NEWS
Brain cancer research - Researchers at the Monaco Scientific Centre are using brain organoids, lab-grown mini-brains, to study how aggressive paediatric brain tumours like medulloblastomas develop. These cancers often originate from disrupted foetal brain development, particularly affecting neural stem cells. By recreating early brain formation in vitro, scientists can identify key genes and test targeted, less toxic therapies. They discovered that cancer cells rely heavily on iron and can be selectively poisoned by triggering iron release, potentially via vitamin C. Another advance makes tumours more sensitive to radiotherapy by forcing cell differentiation. The team also studies environmental factors and uses sea anemones as a more ethical model to trace cancer origins at the cellular level.
Forest fire risks - Due to high temperatures, drought, and strong winds, access to several forest areas is banned on Monday, the 7th of July, in Vaucluse, Var, and Bouches-du-Rhône departments due to a very high wildfire risk. In Vaucluse, access to Rhône Valley forests is prohibited, except for professional activities under strict conditions. Similar closures apply in key massifs across Bouches-du-Rhône and Var. Recent fires in Le Rove and Brignoles have already burned dozens of hectares. During the high-risk "red period" which lasts from the 1st of June to the 30th of September, all use of fire is banned when winds exceed 40 km/h.
Wildfire broke out - A large wildfire broke out on Monday, 7th of July, near the Lucie-Cousturier roundabout in Fréjus, Var, burning several thousand square meters and forcing the evacuation of nearby camping sites and homes. Strong winds complicated firefighters’ efforts to contain flare-ups, and heavy smoke made conditions difficult. Two major roads were closed for safety, and some shows at a local circus were postponed but expected to resume the next day.
Fallen tree blocks traffic - A large tree has fallen on the RD 6204 road cutting off traffic completely between Saint-Dalmas-de-Tende and Paganin in La Brigue, Alpes-Maritimes. No injuries were reported, and the incident may be linked to recent storms in the Roya Valley. The road is closed until further notice, with no possible detour, though local authorities aim to reopen it by the end of the day after clearing the tree.
18-year-old shot in Toulon - An 18-year-old man has been shot in the leg overnight but managed to disarm and hit his attacker before police arrived in Toulon's La Rode district, Var. Both the victim and the 18-year-old suspect are known to police for drug-related issues. The suspect was arrested without resistance, and the weapon was recovered; the victim was taken to hospital.
Contraband cigarettes - Authorities in Nice have seized nearly 2,270 packs of contraband cigarettes, along with other illegal products like e-cigarettes, nitrous oxide canisters, and unapproved cosmetics in one year. A special intervention unit led 133 arrests related to illegal tobacco sales. These goods were often sold cheaply and unsafely in small shops across neighbourhoods like Vieux-Nice and Gambetta. Surprise inspections, often tipped off by residents, will continue intensively this summer.
House of Pulic Tranquility - The city of Avignon, Vaucluse, has opened a new "House of Public Tranquility" on Rue de la République to improve everyday safety. This space, requested by residents and shopkeepers, hosts municipal police and mediators to address public disturbances and support victims, including women facing violence. It’s open year-round with extended hours in spring and summer.
Mia Khalifa visited the South of France - Social media star Mia Khalifa has recently vacationed in the South of France, visiting Saint-Tropez and Monaco after the Paris Fashion Week. She shared her trip on Instagram and TikTok, featuring luxury car rides, seaside coffees, and dinners at local spots, including escargots in Sainte-Maxime and Lebanese cuisine in Monaco. She humorously claimed she brings her own coffee maker to Europe because she can’t find a proper brew. Her relaxed and glamorous getaway captivated her online followers.
NEWS UPDATE
This week's weather - This week in the Alpes-Maritimes, the heatwave alert ends Monday night, bringing some relief after intense heat. Temperatures will gradually drop, staying below 30°C in most areas by midweek, with sunny skies and occasional winds. Thursday remains sunny and calm, while Friday may bring showers in the north. The weekend will start with sunshine but shift to thunderstorms by afternoon, especially near Nice. Fire risk remains high in some zones.
BUSINESS
U.S. President Donald Trump has criticized Elon Musk for launching a new political group, the "America Party," calling the idea of a third party "ridiculous" and confusing. Musk, once a Trump ally and head of a government cost-cutting task force, said the party will focus on House and Senate races over the next year. Tensions between the two have grown, with Trump accusing Musk of going "off the rails" and slamming his support for an Electric Vehicle (EV) mandate. Trump’s recent tax plan ended EV subsidies and emphasized consumer choice in vehicle types. This new law also boosts spending on defence and border security while cutting healthcare and food aid.
And - U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that countries supporting BRICS policies against U.S. interests will face an extra 10% tariff starting 1st of August. BRICS, now including nations like China, Russia, India, Saudi Arabia, and Iran, has been critical of U.S. tariffs and is pushing for global financial reforms. Trump’s administration has only finalized trade deals with the UK and Vietnam so far, with steel tariffs still unresolved. BRICS leaders met in Brazil to promote diplomacy and condemned U.S. military strikes on Iran. Trump previously threatened 100% tariffs if BRICS launched a rival currency to the U.S. dollar.
SPORTS
Pétanque – At the 2025 Mondial La Marseillaise à pétanque, 15-year-old prodigy Joseph Torrens faced off against the experienced Deslys trio in a tightly contested 4th-round match. Alongside 14-year-old Dawson Herlemann, Torrens put up a strong fight despite earlier junior tournament elimination. The competition continues with top players like Dylan Rocher facing tough challenges.
Boxing – Former multiple world champion Ricky Hatton has announced his return to boxing. Manchester’s Hatton, who turns 47 in October, will fight the United Arab Emirates’ Eisa Al Dah in a middleweight bout on 2 December in Dubai. Organisers say the contest will be a professional bout, but it is unclear if it will be fully sanctioned or if it will have conditions like Mike Tyson v Jake Paul, where there were shorter rounds and a limit on number of rounds.
Rugby Union – Maro Itoje returns to captain the British and Irish Lions against the Brumbies in Canberra on Wednesday as Andy Farrell’s Test team appears to take shape. With the possible exception of one or two slots, this very much looks like the starting line-up to face the Wallabies in the first Test in Brisbane on the 19th of July.
WEATHER
Fine and bright across the region accompanied by strong winds. Highs of 30 degrees in Toulon and Marseille, 33 in Saint-Tropez and Cannes and 34 degrees in Nice.
Tonight, clear skies with temperatures dropping to 24 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, fine and bright again with highs of 33 degrees and strong winds persisting across the region.
The prefect of the Alpes-Maritimes has made a legal challenge against new limits on large cruise ship moorings in Nice and Villefranche....
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British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and President Emmanuel Macron have announced a so-called "one in, one out" migrant deal aimed at reducing migr...
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French comedian Bun Hay Mean, known as “le Chinois marrant,” has been found dead after an eight-story fall from his Paris apartment on the 10th of Jul...
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French police have raided the headquarters of the far-right National Rally party as part of an inquiry into its campaign finances...
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The massive wildfire near Marseille, which began on the 8th of July from a burning car on the A55, has burned over 700 hectares and destroyed or damag...
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