National News
Union calls for further strike action, whilst currently on strike - Unions at the SNCF have announced new strike action for June 4th, 5th, and 11th, following ongoing disruptions to train services in France during the May 8th bank holiday weekend. The union is calling on all railway workers to strike on June 5th to push for better pay, more jobs, improved working conditions, and agreements on vocational training. A separate strike by drivers is planned for June 4th, and ticket inspectors will strike on June 11th. These new strike calls come as unions continue to protest against SNCF management. Current disruptions have affected regional trains in Île-de-France and Hauts-de-France, though TGV services remain largely unaffected.
French government pushes ahead with plan to regulate rules for French doctors - French deputies have approved a bill aimed at regulating where doctors can set up their practices to address areas with significant healthcare shortages. The bill passed on Wednesday May 7th, with overwhelming support, 99 votes to 9, and now moves to the Senate for further review. The proposed law requires private or salaried doctors to obtain approval from the Regional Health Agency before opening practices in areas facing a shortage of healthcare professionals. In better-served areas, doctors would only be allowed to set up practice when an existing doctor leaves. While the bill has garnered support from over 250 MPs across parties, it has sparked backlash from medical professionals, particularly students and interns, who have protested against the proposal. Meanwhile, the government is also pushing a separate plan to require doctors to work up to two days a month in underserved areas. Over 1,500 local officials have backed the bill, citing strong public demand for action on healthcare access.
French authorities clamp down on Nestlé - French authorities have ordered Nestlé to remove banned filtration systems from its Vittel and Vergèze sites within two months. The order follows contamination issues at the factories, including bacteria and pesticides in the water. Nestlé had previously been allowed to use non-compliant filters, but authorities now demand compliance with regulations stating that natural mineral water must be "pure at the source." The prefectures of the Vosges and the Gard regions had issued formal notices to Nestlé after a year of investigations and repeated incidents of non-compliance. The company is required to submit an action plan and enhance water quality monitoring. Nestlé has two months to comply, though no recall has been requested for products already on shelves Nestlé claims that "all bottles currently on the market comply with current authorizations”. The results of the parliamentary inquiry are expected on May 19th.
Local News
Growing nighttime noise for fed up residents on Rue Bonaparte in Nice - Residents of Rue Bonaparte, near Nice’s port, are calling for concrete measures to address the growing nighttime noise from local bars and restaurants. Sandra, a 20-year resident of the street, has launched a petition after years of escalating disturbances that keep residents awake until the early hours. "The street has transformed from a quiet shopping area to a noisy nightlife hub," she says. Noise, including music, shouting, and street gatherings, often persists until 1:30 a.m. Sandra and others feel trapped, with some bar owners reportedly telling them to move due to rising property prices. In addition to the petition, residents have hung banners demanding "less noise" in a bid to raise awareness. They are frustrated with what they see as ineffective action from local authorities, citing inspections during the day rather than addressing the nighttime disruptions. A meeting with Anthony Borré, the First Deputy Mayor, was scheduled for May 7, and residents are waiting for updates on potential solutions.
Primark employees strike action - Employees at the Primark store on Avenue 83 in the Var have gone on strike responding to a call from the CGT union. The protest, held in front of the store on Wednesday, was sparked by concerns over understaffing, low wages, and parking issues. Dressed in red and holding banners, the striking workers marched around the store, drawing the attention of surprised customers.
Respected radiologist Dr. Michel-Yves Mourou dies aged 81 - Dr. Michel-Yves Mourou, a respected radiologist and former National Councilor, passed away on May 5, 2025, at 81. A pioneer in medical imaging, he led the development of Monaco’s radiology services, including the first CT scanner and MRI at the Monaco Medical Imaging Centre. He also made significant contributions to the Monegasque Red Cross, serving alongside Princess Grace and later joining the Crown Council. Mourou was deeply involved in his community, blending his medical career with public service. HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco has expressed "deep sadness" at Mourou's passing, praising his dedication to the Principality and his lasting impact on Monaco's healthcare and legislative development. Our thoughts are with his family during this difficult time.
Villa KéryLos is contending for the special title - Villa Kérylos in Beaulieu-sur-Mer is contending for the title of "The French People's Favorite Monument 2025," representing the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. It’s up against the Arles amphitheatre in the regional contest, with voting open until May 23 via the France.tv platform. The 14 regional winners will compete for the national title, to be revealed in September. Built between 1902 and 1908, Villa Kérylos is an architectural gem inspired by ancient Greek houses, featuring exquisite materials like Carrara marble and mosaics. It has been a Historic Monument since 1966 and remains a vital centre for Greek cultural heritage.
Swimming pool reopens in Monaco - The Rainier III Aquatics Stadium has reopened for the 2025 summer season, welcoming swimmers until October 8. The pool, maintained at 28°C, is open daily with rates ranging from €4.50 to €6 for residents and €7.20 to €12 for non-residents. Activities include swimming, aqua biking, and aqua gym sessions starting in June. All aquatic classes require online booking. Free introductory scuba diving sessions for ages 8+ will be held on select Wednesdays in June, July, and August (entrance fee still applies). The stadium will be closed from May 19-26 for the Formula 1 Grand Prix and on June 18 for the Splash Party. Safety is a top priority, with active supervision and enhanced safety features like non-slip flooring and visible depth markers. Opening hours are 9:00 AM to 5:40 PM from May 6 to June 30, and 9:00 AM to 7:30 PM from July 1 to September 7.
