NEWS
New Minsiter of State Appointed - Prince Albert II of Monaco has appointed Christophe Mirmand as the new Minister of State on the 3rd of July, following Philippe Mettoux's recent withdrawal from the role. Mirmand, a seasoned senior French civil servant and former prefect of the PACA region, will take office on the 21st of July. The Prince highlighted Mirmand’s experience and professionalism as key assets for Monaco's political stability. Previously, Mirmand held various high-level roles, including in the French Overseas Ministry and as prefect in several regions. His appointment ends the interim term of Isabelle Berro-Amadeï, praised for her dedication during the transition.
Heatwave - The PACA region is experiencing an ongoing heatwave expected to last until Saturday, the 5th of July, with temperatures reaching up to 39°C in some areas. Despite local thunderstorms and the mistral wind, the heat remains intense, especially in the Bouches-du-Rhône, Var, and Vaucluse. A brief cooldown may occur on Sunday, but another heatwave is predicted around the 12th and 13th of July. The extreme temperatures are also raising wildfire risks and concerns about a potential marine heatwave in the Mediterranean.
Nice Airport Delays - More than 100 flights departing from and arriving at Nice airport today have been cancelled due to a nationwide strike by French air traffic controllers. Two unions are behind the strike action, protesting against what they call serious understaffing and a toxic management culture. The French civil aviation authority has asked airlines to reduce their flight schedules today, not just at Nice, but at other airports including Paris and Marseille. Short-haul flights are the most affected: including to Copenhagen, Stockholm, Frankfurt, London, Dublin and Luxembourg. More than 10,000 passengers have been affected in Nice Airport so if you're due to fly today, it's worth checking with your airline or on the Nice Airport website.
Orpi Real Estate set on fire - An Orpi real estate agency has been set on fire on the night of the 3rd of July in what is suspected to be a criminal act in Golfe-Juan, Alpes-Maritimes. Two helmeted individuals on a scooter are believed to be involved, and a jerrycan was found at the scene. This follows a wave of threats and a previous arson attack on another Orpi agency in Marseille, amid tensions linked to a viral video involving a pro-Palestinian activist and Orpi employees. The incident has caused concern among local residents and business owners.
100 caravans settled in Cagnes-sur-Mer - Around 100 caravans from the travelling community have begun settling on a field on the 3rd of July near Domaine du Loup in Cagnes-sur-Mer, Alpes-Maritimes. About 70 families will stay until the 27th of July, with the site connected to water, electricity, and waste services, which will be billed to the community. The area, previously used in 2021 and 2022, poses a fire risk due to nearby woodland. Authorities and mediators are involved to ensure safety and peaceful coexistence with local residents.
New disability law in Monaco - Monaco has introduced a new disability law to modernize and strengthen support for people with disabilities, ten years after the 2014 legislation. Key measures include a caregiver allowance for parents who stop working, with continued pension rights funded by the state. Financial aid is now divided between income-based support and compensation for disability-related expenses, regardless of income. Rights can now be requested after age 60, and age-based automatic transitions to elderly care have been removed. The law is part of Monaco’s broader “Handipact” strategy to enhance disability policy.
Hotel transformed into support centre in Menton - An old hotel will be transformed into a support centre for perpetrators of domestic violence in Menton, Alpes-Maritimes, the first of its kind in the area. The goal is to allow victims to remain safely in their homes while aggressors are relocated and monitored to reduce reoffending. The centre will house nine individuals under court orders, offering psychological support and supervision. The initiative, costing €1.2 million, is part of a broader national effort to address domestic violence more effectively. Authors of violence will contribute financially and be held accountable for compliance.
Doggy ice-cream - A café is offering special ice cream for dogs, including a unique roast chicken flavour, to help them cool down in the summer heat in Nice. Made with lactose-free milk, agave syrup, and enriched with vitamins and probiotics, the treat is designed for canine health and enjoyment. While dogs enjoy their ice cream, owners can relax with a coffee in a pet-friendly atmosphere. The ice cream is crafted by local experts with vet-approved recipes and is available in four flavours at €5.50 per pot.
BUSINESS
Microsoft is laying off up to 9,000 employees, amounting to around 4% of its global workforce, as part of ongoing restructuring efforts in 2025, with reports indicating that its Xbox division will be impacted. The company is aggressively shifting its focus to artificial intelligence, investing $80 billion in AI infrastructure like data centres and chips. Layoffs are concentrated in key locations such as Redmond and Bellevue, Washington. Microsoft has already cut 6,000 jobs earlier this year, and these are its fourth round of redundancies in 2025. Meanwhile, fierce competition for AI talent is heating up, with rivals like Meta offering massive signing bonuses. Microsoft is also facing challenges selling its AI tool, Copilot, compared to the more popular ChatGPT.
And - Valberg ski station, Alpes-Maritimes, has launched a new online marketplace to simplify holiday bookings and promote local tourism. Accessible via valberg.com, the platform allows visitors to book accommodations, ski passes, lessons, rentals, and activities in one secure and user-friendly interface. This initiative supports local businesses and aligns with Valberg’s year-round tourism strategy. Developed in collaboration with "Mon Séjour en Montagne," it reflects the resort’s commitment to digital innovation and sustainable tourism.
SPORTS
Rugby Union - Former England captain Owen Farrell has been called up to the British and Irish Lions tour of Australia, marking a remarkable return to the Test scene. Coach Andy Farrell has turned to his son as a replacement for utility back Elliot Daly, who has been ruled out after fracturing his arm in Wednesday's win over Queensland Reds.
Cricket - Former England batter Mark Ramprakash has left his role on Middlesex's coaching staff. The 55-year-old had been consultant batting coach for the club since 2021. Ramprakash scored 2,350 runs in 52 Tests for England in his playing career, hitting two centuries.
Golf - Cornwall's Harry Hall says he is in excellent form after qualifying for The Open. The 27-year-old finished second in the qualifying tournament at Burnham and Berrow earlier this week to reach The Open for the first time.
WEATHER
Cloudy with sunny intervals in the Alpes Maritimes department while the inland areas of the PACA region remain crowded with thunderclouds until early evening accompanied by moderate winds. We’ll have highs of 31 degrees in Nice, 32 in Cannes, 33 in Saint-Tropez and Toulon and 34 degrees in Marseille while temperatures inland may reach 38 degrees.
Tonight, clear skies with lows of 26 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, mostly clear throughout the day and across the region with highs of 31 degrees and moderate to strong winds in the Var and Bouches-Du-Rhône departments.
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