News
French politicians condemn deadly stabbing - French politicians have strongly condemned a deadly stabbing at a mosque in southern France, where a man was killed while praying. The attack, which was caught on video and shared on Snapchat, has shocked the nation. President Emmanuel Macron expressed condolences to the victim’s family and the French Muslim community, stating on X: “Racism and religiously motivated hatred will never belong in France.”
Doctors across France to strike from today - Starting today Monday, April 28th, 2025, doctors across France are striking against a proposed bill aimed at combating medical deserts. The bill, which requires regional health agencies' approval for doctors to set up practice in urban areas, has been criticized by medical unions as ineffective. Medical professionals argue it won't solve the healthcare shortage and may lead to more doctors practicing in surrounding areas or shifting to other healthcare roles. Burnout among healthcare professionals is already a major issue, with many working excessive hours. The strike highlights ongoing concerns about the future of healthcare in France as demand grows and the medical workforce faces increasing pressure.
Early heatwave - Météo-France has predicted an "early heatwave" this week with temperatures exceeding 25°C across much of the country. The warm spell will reach its peak on May 1st, Labor Day. Daytime temperatures will progressively reach 25°C, particularly in northern France. Cities like Reims could see 27°C on Wednesday, while Toulouse will reach 23°C. On the coasts of Brittany and the Channel, temperatures may exceed the seasonal average by up to 10°C. Expect sunny skies, though the first few days of the week in the east could bring showers and localized thunderstorms. Météo-France notes this heatwave is not unusual, referencing similar events in the past, including a 2005 heatwave and another in 2024. Since mid-March, France has seen consistent above-average temperatures, reflecting ongoing global warming trends. The agency warns that while this heatwave is not exceptional, it is part of a larger trend driven by human activities, particularly fossil fuel consumption.
Weather warning – Meanwhile, the Alpes-Maritimes has been places on a yellow weather warning due to thunderstorms today Monday, April 28th. Thunderstorms are expected to develop in the afternoon, affecting most of the region, except the coast. The yellow alert will be in effect from 2pm to 7pm. In addition, a yellow avalanche alert is in place in the mountains until at least Tuesday. Temperatures will reach up to 23°C in Nice, with gusty winds in the Tende area, reaching 45 km/h.
Phone scam - If you've received a call from someone claiming you called them when you didn’t, your number may have been spoofed for a scam. This is phone number spoofing, where scammers use software to make it appear as though you're calling, often displaying trusted numbers like your banks. While legal for businesses, scammers exploit it for fake bank advisor scams, deceiving victims into thinking they’re speaking with their bank. Although laws aim to block spoofed numbers, scammers can bypass these, especially with international apps like WhatsApp. If you suspect your number’s been spoofed, file a complaint with the police or use the 17Cyber platform for advice on protecting yourself and recovering funds.
Runner suffers cardiac arrest - A 55-year-old Irish man has suffered a cardiac arrest during the Nice half Marathon on Sunday. The runner reportedly collapsed whilst running on the port. Emergency services, including workers from the UN Ocean Summit construction site, provided immediate assistance before paramedics arrived. The runner was then taken to hospital in Saint-Laurent-du-Var in a serious condition.
Study on quality of Nice’s beaches - A recent study by the Water and Rivers of Brittany (ERB) association has ranked the swimming quality of Nice's beaches for spring 2025. Based on data from the Regional Health Agency, the study categorizes beaches into four groups: Recommended, low risk, not recommended, and to be avoided. The study covers over 1,500 beaches across France and highlights the importance of water quality, especially in areas with high human activity. For more information you can visit the website the https://www.labelleplage.fr/
13th Sainte Dévote Rugby Tournament - The 13th Sainte Dévote Rugby Tournament concluded on Saturday April 26th with Montpellier Hérault Rugby defeating Cobham FC 2-0. H.S.H. Princess Charlene, President of the Monegasque Rugby Federation, presented the Sainte Dévote Trophy to the Monegasque national team, awarded since 2011 for the Monaco vs. Rugby Club Lucciana match. Tournament patron Tendai Mtawarira joined the awards ceremony, where Xavier Papp of the Swiss Rugby Vaudois team received the best player trophy. This event, which brought together 24 teams from 21 countries, celebrated the spirit of rugby.
