National News
French President announces additional aid to Ukraine - French President Emmanuel Macron has announced an additional two billion euros in aid to Ukraine, as France continues its unwavering support in the war against Russia. This announcement was made alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the Élysée Palace on Wednesday 26th March, ahead of a European summit in Paris. The aid will include anti-tank missiles, air defence systems and drones to help Ukraine maintain its defence against Russian aggression. Macron reaffirmed France’s commitment to Ukraine, while Zelensky thanked the French people for their support. Despite ongoing US-led talks, Macron stated that Russia has not shown signs of halting its aggression, emphasizing the continued need for pressure on Russia to negotiate a ceasefire.
Custody of Emile’s family members lifted overnight - The custody of Émile’s maternal grandparents, aunt, and uncle has been lifted overnight. All four had been questioned since Tuesday morning on charges of intentional homicide and concealing a corpse. The Aix-en-Provence prosecutor's office confirmed their release, with no charges filed. The four family members were questioned for 48 hours, and following the legal period, each was either released or may be brought before an investigating judge. Émile's aunt, a 20-year-old student, and his grandfather were both released after being questioned for over 17 hours. His grandmother's custody was also lifted, with her lawyer expressing relief. A press conference will be held by the prosecutor later today to provide more details.
Bottled water scandal – The Secretary General of the Élysée Palace, Alexis Kohler, has been summoned by the Senate commission investigating bottled water fraud, particularly focusing on Nestlé’s practices. The inquiry, which began last November, follows revelations about Nestlé using illegal filtration methods, despite contamination of its water sources. Kohler, a close aide to President Macron, is said to have facilitated contact between Nestlé and the government. There have been numerous exchanges between Nestlé and the Élysée. Nestlé had lobbied for an exemption from a law banning certain filters, and meetings continued through 2024, even after contamination issues arose with Perrier water.
Local News
Report on accidents on the Prom sparks political tensions - Locally, a recent report on road accidents along the Promenade des Anglais in Nice has revealed that since 2016, thirty deaths and numerous injuries have occurred, sparking political tension. The document, leaked by MP Éric Ciotti, shows 14 deaths and 181 accidents between 2016 and 2021, with recent years seeing more fatal accident. The Promenade Committee has been pushing for safety improvements, such as widening the cycle path, but has received little response from local authorities. The Métropole, led by Christian Estrosi, defends its efforts, citing €30 million spent on safety measures, including traffic calming and planned speed cameras.
Macron to make state visit to Monaco - French President Emmanuel Macron is set to make a state visit to Monaco in June, the first such visit since President Mitterrand in 1984. The visit will coincide with the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice from June 9th to the 13th and Macron is expected in Monaco on June 7th-8th. During his visit, Macron will attend the Blue Economy & Finance Forum in Monaco, focused on ocean-related topics. The visit marks the first state visit to Monaco by a French president since 1984. Earlier French presidents, including Jacques Chirac, Nicolas Sarkozy, and François Hollande, visited Monaco but only for official trips. Additionally, talks are underway for a potential state visit by Prince Albert II to Paris.
Iconic pine trees removed - Two iconic maritime pine trees on the Cap-d'Ail coastal path have had to be cut down after being damaged by storms last week. The trees, which had been intertwined near the diving club, were a popular spot for walkers seeking shelter. The storm caused one tree to fall, which led to the other collapsing. No injuries occurred as the path was closed due to weather warnings. The removal operation, costing over €3,700, cleared four tons of plant waste.
Casino win – Finally, a 26-year-old man from Cannes has won €118,320 at the Royal Casino JOA in Mandelieu-la-Napoule on Sunday, March 24, 2025, marking the second-largest jackpot in the casino's history. The lucky winner was playing blackjack with a €10 bet and an additional €5 bonus bet. The couple plans to use the winnings for a trip to Disneyland Paris and to save for the future.
Business
US President Donald Trump has announced new import taxes of 25% on cars and car parts, set to take effect on April 2nd, for vehicles and in May or later for parts. Trump claims the tariffs will boost the US car industry, creating jobs and investment. However, analysts warn the move could temporarily shut down car production, raise prices, and strain relations with allies, potentially escalating the global trade war.
Meanwhile, Trump has also suggested that he may cut tariffs on China to help facilitate a deal for TikTok to be sold by its owner ByteDance. He also expressed willingness to extend the 5th April deadline for finding a non-Chinese buyer. In January, Trump delayed implementing a law passed under the Biden administration that mandates TikTok's sale due to national security concerns.
And – In the UK economists have warned that taxes may need to rise in the autumn, despite significant welfare cuts and spending reductions in Wednesday's Spring Statement. Chancellor Rachel Reeves is set to meet her self-imposed rule of not borrowing for day-to-day spending, with some room to spare. However, global uncertainty caused by US President Donald Trump's tariffs could affect the UK economy and jeopardize her plans. In that case, experts suggest tax increases may be necessary, as further spending cuts or borrowing would be difficult.
Sport
Formula One - Red Bull has made one of the most ruthless driver moves in F1 history by dropping Liam Lawson after just two races. The 23-year-old New Zealander will swap places with Yuki Tsunoda and return to Racing Bulls for the next race in Japan. The decision was made by Red Bull bosses, including team principal Christian Horner, during a meeting in Dubai. Despite Red Bull's history of tough decisions with their young drivers, this move has caused disbelief in F1.
Football - Arsenal secured their spot in the Women's Champions League semi-finals with a 3-0 second leg win over Real Madrid, clinching a 3-2 aggregate victory.
Meanwhile in other football news, Manchester City and Chelsea could earn up to £97m in prize money from this year's Club World Cup, part of a £775m prize fund. £407m will be shared among all teams, while £368m is performance-based. In comparison, last season's Premier League prize money ranged from £175.9m for winners City to £109.7m for bottom-placed Sheffield United. European clubs will receive more due to sporting and commercial rankings.
Rugby Union - The British and Irish Lions may negotiate with top French clubs for the early release of players for this summer's tour of Australia. Lions head coach Andy Farrell noted that there is no set policy for France-based players and discussions will continue, with the Top 14 final scheduled for June 28 in Paris.
Weather
Sunny with some cloudy patches in places. Highs of 18 degrees in Nice, Monaco and Saint-Tropez, 20 degrees in Cannes reaching 21 degrees in Toulon. A gentle breeze across the region. This evening going down to 10 degrees with clear skies.
The outlook for Friday, sunny intervals in the Alpes Maritimes. Winds picking up in the Var giving way to clear skies. Saturday, showers are forecast for Nice. Sunday mainly fine. Highs of 18 degrees.
Sunrise 06.20am
Sunset 06.51pm
Weather elsewhere
London 18° sunny intervals.
Paris 16° sunny.
New York 12° sunny.
A British man has died in an avalanche in the Savoie department. According to local reports, the man in his twenties was on a road near the ski resort...
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Senior US, European, and Ukrainian diplomats will meet again in London next week after what France called an "excellent" day of peace talks in Paris o...
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Mainly fine with light winds and highs of 17 degrees in Nice and Saint-Tropez, 16 degrees in Monaco, 19 degrees in Toulon. This evening going down to ...
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The French government has instructed local prefects across France to immediately reinforce surveillance and protection of prisons and their staff. The...
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French President Emmanuel Macron has promised that those behind a wave of attacks on prisons and staff will be “found, tried, and punished,” calling t...
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