Evening Update Monday 15th September 2025

NEWS
Student arrested - A high school student has been arrested after police found two switchblade knives in his bag during a security check at the school entrance in Menton, Alpes-Maritimes. He was taken into custody as part of a series of preventive controls against violence launched in local schools. The operation follows a recent knife attack in Antibes, which heightened concerns about safety in educational institutions.

18th September strikes - Physiotherapists and pharmacists will join a nationwide strike, closing practices and pharmacies on the 18th of September across France. They protest the government’s delay of fee increases to 2026 and oppose new rules cutting their margins on generic drugs. Both groups demand urgent changes and threaten further actions if the government does not respond.

Doctors on trial - 12 French doctors are on trial in Paris, accused of helping terminally ill patients obtain a banned substance in France to help them end their lives. They face up to 10 years in prison but hope the trial will spark debate on the right to die with dignity.

Beginner pumptrack closed in Cagnes-sur-Mer - The beginner pumptrack in Cagnes-sur-Mer, Alpes-Maritimes will close from the 22nd of September to the 10th of October for upgrades, including slope adjustments, new grassing, and extra benches to improve safety and comfort. 

Hanging Palestinian flags in Nice? - Nice mayor Christian Estrosi has strongly reacted to Socialist leader Olivier Faure’s call to raise the Palestinian flag on town halls as part of Recognition Day on the 22nd of September. Estrosi warned against importing the conflict into French streets and urged the prefect to ban all pro-Palestine gatherings, insisting the flag should not fly on any French town halls.

Take your train tickets early for this winter break! - Train tickets for Christmas and winter 2026 holidays are now on sale, with Trenitalia and Eurostar opening bookings this week. International TGVs will follow on the 17th of September, while SNCF tickets go on sale from the 1st of October. Booking early is recommended to secure seats, travel in groups, and benefit from cheaper fares.

OFB helps find a lost rare parrot - The French Biodiversity Office (OFB) has helped a woman reunite with her pet parrot after it had disappeared for five years. The protected blue-and-yellow macaw was found in poor conditions at a private home but recovered after being properly cared for. The OFB reminds owning such protected species without proper authorisation could lead to 3 years in prison and a 150.000 euro fine.

Chinese silver dollar going up for auction - A rare 19th-century Chinese silver dollar from 1897, featuring a detailed dragon engraving, is going up for auction in the Alpes-Maritimes with a starting price of €40,000. Experts say its rarity and historical link to a monetary reform could drive the price far higher, as a similar coin sold for €155,000 two years ago. Chinese collectors, museums, and even the French state are expected to be interested in acquiring the piece.
 

NEWS UPDATE
Routine traffic stop leads to dismantle of fake ID workshop - A routine traffic stop has led police to dismantle a fake documents workshop supplying ID cards and residence permits to undocumented migrants in Vallauris. Searches uncovered dozens of forged Belgian, Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese IDs, along with specialized printing equipment and weapons. Three people were arrested, two placed in pre-trial detention ahead of an October 17th trial, and one facing charges for carrying weapons.

Weather this week - This week in the Alpes-Maritimes, the late-summer weather continues with plenty of sunshine and mild cloud cover. Temperatures will range from 26–29°C on the coast and up to 31–32°C inland, especially around Roquebillière and Saint-Sauveur-de-Tinée. The weekend is expected to stay mostly sunny, with highs between 27°C and 29°C across the region.

Fire alarm in Nice - 63 children and 7 adults were safely evacuated from the Magnolias nursery school in Nice this evening after the fire alarm went off. Firefighters were called following reports of a burning smell and carried out checks inside the building. No one was injured, and parents quickly collected their children while the cause of the alert was investigated.
 

BUSINESS
The UK and US are set to sign a major nuclear energy deal to speed up building new reactors, cut approval times, and unlock billions in investment. The partnership aims to boost energy security, create thousands of jobs, and position both nations as leaders in advanced nuclear technology. Key projects include modular reactors in Hartlepool and a nuclear-powered data centre hub in Nottinghamshire, with the broader programme worth up to £40bn.

South Korea is investigating alleged human rights violations after over 300 of its workers were detained in a major US immigration raid at a Hyundai battery plant in Georgia. Seoul has lodged a strong protest, warning the incident could harm investment ties, while unions demand an apology from US President Donald Trump. The raid, the largest of its kind this year, has strained US–South Korea relations despite Trump later saying foreign experts and workers are "welcome."

And - US and Chinese officials are meeting in Spain for a second day of trade talks as a deadline looms for TikTok’s Chinese owner to find a buyer or face a US ban. Trump, who once pushed to ban TikTok, has repeatedly delayed the deadline and now downplays security concerns while gaining popularity on the app. The talks also aim to extend a fragile tariffs truce and prepare for a possible meeting between Trump and Xi Jinping in October.
 

SPORTS
Football - USA midfielder Savannah DeMelo is "stable and alert" after collapsing on the pitch while playing for Racing Louisville in the National Women's Soccer League. The match will be resumed at a later date.

Tennis - American Iva Jovic became the youngest player to win a WTA title this season by beating Emiliana Arango 6-4 6-1 in the Guadalajara Open final.

Golf - World number one Scottie Scheffler warmed up for this month's Ryder Cup by powering to victory in the PGA Tour's Procore Championship.
 

WEATHER
Mostly clear today with a few cloudy patches here and there accompanied by moderate to strong winds, especially in the Var. We’ve got highs of 25 degrees in Nice, 27 in Cannes and Marseille, 28 in Toulon and 30 degrees in Saint-Tropez.

Tonight, mostly clear with lows of 19 degrees.

Outlook for tomorrow, partly cloudy with highs of 25 degrees.

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