NEWS
Mayors Urge to Take Global Warming Seriously - After deadly storms have killed three people in the Var, local mayors are calling for solidarity and urgent action on climate change. Le Lavandou, the hardest-hit area, has suffered what’s being called a “century-scale flood,” with damage estimated in the tens of millions of euros. Roads are destroyed and 2,000 people are left without water. Authorities have deployed emergency crews, and the French government has pledged immediate aid to affected areas. Jean-Pierre Véran, head of the Var mayors’ association, stressed the need to take global warming seriously, as extreme weather now causes devastation in just minutes.
Archbishop of Monaco Strongly Against Legalising Abortion - The Archbishop of Monaco, Dominique-Marie David, has strongly opposed a proposed law to decriminalise abortion for medical professionals, calling it a "point of no return" that threatens the Principality's Catholic identity. He argues the change undermines national values and was introduced suddenly without public consensus. Emphasizing Monaco’s religious and moral foundations, he warns against aligning with broader Western trends and urges political and moral responsibility.
Investigation Against Violent SNCF Staff - Two railway security agents have been filmed violently pushing and allegedly kicking two young passengers, likely minors, trying to exit a train to reunite with their mother in Cannes. The SNCF claims the intervention followed protocol due to a refusal to comply and an alleged bite. An official investigation is now underway.
Taxi Drvier Ran Over People - During a taxi drivers' protest on the 21st of May, a grey car has driven into demonstrators, injuring two taxi drivers in Marseille. The driver, reportedly a VTC (ride-hailing) operator, later turned himself in to the police. The incident, caught on video and widely shared, has sparked outrage and calls for better police protection of protestors.
Sunset Festival - The Sunset Festival returns to the Méridien Beach Plaza in Monaco from the 23rd-25th of May, alongside the F1 Grand Prix, blending electronic music and seaside dining. Headliners include DJs Pawsa, Honey Dijon, and Monaco-born duo Parallelle, with performances running until 3am. This 12th edition also features an open-access pop-up restaurant, live Grand Prix screenings, monumental sculptures, and a dramatic aerial show with a 15-meter heliosphere.
Michelangelo Restaurant - During the Cannes Film Festival, stars like Robert De Niro, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Quentin Tarantino have dined at the famous Michelangelo restaurant, run by beloved host Mamo in Antibes, Alpes-Maritimes. Known for his warm hospitality and Italian cuisine, Mamo welcomed them with homemade dishes in a relaxed, paparazzi-free setting.
BUSINESS
The video game Fortnite is back on Apple’s US App Store after nearly five years, following its removal in 2020 for bypassing Apple’s in-app payment rules. The return marks a major win for developer Epic Games, which accused Apple of monopolistic practices and fought a lengthy legal battle. The move is seen as a shift in power, giving more leverage to developers challenging restrictive app store policies.
U.S. President Donald Trump's $4.9 trillion budget plan faces internal Republican divisions, particularly over healthcare cuts and state tax deductions. Despite a personal appeal on Capitol Hill, some GOP lawmakers remain opposed, threatening its passage in the House. The bill, which includes major tax breaks and Medicaid reforms, needs swift approval before the 26 May deadline but still lacks unified support.
And - Monte-Carlo Business Centre has opened a third location in Monaco, offering 250 m² of premium office space at Port Hercule. Despite a saturated market, the company targets high-end clients with modern amenities and flexible workspace options. With strong occupancy and a €1.4 million turnover in 2024, further expansion isn't currently planned.
SPORTS
Football - Real Madrid and England midfielder Jude Bellingham is expected to miss at least the first six weeks of next season when he has shoulder surgery after the Club World Cup. The 21-year-old has struggled with a persistent shoulder problem since 2023 and Real have scheduled the operation for when the tournament in the United States is over.
Tennis - Dan Evans has beaten fellow Briton Billy Harris in the first round of French Open qualifying to move a step closer to the main draw. The 34-year-old Evans fought back from 5-2 down in the first set to beat Harris 7-5 6-3 in Paris.
Rugby Union - New Zealand-born fly-half Aidan Morgan will leave Ulster this summer "by mutual consent". Morgan joined Ulster from Super Rugby side Hurricanes on a two-year-old last year following Billy Burns' departure to Munster. The 23-year-old, who previously played for the New Zealand Under-20 team, is qualified to represent Ireland through a Belfast-born grandfather.
WEATHER
Bright and clear today with occasional cloudy episode and light showers inland. We’ve got moderate to strong winds with highs of 21 degrees in Nice, 22 in Cannes, 24 in Toulon and 25 degrees in Saint-Tropez and Marseille.
Tonight, cloudy across the region with light rain in the Var and Bouches-du Rhone and temperatures dropping to 14 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, thundery showers in the Alpes-Maritimes that should stop by late evening. Mostly clear in the rest of the region with highs of 27 degrees.
French President Emmanuel Macron's political party, Renaissance, has proposed banning those under the age of 15 in France from wearing the Muslim head...
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The Alpes-Maritimes department has once again been placed on a yellow thunderstorm alert. While the morning will see some clear spells, conditions are...
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After deadly storms have killed three people in the Var, local mayors are calling for solidarity and urgent action on climate change. ...
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Three elderly people have died following a sudden surge in water levels caused by torrential rainfall in the Var region on Tuesday, 20th May. Among th...
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After Tuesday’s devastating floods, Météo-France forecasts a calmer day for the Var department today with sunshine expected in the morning and cloudy ...
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