NEWS
Notre-Dame Basilica Attack Verdict - At the trial for the 2020 knife attack at the Notre-Dame Basilica in Nice, prosecutors requested a life sentence without the possibility of parole for the defendant. He is accused of killing three people in the attack and is considered to have a high risk of reoffending due to his extremist views. The verdict is expected this afternoon, following the defence’s closing arguments.
Stabbings in Antibes - Two stabbings occurred on Monday night in the Antibes area, Alpes-Maritimes. Around 9 pm, a 39-year-old man was stabbed in the side in the Hauts de Vallauris neighbourhood; his attacker(s) fled, but his injuries are not life-threatening. Two hours later, a 20-year-old man was attacked and slashed in the legs by three assailants while playing cards on a street in Antibes, possibly as an act of revenge. Both victims were hospitalized, and investigations are underway.
Fear of Explosion - Eight families, have been evacuated overnight due to strong gas odours, prompting fears of an explosion in the hamlet of Roussillon, La Tour sur Tinée, Alpes-Maritimes. Emergency services inspected the homes, finding no immediate danger, and believe the smell may have originated from work on a private gas tank earlier that day. All residents were unharmed and returned home safely later that night.
Greyest Month in the Var - The Var department has experienced an unusually gloomy February, with only 9 sunny days out of 25 and just 90 hours of sunshine on the Île du Levant. Despite typically sunny anticyclonic conditions, persistent humidity from the Mediterranean has led to low clouds and grey skies. Thankfully, the weather is expected to improve from Wednesday, the 26th of February.
Petition to Save Swans - A petition with over 16,000 signatures has been launched to urge the French rail company SNCF to install markers on overhead power lines in the Alpes-Maritimes, as several swans have died after colliding with them. The initiative, led by the group "Les Cygnes du Littoral et leurs amis" and volunteer Mélissa from the Ligue de Protection des Oiseaux, highlights at least five confirmed swan deaths, with concerns that the true number may be higher. SNCF is currently testing marker installations in Lyon and considering expanding the measure to other high-risk areas.
Renovated Bouillides Gym in Valbone - After over a year of work and a €4.92 million investment, the renovated Bouillides gym in Valbonne, Alpes-Maritimes, has reopened to delighted students and association members. The upgraded facility features improved sports halls, locker rooms, tribunes, and enhanced energy performance, aiming to reduce energy consumption by 58% and greenhouse gases by 78%. With better heating, soundproofing, and thermal comfort, the gym is now a model of environmental and financial sustainability.
Secours Populaire Robbed - The Secours Populaire has been robbed on Sunday, the 23rd of February, with thieves taking new clothes, shoes, and toys intended for a fundraising sale to support the 2025 holiday campaign in Gardanne, Bouches-du-rhône. The association is now calling for financial donations as they cannot currently store physical items. An investigation has been opened by the Gardanne gendarmerie.
BUSINESS
DBS, Singapore’s largest bank, plans to cut around 4,000 temporary and contract roles over the next three years as AI takes over certain tasks, with reductions occurring through natural attrition. Permanent staff won't be affected, and the bank expects to create 1,000 new AI-related jobs. DBS currently employs 41,000 people, including 8,000 to 9,000 temporary and contract workers. The governor of the Bank of England, Andrew Bailey, said that while there are risks with AI, "there is great potential with it".
And -Tesla shares have dropped over 9% as EU and UK sales fell by nearly 50% in January, bringing its valuation below $1 trillion. The slump is attributed to rising competition, especially from Chinese brands like BYD, and potential backlash against Elon Musk’s controversial political stances. Despite overall growth in European electric vehicle sales, Tesla’s decline highlights challenges in maintaining its market position.
SPORTS
Football - AS Cannes, a National 2 team, made history by reaching the semi-finals of the Coupe de France after defeating Ligue 2 club En Avant Guingamp 3-1 at home. Coach Damien Ott expressed disbelief at the achievement, praising his team's generosity and performance, while hoping for a competitive next match rather than facing powerhouse PSG. The semi-final will likely be held in Cannes, offering the club a financial boost and an opportunity to continue their fairytale run in the tournament.
Cricket - Australia left-arm spinner Matt Kuhnemann has had his bowling action cleared by the International Cricket Council (ICC). The 28-year-old, who has played nine times for Australia, was reported for a suspect action during the second Test against Sri Lanka in Galle earlier this month.
Rugby Union - Former captain Rory Lawson says defeat by Wales in round four of the Six Nations is "incomprehensible" for Scotland and believes they must use the frustration of the loss to England to deliver a "ruthless" display at Murrayfield. The Scots failed to convert numerous chances to add to their three tries at Twickenham as they went down 16-15, a defeat that ended any realistic title hopes.
WEATHER
Bright and clear this afternoon with moderate to strong winds. Highs of 14 degrees in Marseille, 17 in Nice and Toulon, 18 in Saint-Tropez and 19 degrees in Cannes.
Tonight, mostly clear with temperatures dropping to 10 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, partly cloudy with highs of 16 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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