National News
French government planning to send out a survival manual - The French government is reportedly planning to send a "survival manual" to every household in France, offering guidance on how to prepare for potential threats such as armed conflict, health crises, or natural disasters. If approved by Prime Minister François Bayrou, the 20-page booklet will be distributed before summer. The manual will include advice on how to protect yourself and others, steps to take in an imminent threat (such as emergency contacts and safety measures like closing doors and windows during a nuclear threat), and how to contribute to community defence by joining reserve units or firefighting groups. It will also suggest creating a "survival kit" with essential items like water, food, batteries, a torch, and basic medical supplies. A spokesperson for the PM's office emphasized that the document aims to enhance the resilience of populations in various crises, including natural, technological, cyber, and security-related events.
Recent study reveals crisis in A&E departments in French hospitals – Meanwhile, a recent study from the Ministry of Health in France has revealed a worsening crisis in France's A&E departments, with increasingly long waiting times for patients. Half of patients now wait more than three hours from check-in to discharge, a 45-minute increase over the last decade. The study shows that one-quarter of patients wait over 5.5 hours, and 15% wait more than 8 hours. Visits to A&E are increasing, with 20.9 million recorded in 2022. The shortage of general practitioners and emergency staff is contributing to overcrowding, with 21% of patients struggling to get an appointment elsewhere. Despite promises to improve the situation, emergency departments remain overwhelmed, with staff shortages and overcrowding continuing to impact patient care.
France’s Health Authority has recommended vaccination against meningitis – And, the French National Health Authority (HAS) has recommended expanding vaccination efforts against meningitis due to a significant rise in the number of cases. According to figures the current number of cases has never been so high in the last 20 years. France’s health authority has advised mandatory vaccinations for children up to age of 2 and has recommended for all children under 3. The vaccination is urged for children aged 11 to 14 and in addition authorities are calling for a vaccination campaign for 15-24-year-olds who haven’t been vaccinated, particularly as this age group has seen a rise in cases this year. A vaccination campaign is already underway in Rennes after a fatal case in February.
Local News
Earthquakes strike Alpes-Maritimes – Locally, The Alpes-Maritimes department has experienced a series of earth tremors with at least 15 earthquakes occurring between 6:45pm and 11pm on Tuesday evening March 18th. The tremors were felt across various parts of the region, causing concern among residents and local authorities. The first tremor, measuring at least a magnitude of 4 according to initial estimates, struck around 6:45pm, shaking the region and leaving residents on edge. A strong aftershock followed later in the evening, recorded at a magnitude of 3.8, occurring at approximately 10:25 p.m. While there were no immediate reports of significant damage or casualties, local emergency services closely monitored the situation, and experts are assessing the geological causes of the tremors and advising the public to stay alert for potential aftershocks. The Alpes-Maritimes, located near active tectonic zones, is no stranger to seismic activity, but the intensity and timing of these tremors has been a cause for concern with local authorities.
15-year-old rugby player dies from his injuries - In other news, the 15-year-old rugby player from Toulon rugby club, who suffered a serious head injury during a match last weekend, has since died from his injuries. Nicolas Haddad, tragically passed away on Tuesday. The news of his death has left the rugby communities in the Var region heartbroken. Nicolas, a player with the junior team of the alliance between three clubs in the Var, was remembered fondly by his teammates, coaches, and fans. On social media, the presidents of the clubs, along with RC Toulon, expressed their "infinite sadness" and paid tribute to Nicolas. Our thoughts and condolences go out to his family during this incredibly difficult time.
Investigation into artist exhibition – Finally, the private home of the mayor of Nice Christian Estrosi and the Nice City Hall have been searched by investigators, in connection with an investigation into the exhibition of artist Richard Orlinski. The searches took place on Tuesday as part of the inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the exhibition contracted for the artists’ works, which took over the streets of Nice in the autumn of 2023. The investigation follows a Mediapart article revealing the artist's tendency to give gifts to public figures, particularly elected officials. Investigators are trying to determine whether the mayor received any gifts. Estrosi's lawyer, Mathias Chichportich, described the searches as "routine" and emphasized that Estrosi is calmly awaiting the outcome of the investigation. In response to the allegations, Estrosi's lawyer stated that the mayor never accepted any gifts from artists in exchange for exhibition contracts. Orlinski, in turn, claimed that the gifts were merely "worthless replicas."
