News
Masked gang attempt kidnapping in French capital - A masked gang has attempted to abduct the daughter and young grandson of a cryptocurrency executive in Paris, but the kidnapping ended in violence and the attackers fled empty-handed. The incident, captured on video, took place in the city's 11th district on Tuesday. Three masked men jumped out of a van and tried to abduct the woman and her child. The woman's husband fought back, and after a violent struggle, the attackers fled when passers-by intervened. Police are investigating. The attack marks the latest in a series of similar incidents involving cryptocurrency figures in France. The victims suffered minor injuries, while the attackers remain at large.
Macron’s televised interview - In other news, in a televised interview on TF1 on Tuesday evening, French President Emmanuel Macron discussed several key issues facing France, including the potential for upcoming referendums, the war in Gaza, and the pension reform. Macron revealed plans to hold a referendum in the coming months, particularly on major economic and social reforms. He also reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the law on end-of-life care, which is currently being debated in the National Assembly.
On the war in Gaza, he criticized Israeli military operations, calling them "unacceptable," while also calling for humanitarian action. Regarding Ukraine, Macron expressed readiness to negotiate with Vladimir Putin to avoid escalating tensions. In terms of his future, Macron sidestepped questions on running again in 2032, saying he’s focused solely on France’s current needs.
Cannes Film Festival - The Cannes Film Festival 2025 is drawing global attention, particularly with Tom Cruise's return to the event today May 14th, to present Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning. This marks Cruise's third appearance at Cannes, following his honorary Palme d'Or in 2022. The eighth film in the Mission: Impossible series will not compete for the festival’s top honour but will be showcased out of competition. The festival’s official competition includes 22 films, and the festival is also hosting a variety of cultural and political moments, including Robert De Niro’s lifetime achievement recognition on Tuesday, where the legendary actor received an honorary Palme d'Or amidst an emotional standing ovation. At the opening ceremony, the jury president paid tribute to Palestinian photojournalist Fatima Hassouna, who was killed in an Israeli bombing, and actress Juliette Binoche expressed solidarity with the victims of the conflict. Several prominent figures in world cinema, including Pedro Almodovar and Richard Gere, have issued a call to break the silence on the ongoing situation in Gaza, urging the international community to address the crisis.
Meanwhile on Tuesday Leonardo DiCaprio made a low-key arrival at Nice airport, barely acknowledging fans as he was shielded by a group of bodyguards. Dressed in black with a cap, hood, and mask, he avoided contact with autograph seekers and quickly disappeared into a van. Some even questioned if it was truly him, citing differences in appearance. Later that evening, it was DiCaprio who presented the honorary Palme d'Or to Robert De Niro at the festival’s opening ceremony, paying tribute to the veteran actor’s career.
Gérard Depardieu found guilty - French film star Gérard Depardieu, 76, has been found guilty of sexually assaulting two women on a film set in 2021 and sentenced to an 18 month suspended prison sentence. The women accused him of groping them during filming. Depardieu denied the allegations, and his lawyer announced plans to appeal. A Paris court ruled that one of the women, a set dresser named Amélie, provided consistent testimony, while Depardieu’s accounts of the events changed over time. Amélie expressed being "very moved" and satisfied with the verdict, calling it "a victory, a major step forward."
Swimming restrictions - Swimming remains prohibited at the four beaches of Saint-Laurent-du-Var due to poor water quality. The beaches, Cousteau, Landsberg, Goélands (1), and Flots Bleus (2)—have been closed since July 2024 after wastewater treatment issues caused untreated wastewater to be discharged into the Mediterranean. Legal proceedings are ongoing. According to reports the local wastewater treatment plant, operated by Serex, failed to notify the Eau d'Azur authority about the issue. Cousteau and Landsberg beaches will remain closed through 2025 due to poor water quality classification. Water sports, however, may resume on May 15th, 2025, following the lifting of boating restrictions.
Monaco’s support for the Var valley - HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco has visited Malaussène in the Var Valley to observe the restoration of the oil mill and the Adous Canal, which had been severely damaged by Storm Alex in 2020. The restoration, funded by Monaco with €200,000, is part of a larger €3 million effort to support affected areas. The Adous Canal was restored in just six months, ensuring vital irrigation for local farmland. Prince Albert II, alongside local officials, unveiled a plaque at the mill, which was also fully restored, highlighting Monaco's support for the community’s recovery.
New research - New research has suggested that cars and meat consumption are key factors behind the gender gap in greenhouse gas emissions. A study of 15,000 people in France found that men emit 26% more pollution than women, primarily due to higher car use and red meat consumption. After accounting for factors like income and education, the gap shrinks to 18%, but the difference in transport and food habits still explains most of the remaining emissions. The study highlights how traditional gender norms play a significant role in shaping carbon footprints. Experts also noted that women tend to be more concerned about climate change, possibly leading them to adopt more sustainable behaviours.
