National News
Starmer and Macron have called for Gaza peace Talks and Russia ceasefire – British Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke with French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday, with both leaders voicing serious concern over the situation in Gaza and agreeing on the need for renewed peace efforts. They also discussed Ukraine, calling for a 30-day ceasefire from Russia to allow for meaningful talks, Downing Street said.
Meanwhile, as Europe marked 80 years since VE Day on Monday a new poll showed many in the West fear a third world war within the next decade, most seeing tensions with Russia as the likely trigger. The poll also found strong support for continuing to teach the lessons of the Second World War to younger generations.
Local News
Police in Nice rescue dogs from illegal encampment - Police in Nice have rescued around 20 drugged dogs from an illegal encampment dismantled on Monday, 5th May 2025, north of the city. Tests confirmed the animals had been sedated, with some showing signs of being used for begging and illegal trafficking. Local animal welfare groups, including UPA 06, took the dogs into care. Authorities say some dogs were found unconscious in public areas. Several litters and two pregnant dogs were among those discovered, one of the pregnant dogs is still missing. The encampment, on private land, had been under investigation for months. Its owner had taken legal steps to have it cleared. The investigation continues.
Fraudulent text messages - If you've received a text saying your package won’t fit in your post-box and asking you to choose a new delivery time, be careful—it could be a scam. These messages, which have been circulating for the past three years, look like they’re from delivery companies. They often use your full name to make it seem more real, but in reality, they’re trying to steal your personal details. When you click on the link in the message, you’re taken to a fake website that looks like a trusted courier service. You’ll be asked to pay a small fee, and then for your credit card details. If you’ve been tricked, contact your bank right away and report it to the Ministry of the Interior's Info Scams platform at 0.805.805.817. Always be cautious with unexpected links, even if they seem real.
Nice notifies hotel over noise complaints - Nice’s city hall has formally notified the Anantara Plaza Hotel over ongoing noise complaints from local residents. Mayor Christian Estrosi confirmed the move, stating the complaints have been a growing issue for months, with noise from music, hotel guests, and facilities causing disruption to nearby residents. Estrosi warned the hotel’s management of “extremely heavy penalties” if the noise continues, emphasising that the city will take action under environmental laws. The Alpes-Maritimes prefecture is now expected to follow up on the matter.
Beaches and the quality of water - As summer approaches, Monaco residents and visitors may be looking for the perfect bathing conditions along the Riviera, only sadly the water is not always the most inviting. The latest ‘La Belle Plage’ classification report reveals mixed results for bathing water quality in the area. Several popular spots, including Villefranche-sur-Mer and Cap d'Ail, received ‘Not Recommended’ ratings due to contamination in water samples. Four beaches, including parts of Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, were rated ‘To Be Avoided.’ The report attributes declining water quality to poor weather and sewage system issues, highlighting concerns for the region’s environmental management.
Celebrations for the 20th anniversary of Prince Albert II’s reign - The 20th anniversary of Prince Albert II’s reign will be celebrated in Monaco this summer. The Prince’s Palace announced on Monday May 5th, that a special reception will be held on July 19th. Prince Albert and Princess Charlene will host the event from 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on the Place du Palais. Further details on access and participation will be shared closer to the date. Monaco’s celebrations will continue this summer with a series of events to mark the milestone.
Cannes Palm Tree to be covered in gold – Finally, a palm tree on Cannes’ famous Croisette is being covered in 24-carat gold leaf in what’s described as a world-first art installation of its kind. Artist Jean-Christophe Rousseau will this week cover the 15-metre tree with up to 15,000 gold leaves just in time for the Cannes Film Festival. The project, in partnership with the city council will leave the golden palm on display for at least six months, possibly longer.
Business
Barbie maker Mattel says it will increase prices on some toys in the US due to rising costs caused by President Donald Trump's tariffs. The company also plans to reduce the number of toys it manufactures in China for the American market. Meanwhile, carmaker Ford says the tariffs will cost it around $1.5 billion (£1.13bn) this year. Both firms join a growing list of major businesses warning about the wider economic impact of US trade policies.
OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, has announced a new governance structure following a recent internal dispute. CEO Sam Altman said OpenAI will now operate as a public benefit corporation, a for-profit business with a mission to serve the public good, while remaining under the control of its for-profit board. A similar plan was suggested in December, but this update clarifies who holds control, after months of scrutiny over the company's direction. OpenAI, originally a non-profit, has faced criticism, including from co-founder Elon Musk, for shifting focus toward commercial growth instead of purely benefiting humanity.
Sport
Football - Trent Alexander-Arnold has confirmed he will leave Liverpool at the end of the season, ending months of speculation. Although he didn’t name his next club in his emotional farewell video, it’s widely known he’ll join England teammate Jude Bellingham at Real Madrid. The 26-year-old could have waited until after Liverpool’s title parade on 26 May to break the news. Instead, he’s chosen to go public now, with two home games left – against Arsenal and Crystal Palace, when Liverpool will lift their 20th league title.
In the Premier League on Monday evening, it was a one all draw between Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest. This evening in the Champions League semi finals Inter Milan will host Barcelona.
And - France’s former interior minister has apologised for wrongly blaming Liverpool fans for the chaos at the 2022 Champions League final in Paris. Gérald Darmanin, now the country’s justice minister, admitted security at the Stade de France was mishandled and said his initial comments blaming English supporters were a mistake.
Motor racing - Two riders, Owen Jenner, 21, and Shane Richardson, 29, have died following a major crash during a British SuperSport Championship race on Monday. The accident, involving 11 bikes, happened on the first lap as riders exited the opening corner. The race was immediately stopped and later cancelled due to the tragic incident. Motorsport Vision Racing (MSVR), which runs the circuit, confirmed the deaths and said another rider, Tom Tunstall, 47, suffered serious injuries.
American Football - US president Donald Trump has announced that the 2027 NFL Draft will take place in Washington DC. The three-day event will be held at the National Mall and Pennsylvania Avenue. It will be the first time Washington hosts the Draft since the NFL started rotating the sites from New York in 2015.
Snooker - Zhao Xintong made history on Monday by becoming the first Asian player and amateur to win the World Snooker Championship, beating three-time champion Mark Williams 18-12. The 28-year-old was draped in the Chinese flag as he celebrated his win, with Williams calling him a “superstar”.
Weather
Sunny intervals with scattered showers and light winds. Highs of 18 degrees in Monaco, 19 degrees in Nice, Vence and Saint-Tropez. 21 degrees in Cannes and 20° in Antibes. This evening going down to 9° along the coast with cloudy skies.
The outlook for Wednesday and Thursday, rather unsettled with sunny intervals and thundery showers. Strong winds are forecast for the Var region. Highs of 20-21 degrees.
Sunrise 06.15am
Sunset 08.38pm
Weather elsewhere
Liverpool 16° sunny.
Bordeaux 18° drizzle.
Rome 21° thundery showers.
Beach weather
Hyeres – Sea temperature 18°, air temperature 19°. Moderate to strong winds with sunny intervals. UV level 6.
Plage Beau Rivage Nice – Sea temperature 16°, air temperature 20°. Moderate winds with sunny intervals. UV level 6.
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