NEWS
Baccalaureat results - Today marks the official release of the French baccalaureate results for around 720,000 candidates, with a provisional national pass rate of 85.75%. Thanks to continuous assessment, which is worth 40% of the final grade, many students already had strong chances of passing before the final exams. Locally, 21,600 students from the Nice-Toulon academy across general, technological, and professional tracks got their results. Emotions ranged from disappointment to joy as students discovered their results in schools or online. While the bac remains an important milestone for higher education, many students already know their university placements through the Parcoursup platform. This year’s youngest candidate is 8, and the oldest is 78. Retake exams will take place from the 7th and 9th of July for those scoring between 8 and 10 out of 20. A new math exam will be introduced next year for general and technological students.
1,000 flights cancelled nationwide - Around 1,000 flights have been cancelled on Friday the 4th of July across France due to a strike by air traffic controllers, mainly affecting Paris airports. The strike, led by two minority unions, demands better working conditions and staffing levels. The disruption comes as the school holidays begin, impacting over 500,000 passengers across France and Europe. Officials called the strike “shocking” and “unacceptable,” with major airlines like Ryanair and Air France heavily affected. European airlines also reported nearly 1,500 cancelled flights and massive delays, as French airspace plays a central role in European traffic. In the Nice International Airport, approximately half of all flights have been cancelled, if you’re due to fly today, you can check the live departure boards on the nice Airport website or check directly with your airline.
Heavy traffic expected - Heavy traffic is expected this weekend across France as the summer holiday departures begin. Friday, the 4th of July, is classified orange in the Var and Alpes-Maritimes departments and Saturday, the 6th of July, is red nationwide, with major congestion predicted from morning to evening. Key routes like the A6, A10, A7, and A13 motorways will be heavily impacted, especially around Île-de-France and coastal highways. Sunday is expected to be much calmer, with green traffic conditions in most areas, except for some local slowdowns. Real-time updates are available on bison-fute.gouv.fr.
Managing droughts - To better manage recurring droughts, the Alpes-Maritimes region has launched a real-time "water resources weather report." Available online via InfoEau06, it monitors rainfall, river and groundwater levels, and aquatic biodiversity. Over 1,100 river segments are tracked to anticipate water shortages and help avoid crises. Updated regularly, the tool is aimed at residents, local authorities, and farmers, offering both practical and educational insights.
Garbage collection to resume after 5 days of strike - Garbage collectors will resume work on Saturday, the 5th of July, after a five-day strike in Arles, Bouches-du-Rhône. The CGT AACM union says it’s a responsible decision, given upcoming major cultural events and public health concerns. However, the strike notice remains active as the union demands negotiations on working conditions. The return allows the city to be cleaned ahead of key events like the Rencontres de la photographie and the Fragonard Museum opening.
Private beaches to close in Cannes - Six private beaches along Cannes' Croisette have been ordered to close for one night during the Pyrotechnic Festival due to past rule violations such as noise issues and unauthorized structures during events like the Cannes Film Festival. Five will close on the 5th of July, and one on the 24th of August. Beach operators feel unfairly punished, citing financial losses and calling the measures excessive. The city maintains the sanctions are justified and necessary to preserve public order and the city's image. A call for more balanced dialogue and understanding of economic realities has been made by industry representatives.
NEWS UPDATE
Bac results in Monaco - The 2025 baccalaureate results in Monaco are outstanding, with an overall pass rate of 97.82%. General series students achieved a 98.98% success rate, with over 83% receiving honours, including 65 "mentions Très Bien". Technological and professional series also showed strong performances with pass rates over 94%, and many students earned distinctions while BTS programs saw nearly 100% success. The government praised students’ dedication and the excellent support from educators and school staff.
Gendarmes save the day - Two public security officers have rescued a baby left alone in a car during a heatwave, with outside temperatures reaching 39°C in Drap near Nice. The car window was barely open, and the baby was discovered during a routine patrol. The mother returned 20 minutes later but was not arrested, a report was filed with the gendarmerie. Authorities say the officers' quick action likely prevented a tragedy.
BUSINESS
Since Donald Trump's return to the White House in January 2025, he has imposed sweeping tariffs on countries like China, Mexico, and EU nations, sparking global trade tensions. Markets initially plunged, but rebounded after he paused the steepest tariffs, with the S&P 500 now up 6% for the year. Trade volumes surged early on, then dipped, while inflation remains low, though the full price impact is still unclear. Consumer spending has started to slow, and while a recession is not yet certain, uncertainty is dampening business investment and hiring. The economy remains in a fragile, "wait-and-see" phase.
And - Ryanair is increasing its free cabin bag size by 20%, allowing passengers to carry a 40cm x 30cm x 20cm bag under 10kg under the seat without paying extra. This change exceeds the new EU minimum standard and will be implemented soon. Though still smaller than EasyJet's allowance, it matches Wizz Air's policy and improves on Ryanair’s current limit. The EU is pushing for standardized bag sizes across airlines to reduce confusion and surprise fees. A separate proposal may soon allow all passengers an extra free 7kg hand luggage item.
SPORTS
Football - Paul Pogba has signed a two-year deal with AS Monaco and will return to Ligue 1 next season. Now 32, the former World Cup winner is coming back after an 18-month doping ban and a financial scam involving his brother. He says he’s determined to make a strong comeback.
Cricket - Australia's top-order batting issues continued as they were bowled out for 286 by West Indies on day one of the second Test in Grenada. After electing to bat, Australia were reduced to 110-5, with the returning Steve Smith dismissed for three by Alzarri Joseph, who took 4-61.
Formula 1 - American Tim Mayer has announced he is standing for the presidency of the FIA - motorsport's governing body. The 59-year-old will run against incumbent Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who sacked him as a Formula 1 steward last November. Mayer said his decision to stand in December's election was "not personal" but he felt the FIA could "do better for the member clubs, for the motorsport community".
WEATHER
Mostly clear across the region except for Tende where showery thunderstorms persist this afternoon. We’ve got moderate to strong winds especially towards the Var department with highs of 32 degrees in Nice and Cannes, 35 degrees in Saint-Tropez and Toulon, and 37 degrees in Marseille while inland temperatures will near 39 degrees.
Tonight, mostly clear with lows of 26 degrees.
Outlook for this weekend,
Sat: risks of thunderstorms on the coast of Var and Alpes-Maritimes with highs of 31 degrees
Sun: light rain in the morning and mostly clear in the afternoon with highs of 31 degrees.
Mon: Fine and bright with highs of 31 degrees with strong winds.
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