NEWS
UNOC 2025 - The UN Ocean Conference (UNOC) will be held from the 9th-13th of June in Nice, gathering 63 world leaders, scientists, and NGOs to tackle marine protection. Over 15,000 participants are expected to push for concrete action, including the ratification of the High Seas Treaty and ending overfishing. Scientists issued 10 key recommendations urging urgent global measures against plastic pollution, illegal fishing, and ocean warming. France aims to get 60 countries to ratify the 2023 High Seas Treaty and supports a moratorium on deep-sea mining. Massive security is planned, and over 500 volunteers will assist as Nice becomes the centre of global ocean governance efforts.
Five daily actions to protect oceans - During UN Ocean Conference in Nice, marine biologist Hélène Petit has shared five everyday actions to protect oceans. She advises against littering, especially cigarette butts, and urges people to avoid farmed smoked salmon due to its environmental toll. Switching to eco-friendly household products can reduce marine pollution, and skipping cruises helps limit harmful emissions. Practicing overall environmental sobriety, like reducing flights and overconsumption, benefits the ocean too. Petit emphasizes both personal responsibility and the need for global, systemic action to safeguard marine ecosystems.
False Belgian residents Trial - The trial of the "false Belgian residents" of Monaco has begun on the 2nd of June and will run until the 18th of June 2025. Fifteen people, including 14 Belgians and one Swiss, are accused of faking residence in Monaco to evade taxes. They allegedly obtained residence permits without actually living in the rented properties. At the centre of the case is a former Monaco police commissioner suspected of facilitating these false registrations in exchange for money and gifts. He and ten others, including police agents and real estate staff, are now standing trial after eight years of investigation.
Woman almost drowns - A woman around 70 years old has nearly drowned on Monday morning at Carras Beach in Nice. Bystanders pulled her from the water before emergency services arrived. Firefighters and a rescue doctor treated her on site before rushing her to the hospital in serious condition. The rescue involved eight firefighters and both national and municipal police.
Woman hit and trapped under train - A 29-year-old woman has been hit and trapped under a train on Monday morning near La Garde station, in the Var. The train driver saw her and braked, but a collision still occurred, causing serious injury. Emergency crews freed her just before 10am, blocking one track and disrupting train traffic. Passengers were safely evacuated, and SNCF reported major delays, with service gradually resuming afterward.
Autism Care - The Pierrefeu hospital in the Var is launching a study to assess how eye-tracking can help guide care for adults with autism. This non-invasive tool tracks where a person looks to better understand their sensory sensitivities and responses. It offers objective data to evaluate treatment effectiveness, especially in patients with atypical eye movement patterns. The study, co-designed with patients and families, aims to personalize care using light, sound, and touch in controlled environments.
Maternity ward awarded - The maternity wards of Hyères and Sainte-Musse hospitals, in the Var, have received the prestigious THQSE label for excellence in health, social, societal, and environmental quality. This recognition is based on sustainable development goals and health authority guidelines. Both focus on natural birth and holistic care, offering options like acupuncture and energy stimulation therapy. They promote eco-friendly practices, ethical resource use, and raise awareness about endocrine disruptors.
Wild Boars - Wild boars have invaded the island of Le Levant in the Var, even swimming from the mainland to get there. Their growing numbers are alarming locals and tourists, who fear encounters and damage to gardens and homes. These adaptable animals disrupt biodiversity, digging up larvae and eating birds’ eggs, with overpopulation worsening the problem. Despite hunting efforts and traps, locals call for a joint civilian-military operation to control the boar population more effectively.
Therapy dog helps students relax before exam - A school has introduced a therapy dog, Eko, to help anxious students relax before their oral exams for the Brevet des Colleges in Valbonne, Alpes-Maritimes. Just 6 months old, Eko brings calm and comfort, easing stress through animal-assisted therapy techniques. The initiative, inspired by U.S. programs, showed powerful emotional effects, especially for highly anxious students. Educators hope to expand the project next year, highlighting how animals can help young people manage pressure and fear.
