meeting scheduled for Saturday at th...
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A new law passed by the French Parliament on the 21st of May, will ban telemarketing calls without prior consumer consent, aiming to protect people fr...
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French President Emmanuel Macron's political party, Renaissance, has proposed banning those under the age of 15 in France from wearing the Muslim head...
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The Alpes-Maritimes department has once again been placed on a yellow thunderstorm alert. While the morning will see some clear spells, conditions are...
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After deadly storms have killed three people in the Var, local mayors are calling for solidarity and urgent action on climate change. ...
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