NEWS
Massive wildfire finaly brought under control - The massive wildfire which began on 5th of August in the Aude’s Corbières massif, has now been fully extinguished after three weeks. It burned 17,000 hectares, destroyed 36 homes, and caused the death of a 65-year-old woman. Over 2,000 firefighters were mobilised, making it the worst wildfire on France’s Mediterranean coast in at least 50 years.
Orange storm alert - The Bouches-du-Rhône and Var departments are on orange alert for heavy storms and rain-induced flooding until midday Thursday. Météo-France warns of intense rainfall, strong winds up to 100 km/h, and possible hail, especially along the coast. Authorities urge caution for drivers, campers, and those near rivers or the shoreline due to heightened risks.
Heavy mudslides lead to road closures - Heavy mudslides have struck on Thursday on the Ubaye Valley in Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, forcing the closure of the RD 900 and RD 902 in both directions. Several mountain passes, including Col de Larche, Col de la Cayolle, and Col de Vars, were also affected by flooding and debris. No injuries have been reported, but cleanup is ongoing amid continued storms, heavy rain, hail, and strong winds.
Fire broke out in Nice - A fire broke out early Thursday at the Veolia waste treatment plant in Nice Saint-Isidore, producing thick black smoke. Around 40 firefighters and 15 engines were deployed, as the flames threatened an administrative building. Staff were evacuated safely, and the fire was brought under control before 9am, with no impact on nearby homes or traffic.
Christian Estrosi and Eric Ciotti - Christian Estrosi and Éric Ciotti, once close allies in Nice’s right-wing politics, are now bitter rivals. Their split began in 2017, with Estrosi moving toward the centre while Ciotti aligned with the far right. Their clash for the 2026 Nice mayoral race symbolizes the broader divide within France’s right parties.
New Air France plane - Air France has named its new Airbus A220 after the town of Vaison-la-Romaine in Vaucluse, highlighting its cultural influence in France and abroad. The aircraft completed its first commercial flight to Venice. A 1/100 scale model of the plane will soon be unveiled with the local tourism office.
NEWS UPDATE
Delays on the SNCF trainlines - A cable theft between Paris and Lyon caused major signal failures, leading to long TGV delays today across the South-East. Journeys such as Avignon–Nice have faced about 2 hours’ delay, while Avignon–Marseille reached over 3 hours. No trains were cancelled, but many were slowed or diverted, with normal service expected by evening.
Showers continue - Stormy showers continue today in the Alpes-Maritimes, though they should gradually weaken through the evening. Temperatures remain mild, between 18°C and 24°C, with winds up to 45 km/h on the western coast. A yellow storm alert is in place until midnight, before calmer, sunnier weather returns Friday morning.
Chris Froome seriously injured after accident - Chris Froome, four-time Tour de France winner, was seriously injured in a training accident near Fayence, Var. He suffered a pneumothorax, five broken ribs, and a fractured lumbar vertebra, requiring surgery in Toulon. His team confirmed he is in a stable condition, with no head injuries and no other vehicles involved.
BUSINESS
India’s government has banned Real Money Games platforms nationwide, citing widespread addiction, financial losses, and mental health harms, with harsh penalties for operators but not users. Industry leaders argue the move was rushed, wiping out billions in investment, jobs, and tax revenue, while failing to distinguish between skill-based games and pure gambling.
And - Low-value imports from China to the UK more than doubled to £3bn last year, largely driven by e-commerce giants Shein and Temu. UK retailers warn these tax-exempt parcels undercut High Street shops and expose consumers to unsafe goods, while the Treasury is reviewing the rules. Industry groups want urgent action, though experts caution that scrapping the exemption could also hurt low-income shoppers and small businesses.
SPORTS
Football - AC Milan have agreed a £36m deal - including add-ons - to sign Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku.
Rugby Union - Scotland have made one change to the side that blew away Wales in their World Cup opener, as hooker Elis Martin starts against Fiji on Saturday.
Tennis - Former US Open champion Daniil Medvedev has been handed a substantial fine of £31,500 for his behaviour in an extraordinary first-round exit against Benjamin Bonzi.
WEATHER
It’s cloudy along the coast with rain and occasional thunderstorms inland with gentle to moderate winds. Highs of 26 degrees in Marseille, 27 in Nice, Cannes and Toulon and 28 degrees in Saint-Tropez.
Tonight, back to clear skies with lows 22 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, mostly sunny on the coast as light showers continue inland with highs of 28 degrees.
The Regional Health Agency (ARS) reports 124 chikungunya cases in southern France as of Monday, with major clusters in the Var. ...
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France is set for one of its biggest strike days in years as around 800,000 people are expected to protest nationwide today, Thursday 18th September, ...
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A 19-year-old woman has been jailed for complicity in attempted murder after last week’s knife attack at a horticultural high school in Antibes, Alpes...
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A suspected arsonist has been arrested after six fires broke out within an hour in the village of Châteauneuf-Villevieille, near Nice, on Tuesday even...
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A water leak has led police to discover a squat filled with drugs, weapons, and cash in Nice.
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