News
Animal rights activists call for action at Marineland - Tensions are running high in Antibes, where around thirty animal rights activists from the group One Voice have gathered outside the former Marineland Park this week. They are calling for urgent action following a report that flagged the "worrying" condition of the tanks housing two orcas, Wikie and Keijo, along with twelve dolphins. Campaigners warn the orcas could die if nothing changes, and say they are determined to keep up the pressure.
Mayor of Nice announces new measures – In other local news, in Nice, the Mayor Christian Estrosi has announced new measures aimed at helping the city’s homeless population and the charities that support them. Among the first steps, access to Rue Tiranty will be restricted to reduce drug activity. With local elections just eight months away, critics say there are still questions over what other changes might be on the horizon.
Stepping up security - Meanwhile, in response to a rise in thefts, antisocial behaviour, and drug offences, authorities across the Alpes-Maritimes are stepping up summer security. The region’s Prefect Laurent Hottiaux says extra police patrols will be deployed both on land and at sea through until the end of August.
New convention centre faces criticism from locals - A local residents’ association in the Port of Nice claims the new convention centre, built to host the UN Ocean Summit, exceeds its approved height by 50 to 70 centimetres. The Committee for the Defense of the Port District and the Environment has formally challenged the construction, arguing the building does not comply with its planning permit. Before the summit began, the group requested the prefecture to carry out an official measurement of the building’s final height on Quai Infernet. When no response came, they have now taken the matter to the administrative court, seeking to force local authorities to conduct the inspection. The association is asking the court to impose a daily fine of 500 euros if the prefecture fails to act. It is now up to the judges to decide whether to accept the complaint and order the requested controls.
Couple face terrifying ordeal at sea – A German couple have faced a terrifying ordeal after their boat became tangled in fish farm nets off the Lérins Islands opposite Cannes. Trapped overnight for nearly 15 hours without food or water, they say official rescue teams offered little help. Their rescue came by chance when the captain of a restaurant boat spotted them and called in a diver to free the vessel. Shaken and frustrated by the experience, the couple flew straight back to Germany, vowing never to return.
Debate of France’s public holidays - The debate over France’s public holidays is back in the spotlight, as France’s Prime Minister François Bayrou proposes to scrap two holidays, arguing it would ease the country’s debt burden and be fairer than one-off symbolic “solidarity” days. Bayrou has targeted holidays like Easter Monday, calling them outdated. Critics have since asked, is France really the holiday capital of Europe? Well, the answer is not quite. Countries like Cyprus, Spain, and Austria have more days off. France has 11, putting it on par with Greece and Sweden, and slightly ahead of Germany and the Netherlands, which both have nine. The Prime Minister says the proposal is about restoring pride in work, but for many, it may feel more like losing a well-earned break.
Prince Albert II of Monaco marks 20 years as Sovereign - Finally, Prince Albert II of Monaco has marked 20 years as Sovereign, describing his reign as guided by duty, family and modernisation. In an interview with Monaco-Matin he spoke of the balance between pressure from social media and the need for long-term vision, his hopes for his children, and the challenge of keeping Monaco united, open and responsible. Reflecting on fatherhood, Prince Albert said it deepened his commitment to issues like education and the environment, adding that his family’s presence is “essential” in carrying out his duties. Looking ahead, he urged young Monegasques to study abroad and then return home to build Monaco’s future. On global scrutiny, he welcomed transparency as “a tool of legitimacy,” and reaffirmed Monaco’s role as a bridge-builder, especially on the environment. “What drives me,” he concluded, “is love for my country and the trust of the Monegasques… If we stay united, enthusiastic and innovative, our future can be among the happiest possible.”
Prince Albert and Princess Charlène will celebrate the anniversary publicly this Saturday 19th July, a series of logistical and security measures are being put in place in and around the Place du Palais to manage traffic and crowd flow during the official celebration. The event, which will be held from 6.30pm to 10.30pm and is exclusively open to Monegasques, will require the partial closure of roads, regulation of vehicle access, and controlled entry for pedestrians. Prince Albert says that the event aims to thank those who bring Monaco to life every day.
Business
The boss of Samsung, Lee Jae-yong has been cleared of Fraud Charges by South Korea’s Top Court, ending a lengthy legal saga tied to a controversial 2015 merger. Lee, the head of Samsung and grandson of the company’s founder, had been accused of manipulating stock prices and accounting records. After two earlier acquittals, the top court upheld the not guilty verdict, closing one of the country’s most high-profile corporate trials.
