News
Major power outage is suspected act of sabotage - A major power outage in the Alpes-Maritimes over the weekend is now under investigation as a suspected act of sabotage. Two groups identifying themselves as "anarchist gangs" have claimed responsibility in an online post published on Sunday, saying the act was aimed at disrupting the Cannes Film Festival and cutting electricity to industrial sites. The message is now under review by prosecutors in Grasse and Draguignan. Officials say the sabotage targeted a major electrical substation and involved sawing through high-voltage pylons, forcing power cuts to over 160,000 homes. France’s Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau has called for increased security across key energy infrastructure nationwide. Meanwhile, investigators are still determining whether an arson attack on a transformer in Nice, which plunged 45,000 homes into darkness, is linked to the act of sabotage. Prefect Laurent Hottiaux has denounced the events as "serious acts of damage", emphasizing the threat to vital infrastructure. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
France faces critical shortage of antidepressants - In other news, France is facing a critical shortage of antidepressants and other psychiatric medications, affecting thousands of patients nationwide. At least 14 essential drugs have been hit by supply disruptions or are out of stock for several months now. Psychiatrists and pharmacists warn this shortage is endangering patient health. Speaking to French media, Dr. David Masson of the Nancy Psychotherapy Centre said, "I haven’t seen anything like this in 20 years. Even essential treatments are vanishing from shelves." The shortage comes as mental health has been declared a national priority for 2025 by President Emmanuel Macron. Yet, professionals say the government is falling short. The Union of Pharmacists in France has urged for immediate action to restore supply chains and prevent what they call “a looming psychiatric crisis.”
Taxi drivers continue protests - And taxi drivers across France are extending their protests against a proposed reform of patient transport pricing. Despite Prime Minister François Bayrou's offer to review the plan from today, drivers say they will maintain pressure on the government with continued mobilizations and possible new actions before May 27th. The reform, set to take effect October 1, introduces a standardized fare system aimed at reducing health transport costs. Taxi unions warn it could slash incomes and say they are wary of government promises. Protesters attempted to block Roland-Garros on Sunday and remain mobilized in Paris and beyond.
Tensions rise following Palme d’Or at Cannes Film Festival - Tensions have flared between France and Iran following the awarding of the Palme d’Or to Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi at the Cannes Film Festival. Iran summoned the French diplomatic representative in Tehran on Sunday, denouncing what it called “insulting remarks” from France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, who had condemned “the oppression of the Iranian regime” in a post on social media. The film “A simple Accident” received the top prize and is a bold political film. The 64-year-old director, previously jailed twice for his activism, is due to return to Iran but says he is “not worried.” Iranian state media accused Cannes of making a political statement, while French officials continue to defend artistic freedom.
Swimmer dies in Nice - A man in his forties has tragically died after being getting into difficulty while swimming near the Beau Rivage beach on the Promenade des Anglais on Sunday afternoon. Emergency services and firefighters responded quickly at around 4.30pm and local police secured the area. Despite a lengthy intervention, the man later passed away. An investigation is underway.
Road accident - Meanwhile a serious road accident on the new dual carriageway tunnel in the west of Nice West has left a pregnant woman in her twenties seriously injured. The accident occurred on Sunday morning and involved a Smart car which ended up on its roof. The driver was slightly injured and taken into police custody and was found to be driving under the influence and without a license. Her passenger, also in her twenties and reportedly pregnant, was seriously injured. A sharp weapon was also found inside the vehicle, raising questions about the passenger’s situation. Authorities have expanded the investigation to include possible charges of kidnapping and unlawful confinement the inquiry continues.
Nice airport announces new direct flight – From December 12th, 2025, Nice Airport will offer a new direct flight to Washington, D.C., expanding its North American connections alongside existing routes to New York, Philadelphia, and Atlanta. This new service was inaugurated on Friday, May 23th, inviting travellers to discover the U.S. capital for their next vacation.
Parking in Nice - Nice City Council has voted on May 23, 2025, to double the free parking period on city streets from 30 minutes to one hour, effective from July 1st, 2025. Previously applied only on Saturdays and in Parcs d’Azur car parks, this change aims to support local businesses by giving motorists more time for shopping. Meanwhile, paid parking will begin in the Nice-Nord district from October 1st. Mayor Christian Estrosi highlighted that the extended free parking will boost the city’s economic vitality.
Monaco Grand Prix 2025 - The Monaco Grand Prix once again looked more like a red carpet than a racetrack, as a star-studded guest list turned heads before the start on Sunday. From Dua Lipa and Naomi Campbell to Kylian Mbappé, Antoine Dupont, Zinedine Zidane, Kylie Minogue and Lola Young the pit lane buzzed with A-listers. Even billionaires Jeff Bezos and Bernard Arnault were present. DJ Snake, Patrick Dempsey, and Squeezie were also spotted. With a mix of athletes, musicians and actors. Monaco once again proved it’s the ultimate blend of speed, style, and star power.
