NEWS
Red alert for fire risks - The Var department will be placed under red alert for wildfires on Wednesday the 16th of July, due to a "very high" risk, worsened by strong Mistral and Tramontane winds. In consequence, access to several forested areas is strictly prohibited. Météo-France warns that dry vegetation from recent heatwaves and wind conditions are creating dangerous fire conditions. Neighbouring departments like Bouches-du-Rhône and Vaucluse are also on red alert, while six others are under orange alert. Firefighters are on high alert, with reinforcements and preventive teams deployed across key areas.
Ambulance hits car - A fire department ambulance has collided with a car on the 15th of July on Nice’s Promenade des Anglais while heading to an emergency. Two firefighters and a 73-year-old driver have been slightly injured. Police are investigating the incident.
Fire in Nice - A fire broke out in an apartment on the morning of the 15th of July on Avenue Cyrnos in Nice. A 55-year-old man was slightly intoxicated by smoke and taken to the hospital, while two elderly residents were examined on-site and remained there. The firefighters' quick response prevented more serious damage.
Tuck leak on the A8 motorway - Firefighters have intervened on the A8 motorway on the 15th of July due to a truck's leaking fuel tank near the Antibes toll station, Alpes-Maritimes. A pump truck and sweepers were brought in to contain and clean the spill. Thankfully, the incident caused no traffic disruption as the truck was parked at the toll area.
McDonald's employees on strike - A group of McDonald’s employees have gone on strike on the 15th of July, protesting poor working conditions in Cagnes-sur-Mer, Alpes-Maritimes. Around 15 out of 110 staff members participated, denouncing unpaid overtime, denied breaks, moral harassment, and delayed salary corrections. The CGT union also criticized management for intimidation tactics and the demotion of a former director. The labour inspectorate has been contacted, and the strike is set to last until the end of the day.
Wild parrots in Aix - A small group of wild Conure parrots from South America has settled in the centre of Aix-en-Provence, Bouches-du-Rhône, making it the only European city besides Barcelona to host them. Likely escaped pets or descendants from the Barcelona colony, they’ve adapted well to the local climate. While some residents enjoy their presence, others complain about their loud, screeching calls. However, the birds are not considered invasive, as their population remains small and non-threatening to local species.
New padel courts in Nice - Ten new padel courts are being built next to the Allianz Riviera stadium in Nice, near the Musée du Sport. Construction has been underway for over three weeks and is expected to finish by October. The site is ideally located, with nearby parking and easy access by car or public transport. Since it's far from residential areas, noise won't be an issue, and the courts are expected to attract many padel enthusiasts.
NEWS UPDATE
Cross-border operation - A joint French-Italian police operation has taken place on Saturday the 12th of July at the Tende tunnel targeting irregular immigration and cross-border offenses. The operation followed the recent reopening of the tunnel and involved alternating checks on both sides of the border. Several road violations were also recorded. Authorities praised the strong coordination and confirmed such joint controls will be repeated regularly to ensure border security.
Monaco Firefighter awarded after saving a life during his days off duty - Monaco firefighter Chief Warrant Officer Frank Giribaldi has been awarded the bronze medal for "courage and dedication" after saving a 76-year-old man in cardiac arrest while on holiday in Valberg in February. He performed CPR for 30 minutes and successfully revived the man. Giribaldi was honoured during the French National Day ceremony in Péone, where local officials praised his heroic actions and commitment to public service.
2026 budget - French Prime Minister François Bayrou has announced €40 billion in savings in his 2026 budget, partly by scrapping two public holidays: May 8, which is victory day, and Easter Monday, urging the nation to work more. He also proposed a "white year" with no increases in benefits or tax brackets, saving €7 billion. The plan includes cutting 3,000 public sector jobs and cracking down on unjustified sick leave, as well as social and tax fraud. A new "solidarity contribution" will be introduced for the highest earners.
New weekly market in Monaco - A new weekly fruit and vegetable market will open every Thursday morning starting on the 17th of July, at Place Joséphine Baker on the Larvotto in Monaco. The market will feature vendors and a local producer, with a focus on organic products. A home delivery service will also be available for residents with mobility issues.
Kitchen fire - A kitchen fire broke out in a fifth-floor apartment this afternoon damaging half of the home in Cagnes-sur-Mer, Alpes-Maritimes. Thanks to a swift response by firefighters, the blaze was quickly contained using an extinguisher. The 70-year-old resident was examined on-site but did not require hospitalisation.
BUSINESS
China's economy grew by 5.2% in the second quarter of the year, slightly above expectations, despite ongoing challenges like U.S. tariffs and a weak property sector. Growth was supported by strong manufacturing and export activity, though retail sales and home prices showed signs of strain. Analysts say China has shown resilience, but uncertainty in the second half of the year may require more government stimulus. While the 5% annual growth target is still within reach, some experts believe actual growth could fall closer to 4%.
Nvidia will soon resume sales of its H20 AI chips to China after receiving assurances from the U.S. government that export licenses will be granted. The chips had been banned in April over concerns they could aid the Chinese military. This move comes amid easing trade tensions between the U.S. and China, including a temporary truce in their tariff war. Nvidia sees China as a vital market and its CEO has been actively engaging both governments to support AI development and maintain U.S. leadership in the field.
And - Bitcoin has hit a new record on Monday, the 14th of July, surpassing $123,000 for the first time, driven by optimism over potential favourable U.S. crypto regulations. The rise comes ahead of the U.S. House's "Crypto Week," where three major bills, including ones on stablecoins and CBDCs, will be reviewed. Analysts say President Trump’s pro-crypto stance could influence legislation and attract more institutional investment. Speculators are also turning to cryptocurrencies amid concerns over U.S. fiscal stability and the dollar’s credibility.
SPORTS
Football - Brentford have completed the signing of England midfielder and former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson on a two-year contract after his recent departure from Ajax. Henderson, 35, spent 12 years with Liverpool, where he won the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, two League Cups, Community Shield, Super Cup and Club World Cup.
Cricket - England legend James Anderson has been selected by Manchester Originals for this year's Hundred, the first franchise tournament of his 25-year career. Anderson, who will be 43 when the tournament begins in August, has been picked up by the Originals in the wildcard draft.
Tennis - Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek’s Wimbledon wins were historic but controversial, as both had served doping-related suspensions in the past year. Authorities accepted that their positive tests were due to contaminated medications and not intentional doping, leading to short bans. However, many in the tennis world, including players like Nick Kyrgios and Serena Williams, criticized the handling of the cases, alleging preferential treatment for top players. Despite concerns, most fans focused on their performances, though experts warn tennis must enforce anti-doping rules more transparently to preserve credibility.
WEATHER
Though Meteo France announces bright and clear skies this afternoon, we’re off to a cloudy start on the Alpes-Maritimes’ coasts accompanied by moderate winds. In the Var and Bouches-du-Rhône strong winds are expected with temperatures varying along the coast. Highs of 28 degrees the Alpes-Maritimes, 32 in the Bouches-du-Rhône, and 34 degrees in the Var. Inland temperatures may reach highs of 37 degrees.
Tonight, mostly clear with lows of 20 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, fine and bright with highs of 29 degrees and strong winds in the west side of the region.
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