National News
French European Parliament member suggests the US should return the Statue of Liberty - French European Parliament member Raphaël Glucksmann has sparked a diplomatic debate on Monday by suggesting that the US should return the Statue of Liberty, which was a gift from France over 140 years ago, following Donald Trump's decision to "side with the tyrants" against Ukraine. Trump's former White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, quickly fired back, dismissing Glucksmann as an “unnamed low-level French politician” and asserting that the US would keep the statue. Leavitt also taunted France over its World War II history, remarking, "It's only because of America that the French are not speaking German right now," before adding that France should be "very grateful to our great country."
Local News
Study reveals alarming air pollution levels around schools in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur - A damning new study from the Respire association has highlighted the dangerous levels of air pollution that children in the Alpes-Maritimes and Var regions are exposed to around their schools. The study, which focused on 2,763 schools across the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, reveals that nearly all schools (98%) exceed the World Health Organization's (WHO) recommended thresholds for fine particles, regarded as the most harmful to human health. This marks the first time a pollution study has specifically examined air quality around schools in the region.
The findings show that both Nice and Marseille, among the largest cities in the area, top the list of the most polluted. Respire's Executive Director, Tony Reniccu, called the situation "alarming," highlighting the significant health risks to children, including asthma, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes. The report suggests measures to reduce road traffic around schools, improve public transport, and electrify ports to combat pollution. The study emphasizes the urgent need for action to protect children's health in these polluted urban areas.
High-speed chase in Nice leaves two police officers hospitalised - In other news, a dramatic high-speed chase in Nice on Monday afternoon has left two police officers hospitalized and about thirty vehicles damaged. The incident began when local police spotted a driver who appeared to be smoking drugs whilst behind the wheel. When officers attempted to stop the individual, he swerved his vehicle, knocking one officer to the ground and fleeing the scene. The suspect then struck several vehicles and continued his escape, tracked by CCTV cameras, he eventually reached a police roadblock. In a bid to avoid the officers, the driver reversed, hitting a second officer before finally being stopped on Boulevard Gambetta. Both injured officers, one in his thirties and the other in his fifties, were hospitalized. The suspect, a 40-year-old man, was taken into custody on charges including attempted homicide of a public official, aggravated refusal to comply, drug-impaired driving and driving without a license, and rebellion. The mayor of Nice Christian Estrosi quickly condemned the incident, calling for the "reinstatement of minimum sentences" for offenders. According to the prosecutor’s office the suspect has a history of traffic violations and drug-related offenses, according to the prosecutor’s office.
Man injured after falling 10 meters onto rocks - A man in his thirties has been seriously injured after falling 10 meters onto rocks from the ramparts of the Antibes Archaeological Museum. The incident occurred on Monday morning at around 10am. Emergency services intervened and the victim, who had sustained severe injuries, was airlifted to hospital. The exact circumstances of the fall—whether it was accidental or intentional—remain unclear. National Police are investigating.
Third deputy mayor to appear before the public prosecutor - The third deputy mayor of Cogolin in the Var is to appear before the public prosecutor following damage caused to a Tesla vehicle parked near her residence in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez. Patricia Penchenat, who keyed the vehicle has since explained her actions to reporters, stating she acted "out of anger" after repeatedly observing the car blocking the pavement. She claimed that the Tesla’s owner regularly parked with all four wheels on the pavement, forcing pedestrians—including families with pushchairs and children—to walk in the road. She explained that she acted as a private citizen and, in her anger, damaged the vehicle adding that she has since apologized and offered a settlement, which has been refused. There has been no response from the mayor, with no official comment from his office.
Poll shows majority of French support reinstating military service -Finally, an Ipsos-CES/Ecole d'ingénieurs poll published in Le Parisien has revealed that 86% of French people support the reinstatement of military service, with 53% in favour of making it compulsory. The poll, conducted amid rising international tensions, shows 32% support compulsory service for both men and women, while 21% back it for men only. The survey highlights a growing trend, as several European nations explore military conscription and boosting reserves. However, the French are opposed to funding increased military spending through sacrifices like reduced social benefits or delayed retirement. Only 14% are against the return of military service.
