NEWS
Power Outage in Nice this Morning - 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 Liserons and Route de Turin. Enedis confirmed the outage was a common type of network incident and began restoring power quickly. By late morning, most homes had electricity again, with crews still working to reconnect the remaining customers.
Massive Blackout in Spain - A massive blackout has hit the Iberian Peninsula on Monday, the 28th of April, with Spain losing 15GW of power in seconds and disconnecting from the European grid. France’s electricity operator RTE supported Spain via cross-border lines and reassured that such blackouts are rare but anticipated, with multiple defence protocols in place. In case of a major outage, France can progressively restore power using hydroelectric dams and interconnections, as Spain and Portugal began doing after the incident.
Traffic Jams this Morning - Traffic around Nice has been heavily disrupted on Tuesday morning due to multiple accidents on the A8 motorway and the Promenade des Anglais in Nice. Delays of 20 to 40 minutes were reported, with incidents involving cars, a scooter, and a tunnel accident causing major slowdowns in both directions. Authorities urged drivers to remain cautious and patient as several entry points were closed and clean-up operations were ongoing.
Nice Prison Overcrowded - The prison in Nice is facing extreme overcrowding, operating at 174% capacity with 619 inmates in a facility built for 355. Despite decades of political promises, plans for a new prison have stalled due to local opposition and lack of concrete action.
To cope, the justice system is increasingly using alternatives like semi-liberty and electronic bracelets, but these measures aren’t enough to solve the crisis.
Man Pulls Out Fake Gun in Train - A man has caused panic on a TER train after brandishing a realistic-looking fake weapon, prompting a police intervention and evacuation in Juan-les-Pins, Alpes-Maritimes. The suspect fled and is actively being sought by authorities; the fake weapon was later found abandoned on a seat. Even with a fake weapon, the act is legally considered armed violence and can lead to up to 5 years in prison and a €75,000 fine.
15-Year-Olds Caught with Knives - Two 15-year-old students have been caught with knives in their pockets following a fistfight, though the weapons were not used at a middle school in Antibes. They were taken to the police station and released to their parents, with future hearings scheduled. In response, police will increase random checks near schools to combat knife possession, supported by orders from the public prosecutor.
Self-Proclaimed White Supremacist Sentenced - A self-proclaimed white supremacist from Nice, was sentenced to nine months in prison for making a Nazi salute during his trial in Paris. He had previously been convicted for racist insults and promoting crimes against humanity through Telegram voice messages, and claimed his gesture was a misunderstood Roman salute. Despite his defence’s arguments, the court found his intent clear and rejected most of his explanations, though he was acquitted of one charge of contempt for a provocative remark.
Animal Protection Intervention - Gendarmes and the local animal protection agency have intervened at a family's home after repeated reports of animal abuse, seizing several pets in Vaucluse. Despite a prior conviction and ban on animal ownership, the family continued mistreating animals — one pony had to be euthanized. A dog was rescued and will soon be up for adoption, while two horses and a sheep are still missing and being searched for.
One Voice Warns Against Illegal Fishing - The association One Voice warns that illegal fishing in protected areas near Nice is killing many birds, which get trapped in abandoned nets. Despite strict bans in the Natura 2000 zone of the Var river mouth, violations go largely unpunished, turning the area into a deadly trap for species like swans, herons, and terns. One Voice and Bloom are calling out the state's inaction and have filed a legal complaint, highlighting the suffering and deaths caused by neglected enforcement.
Rare Tintin Cover Auction - A rare original Tintin cover by Hergé will be auctioned on the 21st of June as part of the Hôtel des Ventes de Monte-Carlo’s first-ever event dedicated to comic art in Monaco. This coloured artwork, made for a 3D children’s version of The Black Island, is estimated between €600,000 and €800,000. The auction will feature 250 lots, from legendary artists like Hergé, Graton, and Geluck, to rising stars, showcasing the full spectrum of Franco-Belgian comic artistry.
NEWS UPDATE
Road Accident in Grasse - A serious road accident occurred Tuesday afternoon, involving a car and a two-wheeler in Grasse, Alpes-Maritimes. A 25-year-old man riding the two-wheeler was seriously injured and transported to Grasse Hospital after receiving emergency care. The 70-year-old female driver of the car was slightly hurt, and police are investigating the circumstances of the crash.
2025 meetin Nikaïa - Tickets are now on sale for the 2025 Meeting Nikaïa, a major athletics event happening from May 29 to 31 in Nice. The competition features male, female, and para-athletes, including French Olympian Gabriel Tual, with tickets priced from €10 to €30 (hospitality at €150). Two events will be free to attend: one on Ponchettes Beach (May 29) and one at Place Masséna (May 30).
Former Toulon Mayor Final Appeal - Former Toulon mayor Hubert Falco is making a final appeal to France’s Court of Cassation after being sentenced to 5 years of ineligibility for misusing public funds in the "fridge affair." His lawyer argues procedural flaws and excessive penalties, hoping for a new appeal trial or even a change in legal precedent on ineligibility rulings. A decision is expected by June, possibly influencing the local political scene ahead of municipal elections.
BUSINESS
Australian PM Anthony Albanese has dismissed warnings from S&P Global, an American credit rating agency, that high election spending could risk the country’s AAA credit rating. Both major parties have promised billions in spending ahead of the 3rd of May election, despite S&P urging savings or tax increases to maintain fiscal stability. Albanese defended his party’s economic management, while critics accused him of downplaying serious concerns about growing debt.
And - Prince Andrew's business venture, Pitch@Palace Global, has been legally held by a company linked to controversial businessman Doug Barrowman from 2021 to 2023. Although Prince Andrew maintained control, the use of nominees obscured ownership, a common royal practice, drawing scrutiny amid broader concerns over his financial dealings. Barrowman and his wife are under investigation for separate alleged misconduct, further spotlighting the prince's ties to questionable associates.
SPORTS
Tennis - Australian Max Purcell has accepted an 18-month ban for breaching anti-doping rules in a case the two-time Grand Slam doubles champion said had been "seriously affecting my quality of life". Purcell, who was provisionally suspended in December 2024, admitted to the "use of a prohibited method" by "receiving intravenous infusions of over 500ml" of vitamins on 16 and 20 December 2023.
Football - Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger faces a long spell on the sidelines after having knee surgery. Rudiger was forced off in extra time on Saturday as Real lost the Copa del Rey final to Barcelona and was later diagnosed with a partial tear of the external meniscus in his left knee.
Rugby Union - England women's head coach John Mitchell will stay on even if the Red Roses fail to win this year's home Rugby World Cup, the Rugby Football Union (RFU) has confirmed. The RFU revealed Mitchell, 61, and his England coaching staff all have contracts until 30 June 2026, regardless of the outcome of the World Cup that starts in August.
WEATHER
Mostly sunny across the Cote d’Azur but heavy rain and thunderstorms persist inland until late evening. We’ve got moderate winds across the region with highs of 22 degrees in Nice, Cannes and Saint-Tropez, and 23 degrees in Toulon and Marseille.
Tonight, mostly clear with temperatures dropping to 14 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, we’ll have an early taste of summer with bright and clear skies across the region with a gentle breeze and temperatures reaching 26 degrees in some part of the Var.
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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As we approach May 1st, 2025, several important changes are set to take effect in France as with every first of the month, affecting everything from t...
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Fine and sunny with light winds. Thundery showers forecast by this afternoon in Marseille. Highs of 22 degrees in Nice, Monaco and Vence. ...
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A massive power outage struck Spain, Portugal, and parts of southern France late Monday morning, leaving buildings in the dark, trains halted, and tra...
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