NEWS
Earthquake and Chances of Tsunami - A 4.1-magnitude earthquake and a 3.7 aftershock have struck the Côte d’Azur on Tuesday evening, but no damage or injuries were reported. While there was no tsunami risk from this event, experts warn that the Paca region is vulnerable, with a near-100% chance of a tsunami over one meter in the next 30 years. Authorities emphasize the need for public awareness and rapid evacuation measures, as past tsunamis in the Mediterranean have caused significant damage. Experts confirm this earthquake is unrelated to the 4.4-magnitude quake in Naples and note that such tremors are common. While earthquake prediction remains impossible, researchers are exploring early warning methods, including undersea cables and gravitational wave detection. In the event of a violent earthquake, take shelter under a solid piece of furniture such as a table or near a wall to avoid anything falling on your head. If you are on the ground floor or near an exit, move away from the building, and do not use the lift.
Train Services Heavily Disrupted Today - Train services on the Côte d’Azur are severely disrupted due to an electrical supply issue near Villefranche-sur-Mer, causing delays and cancellations. Repairs are delayed due to a missing part, with normal service expected to resume by Thursday morning. Only one track is operational, reducing train frequency and frustrating travellers.
Fire on the A8 Motorway - A truck has caught fire on the A8 motorway this morning near Adrets-de-l'Estérel, in the Var, causing heavy traffic and mobilizing 23 firefighters. The vehicle was fully engulfed in flames, requiring multiple fire trucks and safety measures. Authorities secured the area, and the entrance ramp was briefly closed but reopened at 11:47am.
Murder Suspect Extradited to France - The main suspect in the murder of a 24-year-old woman in Avignon has been extradited from the Netherlands to France. He was arrested in Amsterdam on the 25th of December 2024, just days after the victim was found strangled in her apartment. Investigators believe she spent the evening with several people, including the suspect, and drugs were consumed.
Banning Helium Balloons in Nice - Nice is considering banning helium balloons due to their harmful impact on marine life, following years of activist pressure. Environmental groups report collecting several balloons daily from the sea, as they release toxic substances when they degrade. While the ban is supported by the city and activists, some business owners oppose it, citing economic concerns.
600 Cassette Recordings Donated - Thomas Bartoccioni, 94, has donated 600 cassette recordings of oral history to the Antibes municipal archives. Over 20 years, he collected stories, traditions, and memories of local figures through his radio show Siou d’aqui. The recordings have been digitized, preserving an invaluable cultural heritage for future generations.
Nice Students Perform Opera - For the fourth year, 150 students from East Nice will create and perform their own opera at the Opéra Nice Côte d’Azur in June 2026. Guided by professionals, they will explore music, stage presence, and opera production while sharing stories inspired by their lives. Partnered with OGC Nice, the project also invites local residents to share their dreams for their neighbourhoods through a community initiative.
NEWS UPDATE
13th Monaco Women Forum - The 13th Monaco Women Forum, held on the 21st of March, will bring together female experts in space innovation to discuss advancements in the sector. Under the patronage of Princess Charlene, the event will feature key figures from the European Space Agency, Airbus, Thales, and more. Open to the public, the forum will also honor exceptional women with the Monte-Carlo Woman of the Year Award.
BUSINESS
Germany's Bundestag has voted to exempt defence and security spending from strict debt rules, allowing a €500bn fund for military and infrastructure. The move, led by expected Chancellor Friedrich Merz, signals a major shift in Germany’s approach to defence amid rising global tensions. The Bundesrat must still approve the measure, which also enables €3bn in aid to Ukraine and marks a significant political victory for Merz.
And - US tariffs on steel and aluminium have hurt Tata Steel UK, causing American customers to cancel orders or seek alternative suppliers. Chief executive Rajesh Nair warned that cheaper steel diverted from the US market is also flooding the UK, impacting local producers. The company urges protection for UK steelmakers rather than retaliatory tariffs, while unions fear job losses and industry instability.
SPORTS
Football - George Hirst says he has the full backing of his dad, former England striker David, to make his "dream" switch to Scotland. David, now 57, made three England appearances while playing for Sheffield Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Wales and Manchester United legend Mark Hughes says Craig Bellamy's time as an outspoken player showed he had what was needed to become a managerial hit. Bellamy, 45, is preparing to lead Wales into 2026 World Cup qualifying having enjoyed an unbeaten start to his time in charge of the national side.
Rugby Union - Gloucester-Hartpury wing Mia Venner aged 17came off the bench to win her first England cap in a convincing win over Wales in the 2020 Women's Six Nations.
Meanwhile, Director of rugby Phil Dowson has promised Northampton Saints will "come out swinging" in Friday's East Midlands derby against Leicester despite disappointing injury news about Ollie Sleightholme.
Tennis - Former world number one Naomi Osaka wants to "play with the big dogs" again after battling to a three-set win 3-6 6-4 6-3 against Yuliia Starodubtseva in the first round of the Miami Open, her first victory since the Australian Open second round in January.
WEATHER
Mostly sunny in the Alpes Maritimes and the Var, and cloudy in the Bouche-du-Rhône department with chances of light rain and strong winds across the region. Highs of 14 degrees in Nice and Saint-Tropez, 15 in Cannes and Toulon, and 16 degrees in Marseille.
Tonight, mostly clear with lows of 5 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, mostly sunny with cloudy intervals. Highs of 15 degrees and strong winds.
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