NEWS
Ultraright Terrorist Act - A Tunisian man has been shot and killed by a French neighbour who had been quietly radicalized online by far-right, racist ideology in Puget-sur-Argens, Var. The attacker had posted a video calling for violence against foreigners shortly before the crime, leading France’s national anti-terrorism prosecutor to classify it as an ultraright terrorist act, a first for such a case. Investigators describe the suspect as a “banal” man consumed by online content and conspiracy-fuelled paranoia, not unlike lone jihadist radicals. The case highlights the dangerous role of social media algorithms in reinforcing extremist views and the overlap between far-right rhetoric and violent actions. Concerns are also growing about the accessibility of firearms through shooting clubs, where radicalized individuals may find both weapons and like-minded contacts.
Gaïda Security Agent Injured - A Gaïda security agent has been slightly injured by a firework mortar on Tuesday evening in Nice-Est. The incident happened in the Roquebillière area when private security faced a hostile group near a drug-dealing spot. One firework hit the 29-year-old agent in the chest, causing burns; he was taken to hospital but is not seriously hurt. No arrests have been made, and an investigation for group assault on a public service agent is underway. This is the second attack on a Gaïda agent in 15 days; local officials have condemned the violence and pledged legal action.
One Ocean Science Congress - Nearly 2,000 scientists from around the world are meeting from the 3rd-6th of June for the One Ocean Science Congress, just before the UN Ocean Conference (UNOC) in Nice, with many researchers from the Villefranche-sur-Mer Oceanography Lab contributing to the event. The goal is to provide scientific input to guide political leaders in making informed decisions to protect the ocean. They also use floating robot devices called Argo to collect vital deep-sea data for ocean research. Scientists will ratify a manifesto with their recommendations to be presented to policymakers.
Plastic Soup Sufer - Merijn Tinga, aka "Plastic Soup Surfer", is paddling from Paris to Nice to raise awareness about plastic pollution and promote bottle deposit laws. He urges France to adopt a system where bottles and cans have refundable deposits, a model that cut plastic waste by 80% in the Netherlands. Along the way, he collects data with AI, photographs trash and meets locals to push for political action. He believes plastic waste should be the responsibility of producers, not municipalities, and criticizes awareness campaigns as ineffective. His next stop is the Ocean Summit in Nice, followed by a planned paddle journey from Nice to Rome in 2026.
Anti-Jellyfish Nets - Anti-jellyfish nets are being reinstalled on Côte d’Azur beaches to create safe swimming zones, as jellyfish are now common and pose painful stings. The purple jellyfish, beautiful but highly stinging, is the main concern. Cities from Cannes to Menton are deploying nets, like in Cagnes-sur-Mer, where a 125-meter-long net helps keep jellyfish out while allowing fish to pass. In Beaulieu-sur-Mer, divers have encountered unusually large jellyfish during a harbour cleanup. To raise awareness, diver Eric Duliere has created a giant jellyfish sculpture from marine debris, now displayed in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat as a tribute to ocean conservation.
Jean 3 - The play Jean 3 by Sacha Guitry will be performed on the 6th of June from 8 to 9pm at the Théâtre des Funambules in Cap d’Ail. Presented by the Florestan company and organized by the Rotary Club Cap-d’Ail - Portes de Monaco, the story follows the irresistible calling for theatre of Paul Mondoucet. While witnessing a play, the public is informed that one of the actors has gone missing. Paul volunteers to fill in, trying to seize his chance, but he doesn’t know the play… before this comedy starts, a refreshment stand will be open from 7pm. All proceeds will go toward supporting the fight against polio.
https://www.helloasso.com/associations/rotary-club-cap-d-ail-portes-de-monaco/evenements/jean-3
NEWS UPDATE
CGT Strikes - The CGT union is calling for a general strike on the 5th of June to defend pensions, wages, and jobs. In Nice, public transport will be heavily disrupted: no trams and most city buses will not run. A demonstration is planned at 2 PM from Place Masséna to the Chemins de fer de Provence station. Train services will mostly operate normally despite the strike call from rail workers. Schools will remain open, but there may be some teacher absences and disruptions in canteen and childcare services.