Business
French President Emmanuel Macron has announced plans to modernize a key air base and increase orders for Rafale fighter jets as part of France's nuclear deterrence strategy. During a visit to the Luxeuil-les-Bains air base on Tuesday, Macron pledged €1.5 billion in investment to upgrade the site with the latest nuclear missile technology. He emphasized the growing global instability, highlighting the need for France and Europe to remain prepared and defend against threats, particularly from Russia.
Air France has unveiled a new first-class suite as part of its strategy to attract wealthy customers, including those who typically use private jets. The airline aims to position itself as a leader in European luxury air travel, competing with British Airways and Lufthansa. Air France-KLM CEO Ben Smith explained that a growing number of luxury customers are now flying for leisure, not just business, which has increased demand for premium services. The move comes as the airline industry, recovering from the pandemic, focuses on attracting high-paying passengers.
Google has agreed to pay $28 million (£21.55m) to settle a lawsuit accusing it of giving better pay and career opportunities to white and Asian employees over those from other ethnic backgrounds. The lawsuit, filed in 2021 by a former employee, claimed that workers from Hispanic, Latino, Native American, and other backgrounds were given lower starting salaries and job levels than their white and Asian colleagues. Google has confirmed the settlement but denied the allegations.
Chinese state media has supported Donald Trump's decision to cut public funding for Voice of America (VOA) and Radio Free Asia, outlets known for reporting on authoritarian regimes. The move has led to thousands of employees being affected, with around 1,300 VOA staff placed on paid leave since Friday's executive order. Critics view the decision as a blow to democracy, but Beijing's Global Times criticized VOA for its coverage of China, calling it "appalling" and claiming the outlet has been "discarded by its own government." The White House defended the decision, stating it would ensure taxpayers are no longer funding what it described as "radical propaganda."
Sport
Football - Sir Gareth Southgate has expressed concern that many young men today are spending too much time gaming, gambling, and watching pornography, and that they need better role models beyond just online influencers. Southgate shared his personal experience of missing a crucial penalty at Euro 96, explaining that while the pain still haunts him, it didn’t define him. He emphasized the importance of encouraging young people, especially young men, to make positive choices in life and not be afraid of failure.
Formula One - For this weekend's Chinese Grand Prix, Formula 1 has introduced tougher tests to restrict the flexibility of rear wings on cars. The FIA made this decision after observing how rear wings behaved during the Australian Grand Prix. The new rule limits the gap between the rear wing mainplane and flap.
Rugby Union - Georgia head coach Richard Cockerill believes his team has "earned the right" to play Wales in a 2026 Six Nations play-off. After winning their eighth straight Rugby Europe Championship title, Cockerill argues Georgia is ready for Europe's top level of rugby. Wales, who finished bottom of the Six Nations for the second year in a row, have not won a match since beating Georgia at the 2023 World Cup. Cockerill questioned why a team finishing last should automatically stay in the Six Nations and called for a play-off opportunity to prove Georgia’s competitiveness. He described the potential match as "the richest game in World Rugby."
Tennis - The Professional Tennis Players' Association (PTPA), co-founded by Novak Djokovic, has filed a lawsuit against tennis' governing bodies, accusing them of "anti-competitive practices" and neglecting player welfare. The 163-page lawsuit, filed in New York, claims that players have limited control over their careers and brands, criticizing the tennis schedule, ranking systems, and image rights.
Weather
Mainly fine and sunny with strong winds in the Var and forecast for the Alpes Maritimes by this afternoon. Highs of 12 degrees in Monaco and Saint-Tropez, 14 degrees in Nice, Cannes and Toulon. This evening going down to 8 degrees.
The outlook for tomorrow and Friday. Strong winds persisting in the Var region, sunny intervals, becoming increasingly cloudy with light rain expected by Friday. Highs of 14 degrees.
Sunrise 06.35am
Sunset 06.41pm
Weather elsewhere
Liverpool 13° sunny
Amsterdam 16° sunny
Rome 16° sunny
French prime minister François Bayrou has announced plans for a consultation on proportional representation in the country's legislative elections....
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A British man has died in an avalanche in the Savoie department. According to local reports, the man in his twenties was on a road near the ski resort...
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Senior US, European, and Ukrainian diplomats will meet again in London next week after what France called an "excellent" day of peace talks in Paris o...
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Mainly fine with light winds and highs of 17 degrees in Nice and Saint-Tropez, 16 degrees in Monaco, 19 degrees in Toulon. This evening going down to ...
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The French government has instructed local prefects across France to immediately reinforce surveillance and protection of prisons and their staff. The...
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