News National
Damning report reveals sexual violence and harassment in France’s entertainment industry - A damning report by French politicians has reveals that sexual violence and harassment remain "endemic" in France’s entertainment industry, despite the #MeToo movement. The inquiry, which gathered testimonies from nearly 400 industry workers, found that sexual abuse, harassment, and bullying are widespread across sectors like TV, cinema, music, and theatre. The report highlighted persistent issues, including rape, assault, and a culture of silencing victims. It also noted that children, particularly in cinema and performing arts, are especially vulnerable. The MPs made almost 90 recommendations, including better protections for minors, compulsory intimacy coordinators on set, and stricter regulation of casting and agent practices. The report calls for urgent reform in an industry where some powerful figures still exploit their positions, underscoring the urgent need for change.
Tax return change - From today Thursday April 10th, France’s 2024 income tax return campaign introduces an individualized default tax rate for married and civil partnership couples, replacing the previous joint tax rate. This change, set to be implemented by September 2025, aims to reduce gender inequality, as women's income is currently 24% lower than men's in the private sector. The new system will apply a tax rate based on each spouse's income, though couples can still opt for the joint rate via the impots.gouv.fr website.
Local News
Syndic faces pressure after multiple cases of Legionnaires disease - A syndic, which manages a property, in Juan-les-Pins is facing pressure after multiple cases of Legionnaires' disease. Five residents have been infected since 2019, with the latest case in April 2025. Despite spending €50,000 on preventative measures, including installing filters and heating adjustments, the bacteria persists. The Alpes-Maritimes prefecture has now ordered further action and a complete health assessment within two months. The Syndic in charge of the building is concerned about the challenge of upgrading the building’s aging plumbing system.
Fire at car body repair shop - A fire has broken out at a car body repair shop in Nice’s Riquier district. The incident occurred on Wednesday evening and thirty-four firefighters were deployed to contain the blaze and protect nearby homes. The fire was under control by 10 p.m., and operations continued to clear debris and check for hot spots. An investigation into the cause of the fire is underway.
Pedestrian zone in Nice to undergo major facelift - Nice's pedestrian zone, between Place Masséna and Rue du Congrès, is set to undergo a major facelift. The redevelopment project, addressing wear and tear, will focus on improving attractiveness and making the area more peaceful. A public consultation starts today Thursday 10th April, with meetings between city officials and local businesses. The goal is to create a more sustainable, pedestrian-friendly space while involving residents and stakeholders in the process. The meetings will include virtual panels, public feedback, and a report before moving forward with the redevelopment.
Taxi Monaco - Monaco is modernizing its taxi service with the launch of the TAXI MONACO mobile app on the 8th of April. The app allows users to book, track, and pay for rides easily, enhancing the digital experience for residents and visitors. Alongside a new website and branding, this upgrade aims to offer a professional, high-quality service in line with international standards.
4x4x48 Challenge - The 4x4x48 Challenge—a solidarity event inspired by David Goggins—returns on the 11th of April, supporting the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation. Participants run 4 miles every 4 hours for 48 hours, promoting endurance, unity, and charity. All proceeds go to the Foundation's vital programs, and runners can join as many sessions as they wish.
Business
Financial markets across the Asia-Pacific region soared after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 90-day pause on most 'reciprocal' tariffs, sparking relief among investors. Japan’s Nikkei 225 jumped over 8%, with analysts describing the move as a "massive sigh of relief" for the region. Wall Street also posted historic gains following the announcement, easing days of economic volatility. Despite the pause, tensions remain high. The U.S. imposed a 125% tariff on Chinese goods, while China responded with an 84% levy on U.S. imports. A universal 10% tariff will apply to most other countries. Speaking at a NASCAR event, Trump reiterated his commitment to securing "fair deals" with China and other trade partners.
A former Facebook executive has accused Meta of compromising U.S. national security to build an $18 billion business in China. Speaking to U.S. senators, whistleblower Sarah Wynn-Williams claimed company executives knowingly gave the Chinese Communist Party access to user data, including information from American users. Wynn-Williams, formerly Meta’s global public policy director, said she witnessed decisions that prioritized business growth in China over user safety. Meta strongly denied the allegations. Spokesman Ryan Daniels called her testimony "divorced from reality and riddled with false claims."
And - From today, the cost of applying online for a British passport will rise by £6 to £94.50—a 7% increase. This marks a more than 25% rise in passport fees over the past two years. The Home Office says the increase helps cover the cost of processing and border control, aiming to reduce reliance on general taxation. They also insist no profit is made from the fees. Meanwhile, Irish passports remain significantly cheaper at €75/£62—and come with added perks, like EU travel freedom and exemption from the UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) requirement. Irish citizenship can also be claimed through ancestry in many cases, including via parents or grandparents born on the island of Ireland. With the new fee, UK passports remain among Europe’s most expensive—more than those in Norway and Lithuania, but still below countries like Denmark, Italy, and Switzerland.
