National News France
Historic ceremony - French President Emmanuel Macron will today Friday March 8th, use a Napoleon-era press to seal the right to abortion into the country's constitution, in a historic ceremony that's open to the public at the Place Vendome in Paris. Designed to show support to women across the world on International Women’s Day the French head of state will also pay tribute to feminist figures from the 18th to the 20th century, including Joséphine Baker and Simone Veil, who introduced the law on abortion as Minister of Health in 1974. France is the first country to explicitly guarantee abortion rights in the national charter.
Compensation for victims of anti-gay law - Meanwhile, France's lower house has passed a bill which will provide recognition and compensation for people convicted of homosexuality between 1942 and 1982. The anti-gay law was originally introduced by the Vichy government during World War Two, when France was occupied by Nazi Germany. Before then, homosexuality had been legal since 1791. The new bill proposes to reimburse people who were fined for homosexual crimes. It will also compensate anyone imprisoned for being gay. The lower house of parliament unanimously approved the bill overnight, but it must now be examined by the Senate.
Hip-hop dance teachers express anger at possible new requirements- Hip-hop dance teachers in France are up in arms over a possible bill which is being debated by the French parliament. The new measure aims to impose a state diploma on the teaching of all dances. The move according to hip-hop teachers would “end the freedom and identity of the dance and culture”. The bill comes just over four months ahead of the Paris Olympic Games, where break dancing will make its first appearance. Launched on October 25th last year on the change.org website, a petition “No to the state diploma for the teaching of popular dances” collected almost 12,000 signatures.
Local
Weather warning - Meteo France has forecast a “Mediterranean episode” for the Var and the Alpes Maritimes from today Friday 8th March and heading into the weekend. Up to 20/40 mm of rain is expected in 24 hours. Strong winds are expected in the Var with gusts of 75km/h on the coast and reaching 80km/h in the Saint-Tropez area. The Alpes-Maritimes will be slightly more protected, with a wind localized over a wide coastal strip and gusts of up to 50km/h peaking at 75km/h near Antibes. Saturday is expected to be much the same with winds dying down in the Alpes Maritimes. Sunday should be calmer with scattered rain forecast throughout the day in both departments. The wind will be light in the Alpes-Maritimes and will persist only in the southwest of the Var, with gusts of up to 45km/h.
Paris-Nice this weekend – Due to the bad weather expected in our region the 7th stage of the Paris Nice cycling race has been modified. Originally planned from Nice to Auron on Saturday it was announced on Thursday afternoon that this stage will be shortened and will no longer pass by la colmiane but instead by la Madone d’Utelle. Don’t forget that there are several road closures and parking restrictions in our region due to the Paris Nice from today Friday 8th March, through until Sunday with the final 8th stage taking place. For more information go to the website www.paris-nice.fr/fr
Fete du Citron - The town hall of Menton has revealed figures which show this year’s Fete de Citron was one of the most successful ever. Overall, 200,000 people visited the town during February with all local hotels being completely sold out despite increased prices. Last weekend’s rain did not dampen festivities, as even though the final parade was cancelled, people still came to the town’s cafes, restaurants and hotel bars. The town reports 63% of our visitors were French, followed by Italians, Swiss, Germans and English.
"Alter Racing Club pop-up" - Alter Designs is presenting its latest collection as part of the “Alter Racing Club” pop-up at the Métropole Shopping Centre here in Monaco. The eco-responsible brand by designer Pauline Ducruet, daughter of Princess Stephanie, will this time be paying tribute to the Monaco Grand Prix. The pop up is on until the 31st of March. Stay tuned to the Full English Breakfast Show as Pauline Ducruet will be joining Sarah Lycett to tell us more about the project and the reasons behind it.
Business
A US House panel has approved a bill that could ban or force TikTok's China-based parent company to sell the app within six months. The measure, introduced by another House of Representatives committee and backed by the White House, cites national security concerns. TikTok says the proposed legislation would hurt free speech and small businesses that rely on the app. It has urged its users to call members of Congress to voice their opposition. TikTok denies that its links to China pose a threat to US security.
A record was set on Thursday afternoon when the CAC40, the flagship index of the Paris Stock Exchange, crossed 8,000 points. Like many stock markets, the CAC 40 was propelled by company performance and a decline in inflation. It reached 8,007 points around 2.30pm on Thursday afternoon.
And - Media tycoon Rupert Murdoch has become engaged for the sixth time. The marriage, which is expected to take place in California this year, will be Mr Murdoch's fifth. Murdoch stepped down as chairman of Fox and News Corp last year. According to the New York Times, which broke the story, the date is set for June and invitations have already been sent out.
Sport
Rugby Union – Plenty of action in the Six Nations this weekend, Italy face Scotland tomorrow, kick off is at 3.15pm French time and there is a daunting Six Nations encounter with Grand Slam-chasing Ireland against England in front of a capacity crowd of 82,000 at Twickenham on Saturday. The match starts at 5.45pm French time. On Sunday Wales play France kick off is at 4pm French time.
Formula One - Red Bull team boss Christian Horner says it is "time to draw a line under" the controversy over accusations about his behaviour towards a female employee. Red Bull has suspended the woman who accused Horner of inappropriate behaviour, which he has denied. Red Bull said it "could not comment" on the reasons for the woman's suspension. The Saudi Arabia Grand Prix gets underway this weekend with the race taking place tomorrow Saturday 9th March, at 6pm French time.
Tennis - Emma Raducanu earned a 6-2 6-3 win against qualifier Rebeka Masarova in the first round at Indian Wells.
Weather
A yellow weather warning is in place for the Alpes Maritimes and the Var today. Meteo France has warned of heavy rain and strong winds. Sunny intervals to start with clouding over with rain expected by this afternoon. Strong winds are expected. Highs of 13 degrees in Nice, Monaco and Saint-Tropez. 12 degrees in Vence and Marseille. This evening going down to 7 degrees and cloudy.
The bad weather which is on its way from the southwest is expected to be particularly severe in Montpellier and Toulouse, gradually heading towards the PACA region. The forecast for Saturday and Sunday is thundery showers in Marseille and heavy rain and moderate winds in Nice and Monaco, with highs of 14 degrees.
Sunrise 06.54
Sunset 06.28
Sea temperatures
Monaco 13.8°
Weather elsewhere
London 10° sunny intervals.
Bordeaux 13° light rain
Lille 14° sunny
Dublin 9° light cloud
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