National News France
France’s far-right leader says she is prepared to fight ruling - French far-right leader Marine Le Pen told supporters in Paris on Sunday that she would fight “a political, not a judicial ruling” that could bar her from the next presidential election after being convicted of embezzling public funds. Le Pen, leader of the National Rally (RN), told a crowd of flag-waving supporters “this decision has trampled on everything I hold most dear: my people, my country, and my honour”. Speaking from a temporary stage with her 120 MPs behind her, she vowed to “not give up,” calling the case a "witch-hunt". However, at a left-wing rally nearby, Green party leader Marine Tondelier condemned Le Pen’s defence as “a total conspiracy theory” and an attack on judicial independence.
Heatwave affecting most of France – In other news nationally, Paris has hit a record high at the weekend with 25.9 degrees Celsius. Saturday April 5th marked the hottest April 5th ever recorded. The heatwave, affecting much of France, is 5.1°C above average. For the past three weeks, France has seen above-average temperatures, especially in the northern regions, with several towns exceeding 25°C. According to authorities global warming is contributing to these unusually high early spring temperatures, with 2024 being the warmest April worldwide. The heatwave is due to a high-pressure system, causing stable weather, but temperatures are expected this weekend with an influx of Arctic air, increasing the risk of frost in the northeast.
Local News
Fire breaks out in villa near Grasse – In local news, a fire has broken out overnight at a villa in Andon, near Grasse. The blaze broke out between Saturday and Sunday and is believed to have started in the chimney. Firefighters fought the blaze from 3am to 8am, bringing it under control by early morning. While some hotspots remained, the fire was fully contained by Sunday afternoon. The cause is suspected to be domestic.
Death of key figure in Monaco’s medical and political spheres – In other news here in Monaco, Dr. Jean-Joseph Pastor, a key figure in Monaco's medical and political circle has passed away at the age of 93. Following the news of his death HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco has expressed his sadness, highlighting Pastor’s role as the personal doctor to Prince Rainier III and his long-standing contributions to Monaco’s healthcare and politics. Pastor co-founded the Monaco Cardiothoracic Centre in 1987 and served as a National Council member for 40 years. His legacy continues in both fields.
Cannes Film Festival - The Cannes Film Festival is set to unveil its official selection this Thursday, April 10th. Stars such as Tom Cruise, Julia Ducournau, Kristen Stewart, Spike Lee, and more are expected on the red carpet. Veterans such as Jim Jarmusch, Spike Lee, and Wes Anderson are also expected, along with newcomers like Scarlett Johansson, who’s debuting as a director, and Kristen Stewart, with her first feature film. The festival is set to feature 20 films, all competing for the 2025 Palme d’Or. Jury presidency has been entrusted to Juliette Binoche, one of the most internationally renowned French stars. The festival takes place from May 13th to May 24th.
Investigation into reports of sex trafficking - Meanwhile, an investigation is currently underway following reports in French media that actor Jean-Claude Van Damme was involved in profiting from sex trafficking in Cannes back in 2015. The actor allegedly had sexual relations with five women who were victims of a Romanian sex trafficking ring during a party he hosted. The women were reportedly offered as "gifts" by individuals of Romanian nationality. The Romanian Directorate for Investigation of Organized Crime and Terrorism (DIICOT) is investigating charges for forming a criminal group and pimping. A complaint was filed in March 2025.
Animal March - The Animal March in Nice on Sunday has proved to be a huge success, drawing around 1,500 participants and over 1,000 animals. The event, which took place along the seafront between Rauba-Capeù and the Negresco hotel, saw dog lovers, along with cats, horses, and even a pony, join the joyful parade. The number of attendees was up from last year's 1,200 people. The march, which supports animal causes, was backed by the City of Nice.
Salad Niçoise ranks amongst top dishes in France - A recent survey has revealed that the famous dish from Nice a Salad Niçoise, ranks among the top dishes representing French cuisine. While it placed 20th in the ranking, it still garnered 4% of the votes. Beef bourguignon topped the list, followed by cassoulet, blanquette de veau, canard confit, and sauerkraut. The survey also highlighted that 71% of French people enjoy traditional French dishes weekly.
Cuddly toys appear on the rocks of Rauba Capeu in Nice - Finally, for several weeks now cuddly toy animals have appeared on the rocks of Rauba Capeu in Nice just below the I Love Nice sign. Three pandas and a white tiger have been spotted but why are they there? remains a mystery—is it a work of art, a tribute, or just a quirky joke? Have you spotted them? If you have any theories, please email us studio@rivieraradio.mc
Business
Stock markets in Asia have tumbled as President Donald Trump's tariffs continue to cause global disruption. Japan’s Nikkei 225 dropped 6.3%, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng fell 9.8%, with UK bank shares like HSBC and Standard Chartered also taking a hit. US stock market futures are down sharply, signalling a decline when Wall Street opens. Trump defended his tariff policy, saying, "Sometimes you have to take medicine to fix something." Hedge fund manager Bill Ackman warned that the tariffs could trigger an "economic nuclear winter" and called for a 90-day pause on the taxes.
