News
Strike action - A new day of strike action is planned for today, Thursday October 2nd, across France, including in the Alpes-Maritimes. The move comes in protest against proposed budget cuts and to call for greater tax fairness. It is the third major mobilisation since the start of the school year. However, turnout is expected to be lower than the previous protest on September 18th.
Only one demonstration is planned in the department: a march starting at 10 a.m. from Nice’s main train station to Place Masséna. Tram and bus services in Nice are expected to run as normal. The SNCF expects normal TGV service and only minor disruptions to TER trains, despite calls to strike from several railway unions and at airports 75 air traffic workers have declared they will strike. Some flight delays are expected, but the overall impact should be limited.
A local strike notice has been filed at Nice University Hospital (CHU) by the CGT union. Staff are encouraged to join the rally at in Nice. Though less disruptive than the last mobilisation, Thursday’s strike is still expected to affect various public services — especially in central Nice due to the planned march.
Nice attack - Victims of the 2016 Nice terror attack are demanding further investigation into possible security failures on the night of July 14. During a hearing in Aix-en-Provence on Wednesday, civil parties called for new witness interviews and evidence reviews, including questioning former city officials. The Court of Appeal will announce its decision on January 21, 2026. Lawyers argue key questions remain, including whether the attack was foreseeable and why no barriers were in place. Despite the case dragging on for nearly nine years, victims insist the pursuit of truth must continue.
Covid - Covid is making a comeback in France, with hospital visits rising moderately, according to Santé publique France. A new variant called XFG, a mix of two earlier strains, is now dominant in Europe and the US and is under WHO monitoring. Despite increased cases, the variant hasn’t shown greater severity. Vaccination, especially for vulnerable groups, remains strongly recommended. France’s joint Covid and flu vaccination campaign starts October 14 and runs through January 2026.
Monaco’s growing economy - In a recent press conference, Monaco’s Finance Minister Pierre-André Chiappori has revealed the economy is growing at 5% annually, four times faster than the eurozone average. This surge, driven by major projects like the Mareterra extension, comes without inflation or budget deficits, with the 2025 budget expected to be in surplus. Key sectors include digital marketing, AI, wellness, and construction design. He encouraged entrepreneurs to trust their own innovation over government advice and stressed the importance of collaboration between creators and the state.
Storm Alex - Five years after deadly floods from Storm Alex in 2020, repairs in Alpes-Maritimes are still ongoing and costs are increasing, worrying local mayors. The storm caused major destruction and deaths, leading to a large rebuilding effort focused on stronger, safer infrastructure. Two-thirds of work is done, mainly roads and riverbanks, but water and sewage repairs remain. Costs have doubled due to inflation, and delays are caused by environmental rules and fraud investigations.
Business
The White House has warned that mass layoffs of federal workers will begin within two days, as the US government enters its first shutdown in nearly seven years. The shutdown began Wednesday after Republicans and Democrats failed to reach a last-minute deal on a new spending plan. A vote to end the deadlock failed just hours later, with both sides showing little willingness to compromise.
And - Elon Musk has become the first person in history to hit a net worth of over $500 billion, according to Forbes’ billionaire’s index. His fortune briefly touched $500.1 billion on Wednesday afternoon in New York, before dipping slightly to just over $499 billion later in the day. The record-breaking milestone comes as shares in Tesla—of which Musk owns more than 12%—continue to surge, rising over 20% this year alone. His other ventures, including SpaceX and AI startup xAI, have also seen valuations climb in recent months. The achievement cements Musk’s position as the world’s richest person.
Sport
Football - Manchester City twice surrendered the lead in a dramatic 2-2 draw against Monaco on Wednesday night here in Monaco in the Champions League. City dominated the first half but struggled after the break, allowing Monaco to claw their way back. The result leaves Pep Guardiola’s side ruing a missed opportunity to take full control of their group early in the campaign.
And - FIFA is set to push back kick-off times for major 2026 World Cup matches involving European nations, with some games likely to start after midnight UK time in a bid to avoid the intense heat.
Formula One - Northern Ireland’s Charlie Eastwood has been confirmed as one of three simulator drivers for Cadillac’s new Formula 1 team, set to debut in 2026. Cadillac, backed by American automotive giant General Motors, will enter the F1 grid with race-winning duo Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez.
Tennis - French tennis star Gael Monfils has announced he will retire at the end of the 2026 season, bringing the curtain down on a thrilling 21-year career marked by athletic brilliance, charisma, and staying power.
Weather
Cloudy start with light rain forecast. Highs of 19 degrees in Monaco and Saint-Tropez, 20 degrees in Nice, 22 degrees in Cannes. This evening going down to 15 degrees. The outlook for Friday and heading into the weekend. Sunny intervals with a gentle breeze and highs of 22 degrees.
Sunrise 07.29am Sunset 07.09pm
And Finally
Celine Dion has mad a dazzling return as the face of Charlotte Tilbury’s 2025 holiday campaign. After stepping back from music due to a rare neurological disorder, the iconic singer stars alongside Charlotte Tilbury, performing her hit "I’m Alive" in the festive advert. Their longtime friendship shines through, with both celebrating confidence, resilience, and joy. Featuring new Charlotte Tilbury products, the campaign marks a triumphant comeback for Dion, reminding fans she’s back in the spotlight and shining brighter than ever.
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