News
Greenpeace activists steal wax work figure - Environmental activists from Greenpeace have stolen a wax figure of French President Emmanuel Macron from a museum in Paris. The move comes in in protest against French companies continuing to trade with Russia. Disguised as museum staff, the activists smuggled the €40,000 figure out through an emergency exit. It later appeared outside the Russian embassy in Paris, surrounded by protest signs. Greenpeace France accused Macron of “playing a double game”, supporting Ukraine publicly while allowing ongoing imports of Russian gas and fertilisers. Though Macron has been a strong backer of Kyiv and EU sanctions on Moscow, campaigners say France continues to contribute significantly to Russia’s fossil fuel revenue. No arrests have been made.
Greenpeace uninvited to ocean summit - Meanwhile, Greenpeace France has condemned the decision to exclude its ship, the MY Arctic Sunrise, from the inaugural maritime parade of the 3rd UN Ocean Conference (UNOC 3) in Nice on June 8th, 2025. The organization had been officially invited but was later informed by the event’s organizer, Ocean Wonders, that their participation was refused. For over 50 years, Greenpeace has campaigned peacefully for ocean protection aboard its ships, tackling issues like deep-sea mining, marine conservation, and single-use plastics. The ban follows Greenpeace’s controversial action on May 21st in the Gulf of Lion Marine Park in France, where they dropped limestone blocks into the sea as a prevention. The move sparked a legal investigation and criticism from France’s Minister for Ecological Transition, Agnès Pannier-Runacher, who called it “deeply shocking.” Greenpeace defended their actions, explaining the blocks were natural limestone meant to protect vulnerable areas, and highlighted evidence of trawlers operating nearby.
Greenpeace also accused authorities of intimidation, pointing to the recent police detention of five activists in Nice for peaceful protests supporting ocean protection, along with searches of their homes. Despite the exclusion from the parade, Greenpeace stated that the Arctic Sunrise’s scheduled port visit to Nice on June 4-5 remains confirmed.
Security measures ahead of UN Ocean Conference in Nice – Indeed the summit is causing a huge security operation as French intelligence services have screened more than 18,000 residents of Nice ahead of the event which is taking place from June 9th to the 13th. As part of tightened security measures people living within the event’s security zones were checked against national databases, including criminal records and files on radicalized individuals. From June 6th, entry to the “green zone” will require prior registration or an invitation, while residents in the more restricted “blue zone” can still access their homes but must wear official badges. No businesses have been ordered to close, but shopkeepers, employees, and home workers will also need badges.
Local beaches to remain open - Meanwhile, during the conference most local beaches will remain open to the public, with one key exception as swimming will be banned at the Military Baths Beach, located near the port entrance, due to its proximity to high-security areas. While authorities have established security zones restricting anchoring, diving, and parasailing, swimming is still allowed within 300 meters of the shore elsewhere. The Mediterranean Maritime Prefecture confirmed the decision on Monday, aiming to balance public access with summit security.
Scandal at the town hall in Menton - In other news locally, the mayor of Menton Yves Juhel and his former deputy for finance, Mathieu Messina, have been referred to the criminal court over alleged embezzlement of public funds tied to the town’s ports authority. The two were questioned by police in Nice on Monday and later transferred to Marseille, where they were placed under judicial supervision pending a court hearing set for October 17th. They face charges including embezzlement, organized money laundering, misuse of corporate assets, and passive influence peddling. The case stems from an audit revealing nearly €2 million in questionable expenses, luxury travel, fine dining, and lavish purchases such as truffles and champagne, linked to SPL funds. Messina allegedly admitted to some of the spending but claimed he was not the only one involved, accusing the mayor of receiving €30,000 in cash to fund his 2022 campaign, a claim the mayor denies. The scandal has rocked Menton since late 2023 and raised tensions at city hall, where the town’s top civil servant had previously reported “serious irregularities” and was suspended before being reinstated by a court.
Tiger mosquito - The tiger mosquito, known for spreading diseases, is becoming more common in France and experts have warned that taking simple steps can help prevent them from settling in your home and garden. The advice is to regularly empty small containers holding stagnant water, such as flowerpot trays, gutters, and pet bowls. These spots are ideal breeding grounds. Hidden areas where water can collect, like under wooden decks, flat roofs, or beneath air conditioners, should also be monitored to ensure proper drainage. It’s also important to keep garden water tanks sealed and clear. Following these simple measures can significantly reduce the risk of tiger mosquito bites and the diseases they carry during the summer months.
Helping the bee environment - Meanwhile, here in the Princiaptliy as part of helping the environment of bees. Several beehives have been set up in different places with special monitors which collect important information. With bees facing many dangers like pesticides, climate change and new predators such as the Asian hornet the project aims to help people understand why bees are so important and why we need to protect them. The Urban Planning Department is inviting everyone to come to the UNESCO Gardens on the Fontvieille terraces on Friday, June 13th and Saturday, June 14th, 2025, from 9am to 5pm. There will be free activities for all ages, including workshops on how honey is taken from the hive and how to make candles from beeswax. You can also learn about the life of bees through fun games and educational activities. It’s a great chance for the whole family to discover the amazing world of bees!
