News
Taxi drivers continue strike action - Taxi drivers across France remain mobilized for a fourth consecutive day, as tensions rise ahead of a high-stakes meeting scheduled for Saturday at the Ministry of Transport. The meeting, requested by taxi representatives and confirmed by the Prime Minister’s office, will include François Bayrou and address growing unrest in the industry.
The mobilization stems from changes to medical transport fare structures, including increased use of shared rides to curb soaring social security costs, now at €6.74 billion, up 45% since 2019. Taxi drivers argue the burden shouldn’t fall on them. Protests continue in the French capital as the industry awaits the government’s response this weekend.
RATP increases fines - Meanwhile, The RATP is stepping up its fight against fare fraud with a significant increase in fines across the Île-de-France transport network. From June 2nd, passengers caught without a valid ticket will face a €70 fine if paid immediately, up from the current €50. For those who delay payment, the penalty rises to €120 within 90 days and €180 thereafter. On buses and trams, the fine for failing to validate a season ticket will also increase, from €5 to €15. The RATP says fare fraud leads to losses of several tens of millions of euros each year, with over 1.7 million violations recorded annually. To tackle the issue, up to 600 fare inspectors are deployed daily. Public awareness campaigns and notices about the new fines will roll out across the metro, RER, trams, and buses from early June.
Man shot and wounded in Nice - In local news, a man has been shot and wounded on the Route de Turin in Nice. The incident occurred on Thursday evening at around 9pm. According to early police reports, the victim was shot in the leg in an area known for drug-related activity. Emergency services quickly arrived on the scene to treat the injured individual, while police secured the area and launched an investigation. Authorities have yet to confirm the motive or identify any suspects as the investigation continues.
Health authorities on alert - Health authorities are on alert in southeastern France, as 13 imported cases of dengue, chikungunya, and Zika have been reported in the Alpes-Maritimes and Var departments since May 1st. The Regional Health Agency (ARS) has issued a warning about the growing presence of tiger mosquitoes, known carriers of these diseases. These cases are part of a total of 33 reported across the Provence-Alpes-Côte-d'Azur region.
The infected individuals had recently returned from destinations including Guadeloupe, Martinique, French Polynesia, Réunion, and Thailand. The ARS warns that, with outbreaks ongoing in the West Indies and parts of the Indian Ocean, there is increasing concern over the risk of local transmission in mainland France. Last year, 76 locally transmitted cases were recorded in the region, a record high, prompting fears of another surge this summer. To help prevent mosquito breeding, the public is urged to eliminate stagnant water around homes, cover water containers, and keep gutters and gardens clear. Authorities stress that simple preventive actions can significantly reduce the risk of further spread.
Red Cross operation in Nice - The French Red Cross is gearing up for one of its largest operations in Nice this Friday, May 23, as poverty and homelessness continue to rise across the city. Over a hundred volunteers, and partner organizations will mobilize to conduct a massive patrol aimed at identifying and assisting people living on the streets. Despite a strong network of associations and increased efforts by local social services, the number of people on the streets is growing sharply. Between January and March 2025, the Red Cross recorded a 40% increase in reports, with 920 documented cases and over 2,400 outreach meetings, figures that continue to climb. The teams will cover around 30 neighbourhoods across Nice, including areas along the tram lines and near the airport, aiming to reach up to 500 people, many of whom may not call emergency services.
Monaco Grand Prix – With the Monaco Grand Prix weekend in full swing, authorities are stepping up security with a new anti-drug operation at the Monaco heliport. The Public Prosecutor’s Office has made it clear that all border points, whether by air, land, or sea, will face heightened scrutiny throughout the Grand Prix period. These surprise checks are expected to continue regularly across the Principality to ensure that the high-profile weekend remains safe and law-abiding, despite the luxury and glamour on display.
Private screening of F1 The Movie - Meanwhile, as Monaco transforms into the world’s Formula 1 capital, the drivers took a break from race preparations this week to attend a private screening of F1 The Movie, the highly anticipated film starring Brad Pitt. The event, held at the Grimaldi Forum, attracted a star-studded lineup including Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, the hometown favourite, and Mercedes’ George Russell. Lewis Hamilton, who is also a producer on the film, was present.
Shot on location at real Grand Prix weekends, including the Monaco Grand Prix, the film features unprecedented access behind the scenes to paddocks, garages, and races, with drivers themselves making appearances. The movie will be released globally on June 25th.
Business
House Republicans in the US have passed a sweeping multi-trillion dollar tax break package, delivering a key legislative win for President Donald Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson. The bill, dubbed by Trump as his “big, beautiful bill,” passed by a margin of just one vote, 215 to 214. Despite the narrow margin, the passage marks a significant milestone for the Trump administration as it eyes further economic reforms ahead of the election season. The package, which includes broad tax cuts and reforms aimed at stimulating business investment and economic growth, is expected to be a central issue in the coming months as political debate intensifies.
