NEWS
Marseille Drug Enforcement Officers in Custody - Two Marseille drug enforcement officers are in custody over the disappearance of 350 kg of cocaine during a 2023 undercover operation. Investigators suspect corruption, drug trafficking complicity, and organized theft, leading to unprecedented searches at their office. The case highlights concerns about low-level corruption in law enforcement amid Marseille's severe drug trade issues.
36-Year-Old School Bus Driver Tests Positive for Cannabis - A 36-year-old school bus driver has tested positive for cannabis after completing his route and was arrested for driving under the influence near Grasse, Alpes-Maritimes. He had previous drug-related driving offenses, resisted arrest, and has now been sentenced to 12 months of home detention with an electronic bracelet. His license was revoked, and stricter bus driver drug controls have been reinforced after a fatal accident in January.
Carrefour Employees Staged Two Walkouts Protests - Employees at Carrefour Monaco have staged two walkouts in March 2025 to protest deteriorating working conditions, stagnant wages, and an increased workload due to unfilled positions. Despite being one of the most profitable Carrefour stores, workers receive lower bonuses than their French counterparts and demand higher salaries, better scheduling, and improved meal vouchers. The management argues that Monaco employees earn more due to different social contributions but acknowledges ongoing negotiations, with tensions remaining high.
Unusual March Weather Pattern - March 2025 has seen an unusual weather pattern in France, with the typically sunny South experiencing heavy rain, strong winds, and cooler temperatures, while the North enjoyed sunshine and warmth. Rainfall near the Mediterranean was up to five times the normal levels, especially between Marseille and Toulon, helping to ease drought conditions in some areas. Nationally, temperatures were 0.7°C above average, but the Southeast was colder than usual, while the North recorded significantly warmer conditions.
Shark Spotted in Nice! - A shark has been spotted yesterday afternoon in the port of Nice, surprising many locals and passersby. It got reportedly lost near Villefranche-sur-Mer before making its way to Nice, with several photos circulating on social media. Scientists have yet to identify the shark species, and it has not been seen since.
Rockfalls Permanently Block Access to Sorgue Chasm - Rockfalls have permanently blocked access to the famous Sorgue chasm in Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, worrying local businesses that rely on its 800,000 annual visitors. Authorities plan to install an impassable gate and are considering a live-streaming camera as a temporary solution. While officials explore alternative viewpoints, merchants fear the site will be forgotten, impacting tourism.
Journalists on Strike - Journalists from France 3 Côte d'Azur and Ici Azur (formerly France Bleu Azur) have gone on strike on the 1st of April to protest the public broadcasting reform. This resulted in the cancellation of local news programs on both radio and TV, as staff opposed the merger of radio and television operations. The protest reflects growing tension, especially with the planned rebranding of all France Televisions channels in June.
From Afraid of Water to Participating in Nice to Calvi Challenge - Once afraid of water, Éliane and Jean-Luc are now training to swim 200 km from Nice to Calvi with five others. Led by a swim coach, they aim to raise funds for ocean protection and drowning prevention. Their eight-day challenge begins around the 25th of June, with each swimmer taking four-hour shifts.
2024 Téléthon Gains - The 2024 Téléthon has raised nearly €97 million for research on rare genetic diseases, surpassing last year’s total of €92.9 million. The event, hosted by singer Mika, saw donations continue beyond the initial €80 million pledged, funding 40 clinical trials for conditions affecting the blood, liver, muscles, vision, and immune system. AFM-Téléthon called it a historic milestone in therapeutic advancements, especially for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, with the next Téléthon set for the 5th and 6th of December 2025.
Archeologists Study and Restore Ancient Roman Walls - Archaeologists are restoring and studying ancient Roman walls in Fréjus, the city's first settlement from 50 BC, to uncover their history. The project involves cleaning, analysing, and mapping the structure, revealing construction techniques and artifacts like Roman ceramics. Using drones and photogrammetry, experts aim to preserve and showcase these fortifications to the public.
