NEWS
Magistrate uses fake license plates - A Marseille magistrate has been sentenced on the 17th of June in Nîmes for repeatedly avoiding motorway tolls using fake license plates. He made false claims of plate theft to dodge fines and was caught after investigators noticed irregularities. He has admitted to about a dozen offenses and received a 14-month suspended prison sentence, a 4-month driving ban, and a €16,000 fine. Despite the conviction, he still has 10 days to appeal and remains presumed innocent for now.
illegal slaughter operation - Four members of the same family have been convicted for running a large illegal animal slaughter operation between 2021 and 2024 near Nice. Authorities found serious health and safety violations, including untraceable meat, mistreated animals, and hidden carcasses. The main farmer has been sentenced to 18 months in prison, 6 of which under electronic monitoring, fined €1,500, and had his animals as well as €97,000 confiscated. His two sons and brother received 18-month suspended sentences and €5,000 fines. The case also revealed undeclared income and environmental risks from improper waste disposal.
Police seize packages meant for inmates - Police near the Le Pontet prison have stopped a vehicle during the night of the 18th-19th of June, for a traffic violation in Vaucluse. Upon searching it, they found numerous packages meant to be illegally delivered to inmates. The packages contained nearly a kilogram of cannabis, tobacco, vodka, 15 phones, headphones, and smartwatches. Authorities also seized drone-related equipment, including batteries, controllers, and a drop system. The two individuals in the car will soon face legal proceedings.
Wildfire - A wildfire broke out on the 18th of June burning 14 hectares of land in La Trinité near Nice. It was caused by a van on fire near vegetation which quickly spread, prompting a major response. Firefighters, supported by aerial units like Canadairs, managed to contain the blaze overnight. No injuries were reported, though one house was briefly threatened. Crews remain on-site to monitor for flare-ups due to ongoing heat.
La Madaléna - A new clinic named "La Madaléna" will open in 2027 on Boulevard de la Madeleine in Nice. It will focus on rehabilitation and care for elderly, isolated, or vulnerable patients. The facility will include 135 beds, physiotherapy and occupational therapy rooms, balneotherapy, and a therapeutic rooftop garden. Construction began with a groundbreaking ceremony on the 18th of June. The clinic aims to meet the growing needs of an aging population.
Menton's Science Po - The city council of Menton, Alpes-Maritimes, has extended Sciences Po’s campus lease for two more years instead of the usual ten, amid political tensions and upcoming municipal elections in 2026. Some local politicians criticized the institution over recent pro-Palestinian student actions, sparking debates about its place in the city. The mayor wants voters to decide the campus’s future, saying it’s an important electoral issue. Sciences Po’s director welcomed the decision as a positive sign, noting the school brings €3 million annually to the local economy. He reaffirmed that “Sciences Po stays where it is wanted.”
NEWS UPDATE
9th Edition of UPAINT street art festival - The 9th edition of the UPAINT street art festival has taken place from the 13th-16th of June in the Larvotto area of Monaco, celebrating the theme of the ocean. Twelve artists, including French painter Amaury Dubois, have created live artworks outdoors. This year’s theme aligned with major ocean-focused events like the BEFF and UNOC3. The festival aimed to merge urban art with environmental awareness through open-air galleries.
UNOC outcome - The UN Ocean Conference (UNOC) in Nice has concluded with major commitments to protect oceans. Key progress includes nearing the ratification of the High Seas Treaty (BBNJ) and support from 37 countries for a moratorium on deep-sea mining. Ninety-five nations also backed a treaty to reduce plastic production and use, though the U.S. and China remain hesitant. Despite geopolitical tensions, 64 world leaders attended, and protected ocean areas rose slightly from 8.4% to about 11%, which is still far from the 30% target by 2030. Funding remains a major hurdle, with only €25 billion invested annually, far below the needed €175 billion.
