News
Train traffic halted - Train traffic between Hyères and Toulon has been halted following a serious incident. Trains were affected on Thursday, July 17th, shortly after 1pm after a woman reportedly lay down on the railway tracks at a level crossing near Hyères station just as a TER train was approaching. Witnesses at the scene say the woman’s actions suggest a possible suicide attempt. The train stopped and passengers were evacuated safely. Police are currently investigating and interviewing witnesses to confirm the circumstances of the tragedy.
France’s Health Minister continues his visit in the Var region today – In other local news, France’s Health Minister Yannick Neuder, continues his visit to the Var today Friday 18th July, addressing key issues such as emergency services, budget challenges, and prevention. Speaking to local officials he praised healthcare as “the most beautiful job” and emphasized increasing medical training by removing limits on admissions to stop students leaving France for studies abroad. He also highlighted the role of artificial intelligence in reducing administrative tasks and freeing up doctors’ time and spoke about improving emergency care coordination and the importance of citizens using emergency services responsibly. He called for political responsibility amid ongoing tensions, focusing on securing France’s healthcare future.
Tende Tunnel reopen – It’s good news for motorists as from today Friday, July 18th, the Tende Tunnel will be open every day from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. for vehicles. The tunnel, connecting France and Italy, has been partially reopened since June 28th. The reopening will be a relief to those in the Roya Valley and cross-border workers with cars and motorbikes now having daily access. France’s Transport Minister praised the progress, calling it a “new commitment kept” and highlighting the benefit for local residents, businesses, and tourism.
Forest fire - A forest fire has broken out in the commune of Sospel, in the Alpes-Maritimes region north of Nice. Firefighters quickly responded on Thursday with support teams on site and additional crews from nearby stations. According to the Alpes-Maritimes fire and rescue department, the blaze was rapidly contained. Initial reports indicate the fire destroyed nearly 6,000 square meters. Fire services remained on site and continued monitoring the area throughout the afternoon.
Meanwhile, another fire broke out on Thursday evening near the A8 motorway westbound close to Fréjus. At least 29 hectares were destroyed. The blaze was caused by a truck tyre bursting, which ignited the surrounding forest. Around 350 firefighters and 100 vehicles, including 5 Canadair planes, and 6 water-bombing helicopters, were deployed to fight the fire. The blaze was reportedly under control by 9:30 pm.
Celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the Reign of H.S.H. Prince Albert II – Tomorrow, Saturday, July 19th, Monaco will celebrate the 20th anniversary of the reign of His Serene Highness Prince Albert II with a special event at the place du palais, from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. The celebration is open to Monegasques, and a number of changes will be made to traffic, transport, and access to the area throughout the day. Pedestrian access will be restricted and only open to those with a badge. You must show one of the following to enter: Your invitation card, Monegasque identity card or a resident card, if you are a spouse of a Monegasque.
Buses will be free from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. for guests who show an invitation, Monegasque ID, or resident card (for spouses). Extra bus services will be available, and the Petit Train will shuttle guests from 5:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., and again after the event. The Chemin des Pêcheurs parking will be free between 5:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. The Princely Palace will be closed to visitors. There will be no Changing of the Guard until after July 20th. The Oceanographic Museum will remain open. For more details, visit the Monaco bus company’s website at www.cam.mc.
New beachside restaurant - A new beachside restaurant has opened in Saint-Laurent-du-Var, near Nice, bringing a fresh dining option for lovers of relaxation and seaside living. Located between CAP 3000 and the Saint-Laurent-du-Var port on the Promenade des Flots Bleus, Playamesa features a bar and restaurant with nearly 250 seats and exclusive beach access. The restaurant offers a Mediterranean menu with Latin American influences.
Brooklyn Beckham and his wife enjoy Saint-Tropez sunshine - Finally, Brooklyn Beckham and his wife Nicola Peltz have been spotted shopping in the streets of Saint-Tropez this week. The couple, who have been staying on Nicola’s father’s yacht for the past ten days, have been seen enjoying the sunny Var coast with strolls along the port and visits to high-end stores.
