NEWS
Israeli strikes to Iran lead to only flight from Nice to Tel Aviv to be cancelled - Following Israeli airstrikes on Iran and threats of retaliation from Tehran, several airlines, including Air France, have suspended flights in the Gulf region. Israel closed its airspace, prompting the cancellation of the only flight from the Nice International Airport to Tel Aviv at 11am on Friday. Jordan and Iraq also shut their airspace in response to the escalating conflict. The Israeli military reported deploying around 200 fighter jets targeting nuclear and military sites across Iran. In response, Iran launched about 100 drones toward Israel, which the Israeli army is trying to intercept. These developments have heightened regional tensions and disrupted international air travel.
Four people in custody following child abuse allegations - Four people are in custody over child abuse allegations at the Ultra Cimiez sports club in Nice, after videos showed staff violently targeting young children. Footage included footballs deliberately kicked at children’s heads and one child being pushed off a wall, all while other staff laughed and filmed. The prosecutor launched an investigation for violence against minors under 15 by persons in authority. Three of those detained, who have no prior criminal records, face charges including non-reporting of abuse and unlawful filming. They may be placed under judicial supervision and banned from working with children; at least eight victims have been identified.
First case of Chikungunya in the France, and it's in the Var - The first locally contracted autochthonous case of chikungunya in mainland France this year has been confirmed in La Crau, Var. The patient had not travelled abroad, indicating the virus was transmitted locally by the tiger mosquito. Authorities are conducting mosquito control operations and door-to-door health checks to prevent further spread. Chikungunya joins dengue and Zika as mosquito-borne threats in the region, with PACA being the most affected area. Hospitals and doctors in the area are on alert to detect and manage any new suspected cases.
Heatwave drill - A heatwave drill has been launched to protect isolated seniors during the summer in Toulon, Var. Over 1,650 people over 65, living alone or with disabilities, have received test messages as part of a personalized monitoring system. This prevention plan, active from the 1st of June to the 15th of September, includes SMS alerts and phone calls to detect signs of distress. In urgent cases with no response, municipal police may be sent to check on the person. The program began after the deadly 2003 heatwave, aiming to prevent avoidable deaths due to isolation.
Gambling addiction, a serious problem - With the Euromillions jackpot up for grabs again today, Friday the 13th has become a major marketing event for the gambling industry in France. Experts warn that gambling can lead to serious addiction, similar to alcohol, affecting brain chemistry and personal lives. Casinos have set up prevention tools and staff training to detect risky behaviours like Joa La Siesta in Antibes. Online gambling is worsening the problem, with skyrocketing bets and rising public health concerns.
Schoolchildren learn how to protect the ocean - Schoolchildren have taken part in scientific workshops led by the Expédition 7e Continent and Citeo to learn how to protect the ocean through eco-friendly actions. The activities aimed to raise awareness about marine pollution, especially the role of plastic waste, 80% of which comes from land. Workshops included learning about plastic degradation, marine ecosystems, and habits like reducing, reusing, and recycling. Parents and teachers stressed that environmental education should start young and involve the whole family. The program also introduced students to ocean-related careers, hoping to inspire future environmental stewards.
Cheating using AI during school exams - Cheating during the baccalauréat exams is becoming increasingly high-tech, with students using smart devices and AI tools despite strict regulations. Traditional methods like crib notes persist, but technologies such as earpieces, smartphones, and generative AI now dominate fraud cases. Educators are struggling to detect and manage AI-driven cheating, prompting a shift toward new evaluation methods like oral exams and project-based tasks. Debates continue on integrating AI ethically into education, with some schools embracing it as a learning tool while others call for clearer guidelines.
Antibes Music School struggles financially - The modern Antibes Music School is at risk of closing due to financial struggles in the Alpes-Maritimes. Over 200 students and nine staff members could be affected if €50,000 isn’t raised by the 21st of June. The school’s unique, exam-free teaching style and strong community make alternatives hard for many families. Despite no support from local authorities, the school holds onto hope through a last-chance fundraising campaign.
Berthemont-Les-Bains - The Berthemont-les-Bains thermal centre will reopen on the 28th of June for spa and wellness treatments, and on the 30th of June or medical cures. It is the only thermal station in the Alpes-Maritimes and had been closed since November. Now managed by a public syndicate instead of a private operator, it aims to secure jobs and boost the local economy. The centre contributes around €7 million annually and supports over 200 indirect jobs in the Vésubie valley. The area also offers eco-swimming spots and outdoor sports, promoting wellness and nature tourism.
