NEWS
Medical Laboratories on Strike - Medical Laboratories in the Var and the Alpes Maritimes will be closed from today, Friday 20th, until Monday, 23rd September, due to strike action. More than 97% of laboratories in France are expected to take part in the action against a sudden 10% tariff reduction on scientific testing, imposed by the National Health Insurance (CNAM). Lab workers argue that the cut, made without discussion, threatens necessary investments. During the strike, only emergency tests will be performed, and patients are advised to reschedule non-urgent appointments.
Woman Missing in Lorgues, Var - The gendarmerie in Lorgues, Var, has issued a call for witnesses after the disappearance of 54-year-old Nathalie Barrault, last seen on Wednesday, 18th of September, around 6 p.m. Despite searches, she has not returned home. Anyone with information is urged to contact the authorities.
Bad Fall in Avignon - A 17-year-old boy has fallen from the third-floor balcony of his dormitory on the evening of the 19th of September at the Frédéric Mistral school in Avignon, with his life in critical condition. Emergency services transported him to a hospital in Marseille, and the fall is believed to be accidental. An investigation is underway, and psychological support has been provided to students and staff.
Motards en Colère - The "Fédération des motards en colère" is organizing a protest against mandatory technical inspections for motorcycles this Sunday between Menton and Nice. The convoy will start at 2:30 PM from Esplanade Francis-Palmero in Menton and head to Nice. The protest opposes the new inspection rules for two-wheelers, advocating for motorcycles as a low-carbon alternative for daily transport.
Statue of Johnny Hallyday - A statue of Johnny Hallyday will be unveiled in Fréjus this Saturday by Mayor David Rachline, accompanied by hundreds of bikers from across France. The life-size bronze, created by sculptor Olivier Delobel, is based on Hallyday's 1993 concert and financed by the city. Around a thousand people are expected for the event, which will include a giant gathering and a concert featuring Hallyday's former guitarists.
4g in Breil-Sur-Roya - Good news for residents of the Roya Valley in the Alpes-Maritimes: 4G coverage is improving with new antennas from Orange, Bouygues, and SFR being installed on a reinforced and elevated pylon. This upgrade will provide better network service for over 2,000 residents of Breil-sur-Roya, particularly after the area was devastated by Storm Alex in 2020. Full 4G coverage is expected in the coming weeks.
European Heritage Days - The European Heritage Days in the Var and the Alpes-Maritimes are being held this weekend allowing you to discover many sites that are usually closed to the public. The weekend offers free visits to museums, castles and other famous homes known or unknown. A programme is available at your local tourist office, with some events already on the what’s on section of our website, rivieraradio.mc.
BUSINESS
The Bank of England held interest rates at 5%, signalling that rates are "gradually on the path down" as inflation eases. Governor Andrew Bailey warned against cutting rates too quickly, stressing the need for sustained low inflation. While inflation remains slightly above the Bank's target, economic recovery is slow, but optimism is rising.
Over 30,000 Boeing workers are striking after rejecting a deal that would have increased pay but cut bonuses and pensions, citing inflation and poor compensation. Strikers emphasize the risk and responsibility involved in their work, with many struggling to afford basic living expenses. Despite Boeing's financial losses, workers are determined to continue the strike until they secure better wages and benefits.
And - Brazil has fined Elon Musk's companies $920,000 after users briefly accessed the banned social media platform X due to a server change. X claimed the restoration was accidental and quickly blocked access again, but the Brazilian court accused the company of intentionally circumventing the ban. The court's ongoing dispute with Musk stems from X's failure to appoint a legal representative in the country and previous disinformation concerns.
SPORTS
Rugby League - Huddersfield Giants ended their Betfred Super League campaign with a dominant victory over Castleford Tigers at the John Smith's Stadium 34-10.
Rugby Union - Bath are not letting pressure to win a trophy affect them as they go into the new Premiership campaign, says head of rugby Johann van Graan.
Football - Nigerian striker George Ilenikhena scored on his Champions League debut as Monaco produced an upset against 10-man Barcelona.
WEATHER
Mostly sunny with moderate winds. Highs of 24 degrees in Marseille, and 25 degrees in Nice, Cannes, Saint-Tropez and Toulon.
Tonight, clear in the Alpes-Maritimes and cloudy everywhere else.
Outlook for tomorrow:
Saturday: light clouds and highs of 25 degrees.
Sunday: light clouds with chances of rain in the west and highs of 24 degrees.
Monday: light rain and highs of 22 degrees.
BEACH WEATHER
Sea temperatures 22 degrees
Air temperatures 25 degrees
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France is preparing for a nationwide shutdown on September 10th called “Bloquons tout,” organized mainly through social media. ...
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