News
France refers to an “excellent” day of peace talks in Paris - 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 on Thursday, aimed at ending the war in Ukraine. Officials from the US, UK, France, Germany, and Ukraine—including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and President Trump envoy Steve Witkoff—attended the meeting hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron. Discussions focused on achieving a full ceasefire and long-term security guarantees for Ukraine. Ukraine’s top officials, including President Zelenskyy's chief of staff, flew in for the talks. They discussed steps toward a ceasefire, a potential multinational peacekeeping force, and a new security framework. However, Zelenskyy criticized Witkoff’s messaging, accusing him of echoing Russian narratives.
France, the UK, and Germany have proposed a European-led reassurance force in Ukraine if a ceasefire is reached but say US backing is essential. The Kremlin, however, dismissed European efforts as focused on prolonging the conflict. The talks also touched on Iran’s nuclear program, with Witkoff heading to Rome for further discussions, and President Trump reiterating his willingness to strike Iran’s nuclear sites if no deal is reached.
Meanwhile, in Washington, US and French defence officials met to discuss Ukraine and NATO readiness, with the US urging Europe to increase defence spending to 5% of GDP.
Perrier water contamination: Nestlé under fire over quality issues - A recent investigation has raised serious concerns about the quality of Perrier water, with the Occitanie Regional Health Agency (ARS) revealing that the water at the Vergèze plant does not meet the strict standards required for natural mineral water. The inspection, conducted in May 2024, found microbiological instability and harmful bacteria, prompting authorities to call for a halt to the production of natural mineral water at the site. Despite Nestlé’s assurances that illegal treatments have been removed, the ARS report warns that unauthorized processes may still be in use. Additionally, filters are being used to mask the poor quality of the water. Last year, Nestlé destroyed millions of bottles of Perrier after contamination was discovered, but this latest inspection suggests ongoing concerns about the safety of the product.
French capital declares move against graffiti vandals - Paris city hall has declared war on graffiti vandals amid rising frustration over widespread tagging of the city’s historic monuments and buildings. From statues in Place de la République to centuries-old façades along the Grands Boulevards, graffiti is everywhere and is costing the city an estimated €6 million a year. Authorities have now vowed to track and prosecute offenders using CCTV, legal action, and cost recovery efforts. Despite previous crackdowns, only one person has been successfully prosecuted in three years. Critics say a small group of "serial taggers" act with impunity, often posting their work online.
Snow causes chaos - While the Riviera may have seen heavy rain, it was snow causing chaos in the Alps on Thursday. In France, over a metre of snow fell in the resort town of Tignes, prompting officials to order residents and tourists to stay indoors due to avalanche risk. The snowstorm left thousands without power in the Savoie region, while in Switzerland, key routes like the Great St Bernard Tunnel were closed. The Swiss resort of Zermatt was completely cut off. Though spring snow isn’t unusual in the Alps, the scale of disruption this late in the season was significant.
Louis Sarkozy considering running for Mayor of Menton in 2026 - Louis Sarkozy, the son of former French President Nicolas Sarkozy, is reportedly considering running for mayor of Menton in the 2026 municipal elections, according to Le Figaro. Sarkozy, who is set to turn 28 soon, expressed interest in regional politics, particularly as Menton may soon fall under the control of the National Rally. Sarkozy, who served as second deputy mayor under Jean-Claude Guibal before his passing, noted he was not officially a candidate but found the position in Menton intriguing. Also expected to run is National Rally MP Alexandra Masson, a major figure in the area. Louis Sarkozy, who holds a master's degree in diplomacy and international relations, will be in Menton from May 13 to 17 for the "Bookseller's Week" event, where he will sign his book and give a lecture on Napoleon’s relationship with literature.
