News
World leaders to attend Pope Francis’ funeral - Many world leaders are expected to attend Pope Francis' funeral on Saturday in St. Peter's Square, including U.S. President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and Spanish royalty. Pope Francis passed away on Monday at the age of 88, and his funeral will be one of the most attended in recent history. Flags in France will be flown at half-mast in honour of the Pope.
Monaco to declare three days of mourning in honour of Pope France - Meanwhile, here in Monaco HSH Prince Albert II has declared three days of national mourning in honour of Pope Francis, from tomorrow Thursday, April 24th to Saturday, April 26th, the day of his funeral. Flags are currently flying at half-mast on all public buildings, and these buildings will remain unlit during the mourning period. A minute's silence will be observed on Friday, April 25th, at 11 a.m., marked by a siren to invite the public to pay their respects.
France targets TikTok trend promoting extreme thinness among teens – In other news, the French government is taking action against a recent TikTok trend which promotes extreme thinness among young women and girls. France’s minister for Digital media has warned that the #SkinnyTok hashtag, which is linked to over half a million posts fuels body-shaming and anorexia. The audiovisual regulator Arcom is investigating the issue as a public health risk and will question TikTok about its safeguards. The EU’s Digital Services Act requires platforms to protect minors from harmful content. France already criminalised the promotion of anorexia in 2015. TikTok says it has removed harmful posts, enforces strict content rules, and provides support resources—but disturbing videos promoting restrictive eating and starvation still surface under the hashtag. An estimated 40,000 people in France suffer from anorexia, with adolescents making up 90% of cases. It remains the country’s deadliest psychiatric illness.
“Grandpa robbers” to stand trial - A group of pensioners, dubbed the "grandpa robbers," are to stand trial in Paris next week for the 2016 robbery of Kim Kardashian. The reality TV star was held at gunpoint in her Paris apartment during Fashion Week, with thieves, disguised as police officers, stealing up to €10 million in jewellery. It was one of France's biggest individual robberies in two decades.
Pan Bagnats recalled – In local news, Pan bagnats sold in Grand Frais stores in the Alpes-Maritimes and Var departments have been recalled due to potential contamination with Listeria. The sandwiches, sold between April 15th and 18th, were sold in stores in Mougins, Cagnes-sur-Mer, La Garde, Hyères, and La Seyne-sur-Mer. Consumers who ate these products and experience symptoms like fever, headaches, or body aches should consult a doctor. Pregnant women, the elderly, and fragile individuals are at higher risk. Health authorities advise anyone with these products to return them for a refund and avoid consumption.
Man arrested for attacking passersby - A man in his thirties has been arrested for attacking passersby while naked on the Cap-d'Ail coastal path. The incident which occurred on Monday and was filmed by onlookers, prompted numerous calls to the gendarmerie, reporting a man in his underwear assaulting people. Police dispatched four units to the scene, and the man was apprehended without resistance. The man, a French resident of Nice with a history of psychiatric disorders, was initially detained but his fragile health led to his transfer to Pasteur Hospital, before being admitted to Sainte-Marie Hospital. He had previously exhibited similar behaviour on the Promenade des Anglais.
Awareness campaign - Monaco has launched an awareness campaign to promote identity vigilance in healthcare, aiming to ensure patients are properly identified to receive the correct care. The campaign encourages patients to present proof of identity, answer caregivers' questions, and verify their medical information. This initiative is part of Monaco's commitment to healthcare quality and safety, with a visual campaign rolled out across the Principality to raise awareness. Christophe Robino, Minister of Social Affairs and Health, emphasized the importance of patients actively participating for their own safety.
Apéro des Frenchy - The popular "Apéro des Frenchy" is to return to the Marché de la Condamine on Sunday, May 11th, 2025, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. The event offers a mix of good vibes, pétanque, and music, featuring blind tests and hits from the 50s to the 80s. Tickets are €8 (excluding food and drinks), with free entry for children under 12. Reservations are required, and seating is limited. For more information you can visit the town hall website.
Monte-Carlo Fashion Week - The 13th edition of Monte-Carlo Fashion Week, focused on ethics, inclusivity, and sustainability, was officially launched on Tuesday. Monaco City Hall, a key partner, highlighted the event’s importance in the Monegasque spring calendar. Key moments include the 10th anniversary of the Fashion Awards, celebrating innovative and responsible designers, and the "Glad You're Awake" fashion show by students from the École Supérieure d'Arts Plastiques. Monaco City Hall continues its support for the fashion industry, including backing the "Fashion Scenography" program at Pavillon Bosio.
Swarm of bees causes a stir on Place Masséna – Finally, a huge swarm of bees has caused a stir in the centre of Nice as they landed on a pole near Place Masséna. The swarm, numbering in the hundreds, appeared suddenly at around 11:30am on Tuesday. While harmless, they drew much attention and generated a buzz on social media. By early afternoon a beekeeper intervened in protective gear and used smoke to safely collect the bees, moving them into a container. This isn't the first time bees have been spotted in the area, with a similar swarm seen earlier this month.
