New
French President’s visit to New Caledonia - French president Emmanuel Macron is visiting New Caledonia this week amid uncertainty over its future, in the wake of the contested 2021 vote on independence. Despite three failed independence votes, the issue remains at the forefront for many in the French territory. Macron is expected to meet political leaders this week to discuss its future status. Pro-independence parties, which have been in power since 2017, want full sovereignty by 2025. Those against independence say another referendum is not needed. They argue for reducing New Caledonia’s autonomy and want more integration with the French state.
SNCF - The SNCF has warned of a scam on Facebook concerning discount tickets. The scam reportedly offers "discounted train tickets" to travel "imminently in 33 European countries for only €1.95" with the Interrail Global card. While there is an Interrail Global Pass, the company warns that this offer has nothing to do with it and to report any fraud of this kind to cybermalveillance.gouv.fr.
Missing diver - A 55-year-old diver is still missing despite a large search rescue party being deployed on Saturday. The rescue team were alerted at around 11.50am on Saturday morning when the diver was reported missing off the coast of Cavalière in the Var. After more than an hour of searching between Cap Nègre and the Layet, the maritime prefect of the Mediterranean announced the end of the search. The investigation has new been entrusted to the operational centre of the Mediterranean maritime gendarmerie.
Motorist flees police check - A vehicle has ended up on its roof in the Cros de Cagnes after trying to flee a police check. The incident occurred on Sunday evening when the two individuals refused to obey police during a roadside check. Fleeing the scene, the two later crashed into an oncoming vehicle and were arrested by the police. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Fight Aids Monaco Gala - On the occasion of the Fight Aids Monaco gala, an association chaired by Princess Stéphanie of Monaco for 19 years, the Princess said that "there is still the same stigma against AIDS". Friday evening at the Salle des Étoiles, Princess Stéphanie was welcomed by the association team and volunteers in an evening aimed at thanking donors and convincing others. Princess Stéphanie reminded those present that the fight was not over adding that basic AIDS prevention messages do not seem to cross generations, and many young people no longer feel vulnerable to the possibility of being affected by the virus. For more information about their work and donations you can go to https://www.fightaidsmonaco.com
Business
Elon Musk has said he wants to get rid of the Twitter bird logo and replace it with an "X". Musk, who has changed the name of the business to X Corp, said the replacement "should have been done a long time ago". According to reports, the billionaire wants to create a "super app" called "X" which is similar to China's WeChat. WeChat is a messaging and social media platform that has evolved into one of the region's biggest apps in terms of its range of services and number of users. Last year, it was estimated to have 1.29 billion users in China alone.
Warner Brothers has announced that the Barbie film has become the US and Canada's biggest film of the year so far. The distributor said that an estimated $155m (£120m) was made in its opening weekend.
Barbie tells a coming-of-age story of the children's character where she explores her identity and encourages friend Ken to establish individuality.
And – In the UK the Treasury has called a meeting with bank bosses over account closures, following the row between Nigel Farage and NatWest. Minister Andrew Griffith said there was "significant concern" over claims accounts are shut due to people's political views. Natwest boss Dame Alison Rose has apologised to Mr Farage, who has called for her to be questioned by MPs. He says his account at Coutts, owned by NatWest, was shut because of his views.
Sport
Cricket - England's hopes of an Ashes comeback have been washed away after rain left the fourth Test as a draw and ensured Australia retain the urn. On a hugely frustrating and disappointing fifth day at Old Trafford, persistent bad weather prevented a single ball from being bowled. It meant England did not get a chance to push for the final five wickets they needed to force a win. Australia remained on 214-5 in their second innings, 61 runs behind the home side. At 2-1 up with only one match to play, holders Australia will at least hang on to the Ashes they have possessed since 2017-18 and will now look to complete a first series win in the UK in 22 years.
Formula One - Max Verstappen's dominant victory at the Hungarian Grand Prix has set a wins record for his Red Bull team. The Dutchman's seventh victory in a row and ninth of the season was Red Bull's 12th consecutive win, dating back to the final race of 2022 in Abu Dhabi. The achievement broke the record of 11 straight wins set by McLaren with Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost in 1988.
Football - History could be made on day five of the Fifa Women's World Cup if Nouhaila Benzina plays for Morocco. The 25-year-old defender will become the first player to wear a hijab, the Islamic headscarf, at a World Cup if she features against one of the tournament favourites, Germany.
In today’s action in Group F Brazil play Panama. In Goup G Italy face Argentina and in Group H Germany play Morocco.
And – In other football news some of Europe's leading clubs believe there is a possibility Tottenham will sell Harry Kane this summer despite the club's insistence they are not interested in offers for the striker.
Cycling - Denmark's Jonas Vingegaard sealed his second successive Tour de France triumph. Britain's Adam Yates was third overall, one place above his twin brother Simon.
Athletics – Zharnel Hughes broke the 30-year British 200m record by clocking 19.73 seconds in front of a sell-out 50,000 crowd at the London Diamond League. It was here in the Principality at the Herculis meeting on Friday that Kenya's Olympic champion Faith Kipyegon smashed the women's mile world record at the Diamond League in Monaco. The 29-year-old crossed the line in 4:07.64, beating Sifan Hassan's 2019 record by almost five seconds.
Golf - American Brian Harman took his first major title with a six-shot victory at the 151st Open Championship in Hoylake. Harman finished on 13 under at a rain-soaked Royal Liverpool.
Weather
Cloudy with some sunny intervals and a moderate breeze across the region. A yellow heatwave alert is in place for both the Alpes Maritimes and the Var. Highs of 32 degrees in Menton, 31 degrees in Nice, Monaco and Antibes. Scattered thundery Showers are forecast inland in the Alpes Maritimes. Highs of 32 degrees in Saint-Tropez and Rayol Canadel.
This evening going down to 23 degrees along the coast in Nice and Cannes. 19 degrees in Rayol Canadel with clear skies.
The outlook for tomorrow and Wednesday. Strong winds are forecast in the Var and the Alpes Maritimes with some cloudy patches but remaining fine with highs of 34 to 35 degrees.
Sunrise 06.10am
Sunset 09.02pm
Beach weather forecast
Marseille – Sea temperature 23 degrees. Air temperature 31 degrees. Sunny intervals. UV level 9.
Nice – Sea temperature 26 degrees. Air temperature 30 degrees. Some cloud. UV level 9.
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