NEWS
Cold Spell due to Artic Air Mass in France - Temperatures in France are set to drop by 10°C in just 48 hours due to an Arctic air mass. Cities like Paris, which recently saw highs above 18°C, will see daytime temperatures fall below 10°C. The South-East will also face heavy rain and storms throughout the week, especially in the Alpes-Maritimes and Var departments.
Promenades des Anglais New Speed Cameras Delayed - The mayor of Nice has promised new speed cameras on the Promenade des Anglais, but their installation has been delayed. Initially set for seven, then reduced to four, only two are now confirmed for this summer, with full deployment expected by the end of the year. Meanwhile, police checks and penalties have increased to improve road safety.
Sentenced for Speeding Under the Influence - A 21-year-old repeat offender has been sentenced to 16 months in prison for driving at 119 km/h on the Promenade des Anglais, without a license and under the influence, before hitting a police officer. The court handed down a lighter sentence than the two years requested, despite his history of offenses. The mayor of Nice welcomed the verdict, while the defence considers appealing on civil matters.
A57 Motorway Widening Project - The A57 motorway widening project near Toulon is nearly complete, with new asphalt and markings in place, but final work, including safety features and bus stops in Sainte-Musse, is ongoing. While some drivers enjoy smoother traffic, others face new bottlenecks, particularly at Sainte-Musse's exit. Vinci Autoroutes urges patience, noting that improvements, including bus services, should ease congestion in the coming months.
Fatal Accident on A57 Motorway - After a fatal accident on the A57 motorway on the 8th of March involving a car and a motorcycle, the motorcyclist succumbed to his injuries. The Var gendarmerie is searching for witnesses to understand the circumstances of the crash. They have issued an appeal for anyone with information to contact them.
Violence Against Minors under 15 - The manager of the Ultra football club in Nice claims he was unaware of child abuse incidents before the 7th of March and says they date back to the 2022/2023 season. Three staff members have been identified in the disturbing videos, showing them hitting children's heads with foot balls, with one now facing dismissal. An investigation for violence against minors under 15 has been opened on the 10th of March.
Hunter Shoots Dog - A hunter has shot and killed a Czechoslovakian Wolfdog, claiming he mistook it for a wolf in Peille, Alpes-Maritimes. The dog's owner, devastated, has filed a complaint, and the case has sparked outrage among animal rights groups. The 55-year-old hunter turned himself in, and mediation between him and the owner is being considered.
300 Homes Remain Without Power - Over 300 homes remain without power after a transformer fire in Bollène overnight in Vaucluse. The fire, which was quickly contained, initially cut electricity to 571 homes and a supermarket. Enedis is working to restore power, while an investigation is underway to determine the cause.
NEWS UPDATE
Trenitalia Competes with SNCF - Trenitalia is competing with SNCF by launching a new Marseille-Paris train service from the 15th of June, offering tickets starting at €27. Some travellers hope this will lower prices, but experts warn fares may rise with demand. Similar competition on other routes, like Paris-Lyon, has led to significant price drops.
Summer 2024 Heatwave - The summer 2024 heatwave caused over 3,700 deaths in France, including 23 on the Côte d'Azur, mainly affecting those over 75. Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur was among the hardest-hit regions, with intense heat from late July to mid-August. Emergency visits surged, with nearly 2,000 cases reported, many requiring hospitalization.
BUSINESS
Ontario is imposing a 25% surcharge on electricity exports to the U.S. in response to Trump's tariffs on Canadian goods, affecting 1.5 million American homes. Premier Doug Ford said the surcharge will remain until U.S. tariffs are lifted, with the revenue supporting Canadian businesses. Meanwhile, Trump's trade war threats, including potential steel and aluminum tariffs, have unsettled markets and raised economic concerns.
Former Facebook executive Sarah Wynn-Williams claims the company collaborated with China on censorship tools in exchange for market access and misled investors about its dealings. She also alleges Facebook used algorithms to target vulnerable teens for advertising and that executives avoided letting their own children use the platform. Meta denies the accusations, calling her a "disgruntled activist," while pursuing legal action to block her book’s distribution.
And - Global stock markets tumbled after Trump warned of an economic "transition," sparking fears of a slowdown due to tariffs. The US tech sector was hit hardest, with Tesla shares plummeting 15% and Nvidia down over 5%. While Asian and US markets suffered, European stocks remained relatively stable.
SPORTS
Football - Manchester United have announced plans to build the biggest stadium in the UK - an "iconic" new £2bn 100,000-seater ground close to Old Trafford. Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe said he wanted to build the "world's greatest football stadium" which the club hopes could be finished in five years. Old Trafford has been Manchester United's home since 1910.
Tennis - Sonay Kartal's dream run at Indian Wells continued as the British lucky loser beat Polina Kudermetova 7-5 6-3 to reach the fourth round. Kartal had checked out of her accommodation after losing in the final round of qualifying - but still earned a spot in the main draw after the withdrawal of Sloane Stephens. So, the British number three moved to a hotel, and claimed the biggest win of her career.
Meanwhile, Jack Draper overcame a slow start to beat Jenson Brooksby 7-5 6-4 and reach the Indian Wells fourth round.
Rugby Union - Jamison Gibson-Park says he is "really lucky" to have learnt from legendary scrum-half Conor Murray, who will play his final game for Ireland on Saturday. The 35-year-old will call time on his international career after Ireland's final game of the Six Nations in Rome.
WEATHER
Mostly cloudy and wet across the region with chances of thunderstorms this early evening in the Alpes-Maritimes and Var accompanied by moderate to strong winds. Highs of 14 degrees in Nice and Saint-Tropez, and 15 degrees in Cannes, Toulon and Marseille.
Tonight, rain across the region persisting with temperatures dropping to 10 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, should be our last day of rain and thunderstorms with heavy flow until late afternoon followed by a clear night sky. Highs of 15 degrees and moderate winds.
A hot air surge from the Sahara will bring early and intense heat to southern France, with temperatures nearing 30°C on the 30th of April. ...
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France's Minister for Digital Affairs Clara Chappaz has announced that she is "actively working" towards a ban on social media for children under 15. ...
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Sunny with light winds. Highs of 22 degrees in Monaco, Nice and Menton. 21 degrees in Saint-Tropez. 23 degrees in Antibes. ...
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Around 1,000 residents in East Nice have experienced a power outage on the morning of the 29th of April, mainly affecting streets like Impasse des Lis...
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A yellow weather alert is in place today, Tuesday April 29th, for the Alpes-Maritimes department, with Météo France warning of thunderstorms across pa...
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