The Prefect of Police in Paris has apologised for using tear gas against fans outside the Stade de France before the Champions League final between Liverpool and Real Madrid. Answering questions in the Senate, Didier Lallement admitted failures in the security operation. But he also defended his handling of the situation, saying his "red line" was to save lives. French authorities have blamed late arrivals and fake tickets for overcrowding and chaotic scenes before the match. It was revelaed this afternoon that video surveillance images of the incidents surorunding the stadium have been destroyed. Speaking before the Senate this afternoon the President of the French Football Federation said that the images were automatically deleted after seven days had elapsed if they were not claimed by judicial authorities.
The body of a thirteen year old girl has been found on a public highway near Macon in the Saone-et-Loire department. Reports say that she had been stabbed and that a 14 year old youth has been taken into custody in connection with her death.
Trains were disrupted between Nice and Monaco this morning because of a malfunction in equipment at the Nice Ville station exit. Engineers intervened and services returned to normal later in the morning.
The Var Prefecture has once again called attention to the risk of fire in the massifs of the department because of the dry conditions and high winds today. To prevent the risk of fire, entry, traffic and parking in the forest massifs throughout the department are prohibited throughout the day today.
Meanwhile, about one hundred firefighters have been involved in fighting a fire in undergrowth in the Bouches-du-Rhône this afternoon. Several water-bombing aircraft were also deployed in Vitrolles near Marseille. Services on a nearby train line were disrupted and an access ramp to the A7 motorway was closed because of the blaze.
A "Defence-security" training exercise took place this morning at the fort in Six-Fours in the Var. The road leading to the fort was closed by municipal decree until the end of the exercise. Authorities advised locals and tourists that sirens and detonations were possible and to avoid the area.
BUSINESS
The European Central Bank has confirmed that it intends to raise interest rates in July. In a statement today the ECB said that it expects to raise its key interest rates by 0.25%. It said that it also intends to raise rates again in September, saying that the size of the increase will depend on the updated medium-term inflation outlook. It will also be stopping any more new buying of assets. It said its Governing Council "will make sure that inflation returns to its 2% target over the medium term". The bank said that in May inflation again rose significantly, mainly because of surging energy and food prices, including due to the impact of the war in Ukraine, but "inflation pressures have broadened and intensified", with prices for many goods and services “increasing strongly”. The ECB also cut its growth forecast for the eurozone from 3.7% to 2.8% for this year, and from 2.1% to 1.6% for next year.
The cost of filling the average family car with petrol has hit £100 for the first time in the UK as fuel prices keep rising. Motoring organisation the RAC called it "a truly dark day" and urged the government to offer more financial support to drivers, including a reduction in VAT on fuel.
SPORT
Golf... The PGA Tour has suspended all of its members who are playing in this week's Saudi-funded LIV Golf Invitational. The tournament, which is being held at a venue near London, has a prize fund of $25m.
Football... Alexandre Lacazette has re-signed for Lyon on a free transfer. He was with the French club before leaving five years ago to join Arsenal. His new deal with Lyon runs until June 2025.
Valencia have appointed Gennaro Gattuso on a two-year deal. The former Italian international was previously manager of Napoli, which he left in May last year.
Cricket... Pakistan's Mohammad Hasnain has been named as the top pick in the men's Hundred overseas wildcard draft and will play for Oval Invincibles this summer. Birmingham Phoenix have re-signed South Africa leg-spinner Imran Tahir, while Afghanistan's Noor Ahmad joins Welsh Fire.
Rugby Union... Jonny Sexton has been passed fit and will start on the bench for Leinster in Friday's United Rugby Championship semi-final against the Bulls. Saracens have signed Argentinian player Eduardo Bello from Zebre ahead of next season. The 26 year old joined the Italian club in 2017.
SNCF unions are warning of a "dark week" ahead as a strike looms over the May 8th bank holiday weekend. Fabien Villedieu, federal secretary of the SUD...
Read More
Fine and sunny with moderate to strong winds in the Var. Highs of 19 degrees in Monaco, Nice and Saint-Tropez, 20 degrees in Mougins, Antibes and Cann...
Read More
There have been 65 attacks on prison officers and prisons since April 13, according to French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau. Speaking to French m...
Read More
Many world leaders are expected to attend Pope Francis' funeral on Saturday in St. Peter's Square, including U.S. President Donald Trump, French Presi...
Read More
Mainly fine and sunny with some low cloud to start and according to Météo France a possible risk of thundery showers in Nice. Highs of 19 degrees in N...
Read More