Business
US lawmakers have passed the country’s first major national cryptocurrency legislation. The historic move marks a turning point for an industry long operating in uncertainty. The bill, known as the Genius Act, establishes a legal framework for stablecoins, a form of cryptocurrency backed by traditional assets like the US dollar. It aims to bring stability to the crypto space while ensuring the US stays competitive in the evolving world of digital finance. Meanwhile, Bitcoin hit a new record high this week, surpassing $120,000, as the crypto world reacts to its most significant US legislative win to date.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has reached a settlement in a multibillion-dollar lawsuit brought by shareholders who accused company leaders of repeatedly mishandling personal data. The shareholders were seeking $8 billion in damages; the final settlement amount remains undisclosed. Meta, formerly Facebook, has since pledged billions towards reforms in protecting personal data.
And - Netflix has revealed it used generative artificial intelligence (AI) to create on-screen visual effects for the first time in one of its original shows. The use of AI-generated effects is a hot topic in entertainment, with concerns that it could replace human jobs. Netflix’s announcement came alongside a strong quarterly revenue report of $11.08 billion, a 16% increase from last year, helped by the huge success of the final season of Squid Game, which has drawn 122 million views. AI was a major concern during the 2023 Hollywood strike, with the actors’ union calling for stricter regulation on AI’s role in film and television production.
Sport
Football - England have managed to pull off a dramatic comeback to stay on course in their defence of the European title, defeating Sweden in a tense quarter-final penalty shootout in Zurich on Thursday evening. The match ended 2–2 after extra time, setting up a chaotic shootout where goalkeeper Hannah Hampton made two vital saves. England will now face Italy in the semi-finals on Tuesday, 22nd July at 9pm French time.
In other football news rapper Snoop Dogg has officially become a co-owner and investor in Swansea City, taking a minority stake in the Championship club. The 53-year-old music icon was revealed as a surprise model in the club’s 2025–26 home kit launch last weekend, and the Swans have now confirmed his place in the ownership group, alongside football legend Luka Modric.
Cycling - Tadej Pogacar produced a stunning ride to win Stage 12 of the Tour de France and reclaim the yellow jersey in the Pyrenees on Thursday. Despite carrying injuries from a crash on Wednesday, the 26-year-old Slovenian showed no signs of weakness, attacking early on the 13.5km final ascent. Pogacar now holds a 3-minute 31-second lead in the general classification. The win also marked Pogacar's third stage victory in this year’s Tour and his 20th overall. The Tour continues today Friday 18th July, with a key time trial.
Weather
Clear skies with a gentle breeze. Highs of 30 degrees in Monaco and Antibes, 31 degrees in Nice and 29 degrees in Menton and Saint-Tropez. This evening going down to 22 degrees with clear skies.
The outlook for the weekend, remaining fine and sunny with highs of 29 degrees.
Sunrise 06.05am
Sunset 09.07pm
Weather elsewhere
Rome 33° sunny
Brussels 29° sunny
Madrid 35° sunny
Beach weather
Saint-Tropez – Air temperature 28°, sea temperature 26° and UV level 9
Monaco - Air temperature 29°, sea temperature 25° and UV level 9
And Finally
The Czech Republic has been crowned the funniest nation in the world, according to a global survey that assessed humour styles across 30 countries. The study, conducted by financial services firm Remitly, polled 6,000 people and used the Humour Styles Questionnaire to find out how people express and experience humour. The Czech Republic scored highest with an average of 72.3 out of 112, lauded for its dry wit, sharp irony, and subtle sarcasm. Portugal and Ireland followed closely in second and third place respectively, praised for their socially intelligent, warm, and storytelling-driven humour. Meanwhile, the UK placed 18th, behind Australia and France but just ahead of Germany (27th) and the US (29th). The top 10 funniest countries included Belgium, Chile, Greece, and Poland, reflecting a global range of comedic styles from emotional expressiveness to clever understatement.
A major wildfire broke out Thursday evening burning 240 hectares and prompting the evacuation of 104 people in Martigues, Bouches-du-Rhône. Meanwhile,...
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Train traffic between Hyères and Toulon has been halted following a serious incident. Trains were affected on Thursday, July 17th, shortly after 1pm a...
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Clear skies with a gentle breeze. Highs of 30 degrees in Monaco and Antibes, 31 degrees in Nice and 29 degrees in Menton and Saint-Tropez. This evenin...
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A 38-year-old man has been fatally struck by a truck early Thursday, the 17th of July, on the A8 motorway near Coudoux, Bouches-du-Rhône. ...
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Tensions are running high in Antibes, where around thirty animal rights activists from the group One Voice have gathered outside the former Marineland...
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