NEWS
Major motorway accident - A major pile-up involving around ten vehicles, including a truck and a motorcycle, occurred early on the 7th of August in the Las Planas tunnel on the A8 motorway near Nice. The accident caused three minor injuries and led to a full closure of the A8 between Nice and the Italian border from 6:30 to 8:30am. Traffic was severely disrupted, with over 11 km of congestion reported. Traffic resumed around 9am, but the motorway remained heavily congested.
Motorcycle accident - A serious road accident has occurred during the night of Wednesday to Thursday involving a car and a motorcycle in Roquebrune-sur-Argens, Var. A 59-year-old man riding the motorcycle died at the scene. A 19-year-old woman, also on the motorcycle, was critically injured and later airlifted to a hospital in Marseille. The exact cause of the accident is still unknown.
Nightclub closed after burning a client - A 22-year-old woman has been severely burned by flaming alcohol shots on the 27th of July in a nightclub in Juan-les-Pins. Following the incident, the barman and club manager were charged and placed under judicial supervision. They are banned from working in their roles and from contacting the victim or each other. The nightclub was also ordered to cease operations and post a €20,000 bond.
19-year-old involved in scam - A 19-year-old from Toulon was involved in a scam where he provided his bank details to help transfer stolen money in exchange for a €500 commission. The scheme targeted a 77-year-old woman, tricked by a fake bank advisor into sending €2,990. The young man used part of the money to buy untraceable prepaid card codes for an unknown accomplice. He admitted his role and will face a court hearing. He has no prior criminal record.
Mayor relaxed after charges related to illegal dumping - The mayor of Puget-Théniers, his predecessor, and several municipal workers have been acquitted of charges related to illegally dumping waste near the Var River between 2017 and 2023. Though inspectors reported 312 kg of waste was deposited, the court found insufficient evidence that the waste reached the river itself. The charges were downgraded during the trial, and the court ruled that the legal criteria for an offense were not met. The prosecution has not yet decided whether to appeal.
It's hard to find housing as a student - With just weeks before the new academic year, many students in Marseille and Aix-en-Provence are still struggling to find housing. Rising rents and a stagnant or shrinking housing supply make the search increasingly difficult. The head of the National Tenants' Association in the Bouches-du-Rhône department has discussed the issue and possible solutions will appear on local media on the 7th of August.
NEWS UPDATE
New futuristic CHPG - Monaco is building a futuristic new hospital at the Centre Hospitalier Princesse Grace (CHPG), set to open fully by 2032 with 107,000 m², 458 beds, and 85% private rooms. The €1.3 billion facility will include cutting-edge medical tech, a new neurology unit, and expanded robotic surgery. Patient comfort is a priority, with luxury suites, scenic areas, and multilingual medical information. Over 100 professionals helped shape the hospital’s strategic vision for 2025–2030.
Successful operation - Two critically ill children from Madagascar and Burundi have been successfully operated on at Monaco’s Cardio-Thoracic Center thanks to the Monaco Collectif Humanitaire (MCH). The children received life-saving care unavailable in their home countries, with support from volunteers, donours, and medical staff. The MCH has helped over 630 children since 2008, though needs remain high. The group continues to call for donations to sustain its mission.
BUSINESS
US President Donald Trump has introduced sweeping new tariffs on over 90 countries, aiming to reshape global trade in favour of the US. India faces a 50% tariff over its Russian oil imports, while Trump has also threatened a 100% tariff on foreign-made computer chips to pressure tech firms to invest in America. Some allies like the UK, Japan, and the EU have secured partial deals to reduce tariffs, but others, including Switzerland, Brazil, and several Southeast Asian nations, face steep levies. Trump’s aggressive trade moves have sparked both concern and negotiation efforts worldwide.
The Monaco-based travel agency Star Croisières has declared bankruptcy, leaving thousands of clients in trouble after paying in advance for cruises, mainly with MSC Croisières. Due to financial difficulties, Star Croisières failed to transfer the funds to MSC, which initially refused to confirm bookings. MSC has since offered alternatives: fully paid customers may still travel, while those who only paid deposits can complete payment directly with MSC. Refund claims against Star Croisières will have to go through the courts.
And - The Société des Bains de Mer (SBM) is transforming the former Palace des Neiges in Courchevel into a luxury complex named Monte-Carlo One Courchevel. Originally planned at 8,000 m², the project has expanded to 14,000 m², including the addition of three high-end chalets and the elevation of the existing hotel. Construction is now scheduled for completion in December 2027, allowing time for environmental upgrades and respecting alpine work restrictions. While the total cost remains undisclosed, SBM sees this as a strategic long-term investment in one of the most expensive areas in the Alps.
SPORTS
Football - The revamped Allianz Riviera stadium has impressed OGC Nice fans with its new red-and-black design, more intimate stands, and personalised decor, creating a stronger club identity. However, supporters were disappointed by Nice's performance in their match against Benfica, losing 2-0. While the atmosphere, led by the Populaire Sud fan section, was electric, the team struggled on the field. With reduced capacity to 27,000, the stadium feels fuller and more vibrant but results now need to match the new setting.
Rugby Union - World player of the year Ellie Kildunne has been named in a near full-strength team as England take on France in Saturday's final warm-up game before the start of the Women's Rugby World Cup later this month.
Tennis - Teenager Victoria Mboko will face Naomi Osaka in the final of the Canadian Open after defying the odds to upset former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina, sealing a 1-6 7-5 7-6 (7-4) victory in Montreal.
WEATHER
Blue skies as far as the eye can see. today is the perfect day to go to the beach we’ve got moderate winds and highs of 29 degrees in Nice, 30 in Cannes, 31 in Toulon and Marseille and 32 degrees in Saint-Tropez.
Tonight, clear skies with lows of 22 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, mostly sunny with occasional cloudy patches and highs of 29 degrees accompanied by a gentle breeze.
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