National News France
Russia warns France - Russia has warned France that if President Emmanuel Macron sent troops to Ukraine, then they would be seen as legitimate targets by the Russian military. It was back in February that the French President caused controversy by saying he could not rule out the deployment of ground troops in Ukraine in the future. The French leader warned that if Russia wins in Ukraine, then Europe's credibility will be reduced to zero.
Cargo plane from Paris forced to make emergency landing - A Boeing cargo plane flying from Paris Charles de Gualle airport has been forced to land at Istanbul airport without its front landing gear. It is the latest in a number of safety incidents for the planemaker. Nobody was hurt in the incident, in a flight operated by the delivery company FedEx. The Boeing 767 aircraft informed the traffic control tower on Wednesday at Istanbul airport that its landing gear had failed to open, and it landed with guidance from the tower. Emergency services were standing by for the landing. The ministry did not give a reason for the landing gear’s failure and said its teams were conducting examinations at the scene as part of an investigation.
Local News
Pollen alert - Both the Alpes Maritimes and the Var remain on a red pollen alert. Despite the blue sky and the sunshine pollen levels are expected to increase rapidly over the coming days in a large part of the PACA region. Those of you who suffer from allergies are advised to avoid gardening, and to favour outdoor sporting activities at the end of the day, as well as keeping your interior well ventilated.
One way traffic on the port of Nice - The city of Nice has appealed a decision by the court on the one-way system in place on the port of the city. The mayor Christian Estrosi has repeatedly expressed that he does not wish to comply with the return of a two-way traffic system appealing against a decision from the court for it to return by May 21st, following a request from a neighbourhood committee. In 2020, a one-way system at the port of Nice was introduced on the Quais des Etats Unis, Rauba Capeu and Papacino. The administrative judge of Nice had given the City three months to restore the two way system with May 21st marking the deadline.
Concert delayed due to sheer number of people - A concert for the arrival of the Olympic flame in Marseille on Wednesday night had to be delayed due to the large crowd. The police prohibited accredited concert goers from accessing the area of the old port at 9pm due to the sheer number of people. 50,000 people attended the event which did eventually kick off an hour later at 10pm.
Artist studios available on the port of Monaco - Monaco’s Cultural affairs department has launched a call for artists who wish to occupy three artists' studios located here on Quai Antoine-Ier. Applications must be submitted no later than May 31st and each workshop is made available for a period of one to six consecutive months, with possible renewal. The project offers artists a workspace to set up an artistic and cultural project with an international aim and/or in connection with a Monegasque cultural institution. The application form can be downloaded via the official website of the princely government.
ExpoRose - The 52nd edition of the Rose exposition in Grasse has begun and was inaugurated on Wednesday with four days of festivities, activities, and exhibitions to follow. Two hours of parking are offered in two of the town’s public car parks. For the full programme you can go to grasse.fr
Most beautiful beaches – Four beaches in our region have made the ranking of the 10 most beautiful in France. According to American monthly magazine AD specializing in architecture, art and design the Notre Dame beach, on the island of Porquerolles ranks 10th and the Paloma beach, in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is also included in the ranking. The Buse Beach, in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin is also listed along with the Pointe de l'Aiguille in Théoule-sur-Mer which comes sixth.
Monaco car collection - Iconic Ferrari F1 cars are to go on display today at H.S.H. the Prince of Monaco Car Collection. From May 9th to August 31st the exhibition retraces the victorious history of the team at the F1 Grand Prix, crowned 9 times. For its first F1 Grand Prix in Monaco, 74 years ago, the team managed to place a driver on the podium, Alberto Ascari (2nd).
Business
Walt Disney and Warner Bros Discovery have announced that they will start to offer a bundle of the Disney+, Hulu and Max streaming services to customers in the US this summer. The new package will be available to customers on all three streaming platforms. The media giants said they will offer plans with and without adverts but did not reveal how much they will charge customers.
The move comes as Disney and Warner Bros face competition from rivals, including Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
And - Brewdog's co-founder and chief executive James Watt has revealed he is to step down from the top job after 17 years. Watt wrote on a LinkedIn post that he was to retain his 21% stake in the brewer and pub firm and become "captain and co-founder". Mr Watt, along with Martin Dickie, founded the business from a garage in 2007.
Sport
Football - Real Madrid performed yet another dramatic win against Bayern Munich with a 2-1 victory in the semi-final on Wednesday. They will now face Borussia Dortmund in a Champions League final.
Tennis – Naomi Osaka has beaten France's Clara Burel in straight sets in the Italian Open first round on her first appearance at the tournament since 2021.
Athletics - Former British sprinter James Ellington has received an out-of-court settlement after receiving life-changing injuries during a motorbike accident in 2017. Ellington made a comeback in 2019 with the hope of competing at the 2020 Olympics but was forced to retire last year.
Weather
Sunny with a gentle breeze. Highs of 21 degrees in Nice, Monaco and Saint-Tropez. 23 degrees in Cannes, 22 degrees in Antibes. This evening going down to 12 degrees with clear skies.
The outlook for Friday and heading into the weekend. Fine and sunny with light winds and highs of 21-22 degrees.
Sunrise 06.11am
Sunset 08.42pm
Sea temperature
Cannes 16°
Weather elsewhere
London 23° and sunny.
Paris 22° and sunny intervals.
Dublin 18° with sunny intervals.
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