Business
The OECD has warned that US President Donald Trump's escalating trade tariffs will slow global growth and increase inflation. Canada and Mexico are set to suffer the most, as they face the harshest tariffs, with the OECD slashing its growth forecast for Canada this year and next. Mexico is expected to slip into recession. The US has imposed a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminium imports, as well as on a range of goods from Mexico, Canada, and China, with some exemptions. The move is expected to have a significant impact on US growth, as well as on global trade.
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is considering scrapping the contactless payment limit in the UK, weighing whether the change could benefit consumers, merchants, and economic growth. Under the proposals, businesses could gain more control, potentially driving innovation in payment methods and fraud prevention. The move follows an announcement in January, where the FCA revealed it was exploring changes to the contactless limit in a letter to Sir Keir Starmer.
And - A delivery driver who suffered severe burns when a hot tea from Starbucks spilled into his lap has been awarded $50 million (£38.6 million) in damages. Michael Garcia sustained third-degree burns after collecting the drink at a California drive-through. His legal team says the injuries caused permanent, life-changing disfigurement, requiring extensive skin grafts.
Sport
Football - Inter Miami star Lionel Messi has been excluded from Argentina's squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers after picking up an injury. The 37-year-old forward made his return to the starting lineup for Miami's 2-0 win over Atlanta United but reportedly sustained a "low-grade" injury during Sunday's match. Inter Miami later confirmed the setback, ruling Messi out of international duty as Argentina prepares for their qualifiers.
Meanwhile, in other football news, Manchester United will raise season ticket prices by around 5% for the third consecutive year as part of efforts to achieve financial sustainability. While the Manchester United Supporters Trust (MUST) acknowledges the increase is "less than many feared," they note the freeze on under-16 tickets. However, fans have voiced disappointment, criticizing the club for ignoring calls for a wider price freeze.
And - A Bulgarian top-flight team has issued a public apology after mistakenly holding a minute’s silence for a former player, only to later discover he was still alive. The tribute was held before the match however, midway through the game, the club posted on Facebook revealing they had received incorrect information.
Formula One - Lando Norris has challenged George Russell’s “mentality” amid their ongoing debate about McLaren's dominance in Formula 1. Norris cruised to victory at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, with McLaren clearly possessing the fastest car. Despite multiple safety car periods and rain showers giving Max Verstappen a late shot at victory, Norris held firm to secure the win. The comments come as the two drivers continue to clash over the performance gap between McLaren and the rest of the field.
Weather
Fine with some cloudy patches and moderate to strong winds with gust of up to 60km/hr in the Var region. Highs of 12 degrees in Monaco and Saint-Tropez, 14 degrees in Nice and Cannes, 11 degrees in Vence, 15 degrees in Toulon. This evening going down to 9 degrees along the coast.
The outlook for tomorrow and Thursday, fine and sunny in Nice and the Alpes Maritimes with highs of 13 degrees and a fresh breeze. Saint-Tropez and the Var sunny intervals with winds persisting and highs of 14 degrees.
Sunrise 06.36am
Sunset 06.40pm
Weather elsewhere
Palma 18° light rain.
New York 16° sunny
Oslo 11° sunny
Another power outage has hit three towns on Friday morning, the 30th of May, affecting 120 homes in the Alpes-Maritimes....
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France’s health minister has announced that France will introduce a nationwide ban on smoking in outdoor public areas commonly visited by children, st...
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The Var department has experienced its first "tropical night" of the season, with temperatures not dropping below 25°C at 3 am, particularly in Hyères...
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The Société des Bains de Mer (S.B.M.) has announced solid financial results for the 2024/2025 fiscal year, ending March 31, 2025, with revenue rising ...
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France is set to experience record-breaking heat over the Ascension Day holiday, with tomorrow, Friday, May 30th, expected to be the hottest day of th...
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