National News
French President confirms talks on support for Ukraine - French President Emmanuel Macron has confirmed that France is in talks with allies about possibly supporting Ukraine with troops, amid its ongoing war with Russia. Speaking to Le Parisien newspaper, Macron said discussions are focused on the "presence and strategic footprint" of partner nations, noting that military heads from France, the UK, and Ukraine have been coordinating closely. He did not elaborate on what any troop involvement might entail. The comments signal a potential shift in Western support as Kyiv continues to seek broader assistance on the ground.
Firefighters in France concern over safety – Recent figures have shown that France's volunteer firefighters faced nearly 1,500 assaults in 2024, a 3% increase over the previous year, prompting growing concern over their safety and respect on the job. The attacks range from verbal abuse and death threats to physical assaults. Some firefighters have suffered lasting physical or psychological trauma, with many feeling increasingly disrespected in their roles. A new union has been formed to represent those in the profession and combat the violence towards them. Few victims file formal complaints, despite half of them attempting to do so.
Local News
Prince Albert II of Monaco expresses condolences following tragic death of 17-year-old A Monaco basketball player – In local news HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco has expressed his condolences following the tragic death of a 17-year-old AS Monaco basketball player, Lorenzo Renou, who lost his life in an accident on the A8 motorway near Le Cannet-des-Maures on the night of May 10th to 11th. The prince shared his heartfelt sympathy with the family and loved ones of the young player, as well as those injured in the crash, which involved members of the AS Monaco National 3 basketball team returning from a match. The crash occurred at around 3am and resulted in the vehicle rolling over. Renou was a promising player from the Gironde, who had been attending the Lycée Albert Ier in Monaco. Investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing. Tributes have poured in from across the Monegasque sports community, with AS Monaco Basketball, AS Monaco Football, and the Monaco Basket Association expressing their condolences and solidarity with the families affected. The Monaco Supporters’ Club also shared their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Ahead of a basketball match on Sunday evening, a minute of silence was observed to honour Renou’s memory, with a tribute banner displayed in his honour. Riviera Radio extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Lorenzo Renou, as well as to all those affected.
Weather warning - Météo-France has issued a yellow alert for thunderstorms in the Var department today Monday, May 12th. The alert will be in effect from 2 p.m. until around 7 p.m. Temperatures will range from 14°C to 19°C in the morning, reaching a high of 21°C in the afternoon. Winds along the Var coast may gust up to 45 km/h.
Major inspection of nightlife venues in Nice - A major overnight inspection of nightlife venues in Nice has led to the immediate closure of three establishments and potential shutdowns of three more due to serious violations, including drug use, illegal employment, and not respecting safety measures. The joint operation, conducted from Friday night into Saturday by city and state authorities, targeted around 20 businesses across the west and east Nice, as well as in Old Nice. Among the closures were a fast-food outlet on Avenue Saint-Augustin and two snack bars cited for hygiene violations. Pending closures include two pubs in Old Nice, where drug use and fire safety issues were found, and the Montecristo nightclub, which reportedly operated without authorization as well as undeclared staff. Authorities also issued fines for noise, labour violations and hygiene-related issues. The first Deputy Mayor of Nice Anthony Borré emphasized the city’s commitment to ensuring nightlife does not come at the expense of public safety. Since the start of 2024, joint police operations in Nice have resulted in over 100 establishments being closed.
Fire breaks out in shipyard - A fire has broken out at a shipyard warehouse in La Roquette-sur-Siagne, north of Cannes in the Alpes Maritimes. Firemen intervened on Sunday evening at around 8 p.m. to find a 300 m² shed ablaze. The fire, which had spread to boat mechanics equipment, was quickly contained and extinguished. No injuries were reported, and ventilation efforts are ongoing. The cause of the fire remains unknown.
Cannes Film Festival – Finally, the iconic banner for the 78th Cannes Film Festival has been unveiled ahead of the event's opening. Each year, the festival staff showcases the poster, and this time, the design pays tribute to the legendary cinema of Claude Lelouch and the iconic duo, Anouk Aimée and Jean-Louis Trintignant, from the film A Man and a Woman (1966). The poster, now displayed for the next two weeks, symbolizes the Cannes Film Festival's dedication to artistic freedom, showcasing the beauty and power of cinema. Jean-Michel Arnaud, President of the Palais des Festivals, noted the special significance of the banner, marking the beginning of the festival that celebrates expression from all countries and religions. The official opening ceremony is tomorrow Tuesday 13th May.