And - Fans of the viral Labubu dolls have expressed outrage online after the toy's manufacturer, Pop Mart, halted sales across all its UK stores due to safety concerns stemming from customer altercations. The popular monster bag charms, which have become a TikTok sensation and fashion accessory thanks to celebrity fans like Rihanna and Dua Lipa, were pulled from shelves after chaotic scenes unfolded at some retail locations. For now, Labubu lovers will have to wait and hope calmer heads prevail when the dolls return to shelves.
Sport
Formula One – The 2025 Formula 1 season continues with the prestigious Monaco Grand Prix, taking place this weekend at the iconic Circuit de Monaco in Monte Carlo. This race marks the eighth round of the 24-race championship and is renowned for its challenging street circuit. As the championship standings stand before the race, Oscar Piastri leads the Drivers' Championship with 146 points, closely followed by his teammate Lando Norris in second, and Max Verstappen in third. In the Constructors' Championship, McLaren leads with 279 points, ahead of Mercedes and Red Bull Racing, who are second and third with 147 and 131 points, respectively. The Monaco Grand Prix is set to be a thrilling spectacle, with the world's top drivers vying for victory on one of the most challenging and glamorous circuits in the world.
Tennis - Novak Djokovic has celebrated his 38th birthday in style by securing a hard-fought revenge victory over Italy’s Matteo Arnaldi to reach the semi-finals of the Geneva Open. The win comes as a welcome boost for Djokovic as he ramps up his preparations for the French Open.
Football - Football fans are in for a treat at the weekend as the Premier League serves up a full schedule of fixtures on Sunday, with all matches kicking off at 5pm French time. It's a crucial day in the calendar with key matchups across the UK. AFC Bournemouth will host Leicester City in a clash that promises to be closely contested. Both sides are looking to secure vital points. Fulham are to face the reigning champions Manchester City. Ipswich Town take on West Ham United in another exciting fixture. At Anfield, Liverpool will play Crystal Palace. Manchester United welcome Aston Villa to Old Trafford in a match that could have major implications for the race for European qualification. Newcastle United play host to Everton at St. James’ Park, with both teams looking to strengthen their positions in the league standings. Nottingham Forest will be looking for a strong performance as they face Chelsea. Southampton meet Arsenal in what could be a thrilling encounter at St Mary’s Stadium. Tottenham Hotspur are set to clash with Brighton & Hove Albion. Finally, Wolverhampton rounding off a jam-packed day of Premier League action.
CANNES FILM FESTIVAL REPORT
There's Hollywood and Bollywood. But have you heard of Nollywood?
After decades on the sidelines, Nigerian film is being celebrated at Cannes this year for the very first time. The first-ever Nigerian movie to be screened at Cannes is called My Father's Shadow, from the director Akinola Davies Junior.
It’s a deeply personal story about two brothers, whose father died when they were toddlers, trailing after their absent father through the bustling metropolis of Lagos - the most densely populated city in Africa - in 1993, as the country teeters on the brink of yet another military coup.
Nigeria has a prolific film industry, which really took off in the 1990s and has expanded dramatically over the decades, churning out 2,500 films each year - that's five times as many as the United States. Many of the films are produced in just a few weeks on a shoestring budget.
The Nigerian government has sent a delegation to Cannes this year to try to raise Nollywood's global profile and attract foreign investment.
Tonight sees the closing awards in the Un Certain Regard category, which is dedicated to unusual styles and non-traditional stories seeking international recognition.
Also tonight we get the world premiere of The Mastermind by Kelly Reichardt. It stars Josh O'Connor as JB Mooney, an unemployed carpenter who becomes an aspiring amateur art thief. He and two cohorts wander into a museum in broad daylight and steal four paintings.
The only issue is that JB’s first big heist goes haywire, and when holding onto the artworks proves more difficult than stealing them, he's relegated to a life on the run, leading him to confront his life choices.
The film is set in rural Massachusetts in the 1970s - and it's one of the films vying for the Palme d'Or at the closing ceremony tomorrow evening.
Weather
Sunny with a gentle breeze. Highs of 20 degrees in Monaco and Saint-Tropez, 21 degrees in Nice, 24 degrees in Marseille. This evening going down to 14 degrees along the coast with clear skies.
The outlook for the weekend for the Cannes closing ceremony and the Monaco Grand Prix. Remaining dry with sunny skies and light winds. Highs of 24 degrees.
Sunrise 05.57am
Sunset 08.57pm
Weather elsewhere
Palma 24° sunny.
Liverpool 18° sunny light winds.
Bordeaux 22° sunny intervals.
Beach weather
Menton – Sea temperature 19, air temperature 21, UV level 6.
Toulon - Sea temperature 19, air temperature 21, UV level 6.
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