News
French President and his wife suing right-wing US commentator - French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte Macron, are suing right-wing US political commentator Candace Owens for spreading false and hurtful accusations about them. Owens has repeatedly said that Brigitte Macron is actually a man and that Emmanuel Macron is controlled by the CIA. She has made these claims in podcasts and public statements. The Macrons say Owens refuses to take back her false claims and even mocks them, using the attacks to gain more followers and make money. The couple says this campaign has caused them serious harm, including bullying and damage to their reputation. They have spent a lot of money fighting back legally. Owens responded by saying the lawsuit is an attack on free speech and called for an interview with Brigitte Macron, which she says was refused. It is rare for a sitting president to sue a journalist, but the Macrons are determined to stop the false rumours and clear their names.
Data shows that for the first time since 1945 deaths have exceeded births in France - According to recent data from Insee (the French National Institute of Statistics), between June 1st, 2024, and May 31st, 2025, there were 651,000 deaths and 650,000 births in France. This means deaths have just exceeded births for the first time since 1945. According to experts this shift was expected to happen in around 2035, but it has occurred ten years earlier, a clear sign of how significant the drop in fertility is. Insee say that while many European countries have been experiencing this for years, for France, it marks a major demographic change that could gradually affect social systems. Women in France now have their first child at an average age of 29, five years later than in 1974. Since the late 1970s, this trend of fewer births has been ongoing, and it has accelerated since 2022, with France losing about 30,000 births each year.
Forest areas remain closed due to forest fire risk – Locally, several forest areas in the western Alpes-Maritimes region of the Côte d’Azur remain closed today, Thursday 24th July, due to a severe wildfire risk. The prefecture strongly advises against access to the Esterel-Tanneron massif and the western coastal areas of Alpes-Maritimes from 1pm onwards and warns against any fire-related activities. Despite cooler temperatures, the return of the mistral with gusts expected around 60 km/h is increasing the wildfire danger level. Visitors are urged to change their plans and stay clear of these areas to ensure safety.
Court rejects complaints against new rail link project in our region - In other news, the Marseille administrative court has rejected complaints against the Provence Côte d’Azur new rail line project. The court confirmed that the public consultations and environmental studies were done properly, and that the project’s benefits outweigh its drawbacks. Work on the project has already started in the Bouches-du-Rhône, Var, and the Alpes-Maritimes regions. Renaud Muselier, president of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, said the project will bring more trains, reduce city congestion, and offer faster, more reliable travel. He also said the budget is on track and funding is secure. The plan includes a new station at Nice Airport, more trains to Menton, and a new stop at Cannes-la-Bocca. In the Var region, train frequency will increase with improvements at several stations.
Ferry ticket prices face criticism – Meanwhile, the price for a round-trip ferry ticket to the Lérins Islands from Cannes has increased to €18.50, causing irritation among some local residents. Ferry companies have justified the hike by citing inflation and rising operating costs. The ticket price has risen 20% in four years and Thierry Arnal, manager of Riviera Lines, which transported 240,000 passengers last year, explains that the increase is due to rising expenses including salaries, fuel, and taxes. While being faced with a tough financial climate, ferry companies hope that prices will not continue to rise.
New national study reveals gap in public awareness about mosquito borne diseases in France - A new national study commissioned by SC Johnson has revealed major gaps in public awareness about mosquito-borne diseases in France. Despite the growing presence of the tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus, 42 percent of French adults have never heard of it, especially in the north. The study also found that misinformation is widespread: one in three people believe tiger mosquitoes are most active overnight, and nearly all respondents failed to correctly identify what attracts mosquitoes, including perfume and stagnant water. Preventive behaviours like using repellents and eliminating standing water are common but not always used effectively. Encouragingly, 92 percent of people said they want to learn more about how to protect themselves. SC Johnson experts recommend five key actions: clear standing water, avoid outdoor activity at dawn and dusk, wear light clothing, install window screens, and apply insect repellent properly. More information can be found at scjohnson.com.
Anyone for polo? - Finally, anyone for polo? Save the date as on July 31st, that’s next Thursday the Monte-Carlo Polo Team will be taking on Saint-Tropez in a stylish showdown at the Saint-Tropez Polo Club. Founded by Rommy Gianni, the Monte-Carlo Polo Team is Monaco’s polo ambassador, known for mixing elegance with world-class sport. Part of the Polo Xperience Tour, this event promises luxury, thrilling polo, and exclusive vibes, with tickets from €150 to €275. Want to arrive in true Riviera style? Private air transfers are available. For more information go to their website which is available on the riviera radio website https://my.weezevent.com/polo-xperience.