Identity theft in Monaco - Authorities in Monaco have issued a warning about identity theft involving high-profile figures. Fraudsters are impersonating Monaco dignitaries using fake documents and convincing digital communications to trick their associates into sending money abroad. The scammers use emails, video calls, and official-looking documents to appear legitimate. Their goal is to create a sense of urgency to secure fraudulent bank transfers. The police urge the public to be highly cautious, verify requests through trusted channels, and report any suspicious activity immediately.
Level 1 ozone pollution alert - The Alpes-Maritimes department will be placed under level 1 ozone pollution alert as of Friday, the 20th of June, due to worsening air quality caused by high temperatures and strong sunlight. The prefecture announced several immediate measures including bans on open-air burning, delays in agricultural spraying, and restrictions on using harmful products. Vulnerable groups are advised to avoid outdoor physical activity and stay indoors during peak heat hours. The public is urged to remain attentive to at-risk individuals and to ventilate their homes daily. No speed limits or free public transport measures have been announced yet.
Christian estrosi won't remove Israeli flags - Christian Estrosi, mayor of Nice, has refused to remove Israeli flags from the city hall despite a prefectural order citing neutrality laws. In protest, the association Amis de la Palestine 06 is organizing a new demonstration on Sunday, the 22nd of June. Estrosi insists the flags will remain until all Israeli hostages are released. Critics accuse him of disregarding the law and enabling complicity in Gaza’s ongoing war, which has resulted in over 55,500 Palestinian and 1,200 Israeli deaths. Regular protests continue in Nice.
BUSINESS
The U.S. Federal Reserve has kept interest rates unchanged at 4.3% for the fourth consecutive time, despite a worsening economic outlook. Officials now expect slower growth (1.4%), higher inflation (3%), and rising unemployment (4.5%). The Fed is holding steady due to ongoing inflation concerns, especially from tariffs, and aims to maintain stability while watching price trends. U.S President Donald Trump has criticized the Fed and called for rate cuts, but the central bank is maintaining its independent, cautious stance. Future rate cuts are still expected in 2025, but projections for 2026-2027 suggest slightly higher rates than previously forecasted.
And - Texas Instruments (TI), an electronics company, plans to invest over $60 billion in the U.S. to expand semiconductor manufacturing, building or upgrading seven facilities in Texas and Utah, thus creating 60,000 jobs. The move, described as the largest foundational chip investment in U.S. history, comes amid pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump for tech firms to boost domestic production. Some analysts view this as a strategic move to avoid potential tariffs or the loss of government subsidies. TI, which makes essential chips used in devices like cars and phones, faces growing competition from Chinese manufacturers.
SPORTS
Football - Sophie Ingle has been included in Wales' 23-player squad for the 2025 Women's European Championship despite not having played a competitive game this season. The 33-year-old midfielder, who has been released by Chelsea, tore her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in a pre-season friendly against Feyenoord last September.
Rugby Union - Scotland captain and British & Irish Lions fly-half Finn Russell has signed a new three-year contract at Bath. The 32-year-old kicked 13 points and set up Max Ojomoh's try as Bath won their first Premiership title for 29 years on Saturday, when they beat Leicester at Twickenham. Russell has made 45 appearances since moving to the club in 2023 from French side Racing 92, scoring 420 points, including four tries.
Cricket - United States' Monank Patel made 93 from 50 balls as MI New York completed a Major League Cricket record chase of 201 to beat Seattle Orcas. The previous highest chase had been Orcas' 195-8 in this fixture in 2023.
WEATHER
It’s bright and clear today though Barcelonnette, Gap and Briançon will experience thundery showers this afternoon. Moderate to strong winds across the region with highs of 30 degrees in Nice, Cannes and Marseille, 31 in Toulon, and 33 degrees in Saint-Tropez.
Tonight, mostly clear with tropical temperatures not dropping below 22 degrees in the Alpes-Maritimes.
Outlook for tomorrow, partly cloudy with moderate winds and thunderstorms inland with highs of 30 degrees on the coast and 36 degrees inland.
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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Fine and sunny with light winds. Highs of 28 degrees in Monaco and Nice, 27 degrees in Saint-Tropez, 29 degrees in Toulon. ...
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