NEWS
Bun Hay Mean found dead - 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 July. He was 43 years old, and the cause of the fall remains unknown. An investigation has been opened. Recently on tour with his show Kill Bun expected to take place in Nice in December, he openly addressed mental health struggles he faced in 2024. Bun had risen to fame through the Jamel Comedy Club and appeared in films like Astérix & Obélix and Problemos.
Cruise ships restricted in Nice - Christian Estrosi, mayor of Nice and president of the Nice-Côte d'Azur Métropole, has signed a new order restricting large cruise ships. It bans ships with over 450 passengers from using Nice's port, and those with over 2,500 passengers from Villefranche-sur-Mer’s terminal. Only one cruise ship per day is allowed, with a maximum of 65 stops per year. This move follows controversy over a recent cruise ship visit, and legal questions have been raised about the order’s enforceability due to divided port authority. A roundtable discussion has been announced to address the issue.
Road homicide - France has officially introduced a new offense called "road homicide" for drivers causing fatal accidents under aggravating circumstances, for example driving under the influence or without a license. Previously considered "involuntary homicide," this change is seen as a major legal step by many, including chef Yannick Alléno, whose son was killed in such an incident. Offenders now face up to 10 years in prison and €150,000 in fines. The law aims to highlight the seriousness of reckless driving and restore trust in the justice system.
Fatal accident - In the fatal accident on Nice’s Promenade des Anglais that killed a 19-year-old cyclist and a 21-year-old passenger, the motorcycle driver has emerged from a coma and may be questioned soon. The cyclist reportedly crossed at a pedestrian light that was red on part of the crossing, possibly misled by unsynchronized signals. The motorcycle was likely speeding, though the rider tested negative for alcohol and drugs. A traffic expert has been appointed to assess the speed and details of the crash. The investigation continues.
Stabbing in Nice - A 42-year-old man has been fatally stabbed in the neck in the evening of Wednesday the 5th of July, in front of a tobacco shop in Nice. His friend, who witnessed the attack, tried to save him by applying pressure to the wound and stayed by his side until emergency services arrived. The attacker, believed to have known the victim, fled the scene after a confrontation. A homicide investigation is underway.
Caregiver sentenced to two years in prison - A caregiver has been sentenced to two years of suspended prison and banned from working in his field after being caught on video repeatedly hitting a 19-year-old severely disabled and non-verbal young man in Marseille. The victim’s family, devastated, called the sentence far too lenient and expressed feeling betrayed by the justice system. The case has drawn outrage, especially as no physical injury report was made on the young man, while the accused received full psychological evaluation.
France's national holiday - Many towns in the Var and Alpes-Maritimes departments are celebrating France’s national holiday with fireworks from the 12th-15th July. Cities like Cannes, Antibes, Grasse, and Brignoles will host colourful shows, concerts, and festive events. Some towns are holding celebrations on the 13th or even the 12th. Notably, Nice will not have fireworks this year, offering instead a drone show held in June and a philharmonic concert on the 14th of July in memory of the 2016 attack. Festivities will conclude in places like Vallauris and Roquebrune on the 15th of July.
NEWS UPDATE
Air traffic strikes consequences - The French air traffic controllers’ strike on the 3rd and 4th of July has affected over 1 million passengers and caused 1,422 flight cancellations, according to Eurocontrol. The estimated cost to European airlines was €120 million (€47 million from delays and €73 million from cancellations). Around 200,000 passengers couldn’t travel as planned. The strike, led by two minority unions, protested staff shortages, outdated tools, and poor management. Despite the disruption, the French Transport Minister refused the unions' demands, while a controversial reform is underway following a 2022 near-collision incident.
BUSINESS
US President Donald Trump has announced plans to impose a 50% tariff on Brazilian goods, accusing Brazil of targeting US tech firms and conducting a "witch hunt" against former president Jair Bolsonaro. Brazilian President Lula responded by promising reciprocal measures and rejecting foreign interference in Brazil's justice system. Trump also criticized Brazil’s digital policies and hinted at a formal investigation into them, citing censorship of US platforms. The move escalates trade tensions, especially as Trump praised Bolsonaro and compared his legal issues to his own. Lula dismissed Trump’s threats, asserting Brazil's independence and warning against imperial attitudes, claiming ‘no one is above the law’.
And - Shares in WK Kellogg, the US cereal maker behind Kellog’s Corn Flakes and Fruit Loops, have surged over 56% after reports that Ferrero, maker of Nutella and Kinder, is close to acquiring the company for around $3 billion. The deal could be finalized this week, giving Ferrero a strong position in the US breakfast market. WK Kellogg has struggled financially and carries over $500 million in debt. The move follows recent industry shifts toward healthier options and regulatory pressure over artificial ingredients.
SPORTS
Football - With doubts circling and pressure increasing, England needed to step up at Euro 2025 - and they did. A 2-1 defeat by France on Saturday meant the defending champions had catching up to do in Group D. But England ensured their hopes of qualifying for the quarterfinals remained intact with a commanding 4-0 victory over the Netherlands.
Rugby Union - Wales number eight Taulupe Faletau has been ruled out of the second Test against Japan in Kobe as fly-half Dan Edwards is given his first international start. Faletau, 34, came off during the second half of the 24-19 defeat in Kitakyushu after suffering "heat-related cramps" in the intense conditions and has not recovered. He will be replaced by Aaron Wainwright as one of four changes made by interim head coach Matt Sherratt, who said he wanted to "freshen things up a bit".
Cycling - Oscar Onley set himself the lofty ambition of winning a stage at just his second Tour de France. Only five stages into the three-week epic, and the 22-year-old Scot has come sixth and fourth, rubbing shoulders with not just the world's best cyclists but some of the greatest ever to race.
WEATHER
Fine and bright with moderate winds as temperatures remain cool compared to this early week. Highs of 26 degrees in Nice, 27 degrees in Toulon and Marseille, 28 degrees in Cannes and 29 degrees in Saint-Tropez. Inland temperatures will reach 32 degrees in parts of the Var.
Tonight, clear skies with lows of 20 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, clear skies with highs of 26 degrees accompanied by moderate winds until late evening as clouds and light showers welcome us into the weekend for a wet Saturday before Sunday pays tribute to its name, bringing bright and clear skies again as temperatures near 27 degrees.
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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