The Espresso Riviera - Finally, if you’re looking for the perfect escape this summer, the overnight train service connecting Rome with the French Riviera is making a nostalgic comeback and this time it’s better than ever, with a new stop in glamorous Monaco. The Espresso Riviera will run every weekend from July 4 to August 30th, weaving its way along one of Europe’s most breathtaking coastal routes, from the Italian capital all the way to Marseille. Passengers can enjoy the full experience with stops at iconic Riviera towns like Genoa, Sanremo, Menton, Nice, Cannes, and Toulon. Onboard dining is a treat too, with Italian and French regional dishes served throughout the trip. Tickets start at €54.90, and there’s a 25% discount available for early birds, though spaces are limited. Booking opened on May 24 and can be made through the FS Treni Turistici website or by phone. So, if you’re dreaming of an effortless blend of history, luxury, and coastal beauty, the Espresso Riviera might just be your ticket to an unforgettable summer adventure.
Business
Disney has announced that it is cutting several hundred more jobs globally, affecting staff in its film, TV, and finance departments. The company says the move is part of efforts to adapt to rapid changes in the entertainment industry, as more viewers move from traditional cable TV to streaming. A Disney spokesperson said the company is looking for ways to run more efficiently while continuing to deliver the creativity and innovation audiences expect. The cuts follow major layoffs in 2023, when around 7,000 jobs were lost under a $5.5bn cost-saving plan.
The UK government has warned it may take legal action against former Chelsea FC owner Roman Abramovich to ensure £2.5bn from the club’s sale is used for Ukrainian humanitarian aid. The funds have been frozen in a UK bank account since Abramovich was sanctioned following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. While the government wants the money to support Ukraine, Abramovich has insisted it should go to “all victims of the war.” Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Foreign Secretary David Lammy said they are open to negotiations but are "fully prepared to pursue this through the courts if required."
And - Bill Gates says most of his fortune will be spent improving health and education in Africa over the next 20 years. The 69-year-old Microsoft founder said unlocking human potential through better healthcare and education could put every African country “on a path to prosperity.” He also encouraged young African innovators to use Artificial Intelligence to improve healthcare across the continent. Last month, Gates announced he would give away 99% of his estimated $200 billion fortune by 2045, when his foundation plans to end its operations.
Sport
Tennis - Novak Djokovic has defeated Britain's Cameron Norrie 6-2, 6-3, 6-2 to reach the French Open quarter-finals, ending Norrie’s impressive run in Paris. Norrie, ranked 81st, had shocked 11th seed Daniil Medvedev in the first round but couldn’t match the 38-year-old Djokovic, who is chasing a record 25th Grand Slam title. Jack Draper’s four-set loss to Alexander Bublik later in the day ended British hopes in the singles.
Formula One - Max Verstappen has admitted that frustration led to his clash with George Russell during the Spanish Grand Prix. The Red Bull driver received a 10-second penalty for the incident, which dropped him from fifth to 10th place. He was also handed three penalty points, taking his total to 11, just one short of a race ban. McLaren's Oscar Piastri won the race, extending his lead in the championship to 49 points over Verstappen.
Football - England are using heated tents in training to prepare for the extreme heat and humidity expected at the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. England face Andorra in a World Cup qualifier on Saturday, followed by a friendly against Senegal on the 10th of June at Nottingham Forest's City Ground. The World Cup will take place in 16 cities, many with potentially dangerous heat levels. Dallas, one of the host cities, regularly sees temperatures above 28°C in June and July. England currently top their qualifying group after winning their first two matches.
Weather
Expect a sunny and humid day. Highs of 25°C in Monaco, Nice, Antibes and Cannes, 23°C in Saint-Tropez and 27°C in Toulon. Light to moderate easterly winds. This evening going down to 17°C along the coast with cloudy skies.
The outlook for tomorrow and Thursday, thundery showers are forecast for Wednesday with highs of 24°C. Thursday, sunny with highs of 25°C.
Sunrise 05.50am
Sunset 09.06pm
Weather elsewhere
Palma 28°C sunny.
Cardiff 12°C heavy rain.
Belfast 15°C light rain.
Beach weather
Antibes – Sea temperature 22°, air temperature 25°, mainly clear skies. UV level 8.
Hyeres – Sea temperature 22°, air temperature 24°, cloudy skies moderate to strong winds. UV level 8.
And Finally
More than 50,000 people have taken a “flight to nowhere” from Heathrow, designed to help those afraid of flying. British Airways runs the “Flying with Confidence” course, which combines talks from pilots and psychologists with relaxation exercises. Participants learn how planes fly safely and how to manage fear. The day ends with a special short flight where experts explain every noise to keep passengers calm.
The course has a 98% success rate. The basic option costs £399 and includes one flight, while the premium one costs £1,899 and has two flights plus a cockpit visit. It’s great for anyone struggling with fear of flying, whether from claustrophobia, fear of heights, or feeling out of control.
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