National News
EU entry-exit system is expected to be delayed again - The EU entry-exit system which will introduce fingerprinting and facial recognition checks at ports and airports is expected to be delayed again. The delay comes amid fears over congestion and long queues. The new system (EES) was expected to be introduced on November 10th or at the latest the 17th. However, it is understood three countries, France, Germany and the Netherlands, have announced that they will not be ready, expressing concerns about the lack of testing of the system in the field as well as raising new questions about the target launch date. The project has already been delayed twice. It was due to be introduced last summer before France expressed concerns that it would have an adverse impact on the rugby World Cup last autumn and this summer’s Olympics.
Local News
Silent march in memory of young girl killed in a road accident - A silent march or “marche blanche” is to be held this Sunday the 22nd of September in Vallauris, in memory of 7-year-old Kamilya. The event was announced on Facebook by the young girl’s father and family. Kamilya was fatally hit and killed by a 19-year-old motorcyclist on August 29th. The gathering will leave at 10 am from Place Cavasse in Vallauris on Sunday. Meanwhile, reports in local media on Tuesday claimed that new surveillance footage from the accident has cast a doubt on the motorcyclist’s version of events. The video shows the 19-year-old doing a wheelie for several seconds and possibly using his phone while driving. Despite claiming his wheel lifted unintentionally, the evidence suggests otherwise.
Mayor of Nice calls for Temporary Boarder Checks - Following Germany's decision to reintroduce identity checks at its borders the mayor of Nice Christian Estrosi has called for a similar measure between France and Italy. In a press release, Estrosi, called for "the temporary reinstatement of controls at the borders of Menton and Montgenèvre. The mayor argues that the temporary controls would make it possible to "fight against migrant smugglers who exploit them for financial gain”.
Drugs seized in Avignon - Nearly a ton of cannabis and several kilos of cocaine has been seized by customs officers in the Avignon. Four people were arrested after the drugs were found in the back of a heavy goods vehicle during a road check on September 15th. The investigation continues and is believed to be part of a larger drugs trafficking ring in the region.
Antibes sees positive results for the summer season - The mayor of Antibes Jean Leonetti has announced positive summer season results, with an increase of almost 20% in foreign tourists this summer. Events held during the summer season attracted record numbers this year and the mayor’s goal is to continue. Speaking to local media Leonetti has expressed his wish to not increase the numbers during July and August but to continue the tourism attractiveness over four seasons offering activities all year round. This goal will start in October with Antibes being the finishing port for the “Ultim” sailing race from the northwest coast of France and then in November with the “Azur Freestyle”, a meeting of stars from skateboarding to BMX.
Paper holiday vouchers used to travel with the SNCF to be scrapped - Train travellers have been warned that the SNCF will no longer be accepting paper holiday vouchers or “chèques vacances” from January 1st. A chèques vacances is a voucher, partly paid for by employers, entitling employees to holiday travel at a reduced price. The SNCF will, however, continue to accept electronic checks. The move comes due to the decline in the use of the paper version of the voucher. It is possible to convert your physical checks into digital versions via the ANCV website and by sending checks by registered post. The purchase of train tickets with holiday vouchers represents 2% of all ticket sales for the SNCF.
Train Traffic on the 19th of September – Meanwhile, local train services will run as scheduled for tomorrow’s Champions League match between AS Monaco and FC Barcelona. The planned rail works on September 19th have been postponed for the event. Further discussions on alternative work plans will take place in a meeting on Friday.
New animal shelter - H.S.H. Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene, President of Monaco's Society for the Protection of Animals (SPA), have officially inaugurated the new animal shelter in Peille. The event, attended by Monegasque and French authorities, marks a significant step in the Principality's commitment to helping abandoned and mistreated animals. Built in 24 months, the shelter can house up to 40 dogs, 50 cats, and other small animals, offering a safe haven for animals in distress.
New kit for OGC Nice - Local football team OGC Nice have unveiled their new kit for the club's 120th anniversary. It’s the club’s third kit and while the colours remain identical the stripes have been somewhat modernised. OGC Nice will be sporting their new attire for the first time in Friday night’s match against AS Saint-Etienne. For fans the new kit will be available from this morning at 10am on the Le Coq Sportif and club websites, as well as in the OGC Nice store on Place Masséna.
Rallye Panoramique – Finally, to mark World Alzheimer’s week Monaco will be holding its “Rallye Panoramique” tomorrow Thursday 19th September. The event gives patients from two establishments in the Principality the chance to ride in a classic car indulging in the panoramic views around the Principality alongside drivers which have volunteered to take part in the week of awareness of Alzheimer’s.
Business
Boeing and its largest union will resume contract talks today Wednesday 18th September, in the presence of federal mediators, after failing to agree on key issues of wages and pensions. Last week, 94.6% of union members went on strike, including workers who produce Boeing's top-selling 737 MAX and other jets in the Seattle and Portland areas.
The owner of the Guardian newspaper has confirmed it is in talks to sell the Observer, the world's oldest Sunday newspaper. Tortoise media has approached Guardian Media Group (GMG) with an offer to invest around £25m over the next five years on the "editorial and commercial renewal" of the Observer. Tortoise was launched five years ago by James Harding, a former BBC News chief and a former editor of the Times newspaper.
And - Under new plans by the mayor of London, traffic on the capital’s most popular shopping area could soon be banned. A scheme announced by Sadiq Khan could see a part of Oxford Street - between Oxford Circus and Marble Arch - pedestrianised with the aim of boosting the experience of shoppers, residents, workers and tourists.
Sport
Football – Harry Kane enjoyed another record-breaking night for Bayern Munich as they became the first team to score nine goals in a Champions League game. Meanwhile, Liverpool claimed an assured victory at AC Milan on their Champions League return to firmly bounce back from Saturday's shock defeat by Nottingham Forest with a 3-1 win over AC Milan.
Athletics - Glasgow is to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games after a deal was backed by the Scottish government. A scaled-down version of the event, featuring fewer sports and athletes, will return to the city 12 years after it last hosted the Games. The Australian state of Victoria was originally chosen to stage the multi-sport event but withdrew as host due to rising costs.
Cricket – Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney are reportedly in talks to buy shares in a cricket team as part of their latest foray into the world of sport. The pair bought Wrexham AFC back in 2020 and oversaw the club's return to the English Football League (EFL) for the first time in 15 years.
Weather
Cloudy with rain forecast by this afternoon. Highs of 22 degrees in Monaco and Nice, 23 degrees in Cannes and Saint-Tropez. Strong wind in the Var. This evening going down to 15 degrees along the coast.
The outlook for Thursday and Friday, sunny intervals to start, clearing by the afternoon. Should remain dry with highs of 24 degrees.
Sunrise 07.13am
Sunset 07.34pm
Weather elsewhere
London 24° sunny intervals.
Madrid 27° sunny intervals.
Amsterdam 23° sunny.
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The EU entry-exit system which will introduce fingerprinting and facial recognition checks at ports and airports is expected to be delayed again....
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