NEWS
Manuel Valls Aims to Combat High Cost of Living in French Overseas Territories - During a visit to Martinique, Overseas Minister Manuel Valls has announced a bill to combat the high cost of living in French overseas territories, expected before summer. The plan aims to tackle high food prices—often 40% higher than in mainland France—by increasing competition, boosting local production, and reducing dependence on imports. Valls also pledged €10 million in aid for businesses affected by 2024's protests against rising prices.
Online Trafficking Network Dismantled - Gendarmes have dismantled an online drug trafficking network operating via encrypted messaging and social media in Grasse, Alpes-Maritimes. Seven suspects were arrested, accused of running a delivery-based cannabis trade across the Alpes-Maritimes and Var, earning thousands of euros daily. Authorities seized 6.5 kg of cannabis, cash, and drug-packaging materials, with the suspects set to stand trial on the 16th of May.
Attempted Murder Investigation - An investigation for attempted murder has been opened after gunshots were fired over the weekend in the La Gabelle district of Fréjus. One person was injured on the night of the 15th of March but is not in critical condition. The attacker has not yet been arrested.
Delivery Drivers on Strike - Delivery drivers for Uber Eats, Deliveroo, and Stuart in France are protesting on the 18th of March for better pay and more transparency in how fares are calculated. Many couriers report earning less than minimum wage, with pay dropping below €1 per kilometre during winter 2024-2025. Negotiations with platforms are ongoing, but unions demand a guaranteed minimum fare of €3.20 per delivery.
Paloma Beach Closed for the Year - The private ‘Paloma Beach’ has been almost completely demolished, with plans for a removable structure to replace it by summer 2026 in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. The decision aligns with legal requirements and includes requalifying the nearby Saint-Hospice path with green spaces. While reactions are mixed, the beach will remain closed in 2025, and a new concessionaire is yet to be announced.
2nd Edition of the 24 Hours of Longe Côte - The second edition of the "24 Hours of Longe Côte" will take place on the 30th and 31st of May in Cannes to raise funds for the Téléthon. Participants aim to cover 877 km by walking in the sea, the distance from Cannes to a research lab in Évry-Courcouronnes. The event will feature demonstrations, free beginner sessions, and support from local clubs to surpass last year's 593 km and €2,500 raised.
BUSINESS
Jonathan Anderson is stepping down as creative director of Loewe after 11 years, having transformed the brand with his innovative and gender-fluid designs. While he hasn’t confirmed his next move, reports suggest he may join Christian Dior. Anderson, who also runs JW Anderson, recently won Designer of the Year at the 2024 Fashion Awards.
And - Village Roadshow Entertainment Group, known for films like The Matrix and Joker, has filed for bankruptcy in the US, citing financial troubles from a legal dispute with Warner Bros and failed independent productions. The company, with debts between $500M and $1B, is proposing to sell its film library for $365M. Its legal battle with WB and industry challenges, including the Hollywood strikes, have severely impacted its finances.
SPORTS
Rugby Union - Georgia head coach Richard Cockerill believes his side have "earned the right" to face Wales in a play-off to decide which nation should be in the 2026 Six Nations. The former England hooker says Georgia are good enough to play at Europe's highest level after clinching an eighth successive second-tier Rugby Europe Championship title.
Formula 1 - Tougher tests aimed at restricting the flexibility of rear wings have been introduced for this weekend's Chinese Grand Prix. Formula 1's governing body the FIA decided to put the tests in place after observing the rear wings on cars over the Australian Grand Prix last weekend. Tougher tests on rear wings had already been introduced for the Melbourne race.
Football - Arsenal are set to open formal talks with Bukayo Saka over a new contract as the forward enters the final two years of his current deal. Saka has been unavailable since December after sustaining a serious hamstring tear in the victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park - an injury that eventually required surgery.
WEATHER
Cloudy with sunny spells and strong winds. Highs of 14 degrees in Nice, 15 in Cannes and Saint-Tropez, 16 in Toulon and 18 degrees in Marseille.
Tonight, mostly clear with temperatures dropping to 7 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, much the same, cloudy with sunny intervals with highs of 14 degrees and strong winds.
Another power outage has hit three towns on Friday morning, the 30th of May, affecting 120 homes in the Alpes-Maritimes....
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France’s health minister has announced that France will introduce a nationwide ban on smoking in outdoor public areas commonly visited by children, st...
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The Var department has experienced its first "tropical night" of the season, with temperatures not dropping below 25°C at 3 am, particularly in Hyères...
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The Société des Bains de Mer (S.B.M.) has announced solid financial results for the 2024/2025 fiscal year, ending March 31, 2025, with revenue rising ...
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France is set to experience record-breaking heat over the Ascension Day holiday, with tomorrow, Friday, May 30th, expected to be the hottest day of th...
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