Snowfall – Finally, Snowfall has surprised the Isola 2000 ski resort in the Alpes-Maritimes on Wednesday May 7, 2025, with flakes appearing at altitudes below 1,800 meters. While it's rare, light snow showers didn’t stick to the ground, with temperatures around 4°C.
Business
US President Donald Trump has hinted at a “major trade deal,” his first such announcement since imposing tariffs on key trading partners during his term. Posting on Truth Social, Trump said he will reveal the agreement at a press conference in Washington at 10:00 local time (15:00 BST), describing it as a deal with a “big, and highly respected, country” but giving no further details. US media reports suggest the deal may be with the UK, though this has not been confirmed.
OpenAI has reversed its decision to transform into a for-profit company following backlash from politicians, civic leaders, and Elon Musk. CEO Sam Altman confirmed that OpenAI will remain a non-profit that oversees its for-profit arm, maintaining the structure it has had since its founding. The controversial plan to shift control to the for-profit side had drawn criticism, especially after Musk, a co-founder, warned that OpenAI was at risk of abandoning its mission to develop AI for the "benefit of humanity." Despite the backtrack, the company’s financial challenges are likely to continue as it navigates the growing cost of artificial intelligence development.
And - "Lose weight. Find your strength”, but for WeightWatchers, no strength could prevent bankruptcy. The 60-year-old company has filed for bankruptcy in the US due to struggling with mounting debt and fierce competition from weight-loss drugs. The company will have $1.15bn (£860m) of its debt written off as it negotiates new terms with its lenders. Despite the legal proceedings, WeightWatchers assures that it will remain "fully operational" with no impact on its members. The move comes as the brand faces rapid shifts in the weight management landscape, where injectable fat-loss treatments have surged in popularity.
Sport
Football - Paris St-Germain are just one step from winning their first Champions League title after beating Arsenal 2-1 on Wednesday (3-1 on aggregate) to reach the final. They'll face Inter Milan in Munich on 31 May, aiming to finally lift the trophy that has long escaped them.
Following the final whistle Paris erupted in celebration as fans filled the Champs-Élysées following Paris Saint-Germain’s victory. Supporters lit flares, waved flags, and sang into the early hours, marking a historic moment for the club. However, the joyous evening was marked by an unfortunate incident when a car drove into the crowd, injuring three people, one critically. The vehicle was stopped by bystanders and later set on fire, prompting riot police to intervene with tear gas. Over 20 arrests were made as tensions flared. Authorities are investigating the incident, which cast a shadow over an otherwise memorable night for PSG fans.
Formula One - Rally legend Carlos Sainz Sr is considering a bid for FIA president in December's election, saying he is assessing support within the motorsport community. The 63-year-old, a two-time world rally champion and four-time Dakar winner, would challenge current president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, whose term has been marked by controversy and internal resignations. Sainz believes it's the right moment in his career to "give back to the sport" and promises no conflict of interest despite his son Carlos Jr. being an active F1 driver.
Rugby Union - Maro Itoje is set to be officially named captain of the British and Irish Lions on Thursday, becoming the first Englishman to lead the side since Martin Johnson in 2001. The 30-year-old will head a 40-man squad for the 2025 tour of Australia, having impressed as England captain during the recent Six Nations.
Weather
A fine and sunny start to the day across our region, clouding over along the coast by this afternoon with thundery showers forecast inland. Highs of 17 degrees in Monaco, 18 degrees in Nice and 19 degrees in Marseille. Strong winds in the Var and highs of 20° in Saint-Tropez.
This evening going down to 11 degrees along the coast with cloudy skies.
The outlook for Friday, a cloudy start with light rain in the Var. Saturday fine with highs of 20°. Sunday hazy skies mainly fine, winds picking up in the Var and highs of 21°.
Sunrise 06.13am
Sunset 08.41pm
Weather elsewhere
Palma 22° sunny intervals.
Liverpool 18° sunny intervals.
Bordeaux 20° sunny.
Beach weather
Saint-Tropez – Sea temperature 18, air temperature 19. Sunny. UV level 6.
Hyeres - Sea temperature 17, air temperature 19. Sunny with strong winds and gust of up to 50km/hr. UV level 6.
Photo - Nestled in the picturesque Var region of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, Bormes-les-Mimosas is a stunning hilltop village known for its narrow streets, vibrant flowers, and breathtaking views of the Mediterranean. Famous for its beautiful old town, cobblestone paths, and the annual mimosa festival, the village is a true gem of the French Riviera. The village's name comes from the abundant mimosas that bloom every winter, making it one of the first places in France to celebrate the arrival of spring. The "Fête du Mimosa" attracts visitors every February to admire the bright yellow blossoms.
White smoe Is billowing from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel meaning A new pope has just been chosen! 133 cardinals have gathered in the Sistine cha...
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No new pope has been elected yet, as black smoke signalled another inconclusive vote during the conclave in the morning of Thursday the 8th of May. ...
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Unions at the SNCF have announced new strike action for June 4th, 5th, and 11th, following ongoing disruptions to train services in France during the ...
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A fine and sunny start to the day across our region, clouding over along the coast by this afternoon with thundery showers forecast inland. Highs of 1...
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Monaco’s workforce has reached over 78,000 in 2024, with strong private sector growth and more jobs held by older, non-local workers—especially commut...
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