News
United Nations Ocean Summit comes to a close - The United Nations Ocean Summit ends today Friday 13th June, unveiling a bold new plan to protect the world’s oceans by 2030. Known as the “Nice Commitments,” the roadmap brings together countries, scientists, and businesses to tackle some of the biggest challenges facing our seas. One major breakthrough during the summit is the progress on international ocean governance. Over 50 countries have ratified the landmark treaty known as the BBNJ, which will regulate marine biodiversity beyond national waters. This treaty, covering nearly two-thirds of the ocean, is expected to come into effect by early 2026, setting the stage for the first global ocean conference later that year. Lawmakers worldwide have also joined forces, forming an interparliamentary coalition dedicated to pushing stronger ocean protection laws.
On the science front, the summit announced “Mission Neptune,” a groundbreaking program that will use cutting-edge technology, including satellites, to explore and better understand the deep ocean. This mission aims to uncover new insights and help guide sustainable ocean management.
Financing sustainable ocean activities took centre stage too. Investors and banks pledged nearly 9 billion euros over the next five years to support what’s called the “blue economy” with activities that protect and regenerate ocean health. Several major tourism and shipping companies also committed to reducing carbon emissions and embracing sustainable practices. Pollution remains a critical concern. Ninety-six countries signed a declaration calling for a global treaty to combat plastic pollution. In the Mediterranean, new initiatives are already underway to replace plastics with more sustainable alternatives.
Finally, the summit emphasized regional cooperation. The European Union launched its first Ocean Pact to better coordinate ocean policies, while Africa and island nations revealed strategies to boost their maritime roles and protect marine life. Overall, the Ocean Summit in Nice marks a major step forward combining science, policy, finance, and regional action to try and ensure that the oceans remain healthy and vibrant for generations to come.
France’s meat industry bans plant-based products from using traditional meat names - A fierce battle is underway in France over the use of meat-related names like “nuggets,” “sausages,” and “steaks” by the plant-based food industry. In 2022, a government decree banned vegetarian products from using more than 300 traditional meat terms, sparking outrage among plant-based brands. The meat sector, fearing loss of market share, pushed for the ban, arguing it misleads consumers. But plant-based companies, which still make up just 2% of meat and deli sales, are pushing back, turning banned names into playful alternatives like “neugâtes” (nuggets) and “boulaites” (meatballs) on social media. The dispute reflects wider tensions as traditional meat producers seek to protect their industry while plant-based brands use creativity and legal challenges to stay in the game. Recently, France’s highest court overturned the ban, ruling that under EU law, plant-based products can use common meat names.
Heatwave - A heatwave is sweeping through southeastern France, with the Var and Alpes-Maritimes already experiencing several tropical nights this June. Tropical nights occur when temperatures stay above 20 degrees Celsius overnight, making it hard to find relief even after sunset. This early heatwave is pushing temperatures to 37 degrees this Friday in the Var, and even reaching 38 degrees over the weekend. In the Alpes-Maritimes, it will be slightly cooler but still hot, with highs in the mid-30s.
The Var recorded its first tropical night of the year between May 28th and 29th, breaking monthly temperature records in towns like Hyères and Toulon. Since then, these warm nights have become more frequent. While such early heat isn’t unprecedented, Météo-France warns that climate change is making heatwaves and tropical nights more common and intense. By 2050, some Mediterranean areas could see up to 50 tropical nights per year. Without urgent action, France could face longer and more severe heatwaves in the coming decades. The summer of 2024 was already one of the hottest on record in the region, ranking just behind recent record-breaking years. This trend highlights the growing challenge of coping with rising temperatures in southern France.
Jane Birkin’s original Birkin Bag to go under the hammer in Paris - A unique, one-of-a-kind Le Birkin handbag, specially made for the late British-born singer and actor Jane Birkin, is set to be auctioned in Paris next month. The prototype of the iconic Hermès Birkin bag, which Birkin herself used for nine years, is expected to fetch a six-figure sum. Designed in 1984 after a chance meeting between Birkin and Hermès CEO Jean-Louis Dumas, the bag quickly became one of the world’s most fashion accessories. This original black leather model, with Birkin’s initials and featuring a rare shoulder strap and a nail clipper inside, has never before been widely exhibited until recently. The bag will be publicly displayed at Sotheby’s New York galleries in early June before the auction in Paris, the city where Birkin lived. Once sold to charity, the bag later became a prized collector’s item and symbolizes both fashion history and Birkin’s enduring legacy.
Euromillions, ask ChatGPT - Finally, the Euromillions jackpot is up for grabs again this Friday, June 13th, with a staggering €250 million up for grabs. The prize has been rolling over for several days now, with no winner yet, making this one of the biggest jackpots in recent memory. The French Lottery (FDJ) reminds players there are nearly 140 million possible number combinations — so the odds remain extremely slim. But if no one matches all five main numbers and two lucky stars by June 20th, the jackpot will be redistributed among lower-tier winners.
