NEWS
Inmate Dies After Being Attacked by Fellow Prisoners - A 19-year-old inmate has died after being attacked by three fellow prisoners in the exercise yard of Luynes prison, Bouches-du-Rhône. The attackers, aged 23, 25, and 26, admitted to the assault, claiming the victim had been extorting them. The victim, in pre-trial detention for voluntary manslaughter, died from his injuries on Wednesday, and the assailants now face assassination charges.
Drug Trafficking Intercepted in Monaco - Two 21-year-old women from Nice have been arrested with 70 grams of drugs and €3,500 in cash in Monaco. Initially denying involvement in drug trafficking, they later admitted in court to delivering drugs to clients' homes. They received six-month suspended sentences, €1,500 fines, a 10-year ban from Monaco, and confiscation of their phones.
Mayor of Auribeau-sur-Siagne Sentenced - Michèle Paganin, the mayor of Auribeau-sur-Siagne, in the Var, has been sentenced to a 1-year suspended prison term, a €12,000 fine, and 3 years of ineligibility for illegal conflict of interest related to a real estate development involving her ex-husband. She has appealed the decision, allowing her to remain in office, and insists on her innocence. Paganin called the ruling a "political cabal" and vowed to continue serving her community.
Ukrainian Refugees Welcomed in the Var - The village of Châteaudouble in the Var department has welcomed Ukrainian refugees fleeing the war with Russia Since 2022. Many have learned French, found work, and built new lives, supported by the community. While integration has been largely successful, refugees remain emotionally connected to Ukraine, checking the news daily and coping with the ongoing conflict.
Catastrophic Mimosa Harvest this Year - The mimosa harvest, has been "catastrophic" this year, with producers like Benoît Augier losing 80% of their crop due to extreme weather in Tanneron, Var. The shortage has led to a 15% price increase, but alternatives like wild mimosa and eucalyptus can't fully offset the losses. Climate change is shortening the harvest season, threatening this iconic southern French crop, while increased tourism adds pressure on the fragile mimosa fields. A producer has complained ‘imagine if every visitor went home with a kilo, that would be 56 tonnes less! A municipal by-law prohibits the picking of mimosa, but some visitors don't respect it’.
Cleaning Up the City after the Menton Lemon Festival - After Menton's Lemon Festival, a dedicated team of municipal road service workers swiftly cleans the city to reopen streets within three hours. Immediately after the parade, around 40 street cleaning agents use blowers, sweepers, and wash unit, clearing up to two tons of biodegradable confetti and other waste, ensuring safety and tidiness. Their often-overlooked but crucial work maintains the smooth running of the event and earns praise from visitors.
Provence Lavender Industry - Provence's lavender industry, struggling with overproduction, falling prices, and climate challenges, is pushing for UNESCO intangible cultural heritage status to protect its traditional practices and landscapes. Led by the “Maison du patrimoine culturel lavandicole de Provence” association, the project aims for recognition by 2026 to boost the lavender sector and local economy. While some producers are skeptical, many see this as an opportunity to revive the industry and secure fairer prices.
Rare Planetery Parade Happening Tomorrow! - A rare "planetary parade" will be visible from the Côte d'Azur on the 28th of February, starting at 6:17 PM showcasing seven planets - Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. While five planets can be seen with the naked eye, binoculars or a telescope are recommended for Uranus and Neptune. Though not a true "alignment," this phenomenon allows several planets to appear in the night sky simultaneously, offering a spectacular celestial show, especially with clear skies and minimal light pollution.
NEWS UPDATE
Frejus Tunnel Closed - The Fréjus Tunnel will close again for safety tests on its second tube from Saturday, the 15th of March at 10 pm to Monday, the 17th of March at 6 am. These 32-hour tests are crucial to ensuring the tunnel’s safety before its planned opening in 2025. The new tube, part of a long-term safety project started in the early 2000s, aims to enhance safety (especially in case of fire) without increasing traffic capacity.
Stabbing in Nice - A 74-year-old man has been placed in provisional detention, suspected of stabbing a 47-year-old woman multiple times in Nice Nord's Saint-Sylvestre district on the 24th of February. The victim's life is not in danger, and an investigation for attempted murder has been opened. The motive and circumstances of the attack, involving an apparent intimate relationship between the two, are still being examined.
BUSINESS
During the budget orientation debate in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, the city announced plans to continue investing in 2025 despite tight finances, avoiding new loans or tax increases. Operating expenses will rise 5%, driven by staffing costs and a €693,000 fine for not meeting social housing quotas, while revenues are set to drop by 1.54%. The city plans €13 million in equipment spending, focusing on urban development, health facilities, and school infrastructure, funded through grants and without increasing local tax rates, though property taxes will adjust with inflation.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will meet former US President Donald Trump in Washington on Friday to sign a preliminary agreement giving the US access to Ukraine’s rare earth mineral deposits. The deal includes creating a joint investment fund for Ukraine's reconstruction but does not offer American security guarantees, which Zelensky had sought. Trump emphasized that the agreement would help recover US aid costs, while Russia downplayed the significance of the deal.
And - BP announced it will cut renewable energy investments and increase oil and gas production by 20%, citing shareholder pressure and a need to boost profits. The company will reduce funding for renewables by over $5 billion and focus on “cash flow growth,” aiming for up to 2.5 million barrels of oil per day by 2030. Environmental groups criticized the move, arguing it undermines climate crisis solutions.
SPORTS
Rugby Union - Ireland's Peter O'Mahony, Cian Healy and Conor Murray will retire from international rugby at the end of this year's Six Nations. All three players are five-time Six Nations champions, two-time Grand Slam winners and have earned over 100 caps for Ireland.
Tennis - World number two Alexander Zverev suffered a shock early exit from the Mexican Open with a straight-set defeat against teenage qualifier Learner Tien. Australian Open finalist Zverev, the top seed in Acapulco, put in an uncharacteristically error-strewn performance as American Tien won 6-3 6-4.
Football - Liverpool have sacked manager Matt Beard with the club sitting seventh in the Women's Super League, bringing his second spell in charge to an end. The 47-year-old, who won two WSL titles with the Reds during his first spell, re-joined Liverpool in 2021 and guided them to promotion back to the top flight in his first season. Liverpool finished fourth last season and are currently mid-table, nine points above bottom side Crystal Palace.
WEATHER
Cloudy in the Bouches-du-Rhône and Vaucluse departments and mostly sunny in the rest of the region. Highs of 16 degrees in Nice and Marseille, 17 degrees in Cannes, 18 degrees in Toulon and 20 degrees in Saint-Tropez.
Tonight, mostly cloudy with temperatures dropping to 10 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, partly cloudy with sunny spells and chances of light rain near Tende. Highs of 15 degrees with moderate winds.
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The mimosa harvest, has been "catastrophic" this year, with producers like Benoît Augier losing 80% of their crop due to extreme weather in Tanneron, ...
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