Tour de France Femmes: Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney detonated on Mont Ventoux to win stage 7 and seize the yellow jersey, with the GC now split by seconds heading into the finale. Sports coverage row: Fans and riders are still angry that only part of the race is shown live, fueling calls for full broadcasts. UCI discipline: Demi Vollering and teammates were fined for urinating in public after stage 7—raising the perennial question of where riders are actually supposed to go. Local governance: Toulouse was fined for failing to enforce rules on shop lights left on at night, a first-of-its-kind ruling. Climate & water: The Loire River’s water level is dropping as heat and low rainfall bite. Wildfires angle: A new report argues France’s worst fire season can’t be blamed on climate alone—human ignition and forest management matter. Pope Leo XIV: The Vatican confirmed the September visit to France will include private meetings with clerical abuse victims. International security: France was reportedly vetoed from a Hezbollah disarmament verification force. Culture & heritage: A “talking drum” looted by French colonial troops returned to Ivory Coast for the first time.