Curious about how to improve your chances? You could ask ChatGPT for advice. The AI points out that the draw is completely random, with no guaranteed winning formula. However, it recommends picking numbers that aren’t commonly chosen, avoiding typical dates like birthdays, and mixing odd and even numbers as well as low and high digits. ChatGPT also suggests using statistics to consider "hot" numbers that appear frequently, or "cold" numbers drawn less often, but ultimately says trusting your lucky numbers or opting for a random quick-pick (“flash”) is just as good. For those looking for a starting point, ChatGPT proposes these numbers: 7, 19, 27, 33, and 46, with stars 3 and 11.
The biggest Euromillions win in France to date was €220 million in October 2021, claimed by a first-time player from Tahiti — proof that luck can strike anyone. Good luck to all players this Friday the 13th!
Please remember: Gambling involves risks. Play responsibly and only bet what you can afford to lose. If you feel gambling is becoming a problem, seek help.
Business
Global oil prices have surged following reports that Israel had launched a strike on Iran, marking a sharp escalation in tensions across the Middle East. Benchmark oil futures rose by more than 10% as news of the attack broke, reflecting growing fears in the market. Traders are increasingly concerned that a direct conflict between Iran and Israel could severely disrupt oil supplies from the energy-rich region, which is vital to global markets. Rising crude prices have wide-reaching effects, influencing everything from fuel costs at the pump to food prices at the supermarket.
UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves has declined to rule out future tax increases after new figures revealed the UK economy shrank by 0.3% in April, its worst monthly contraction in 18 months. The unexpected decline came amid rising costs for businesses following tax hikes, surging household bills, and a sharp drop in exports to the United States. The financial data was released just a day after Reeves unveiled her spending plans, which prioritize investment in the NHS and defence, while imposing tighter controls on other departmental budgets. Economists have warned that without a significant boost to growth, the government will “almost certainly” be forced to raise taxes later this year in order to meet its fiscal commitments.
And - A human-sized Labubu doll has sold for a record £110,000, according to a Chinese auction house making it the most expensive toy of its kind ever sold. The 131cm (4ft 4in) figure was auctioned in Beijing, where it drew significant attention from collectors. Labubu is a quirky monster character created over a decade ago by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung. The toys have surged in popularity in recent years, boosted by celebrity endorsements and a growing global fanbase.
Sport
Football - England right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold has described his move to Real Madrid as both a "dream come true" and a "huge responsibility" during his official unveiling on Thursday, where he addressed the audience in Spanish. The 26-year-old could have left Liverpool on a free transfer when his contract expired on 30 June. However, Real Madrid, 15-time European champions, opted to pay a transfer fee to secure his early release, enabling him to join the squad for this month’s Club World Cup.
Formula One - George Russell has welcomed Max Verstappen’s admission of fault following their collision during the Spanish Grand Prix, calling it “good” that the world champion took accountability, though he admitted he was “a bit surprised” by the gesture. Verstappen, who is now just one penalty point away from a race ban, was sanctioned after deliberately making contact with Russell’s Mercedes late in the race, following a safety car period. The Red Bull driver received a 10-second time penalty and was handed three licence points, dropping him from fifth to tenth in the final classification. Verstappen later acknowledged the incident on social media, stating that the move was “not right and shouldn’t have happened.”
Tennis - Emma Raducanu has eased past Slovakia’s Rebecca Sramkova to reach the quarter-finals at Queen’s and is set to reclaim her position as British number one for the first time in two years. The 22-year-old delivered a confident performance on a packed Andy Murray Arena, overcoming a brief first-set lapse to win 6-4, 6-1 against the world No. 41. She is now the last British player remaining in the draw at the first women’s tournament held at Queen’s since 1973, following earlier defeats for compatriots Katie Boulter and Heather Watson in the last 16.
Weather
Sunny with light winds. Highs of 26 degrees in Monaco, Nice and Saint-Tropez, 27 degrees in Cannes 31 degrees in Marseille, this evening going down to 19 degrees with clear skies.
The outlook for the weekend, fine and sunny with light winds and highs of 28 degrees.
Sunrise 05.47am
Sunset 09.13pm
Weather elsewhere
London 28° sunny.
Dublin 20° sunny intervals.
Paris 32° sunny.
Beach weather
Juan les Pins – Sea temperature 22°, air temperature 25°. UV level 8.
Cap d’ail - Sea temperature 21°, air temperature 26°. UV level 8.
Following Israeli airstrikes on Iran and threats of retaliation from Tehran, several airlines, including Air France, have suspended flights in the Gul...
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The United Nations Ocean Summit ends today Friday 13th June, unveiling a bold new plan to protect the world’s oceans by 2030. Known as the “Nice Commi...
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Sunny with light winds. Highs of 26 degrees in Monaco, Nice and Saint-Tropez, 27 degrees in Cannes 31 degrees in Marseille, this evening going down to...
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A heatwave-like episode called a "plume of heat" is affecting the Var and Alpes-Maritimes departments, with temperatures nearing 40°C by the weekend. ...
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At the UN Ocean Conference in Nice, experts have highlighted the increasing medical potential of coral reefs, despite their severe threat from climate...
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