NEWS
Lightning Strikes in the Region - Over 100 lightning strikes were recorded on Tuesday evening in the Var, six times more than in the Alpes-Maritimes. The most affected areas were La Croix-Valmer (13 strikes) and La Cadière-d'Azur (10). The Alpes-Maritimes saw 18 strikes, with a peak at 8 PM in Saint-Jeannet.
Thunderstorm Cuases Power Outage - A thunderstorm in the Alpes-Maritimes left between 1,000 and 2,000 homes without electricity on Tuesday evening due to lightning strikes. Enedis teams worked overnight to restore power, though some homes remained affected on Wednesday morning. The situation is expected to return to normal by mid-morning.
French Interior Minister Wants to Align with Germany's Stricter Policies - French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau wants to extend the maximum administrative detention period for irregular migrants from 3 months to 18 months. He argues that France should align with Germany’s stricter policies and proposes tougher measures for dangerous individuals. His push follows a recent knife attack in Mulhouse by an irregular migrant under a deportation order.
Accuses of Smuggling Phones in Prison - A former trainee prison guard is accused of smuggling phones to inmates in Grasse, Alpes-Maritimes. She denies all allegations, claiming she is being targeted unfairly and that no evidence has been presented against her. Suspended since December 2024, she is now speaking out in the media to defend her innocence while a judicial investigation continues.
Paracetamol Overdoses Surges in France - Paracetamol Overdoses are surging in France. There is no real evidence of a "Paracetamol Challenge" spreading on social media, despite media reports suggesting otherwise. However, hospitals in France, including Lenval in Nice, have noted a rise in paracetamol overdoses, particularly among teenage girls, often linked to psychological distress rather than a viral trend. Experts warn that excessive paracetamol intake can cause severe liver damage, and authorities urge parents and pharmacists to remain vigilant.
Gendarmerie Seeks Woman - The gendarmerie is seeking to identify a woman, aged 50-60, found in Le Lavandou on the 11th of March in Var. She has near-total baldness, wrist scars, and was wearing a black jacket, leggings, and a beret. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Bormes-les-Mimosas gendarmerie.
Less Road Deaths in the Alpes-Maritimes - Road deaths in the Alpes-Maritimes have dropped in February 2025 compared to the previous year, with one fatality versus seven in 2024, but authorities stress the need for continued caution. Overall, accidents and serious injuries have also declined, though injuries tend to be more severe, prompting increased road safety awareness campaigns in the coming months. The prefecture remains hopeful that this positive trend will continue while emphasizing the importance of responsible driving.
NEWS UPDATE
2 Months Worth of Rain in 3 Days - In just three days, we've seen nearly two months' worth of rainfall in the Alpes Maritimes and Var, with Cogolin recording 127 mm and Tende 112 mm. This unusual weather pattern is due to southern European low-pressure systems bringing heavy rain to France, Spain, and Morocco. More rain is expected as the atypical conditions continue.
Power Restored - Power has been fully restored after storms left 1,100 homes without electricity on Tuesday night in the Alpes-Maritimes. The outages affected areas like Le Tignet, Saint-Cézaire-sur-Siagne, and Cantaron, but all households were reconnected by Wednesday afternoon. Meanwhile, a thunderstorm warning remains in place until 7 PM.
BUSINESS
The UK is seeking a trade deal with the US as Trump's new steel and aluminium tariffs take effect, prompting EU retaliation with counter-tariffs. While the US steel industry supports the move, critics warn it will raise prices, hurt businesses, and risk recession, with stock markets already reacting negatively. Canada and Australia oppose the tariffs, while the UK steel industry urges the government to act decisively to protect domestic producers.
And - The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is seeking a strategic partnership with the US, offering access to critical minerals in exchange for economic and military support against the advancing M23 rebels. While the US has expressed interest in securing rare earth minerals, concerns remain about the feasibility of US companies operating in the region. Talks are ongoing, but no concrete deal has been announced yet.
SPORTS
Rugby Union - Ireland prop Andrew Porter has dismissed claims that he was involved in foul play that led to Antoine Dupont's serious knee injury in France's Six Nations win in Dublin on Saturday.
Tennis - Defending champion Iga Swiatek clinched her place in the Indian Wells quarter-finals with a 6-1 6-1 thrashing of Karolina Muchova.
Football - Wales have included uncapped teenager Kai Andrews in their injury-hit squad for this month's World Cup qualifiers against Kazakhstan and North Macedonia. The 18-year-old midfielder's unexpected inclusion comes as captain Aaron Ramsey misses out again after sustaining another hamstring injury on Tuesday, prompting a recall for Tom Lawrence.
WEATHER
Cloudy with chances of light rain and thunderstorms across the region with moderate winds. Highs of 14 degrees in Nice and Saint-Tropez, 15 in Cannes and Toulon, and 16 degrees in Marseille.
Tonight, clearer skies with temperatures dropping to 8 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, mostly cloudy with highs of 15 degrees with moderate winds.
Speed restrictions are in place on all major roads in the Alpes-Maritimes today because of a smog alert....
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A Marseille magistrate has been sentenced on the 17th of June in Nîmes for repeatedly avoiding motorway tolls using fake license plates. ...
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A major police stop-and-search operation along France's borders is being carried out today, involving 4,000 police officers, gendarmes and customs off...
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SFR has announced automatic compensation of 100GB of free mobile data for affected customers following a major network outage on the 16th of June....
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French President Emmanuel Macron will chair a high-level Security and Defence Council meeting at the Élysée Palace today Wednesday, June 18th at 4pm, ...
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