News
French city imposes nighttime curfew - In response to recent drug-related violence, the city of Nîmes located in the Gard department of southern France has imposed a nighttime curfew on minors under 16. Since Monday, July 21st, unaccompanied youths in six neighbourhoods are prohibited from being out between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m., for an initial 15-day period. This measure is not a first in France and has already been adopted in other French cities such as Béziers and Saint-Ouen and is increasingly being used by local governments, regardless of political affiliation. Some towns in our region such as Cagnes-sur-Mer, have had long-standing youth curfews in place since 2004.
However, the effectiveness of these curfews remains unclear. Neither France's Interior Ministry nor independent bodies have studied their impact. International studies, including those by the UK's College of Policing, suggest youth curfews have no significant effect on crime rates. Despite that, local leaders argue curfews offer symbolic and parental support, especially in towns where young lookouts are recruited by drug traffickers. In Nîmes, officials stress the measure is also meant to protect vulnerable minors from being exploited by criminal networks.
French Culture Minister Rachida Dati to stand trial for alleged corruption – In other news, France’s Culture Minister Rachida Dati will face trial over alleged corruption and abuse of power during her time as a Member of the European Parliament (MEP). 59-year-old Dati is accused of receiving €900,000 in legal fees from a Renault-Nissan subsidiary between 2010 and 2012 for unclear work, raising suspicions she was lobbying for the carmaker in the European Parliament. She served as an MEP from 2009 to 2019. Dati, who had aimed to run for Paris mayor in 2026, denies any wrongdoing and has repeatedly attempted to have the charges dismissed since being charged in 2019.
Major fire breaks out a warehouse complex - A major fire has broken out at a warehouse complex in Pégomas. Firefighters intervened early on Tuesday morning, July 22, 2025. The blaze caused extensive damage at the site which houses several mechanical workshop units. More than 70 firefighters, backed by 27 fire engines and three helicopters, were mobilized to contain the flames. The fire was brought under control by mid-morning. No injuries were reported, but the fire ravaged seven commercial units across a 2,500 m² area.
L'Orange Bleue Gym to open in Nice - Fitness enthusiasts in Nice will soon welcome a new addition: the first L'Orange Bleue gym in the city is set to open in early 2026, ideally by January, in the Borriglione district. Franchise director Guillaume Motte describes the 850 m² facility, spread over two floors, as a gym "for everyone," aimed primarily at people aged 30 to 60. The space will include weight rooms, cardio areas, and group fitness studios, with two coaches on hand to guide members. Open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., the gym hopes to attract up to 1,500 members. Pricing will align with the national rates listed on their website. This opening follows the launch of the brand’s first location in the Alpes-Maritimes department in Villeneuve-Loubet. L'Orange Bleue now operates more than 400 gyms across France.
Iconic property up for auction - One of Cannes’ most iconic properties the Villa Barety, is going up for auction this September, with bidding starting at nearly €3 million. Located just minutes from the Croisette, the 610 m² villa sits on a 2,762 m² plot. Formerly home to an acting school, the property includes theatre and music rooms, training spaces, offices, two libraries, and a private apartment. The City of Cannes, which owns the site, hopes the sale will breathe new life into the villa. Future owners will be free to convert it into a private residence or a cultural venue.
Two bars in Draguignan go under the hammer today – Meanwhile, two centrally located bars in Draguignan in the Var, Le Bistrot on Place René-Cassin and Pura Vida on Boulevard Clemenceau, will go under the hammer today, Wednesday, July 23rd, following a court-ordered liquidation on February 12th. The public auction begins at 9:00am. More details at: www.interencheres.com/83001
Monte-Carlo Summer Festival - Monaco is set for an exciting series of events from today, as part of the Monte-Carlo Summer Festival 2025, guitar legend Carlos Santana will be performing this evening Wednesday, July 23rd at the Salle des Etoiles. Other highlights of the festival will see rock icons the Scorpions perform on Saturday.
Handwritten will is declared authentic - According to media reports in Monaco, a handwritten will worth €3 billion has been declared authentic by a court-appointed expert in an inheritance dispute of a Russian billionaire, who died in the Principality in 2021. The will, written in 2019 on a simple notebook page disinherits the billionaire’s wife and their two daughters, leaving most of his fortune to his sister and brother-in-law, as well as $10 million Canadian dollars to his mistress. The dispute has sparked a bitter legal battle in Monaco, with accusations of attempted disinheritance. The next step will be deciding if this handwritten will is legally valid as both sides prepare for more expert reviews and legal arguments.
Business
President Donald Trump says the United States has struck major trade agreements with Japan and the Philippines, in what he calls a key breakthrough in his ongoing global tariff standoff. Trump described the agreement with Japan, one of America's biggest trading partners, as “massive,” claiming it could bring $550 billion into the U.S. economy. Meanwhile, under the new arrangement with the Philippines, the U.S. will impose a 19% tax on imports, while Manila will lift tariffs on U.S. goods. No official documentation or confirmation from the White House has yet been released regarding the specifics of these deals.