France up in arms over threat to Comté - Finally, Pierre Rigaux, an animal rights activist, recently criticized Comté cheese, a beloved French product, for its environmental impact. He claims that the droppings of Montbéliarde cows, which are used to make the cheese, pollute the soil and water. He also argued that eating Comté makes people complicit in animal suffering. This has caused a stir in France, with many upset by the attack on one of their culinary treasures. In fact, this controversy follows similar reports to shorten the iconic French baguette to avoid waste, showing growing concerns about environmental issues in everyday life.
Business
President Donald Trump has hailed Saudi Arabia as the US's "no stronger partner" during the first day of his Middle East tour. Trump pledged to lift all sanctions on Syria, offering the country "a chance at greatness." The trip, focused on boosting investment, saw the US and Saudi Arabia announce a $142 billion arms deal, with further investments potentially reaching $1 trillion. Trump made Saudi Arabia his first foreign stop in 2017.
Airbnb is expanding beyond short-term rentals with the launch of luxury services through its redesigned app. Users can now book personal trainers, chefs, massages, spa treatments, and even photographers during their stay. CEO Brian Chesky stated, “People choose hotels for their services, people choose Airbnbs for space... now we’re giving you the best of both worlds.” The new services will be available in 260 cities worldwide and priced from under $50. What's more, even non-Airbnb users can book them. These new features aim to meet the evolving needs of today’s travellers, looking for more than just a place to stay.
Sport
Football – Sunderland are heading to Wembley after a dramatic extra-time winner against Coventry City in the Championship play-off semi-final on Tuesday evening. With the tie seemingly destined for penalties, Dan Ballard's header in the 122nd minute crashed in off the bar, sending Sunderland fans into a frenzy and putting them through 3-2 on aggregate. Sunderland will now play Sheffield United in the final at Wembley, with a Premier League return on the line.
And - Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi is in an induced coma after undergoing the first stage of surgery for a serious abdominal injury. The 27-year-old Nigeria international collided with the post late in Sunday’s 2-2 draw against Leicester at the City Ground, just minutes after coming on as a substitute. He had surgery on Monday night and remains in hospital, with the procedure set to be completed today. Forest say he is "recovering well" and continue to monitor his condition closely.
Cricket - Five England players currently involved in the IPL have been named in the ODI squad to face the West Indies later this month. The IPL final has been pushed back to June 3rd, the same day as England’s third one-dayer. That creates a potential scheduling headache for Jos Buttler, Jofra Archer, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, and Jacob Bethell, all named in the 16-man squad. The ECB says it's reviewing players’ availability and No Objection Certificates in light of the rescheduled IPL, which resumes Saturday following a week-long pause due to India-Pakistan tensions.
Formula One - FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem is facing fresh scrutiny over proposed changes to the statutes of motorsport's governing body. A confidential document seen by the BBC suggests the revisions, up for a vote next month, would extend his control and give him greater influence over the FIA governing body.
Rugby Union - Former England scrum-half Danny Care has announced his retirement from rugby.
The 38-year-old, who earned 101 caps for England and made a record 394 appearances for Harlequins, will hang up his boots at the end of the season. Care had originally hoped to play until the 2025–26 season, his 20th with the club, but now says this Sunday's home match against Exeter will likely be his farewell.
Tennis - Emma Raducanu has added one more tournament to her clay-court season before the French Open. The British number two has been handed a wildcard to play in Strasbourg next week, her final warm-up before Roland Garros. The French Open gets underway on May 25th.
Weather
Sunny with a gentle breeze. Highs of 21 degrees in Nice, 19 degrees in Monaco and Saint-Tropez. Sunny intervals and light winds with highs of 21 degrees in Cannes for the Film Festival. This evening going down to 13 degrees along the coast with clear skies.
The outlook for tomorrow, mainly fine with a gentle breeze and highs of 21 degrees. Friday, light showers are forecast with a moderate breeze.
Sunrise 06.06am
Sunset 08.47pm
Weather elsewhere
Lisbon 20° sunny.
Liverpool 22° sunny.
Palma 23° thundery showers.
Beach weather
Nice – sea temperature 17°, air temperature 20° feels like 23°. Fine and sunny. UV level 7.
Saint-Tropez – sea temperature 18°, air temperature 19°. Fine and sunny. UV level 7.
A masked gang has attempted to abduct the daughter and young grandson of a cryptocurrency executive in Paris, but the kidnapping ended in violence and...
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Sunny with a gentle breeze. Highs of 21 degrees in Nice, 19 degrees in Monaco and Saint-Tropez. and Saint Paul de Vence. Sunny intervals and light wi...
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Rain is once again expected during the Cannes Film Festival, staying true to tradition.
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As the 78th Cannes Film Festival opens today, a darker chapter in French cinema is unfolding in a Paris courtroom, where Gérard Depardieu faces a poss...
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Sunny with a gentle breeze. Highs of 20 degrees in Nice, 19 degrees in Monaco, Saint-Tropez and Saint Paul de Vence. ...
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