NEWS
Nice Mayor Under Scrutiny - Nice Mayor Christian Estrosi is under scrutiny for multiple legal cases, including corruption, favouritism, and financial mismanagement. Investigations involve public contracts, event funding, campaign financing, and security failures during the 2016 Nice attack. While no charges have been filed against him, the probes continue, raising political tensions in the city.
School Children Fell Ill After Eating in School Canteens - Several schoolchildren have fallen ill after eating pâté in their school canteens, with possible listeria contamination suspected in at least three communes of the Alpes-Maritimes department. While no severe cases have been reported, concerned parents await confirmation from health authorities. The supplier responsible for the pâté has yet to respond.
Driver Crashed under the Influence - A driver has been found unconscious in his crashed car on the A7 motorway after a drug-induced "bad trip" near Sorgues. He had no license or insurance and was sentenced to 15 months in prison, with a six-month driving ban and a €600 fine. The Vaucluse gendarmerie used humour in their warning, urging people to go on holiday instead of risking lives on the road.
Arrested for Financially Exploiting Elderly Woman - A 40-year-old man has been arrested for financially exploiting an elderly woman he lived with, siphoning around €80,000 from her account in Cagnes-sur-Mer. Police discovered €50,000 in cash at their home after the bank reported suspicious transactions. He has been placed under judicial supervision and will face trial in September.
Pollution Leads to Closed Beaches in Saint-Laurent-Du-Var - Swimming and navigation remain banned on the beaches of Saint-Laurent-du-Var until late April due to pollution from a wastewater treatment plant. A dispute between the operator, Serex, and the Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolis has escalated, with accusations of negligence and deliberate wastewater discharge into the sea. The issue is under legal investigation, and a new operator, Suez, will take over the plant's management in mid-April.
Anti-Smoking Policy - Menton has expanded its anti-smoking policy, banning smoking and vaping in schools, daycare centres, parks, and playgrounds to protect children and the environment. This initiative, supported by the Ligue contre le Cancer, aims to reduce tobacco normalization and prevent pollution from cigarette waste. The city joins over 300 French municipalities in adopting "smoke-free spaces."
Monaco's New Taxis during Peak Season - To handle increased demand during Monaco's peak season and major events, 28 seasonal taxis—fully electric—have been added to the fleet, operating under a six-month permit. These taxis offer fixed fares of €18 for in-town services and €25 for nearby destinations, extending their service to Menton and Nice during high demand. The rollout happens in three phases from April to November, with dedicated eco-taxis available 24/7.
9th Rallye Princesse Charlène - The 9th Rallye Princesse Charlène has taken place on the 2nd of April, promoting sports, solidarity, and peace among 400 students through athletic and educational activities in Monaco. Princess Charlène has attended the event, participated in a drawing competition, and supported the global #WhiteCard campaign by Peace and Sport. This initiative, held annually around the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, emphasizes teamwork, fair play, and personal growth.
Monaco Conduite Driving School in Porsche - Monaco Bonne Conduite driving-school now offers driving lessons in a Porsche to help young drivers transition from standard cars to high-performance supercars safely. The premium lessons cost €159 per hour and are also available for experienced drivers looking to refine their skills. The Porsche has been modified with dual controls, extra mirrors, and a monitoring system to meet driving school requirements.
Free Store in Maseille - A "free store" has opened in Marseille’s Lodi district, where people can take clothes, shoes, and toys without paying, thanks to donations. The shop, run by volunteers, aims to help those in need and promote sustainable fashion, attracting both low-income shoppers and students rejecting fast fashion. Open for three weeks, it fosters community spirit, with many visitors donating items in return.
BUSINESS
US President Donald Trump has announced new tariffs on China and several Southeast Asian countries, escalating trade tensions and blocking China's previous workarounds to avoid tariffs. China condemned the move as "bullying" and is expected to retaliate, while experts warn it could also hurt US businesses relying on Asian manufacturing. The tariffs could push China to strengthen regional alliances, but a long-term trade negotiation with the US seems inevitable.
Global stock markets fell sharply after President Trump announced sweeping new tariffs, with European, Asian, and US futures all dropping. Investors fear these tariffs could fuel inflation, slow economic growth, and even trigger a recession. Meanwhile, gold prices hit a record high as traders sought safer assets.
And - Elon Musk's social media platform X is suing the Indian government, alleging misuse of a new censorship portal, Sahyog, to bypass digital laws and issue arbitrary content takedown orders. The Indian government defends the portal as necessary for handling harmful content, while X argues it expands censorship powers unfairly. The lawsuit comes as Musk's other companies, Starlink and Tesla, are expanding in India, raising questions about its broader implications.
SPORTS
Football - The Premier League's refereeing body has acknowledged that James Tarkowski should have been sent off during Everton's defeat at Liverpool on Wednesday. Tarkowski caught Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister just below the knee with his studs in the 11th minute of the Merseyside derby at Anfield. The Everton centre-back was shown a yellow card and the video assistant referee (VAR) decided to take no further action after a 10-second review.
Formula 1 - Lewis Hamilton says he has "absolute 100% faith" in Ferrari despite their difficult start to the season. The seven-time champion won the sprint race in China last time out but struggled in the grand prix in Shanghai and the season-opener in Australia.
Rugby Union - The head of European rugby has dismissed concerns over Saracens resting a host of England stars for their Champions Cup last-16 tie at Toulon. Maro Itoje, Jamie George, Ben Earl, Tom Willis and Elliot Daly will all miss the trip to the south of France as Saracens prioritise their Premiership play-off push.
WEATHER
Partly cloud with sunny intervals and moderate to strong winds. Highs of 20 degrees in Nice, Cannes, Saint-Tropez and Toulon, and 21 degrees in Marseille.
Tonight, light clouds with temperatures dropping to 14 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, mostly clear in the Alpes-Martimes but cloudy in the Var and Bouches-du-Rhône departments with highs of 20 degrees and moderate to strong winds.
Major traffic jams are expected in Nice-Ouest this Friday evening due to Lenny Kravitz’s concert at 8 pm at Palais Nikaïa and the OGC Nice–FC Nantes m...
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French president Emmanuel Macron has held an emergency meeting with representatives from various French industry sectors affected by Donald Trump's an...
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Nice Mayor Christian Estrosi is under scrutiny for multiple legal cases, including corruption, favouritism, and financial mismanagement. ...
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France's national assembly is debating a bill this week that would require drivers over the age of 70 to undergo a medical examination every five year...
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Monaco’s new central postal sorting facility will open on the 12th of May at Îlot Pasteur, merging the existing sites for improved efficiency. ...
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