NEWS
Water leak leads to drugs seized - A water leak has led police to discover a squat filled with drugs, weapons, and cash in Nice. Two men were arrested with nearly a kilo of narcotics worth €45,000, along with a shotgun, taser, and drug-dealing equipment. They have been sentenced to 12 and 18 months in prison respectively, while a third suspect remains at large.
Anticipating flooding risks thanks to new tools - A third of the Rhône Valley residents face flood risks according to France’s National Geographic Institute (IGN). Using new tools such as flood-risk atlas with 3D models help authorities, firefighters, and municipalities anticipate varying levels of flooding, road closures, and shifting river courses to better protect populations.
18 September strike - France faces a major nationwide strike on Thursday, with unions across transport, health, education, and aviation joining forces. It is the first united mobilization since June 2023, with unions denouncing “brutal” budget cuts announced this summer. Authorities expect over 400,000 demonstrators, while unions claim turnout could reach one million.
Climbers die in Ecrins massif - Two 27-year-old climbers have died while attempting to ascend the Sirac peak in the Écrins massif, Hautes-Alpes. They were reported missing Sunday after failing to return, and rescuers found their bodies Monday morning at 3,000 meters. Authorities believe they likely fell during the climb. Autopsies will be conducted in Grenoble this week.
Psychology department of Aix-Marseille University still haven't started classes - The psychology department of the Aix-Marseille University has postponed the start of classes indefinitely, citing a lack of resources and staff. Around 1,000 first-year students were left without a rentrée des classes, instead attending a mass meeting with faculty on Monday. Teachers denounce years of budget cuts, saying conditions have worsened and they can no longer ensure quality training.
Retirement home to close due to unsafe conditions - Families of residents are protesting the closure of the Clos Saint-Martin retirement home in Pélissanne, Bouches-du-Rhône, ordered by health authorities over unsafe conditions and mismanagement. They fear the forced transfer of 73 elderly residents, including a 104-year-old woman, will cause serious distress and isolation. A support committee, joined by unions and staff, is demanding resources and reorganisation instead of closure, vowing to maintain an indefinite occupation.
BUSINESS
US Vice-President JD Vance has urged accountability for people celebrating conservative influencer Charlie Kirk’s assassination, saying civility must prevail over political violence. Several professionals have already been fired or suspended for insensitive posts about Kirk’s death. The dismissals have sparked debate over free speech, cancel culture, and employer discretion in politically charged times.
And - Google’s parent company Alphabet is investing £5bn in UK AI over the next two years, funding infrastructure, research, and its London-based DeepMind unit. The company will expand a new £735m data centre in Hertfordshire, powered largely by carbon-free energy, with heat reused for schools and homes. Alphabet, now valued at over $3 trillion, says AI offers huge economic and scientific opportunities, though challenges around jobs, regulation, and energy use remain.
SPORTS
Formula 1 - The British Grand Prix will be one of six sprint events on next year's Formula 1 calendar. The other races to hold sprints in 2026 will be China, Miami, Canada and the Netherlands, which is dropping off the calendar after next season.
Football - Newcastle United have cancelled more than 100 season tickets and apologised to supporters for an "oversight" after seats sold to tour organisers a decade ago were "not detected until recently".
Rugby Union - England winger Immanuel Feyi-Waboso is "touch and go" to make his return for Exeter in time for the start of the Premiership Rugby season.
WEATHER
Partly cloudy with sunny intervals accompanied by moderate to strong winds especially in the Var department. Highs of 26 degrees in Nice and Marseille, 28 in Toulon, 29 in Cannes and 33 degrees in Saint Tropez.
Tonight, cloudy, especially in the Alpes-Maritimes, with temperatures dropping to 19 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, much the same, cloudy patches and sunny intervals with highs of 26 degrees and gentle to moderate winds.
A water leak has led police to discover a squat filled with drugs, weapons, and cash in Nice.
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Around 100 far-right activists have staged an unauthorised demonstration in Nice waving French flags and singing La Marseillaise on the steps of the M...
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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,...
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France is bracing itself for major strike action this week. This Thursday the 18th of September, schools may close, transport workers will strike, cau...
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A major union representing French air traffic controllers has cancelled its strike notice for 18 September...
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