BUSINESS
The UK has temporarily avoided a tariff hike on steel and aluminium from the US, remaining at 25% while other countries now face 50%. This exemption hinges on a recent UK-US deal to cut tariffs, but if it's not implemented by the 9th of July, the UK may also face the higher rate. The situation has caused confusion and concern for UK exporters, who are urging the deal’s swift activation to remove tariffs altogether. Industry leaders warn that the uncertainty is harming business planning more than the tariffs themselves. U.S President Donald Trump’s broader aim is to boost US manufacturing, though experts say results will take time and may raise costs for consumers in the short term.
A major real estate project is planned for the Casino Terraces in Monaco, led by the Société des Bains de Mer (SBM), aiming to start construction in 2027 and finish by 2031/32. The prestigious Herzog & de Meuron architecture firm, along with local architect Patrick Raymond, will design the site. The development will include luxury hotel residences, high-end shops, and a new, larger Thermes Marins spa complex with modern facilities. A key feature under discussion is a luxury shopping promenade on the top floor of the new building, facing Avenue de Monte-Carlo. SBM also hopes to boost off-season tourism by attracting health and wellness visitors to the future Thermes Marins through a major global partner.
And - The French fashion brand Jacquemus has partnered with Monte-Carlo Beach for a summer collaboration running until the 7th of October. The venue has been transformed with the brand’s bold colours and Mediterranean-inspired style, including redecorated sunbeds, umbrellas, and its iconic floating pontoon. Two pop-up boutiques have opened on-site, offering visitors the chance to shop Jacquemus pieces in Monaco.
Artistic decor references Renoir, Matisse, and Provence, which are key inspirations for the brand and its founder Simon Porte Jacquemus. Founded in 2009, Jacquemus is known for its minimalist, poetic designs and holds global influence in the fashion world.
SPORTS
Tennis - Loïs Boisson, a 22-year-old French tennis player from Nice, has made a stunning breakthrough at Roland-Garros 2025, reaching the quarterfinals as a wildcard. Formerly ranked 361st, she defeated world No. 3 Jessica Pegula and impressed with her powerful forehand and clay-court style. Overcoming a major knee injury just a year ago, she’s now one of France’s rising stars with a unique, dynamic game.
Football - Manchester City have agreed a 55m euros (£46.3m) deal with AC Milan for Netherlands midfielder Tijjani Reijnders. The 26-year-old will sign a five-year contract at Etihad Stadium after agreeing personal terms with City.
Meanwhile, England defender Millie Bright has made herself unavailable for selection for this summer's Euros, saying she is unable to "give 100% mentally or physically". The 31-year-old withdrew from this month's Nations League squad, with the Football Association saying the centre-back was taking "an extended period of recovery".
Cricket - New Zealand head coach Gary Stead will step down from the role when his contract expires at the end of the month. The 53-year-old had already said he would quit as coach of the Black Caps' one-day international and T20 sides, but had remained interested in coaching the Test team.
WEATHER
Hazy across the region with light rain on the coast and thunderstorms inland accompanied by strong winds. We’ve got highs of 23 degrees in Cannes and 24 degrees in Nice, Saint-Tropez, Toulon and Marseille.
Tonight, back to clear skies on the coast as temperatures drop to 19 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, mostly clear throughout the day though light showers will water your garden if you live in Tende. Highs of 25 degrees and moderate to strong winds.
A silent march will be held through Nice on Saturday in memory of a firefighter who was killed in a hit-and-run on the Promenade des Anglais this time...
Read More
A Lignes d'Azur bus driver was reportedly attacked with tear gas during a robbery as he started work this morning. According to the city of Nice, the ...
Read More
A British man has been questioned by police and charged after privatising part of Disneyland Paris to stage a fake wedding with a nine-year-old girl....
Read More
A child has died after falling from the 18th floor of a building in Marseille. The tragic incident occurred last night in the 15th arondissement ...
Read More
French air traffic controllers have filed a strike notice for the start of the summer holidays, in a dispute over working conditions....
Read More
