NEWS
Low Emissions Zones to Disappear? - A French parliamentary commission has voted to abolish Low Emission Zones (ZFE), which restrict polluting vehicles to improve air quality. Critics argue ZFEs disproportionately impact lower-income households, while the government defends them as effective in reducing pollution. In Nice, a ZFE remains active, but Toulon has postponed its implementation, citing compliance with EU air quality standards.
Military Training in Fréjus - In response to rising global tensions, 600 French soldiers from the 21st Marine Infantry Regiment are conducting a large-scale military exercise, "Argos Spring," from the 24th to the 28th of March in Fréjus, Var. The drill simulates urban warfare, training troops in infiltration and assault tactics, including a mock takeover of a landmark villa. The exercise aims to enhance readiness for real combat scenarios, with instructors closely monitoring soldiers’ techniques.
New Reservist in French Navy - France's Navy will establish a new reservist unit in Cannes, Alpes-Maritimes, by 2030 as part of a broader plan to create seven light squads, including two in the Mediterranean. These units, made up of part-time reservists, will be equipped with semi-rigid boats, land vehicles, and drones for surveillance and environmental protection missions. This initiative aligns with France's military expansion strategy, aiming to bolster defence capabilities amid rising global tensions.
Car Plunged 10 Meters, Driver Found - A car has plunged 10 meters off a sharp turn early Wednesday, with all three passengers miraculously escaping uninjured near Monaco. The driver fled the scene but was later found and questioned by the police in Menton. Authorities highlight this accident as a reminder of the dangers of speeding, lack of control, and alcohol consumption while driving.
Violent Incident at Migrant Youth Centre - After violent incidents causing injuries and property damage at a migrant youth centre, the mayor has called for its closure in Châteauneuf-Grasse, Alpes-Maritimes. Around 25 minors were urgently evacuated following police intervention, and the local government is relocating them. The centre’s future depends on the prefecture's decision regarding the mayor’s administrative closure order.
Daycare Centres under Scrutiny - Three daycare centres are under scrutiny for staffing issues, with one temporarily closed and two others having their capacity reduced in Six-Fours-les-Plages, Var. The closures aim to ensure child safety while the operator, Maison Bleue, addresses recruitment shortages. The local government is working to provide alternative childcare solutions for affected families.
Monaco's MPAs - Monaco's marine protected areas (MPAs), first established in 1976, support biodiversity and help scientists study marine ecosystems. Recent projects include artificial reefs and the preservation of seagrass meadows, which play a crucial role in carbon storage and coastal protection. However, climate change and human activities threaten these ecosystems, with rising sea temperatures and construction projects impacting marine life.
Salines Parking Updated Pricing Policy - The Salines parking lot has updated its pricing policy, extending the free parking period from 15 to 45 minutes to accommodate users of the new logistics hub, Point Accueil Marchandises (PAM) in Monaco. This 1,500 m² centre streamlines parcel deliveries by consolidating shipments at the city's entrance, reducing traffic from delivery vehicles. Open 24/7 with automated lockers and a staffed counter, PAM supports multiple delivery networks like Mondial Relay and Colissimo.
Association Valoriser Vallauris Golfe-Juan - The association Valoriser Vallauris Golfe-Juan, founded in 2023, aims to boost the town’s artistic, cultural, and economic appeal by organizing events and promoting local businesses. With growing community support, it hosts monthly activities like art exhibitions and performances to attract more visitors. Its long-term goal is to restore Vallauris-Golfe-Juan’s historic prestige and strengthen its local economy.
NEWS UPDATE
Contaminated Comté Cheese Recalled - Certain batches of grated Comté cheese from brands Chêne d'Argent and Saveurs de Nos Régions sold in Lidl stores have been recalled due to listeria contamination in the Alpes-Maritimes and Var departments. The affected products were sold between the 20th and 25th of March, with specific lot numbers and expiration dates in May. Listeriosis is a rare but serious infection that can cause severe complications, especially in pregnant women and vulnerable individuals.
Serious Accident - A serious accident has occurred on the 27th of March between a car and a motorcycle on Route du Col de Nice, near L'Escarène, in the hills outside Nice. The 74-year-old motorcycle rider was severely injured and was quickly attended to by emergency services. The cause of the accident is still under investigation.
Former President Nicolas Sarkozy Sentenced - French prosecutors have requested a seven-year prison sentence, a €300,000 fine, and a five-year ineligibility ban for former French President Nicolas Sarkozy over alleged Libyan financing of his 2007 campaign. Prosecutors accused him of a relentless pursuit of funds to fuel his political ambitions, while Sarkozy denied the charges, calling the accusations excessive and unjust. The trial, his fifth in five years, also involves former officials, with prison sentences and fines sought against Claude Guéant, Brice Hortefeux, and Eric Woerth.
Monte-Carlo Summer Festival 2025 - The Monte-Carlo Summer Festival 2025 will take place from the 5th of July to the 15th of August, featuring a star-studded lineup across rock, pop, and electro. Highlights include Billy Idol, Carlos Santana, Will Smith, Scorpions, and Paul Kalkbrenner, with performances at the prestigious Salle des Etoiles. The festival blends legendary acts with fresh talent for an unforgettable summer in Monaco.
BUSINESS
A BBC investigation has uncovered a multimillion-pound whisky barrel investment scam, where fraudsters sold overpriced or non-existent casks to hundreds of victims. Police are investigating three Scotch whisky companies, including one linked to a convicted fraudster using false identities. Many victims, including a terminally ill woman, lost life savings, while experts warn of widespread fraud in the unregulated market.
And - 23andMe filed for bankruptcy, triggering a surge in users trying to delete their data over fears it could be sold. Many faced technical issues accessing their accounts, despite assurances that personal data remains protected. Attorneys General have urged customers to remove their information, highlighting concerns over privacy and potential misuse.
SPORTS
Tennis - Emma Raducanu's encouraging Miami Open run came to an end in a narrow quarter-final defeat by world number four Jessica Pegula who won 6-4 6-7 (3-7) 6-2.
Meanwhile, Second seed Iga Swiatek, playing with increased security in Miami after being verbally abused by an "aggressive and taunting" fan, was completely out of sorts as she lost 6-2 7-5 to the world number 140 Alexandra Eala.
Rugby Union - Bristol Bears forward Santiago Grondona has been given a three-match ban by the Rugby Football Union after being sent off during their Premiership win against Exeter. The Argentina international was shown the red card in the 29th minute of the match last Saturday for a head-on-head tackle on Chiefs' back row Martin Moloney.
Cricket - Former Lancashire and England fast bowler Peter Lever has died at the age of 84 following a short illness. Lever was part of the England team that won the Ashes in Australia in 1970-71 under captain Raymond Illingworth, the tour in which he made his Test debut. Overall, Lever took 41 wickets in 17 Tests and 11 more in 10 one-day internationals.
WEATHER
Mostly clear with cloudy intervals with gentle to moderate winds. Highs of 18 degrees in Marseille, 20 in Cannes, 21 in Nice and Toulon and 22 degrees in Saint-Tropez.
Tonight, mostly clear with lows of 13 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, partly cloudy with highs of 19 degrees and moderate to strong winds.
A British man has died in an avalanche in the Savoie department. According to local reports, the man in his twenties was on a road near the ski resort...
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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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