Business
Australia will lift restrictions on American beef imports, ending a ban that had been in place since 2003 following an outbreak of mad cow disease in the United States. The move comes after a decade-long review by Australia’s agriculture department, which concluded that the US now has sufficient safeguards in place to manage biosecurity risks. The ban had been a source of tension with Washington, particularly under President Donald Trump, whose administration cited it as justification for imposing tariffs on Australian goods in April as part of his “Liberation Day” scheme. Although Australia technically lifted the ban in 2019, US beef was still effectively blocked due to restrictions on cattle supply chains involving Mexico and Canada. Those restrictions have now also been reviewed.
The Trump administration has released a comprehensive 28-page roadmap aimed at accelerating artificial intelligence development in the US. The AI Action Plan includes over 90 policy initiatives intended for rollout within the next year, focusing on boosting innovation by cutting “bureaucratic red tape” and eliminating “ideological bias.” The plan also calls for expanding data centre infrastructure and promoting American AI technology. However, critics have dismissed it as a politically motivated move by the White House.
And - Tesla has announced that it aims to produce more affordable models and secure approval for its self-driving software in Europe within 2025. The electric carmaker revealed to investors that “first builds of a more affordable model” began in June, even as it reported a drop in deliveries and shrinking profits.
Sport
Football - Spain will face England in the Euro 2025 final this Sunday, after a dramatic extra-time win over Germany on Wednesday evening. It’s a blockbuster rematch of the 2023 World Cup final – which Spain won. These are the two dominant forces in women’s football, and all eyes are on what promises to be a thrilling showdown. Spain is aiming for a historic treble, having already won the Nations League, while England are out to defend their European title.
In other football news Liverpool have completed the signing of striker Hugo Ekitike in a deal worth up to £79 million.
Cycling – In the Tour de France it Italy’s Jonathan Milan powered to his second stage win of this year’s Tour de France, triumphing in a rain-soaked sprint finish on Stage 17 from Bollène to Valence on Wednesday. Milan, who is making his Tour debut, credited his team for the win. The battle for the yellow jersey continues today with the first of two gruelling mountain stages in the Alps.
Cricket – 35-year-old spinner Liam Dawson has been praised with making England a stronger side. Dawson made an immediate impact in the fourth Test against India, on Wednesday taking a wicket with just his seventh ball in his first Test appearance for eight years. On day 2 of the Men’s International Test Match Series India were at 264 for 4 with England yet to bat.
Athletics - Maeve Kyle, the trailblazing athlete who became Ireland’s first female track and field Olympian, has died at the age of 96. Born in Kilkenny, Kyle initially represented Ireland in hockey before turning her focus to athletics in 1953. Despite giving birth to her daughter, a year later she resumed Olympic training and went on to compete in the 100m and 200m events at the 1956 Melbourne Games. Her selection sparked controversy at the time, with one letter to The Irish Times calling her a “disgrace to Irish motherhood and the Irish nation”. Maeve Kyle went on to become one of Ireland’s most respected sporting figures, paving the way for generations of female athletes.
Weather
Cloudy start with sunshine filtering in later in the day. Highs of 29 degrees in Monaco by mid-afternoon, 31 degrees in Nice and 28 degrees in Saint-Tropez. Strong winds are forecast for the Var region. This evening going down to 21 degrees along the coast.
The outlook for Friday and the weekend, tomorrow much the same with cloudy patches. Saturday and Sunday mainly clear skies with strong winds persisting in Saint-Tropez and the Var highs of 29 degrees.
Sunrise 06.10am
Sunset 09.02pm
Weather elsewhere
Madrid 30° sunny.
Bordeaux 25° light rain.
Glasgow 21° sunny intervals.
Beach weather
Antibes – Air temperature 30 °C under mostly clear skies. Sea temperature 25 °C. UV level is 8.
Saint‑Tropez – Air temperatures 28 °C. Sea temperature 26°C strong winds. UV level is 8.
And Finally
A unique 32-acre plot next to Lake Windermere has gone on sale for the first time in 300 years, with a guide price of £1.2 million. This stunning mix of ancient woodland offers private access to the lake’s eastern shore and is described as a “once in a lifetime opportunity.”The land, perfect for nature lovers and conservationists, can be bought as a whole or in three separate lots, with prices ranging from £150,000 to £550,000. Estate agents say this rare parcel is ideal for anyone seeking a secluded spot in the heart of the Lake District National Park.
It’s an odd stretch of summer weather across southern France. Météo France has issued a red alert, due to a very high wildfire risk on Saturday, the 2...
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French President Emmanuel Macron has announced that France will officially recognise the State of Palestine in September, making it the first G7 natio...
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A mix of sunshine and scattered thunderstorms across the region today, with temperatures ranging between 28 and 32 degrees Celsius. There is a yellow ...
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The Alpes-Maritimes department are under a yellow thunderstorm alert this Friday, the 25th of July from 1pm to 10pm. ...
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The town of Levens, in the Alpes-Maritimes, could once again avoid penalties for not meeting France’s legal quota for social housing. On July 11, the ...
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