National News
France and EU intensify efforts to attract US based scientists - France and the EU are intensifying efforts to attract US-based scientists impacted by Donald Trump’s crackdown on academic freedoms, with plans to announce new incentives for researchers to relocate to Europe. This Monday morning, French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will address the issue at Sorbonne University in Paris, joined by European university leaders and researchers. They are expected to unveil measures offering support and protection for scientists looking to move to Europe.
Strike action - A major strike by France’s rail unions looks set to disrupt train services across France from May 5th to May 11th. With the May 8th long weekend approaching, many travellers could face cancelled trains. The SNCF has announced several measures to help affected passengers. If your train is cancelled, you’ll be notified by email or text at least two days before your departure. You’ll have the option to exchange your ticket for a train operating within seven days or receive a full refund in the form of a voucher, even if your ticket is normally non-refundable. For TER tickets, you can get a refund up until midnight the day before departure or use the same ticket to board another train on the same day. The SNCF urges passengers to stay updated by checking traffic conditions on the SNCF Connect app or website from 5 p.m. the day before travel. Ticket exchanges and cancellations can also be made through the usual channels. For anyone planning to travel, be sure to monitor the situation closely to avoid any disruptions.
Local News
Local MPs proposal for a range of new measures to promote national defence - Two MPs from the Alpes Maritimes and the Var region have proposed a range of measures to strengthen the connection between young people and national defence, including a new civic and defence education program starting in middle school and options for military or civilian national service at 18. Alexandra Martin (LR) and Frédéric Boccaletti (RN), both members of the National Assembly's Defence Committee, have suggested replacing current initiatives like the defence and Citizenship Day with a more immersive and structured curriculum to build awareness of France’s security challenges and institutions. Their report also proposes the option of voluntary military service or mandatory civilian service.
Restaurant owner attacked - A restaurant owner in Cavalaire in the Var has been violently assaulted outside his establishment. The incident occurred on Saturday night and led to the victim suffering a heart attack. Exact details of what happened are unclear. Emergency services intervened and the victims was taken to hospital in Toulon. An investigation is underway.
Man robbed a knifepoint after casino win - A man who won €10,000 at roulette in the Pullman Cannes Mandelieu Royal Casino has been robbed at knifepoint in the car park by a fellow player he had met earlier that evening. After a night of drinking and gambling, the victim had lent money to one of four new acquaintances. But as he left the casino at around 2am he was set upon and forced to hand over his winnings. The attacker, a 26-year-old from Nice was identified by the victim and has appeared in front of the court in Grasse.
Report - Finally, according to a recent report published Monaco's job market has witnesses a significant surge in 2024, with thousands of new roles added, strengthening the Principality's position as a major hub for private sector growth. According to figures the market grew by 4.8% in 2024, reaching 78,364 jobs, marking the strongest growth in a decade. The private sector led this expansion, with over 60,000 people now employed. The hospitality sector, including accommodation and restaurants, rose by 7.6%, while technical and administrative services saw a 7.5% increase. Temporary work also saw a notable jump, growing by 13.5%, with interim workers now making up nearly 13% of the private sector workforce. Telework became more prevalent in 2024, with nearly 6,800 employees working remotely—a 19% increase from the previous year.
Business
U.S. President Donald Trump has announced plans to impose 100% tariffs on foreign-made movies, claiming the American film industry is in rapid decline. Trump accused other countries of using incentives to lure productions away from the U.S., calling it a “national security threat” and a form of “messaging and propaganda.” Posting on Truth Social, he declared, “WE WANT MOVIES MADE IN AMERICA, AGAIN!”.
Meanwhile, the area around SpaceX’s operations in southern Texas is officially becoming a city called Starbase. Out of 283 voters—mostly SpaceX employees—212 supported the move, with just six opposed. The new city spans roughly 1.6 square miles and was largely undeveloped before SpaceX began acquiring land there in 2012. Elon Musk celebrated the result on X, declaring, “Starbase, Texas is now a real city!”
And - French Prime Minister François Bayrou has said that he is considering a national referendum on the country’s budget. The announcement at the weekend comes amid fears that major cost-cutting measures could spark widespread protests.
Sport
Football – Cole Palmer showcased his talent as he led Chelsea to a crucial 3-1 win over Premier League champions Liverpool, boosting their Champions League hopes. In this evening’s Premier League matches Crystal Palace play Nottingham Forest. Kick off is at 9pm French time.
Formula One - Oscar Piastri has claimed his fourth win in six races with a composed drive to victory at the Miami Grand Prix, leading a McLaren 1-2 ahead of team-mate Lando Norris. Mercedes’ George Russell used a virtual safety car to overtake Verstappen for third, holding him off in the final laps. Meanwhile, Ferrari faced internal tension after initially denying, then granting, Lewis Hamilton’s request to pass Charles Leclerc.
Meanwhile, closer to home here in the Principality Oliver Rowland continued his dominant form in the first of two back-to-back Monaco e-Prix races and Sébastien Buemi made a stunning comeback at winning Race 2 on Sunday to claim his first Formula E victory since 2019 and move up to third in the standings.
Rugby Union – Bordeaux have booked their place in the Champions Cup final with a thrilling 35 – 18 win over defending champions Toulouse, setting up a showdown with Northampton on 24th May in Cardiff.
Weather
Light rain with a gentle breeze. Highs of 21 degrees in Nice, 20 degrees in Monaco and Saint-Tropez. 23 degrees in Cannes. This evening going down to 11 degrees.
The outlook for tomorrow and Wednesday. Unsettled with sunny intervals and scattered showers. Highs of 21 degrees.
Sunrise 06.16am
Sunset 08.37pm
Weather elsewhere
London 15° light rain.
Dublin 12° Sunny intervals.
Paris 16° light cloud.
Beach weather
Saint-Tropez – Air temperature 21°, sea temperature 18°. Cloudy with strong winds. UV Level 6.
Nice – Air temperature 20°, sea temperature 18°. Cloudy with strong winds. UV Level 6.
Taxi drivers across France remain mobilized for a fourth consecutive day, as tensions rise ahead of a high-stakes meeting scheduled for Saturday at th...
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A new law passed by the French Parliament on the 21st of May, will ban telemarketing calls without prior consumer consent, aiming to protect people fr...
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French President Emmanuel Macron's political party, Renaissance, has proposed banning those under the age of 15 in France from wearing the Muslim head...
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The Alpes-Maritimes department has once again been placed on a yellow thunderstorm alert. While the morning will see some clear spells, conditions are...
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After deadly storms have killed three people in the Var, local mayors are calling for solidarity and urgent action on climate change. ...
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