NEWS
Porn sites no longer banned - The porn sites YouPorn, Pornhub, and RedTube have been reactivated in France by their owner, Aylo, after a French court suspended a law requiring age verification for adult sites. Aylo had previously blocked access in protest against the French 2024 law demanding strict age checks, like ID submission. The French court is reviewing whether the law complies with EU regulations and reconsiders more effective approaches. Following the block on Wednesday the 4th of June, VPN usage in France surged dramatically, with Proton VPN reporting up to a 1,000% spike in signups in the first 30 minutes following the ban. The owner of the VPN claimed this was more than when TikTok was blocked for Americans.
F-1 Students - We have important information concerning students planning a stay in the U.S. As a result of decisions taken by the American authorities, the issuance of F-1 student visas had been suspended but may soon resume, with new appointment slots expected to open shortly. Students are strongly advised to check the online scheduling platform frequently: https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-fr/niv. U.S. authorities have also introduced stricter social media checks, meaning personal accounts must be set to public for review. Content deemed politically sensitive or incompatible with U.S. policy may lead to visa denial. Non-compliance could result in serious consequences.
Drug network dismantled - A major drug trafficking network has been dismantled on the 17th of June, with 160 officers involved in raids across Drap, Nice, and Saint-Laurent-du-Var in the Alpes-Maritimes. Sixteen people have been arrested, including individuals suspected of handling drugs, weapons, and money laundering through crypto and gambling. Authorities seized €114,000 in cash, luxury items, and winning lottery tickets, though only small drug quantities were found. The main dealing point was located in Nice’s sensitive Moulins district. Twelve suspects, aged 17 to 38, are facing immediate trial, with seven already in legal repeat offender status.
End-of-life-Support in Monaco - Monaco’s National Council has unanimously passed a law on the 11th of June, focused on palliative care and end-of-life support, excluding euthanasia or assisted suicide. The law aims to improve patient dignity, pain relief, legal clarity, and volunteer involvement. It reinforces patient rights, requires better training for healthcare workers, and clarifies consent rules. Monaco’s approach is grounded in ethics, preferring enhanced palliative care over end-of-life acceleration. The government pledges to expand facilities and staff to meet increasing needs, including more palliative care beds.
No Fireworks during Fête de la Musique - Ahead of the Fête de la Musique on Saturday, the 21st of June, the Vaucluse prefecture has issued a decree banning the use and transport of fireworks and flammable products. The restrictions apply from Friday at 8am until Sunday at 8am, including the sale of fuel in portable containers. These safety measures aim to prevent incidents during the festivities. Professional users with specific permits are exempt from the ban.
Squat in Nice evacuated - A squat in a former restaurant has finally been evacuated after nearly two years, bringing relief to local residents in Nice’s Libération district. The site, filled with trash and signs of drug use and prostitution, had been a source of distress. Frustrated neighbours even took matters into their own hands before the official eviction. Delays were blamed on administrative issues between the city and the prefecture. Cleanup and disinfection of the premises are now underway, with locals hoping it won’t be reoccupied.
Chibanis live in poor conditions - Elderly North African immigrants known as chibanis live in poor, unsanitary conditions in the Nicéa residence (formerly Sonacotra) of Nice. Many have spent decades working in France but now face broken elevators, power outages, pest infestations, and general neglect. Residents feel forgotten and have called on local authorities for help. Responsibility is disputed between the social landlord Côte d'Azur Habitat and the manager Adoma. Pest control is underway, but elevator repairs won’t be completed until late July.
Monaco's CHPG undergoes a major transformation - Monaco’s main hospital, the Centre Hospitalier Princesse Grace (CHPG), is undergoing a major transformation with a new ultramodern facility expected by 2032. The goal is to attract high-end international patients and boost Monaco’s status as a centre of medical and technological excellence. With 2,900 employees, CHPG is a key economic player and hopes the new hospital will enhance both healthcare and the country’s image. The €1.3 billion project features world-class, earthquake-resistant infrastructure. It could also spur growth in biotech and health-focused AI sectors in Monaco.
Monaco Marine to be bought - Monaco Marine, which owns nine shipyards between Marseille and Monaco, is in exclusive talks to be acquired by U.S. company Safe Harbor Marinas. If completed, the deal would give Safe Harbor its first foothold in Europe’s fast-growing yachting market. Founded in 1995, Monaco Marine is a key player in luxury marine services. The acquisition would involve 100% of Monaco Marine’s capital. Finalization depends on ongoing negotiations and consultation with employee representatives.
