NEWS
Traffic jams expected today - Roads in the South-East of France, including the A7, A8, A9 motorways and RN85 are expected to be very busy on Monday, the 4th of August, with traffic rated "red" by Bison Futé. Captain Pouilloux from the Alpes-Maritimes road safety squad shared six key driving tips: check your vehicle's condition, rest and hydrate well, avoid phone use, adjust your seat properly, stay in the right lane and keep safe distances, and never exit your vehicle in case of a motorway accident. These precautions aim to reduce risks during peak travel and extreme heat. Drivers are urged to remain alert, patient, and respectful of safety rules.
Heatwave and strong winds in France, will we be affected ? - A heatwave is expected to hit France from Thursday, starting in Spain with temperatures up to 45°C and moving toward the southwest of France, where up to 40°C is forecast.
The Var department could see highs around 35°C, while the Alpes-Maritimes will likely stay closer to 29-30°C. Urban areas may feel especially oppressive due to heat buildup. Meanwhile, Storm Floris will bring violent winds (up to 130 km/h) and heavy rain to northern Europe, with minor effects expected in northern France and none in the PACA region.
No flight corridor over Grasse - A proposed new low-altitude flight corridor over Grasse, Var, has been officially abandoned, bringing relief to local environmental groups and residents who feared increased noise pollution. The plan would have shifted air traffic from the Cannes-Mandelieu Airport over previously unaffected areas, sparking opposition for simply relocating the problem. Meanwhile, residents of seven nearby towns still endure plane noise every 7 minutes and express frustration over decades of inaction. The government now promises stronger measures to reduce noise, including expanding quiet hours and encouraging more sea-based flight approaches.
New gas station in Saint-Martin-de-Vésubie - A new gas station has opened after five years, replacing the one destroyed by storm Alex in 2020 in Saint-Martin-de-Vesubie, Alpes-Maritimes. Residents are relieved to avoid 20 km trips for fuel but frustrated by the slow pace of post-storm reconstruction. The mayor blames administrative delays and conflicting regulations for the sluggish progress, with key infrastructure like bridges and the gendarmerie still unrepaired.
Dangers of the Serre-Ponçon Lake - A 70-year-old woman has recently disappeared at the popular summer destination Serre-Ponçon Lake in the Hautes-Alpes department. Despite its turquoise waters and numerous water activities, the site poses real risks despite its beauty, with nine drownings reported in 2024. Authorities urge swimmers to stay in supervised areas marked by buoys and to beware of cold-water shocks and currents. With record tourist numbers in July 2025 and heatwaves returning, safety remains a top priority for emergency services patrolling the lake.
Jul uses AI ? - French rapper Jul is suspected by fans of using AI to create his latest single "Toi et moi", which sounds very different from his usual style. The track features flamenco-like rhythms and vocals that some claim were generated by tools like Suno AI. A beatmaker even posted a video analysing glitches and sound quality as evidence. Jul has neither confirmed nor denied the claims, fuelling speculation while boosting the song’s visibility as it reached over 830,000 YouTube views in just a few days.
NEWS UPDATE
Mother and her 2-year-old child hit by a car - A mother and her two-year-old child have been hit by a car while crossing at a pedestrian crossing around 3pm on Boulevard de Cessole in Nice. Both sustained minor injuries and have been taken to the hospital. Emergency services and police responded, and an investigation is underway.
This week's weather - This week in the Alpes-Maritimes, sunny and hot weather is expected overall. Temperatures will range from 22°C to 35°C inland, with heat indexes reaching up to 39°C by the weekend. The coast will be slightly cooler, around 28–32°C. Some local storms and rain may appear in mountainous areas like Tende and Saint-Étienne-de-Tinée, especially on Saturday and Sunday. Residents and tourists should stay alert for heat and storm risks.
Artificial UV tanning - Studies have shown artificial UV tanning is just as harmful as natural sunlight, increasing the risk of skin cancer especially melanoma. In France, 85% of skin cancer cases are linked to UV exposure, and despite long-standing warnings, the use of tanning beds is still legal. Monaco follows French regulations, allowing UV tanning under strict conditions but banning advertising that promotes health benefits. Experts warn that artificial UV does not aid vitamin D production, and that "organic" sunscreens may offer poor protection and harm the environment. The safest tanning remains minimal sun exposure with proper protective measures.
Accident in Nice - A woman in her 70s has been hit and dragged several meters by a car around 4:30 p.m on Rue Auguste-Pégurier in Nice. She was seriously injured and taken to Pasteur Hospital by emergency services. An investigation is ongoing.
BUSINESS
Over 3,000 Boeing defence workers in Missouri and Illinois went on strike after rejecting the company’s latest offer over pay, schedules, and pensions. The strike is led by the IAM union and marks the first walkout in Boeing’s defence division since 1996. Boeing claims the rejected deal included 40% average wage growth, but the union says it’s about respect, not promises. CEO Kelly Ortberg downplayed the strike's impact, saying it’s smaller than last year’s costly walkout by passenger jet workers. Boeing continues to face major challenges, including safety scandals, crashes, and its lowest aircraft deliveries since the pandemic.
And - Singapore billionaire hotelier Ong Beng Seng has pleaded guilty to helping ex-minister Iswaran cover up evidence during a corruption probe. Ong had gifted Iswaran luxury trips, including a private jet flight, while they conducted official business, which violates Singapore’s strict gift rules for officials. Due to Ong’s poor health, prosecutors are recommending a fine instead of jail time, despite charges carrying potential multi-year sentences. Ong will be sentenced on the 15th of August.
SPORTS
Rugby Union - The Mayol Stadium in Toulon has undergone a €5 million upgrade with a new sound and lighting system to create a spectacular show for Rugby Club Toulonnais fans. With 54 coloured LED projectors and powerful sound, the goal is to deliver immersive light shows before, during, and after matches starting on the 13th of September. Despite past debates about building a new stadium, officials reaffirm their commitment to modernizing and preserving Mayol.
Cricket - England were denied a record-breaking run chase by an irresistible India, who snatched victory by six runs in one of the most dramatic conclusions in Test cricket history.
Tennis - Wimbledon champion Iga Swiatek became the latest seed to fall at the Canadian Open as she suffered a surprise defeat by Clara Tauson in the fourth round who won 7-6 (7-1) 6-3.
WEATHER
Sunny accompanied by cloudy intervals and a gentle breeze this afternoon as temperatures remain nice and warm reaching 27 degrees in Nice and Marseille, 28 in Cannes and Toulon and 30 degrees in Saint-Tropez.
Tonight, clear skies with lows of 22 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, fine and bright with strong winds in the Var and highs of 32 degrees.
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