And it’s official the Monaco Grand Prix just keeps getting bigger. A record-breaking 250,000 fans flocked to the Principality over four days, with grandstand tickets selling out faster than ever. Saturday and Sunday saw 24,000 spectators each day, as racing fans packed the circuit to witness the 82nd edition of Formula 1’s most glamorous race. As the head of Monaco’s Automobile Club put it: “Every year, the event sells more tickets and at a faster pace!”.
Business
US President Donald Trump has agreed to extend the deadline for tariff negotiations with the European Union until July 9th. This follows a “good call” between Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Sunday. Last month, Trump imposed a 20% tariff on most EU goods, later reducing it to 10% until July 8 to allow for talks. On Friday, Trump expressed frustration with the negotiation pace and threatened to raise tariffs to 50%.
And - British taxpayers are poised to face a loss of just over £10 billion on the 2008 bailout of Royal Bank of Scotland (now NatWest Group). The government is expected to confirm next week that it has sold its final remaining shares in the bank. According to reports after accounting for share sale proceeds, dividends, and fees, the total cost to the UK of rescuing RBS is estimated at approximately £10.2 billion.
Sport
Formula One - Lando Norris has claimed a brilliant victory at the 2025 Monaco Grand Prix, holding off hometown favourite Charles Leclerc, who finished second in front of a roaring Monegasque crowd. Leclerc, who briefly led during pit stops, earned "Driver of the Day" and helped Ferrari close the gap to Mercedes in the Constructors' standings. Lewis Hamilton climbed from seventh to fifth after a grid penalty, while Oscar Piastri and George Russell rounded out the top five. Next stop is Barcelona, as the European triple-header continues with the Spanish Grand Prix on June 2nd.
Meanwhile, an all too familiar face and often part of Riviera Radio’s coverage of the Grand Prix the late Eddie Jordan was greatly missed at this year’s race. Ahead of the event Prince Albert II officially launched The Eddie Jordan Foundation at the Monaco Yacht Club, honouring the legacy of the late Formula 1 team owner. The foundation aims to support young entrepreneurs and athletes in sport, music, sailing, and business fields close to Jordan’s heart. Prince Albert praised Jordan’s energy and positivity, while family and friends recalled his unique spirit and dedication. The foundation also promotes health awareness, continuing Jordan’s work for cancer prevention.
Tennis – It was an emotional farewell at Roland-Garros on Sunday as Rafael Nadal was honoured for his legendary career and his 14 titles in the French capital. The Spanish champion was visibly moved as his longtime rivals Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray joined him on court. The Big Four shared laughs, memories and even a cheeky message from Murray poking fun at Nadal after Real Madrid’s Champions League exit. The tribute marked the end of an era in tennis, with Nadal praising the rivalries that pushed the sport and each other to historic heights.
Football - Aston Villa has formally complained to Professional Game Match Officials Limited after a “big mistake” by referee Thomas Bramall affected their 2-0 defeat at Manchester United. With the match goalless and Villa down to 10 men, Morgan Rogers appeared to score a legitimate goal, but Bramall stopped play for a foul that replays disputed. The early whistle prevented VAR intervention. Moments later, United scored twice, sealing Villa’s loss and their failure to qualify for the Champions League.
Meanwhile, Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah scored a crucial late goal against Crystal Palace on Sunday, sealing a memorable title-winning season. His 29th league goal matched the Premier League record for most goal involvements in a season, alongside Alan Shearer and Andy Cole. Salah also claimed his fourth Golden Boot, equalling Thierry Henry’s record.
Rugby Union - Northampton Saints’ bid for Champions Cup glory ended as Bordeaux-Begles powered to a 28-20 win in the Cardiff final. Despite a strong first half Bordeaux’s forwards took control in the second half. Though the Saints fought hard, the French side’s relentless pressure secured their victory.
Weather
Cloudy with sunny intervals. Lights winds and highs of 22 degrees in Monaco and Nice, 23 degrees in Vence, 21 degrees in Saint-Tropez with moderate to strong winds in the Var. This evening going down to 13 degrees with clear skies.
The outlook for tomorrow and Wednesday. Mainly fine with some cloudy patches, moderate winds and highs of 24 degrees.
Sunrise 05.55am
Sunset 09.00pm
Weather elsewhere
London 17° drizzle.
Paris 19° sunny intervals.
Dublin 15° light rain.
Beach weather
Nice – Sea temperature 19°, air temperature 22. UV level 7.
Saint Tropez - Sea temperature 19°, air temperature 22. UV level 7.
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