News
France’s worst wildfire in at least 50 years now under control - The largest wildfire in at least 50 years in France, which claimed one life, has now been brought under control. The fire swept through 17,000 hectares of forest and scrubland in the Aude region southwestern France, in just over 48 hours. Firefighters described the operation as a “classic but extraordinarily large” effort, with more than 2,000 firefighters and 500 vehicles still active, supported by significant aerial resources. The prefecture warned residents that most roads remain closed and around 1,500 homes were still without electricity on Thursday evening. The fire began on Tuesday afternoon about 40 km from Narbonne and Carcassonne. Tragically, a 65-year-old woman who refused to evacuate was found dead in her home. Thirteen people were injured, including two residents (one with severe burns) and eleven firefighters. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Authorities remain vigilant as they continue monitoring the area for hotspots. The European Union has offered to mobilize additional resources if needed.
France braces for heatwave – Meanwhile, the wildfire risk remains high as a new heatwave is expected to hit France, with temperatures gradually rising through to Sunday in the Alpes-Maritimes and Var departments. The heatwave is likely to continue into next week, but experts say it’s too early to determine how long it will last or how intense it will become. The advice is to stay cool indoors or in air-conditioned spaces, drink plenty of water regularly, avoid alcohol and strenuous activity, check on vulnerable people and call 15 in case of heat-related illness.
Five-year-old boy found dead at Lake Aréna, Roquebrune-sur-Argens – In other news, locals in Roquebrune sur Argens are in shock and deeply saddened following the news that a 5-year-old boy who went missing at Lake Aréna in Roquebrune-sur-Argens on Thursday has since been found dead. The young boy, Noah, had been the subject of an intense search and rescue operation for about 15 hours on Thursday. Authorities located his lifeless body near the lake, and an investigation has been launched to determine the cause of this tragic incident.
Jet ski collides with yacht near saint-tropez, two injured - A jet ski has collided with a yacht on 7 in the bay of Cogolin, near the Gulf of Saint-Tropez. The incident occurred at around 4pm on Thursday afternoon. Two people were injured: one seriously, who was airlifted to hospital in Toulon and one with minor injuries was taken to the Gassin Health Centre. Authorities are investigating the cause of the collision, including whether navigation rules were breached or if visibility or speed played a role.
Sharp rise in drownings prompts call for national pool safety plan - Following the drowning of two young children in Antibes on the 4th of August 2025, concerns about water safety have intensified. Latest figures show that France has seen a 45% rise in drownings compared to the summer of 2024. Between the 1st of June and 23rd of July 2025, 702 drownings were reported, with 193 resulting in death. In the South, 174 incidents were recorded, 18 of them were fatal. Children under 25 remain the most affected group. Above-ground pools lack legal safety requirements. Experts are urging for better supervision, swimming lessons, and safety features.
Carmaker Renault to recall 155,000 vehicles over gearbox seal defect – Carmaker Renault has announced a recall of over 155,000 hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles due to a potential gearbox seal defect. Models affected include the Clio 5, Captur II, Arkana, and Mégane 4, manufactured between September 2020 and September 2022. The defective seal could cause oil leaks, potentially leading to gearbox failure. Renault will notify owners by post in early September. Inspections will be free, with replacement vehicles provided if repairs are needed.
Pharmacists protest reform that could cost 146,000 jobs – The mayor of Nice Christian Estrosi has voiced strong opposition to a planned reform that would cut profits on generic medication threatening up to 146,000 jobs. Pharmacists are planning a national protest on August the 16th.
The reform could lead to closures of up to 800 pharmacies, particularly in rural and low-income areas. Estrosi warns this would harm healthcare access and contradicts efforts to train more pharmacists locally. He urges the government to explore alternatives to reduce health insurance deficits without undermining pharmacies.
La Castellada: a 10-Day celebration of Nice’s history begins – Finally, from today, Friday, August 8th, and running until August 19th, the city of Nice will host La Castellada, a traditional nighttime theatrical tour that brings the history of Nice to life on the hill of the iconic Château. Every evening, for two and a half hours, the Miranda Company performs period-costumed scenes depicting key moments and figures from Nice’s past, including Catherine Segurane during the 1543 siege, Louis XIV’s role in the Château’s destruction, and the hero Giuseppe Garibaldi. The show features eleven short scenes enhanced with sound and light effects, offering audiences an emotional and entertaining journey under the stars, with breathtaking views of the city. Visitors can access the site on foot, by car, or via facilities for those with reduced mobility. Tickets range from 9 to 12 euros.
