NEWS
Flooding Causes a Bridge to Collapse - Following severe flooding, nearly 600 residents of the Canebières estate in Le Muy, Var, are stranded after the only access bridge collapsed. Emergency evacuations by helicopter were conducted for vulnerable residents, and local authorities have begun work on an alternate route to allow people to exit the site safely.
Local Businesses and Farmers Affected by Rain - More than half a year’s worth of rain has fallen in three days onto the Var department. Local businesses and farmers face recurring damage and challenging recovery efforts, leading to frustration and fatigue in Var. Despite resilience, restaurant and auto shop owners must frequently rebuild, while farmers fear crop loss and question the future of agriculture in the flood-prone region. Calls for greater government support grow as flooding becomes increasingly common.
Refusal to Comply Leads to Injuries - A driver fleeing police has crashed into another vehicle before attempting to escape on foot with a passenger In Nice. Both have been arrested despite resistance in a "sensitive area." The driver of the hit car sustained minor injuries, and the incident has sparked calls for strict penalties from Nice's mayor.
Tombant des Américains - Extreme diver Victor Yazbeck accidentally discovered the bodies of two divers, Daniel Varnier and Christian Thubet, in October 2023, 30 years after their disappearance, at a depth of 111 meters off Nice’s “Tombant des Américains” site. Following Yazbeck’s sighting, the French Navy deployed an underwater robot, Diomede, which confirmed the presence of the remains. DNA analysis verified the identities of the missing divers, providing long-awaited closure to their families.
Promoting Lifesaving Skills in Cannes - To promote lifesaving skills, Cannes is hosting free public workshops on cardiac arrest response, including CPR and defibrillator use, from the 4th-7th of November. This initiative, part of Cannes’ broader cardiovascular health campaign, also includes defibrillator installations and community training programs to prevent heart-related fatalities.
BUSINESS
The union Force Ouvrière Santé Alpes-Maritimes is protesting proposed government measures to cut pay for the first three days of sick leave and reduce salaries to 90% during absences, which they argue will worsen already challenging conditions and undermine the public health sector’s appeal. Union leader Michel Fuentes stresses that healthcare workers are overworked and underappreciated, noting a planned protest at the CHU of Nice.
In France, some urban professionals are embracing "part-time farming," balancing city jobs with rural work for greater purpose and flexibility. This trend, supported by technology, allows them to keep urban incomes while farming part-time, fulfilling both financial needs and a desire for meaningful, ecological work. Advocates see this lifestyle as a solution to both the pressures of office life and the need for sustainable farming.
Shivaun and Adam Raff’s price comparison website, Foundem, struggled after Google’s spam filters unfairly demoted it in search results. This triggered a 15-year legal battle, culminating in a €2.4bn fine for Google in 2017, with recent European court rulings upholding the penalty. Although Foundem shut down in 2016, the couple continues their fight, now pursuing a ‘civil damages’ claim against Google.
And - Maghull railway station, recently awarded the UK's best in the "World Cup of Stations" competition, is celebrated for its warm, community-centred atmosphere. Thanks to dedicated volunteers, station staff, and initiatives like the Coffee Carriage café, the station offers beautifully maintained gardens, regular community events, and a welcoming environment for travellers.
SPORTS
Cricket - Gary Kirsten has resigned as Pakistan's limited-overs coach after six months in the role and test coach Jason Gillespie will be in charge for the white-ball tour of Australia which starts next week.
Football - For the Champions League, the Olympic de Marseille have lost 3-0 against Paris Saint-Germain. Dozens of OM fans left the stadium before the end of the first half.
Rugby Union - Exeter boss Rob Baxter says his side have a lot of "manning up" to do after a sixth successive loss in the Premiership. Harlequins scored five tries as the Chiefs struggled in their 36-19 loss at Sandy Park.
Golf - England's Liz Young won the Women's Indian Open by one shot to claim her second Ladies European Tour title.
WEATHER
Mostly sunny this afternoon with a gentle breeze. Highs of 22 degrees in Saint-Tropez, 23 in Nice, Cannes and Marseille, and 24 degrees in Toulon.
Tonight, mostly clear with lows of 17 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, bright and clear with highs of 22 degrees and a gentle breeze.
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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French President Emmanuel Macron will chair a high-level Security and Defence Council meeting at the Élysée Palace today Wednesday, June 18th at 4pm, ...
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