NEWS
Power outage in Nice - A power outage has left shops and homes without electricity for about 30 minutes today in Nice’s Libération district. Businesses like a pharmacy, restaurants, and a cinema were affected, though the Gare du Sud hall stayed powered by a generator. The issue was quickly resolved, and power was fully restored by 11:30am.
Massive wildfire consequences - A month after the wildfire that destroyed 750 hectares in north Marseille, displaced families are moving into mobile homes set up near the ruins of their homes. Many say it brings some relief but also frustration, as they feel abandoned by authorities and must pay or rebuild much themselves. While solidarity helps, residents describe exhaustion, poor living conditions, and hope for a real return to normal housing.
Wildfire under control in the Var - A wildfire which burned 130 hectares has been contained yesterday in Pontevès, Var. Seven firefighters were slightly injured while combating the blaze. A large response of 295 firefighters and 80 vehicles remains active, with a yellow alert for high storm risk in the area.
Armed robber arrested, another on the run - An armed robber has attempted to steal jewellery from a luxury store firing shots in broad daylight on the Cannes Croisette. A security guard was slightly injured while trying to stop the man, and passersby eventually overpowered the suspect until police arrived. One accomplice managed to flee on a scooter, and the judicial police are now handling the investigation.
Delivery drivers steal cosmetic goods - Two delivery drivers have stolen 3,500 cosmetic products worth €350,000 by diverting goods during delivery rounds on the Côte d’Azur. The 35-year-old driver let his accomplice hide in the truck, secretly offloading items to resell on the black market. They were caught in August and sentenced to prison terms of 30 and 24 months, partly suspended.
Paragliding accident - A 70-year-old experienced paraglider from Grenoble has died after his wing suddenly collapsed mid-flight, causing him to fall 50 meters in Puy-Saint-Vincent. Rescuers could not revive him despite rapid intervention, and an investigation has been opened to determine if weather, pilot manoeuvre, or equipment failure was to blame. The PGHM reminded paragliders to check conditions and equipment carefully before flying.
Construction work halted after collapse - Construction work has been halted after part of a 1950s-era floor collapsed during clearing at a future cabaret-discotheque site in central Nice. No one was injured, the area has been secured, and officials confirmed there is no danger to neighbours. Work is expected to resume after a full safety review on the 25th of August.
Illegal speed bumps cause accidents - Accidents and injuries sometimes occur due to hundreds of thousands of illegal speed bumps that don’t meet safety standards in France. An estimated 450,000 installations are out of compliance, yet instead of ordering their removal, the government plans to change the law to legalize many of them, sparking controversy. Critics argue this puts lives at risk, while the state cites road safety benefits and the high cost of demolishing the structures.
NEWS UPDATE
Eric Ciotti will face trial - MP Éric Ciotti will face trial on the 27th of March 2026, for complicity in defamation following a complaint by Nice mayor Christian Estrosi. The case stems from a 2023 interview where Ciotti accused Estrosi of endangering lives by halting post-storm Alex protection works. This adds to a series of legal disputes between the two rivals, with the trial coinciding with the 2026 municipal elections.
46-year-old streamer found dead - A 46-year-old streamer has been found dead during a live broadcast in Contes on the 18th of August, prompting an inquiry by the Nice prosecutor’s office. An autopsy has been ordered, with investigators already probing earlier allegations of violence and abuse he suffered live on stream. The incident sparked political outrage, with France’s digital minister demanding accountability from the streaming platform Kick.
BUSINESS
The UK has reportedly withdrawn its demand that Apple provide access to encrypted user data worldwide, a move that had sparked major privacy concerns. Apple had refused, saying it would never build such a tool, and instead pulled its Advanced Data Protection feature from the UK while preparing a legal challenge. It is unclear if the case, due in early 2026, will continue, and campaigners are still pursuing separate legal action against the UK government.
And - Newsmax’s stock rose 15% after they agreed to pay $67m to Dominion Voting Systems to settle a defamation lawsuit over false claims that the company rigged the 2020 election against US President Donald Trump. Dominion, which had sought $1.6bn in damages, said it was satisfied with the settlement, while Newsmax maintained its reporting was fair but argued the trial process was biased.
SPORTS
Football - Wolves have signed defender Jackson Tchatchoua, the fastest player in Serie A, for 12.5m euros (£10.8m) on a five-year deal from Hellas Verona.
Rugby Union - Newcastle Red Bulls have signed forward Fergus Lee-Warner on a one-year deal from New South Wales Waratahs.
Tennis – World number three Iga Swiatek has won the Cincinnati Open with a dominant 7-5 6-4 victory over Italian seventh seed Jasmine Paolini. Meanwhile, five-time Grand Slam winner Carlos Alcaraz says he is "going to have so much fun" playing with Britain's Emma Raducanu in the revamped mixed doubles at the US Open on Sunday.
WEATHER
Cloudy across the region with thundery showers inland accompanied by moderate winds. Highs of 29 degrees in Nice, 30 in Cannes, Toulon and Marseille and 31 degrees in Saint-Tropez.
Tonight, still mostly grey with temperatures dropping to 25 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow light rain across the region with occasional thundery episodes inland as temperatures stay high, reaching 28 degrees accompanied by moderate winds.
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