LOCAL NEWS
New Measures To Combat Illegal Immigration
The Prime Minister, Élisabeth Borne, has announced new measures to combat illegal immigration in Alpes-Maritimes. Starting next week, 150 additional police officers and gendarmes will be deployed to monitor the Franco-Italian border. Mme Borne also revealed plans to create a "border force" at the Italian border by next summer, which will involve closer cooperation between internal security forces, customs officers, and the military.
The move has been welcomed by some, but concerns have been raised about the need for permanent rather than temporary personnel. The Alpes-Maritimes region has been facing an unusually high influx of migrants, including unaccompanied minors, with over 1,200 minors being taken into care by the local authorities since the beginning of 2023.
Elsewhere, the Prime Minister also announced plans to increase wages and combat inflation. The minimum wage will be increased on May 1st, and negotiations for salary increases in various industries will begin soon.
Tensions In The Moulin Neighbourhood Of Nice
The prefecture has announced a series arrests and seizures in the Moulins neighbourhood of Nice. This follows on from a video shared by a local politician showing individuals armed with Kalashnikov rifles. In the past week, 37 people were arrested and three were placed in provisional detention, with 20 of them being minors.
The prefecture conducted 17 security operations in the Moulins neighborhood, known for drug trafficking and described by the prefect as a "war zone." The police seized 2.8 kilograms of cannabis, 137 grams of cocaine, and 3,200 euros in cash.
Air Travel Disruption
Air traffic will be disrupted this weekend, as the French civil aviation authority has warned of a strike by air traffic controllers. One-third of flights at Orly, Marseille, and Lyon airports, and one-quarter of flights at Nice, Roissy-Charles-de-Gaulle airport will be cancelled as a result of protests against retirement reform.
Toulon Based Frigate Helps Sudan Evacuation
A French Navy frigate based in Toulon is playing a major role in the evacuation of French nationals from Sudan to Saudi Arabia. The frigate transported nearly 400 people, including more than 100 children, as part of the Sagittaire operation to evacuate French and foreign nationals caught in the crossfire of violent clashes between the regular army and paramilitary groups in Sudan. The Lorraine, based in Toulon since November, was requested by the United Nations to provide support for the operation.
Child Migrants Relocated To La Trinité
Around 100 unaccompanied foreign child migrants who were being housed in Menton will be transferred to the Fort de la Drète in La Trinité, according to information confirmed by the local council. The move is only temporary, lasting around ten days. The president of the council, Charles-Ange Ginésy, denied that the relocation was the result of pressure from a local MP. The Fort de la Drète was built in the late 19th century to protect against a potential Italian invasion and is occasionally open to the public.
Fire In Nice
A severe apartment fire in the centre of Nice has left one person seriously injured. The fire broke out on yesterday afternoon in an apartment on Marceau Street. The victim was evacuated to Pasteur 2 Hospital and treated for smoke inhalation after being stabilized on site by the emergency medical teams. At least 30 firefighters and 8 vehicles were brought in to control the blaze.
Lorry Catches Fire On The Motorway
A lorry carrying alcohol products caught fire on the A8 motorway in the Var yesterday, causing major traffic disruptions. Firefighters were on the scene quickly and fortunately, there were no toxic risks or injuries reported. However, the incident has resulted in significant traffic delays, with only one lane open in the Aix-Nice direction.
Spearfishing Season Starts
Divers are set to take to the waters in Cannes to mark the opening of the spearfishing season in the Mediterranean. The bay of Cannes is a paradise for divers, with depths reaching up to 1,000 meters and a variety of fish species. Spearfishing requires physical preparation and apnea skills, with divers holding their breath for up to 3 minutes In Nice, a spearfishing challenge, Nikaia 2023 will take place in Nice on Sunday, which is open to all divers.
Nice Acropolis To Be Saved By Bats?
The fate of the Acropolis Congress Palace in Nice, which is set for demolition, could be decided by the possible presence of protected bats. The environmental group Capre 06 has filed an urgent request with the administrative court of Nice, arguing that studies conducted by ecologists about the presence of protected species, including bats, on the site were not exhaustive. The court is expected to make a decision soon. If the court rules against the group, the building, which has already started to be demolished, is set to be completely destroyed by 2025.
La Napoule Boat Show
The La Napoule Boat Show starts today in Mandelieu, and will run for four days until Sunday. The event, which attracts about 15,000 visitors per edition, showcases 200 boats, including new and used ones, ranging in length from 4 to 25 meters. The exhibition covers 10,000 square meters, with 100 exhibitors and as many brands, including 50% international ones. The show also features professionals from the boating industry and displays 20 prestigious car brands, including Ferrari and Aston Martin
Djokovic Spotted In Nice
Novak Djokovic was spotted in Nice yesterday at the Vauban Tennis Club. The world number one tennis player was filming a commercial for Head, a sports equipment brand. Despite being one month away from the Roland Garros tournament, Djokovic spent two hours at the tennis club Vauban filming a photoshoot and video footage with a young player. The shoot was kept ultra-confidential and even the club's members were not allowed to get too close.