Sport
Football - Paris Saint-Germain have delivered a dominant 3-1 win over Aston Villa in the Champions League quarter-final first leg at the Parc des Princes, with fireworks and flair lighting up the night. Meanwhile, Barcelona thrashed Borussia Dortmund 4-0 in their quarter-final first leg. Barcelona dominated early and never looked back, putting themselves firmly on course for a semi-final spot ahead of the second leg in Germany on 15 April.
And - Liverpool are edging closer to securing a new contract for Mohamed Salah, with negotiations ongoing and positive progress reported. While no final deal has been reached, the club is optimistic about extending the forward's stay beyond this season, amid interest from Saudi clubs. Salah, whose current contract expires in the summer, has been pivotal for Liverpool since 2017 and remains vital to their title push this season, scoring 32 goals in all competitions.
Tennis Monte Carlo Masters - Djokovic crashes out of Monte Carlo in shock defeat to Tabilo. Novak Djokovic's quest for a 100th ATP singles title remains on hold after a shock straight-set loss to Chile’s Alejandro Tabilo at the Monte Carlo Masters. The 37-year-old Serb, a two-time champion at the event, struggled with 29 unforced errors in a 6-3, 6-4 defeat and called his performance “horrible.” It marked Djokovic’s first clay-court match of the season and ended a 10-match winning streak on the surface. Tabilo, who also beat Djokovic last year in Rome, moves into the third round.
Elsewhere, Carlos Alcaraz made a strong clay-court return, overcoming Francisco Cerundolo 3-6, 6-0, 6-1. Casper Ruud, Andrey Rublev, Daniil Medvedev, and Alex de Minaur also advanced, while Britain’s Jack Draper will face Alejandro Davidovich Fokina on Thursday for a spot in the quarter-finals.
Formula One - Motorsport UK chairman David Richards has accused the FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem of a "shift of the moral compass" and centralizing power, in a strongly worded open letter raising concerns about transparency and governance within motorsport’s world governing body. The row stems from Richards being barred from an FIA World Council meeting after refusing to sign a new confidentiality agreement, which he criticizes for lacking a clear breach procedure and independent dispute process. The FIA responded by insisting such agreements are standard, expressing confusion over Richards’ refusal. Legal action by Richards remains ongoing.
Rugby Union - The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) has taken over Cardiff Rugby after the club’s legal entity was placed into temporary administration. This move followed Cardiff Rugby Limited’s notice of intent to appoint an administrator. The union has assured that players, staff (153 employees), fixtures, and ticket arrangements—including season tickets and sponsorships—will remain unaffected. The WRU now controls the club as it works to stabilize its future.
Weather
Sunny with a gentle breeze. Highs of 17 degrees in Monaco, Menton and Nice. Highs of 18 degrees in Saint-Tropez with sunny intervals and light winds. 18 degrees in Cannes and reaching highs of 22 degrees inland in the Alpes Maritimes in Puget Théniers. This evening going down to 10 degrees along the coast with clear skies.
The outlook for Friday and heading into the weekend. Fine tomorrow, sunny intervals on Saturday and light rain forecast for Sunday. Highs of 17-18 degrees.
Sunrise 06.55am
Sunset 08.08pm
Weather elsewhere
Glasgow 18° sunny.
Bedford and London 17° sunny intervals.
Toulouse 23° sunny.
Madrid 26° sunny.
Beach weather forecast
Marseille Plage – Sunny. Gentle breeze. Sea temperature 15°, air temperature 17°, feels like 19°. UV level 5.
Hyeres les Palmiers Plage –Sunny. Gentle breeze. Sea temperature 16°, air temperature 17°. UV level 5.
France is weighing its response after Algeria ordered 12 French embassy staff to leave the country within 48 hours, following the arrest of an Algeria...
Read More
Monaco has paid tribute to Josephine Baker on the 50th anniversary of her death, with a ceremony on Saturday April 12th at the Monaco cemetery where s...
Read More
Thundery showers and a gentle breeze, clearing by the afternoon with some sunny spells. Highs of 18 degrees in Nice, 16 degrees in Monaco and Saint-Tr...
Read More
Christian Estrosi has confirmed a ban on cruise ships carrying over 900 passengers. In a social media post he said "starting July 1st, locals wouldn't...
Read More
The Champagne & Oyster Cycling Club of Monaco has named Zondacrypto, a leading European digital currency exchange, as the main partner for its 11th An...
Read More
