News
Grenade attack in Grenoble bar injures twelve, six critically - Twelve people have been injured, including six who are in a critical condition, after a grenade was thrown into a bar in Grenoble. The attacker, who entered the crowded bar and threw the grenade before fleeing on Wednesday evening, was reportedly carrying a Kalashnikov-type rifle but did not use it. Prosecutors believe the attack was not terrorist-related, but the motive remains unclear. The incident occurred in the Olympic Village neighbourhood, built for the 1968 Winter Olympics. Local officials condemned the act of violence, and emergency services were praised for their response. Police confirmed the explosion was caused by the grenade.
Accused of Notre-Dame Basilica attack acknowledges involvement after five years - Brahim Aouissaoui, accused of the 2020 Notre-Dame Basilica attack in Nice, has finally acknowledged his involvement after five years of denial. During his trial, he recognized himself in video footage of the attack, which had previously been denied. Aouissaoui, who had claimed amnesia, now justifies his actions as "legitimate" retaliation against those he believes harm Muslims. While he admits to being the attacker, he distanced himself from taking full responsibility or acknowledging a terrorist motive. The defence has requested new psychiatric evaluations to assess his mental state, as he faces life imprisonment.
France to double flight tax, raising costs for passengers - The French government is set to more than double its “solidarity tax” on flight tickets next month, increasing costs for passengers. The tax hike, which will affect both economy and business class tickets, aims to help reduce France's deficit and promote ecological fairness. However, critics argue it could harm France's global competitiveness, with Air France estimating a €100m loss and Ryanair threatening to cut flights. The tax, which funds international aid programs, is expected to raise nearly €1bn annually. Some argue it could push air travel away from France due to already high taxes.
LGBT+ reception centre in the Var - The first LGBT+ reception centre in the Var has been inaugurated in Toulon, offering a permanent safe space for the community. The centre’s opening comes as homophobic acts in the region have increased by 56% in 2024. The state aims to open 50 such centres nationwide by 2027, with the Var centre receiving a €30,000 renewal grant. Mathias Ott, interministerial delegate for fighting discrimination, emphasized the importance of these centres in providing support and breaking the isolation often felt by LGBT individuals. The prefect of the Var also highlighted the rise in intolerance and called for action to reverse the trend.
OGC Nice - OGC Nice has been sentenced to three partial closed-door matches by the LFP Disciplinary Committee following controversial banners during their match against Olympique de Marseille on January 26th. The Populaire Sud stand will remain closed for upcoming matches against Montpellier and Lyon, with one match already served. The sanction follows the display of racist, sexist, and homophobic banners and chants during the match, which had been interrupted in the 24th minute. The club's president, Jean-Pierre Rivère, was heard in Paris as part of the investigation.
Collaboration agreement for clinical research - Monaco and France have signed a collaboration agreement to enhance clinical research, allowing the Principality to join France’s F-Crin network. This partnership, facilitated through the Monaco Scientific Centre (CSM), will connect researchers and clinics from both countries, enabling exchange and development of joint projects. Monaco has also created M-Crin, which will serve as a local coordinator. The collaboration aims to boost research capabilities and is expected to benefit both institutions and patients, fostering international medical advancements.
Frozen chip boom in France: A 25% surge as younger generation ditches fresh frites – Recent data has shown that frozen chips are booming in France, with a 25% rise in sales in recent years. Driven by younger generations seeking convenience, the trend has led farmers to replace other crops with potatoes, particularly in northern France’s "Chip Valley." Despite France's reputation for fine cuisine, more French consumers are opting for thick-cut British oven chips and frozen fries. The global market for frozen potato products is projected to grow significantly, further fuelling this rise in demand.
Half term family fun! - Finally, if you’re looking for a fun and educational family day out. The Oceanographic Museum of Monaco is offering a special deal until March 9th. One free child ticket is offered with every adult entry purchased. The museum features some of the world’s oldest aquariums and offers a deep dive into marine life. Open daily from 10 am to 6 pm, with last entry at 5:30 pm. The special offer is €20.50 for one adult and one child (ages 4-17), with free entry for children under four.
Business
The Trump administration has announced the closure of a program aimed at reducing the number of US government employees by offering incentives for resignations. The program, which offered workers eight months' pay for resigning, was allowed to proceed following a ruling by US District Judge George O'Toole, who determined that unions lacked legal standing to block it. Around 75,000 federal employees had opted in before the program was closed.
Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt has expressed concern that artificial intelligence could be exploited by terrorists or "rogue states" to harm innocent people. Speaking to the BBC, Schmidt highlighted his fears about "extreme risk," particularly the potential misuse of AI by countries like North Korea, Iran, or Russia to create biological weapons. He called for government oversight of private tech companies developing AI, while cautioning that excessive regulation could hinder innovation.
