French and Riviera News Friday 26th September 2025

News

Marineland - France may allow the temporary transfer of eight dolphins from Marineland (Antibes) to a marine park in Spain, but under strict conditions. Animal rights groups oppose the move over fears dolphins could end up in countries with poor welfare standards.

Former French Prime Minister criticises Donald Trump - Former French Prime Minister Alain Juppé has criticised Donald Trump’s recent UN remarks, calling them “utter nonsense,” especially on Ukraine and climate change. Juppé supports Macron’s push for a Palestinian statehood and described Israel’s actions in Gaza as “disproportionate.” Now on France’s Constitutional Council, Juppé called on Europe to assert independence and tackle urgent issues like climate change and demographics.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu avoided French airspace en route to New York on Thursday reportedly to avoid an International Criminal Court arrest in the case of an emergency landing. Netanyahu will be giving his address to the UN today and is expected to meet with Donald Trump.

Libya’s sovereign wealth fund - Libya’s sovereign wealth fund has won €8.3 million in court after overpaying for a villa in Mougins tied to Sarkozy’s 2007 campaign financing scandal. Sarkozy is appealing a 5-year prison sentence for criminal conspiracy.

Chikungunya virus cases rise – A local case of chikungunya has been reported in Tavernes in the Var.  With Antibes facing a surge in infections mosquito control efforts are underway to combat tiger mosquitoes spreading the disease.

Ultra Trail Nice - The 4th Ultra-Trail Nice Côte d’Azur by UTMB is happening this weekend, with 6,300 runners competing in races from 20km to 159km. A free expo village on the Promenade des Anglais features brands, nutrition stands, and activities. Some road closures in the hills are expected.

Snowfall - Heavy snow fell at Isola 2000 ski resort in the Alpes-Maritimes this week, with up to a metre of snow. Météo France forecasts no further snow soon due to sunny weather and temperatures above freezing.

Business:
President Trump has announced new tariffs on foreign imports, including 100% on branded drugs unless produced in the US, plus 25% on heavy trucks and 50% on kitchen cabinets, citing harm to US industry.

And - China has launched a two-month crackdown on negative social media content promoting “hopelessness,” aiming to create a “rational and civilised” online space, but experts warn this may worsen mental health issues.

Sport

Football - The US pledged to block attempts to ban Israel from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite a UN report accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza. UEFA may consider suspending Israel from European qualifiers soon.

Cricket - Pakistan and India face off in a tense Asia Cup final in Dubai after a closely fought semifinal.

Tennis - world number one Carlos Alcaraz overcame an ankle injury to win at the Japan Open on Thursday.

Cycling- Cycling team Israel-Premier Tech faces pressure to drop “Israel” from its name amid backlash over Gaza conflict; sponsors want a rebrand for 2026.

Weather

Sunny intervals with a gentle breeze and highs of 20 degrees in Monaco, Saint-Tropez and Saint Paul de Vence, 22 degrees in Nice, 23 degrees in Cannes with moderate winds. This evening going down to 15 degrees in the Alpes Maritimes and 12 degrees in the Var.

The outlook for the weekend remaining mainly fine with a gentle to moderate breeze and highs of 23 degrees.

Sunrise 07.22am              Sunset 07.20pm

And Finally 

Norbert, a 150-pound pig from Chicago, has set a new world record as the fastest pig on a skateboard, covering 10 meters in 11.32 seconds. His feat earned him a spot in the 2026 Guinness World Records book. Norbert, a social media star, celebrated his achievement with fans online. The new edition also features Derrick, the world’s tallest living donkey at 167 cm, who lives in Lincolnshire, UK. Other notable records include the world’s longest custom banana car measuring nearly 7 meters and the largest Polly Pocket collection with 534 items.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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