NEWS UPDATE
Yellow thunderstorms alert - The Alpes-Maritimes have been placed on yellow alert for thunderstorms on Saturday, the 30th of June between 3 and 8pm. Despite ongoing high temperatures above 30°C, no heatwave threshold is expected to be reached. Thunderstorms may occur in the late afternoon, especially inland and in the eastern areas. Meanwhile, the ozone pollution alert issued due to poor air quality has been lifted.
84-year-old dies in Intermarché - An 84-year-old man suffered a sudden cardiac arrest at an Intermarché supermarket on the morning of the 20th of June in Lorgues near Draguignan, Var. Emergency services were called but were unable to revive him. The man sadly died on the scene despite rescue efforts.
Dengue in the Alpes-Maritimes? - Rumors has spread on social media about a local dengue case in Vence, but the regional health agency (ARS) confirms there is no such case in the Alpes-Maritimes. The confusion stems from an imported case, where person contracted dengue abroad before returning to France. A local (autochthonous) case means someone is infected without recent travel, which is not the situation here. While imported cases are rising due to global dengue spread and climate change, no local transmission has been reported. Authorities urge continued vigilance, but no health alert is active in Vence or the region.
BUSINESS
Labubu, a quirky elf-like doll from Chinese brand Pop Mart, has become a global craze, with fans from celebrities like Rihanna and Lisa (Blackpink) to everyday collectors. Known for its mischievous grin and sold mainly in blind boxes, Labubu has driven Pop Mart’s profits and boosted Chinese cultural influence worldwide. Its popularity exploded post-pandemic, symbolizing anti-perfectionism and emotional escapism. The hype is further fueled by scarcity, surprise, and celebrity endorsements, making the doll a hot commodity from Shanghai to London. Pop Mart now operates in over 30 countries, with demand often outstripping supply.
Telegram founder Pavel Durov has revealed that over 100 children he fathered, including six officially with three partners and many more via sperm donation, will all inherit his $13.9 billion fortune equally. He said they won’t access the money for 30 years to encourage independence and self-growth. Durov also explained he made a will due to the risks of defending digital freedoms, which he says creates powerful enemies. He denies criminal charges in France related to Telegram’s moderation, calling them “absurd” and asserting he has cooperated with law enforcement. Telegram now has over a billion users.
And - Former Formula 1 driver Pastor Maldonado and his wife Gabriela have launched Valtoria, a luxury sunglasses brand based in Monaco. Each pair is handcrafted in Japan using premium materials like high-end acetate, lightweight titanium, and ZEISS lenses. Inspired by their daughters, the brand’s name blends Valentina and Victoria. The debut collection, "Impulse," offers 13 models with multiple combinations, produced in limited quantities. Valtoria combines timeless design, comfort, and durability, and is already preparing its second collection.
SPORTS
Rugby Union - Trailfinders Women have signed Scotland captain Rachel Malcolm. The 34-year-old flanker has 56 international caps and has scored three tries for her country. Malcolm made her Scotland debut in 2016 and took on the captaincy in 2020.
Tennis - World number one Jannik Sinner has swapped his tennis racquet for a microphone to release a duet with fellow Italian and tenor Andrea Bocelli. The pair have released a song called Polvere e Gloria, which means Dust and Glory, and includes Sinner, 23, repeating parts of his winning and losing speeches.
Football - Foreign goalkeepers will be allowed to play in South Korean professional football from next year when a ban on signing them is ended after 27 years. The ban has been in place since 1999 and was introduced to help develop homegrown keepers by ensuring they received enough playing time.
WEATHER
It’s mostly clear on the coast though quite a big part of the inland areas will be covered by thundery showers. We’ve got moderate winds across the region with highs of 29 degrees in Nice, 30 in Cannes, 31 in Saint-Tropez and Marseille and 32 degrees in Toulon.
Tonight, clear skies with lows of 22 degrees.
Outlook for this weekend,
Sat: thunderstorms in most of the region with highs of 29 degrees and moderate winds.
Sun: mostly clear on the coast with thundery showers inland and highs of 29 degrees.
Mon: clear skies on the coast with thunderstorms inland with highs of 29 degrees with moderate winds.
The porn sites YouPorn, Pornhub, and RedTube have been reactivated in France by their owner, Aylo, after a French court suspended a law requiring age ...
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Speed restrictions are in place on all major roads in the Alpes-Maritimes today because of a smog alert....
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A Marseille magistrate has been sentenced on the 17th of June in Nîmes for repeatedly avoiding motorway tolls using fake license plates. ...
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A major police stop-and-search operation along France's borders is being carried out today, involving 4,000 police officers, gendarmes and customs off...
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SFR has announced automatic compensation of 100GB of free mobile data for affected customers following a major network outage on the 16th of June....
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