Evening Update Thursday 21st August 2025

NEWS
Arson attack - A mother and her two daughters have narrowly escaped after masked attackers set fire to their apartment early today in Grasse. The family fled as several blazes broke out, fuelled by bottles of flammable liquid found inside and outside the home. Firefighters contained the blaze, hospitalised five people for smoke inhalation, and an investigation is underway.

95% of the Var still at high wildfire risk - Despite recent rain, 95% of the Var department remains at high wildfire risk due to dry vegetation and uneven rainfall. Firefighters are well-equipped, but extreme fires can still overwhelm resources. Authorities stress prevention measures like clearing land, fire-resistant construction, and ensuring access for emergency services.

Passengers happy with Transdev - Private operator Transdev has replaced SNCF in June 2025 on the Marseille-Nice trainline. Since, Transdev says 95% of trains are on time and most passengers report improved comfort, cleaner trains, and better punctuality. The PACA region highlights the arrival of 11 brand-new trains, replacing aging SNCF Corail models.

Swimming allowed again in Saint-Laurent-du-Var - Swimming is once again allowed on the beaches of Saint-Laurent-du-Var near Nice after a precautionary closure due to a power cable failure at the water treatment plant. Repairs were completed quickly, and the incident had no impact on water quality. However, some beaches near Cap 3000 remain closed to swimming throughout 2025.

Louis-Nucéra Library closed - The Louis-Nucéra Library will close completely from the 1st of September to the 13th of December for renovations in Nice. Its “click & collect” service ends this Saturday, with limited returns and registrations allowed until the 30th of August. During the closure, borrowed books must be returned to one of the city’s 12 other libraries.

Hard to get a dermatology appointment - Getting a dermatology appointment can take several months to over a year due to a shortage of specialists in the Alpes-Maritimes. Many doctors prioritize more lucrative cosmetic dermatology, leaving fewer slots for general skin checks. Health officials warn that low pay for medical procedures and too few trainees in Nice worsen the problem.
 

NEWS UPDATE
Traffic due to fire - Traffic jams continue today in the nice ouest area due to a small vegetation fire on the Route de Grenoble near the Lingostière shopping center in Nice. Firefighters quickly brought the 30m² blaze under control. 

Homeless shooter arrested - A homeless man who shot a shopkeeper in Nice’s Port district on Tuesday, has been arrested today. He had fired at the shopkeeper who tried to stop him from stealing a bottle. The shopkeeper, injured in the leg, has left the hospital, while the suspect is in custody for attempted murder.

Storm leads to closure of thermal spa - A storm has forced the temporary closure of the Berthemont-les-Bains thermal spa on Tuesday. While it reopened the next day, the outdoor jacuzzi remains out of service due to a technical issue. Repairs are expected within three days, while the spa continues to operate daily from 1:30 to 6:30 pm.
 

BUSINESS
Sony is raising US PlayStation 5 prices by about $50 starting today, citing rising costs and tariffs. The base model will now cost $499.99, while the Pro version is priced at $749.99, though accessories remain unchanged. The hikes follow similar moves by Nintendo, Microsoft, and other firms hit by inflation, tariffs, and higher import costs.

And - India has reached its goal of blending 20% ethanol with petrol (E20) five years early, cutting carbon emissions and reducing oil imports. However, concerns remain about vehicle damage, reduced fuel efficiency, and insurance coverage for non-E20 compliant cars. Experts also warn that diverting food crops like sugarcane, maize, and rice for ethanol could threaten food security and strain agriculture.
 

SPORTS

Football - AS Monaco, fresh off a 3-1 win against Le Havre, will face RC Strasbourg on Sunday, the 31st of August at 5:15pm at Stade Louis-II. This match is key to confirming their strong start and early-season ambitions. Fans are encouraged to fill the stands and support the team toward another victory. https://billetterie.asmonaco.com/fr/catalogue/match-foot-masculin-as-monaco-rc-strasbourg-1?utm_source=nl&utm_medium=1&utm_campaign=NLTKT

Cricket - Kate Cross has been left out of England's squad for the Women's World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, but batter Danni Wyatt-Hodge and leg-spinner Sarah Glenn have been recalled.

Tennis - Italian doubles specialists Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori completed their "mission" by beating singles stars Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud to win the controversially revamped US Open mixed event in a thrilling 6-3 5-7 10-6 victory.
 

WEATHER
Mostly cloudy with sunny intervals and chances of light rain on the coast as thunderstorms persist inland. We’ve got moderate to strong winds across the region with highs of 27 degrees in Marseille, 28 in 28 in Toulon, 29 in Nice and 31 degrees in Cannes and Saint-Tropez.

Tonight, clear skies with lows of 21 degrees.

Outlook for tomorrow, mostly clear skies across the region though thunderstorms visit the inland areas of the Alpes-Maritimes mid-afternoon. We’ll have highs of 28 degrees with gentle to moderate winds.

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