National News France
French Prime Minister criticises US President - France’s Prime Minister, François Bayrou, has criticized U.S. President Donald Trump in the French parliament on Monday. He described Trump's meeting with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy at the White House, which ended in a heated argument, as "marked by brutality" and an attempt to "humiliate" Zelensky. Bayrou told the French National Assembly, "To summarize it in one sentence, as it was in front of cameras from all over the world: either you reach a deal with Putin, or we give up on you."
France is proposing a partial one-month truce between Russia and Ukraine, as European efforts to support Kyiv intensify amid uncertain U.S. backing. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot suggested that the truce, which would focus on air, sea, and energy infrastructure, could help determine if Vladimir Putin is acting in good faith and could be prove of his willingness for "real peace negotiations." The minister warned that the risk of war in Europe was higher than ever, with the frontline getting closer. His comments echoed those of French President Emmanuel Macron, who mentioned that France and the UK had agreed on a plan for a short-term partial ceasefire, excluding ground fighting, with a second phase involving troop deployments to Ukraine.
Changes to Paris ring road – In other news, authorities in Paris have introduced a dedicated car-sharing lane on the périphérique, the city's notorious ring road, to help reduce congestion and pollution during rush hours. The trial, which began on Monday, restricts the outside lane to vehicles with at least two passengers from 7am to 10:30am and 4pm to 8pm. The lane is also open to public transport, taxis, emergency services, and vehicles for disabled individuals. During an initial "learning phase," motorists will adjust to the new rule, with artificial intelligence set to monitor compliance. Vehicles found in the lane without enough passengers will receive a message instructing them to move over. After May 1st, drivers who fail to comply will face fines of €135.
Local News
Scottish painter found dead in Nice - In local news, Scottish painter Jack Vettriano, known for his popular yet critically dismissed works, has died aged 73 at his apartment in Nice. Self-taught, he began painting after receiving watercolours as a gift at 21. His breakthrough came in 1998 when two paintings sold at the Royal Scottish Academy’s annual show, prompting him to pursue art full-time. Vettriano’s paintings, especially The Singing Butler, achieved international success, despite scorn from critics. His pieces were loved by many, including celebrities like Jack Nicholson and Alex Ferguson. His death, announced on Instagram was met with tributes. There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his passing. Vettriano’s work will continue to inspire future generations, marking the end of an era in contemporary Scottish art.
Teenager arrested for using knife during fight outside high school – A teenager has been arrested for using a knife during a fight outside the Saint-Exupéry high school in Saint-Raphaël. The altercation occurred on February 25th when the victim intervened to separate two students fighting in the school car park. The teenager who pulled out the knife was arrested and brought before the Draguignan prosecutor's office, with plans to appear before a juvenile judge soon. At the time of the incident, another student was filming the altercation. Two days later, during a break, the attacker provoked the victim again and brandished a knife, slashing at the victim's trousers without causing injury. The police quickly intervened and arrested the suspect. Despite the victim's decision not to file a complaint, the accused was still brought to court. The incident has raised concern among parents, who voiced their worries about students’ safety at the school.
One Voice take action against illegal fishing - The animal protection group One Voice is taking action against "illegal fishing" in the Alpes-Maritimes, sharing disturbing images and announcing that it has filed a complaint. Several towns, including Cagnes-sur-Mer, Saint-Laurent-du-Var, and Villeneuve-Loubet, are concerned. According to the association, birds such as seagulls, swans, flamingos, and black-headed gulls are being injured or killed by illegal fishing practices. One Voice claims that fishing in protected areas and the use of abandoned nets and hooks are causing harm to these birds. Some are found with severe injuries, often requiring care. Unfortunately, many do not survive, succumbing to infections. Despite clear signs marking protected zones, the association alleges that fishermen are ignoring the rules, causing unnecessary suffering to these vulnerable species.
Study for hosting a Formula One Grand Prix in Nice - A study commissioned by Nice Mayor Christian Estrosi to assess the feasibility of hosting a Formula One Grand Prix in the city has reportedly cost $550,000. Since 2023, the Marseille prosecutor's office has been investigating the actions of the public interest group responsible for managing the French Grand Prix in Le Castellet, Var. This group, now dissolved, was chaired by Estrosi. The study, requested in 2022, aimed to evaluate the possibility of holding a Formula 1 race in Nice, but without informing the group's administrators. Estrosi has consistently expressed interest in bringing Formula 1 to the streets of Nice. The project, called "The Riviera Project," was handed to Formula One World (FOW). When approached for comment, Estrosi's lawyer, Olivier Baratelli, emphasized that the provisional report from the CCR is confidential and cannot be released before the final report.