A hotel in Belfast is now offering a £1,000 cocktail, described as a "masterpiece" featuring rare Irish whiskey aged in French Troncais oak casks, with notes of honey, toasted almonds, and spice. The cocktail's key ingredient, Midleton's Foret de Troncais whiskey, costs around £4,000 a bottle. While this extravagant drink is a rare option, the hotel’s new menu also includes more affordable choices starting at £14.99. The hotel’s general manager, Aaron Dugan, emphasized the creation of "once-in-a-lifetime experiences" for those willing to indulge. The Merchant previously set a world record for the most expensive cocktail in 2007 with its £750 Mai Tai.
And – Singer Liam Gallagher has told fans to "get off his case" after thousands of Oasis tickets were cancelled. Ticketmaster revoked the tickets as part of a crackdown on bots and touts, but many fans claimed their purchases were legitimate. When asked for his thoughts on the issue, Gallagher responded on X, saying, "I don't make the rules. We're trying to do the right thing. It is what it is. I'm the singer, get off my case." Ticketmaster stated that anyone who believes their refund was made in error should fill out a form for review by the tour's promoters. Fans were also outraged by Ticketmaster’s dynamic pricing, which caused ticket prices to surge from £148 to £355. The company is under investigation for its use of the pricing system.
Sport
Football – One may have thought that Liverpool were about to go nine points clear at the top of the Premier League on Wednesday evening in the Merseyside derby with Everton, however a dramatic last minute goal meant a two all equaliser. In the Premier League with every side having now played 24 games, Arsenal are seven points behind Liverpool with 14 games to go.
Meanwhile in the Champions League on Wednesday evening, Benfica beat 10-man Monaco 1-0.
Cricket - Captain Jos Buttler has dismissed suggestions that England's struggles in India are due to insufficient training, insisting they do not have a "lazy environment." Despite a crushing 142-run loss in the third One Day International, which left England with seven defeats from eight limited-overs matches, Buttler rejected claims that the team’s preparation in the nets was lacking.
Formula One - Formula 1 is "closely monitoring" the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) amid Rwanda's bid to host a grand prix. This follows concerns raised by DRC’s foreign affairs minister who questioned whether Rwanda would be a suitable host and urged F1 to end negotiations. Both Rwanda and South Africa are competing for the 2027 race, which would mark the continent’s first Grand Prix since 1993.
Tennis - British number two Cameron Norrie has advanced to the quarter-finals of the Delray Beach Open in Florida after defeating French fifth seed Arthur Rinderknech. Norrie won 7-6 (11-9) 6-2, taking a hard-fought first-set tie-break before dominating the second.
Rugby Union - England are determined to end their four-year "hurt" against Scotland when the two teams meet in the Six Nations on 22nd February at Twickenham. Scrum-half Alex Mitchell emphasized the high motivation within the squad to prevent Scotland from securing a record fifth consecutive Calcutta Cup victory. Mitchell stressed the importance of the game, acknowledging Scotland's quality and urging the team not to underestimate them.
Weather
Cloudy, with sunny intervals by this afternoon. A gentle breeze. Highs of 15 degrees in Nice, 13 degrees in Monaco, 14 degrees in Vence and Saint-Tropez. This evening going down to 6 degrees along the coast.
The outlook for Friday and heading into the weekend. Mainly fine and sunny tomorrow and Saturday. Sunny intervals on Sunday. Highs of 13 degrees.
Sunrise 07.31am
Sunset 05.57pm
Weather elsewhere
Paris 7° light cloud.
Amsterdam 3° light cloud.
London 6° light cloud.
Local snow report – Yellow avalanche warning is in place.
Isola 2000 – 2° sunny intervals. 18/19 lifts operating. 44/46 slopes are open. 100cm snow.
Valberg – 7° sunny intervals. 12/15 lifts running. 31/42 runs open. 60cm snow.
Auron – 5° sunny intervals. 19/19 lifts running. 42/43 runs open. 100cm snow.
Around 1,000 residents in East Nice have experienced a power outage on the morning of the 29th of April, mainly affecting streets like Impasse des Lis...
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A yellow weather alert is in place today, Tuesday April 29th, for the Alpes-Maritimes department, with Météo France warning of thunderstorms across pa...
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As we approach May 1st, 2025, several important changes are set to take effect in France as with every first of the month, affecting everything from t...
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Fine and sunny with light winds. Thundery showers forecast by this afternoon in Marseille. Highs of 22 degrees in Nice, Monaco and Vence. ...
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A massive power outage struck Spain, Portugal, and parts of southern France late Monday morning, leaving buildings in the dark, trains halted, and tra...
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