Business
U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly called for the CEO of Intel CEO to resign “immediately,” citing concerns over his alleged financial ties to Chinese firms with military links. The demand follows a letter from Republican Senator Tom Cotton questioning his suitability to lead a company heavily backed by U.S. taxpayer dollars. Intel has defended its CEO who took over in March. The call for resignation is highly unusual and adds pressure on Intel, which has received billions in U.S. funding to boost domestic chip production. Shares in the company fell over 3% following Trump’s comments.
OpenAI has released its highly anticipated AI chatbot, GPT-5, which the company says offers "PhD-level" expertise in fields like coding and writing. CEO Sam Altman described GPT-5 as "smarter, faster, and more useful," calling its launch a groundbreaking moment in AI development. The new model highlights the ongoing race among tech firms to create the most advanced AI chatbot.
And - Shares of American footwear company Crocs has dropped nearly 30% after the firm warned of a 10% revenue decline for the quarter ending in August, citing cautious U.S. consumers cutting back on spending. Crocs will face a $40 million hit in 2025 from tariffs but aims to offset this with supply chain savings. The company also plans to reduce discounting, which may further affect sales.
Sport
Football - Tottenham’s pre-season friendly ended on a low note as they were thrashed 4-0 by Bayern Munich in Germany on Thursday evening. The result could have been even worse, with Spurs conceding 26 shots and showing worrying signs ahead of their Super Cup clash against Paris Saint-Germain next week.
Meanwhile, closer to home AS Monaco will take on Inter Milan in a high-profile pre-season friendly tonight, Friday, August 8. Kick-off is scheduled for 8pm at the Stade Louis-II in Monaco. The match offers both clubs a final tune-up ahead of their upcoming league campaigns. Fans attending the game can access the stadium from 6:30pm.
Rugby - New Wales head coach Steve Tandy has welcomed Louis Rees-Zammit’s surprise return to rugby and hasn’t ruled out a potential Test comeback this autumn. The 24-year-old winger recently ended his NFL ambitions and is now seeking a new club. With 32 caps, Rees-Zammit remains eligible for Wales selection regardless of where he signs.
Golf - Tommy Fleetwood has climbed up the leader board at the St Jude Championship with four birdies in his final four holes, ending the round at seven under par. Brits Harry Hall and Justin Rose are a further shot back in joint-third alongside American Bud Cauley.
Tennis - Britain's Jacob Fearnley has suffered a straight-set defeat in his Cincinnati Open debut, losing 6-1 6-4 to Belgium's Zizou Bergs in the first round. The 24-year-old Brit struggled, facing nine break points and losing four. The loss marks Fearnley’s second consecutive first-round exit, following a similar result at the Canadian Open. In the women's draw, Katie Boulter is set to face Olga Danilovic, with a potential second-round clash against British No.1 Emma Raducanu on the line.
Weather
A yellow heatwave warning remains in place today. Fine with a gentle coastal breeze. Daytime temperatures are forecast to reach between 30 and 32°C in the Alpes-Maritimes and up to 36°C in the Var, with nighttime temperatures not dropping below 20°C, especially along the Mediterranean coast. The heat is expected to intensify over the weekend, possibly bringing isolated thunderstorms in mountainous areas.
Forecasters predict more widespread heat from Sunday onwards. The heatwave is likely to continue into next week, but experts say it’s too early to determine how long it will last or how intense it will become.
Sunrise 06.27am
Sunset 08.44pm
Weather elsewhere
London 25° sunny.
Paris 28° sunny.
Dublin 21° sunny intervals.
Beach weather
Sunny and hot beach conditions over the coming days. Air temperatures will reach around 31°C today in Cannes, rising to 32°C over the weekend, while Nice will see highs of 30°C today, climbing to 34°C by Sunday. Sea temperatures are warm around 24–25°C. The UV index is very high, peaking between 8 and 9, so sun protection is essential.
And Finally
Tonight’s EuroMillions draw (Friday, August 8th) is offering an eye-watering €198 million, one of the biggest jackpots in the game’s history and not far off the record €250 million won earlier this summer. If you won €198 million, what would you do first? Travel the world, buy your dream home, or just pay off the mortgage and head to the pub? Text or voice note us now at studio@rivieraradio.mc we’ll be sharing your answers all morning!
Reminder: Playing the lottery involves risks including addiction, debt, and social isolation. Please play responsibly. For help, call the gambling helpline on 09 74 75 13 13 (free call).
The massive wildfire in the Aude’s Corbières massif, has now been fully extinguished after three weeks. ...
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Éric Ciotti has officially announced his candidacy for mayor of Nice in the March 2026 municipal elections, challenging current mayor Christian Estros...
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As 12 million students return to class in France on the 1st of September, several key changes are being introduced. These include mandatory sex educat...
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A stormy and rainy episode is expected tomorrow in the Alpes-Maritimes and Var, with heavy rainfall possibly reaching 100mm along the coast....
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