President Donald Trump has announced that Coca-Cola has agreed to begin using real cane sugar in its U.S. beverages. The move aligns with concerns raised by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has questioned the health effects of corn syrup. While not confirming a recipe change, a Coca-Cola spokesperson said they "appreciate President Trump's enthusiasm" and hinted that “more details on new innovative offerings” would be shared soon.
And - An “unbelievably rare” meteorite from Mars, the largest ever discovered on Earth, has sold for $4.3 million (£3.2 million) at a New York auction on Wednesday. Known as NWA 16788, the rock weighs 54 pounds (24.5 kg) and measures nearly 15 inches (38.1 cm) in length. The meteorite was discovered in November 2023 in a remote area of Niger and is said to be 70% larger than any other found on Earth.
Sport
Football - Italy struck a dramatic 90th-minute winner to secure a thrilling victory over Norway, giving them a place in the Women’s Euro 2025 semi-finals. Italy will face either England or Sweden, who meet in their quarter-final this evening at 9pm French time.
Swimming - Lisa Pou has written her name in the history books by winning Monaco’s first-ever medal at the World Swimming Championships. Competing in the 10km open water event on Wednesday in Singapore, the AS Monaco swimmer claimed bronze. The podium finish marks a historic moment for the Principality, which had never previously achieved such a result at this level in swimming. Pou is set to compete again in the 5km and 3km knockout sprint events on Friday and Saturday, with momentum clearly on her side.
Rugby Union – England’s Tom Curry is set to start in the back row for the British and Irish Lions in Saturday’s first Test against Australia in Brisbane. Lions head coach Andy Farrell is expected to favour Curry’s experience when the line-up is officially announced today, Thursday 17th July.
Cycling - The Tour de France heads into the Pyrenees today, Thursday, July 17, as riders brace themselves for not only steep climbs, but also dangerous high-speed descents, reaching up to 110 km/h. Equipped with 7 kg bikes and 6 cm-wide tires, cyclists rely on precision and nerves of steel to navigate the twisting roads.
Weather
Météo-France has extended the yellow heatwave warning in the Var for today, Thursday, July 17th. The warning is in place until 10pm this evening with high temperatures expected to persist throughout the day reaching up to 38 degrees inland and around 36 degrees in coastal areas. Nighttime Temperatures will remain high at around 25°C
Authorities urge residents and visitors to remain vigilant, stay hydrated, and limit outdoor activity during peak heat. A drop in temperatures is forecast for Friday.
Otherwise, sunny with light winds. Highs of 29 degrees in Nice, 30 degrees in Monaco and Saint Paul de Vence, 28 degrees in Saint Tropez, 35 degrees in Marseille and 31 degrees in Mougins. This evening going down to 22 degrees along the coast with clear skies.
The outlook for Friday and the weekend, remaining fine with highs of between 28 and 29 degrees with a gentle breeze.
Sunrise 06.04am
Sunset 09.08pm
Weather elsewhere
London 27° light cloud.
Paris 28° sunny intervals.
Palma 31° sunny.
Beach weather
Nice – Air temperature 29°, sea temperature 26°. Sunny. UV level 9.
Marseille – Air temperature 33°, sea temperature 22°. Sunny with strong winds. UV level 9.
And Finally
According to a new survey, Gen Z are declaring that the age of 35 as officially "old." That’s bad news for 35-year-olds like Taylor Swift, Emma Watson, and Daniel Radcliffe, who are apparently now over the hill. The survey asked 2,000 Gen Zers and young millennials when they think youth expires. While some Gen Z respondents were extra harsh, with 3% saying "old" starts at 27, millennials were a bit more generous. In fact, 41% of them think you're still young up to age 60. On the bright side, most respondents agreed that aging doesn’t make you undesirable. And while wrinkles might be fine, outdated slang and dressing like a teenager are a definite no.
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. ...
Read More
Tensions are running high in Antibes, where around thirty animal rights activists from the group One Voice have gathered outside the former Marineland...
Read More
Météo-France has extended the yellow heatwave warning in the Var for today Thursday, July 17th. The warning is in place until 10pm this evening with h...
Read More
Due to ongoing drought, the Var department has placed nearly 150 communes under water vigilance and four under official drought alert. ...
Read More
Meteo France have placed the Var on a top-level red alert for forest fires today. Two other nearby departments, the Bouches-du-Rhone and the Vaucluse ...
Read More
