NEWS
Former PM Elisabeth Borne urges political compromise - Former Education Minister Élisabeth Borne has urged political compromise “from the Republican right to the Socialist Party” to resolve France’s current political crisis and secure the 2026 budget. She also suggested reconsidering the pension reform she had pushed through in 2023 using article 49.3, while calling for unity and support for President Macron amid growing divisions.
Covid and flu shots - France’s 2025–2026 flu and Covid-19 vaccination campaign starts on the 14th of October, offering both shots, often in the same appointment, to protect at-risk groups and health workers. Covid vaccines are free for everyone, and flu shots are fully reimbursed for eligible people.
Nice Airport spokesperson defends the airport's safety standards - After a near-collision and ongoing flight delays, Nice Airport’s spokesperson has defended safety standards, denying claims of faulty runway lighting. He called the incident serious but rare and said the airport isn’t responsible for air traffic control issues, rejecting the mayor’s proposal to involve the military.
Armed robbery in Nice - An armed robbery has taken place this morning at the French Motors motorcycle shop in Nice, where a gunman stole cash but injured no one. Police are tracking the suspect’s movements using city cameras as the investigation continues.
Armed robbery in Grasse - Three armed men have robbed the Le Marigny tobacco shop this morning, threatening the employee at gunpoint before fleeing with cash and goods in Grasse, Alpes-Maritimes. The shaken worker explained being terrified as the attackers aimed a weapon at his head during the hold-up.
Honouring 3rd of October victims in Nice, two suspects arrested - Around 500 people have gathered in Nice’s Place Masséna to honour the victims of a deadly shooting on the 3rd of October linked to drug trafficking that killed two and injured five. The attack deeply affected the local Chechen community, as some victims were innocent bystanders. A man and a woman have been arrested and charged with murder and attempted murder as part of an organised gang as investigations continue.
Fire in a farm - A nighttime fire at a farm has destroyed part of a 2,300 m² building, killing several animals but causing no human injuries near Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume, Var. The blaze is now under control, though two workers are temporarily unemployed, and firefighters remain on site to prevent flare-ups.
La Garde's medical centre - A year after opening, La Garde’s multidisciplinary medical centre reports strong success with over 19,000 consultations. Open daily from 9am to 10pm, it improves access to healthcare for residents amid a national doctor shortage.
Invasive blue crab - An awareness campaign is informing fishermen about the invasive blue crab, which damages fishing nets but is not yet widespread in the area in Hyères, Var. Originating from the U.S., this fast-reproducing species has few natural predators, and local groups aim to prevent its spread through monitoring and reporting efforts.
Le Jour et la Nuit - The village of La Brigue near Menton is hosting “Le Jour de la Nuit,” an event raising awareness about light pollution and protecting nocturnal biodiversity through stargazing and educational activities. The initiative highlights how artificial light harms wildlife, ecosystems, and even human health, while promoting simple actions to reduce its impact.
Lower grape yields - The late August heatwave has drastically reduced grape yields, leaving growers with small, raisin-like grapes in Vaucluse. Despite low quantities, wine quality remains high, and many winemakers are turning to tourism and other activities to cope with repeated climate challenges.
NEWS UPDATE
Motorway accident - A car accident on the A8 Motorway near Roquebrune-sur-Argens has disrupted traffic toward Aix this afternoon. The driver was only slightly injured but delays of about 30 minutes were reported in the area.
Car crash - A serious car crash today has left two people critically injured and two others hurt in Draguignan, Var. Thirteen firefighters and two medical helicopters were deployed, causing major traffic disruption during rescue operations.
BUSINESS
A cyber-attack on a third-party vendor of the messaging platform popular with gamers, Discord, has led to the leak of about 70,000 Discord users’ ID photos and limited personal data, though Discord’s own systems were not breached. The company has contacted affected users, cut ties with the vendor, and is working with law enforcement to investigate.
And - Workplace absenteeism costs France nearly €100 billion a year, about 3% of its GDP, when factoring in lost productivity, disorganization, and demotivation. Experts link the surge to widespread workplace distress and argue that investing in employee well-being could significantly boost economic performance.
SPORTS
Football - Bruno Fernandes has no interest in moving to the Saudi Pro League at the end of the season after the Portugal midfielder rejected huge offers last summer in order to stay at Manchester United.
Tennis - Monaco’s Valentin Vacherot, ranked 204th in the world, has achieved a career milestone by reaching the Shanghai Masters 1000 semifinals after defeating world No. 11 Holger Rune in three sets, 2-6 7-6 6-4. Coming from the qualifiers, he has now won seven straight matches and will face either Novak Djokovic or Zizou Bergs next.
Cricket - Marnus Labuschagne's push for a recall to Australia's Test squad for the Ashes received another boost as he hit his third century in four innings for Queensland.
WEATHER
Hazy sunlight, though cloudy in the Var, accompanied by a gentle breeze. Highs of 22 degrees in Nice and Marseille, 23 in Cannes and Toulon and 24 degrees in Saint-Tropez.
Tonight, mostly clear with temperatures dropping to 16 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, fine and bright with highs of 24 degrees.
A sharp blast of Arctic air is set to hit the Côte d’Azur this weekend, with temperatures dipping to –4°C in parts of the Alpes-Maritimes and the Var....
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Two men and a woman from Beaulieu-sur-Mer have been appearing in court today as part of a judicial investigation into suspected money laundering and t...
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Monaco celebrated its National Day on Wednesday with a blend of religious tradition, military honours and public festivities. The day began with a Te ...
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It’s Monaco’s National Day, with several ceremonies and celebrations happening throughout the Principality today. ...
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Monaco will mark its National Day today, Wednesday 19th November, with a full programme of traditional and ceremonial events, following last night’s f...
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