News
Chikungunya Cases Surge in Antibes - The number of chikungunya cases transmitted by the tiger mosquito is rising sharply near Nice, particularly in Antibes. Since the start of the year, over 100 local cases have been reported in the Alpes-Maritimes region. Other nearby towns like Nice, Cagnes-sur-Mer, and La Gaude have also recorded cases, although, no severe cases have been reported so far. The regional health agency (ARS PACA) reminds residents to avoid stagnant water and seek medical advice promptly if symptoms appear.
Man Armed with Machete Shot Dead Near School in La Seyne – In other news, a man in his thirties has been fatally shot by police near a primary and nursery school in La Seyne-sur-Mer in the Var. The man was reportedly threatening children with a large machete, but no children were injured. Police responded after a parent raised the alarm. Two investigations have been opened. The local mayor praised the swift actions of police and school staff, who quickly secured the children during the incident.
Marseille court approves Nice Airport expansion - The Administrative Court of Appeal in Marseille has approved the extension project for Nice Airport, rejecting an appeal from an environmental group. The court had previously requested an additional environmental and health impact study due to concerns over increased air traffic. Following this, the court ruled that the earlier concerns had been addressed, allowing the airport expansion to proceed despite opposition from local groups.
Nice Mayor’s financial record criticised by Green opposition – Meanwhile, the Green party has sharply criticised the financial record of the mayor of Nice Christian Estrosi, claiming that his justification for tax hikes, to fund investment, is “false”. Citing official figures from the public finance authority, they claim that public debt has increased by 162% since 2008, while overall spending has not risen at the same pace. With elections approaching, the dispute highlights growing tensions over the city’s financial and environmental priorities.
Monaco remembers Dilara and Ayana after fatal 2023 road accident - Friends and family have gathered in Monaco to honour Dilara and Ayana, two students from the International University of Monaco, who died in a tragic car crash in December 2023. The girls were passengers in a car driven by a fellow student who was heavily intoxicated. Ayana died at the scene, and Dilara passed away three days later. The emotional tribute took place at the site of the accident near the Millennium Tunnel, where flowers and photos were laid.
After 67 years, Louis-Notari Library closes to reopen as the new Caroline Media Library - The Louis-Notari library on Rue Louis-Notari in Monaco will close today after 67 years of activity. A festive closing event with karaoke and dancing will take place from 6 pm to 10 pm. The library will reopen in December in a brand-new, modern building called the Caroline Media Library on Promenade Honoré-II, just a few hundred metres away. This new library aims to serve the community for the next fifty years, blending tradition with modernity, and catering to all ages and interests.
Prince Albert II and Princess Stéphanie Celebrate Dr Alain Frère’s 90th birthday in Tourrette-Levens – HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco and Princess Stéphanie have joined celebrations in the hilltop village of Tourrette-Levens to honour Dr Alain Frère’s 90th birthday. Dr Frère is renowned for his pivotal role in founding and shaping the Monte-Carlo International Circus Festival since 1974, a world-famous event created at the request of Prince Rainier III.
Uber to offer helicpter rides - Finally, Uber is set to start offering helicopter trips through its app from early 2026, thanks to a new partnership with an aviation startup, Joby. Destinations on the French Riviera such as Nice, Monaco, Cannes, and Saint-Tropez could be among the available routes.
Business
Hundreds of thousands of workers took part in nationwide strikes across France on Thursday, protesting planned budget cuts and demanding better public services. Trade unions claimed one million people joined the protests, while the interior ministry estimated 500,000, deploying 80,000 police across the country. Clashes broke out in cities including Paris, Lyon, and Nantes, with riot police using tear gas to disperse crowds. Over 300 arrests were made. Union leaders warned more action could follow if their demands are not met.
A long-awaited deal over TikTok's future in the U.S. may be close, with President Trump and Xi Jinping set to discuss terms today. A “framework” agreement is already in place, which could see TikTok’s U.S. operations sold to a group of American companies, including Oracle and major investors.
Nvidia is buying a $5 billion stake in Intel, marking a major boost for its struggling U.S. rival as the demand for AI chips continues to soar. Announced on Thursday, the deal makes Nvidia one of Intel’s largest shareholders (around 4% ownership) and includes a partnership to co-develop chips for personal computers and data centres.
Sport
Football – In the Champions League on Thursday evening, Monaco lost 4-1 to Club Brugge, Manchester City beat Napoli 2-0 and Newcastle United were beaten by Barcelona 2-1. In the Premier League action tomorrow games will kick off with the lunchtime fixture at 1.30pm French time with Liverpool at home to Everton, other matches will see Manchester United face Chealsea kick off is at 6.30pm French time.
Formula One - Oscar Piastri says McLaren are "very aligned" on how he and team-mate Lando Norris will race each other in their title battle. Piastri, leads Norris by 31 points heading into the Azerbaijan Grand Prix this weekend.
Cricket - Nottinghamshire scored a thrilling 20-run victory over title rivals Surrey putting them in pole position to claim their first County Championship crown since 2010.
Golf - Britain’s Charley Hull says she is “looking forward” to playing golf with US President Donald Trump after chatting with him at a state banquet at Windsor Castle on Wednesday. Hull, ranked world number five, was among the 160 guests at the event, which also included six-time major winner Sir Nick Faldo.
Weather
Sunny with a gentle breeze. Highs of 27 degrees in Nice, Monaco and San Remo, 29 degrees in Vence and Sainte-Maxime, 25 degrees in Saint-Tropez with light winds. This evening going down to 19 degrees along the coast with clear skies.
The outlook for the weekend, remaining fine and sunny highs of 28 degrees.
Sunrise 07.14am Sunset 07.33pm
And Finally
A scientist at Mars has revealed that many people have been eating Maltesers the wrong way. Megan Rushman advises popping the whole Malteser in your mouth before crunching down, rather than nibbling off the chocolate or sucking it slowly. This method gives a better flavour experience by evenly coating the palate and balancing the crunchy malt centre with the chocolate coating. A recent poll found that over half of Brits suck Maltesers without chewing, while 26% nibble the chocolate first. Rushman explains that eating the treat whole provides a "multi-sensory experience" involving taste and crunch. This advice follows new research on the best way to eat a Chocolate Digestive biscuit, which is to hold it chocolate-side up, then flip it before biting, to maximise flavour and texture.
The number of chikungunya cases transmitted by the tiger mosquito is rising sharply near Nice, particularly in Antibes. Since the start of the year, o...
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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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