Immersive Underwater Exhibiton - The Musée d'Archéologie de Cimiez is hosting an immersive underwater exhibition, Quand la mer nous parle, from the 30th of April to the 26th of September, as part of the Biennale des Arts et de l’Océan in Nice. Visitors can explore ancient shipwrecks, high-tech archaeological tools, and even remains of the iconic Jetée-Promenade casino. The exhibition combines history, science, and cutting-edge technology, featuring underwater robots to bring maritime discoveries to life.
Superyacht Chef Competition - Bluewater and the Monaco Yacht Club will host the 2025 Superyacht Chef Competition on the 3rd of April, featuring nine top yacht chefs competing in high-stakes culinary challenges. The event includes live-streaming, audience participation, and a lavish prize ceremony with an oyster and champagne bar. A prestigious jury, including Michelin-starred chefs and past winners, will judge the competition.
NEWS UPDATE
Cheese Recalled due to Contamination - A recall has been issued across France for "Campagne-Cassis" fresh cheese (lot 084) from Gaec de la Vieille Rue due to listeria contamination. Consumers are advised not to eat it, as listeria can cause severe illness, especially in pregnant women and vulnerable individuals. A refund is available by contacting 06.16.06.65.56.
Nice Second Sunniest City in March - Despite a very rainy March on the Côte d’Azur, Nice was the second sunniest city in France, recording 221 hours of sunshine. Heavy rainfall, especially between Marseille and Toulon, brought up to five times the normal precipitation. However, Nice still ranked just behind Calais (222 hours) in terms of sunshine.
BUSINESS
Finland's defence tech sector is booming, driven by geopolitical tensions and strong state support, with companies like Varjo providing advanced military training tools. The industry has grown rapidly since Finland joined NATO, attracting major investment and talent, despite challenges like global competition for skilled workers. Helsinki is now a top European hub for defence tech innovation, blending military applications with commercial technologies.
And - The American restaurant chain Hooters has filed for bankruptcy in Texas and plans to sell all its company-owned restaurants to a group backed by its founders. The sale aims to stabilize finances while keeping restaurants open, with a shift toward a more family-friendly approach. The deal, pending court approval, is expected to be completed in four months.
SPORTS
Football - AS Cannes, a fourth-division club, is set to face Ligue 1's Stade de Reims in the Coupe de France semi-final on the 2nd of April, aiming for a historic final on the 24th of May. Despite being the underdogs, Cannes has already eliminated three Ligue 2 teams, fuelling hopes of another upset. With a packed stadium and the city behind them, the team embraces the challenge with excitement and no pressure.
Tennis - Daria Kasatkina says she feels "emotional" after switching allegiance from Russia to Australia but "didn't have much choice" after publicly criticising her country's LGBTQ+ laws and the war in Ukraine. Kasatkina has been living in Dubai and has not returned to Russia in two and a half years.
Cricket - James Anderson will miss the first month of the County Championship season through injury but says he is not ruling out playing for up to three more years at Lancashire. The 42-year-old, England's all-time leading wicket-taker, retired from international cricket last year but has signed to continue with his county in 2025.
WEATHER
Partly cloudy with chances of light rain and sunny spells in the Alpes-Maritimes department with moderate to strong winds across the riviera. Highs of 16 degrees in Nice, 17 in Cannes and Saint-Tropez, 18 in Toulon and 19 degrees in Marseille.
Tonight, mostly clear with temperatures dropping to 12 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, partly cloudy with sunny intervals. Highs of 19 degrees with strong winds persisting.
Monaco’s new central postal sorting facility will open on the 12th of May at Îlot Pasteur, merging the existing sites for improved efficiency. ...
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French president Emmanuel Macron has set out the key objectives for this summer's United Nations Ocean Conference, which will take place in Nice from ...
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Two Marseille drug enforcement officers are in custody over the disappearance of 350 kg of cocaine during a 2023 undercover operation. ...
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A local authority in the Var is calling for the speed limit on part of the A8 motorway to be cut from 130 to 110 kilometres per hour for environmental...
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Far-Right deputy Marine Le Pen and eight other RN MEPs have been found guilty of misusing EU funds in the parliamentary assistants' case. ...
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