Easter weekend traffic: Expect heavy delays – Today, Friday, April 18th, marks the start of a long weekend and school holidays in Zone A. Bison Futé has issued a red warning for heavy outbound traffic all day, especially on major roads like the A1, A13, A7, and A63. Expect delays from morning to evening. For return traffic, it's orange, meaning moderate congestion. On Saturday, traffic will be heavy in the northwest (red warning) but easier elsewhere (orange warning). The A13 will see delays from mid-morning to mid-afternoon as people leave Paris. Sunday and Monday are relatively quieter, with green warnings for both directions. But Monday (a public holiday) will see red in the northwest and orange elsewhere for outbound travel. Plan ahead and be patient on the roads!
Business
The Trump administration has announced plans to impose port fees on Chinese ships in a bid to boost U.S. shipbuilding and counter China's dominance in the industry. The move, unveiled by the U.S. Trade Representative, is a scaled-back version of an earlier proposal that suggested charging up to $1.5 million per port visit. The new fees will begin in 180 days and increase over time. The policy has raised concerns about potential disruption to global trade, adding to tensions sparked by President Trump's broader tariff agenda.
Meanwhile, according to the IMF, President Trump's tariffs are expected to slow economic growth in some countries but won't trigger a global recession. In her speech ahead of the IMF's spring meeting, managing director Kristalina Georgieva said growth forecasts would face “notable” downgrades and warned of rising inflation in some regions due to U.S. import taxes. The recent flat 10% tariff on all imports, alongside specific 25% duties on steel, aluminium, and car parts, has created what Georgieva called a “reboot of the global trading system.” She cited extreme trade uncertainty and market volatility sparked by inconsistent and unpredictable tariff policies.
And - A US judge has ruled that Google holds a monopoly in online advertising technology, marking the tech giant’s second major antitrust loss in a year. The case, brought by the Department of Justice and 17 states, accused Google of unlawfully dominating the systems that control how and where online ads are placed. Google, which is also appealing a separate ruling over its monopoly on online search, said it would challenge this latest decision.
Sport
Football - Manchester United staged a sensational comeback at Old Trafford, scoring twice in the final minute of extra time to beat 10-man Lyon and reach the semi-finals of the Europa League. Trailing 4-2 in extra time after blowing a two-goal lead, United looked finished. Fans were leaving in droves—until VAR awarded a penalty for a foul. With Sir Alex Ferguson watching on, it was a finish worthy of his legacy. United now face Athletic Bilbao in the semi-final.
Meanwhile, in the other matches on Thursday evening Rangers lost 2-0 to Athletic Club.
Athletics - World Athletics president Lord Coe has welcomed the UK Supreme Court’s ruling defining a woman based on biological sex, saying it brings clarity and supports the integrity of women’s sport. Coe said the decision removes legal ambiguity and reinforces World Athletics’ stance on protecting elite women’s competition. World Athletics banned transgender women from competing in women’s events in 2023 and recently introduced a swab test to verify biological sex. Several sports, including athletics, cycling, and aquatics, have introduced similar policies.
Formula One - Max Verstappen says he's "very relaxed" about his future, despite Red Bull's rocky start to the 2025 F1 season and growing speculation about a possible exit. Verstappen has been linked with Mercedes and Aston Martin for 2026, though Toto Wolff says a move next year isn't on the cards. Asked if he’d welcome Verstappen as a teammate, Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso replied: "Yes, but that's very unlikely."
Tennis - Top seed Carlos Alcaraz has cruised into the Barcelona Open quarter-finals with a 6-2 6-4 win over Laslo Djere.
Weather
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 12 degrees with clear skies.
The outlook Easter weekend, showers are forecast by tomorrow lunchtime. Sunday, sunny spells, remaining dry and Easter Monday looks like it will be rather unsettled with sunny spells and some scattered showers. Highs of 18 degrees.
Sunrise 06.42
Sunset 08.17
Weather elsewhere
London 17° sunny intervals
Dublin 12° heavy rain
Paris 19° sunny
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...
Read More
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...
Read More
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 ...
Read More
The French government has instructed local prefects across France to immediately reinforce surveillance and protection of prisons and their staff. The...
Read More
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...
Read More
