Evening Update Monday 29th September 2025

NEWS
Drugs and money seized - Police have arrested a repeat offender who hid €49,000 in a piano and cannabis in his pool area, alongside a secret room where he grew cannabis In Tourrettes-sur-Loup, Alpes-Maritimes. Unemployed but with unjustified income, he now faces charges of drug trafficking, money laundering, and illegal work, with trial set for June 2026.

Gas station filled with water instead of diesel - A tradesman’s van broke down after unknowingly filling his tank with 60 litters of water instead of diesel at a gas station in Carpentras, Vaucluse, leaving him with a €7,396 repair bill. Despite repeated attempts, he’s had no response from the station’s owner and has warned other drivers on social media.

Boating accident - Ten days after a 17-year-old died in a boating accident in Bandol, Var, prosecutors have opened an investigation for involuntary manslaughter and endangering life against the 43-year-old boat owner. The teen, ejected while piloting without a safety cut-off, was fatally struck by the runaway vessel.

Yesterday's march - Around 300 people have marched yesterday in Nice, demanding climate action, justice, and freedom, as part of a nationwide mobilisation. Local groups and associations like Greenpeace and Extinction Rebellion denounced fossil fuels, airport expansion, and mass tourism in the Alpes-Maritimes.

Former marine firefighter raises awareness about suicide risks - A former marine firefighter is running 1,400 km across France to raise awareness about suicide risks among uniformed professions after losing a close friend. At each stop, he speaks in fire stations to break the taboo around mental health and encourage prevention.

Orelsan new tour - Rapper Orelsan has announced a 2026 tour, with a show at Palais Nikaïa in Nice on the 7th of February. Tickets will be going on sale tomorrow at 10am. He will also perform in Caen and Marseille, while details about his new album or film soundtrack remain unclear.
 

NEWS UPDATE 
Thursday strikes - Public sector unions have called for a nationwide strike on Thursday, affecting education, transport, health, postal services, and banking. The protest demands better pay, working conditions, gender equality, and more public service jobs after talks with the Prime Minister failed to deliver concrete answers.

Ticekt sales for Monaco GP - Ticket sales are now open for the 2026 Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix and the Historic Grand Prix, with some Sunday spots already sold out. Prices range from €300–650 for Saturday qualifiers to €900–1,150 for Sunday’s main race.

Naming street after Nicolas Sarkozy in Nice - Nice mayor Christian Estrosi has announced plans to name the police headquarters square after Nicolas Sarkozy, sparking outrage from the opposition. Critics call it a “provocation” and “a shame,” citing Sarkozy’s convictions and suggesting a more unifying figure instead.

Eric Ciotti team - Éric Ciotti has unveiled his mayoral campaign team for 2026 with MP Bernard Chaix as director alongside Christelle d’Intorni and Laurent Castillo as spokespersons. He promised further announcements soon, highlighting a broad coalition and a focus on restoring control of Nice to its residents.
 

BUSINESS
Excessive hospital parking fees in France are sparking political debate, with proposals ranging from limited free hours to a full return to free parking. Supporters argue it would ease the burden on patients, while private operators warn that without fees, services could decline and spaces risk being saturated.

And - A BBC reporter has been approached by hackers from the Medusa ransomware gang, who offered him millions if he gave them access to BBC systems. They pressured him with threats, including MFA bombing, but he stalled and alerted security before the criminals disappeared. The experience revealed how cyber gangs recruit insiders, and the risks organisations face from within.
 

SPORTS
Football – The club RC Grasse has banned phone use for all its players, from youth to professionals, to boost focus, team cohesion, and performance. The club says phones distract from training and matches, while players agree it helps them concentrate and connect more with teammates.

Tennis - Emma Raducanu again failed to take three match points as she was beaten 6-3 6-7 (9-11) 6-0 by Jessica Pegula in a hard-fought last-32 tie at the China Open.

Cricket - India beat Pakistan by five wickets in a tense final to retain the Asia Cup at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
 

WEATHER
Fine and bright across the region accompanied by a gentle breeze. Highs of 23 degrees in Nice and Toulon, 24 in Marseille and 25 degrees in Cannes and Saint-Tropez.

Tonight, mostly clear with temperatures dropping to 17 degrees.

Outlook for tomorrow, partly cloudy with highs of 24 degrees and a gentle breeze

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