National News France
France claims Russia is running a disinformation campaign to undermine the Paris Olympics - French President Emmanuel Macron has claimed that Russia is running a disinformation campaign to undermine the Paris Olympics. Macron was asked by reporters during the inauguration of a new Olympic swimming centre if he thought Russia was targeting the Games to which the President of the Republic answered, "without a doubt". The French government says Russia has recently stepped-up propaganda attacks on France, using fake accounts on social media to spread rumours and disinformation.
Investigation following violent attack in front of French college - An investigation for “attempted murder” has been opened after a 15-year-old schoolboy was beaten up in front of his school and has been left fighting for his life in hospital. The incident happened south of Paris on Thursday afternoon in front of the Collège des Sablons. "The attackers fled" and no arrests have yet been made. The student was leaving his music class and was on his way home when he was violently attacked less than 100 metres from the school. It’s the second such incident in the space of just a few days after a 13-year-old student suffered a similar attack in front of her school in Montpellier on Tuesday. Seriously injured it was reported on Wednesday that she had come out of a coma. Three minors were taken into custody on suspicion of attempted murder.
Tax declarations - Taxpayers residing in France will be able to declare their income tax from April 11th. Those in the departments 1 to 19 will have until Thursday, May 23rd to declare their income online. While in the departments 20 to 54 (including the two departments of Corsica) the deadline is Thursday 30th May. Finally, those in departments 55 to 95 as well as the overseas departments will have until Thursday 6th June. As a reminder, if you are late in declaring your income your tax may be increased by 10% to 40% in penalties.
Local
Couple in Nice sanctioned for keeping pets in cruel conditions - A couple in Nice have been given a one-year suspended sentence and have been banned from keeping pets permanently after they were discovered to be keeping dozens of animals in cruel conditions. The French couple had kept 159 cats and seven dogs in their 80sqm flat. The animals were discovered last year living in filth, many dehydrated, suffering from malnutrition or infected with parasites. They were also ordered to pay more than €150,000 to animal rights' charities and civil parties.
Report warns that up to 500 coastal towns are threatened by erosion - According to a report by the Centre for Studies and Expertise on Risks, the Environment, Mobility and Development in France, the French government has warned that up to 500 coastal towns in France could soon be uninhabitable. The French government announced on Thursday that it is working with mayors to meet the needs of the places affected, claiming that between a thousand buildings in 2028 and several hundred thousand by 2100 will potentially be affected by coastal erosion. France’s Minister of Ecological Transition Christophe Béchu said that "the equivalent of a football field disappears every week in France as a result of the progress of the oceans, which is accelerating," adding "We have identified 500 municipalities and we have started working with the mayors" to put in place "tailor-made plans”. France is particularly vulnerable to erosion which current impacts nearly 900 km of coastline.
High temperatures - Meteo France has warned that parts of the country will experience highs of 30 degrees this Friday April 5th. Throughout the southwest of France, the sun will dominate and temperatures will be exceptionally high for this time of year. Up to 27°C is expected in Bordeaux and 28°C is expected in the Tarbes. A heat peak is forecast for Saturday, with 26°C in Biarritz and 25° in Vichy and Clermont-Ferrand. The Mediterranean should be spared with 19°C in Perpignan, 17°C in Montpellier and 20°C in Marseille however will 20 degree mark will be crossed: 22°C is expected.
Sand cloud - Meanwhile, a cloud of sand from the Sahara will cross France this weekend in particularly in Normandy. In addition to the heat wave substantial concentrations are expected, similar to those observed in the south-east of the country last week, but this time over a large part of France. The dust can cause peaks in particle pollution and have an impact on health for the most vulnerable.
Business
McDonald's is to buy back all its Israeli restaurants following a boycott of the brand in response to the Israel-Hamas war. The fast-food giant had been criticised after giving away thousands of free meals to Israeli soldiers. The US company said the restaurants, operations and employees would be retained "on equivalent terms" and that it remained "committed to the Israeli market". Terms of the sale were not revealed.
Boeing has paid $160m to Alaska Air to make up for losses it has so far suffered following a dramatic mid-air blowout in January. The incident led to regulators temporarily grounding nearly 200 Boeing 737 Max 9's. Thousands of flights were cancelled. Alaska said the money would address profits lost in the first three months of the year and it expected further payouts in the months ahead.
And - The hard rock band Kiss has sold its back catalogue of songs to a Swedish music investor for a figure thought to be upwards of $300m (£237m). Stockholm-based Pophouse Entertainment also bought the group's brand, likeness and intellectual property. The sale marks the band's retirement from live performances on their End of the Road World Tour. Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen have also sold their back catalogues for multi-million-dollar figures.
Sport
Tennis - Rafael Nadal has pulled out of the Monte Carlo Masters, saying his body "simply won't allow" him to play in the tournament, which starts on Sunday. 37-year-old Nadal, made his long-awaited return at January's Brisbane International after almost a year out with injury. But the Spaniard injured a hip, which ruled him out of the Australian Open and has kept him sidelined ever since.
Football - Last night in the Premier League Liverpool beat Sheffield United 3-1 and Chelsea won 4-3 at home against Manchester United.
Cycling - Reigning Tour de France champion Jonas Vingegaard suffered a broken collarbone and several broken ribs following a high-speed crash at the Itzulia Basque Country stage race. Vingegaard, 27, was among several riders caught up in the incident which occurred on a bend on a descent. Race leader Primoz Roglic and fellow Grand Tour winner Remco Evenepoel were also forced to abandon the race. The remaining 35km of Thursday's fourth stage were neutralised.
Weather
Fine and sunny with a moderate breeze. Highs of 18 degrees in Nice and Monaco, 19 degrees in Mougins and Saint-Tropez and reaching 21 degrees in Saint-Raphael. This evening going down to 10 degrees with clear skies.
The outlook for the weekend fine with highs of 19-20 degrees.
Sunrise 07.04am
Sunset 08.02pm
Sea temperature
Monaco 14.3°
Weather elsewhere
London 18° light rain.
Paris 19° cloudy.
Dublin 15° light cloud.
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