NEWS
Roya Valley River Reopened to Fishing - More than four years after Storm Alex devastated the Roya Valley, the river has reopened almost entirely to fishing, drawing record numbers of anglers. Fish populations like trout and eels are gradually returning, thanks to natural recolonization and restocking efforts. However, fluctuating water levels from hydroelectric plants still pose challenges for aquatic life, prompting calls for improved fish passage and water regulation.
Missing Person - The gendarmerie has issued a call for witnesses to help locate Louenn, a 15-year-old boy missing since Saturday morning in Montauroux, Var. He may be riding a scooter and was last seen wearing black sportswear and a black K-way. While police suspect a possible runaway, his worried family pleads for him to make contact, assuring him that their issues can be resolved.
The Maison des 1000 Premier Jours - The Maison des 1,000 Premier Jours offers free, non-judgmental support to parents from the fourth month of pregnancy to their child's third birthday in Grasse, Alpes-Maritimes. It provides advice, workshops, and emotional support from professionals such as psychologists, nurses, and midwives. In its first year, the centre has assisted 250 families, helping them cope with challenges like postpartum depression and child-rearing issues.
Nice Tests Four New Fixed Penalties - Nice is testing four new fixed penalty fines for various offenses, including selling alcohol to minors and illegal taxi services. This initiative aims to deter crime and reduce court congestion, with the potential for nationwide expansion. Other cities like Marseille, Lyon, and Paris will also participate, with the new fines helping law enforcement address minor offenses more efficiently.
Taxi Monaco - Monaco is modernizing its taxi service with the launch of the TAXI MONACO mobile app on the 8th of April. The app allows users to book, track, and pay for rides easily, enhancing the digital experience for residents and visitors. Alongside a new website and branding, this upgrade aims to offer a professional, high-quality service in line with international standards.
4x4x48 Challenge - The 4x4x48 Challenge—a solidarity event inspired by David Goggins—returns on the 11th of April, supporting the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation. Participants run 4 miles every 4 hours for 48 hours, promoting endurance, unity, and charity. All proceeds go to the Foundation's vital programs, and runners can join as many sessions as they wish.
Bach's Easter Oratorio - The Orchestre National de Cannes will perform Bach’s Easter Oratorio on the 21st of April, to mark its 300th anniversary, with two concerts in Cannes and Mandelieu, Alpes-Maritimes. Led by conductor Pavel Baleff and featuring top soloists and choirs, the sacred work brings to life the discovery of Christ’s empty tomb through music. The event promises a powerful, uplifting experience for both believers and music lovers alike.
President of Sarrians BMX Club Awarded National Order of Merit - Stéphane Garcia, president of the Sarrians BMX club, has been awarded the National Order of Merit and named a Knight by former Vaucluse prefect Violaine Démaret. He was honoured for his work in developing the club and attracting top athletes to its Olympic-grade track. The Sarrians BMX track will host World Cup events in June 2025 and June 2026.
Elite Skydivers To Attempt to Break World Record - Two elite skydivers from southern France, Greg Crozier and Karine Joly, will join 200 athletes in the U.S. this summer to attempt a new world record in freefly skydiving. They’ll jump from 6,000 meters and try to form a head-down formation at nearly 300 km/h. With years of experience and advanced wind tunnel training, the couple hopes this third attempt will finally succeed.
BUSINESS
India’s Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal sparked debate by urging start-ups to move beyond lifestyle apps and focus on deep-tech innovation, comparing India’s progress unfavorably to China’s. While some entrepreneurs defended consumer-focused businesses, others agreed on the need for more ambition and government support for tech sectors like AI and semiconductors. The discussion highlighted barriers such as lack of long-term investment, regulatory hurdles, and brain drain slowing India’s deep-tech growth.
And - U.S. President Donald Trump's new tariffs are hitting Southeast Asia hard, especially Vietnam and Cambodia, with rates up to 49%, threatening export-dependent economies. The region’s leaders are scrambling to negotiate, as thousands of jobs—particularly in Cambodia’s garment sector—are at risk. Despite past admiration for Trump, countries like Vietnam and Cambodia now face serious economic and political fallout.
SPORTS
Tennis - Legendary tennis player and social equality advocate Billie Jean King has received a star on Hollywood Walk of Fame. King, 81, is the first woman to be given the honour in the new sports entertainment category.
Cricket - Opener Priyansh Arya raced to the second century of the 2025 Indian Premier League with a thrilling 103 from 42 balls in Punjab Kings' 18-run win against Chennai Super Kings. With wickets tumbling around him the 24-year-old left-hander thrashed nine sixes to reach his century in 39 balls and help Punjab reach 219-6.
Golf - Shane Lowry says Rory McIlroy can "handle" any pressure that comes his way as he looks to complete a career Grand Slam at the Masters. The Masters is the only major missing from McIlroy's collection and the Northern Ireland golfer is looking to win a first major since the PGA Championship in 2014.
WEATHER
Cloudy throughout the region with occasional sunny spells in the Alpes-Maritimes department though chances of light rain persist inland. We have highs of 16 degrees in Nice, 17 in Cannes, Toulon and Marseille and 18 degrees in Saint-Tropez.
Tonight, partly cloudy with temperatures dropping to 13 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, bright and clear throughout the day and temperatures are set to surge, reaching highs of 22 degrees in some part of the Var for an early taste of summer.
Senior US, European, and Ukrainian diplomats will meet again in London next week after what France called an "excellent" day of peace talks in Paris o...
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Mainly fine with light winds and highs of 17 degrees in Nice and Saint-Tropez, 16 degrees in Monaco, 19 degrees in Toulon. This evening going down to ...
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The French government has instructed local prefects across France to immediately reinforce surveillance and protection of prisons and their staff. The...
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French President Emmanuel Macron has promised that those behind a wave of attacks on prisons and staff will be “found, tried, and punished,” calling t...
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Strong winds with heavy rain in Nice and Monaco and the Alpes Maritimes region, gusty winds in the Var. Highs of 17 degrees in Nice, 15 degrees in Mon...
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