NEWS
Monaco's Workforce - Monaco’s workforce has reached over 78,000 in 2024, with strong private sector growth and more jobs held by older, non-local workers—especially commuters from France. However, the share of women in employment is declining, while temporary work and teleworking are both rising significantly. Monégasques now make up a smaller portion of the workforce, and the number of independent workers has increased by 40% over the past decade, especially in specialized services.
Drug Trafficking on the Rise in Cannes - Residents of La Frayère district live in fear as daily drug trafficking and gun violence escalate, including shootings with Kalashnikovs in Cannes-La-Bocca. Exhausted and desperate, many residents report mental health struggles and a lack of strong police presence, despite occasional reinforcements. Local officials call for tougher action, but frustration grows as the community feels abandoned and on the verge of taking matters into their own hands.
Shooting - A man in his forties has been shot dead on Tuesday evening inside a grocery store in central Valréas, Vaucluse. The shooting occurred just before 9 pm, and the motive remains unknown. An investigation is underway, led by the local gendarmerie in this usually peaceful town.
Fatal Motorcycle Accident - A 49-year-old motorcyclist has tragically died on Saturday, the 3rd of May, after losing control of his bike on Avenue Président-Kennedy in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin. Despite efforts by passersby and emergency services, he could not be revived. Initial investigations suggest he was alone in the accident, with no evidence of third-party involvement or excessive speed; an autopsy is pending.
Transforming Auvare Police Barracks - The City of Nice is considering transforming the Auvare police barracks, soon to be vacated, into a large sports complex and is inviting public input through an online consultation. The proposed project includes a multi-sport arena for major competitions, a hall for local associations, and an outdoor space for free public use. Residents have until the 31st of August to share their opinions and suggest additional ideas for the 2-hectare site in the city centre.
Table Tennis Helps with Parkinson ? - Table tennis is proving beneficial for people with Parkinson’s, helping improve balance, coordination, and reduce symptoms like tremors. A local club partnered with France Parkinson to offer weekly tailored sessions, where patients report both physical and mental relief in Avignon. Participation is growing, and some players are now preparing for a national Ping Parkinson tournament, showing real progress and enthusiasm.
Tutto Matto - Tutto Matto, a tomato-themed grocery store, offering creative, sustainable, and 100% tomato-based products has opened in the Menton market. From pasta to perfume, everything in the shop celebrates their love for tomatoes, sourced locally and with minimal waste. Their colourful stand is more than a business—it's a passion project driven by community input and a deep love for this versatile fruit.
Cap Sous les Etoiles - A new summer festival, Cap sous les étoiles, will take place from the 17th-19th of July blending music, humor, and a magical setting under the stars in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin. The lineup includes powerful performances by Olivier Laurent (as Brel), Michel Fugain, newcomer &rea, and comedians Anne Roumanoff and Laurent Barat. Set in the scenic Cap-Martin park, the event offers a vibrant mix of generations, styles, and local food in a relaxed, open-air atmosphere.
NEWS UPDATE
Snow - Light snow has fallen on the 7th of May in the high-altitude areas of Isola 2000 and Auron in the Alpes-Maritimes, though it didn’t stick due to mild temperatures. The snowfall was minimal compared to last year's heavier May snow or the mid-April event this year. Unsettled weather continues in the region, with a yellow thunderstorm alert issued in the department for the sixth consecutive day.
Hailstorms - Several hailstorms have hit the Alpes-Maritimes on the 7th of May, surprising people both in the mountains and along the coast. Hail fell for several minutes in the Mercantour, followed by snow, while another storm reached the coast between Mougins and Mouans-Sartoux. The region remains under a yellow weather alert for thunderstorms, continuing into Thursday, the 8th of May, for the sixth day in a row.
BUSINESS
The European Commission has unveiled a roadmap to end all Russian energy imports—including gas, oil, and nuclear materials—by the end of 2027. The EU aims to enhance energy efficiency, boost renewables, and diversify supplies to cut economic ties that fund Russia's war efforts. While dependence has already decreased sharply since 2021, officials stress more action is needed, with gradual, strategic steps to protect EU stability.
And - NSO Group, maker of Pegasus spyware, has been ordered to pay WhatsApp $167 million for hacking 1,400 users in 2019, marking the first major legal win against spyware developers. Pegasus, used to secretly access phones, has been linked to surveillance of journalists, politicians, and activists worldwide, including figures like Emmanuel Macron and Jamal Khashoggi’s family. The ruling follows a six-year legal battle with Meta, which sees the verdict as a deterrent to illegal surveillance, though NSO plans to appeal.
SPORTS
Football - Arsene Wenger has proposed a change to the offside rule that would mean attackers are onside if any part of their body is in line with the last outfield defender. Wenger, head of global development at world governing body Fifa, says it would restore an advantage to the attacker that many feel was eroded by the introduction of the video assistant referee (VAR).
Formula 1 - Argentine Franco Colapinto will drive for Alpine for the next five grands prix, replacing Jack Doohan. The team said in a statement that Colapinto, whom Alpine signed from Williams over the winter, would drive alongside Pierre Gasly from the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix at Imola on 16-18 May. There will then be a "new evaluation before the British Grand Prix", which is on 4-6 July.
Rugby Union - Northampton Saints lock Temo Mayanavanua will leave the European Champions Cup finalists at the end of the season to return home to play in Fiji. The 27-year-old has made 16 appearances this season and scored a try in the 38-8 Champions Cup group-stage win over Castres.
WEATHER
Sunny with occasional cloudy intervals and thunderstorms planned between 5 and 6pm inland and on the Riviera. We’ll have moderate to strong winds with highs of 18 degrees in Nice, Toulon and Marseille, 19 in Cannes and 20 degrees in Saint-Tropez.
Tonight, mostly clear with temperatures dropping to 12 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, clear morning and cloudy afternoon with stormy intervals inland. Highs of 18 degrees with moderate winds.
White smoe Is billowing from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel meaning A new pope has just been chosen! 133 cardinals have gathered in the Sistine cha...
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No new pope has been elected yet, as black smoke signalled another inconclusive vote during the conclave in the morning of Thursday the 8th of May. ...
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Unions at the SNCF have announced new strike action for June 4th, 5th, and 11th, following ongoing disruptions to train services in France during the ...
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A fine and sunny start to the day across our region, clouding over along the coast by this afternoon with thundery showers forecast inland. Highs of 1...
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Monaco’s workforce has reached over 78,000 in 2024, with strong private sector growth and more jobs held by older, non-local workers—especially commut...
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