NEWS
Thunderstorm alert - The Alpes-Maritimes department are under a yellow thunderstorm alert this Friday, the 25th of July from 1pm to 10pm. Stormy showers are expected mainly in the inland areas like Grasse and Saint-Auban, while the coast will stay mostly cloudy with some afternoon sunshine. Temperatures will cool down, ranging from 18°C to 25°C, with up to 30°C in Antibes. Residents are advised to stay cautious due to potential storm activity.
400kg of cocaine disappeared, suspected police officers charged - French police searched the homes and offices of two OFAST officers in Nanterre, near Paris, as part of an investigation into the disappearance of 400 kg of cocaine during a 2023 drug operation called "Trident." The Marseille OFAST chief and her deputy have already been charged, along with three other agents, over suspicions including drug trafficking and falsifying official documents. Investigators believe at least 360 kg of cocaine were diverted without proper oversight. The case is being led by France’s national anti-organised crime unit, Junalco.
Culture Minister in Avignon - French Culture Minister Rachida Dati has visited Avignon, Vaucluse, on Thursday during the city's famous festival, starting her day at the Croix des Oiseaux social centre to meet with local cultural and political figures. She also planned to visit an elderly care home hosting a new art centre. Meanwhile, the CGT Spectacle union protested outside against recent budget cuts, calling on cultural workers to make noise with pots and pans. Dati responded critically to the union, saying she was saddened by what the CGT had become.
Serious injury during canyoning - A 45-year-old man has been seriously injured by falling rocks while canyoning in Saint-Auban, in the Alpes-Maritimes. He lost consciousness, suffering a head injury, arm fracture, and cervical trauma, but his helmet, shattered by the impact, likely saved his life. Rescued by helicopter, he was taken to hospital. Authorities praised the guide's quick response and stressed the importance of wearing protective gear in nature sports.
Phone thief arrested - A man has been arrested on a beach after throwing a stolen phone into the sea as police approached in Cannes. He had stolen a bag from a Toulon-Cannes train, and the phone was tracked to the beach. Initially claiming he bought it from a stranger, he was charged with handling stolen goods. However, police discovered he was already wanted for several burglaries in Cannes earlier this year.
NEWS UPDATE
Heavy traffic expected this weekend - Heavy traffic is expected this weekend, from the 25th to the 27th of July, on roads in the Var and Alpes-Maritimes, especially on the A8 motorway. Friday and Saturday will be particularly busy, with peak congestion Friday evening 7-11pm and Saturday midday and evening. Drivers are advised to avoid the A8 between La Fare-les-Oliviers and Le Luc. Traffic should ease by Sunday, except on the A50 between Toulon and Marseille.
Loi Duplomb - Nearly 400 chefs and food professionals in France, including top names like Glenn Viel, have signed a public letter denouncing the Duplomb Law, which reintroduces a controversial pesticide. They argue it endangers health, biodiversity, and the integrity of French cuisine. The chefs demand urgent political action and funding to support ecological farming. They say they cook to nourish, not poison, and warn of growing health and environmental crises linked to industrial agriculture.
BUSINESS
UK car and van production has hit its lowest first-half level since 1953, excluding Covid, with car output down 7.3% and van production falling 45%. Tariff uncertainty with the US caused some manufacturers to pause production, though a new UK-US deal has since reduced tariffs. The government reintroduced EV grants, but the industry says the scheme lacks clarity on eligibility. Electric vehicle production rose slightly, but the UK is unlikely to return to 2021 output levels this decade. The SMMT warns that major investment and new manufacturers are needed to meet future targets.
And - The creators of South Park, Trey Parker and Matt Stone, have signed a $1.5 billion deal with Paramount+ to stream all past and future episodes. The five-year agreement includes 50 new episodes, with the latest season starting after delays due to contract talks. New episodes will air on Comedy Central before streaming on Paramount+. The show was previously available on HBO Max. South Park is known for its controversial, satirical humour since its 1997 debut. Trey Parker and Matt Stone also created the controversial hit musical The Book of Mormon.
SPORTS
Football - Alexander Isak has not been named in Newcastle's squad for their pre-season tour of Asia as speculation over his future continues to grow. On Saturday manager Eddie Howe said the 25-year-old striker would "absolutely" be part of the squad for their games in Singapore and South Korea.
Cycling - Yesterday, Jonathan Milan claimed his second victory of this year's Tour de France by winning a wet sprint finish on stage 17. Today on stage 18, Tadej Pogacar and Lenny Martinez are currently tied at the top of the standings on 60 points, followed by Thymen Arensman on 48 points and Jonas Vingegaard with 45.
Tennis - Stefanos Tsitsipas has parted ways with Goran Ivanisevic after a "brief but intense" coaching spell. Greece's Tsitsipas began working with Ivanisevic in May after winning only two matches in his past four Grand Slam appearances.
WEATHER
Mostly clear with some cloudy intervals and moderate to strong winds across the region. We’ll have highs of 28 degrees in Marseille, 30 degrees in the Alpes-Maritimes department, and 33 degrees in the Var.
Tonight, a bit hazy with lows of 22 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, light rain in the Alpes-Maritimes’ coasts with thunderstorms planned inland with highs of 26 degrees and moderate winds.
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