News
Nationwide strike - 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, against planned budget cuts. Unions have united to pressure new Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu to rethink cost cutting measures and address demands over wages, pensions, and public services. The strike will disrupt schools, rail, and air transport, with 80,000 police deployed across the country.
Locally, no trams will run in Nice and many bus lines will be completely suspended, while others will operate with reduced service. The city is offering free street parking, but heavy traffic is expected as many may choose to drive. Commuters should plan for major delays and disruptions.
Europe’s controversial ‘Chat Control 2.0’ proposal – In other news, the EU is set to vote on a new regulation by October the 14th, 2025, that would require messaging apps like WhatsApp to scan users’ private messages, photos, and videos for child abuse material. While aimed at combating online child exploitation, the plan would effectively raise serious data protection and security concerns. The proposal has sparked heated debate within the EU, with 14 member states, including France, opposing it.
AS Monaco travel disruptions - AS Monaco players and staff were forced to leave their plane at Nice airport on Wednesday afternoon after a severe air conditioning problem made the cabin unbearable. The team’s scheduled flight to Bruges for their Champions League opener this evening has been postponed to this morning.
Congratulations to annual fundraiser - In a spectacular show of generosity and commitment to environmental causes, the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation’s 13th annual fundraiser dinner raised an incredible €570,000 on Wednesday evening to support WWF and the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation. HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco, Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, and Director General of the WWF International Dr Kirsten Schuijt spoke at the event, inspiring guests to support vital environmental causes. This generous contribution will help drive important conservation efforts. Congratulations to everyone involved!
Monaco Business Expo - The Monaco Business Expo returns today to the Sea Club, Méridien Beach Plaza. Now in its 13th edition, the event brings together around 50 local businesses and expects over 900 visitors. HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco will officially open the event, which continues to grow in importance for Monaco’s business community.
Annual Grande Braderie kicks off in Nice - Finally, the annual Grande Braderie in Nice starts today, Thursday 18th September, running through until Saturday, September 20. Hundreds of local shops will offer discounts on everything from fashion to home decor right outside their stores. This event supports local businesses and gives shoppers a chance to grab great deals across the city.
Business
The families of four victims of the Air India Flight 171 crash have filed a lawsuit in the United States against aircraft manufacturer Boeing and parts maker Honeywell, alleging negligence over a fatal design flaw. The legal action intensifies scrutiny on Boeing, which is already under pressure over safety concerns in several high-profile incidents in recent years. The crash is still under investigation, but the families' suit could become a major legal challenge for Boeing and Honeywell if fault is confirmed with the fuel switch mechanism.
Burberry will close London Fashion Week on Monday, with creative director Daniel Lee unveiling his sixth collection amid growing pressure to prove the brand’s turnaround strategy is working. But with sales lagging and investors watching closely, the upcoming show is seen as a critical moment for the brand. Monday’s runway will be a key test of whether Burberry can successfully merge tradition with modern appeal.
And - Meta has launched a new line of smart glasses infused with artificial intelligence, as CEO Mark Zuckerberg pushes forward with his vision of wearable tech becoming an everyday essential.
Sport
Tennis - Tennis legend Bjorn Borg has revealed he is battling an "extremely aggressive" form of prostate cancer. The 69-year-old Swede shared the news in the final chapter of his autobiography, saying he will fight every day like it’s a Wimbledon final.
Football – In the Champions League Liverpool were winners last night beating Athletico Madrid 3-2. Chelsea lost to Bayern Munich 3-1 and PSG thrashed Atalanta 4-0. This evening action Manchester City face Napoli and Monaco play Club Brugge.
Athletics - Jake Wightman says his world 1500m silver medal "feels like gold" after a courageous return to the global stage in a dramatic final in Tokyo.
Weather
Sunny with a gentle breeze. Highs of 27 degrees in Nice and Antibes, 26 degrees in Monaco, 28 degrees in Cannes, 25 degrees in Saint-Tropez with light winds. This evening going down to 19 degrees along the coast with clear skies.
The outlook for Friday and heading into the weekend, remaining fine and sunny highs of 28 degrees.
Sunrise 07.13am Sunset 07.34pm
And Finally
Aston Martin has launched a line of high-end prams with baby brand egg, featuring sleek racing-green and classic grey designs with leather trims. Social media can’t get over the surprise drop—some joked the strollers come with valet parking! Set to hit the market late 2025, these prams bring Aston Martin’s luxury style to family life like never before.
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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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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