Business
China and the United States say they’ve made progress in high-level trade talks held in Switzerland, marking the first face-to-face meeting since steep tariffs were imposed earlier this year. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent called the discussions "productive and constructive," while China's Vice Premier He Lifeng described them as "in-depth" and "candid." A joint statement outlining the full agreement is expected on Monday. The meeting follows President Trump’s 145% tariff on Chinese imports, which triggered a 125% retaliation from Beijing and sent shockwaves through global markets.
And – In the UK Tens of thousands of household energy customers have received payouts after a compliance review revealed they had been overcharged. The industry regulator, Ofgem, reported that 10 energy suppliers have issued compensation and goodwill payments to just over 34,000 customers, totalling approximately £7 million. The issue affected customers who had more than one electricity meter at their property between January 2019 and September of last year.
Sport
Football - Barcelona bounced back from Champions League heartbreak with a thrilling 4-3 victory over Real Madrid, moving within reach of their 28th La Liga title. Despite trailing 2-0 early, Barça stormed back to lead 4-2 at halftime and held on under late pressure.
And in the Premier League on Sunday Arsenal came from two goals down to earn a 2-2 draw against newly crowned Premier League champions Liverpool in a dramatic clash at Anfield. The draw leaves Liverpool 15 points clear at the top, while Arsenal stay second and on course for a Champions League spot.
Tennis - Britain’s Jack Draper advanced to the last 16 of the Italian Open with a 6-4, 6-3 win over Czech qualifier Vit Kopriva, though the victory was marked by visible frustration from the world number five. Despite not dropping serve and hitting 21 winners, Draper’s energy lagged in the second set, leading to a mid-match outburst where he smashed his racquet. He received a warning from the umpire.
Cricket - Nottinghamshire secured a commanding 366-run victory over Hampshire, powered by stunning centuries from Jack Haynes and Liam Patterson-White, as they claimed their third win in five County Championship matches.
Weather
Thundery showers are forecast in Nice and the Alpes Maritimes. Some sunny intervals as the day progresses. Highs of 20 degrees.
Météo-France has issued a yellow alert for thunderstorms in the Var department today Monday, May 12th. The alert will be in effect from 2 p.m. until around 7 p.m. Highs of 19 degrees. This evening going down to 13 degrees with cloudy skies.
The outlook for tomorrow and Wednesday. Thundery showers are expected to continue tomorrow clearing by Wednesday to give way to sunny spells and a gentle breeze. Highs of 21 degrees.
Sunrise 06.08am
Sunset 08.45pm
Weather elsewhere
London 23° sunny.
Paris 20° light cloud.
Dublin 18° sunny intervals.
Beach weather
Nice – Sea temperature 18 degrees. Air temperature 19 degrees. UV level 7.
Saint-Tropez - – Sea temperature 18 degrees. Air temperature 20 degrees. UV level 7.
And Finally
Scientists are making remarkable strides towards a potential "fountain of youth" treatment that could add decades to human life and rejuvenate the brain. The key lies in klotho, a protein naturally produced by the body, which plays a vital role in combating age-related conditions like muscle loss, weaker bones, and cognitive decline. However, levels of klotho decrease as we age. In an exciting breakthrough, Spanish researchers have developed a klotho-based treatment that has shown to extend the lifespan of mice by 20%. This could mean adding 16 years to the life of an 80-year-old human. The study, published in Molecular Therapy, used a modified virus to deliver klotho to the mice, both intravenously and directly into their brains. The result? The mice not only lived longer but also saw improvements in muscle strength, bone density, and brain function.
Although the research is still in its early stages, and human trials are a long way off, the potential for combating age-related diseases and improving overall vitality is immense. Would you be brave enough to take the jab, knowing it might hold the key to slowing the effects of aging and even reversing some cognitive decline? The study hints at the possibility of using klotho for human treatments in the future, though more research and safety measures are needed before this could be a reality. The search for the fountain of youth may have just taken a significant leap forward!
French President Emmanuel Macron has confirmed that France is in talks with allies about possibly supporting Ukraine with troops, amid its ongoing war...
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Thundery showers are forecast in Nice and the Alpes Maritimes. Some sunny intervals as the day progresses. Highs of 20 degrees. ...
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American Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been elected Pope Leo XIV, becoming the first U.S.-born pope and signalling continuity with Pope Francis’...
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A Polish man in his forties has been hospitalized in Valence after enduring a harrowing journey between two TGV carriages from Paris. ...
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Cloudy with sunny intervals. Light rain is forecast for the Var region with moderate to strong winds. Highs of 17 degrees in Monaco and Saint-Tropez, ...
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