News
Trial begins for woman accused in torture and murder of 12-year-old Lola Daviet - The trial of Dahbia Benkired, 27, begins today, Friday, October 17th, 2025, in Paris. She stands accused of the 2022 torture, rape, and murder of 12-year-old Lola Daviet, whose body was found in a plastic trunk near her home in the 19th arrondissement — a crime that shocked France. Benkired, an Algerian national ordered to leave France before the killing, allegedly lured Lola into her building where the attack occurred. She has been held at Fresnes prison since her arrest and was deemed fit to stand trial. The case sparked political outrage, with far-right figures, including Marine Le Pen, using Benkired’s immigration status to criticize government policies. Then-justice minister Éric Dupond-Moretti denounced the politicization of the tragedy. The trial is expected to last one week. If convicted, Benkired faces life in prison.
Château Diter permit annulled by France’s highest court - France’s Council of State has definitively annulled the building permit for Patrick Diter’s controversial château in Grasse, ending a years-long legal battle. Diter illegally expanded a 200 m² farmhouse into a 3,000 m² Renaissance-style estate , including a heliport and private road, in a protected forest zone. The court found he fraudulently inflated existing structures to gain building rights. This ruling enforces a 2019 demolition order and removes all remaining administrative barriers. Diter’s lawyers plan to appeal to the European Court of Human Rights, but local residents praised the decision as “a new victory for legality.”
Prince Albert and Princess Charlene inaugurate new SMEG headquarters – HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco and Princess Charlene have inaugurated Monaco’s new SMEG headquarters on a milestone marking the energy company’s 135th anniversary. The 10-storey, 12,000 m² Immeuble SMEG will house company operations, private tenants, and government offices. CEO Thomas Battaglione called it a symbol of modernization and continuity, 35 years after Prince Rainier III and Prince Albert opened SMEG’s former site. The building supports Monaco’s sustainability goals through eco-conscious design and energy efficiency.
Open-Air art transforms Nice’s Promenade du Paillon - Nice will unveil the second phase of its Promenade du Paillon green corridor tomorrow, Saturday, October 18, 2025, an eight-hectare extension featuring large-scale artworks by celebrated artists. Highlights include: “Le Chat Moloch” by Théo Tobiasse, a surreal bronze cat with a human face, donated by the artist’s daughter.
“Le Monstre du Loch Ness” by Niki de Saint Phalle — a mirrored, mosaic dragon addressing animal rights and the environment. “Ligne indéterminée” by Bernar Venet, a monumental steel ribbon exploring material and form. Installed on the former sites of the Théâtre National de Nice and Acropolis, the sculptures will remain on permanent display, turning the area into an open-air museum.
Brigitte Bardot hospitalized in Toulon - French film icon and animal rights activist 91 year old Brigitte Bardot, 91 has been hospitalized in Toulon following surgery for a serious illness. She has been receiving care for three weeks at Saint-Jean Private Hospital and is expected to be discharged soon, though her condition remains concerning. A screen legend with 45 films and over 70 songs to her name, Bardot retired from cinema in 1973 and has since devoted herself to animal welfare. Her foundation recently launched a major adoption campaign, and earlier this year she published BBcédaire, written between 2020 and 2025.
The trial of Dahbia Benkired, 27, begins today, Friday, October 17th, 2025, in Paris. She stands accused of the 2022 torture, rape, and murder of 12-y...
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The Monaco Business Group for the Fight Against Cancer, or GEMLUC, will fund two PhD theses in Monaco focused on high-grade brain cancers, including g...
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The French National Assembly will today debate two motions of censure filed by the far-right National Rally and the far-left LFI, just days after new ...
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The General Inspector of French Prisons has issued a report which is highly critical of the state of French prisons, including the one in Nice. Domini...
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A free vaccination centre at 10 Rue Hancy in central Nice is now offering COVID-19 and flu shots without an appointment as part of the national autumn...
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