BUSINESS NEWS
Microsoft’s Activision Acquisition Blocked
Microsoft's $68.7 billion deal to acquire Activision Blizzard has been blocked by the UK's Competition and Markets Authority, with concerns raised about reduced innovation and choice in the cloud gaming market. The decision has surprised the gaming industry, as it was expected to be approved. Sony, Microsoft's rival, has opposed the deal, citing potential negative impacts on gamers' access to popular titles. The acquisition would have strengthened Microsoft's position in the future of gaming and cloud gaming market.
Facebook Revival
Facebook's business appears to be reviving after months of decline.
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, said revenue grew 3% in the first three months of 2023, compared with the same period a year earlier.
It also said more than three billion people used at least one of its apps daily on average last month, up 5% from March a year ago.
Shares in the firm shot up more than 10% in after-hours trade.
Pernod Ricard Restarts Trading With Russia
French drinks giant Pernod Ricard has restarted some exports of brands including Beefeater gin and Jameson whiskey to Russia.
Pernod Ricard said it had resumed limited shipments to "ensure the economic viability" of its Russian operations.
But campaigners said the move was "disgusting".
The drinks firm had to U-turn on exporting Absolut vodka to Russia last week after a backlash.
Pernod Ricard suspended exports to Russia following its invasion of Ukraine, along with many Western firms.
However, when stocks began to run low at the end of 2022, it restarted limited exports of brands including Beefeater gin and Jameson whiskey.
First Republic Shares Plunge
Investors have continued to dump shares of First Republic amid fears the US bank could be the next to collapse.
The sell-off sent shares down more than 20% in morning trade on Wednesday.
That came after the price sank to a record low a day earlier, plunging nearly 50%, after the firm said it had lost $100bn in deposits in March.
First Republic has been under pressure since a series of bank failures in the US last month sparked fears of a wider crisis.
Disney Sues Ron DeSantis
Disney has accused Florida Governor Ron DeSantis of organising a campaign of "government retaliation" in a lawsuit.
The new legal action sharply escalates the battle between the entertainment giant and the Republican politician.
The two sides have been fighting since Disney criticised a state law banning discussion of sexual orientation or gender identity in primary schools.
The lawsuit came after state officials voided a development deal involving the firm's Florida theme park.
Disney said Mr DeSantis' steps to assert control over its operations threatened its business and violated its constitutional rights.
SPORT
Football
How good are Manchester City? In the match that was being billed as the title decider, they hammered Arsenal by 4 goals to 1. Manchester City now have the mathematical and psychological advantage over the Gunners but neither manager is accepting that the title race is over. Manchester City seem to building momentum at just the right time, and talk of the treble is very much on.
In other matches, Nottingham Forest moved out of the relegation zone after a much-needed 3-1 against Brighton
Chelsea lose again – this time a 2-0 home defeat to Brentford
Liverpool come from behind to beat West Ham 2-1 at the London Stadium
Sheffield United confirmed their promotion back to the Premier League after a 2-0 win against West Brom.
Tonight, Tottenham play Manchester United
Southampton host Bournemouth
Everton play Newcastle
In Spain, Barcelona suffered only their third La Liga defeat of the season as Rayo Vallecano secured a memorable win.
Goals by Alvaro Garcia and Fran Garcia put the mid-table hosts in a commanding position before Robert Lewandowski scored a late consolation.
Barca remain on course to win a first La Liga title since 2018-19, 11 points clear of nearest rivals Real Madrid with eight matches left.
In Italy, Inter Milan are through to the Coppa Italia final after a narrow 1-0 win over Juventus at the San Siro
Cricket
Dimuth Karunaratne and Nishan Madushka put on an opening partnership of 228 as Sri Lanka were dominant on day three of the second Test against Ireland.
The hosts were on 357-1 when rain stopped play after 77 overs and trail by 135 runs after the visitors had posted their highest Test score of 492.
F1
Formula 1 is set to introduce a new format for 'sprint' races starting at this weekend's Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The new format includes separate qualifying sessions for the sprint race and the main Grand Prix, with the slowest five cars being eliminated in the first two sessions. Teams will also be required to use new tires in each session. The changes aim to add more excitement and risk-taking to the sprint races.
WEATHER
Sunny this morning, but increasingly cloudy along the coast.
Winds light to moderate from the East
Highs of 18° around Monaco, 19° around St Tropez
Skies clearing overnight with lows of 12°
Tomorrow, mostly sunny in the morning, but extended cloudy spells in the afternoon, particular in Alpes Maritimes.
Highs of just 16° around Monaco, but 22° towards St Tropez and inland in the Var.
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Due to ongoing freezing temperatures, the Vaucluse prefecture has activated its "Grand Froid" plan.
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