Police carry out speed checks on A8 - Police in the Alpes-Maritimes have carried out a speed control operation on the A8 motorway. The controls which were carried out over the weekend led to three motorists being arrested for speeding. They were stopped at 177, 174 and 169 km an hour instead of the authorised 110km/hr.
Prefecture launches new service from today - From today Monday March 3rd, the Alpes-Maritimes Prefecture is launching a dedicated information point for foreigners. The goal is to help with all administration concerns as well as answer general questions. You do not need to make an appointment. The new service hopes to simplify administrative procedures which can be time consuming and difficult at times. The Prefecture, located at 147 Boulevard du Mercantour in Nice, offers the service Mondays from 1pm to 2.30pm, and from 8.30am to 10am on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
Business
US President Donald Trump says the long-threatened 25% US tariffs against Canada and Mexico will kick in today Tuesday 4th March. Trump also confirmed that he was also doubling the levy on Chinese imports to 20%. He said the import taxes will also force Canada and Mexico to take more action to curb illegal drugs and migrants entering the country. Markets dropped after Trump confirmed the tariffs on America's biggest trading partners. All three countries have said they will retaliate against the US in response to the tariffs, raising the prospect of a widening trade war
Meanwhile, cryptocurrency prices have jumped after Donald Trump revealed he would like Bitcoin and other lesser-traded tokens to be in a new US strategic crypto reserve. Bitcoin, the world's largest cryptocurrency by market value, rose over 11% to $94,164 after Sunday's announcement. Ethereum, the second-largest cryptocurrency, was up around 13% at $2,516 and XRP surged 33%.
And - TikTok and Reddit are to be investigated by the UK's data protection watchdog over how they use teenage users' personal information. The investigations will focus on their use of age assurance measures, such as how they estimate and verify children's ages, and how they use their personal information. The regulator is taking action amid growing concerns about how social media platforms use data generated by children's online activity in their recommendation algorithms and the potential for young people to be served harmful or inappropriate content as a result.
Sport
Football – Nottingham Forest are through to the quarter finals after beating Ipswich Town on penalties in the 5th round of the FA Cup. This evening in the Champions League Club Brugge face Aston Villa and PSV play Arsenal.
Tennis - Andy Murray will once again take on his coaching role with Novak Djokovic at the upcoming Indian Wells tournament and stay with the 24-time major champion for the Miami Open. Djokovic, 37, plans to compete at both ATP Masters events - played back-to-back and known as the 'Sunshine Double' - for the first time since 2019.
Cycling - The Grand Depart of the men's Tour de France is set to return to Great Britain in 2027. Britain last hosted the start of the world's most famous cycling race in Yorkshire in 2014, when it began in Leeds, followed by stages finishing in Sheffield and London. Edinburgh is now under consideration for the Grand Depart in 2027 for what would be only the third time the race has started in the UK. GB's first Grand Depart took place in London in 2007. Details of the route are still being finalised, and advanced talks between British sports authorities and race organisers continue.
Weather
Hazy sunshine with a gentle breeze. Highs of 15 degrees in Monaco, Mougins Saint-Tropez and Antibes, 16 degrees in Nice and Cannes. This evening going down to 8 degrees along the coast with clear skies.
The outlook for tomorrow and Thursday. Fine and sunny on Wednesday highs of 15 degrees. Thursday remaining fine with strong winds picking up in the Var and highs of 15 degrees.
Sunrise 07.01am
Sunset 06.22pm
Weather elsewhere
London 13° sunny Oslo 10° sunny Bordeaux 17° sunny intervals
New York 12° sunny intervals Cardiff 11° sunny Belfast 11° sunny
Dublin 12° sunny Liverpool 110 sunny Lisbon 16° light showers
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Sunny with light winds. Highs of 22 degrees in Monaco, Nice and Menton. 21 degrees in Saint-Tropez. 23 degrees in Antibes. ...
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