NEWS UPDATE
Ocean Rebellion protest - On the opening day of the UN Ocean Conference in Nice, UK activists from Ocean Rebellion have staged a parody protest with a fake Macron serving rotten fish to denounce destructive trawling practices. The performance, held in front of the Negresco hotel, was quickly halted by police, who removed the demonstrators. Polynesian mayor Fernand Tahiata voiced support, warning that industrial fishing threatens traditional livelihoods. Activists accused France and the EU of subsidizing harmful overfishing, claiming it devastates ecosystems and worsens climate change.
Fire - Several caravans and a car have caught fire in Daluis, near Nice, on Monday afternoon, with gas bottles inside the caravans posing extra danger. The fire mobilized 10 fire engines and 21 firefighters, as well as local gendarmes. A nearby forest area of 4,000m² began to burn but was quickly brought under control. Three minors were involved in the incident and have been taken in by the gendarmerie, with no serious concerns about their condition. The cause of the fire is still unknown, and authorities urge the public to avoid obstructing emergency vehicles.
BUSINESS
Strong winds are powering Scotland’s offshore wind farms, but outdated grid infrastructure prevents full use of this energy. As a result, wind farms are paid to reduce output, while gas plants are paid to produce more, costing consumers and raising bills. The government is considering a shift to regional ("zonal") electricity pricing to fix this inefficiency and potentially lower costs. Supporters say it would cut waste and attract industry; critics fear it could hurt investment and raise prices in some areas. The decision is politically charged, with net zero policies under fire and major energy reforms hanging in the balance.
And - The US and China will meet in London to resume trade talks aimed at resolving their ongoing trade war. Key issues include China’s rare earth exports and US restrictions on high-tech goods like semiconductors and AI components. Though a truce was reached in May, both sides have since accused each other of breaking non-tariff promises. Officials like US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng are involved in negotiations. The trade conflict has slowed global economic growth, with the OECD lowering its forecast to 2.9% amid rising trade barriers.
SPORTS
Rugby Union - Toulon will face Castres at home in the Top 14 playoff on Saturday, the 14th of June at 9:05pm at Stade Mayol. Despite losing to Bayonne, Toulon secured 3rd place in the league and home advantage for the playoff. Tickets have gone on sale at 10am on Monday the 9th of June with details shared on the club’s social media. The match recalls past finals between the two teams and could draw a full house.
Meanwhile, Scotland prop Zander Fagerson has been ruled out of the British and Irish Lions' tour to Australia with a calf injury.
Football - Chelsea have signed defender Mamadou Sarr from partner club Strasbourg for £12m. The 19-year-old Frenchman has signed an eight-year deal and is eligible to play at this month's Club World Cup in the US.
Golf - Northern Ireland's Graeme McDowell says contending for his first LIV Golf title reminded him that he still has "something left in the tank". The 2010 US Open champion led during Sunday's final round in Virginia but was edged out by Chile's Joaquin Niemann, who shot an eight-under 63 to clinch his fourth win of the season.
WEATHER
A cloudy start of the afternoon followed by sunny skies across the region. On the coast we have highs of 26 degrees in Nice, 27 in Cannes and Toulon, 28 in Saint-Tropez and 29 degrees in Marseille accompanied by moderate to strong winds.
Tonight, it should be clear with temperatures dropping to 18 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, bright and clear across the region with highs of 32 degrees in Saint-Tropez.
A nationwide ban on smoking in all outdoor places that can be accessed by children, including beaches, parks and bus stops – but not café terraces – h...
Read More
The Var and the Alpes-Maritimes are on an orange heatwave alert from midday tomorrow, Saturday. A yellow alert is in force for the rest of Friday unti...
Read More
The mayor of Nice, Christian Estrosi, has agreed to remove the Israeli flags outside Nice city hall.
Read More
Three people have died in a serious accident on the A8 motorway this morning. Two cars were involved in a head-on collision near the Mandelieu East in...
Read More
A silent march will be held through Nice on Saturday in memory of a firefighter who was killed in a hit-and-run on the Promenade des Anglais this time...
Read More
