Stories from Marseille · France

Samia Ghali has been elected as the head of RTM, running as the sole candidate. This election was reported on Mastodon, referencing a France 3 Regions article.

Olympique de Marseille was held to a draw at home by Nice, potentially ending their European aspirations. Olympique de Marseille played to a 1-1 draw against Nice. Hubert scored a header for Marseille in the 66th minute. Waii equalized for Nice via a penalty in the 88th minute. The result leaves Nice with a 5-point lead over OCR. The match concluded the 31st day of the Ligue 1 season. Coach Habib Bey expressed frustration following the result. The match included a penalty that fans described as unrewarding. Marseille's remaining schedule includes matches against Nantes, Le Havre, and Rennes. Marseille's chances of qualifying for the Champions League have diminished after a 1-1 draw against Nice on Sunday. The team remains sixth in the Ligue 1 standings with three games left in the season.

The University of Aix-Marseille has launched the Safe Space for Science program. The program aims to recruit and host US-based scientists within France. The initiative seeks to create a dedicated environment for scientific collaboration and research. No specific funding amounts or immediate start dates were provided. The program aims to provide an alternative for researchers facing professional or personal difficulties in their home countries. One participant, a political scientist from Minneapolis, cited the program as an escape from her previous environment. It specifically targets researchers feeling unsettled by political climates in the US, such as climate scientists. One researcher, Lisa, noted that while her work on South American dictatorships caused friction with the Trump administration, she does not identify with the term 'refugee' as she did not face physical violence.

Marseille displayed more eagerness in their recent match compared to their performances against Lorient and Oullié. The team's defense showed resilience, repelling Nice's advances. The transfer of Morgan Sanson for 12 million euros was noted as the first under the McCourt era, a move that reportedly did not sit well with Montpellier's management at the time.

A building collapse in Marseille, described as a symbol of the end of an era, is being compared to a previous incident in Tivoli. The event involved the demolition of unsanitary, poorly maintained buildings with inadequate fire safety and roofing. The municipal government has been actively involved in addressing the aftermath of the disaster, which holds symbolic importance for the city. Investigations into the specific maintenance failures are ongoing. Further details regarding casualties or the exact cause are not yet available.

A shooter attempted to force through a security checkpoint located between a filtering barrier and a ballroom entrance. The gunfire occurred specifically within this security zone. The hotel remained open to clients during the incident. Witnesses reported passing through security portals without identity checks or physical pat-downs before reaching the escalator area.

An explosion occurred at 17 rue de Tivoli in the 5th arrondissement of Marseille around 1:00 AM. Witness Diane Schlinger reported hearing 4 to 5 consecutive loud booms while dining at a gala. Security agents instructed attendees to lie down on the floor immediately following the sounds. Residents in the Tivoli area of Marseille are being displaced following an explosion.

The University of Marseille has selected 31 US researchers to participate in a program in France. Only three researchers have arrived in the country so far. Officials expect an additional 23 researchers to arrive later this year. The program aims to address concerns regarding a potential brain drain from the United States. This development follows a period of several months where no participants arrived. This selection comes amid reported hesitation and unease within the US scientific community regarding international academic mobility. The scale of the cohort is considered for a French university program. One researcher, John, reported that financial constraints are a primary concern for remaining in France. The researchers are also navigating complex administrative requirements for business travel.