NEWS
National Assembly - A proposal to repeal the pension reform has been submitted to the French National Assembly by far-left La France Insoumise (LFI). They believe there is enough support to overturn the reform. The far-right Rassemblement National (RN) supports the proposal, but right-wing Les Républicains (LR) oppose forming a coalition with the president's party. Meanwhile, journalist François Ruffin criticizes the slow negotiations on the left for a new Prime Minister. Emmanuel Macron will be interviewed tonight at 8pm about the political situation and calls for a political truce during the Paris Olympics.
Prince Albert II Olympic Torches Collection Showcase - Prince Albert II is showcasing his personal collection of 40 Olympic torches until August 18 at the Grimaldi Forum. This free exhibition, designed by architect Frédéric Genin, offers a chronological journey highlighting the evolution and symbolism of the torches. Visitors can also access detailed information via QR codes and view a remastered film on the 1924 Olympics.
Drunk Driver Sentenced in Monaco - A drunk driver hit a van in a parking lot and tried to flee in Monaco. He was sentenced to four months in prison with a suspended sentence, two years of probation, and a two-year driving ban in Monaco. The court considered his history of alcohol addiction and the impact on his job, avoiding additional jail time.
Two Arrests In Nice - Two men have been arrested in connection with the fatal fire that killed seven people on Thursday, 18th July, in the Moulins district of Nice. The ongoing investigation points to a criminal act linked to turf wars over drug trafficking. Authorities are actively searching for three additional suspects.
Kights of Charity Gala - Sharon Stone, Andy Garcia, Orlando Bloom, and Sarah Ferguson attended on July 22 the third "Knights of Charity" gala at Château de la Croix des Gardes in Cannes. The event, organized by philanthropist Milutin Gatsby, featured performances by Andrea Bocelli, Robin Thicke, Martin Solveig, Lisa Stansfield, and DJ Mark Ronson.
Vaucluse Cherry Producers Haverst - Vaucluse cherry producers, after a challenging start due to bad weather, are satisfied with their 2024 harvest, estimated at 500 tons. However, concerns remain as some, lost up to 50% of their crop to rain. Producers are worried about the future viability of their profession, and Senator Lucien Stanzione plans to address these concerns in Paris with a proposal in September.
Freediving Accident - A 75-year-old freediver was found dead near the Frioul Islands, off Marseille. His wife alerted authorities when he didn't return from his dive. The cause of death is still unknown. This marks the ninth diving-related death in the region this year, amid a rise in such incidents. Authorities urge divers to stay within their skill levels, avoid diving alone, ensure their equipment is functional, and have a working communication device.
Speeding - A repeat offender driving a Lamborghini was caught speeding at 210 km/h on the A8 motorway in the Bouches-du-Rhône department, where the limit is 110 km/h. The young driver, who had previously lost his probationary license, tested positive for alcohol. His new license was revoked again, and he may face up to 3 months in prison.
BUSINESS
Two top executives at Kobayashi Pharmaceutical, President Akihiro Kobayashi and Chairman Kazumasa Kobayashi, are stepping down amid an investigation into 80 deaths linked to their beni kōji fermented rice products. The company recalled five products in March after reports of kidney problems and found a toxic acid in the rice’s mould at one of its factories. Satoshi Yamane will be the new president. Akihiro Kobayashi will stay to handle compensation.
And - Former chancellor Nadhim Zahawi is seeking financial backing to bid for the Telegraph newspapers and Spectator Magazine. The publications were put up for sale earlier this year after an Abu Dhabi-backed bid collapsed. The first stage of the auction has ended with up to 20 bidders, including Rupert Murdoch’s News UK and GB News owner Sir Paul Marshall. Zahawi was previously involved in brokering a deal to transfer ownership to a Gulf-backed consortium.
SPORTS
Football - Aston Villa have signed midfielder Amadou Onana from Everton in a £50m deal. Onana joined Everton from Lille for £33m in 2022 and made 72 appearances for the Toffees, scoring four goals.
Meanwhile, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has said influential midfielder Kevin de Bruyne will stay at the club. De Bruyne has one-year left on his Blues contract and said last month he would have to consider an offer from the Saudi Pro-League because of the "incredible money" available.
Cycling - Following his victory at the Tour de France, Tadej Pogacar has withdrawn from the Paris Olympics which begin on Friday. The Slovenian cyclist winner of his third Tour de France has withdrawn from the Paris Games citing "fatigue".
Tennis - World number 51 Nuno Borges beat Rafael Nadal 6-3 6-2 to win the Swedish Open in Bastad.
Meanwhile, Olympic silver medallist Marketa Vondrousova has withdrawn from the Paris 2024 Games due to a hand injury. The Czech, 25, made the decision following her first-round exit during the defence of her Wimbledon title earlier this month.
Finaly, Andy Murray has confirmed he will retire from tennis after the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Paris 2024 - American rapper Snoop Dogg has been named as one of the final torchbearers of the Olympic flame before Friday's opening ceremony in Paris.
WEATHER
Bright and clear with a gentle breeze throughout the region. Highs of 29 degrees in Nice, 31 in Cannes, 33 in Marseille, 34 in Toulon and 35 degrees in Saint-Tropez.
Tonight, clear skies with lows of 25 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, mostly sunny with highs of 28 degrees.
BEACH WEATHER
Bright skies with highs of 29 degrees in Nice, 33 degrees in Hyères les Palmiers and 35 degrees in Saint-Tropez. The sea is nice and calm with a gentle breeze and temperatures of 26 degrees. UV levels are of 8 and 9 across the riviera.
Eric Ciotti, leader of Les Républicains, has expressed cautious support for new Prime Minister Michel Barnier if his policies align with law and order...
Read More
France has a new Prime Minister, after 51 days of waiting right-wing politician Michel Barnier was appointed Prime Minister on Thursday. ...
Read More
Michel Barnier has been announced as the new French Prime Minister, tasked with forming a unity government. Barnier, a veteran politician and former B...
Read More
The announcement of France's new Prime Minister is expected before 1 p.m. today, with Michel Barnier emerging as a leading candidate. Bernard Cazeneuv...
Read More
Marseille has been hit by heavy rain with businesses in the old port of the city flooded on Wednesday afternoon. Shopkeepers found themselves taken b...
Read More