Meanwhile, the UK’s Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said on Sunday that he’s ready to use industrial policy to "shelter British business from the storm" caused by US President Donald Trump's recent wave of tariffs. A 10% "baseline" tariff on all imports into the US and a 25% tariff on car imports have now taken effect.
And - The UK government has announced it will help the British car industry by making rules around the transition to all-electric vehicles more flexible. A ban on new petrol and diesel cars will take effect in 2030, following a deadline reinstated after being delayed by former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. However, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said that while the government remains committed to the 2030 target, it will ease regulations on how manufacturers make the switch to "protect and create jobs." Opposition parties argue that these measures won't be enough to support the industry, which is facing uncertainty after the US imposed tariffs on cars.
Sport
Football - Southampton's 3-1 loss to Tottenham has confirmed what everyone expected—they’re relegated to the Championship. They've become the first Premier League team to go down with seven matches still to play. Now, they need two more points to avoid becoming the worst-ever Premier League team, surpassing Derby County’s 2007-08 record.
Meanwhile, Liverpool’s unbeaten run has ended, but they’re still on track to win the Premier League title—unless something extraordinary happens. The loss at Fulham on Sunday was their first in 26 league games and just their second of the season. With seven games left, they need only 11 more points to secure the title.
And - Manchester United and Manchester City played out a dull goalless draw, highlighting the need for change at both clubs this summer.
Formula One - Max Verstappen held off McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri to win the Japanese Grand Prix, claiming his fourth straight victory. The win was Verstappen's first of the year and moves him just one point behind Norris in the drivers' championship. Despite constant pressure from Norris, who stayed within two seconds of Verstappen, the Dutchman’s performance was steady, aided by an outstanding pole position lap on Saturday.
Rugby Union - Sale Sharks gave a brave effort but fell short against defending champions Toulouse losing 38-15 in the Champions Cup last-16 tie that was delayed for nearly 40 minutes due to a parachutist getting stuck on the roof of the Stadium de Toulouse.
Tennis - Novak Djokovic says having his brother Marko with him at the Monte Carlo Masters will "help on a different level emotionally." The Serbian, aiming for his 100th ATP Tour singles title, is without coach Andy Murray for the clay-court event, as Murray wasn’t scheduled to work with him this week. Djokovic explained that Murray is expected to return for the Madrid Open later in April.
Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters – The Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters is currently on here in the Principality and the event is expected to draw over 140,000 visitors. To ensure smooth access, shuttles will run regularly between the Saint-Devote roundabout and the Monte-Carlo Country Club via the seafront. Plan ahead and use the provided transport options for an easy and enjoyable visit to the tournament.
Weather
Sunny intervals with moderate winds and highs of 14 degrees in Monaco, 15 degrees in Nice and Saint-Tropez, 17 degrees in Cannes, 18 degrees in Toulon and 19 degrees in Marseille. This evening going down to 10 degrees along the coast with clear skies.
The outlook for tomorrow and Wednesday, sunny intervals, highs of 16 degrees with a gentle breeze.
Sunrise 07.01am
Sunset 08.04pm
Weather elsewhere
London 15° sunny.
Dublin 15° sunny.
Paris 18° sunny.
Beach weather forecast
Hyeres les Palmiers – Sunny start, clouding over by this afternoon. Gentle breeze. Sea temperature 15°, air temperature 16°. UV level 5.
Saint-Tropez – Moderate to strong winds to start giving way to clear skies by this afternoon. Sea temperature 15°, air temperature 15° feels like 13°. UV level 5.
And Finally
Brits have long been known for their stiff upper lips and questionable dental work, but new research reveals that one stereotype is spot on: we really hate confrontation. A poll of 2,000 adults found that 83% of Brits go to great lengths to avoid conflict. In fact, we use an average of 14 "polite-isms" a day to keep things civil.
According to Dr. Ben Beaumont of Trinity College London, these polite-isms are nothing new—Beowulf is full of them. They allow Brits to be extra nice while secretly thinking, "Just move out of my way!" For example, "Oooh, could I just squeeze past you?" actually means, "Move it!" And "Sounds fun, I’ll let you know" translates to "I’m not coming." Then there’s the classic "I beg your pardon?"—a far more genteel way of saying "What did you just say?"
These little phrases are most popular in the office (50%) and among friends (43%), and many Brits use them because they feel less rude than being passive-aggressive. Some even find them hilarious.
But when it comes to foreign languages, Brits aren't as polite. 45% of multilingual Brits find it easier to say a blunt "no" in another language. Meanwhile, online, a quarter of people are more direct than in person, though a third have started second-guessing their words when they see them written down.
So, next time someone says, "I’ll bear it in mind," they might actually mean, "I’m forgetting this already."
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