Dixner a new dining experience in Nice - Finally, a unique dining experience has arrived in Nice: Dixner now offers meals where 10 strangers gather to share a dinner together. The first event, held on April 18, 2025, at Les Épicuriens, was a success, with immediate interest for more gatherings. To participate, sign up on the Dixner website, complete a 20-question questionnaire, and the system will match you with others. The goal is to create a balanced group, with participants from various backgrounds. Dixner, which already operates in 56 cities across France, aims to expand further on the Côte d'Azur, providing a unique way to meet new people over great food.
Business
The French government is set to propose merging or eliminating a third of its state-backed agencies by the end of the year, in a cost-cutting move announced on Sunday. France’s Public Accounts Minister Amélie de Montchalin told French media that the plan will target agencies and operators that are not universities, aiming to streamline public spending. By merging or eliminating a third of government agencies, the French government hopes to reduce costs and bureaucracy.
Meanwhile, a new bill in France seeks to amend the Labor Code to allow establishments already authorized to open on Sundays to do so on May 1st, specifically targeting bakeries and florists. The government supports the initiative which emphasizes the status of May 1st as a public holiday but also recognizes the essential role of certain businesses. The law aims to provide legal clarity for businesses like bakeries, which were recently fined for violating the holiday's rules during inspections. The bill is expected to be reviewed by the Senate before the end of June.
Sport
Football - Liverpool have been crowned Premier League Champions at an emotional Anfield. The team’s long wait ended as Tottenham were swept aside 5-1 and the Reds were crowned Premier League champions, matching Manchester United’s record of 20 top-flight titles. For the first time in 35 years, Liverpool lifted the trophy in front of their home fans at Anfield. The last home title celebration came in 1990 under Sir Kenny Dalglish, who watched from the stands.
Tennis - Top seed Alexander Zverev has been given a warning at the Madrid Open after taking a photo of a disputed ball mark during his dramatic win over Alejandro Davidovich Fokina. Zverev, ranked world number two, battled back to win 2-6, 7-6 (7-3), 7-6 (7-0), but the match was overshadowed by a line-calling controversy in the second set. This is the latest incident in a growing debate over the use of electronic line-calling on clay, where players and fans are used to traditional judging methods. While line judges have been removed from ATP events this year, the French Open will continue to use them.
Rugby Union - Gloucester scored 13 tries in a stunning record-breaking 79-17 victory over Exeter, moving up to fifth in the Premiership. They dominated from the start, racing to a 43-7 halftime lead with seven first half tries and a bonus point secured within 20 minutes. For Exeter, it was their heaviest top-flight defeat, continuing a tough season that also saw a record European loss to Bordeaux. Exeter stays second from bottom in the table.
Athletics - The 2025 London Marathon made history as the largest ever, with more than 55,646 runners crossing the finish line—surpassing the previous world record held by the New York Marathon. Despite hot weather, crowds cheered on runners throughout the 26.2-mile course, with numbers still climbing into the evening. This year also set a record for entries, with over 840,000 people applying, 49% of UK applicants were women, and there was a major rise in young runners. Saturday’s Mini Marathon also saw record youth participation, with over 15,000 taking part.
Weather
A mainly fine start in the Alpes Maritimes with showers forecast for the Var region. Scattered thundery showers are expected across the region by this afternoon. Highs of 21 degrees in Nice and Saint-Tropez, 22 degrees in Cannes, 19 degrees in Saint-Tropez. This evening going down to 13 degrees.
Note that the Alpes-Maritimes has been placed on a yellow weather warning due to thunderstorms today Monday, April 28th. Thunderstorms are expected to develop in the afternoon, affecting most of the region, except the coast. The yellow alert will be in effect from 2pm to 7pm. In addition, a yellow avalanche alert is in place in the mountains until at least Tuesday. Temperatures will reach up to 23°C in Nice, with gusty winds in the Tende area, reaching 45 km/h.
The outlook for tomorrow and Wednesday sunny with a gentle breeze and highs of 21 degrees.
Sunrise 06.26am
Sunset 08.29pm
Weather elsewhere
Paris 24° sunny
London 24° sunny
Dublin 19° sunny intervals
Beach weather
Nice- Sea temperature 17°, air temperature 22°, risk of thundery showers. UV Level 6.
Marseille- Sea temperature 16°, air temperature 18°, scattered showers. UV level 6.
And Finally
A letter written by Titanic survivor Colonel Archibald Gracie just days before the ship sank has sold for a record-breaking £300,000 at a UK auction—five times its expected price. The letter, described as “prophetic,” was dated 10 April 1912, the day Gracie boarded the ship in Southampton. In it, he wrote that he would “await my journey’s end” before judging the “fine ship.”
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