NEWS
100,000 Euros Hidden in Socks - Customs officers discovered over €100,000 hidden in socks during a routine vehicle check on the 15th of March at a toll station near Fréjus, Var. The money, linked to drug trafficking, was found in a backpack after a sniffer dog inspection. The driver was sentenced to two months in prison, fined the same amount as the seized cash, and had his vehicle confiscated.
A Refusal to Comply Turns into Attempted Homicide - A man in his 40s has been charged with attempted homicide after a high-speed chase in which he rammed police officers and multiple vehicles while under the influence of drugs in Nice. After refusing to stop for a routine check, he hit a police scooter, fled through the city, and was finally arrested in the Gambetta area. Already known to the justice system, he was placed in provisional detention, and a separate investigation into drug trafficking was opened after cannabis and drug paraphernalia were found at his home.
Phishing Scam - The town hall of Entraigues-sur-la-Sorgue, Vaucluse, warns residents about a phishing scam involving fake emails pretending to be from the municipality, attempting to steal banking details. The fraudulent email claims the town hall has changed its bank details and asks recipients to update their records. Authorities advise checking sender addresses, avoiding suspicious attachments, and reporting phishing attempts on the official cybercrime website.
Petition to Turn Free Parking into a Paid One - A resident of Nice has launched a petition on Change.org to make parking in the Cessole and Saint-Sylvestre neighbourhoods paid, arguing that free parking turns the area into a giant park-and-ride. Frustrated with spending up to 30 minutes searching for a spot, he proposes a resident-friendly fee of around €20 per month. While not widely popular, his petition has gathered 97 signatures out of a 100-signature goal as of the 19th of March 2025.
Allianz Riviera Run - The Allianz Riviera Run returns on Sunday, the 23rd of March offering a unique race inside Nice’s famous stadium. Participants of all levels, including children, can explore areas like the locker rooms, VIP spaces, and the National Sports Museum while running in a festive atmosphere. This year, costumes are encouraged, with prizes for the best outfits—registrations are open at allianzrivierarun.com!
Archeological Discovery - Archaeologists have uncovered the remains of what may be the city's first cathedral, dating back to the 5th century in Vence, Alpes-Maritimes. The 300m² site, discovered during construction work, could significantly reshape historical understanding of early Christianity in the region. Experts are now evaluating the findings, with plans for further excavations to confirm its origins and historical significance.
NEWS UPDATE
Gold Coin Robbery - A 38-year-old man has been arrested in Sablet, Vaucluse, after robbing a 69-year-old coin collector in Orange at gunpoint, stealing five gold coins worth €10,000. The victim had arranged to sell the coins but was threatened and robbed instead. Police tracked down the thief, who is set to be tried in Carpentras this Thursday.
Nice-Matin on Strike - Journalists at Nice-Matin have gone on strike Thursday to protest staff reductions, increased workload, and job insecurity. Around 80 journalists gathered at the newspaper’s headquarters in Nice, demanding clarity on minimum staffing levels. After meeting with management, no concrete progress was made, and they also called for a response from owner Xavier Niel.
BUSINESS
A North Dakota jury found Greenpeace liable for defamation against Energy Transfer over protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline, ordering it to pay over $660 million in damages. Greenpeace, which denies leading the demonstrations, argues the lawsuit threatens free speech and vows to appeal, warning it could face bankruptcy. Legal experts say the ruling may have a chilling effect on environmental activism and similar lawsuits could follow.
And - Ben & Jerry's is suing its parent company, Unilever, claiming it violated their merger agreement by trying to silence its activism and removing CEO David Stever without consultation. The dispute escalated after Ben & Jerry's criticized Donald Trump and supported a Gaza ceasefire, leading to tensions between the two companies. Unilever denies wrongdoing, saying it followed proper procedures and had attempted to engage with Ben & Jerry's independent board.
SPORTS
Cricket - Shakib Al Hasan has been cleared to bowl again in all England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) competitions and The Hundred having previously served a suspension because of his action. The Bangladesh all-rounder played one game for Surrey in the County Championship in September 2024 and was reported by the umpires.
Rugby Union - Long-serving Exeter Chiefs head coach Ali Hepher has been removed from his role at the Premiership strugglers "with immediate effect" and replaced by Rob Hunter. Exeter said Hepher will step back to oversee the team's backs and attack strategy until the end of the season, before switching to a role in the club's academy.
Tennis - World number three Carlos Alcaraz said he does not support the legal action being taken against tennis' governing bodies by the players' union co-founded by Novak Djokovic. The Professional Tennis Players' Association (PTPA) filed papers on Tuesday criticising the schedule, ranking systems and control over image rights. The lawsuit seeks an end to what it describes as "monopolistic control" of the tennis tour, as well as financial compensation from the ATP, the WTA, the International Tennis Federation (ITF) and the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA).
WEATHER
Sunny with cloudy intervals, especially in the Bouches-du-Rhône department, with strong winds across the riviera. Highs of 15 degrees in Nice and Saint-Tropez, 16 in Cannes, 17 in Toulon and 18 degrees in Marseille.
Tonight, partly cloudy with temperatures dropping to 6 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, mostly cloudy throughout the day until the evening welcomes rain and thunderstorms that will last throughout the weekend. We’ll have highs of 16 degrees with strong winds reaching 85km/h.
Heathrow Airport has announced the resumption of some flights on Friday evening after a fire forced its closure overnight. ...
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Due to an orange weather alert for strong winds, storms and coastal flooding, the Alpes-Maritimes, Var departments and Marseille have temporarily clos...
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Another earthquake has struck Nice and the Alpes-Maritimes region just two days after a magnitude 4.1 quake. ...
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Heathrow Airport is closed all day today, Friday 21st March, due to a large fire at a nearby electrical substation, causing a significant power outage...
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Customs officers discovered over €100,000 hidden in socks during a routine vehicle check on the 15th of March at a toll station near Fréjus, Var. ...
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