Meanwhile, the French government is pushing its European partners to take a firmer stance against Donald Trump, as trade talks with the U.S. remain deadlocked and risk tilting heavily against the EU. Speaking on Tuesday, July 22nd, France’s Industry and Energy Minister Marc Ferracci warned that negotiations with the U.S. have stalled over the last three months, with Washington now demanding more aggressive concessions, including 30% tariffs on European goods, triple the EU’s expected rate. France is calling for retaliatory measures if no agreement is reached by August 1.
And - The Irish government has revealed how it will use the €14 billion windfall from its Apple tax ruling, committing the funds to a major boost of the country’s long-term infrastructure strategy. The money will reinforce Ireland’s €112 billion National Development Plan, funding projects in housing, energy, water, and transport between 2026 and 2030. In addition, just under €1 billion has been earmarked for the Shared Island fund, aimed at supporting cross-border initiatives and infrastructure cooperation with Northern Ireland.
Sport
Football - England are into the Women’s Euro 2025 final after pulling off another sensational comeback, edging past Italy 2–1 after extra time in a thrilling semi-final in Switzerland on Tuesday evening. It means England reach their third successive major final, now facing either Germany or Spain, who meet in Wednesday’s semi-final.
Formula One - Formula 1 says it remains firmly on track to hit net zero carbon emissions by 2030, revealing a 26% reduction in its carbon footprint since 2018. According to its latest sustainability report, emissions have dropped from over 228,000 tonnes of CO₂ a year to just under 169,000—a major milestone for the sport. The next phase includes sustainable fuels, smarter logistics, and greener events—all part of F1’s plan to lead the grid in global sustainability.
Tennis - Emma Raducanu and Cameron Norrie have both claimed standout victories at the Washington Open on Tuesday, boosting British hopes. Raducanu stunned world number 27 and seventh seed Marta Kostyuk, winning 7-6, 6-4 in a confident first-round display. While Cameron Norrie beat world number seven Lorenzo Musetti 3-6, 6-2, 6-3, marking his first win over a top-10 player in over two years.
Cycling - Valentin Paret-Peintre delivered a dramatic late sprint to snatch stage 16 victory at the Tour de France. He also becomes the first Frenchman to win a stage in this year’s race. Today the race continues with a 160.4km flat stage from Bollene to Valence.
Golf - Spain is set to host the Ryder Cup for the second time in history, with the 2031 edition confirmed. It marks the first time in 34 years the event returns to Spain.
Weather
Mainly fine with some light cloud. A gentle breeze with highs of 27 degrees in Monaco and Nice. 28 degrees in Antibes, 29 degrees in Cannes and Saint-Tropez with moderate to strong winds forecast, 31 degrees in Marseille. This evening going down to 21 degrees.
The outlook for tomorrow and Friday, sunshine and clouds, with a possibility of scattered thunderstorms forecast for Friday.
Sunrise 06.09am
Sunset 09.03pm
Weather elsewhere
London 24° light rain.
Paris 21° thundery showers.
Cardiff 23° light rain.
Beach weather
Saint-Tropez – Air temperature 31°, sea temperature 26°. UV level 6. Strong winds.
Menton – Air temperature 26°, sea temperature 2°. UV level 7.
Entertainment News
In this morning entertainment news, we pay tribute to Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary frontman of Black Sabbath, who has died aged 76.
Osbourne passed away surrounded by family just weeks after Black Sabbath’s farewell concert in his hometown of Birmingham. Known for his electrifying performances, Ozzy inspired generations of musicians, with Metallica calling him a “hero, icon, pioneer, and friend,” and Aerosmith remembering him as “our brother in rock.”
Recent tributes highlighted his resilience and determination to perform despite serious health struggles. Fans gathered at his Hollywood Walk of Fame star to honour his enduring legacy.
From pioneering heavy metal classics like Paranoid and Iron Man with Black Sabbath to a successful solo career including the iconic Crazy Train, Ozzy Osbourne’s influence on music is immeasurable. He is survived by his wife Sharon and six children. Tune into the Full English Breakfast show to hear a tribute to the one and only Ozzy Osbourne who has sadly left us. RIP Ozzy.
And Finally
For the first time since 1923, swimming is officially allowed in the River Seine. After over a century-long ban due to pollution and safety concerns, the iconic Parisian river reopened to the public on July 19. Thanks to more than £1.2 billion invested in cleanup efforts—boosted by last year’s Olympics—three designated swimming areas near the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and eastern Paris now offer safe, free access with lifeguards and facilities until August 31. Authorities report exceptional water quality, with daily bacteria monitoring well below safety limits. Swimmers must show basic ability, wear flotation rings, and children under 14 require adult supervision. Would you take the plunge in the historic Seine?
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In response to recent drug-related violence, the city of Nîmes located in the Gard department of southern France has imposed a nighttime curfew on min...
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