NEWS UPDATE
UNOC Traffic restrictions lifted - The UN Ocean Conference in Nice ends on Friday, the 13th of June, prompting the lifting of various security restrictions. Pedestrian access to the Port and Quai des États-Unis resumes today, with car traffic expected overnight, while the bike lane reopens on the 14th of June. Port parking areas such as Lympia, Galères, Entrecasteaux will reopen to users starting the 15th of June, with Parc Azur Lympia (P+R) following on the 17th of June. Castle Hill and its elevators reopen on the morning of the 14th of June, and the Bains Militaires beach and public bus lines 98 and 8+ will return to their normal routes on the 14th of June.
BUSINESS
Boeing's 787 Dreamliner, known for its strong safety record, has now been linked to a tragic Air India crash in Ahmedabad, though no fault has yet been found on Boeing's part. The company has faced numerous safety and financial crises in recent years, including the deadly 737 Max crashes and major legal and compensation payouts. Boeing’s reputation has been further damaged by whistleblower claims of poor safety practices and quality control issues. The firm is cooperating with the investigation into the India crash and has expressed condolences to those affected. Despite ongoing troubles, Boeing’s new leadership is promising cultural and operational improvements to restore confidence and profitability.
And - The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) has warned that some Jolly Rancher sweets contain harmful chemicals (MOAH and MOSH) that could damage DNA and raise cancer risk if consumed long-term. These substances are not allowed under UK food safety laws, yet some products are still being imported. Affected items include various Jolly Rancher hard candies and gummies. Consumers are advised not to eat them and to safely dispose of any they own. Hershey, the US manufacturer, is working with UK authorities but urges buying only from trusted retailers.
SPORTS
Football - Liverpool have agreed a £116m deal to sign Germany attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen. The fee includes a guaranteed £100m and a further £16m in add-ons.
Tennis - Total prize money at this year's Wimbledon will increase by 7% to a record £53.5m. The prize pot, worth £50m in 2024, is double the £26.5m on offer in 2015. Carlos Alcaraz and Barbora Krejcikova each took home £2.7m for winning the men's and women's singles titles respectively last year. This year's winners will receive £3m, an increase of 11%.
Rugby Union - Bristol Bears Women have appointed Scott Lawson as their new head coach. The 43-year-old joins the Premiership Women's Rugby (PWR) side from the Scottish Rugby Union where he has been a specialist skills coach for their women's squad, men's under-20s team and Glasgow Warriors' academy outfit. Lawson's 16-year playing career saw him win 47 international caps for Scotland and make 250 appearances for clubs including Glasgow, Sale, Gloucester, London Irish and Newcastle, where he retired in 2018.
WEATHER
Mostly clear across the region except if you’re in Tende where risks of thunderstorms persist this afternoon. We’ve got moderate winds across the region with highs of 28 degrees in Nice and Marseille, 29 in Cannes and Toulon and 32 degrees in Saint-Tropez. Inland it may get as hot as 35 degrees.
Tonight, clear skies with lows of 22 degrees
Outlook for this weekend,
Sat: cloudy morning and sunny afternoon with risks of thunderstorms still looming above Tende. Highs of 31 degrees near Nice.
Sun: mostly clear with highs of 30 degrees. risks of thunderstorms towards the Hautes-Alpes department this time.
Mon: bright and clear in most of the region except for a brief thundery interval near Puget-Thénier midafternoon. We’ll have highs of 29 degrees and moderate to strong winds.
Following Israeli airstrikes on Iran and threats of retaliation from Tehran, several airlines, including Air France, have suspended flights in the Gul...
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The United Nations Ocean Summit ends today Friday 13th June, unveiling a bold new plan to protect the world’s oceans by 2030. Known as the “Nice Commi...
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Sunny with light winds. Highs of 26 degrees in Monaco, Nice and Saint-Tropez, 27 degrees in Cannes 31 degrees in Marseille, this evening going down to...
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A heatwave-like episode called a "plume of heat" is affecting the Var and Alpes-Maritimes departments, with temperatures nearing 40°C by the weekend. ...
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At the UN Ocean Conference in Nice, experts have highlighted the increasing medical potential of coral reefs, despite their severe threat from climate...
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