Business
U.S President Donald Trump says he has "no intention of firing" Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, despite repeated criticism over interest rate policy. Trump, who appointed Powell in 2017, said he wants the Fed to be "more active" in cutting rates but stopped short of confirming reports he was exploring Powell's removal. Last week, Trump called Powell "a major loser," sparking a brief market selloff. However, financial markets have since rebounded, with global indices climbing on renewed optimism over U.S.-China trade talks.
Meanwhile, the world’s richest man Elon Musk says he plans to scale back his role in Donald Trump’s administration after Tesla reported a sharp drop in profits and revenue for the first quarter of 2025. Tesla’s revenue fell 20% year-on-year, and profits dropped over 70%, with Musk acknowledging his political involvement had distracted from company operations. Musk, a key figure in Trump’s government efficiency initiative “Doge,” said he will now dedicate just one to two days a week to the role.
And - France’s central bank chief has urged the preservation of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank, though with a tighter focus on areas like financial stability and payments. His comments come as the institutions hold their spring meetings, amid uncertainty over their future following Donald Trump’s administration announcing a review of U.S. involvement in all multilateral bodies.
Sport
Football – In the Premier League on Tuesday evening Manchester City won 2-1 at home against Aston Villa. In this evening’s matches Arsenal are at home to Crystal Palace kick off is at 9pm French time.
Rugby Union - England's most-capped men's player, Ben Youngs, is to retire at the end of the season. The 35-year-old scrumhalf earned 127 caps, won four Six Nations titles with England, and five Premiership titles with Leicester Tigers. Youngs debuted for Leicester at 17 in 2007 and recently made his 332nd appearance for the club. Reflecting on his career, he called the decision "bittersweet," saying he's focused on finishing the season strong.
Tennis - Jack Draper has defended Jannik Sinner ahead of the world number one's return from a three-month doping ban, saying he “does not deserve any hate.” Draper, who trained with Sinner in Monte Carlo last week, described the 23-year-old Italian as a “genuine, nice person” and “an unbelievable player.” Sinner was banned in February after a settlement with WADA over two positive drug tests, but is eligible to return on 5 May, planning his comeback at the Italian Open.
Athletics - Former world record holder Paula Radcliffe says her “body is done” with road racing after completing the Boston Marathon on Monday, earning the prestigious Six Star Medal. The 51-year-old, who retired in 2015, finished the race in 2:53:44 despite injuring her calf at the nine-mile mark. Calling it the perfect way to “sign out,” Radcliffe thanked the Boston crowds and shared her gratitude in an Instagram post.
Cycling – Cycling legend Barry Hoban has died at the age of 85. The Yorkshireman won eight Tour de France stages between 1967 and 1975, once holding the record as Britain’s most successful Tour rider until Mark Cavendish surpassed him in 2009. Hoban completed 11 Tours de France—then a British record—and was the first Brit to win back-to-back stages, a feat later matched by Cavendish and Geraint Thomas. British Cycling called him a “pioneering figure” and an inspiration to generations of riders.
Weather
Mainly fine and sunny with some low cloud to start and according to Météo France a possible risk of thundery showers in Nice. Highs of 19 degrees in Nice and Monaco with a gentle breeze. Light to moderate winds in Saint-Tropez with clear skies and highs of 21 degrees. 22 degrees in Cannes with light winds. 21 degrees in Vence and Toulon. This evening going down to 11 degrees with clear skies.
The outlook for tomorrow and Friday, remaining find with highs of 23 degrees.
Sunrise 06.34am
Sunset 08.23pm
Weather elsewhere
London 10° heavy rain.
New York 24° sunny.
Paris 15° heavy rain.
Beach weather forecast
Marseille – Sea temperature 16°, air temperature 17°. Sunny intervals with strong winds. UV level 4.
Nice – Sea temperature 16°, air temperature 18°. Mainly fine. UV level 6.
Photo - Canadel Beach, a peaceful spot known for its role in the D-Day landings of 1944, is popular with swimmers and offers exceptional sea beds. The beach is split into two zones, with a memorial on the right honouring the Allied and African commando landings. Access is available by foot or bike via the Voie Verte (Greenway) also known as “the old railway line”.
Many world leaders are expected to attend Pope Francis' funeral on Saturday in St. Peter's Square, including U.S. President Donald Trump, French Presi...
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Mainly fine and sunny with some low cloud to start and according to Météo France a possible risk of thundery showers in Nice. Highs of 19 degrees in N...
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President Macron is cutting short his visit to Indian Ocean territories in order to attend the funeral of Pope Francis on Saturday. He was due to be i...
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Emmanuel Macron has returned to the French overseas territory of Mayotte, four months after it was devastated by a cyclone which killed 40 people and ...
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President Macron has paid tribute to Pope Francis who has died today at the age of 88. The President expressed his condolences to “Catholics around th...
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