Evening Update 24 April

The initial investigation into the fire at Notre Dame has found wires powering electric bells, were wired through dusty wooden beams. There was also evidence of cigarette butts on scaffolding. However, it was the 35 minute delay, from the first smoke alarm sounding - to the fire brigade being called, that is most under scrutiny.

Meanwhile international star and resident of Marseilles Pamela Anderson left a charity dinner in the city last night, after discovering money collected for Notre Dame was twice as much collected for local disadvantaged children. Ms Anderson said the suffering children could have used the €100,000, more than the church, which has received over a billion euro in donations.

It will be soon be easier to price property, as the government has put online a database of tax paid on real estate transactions. The move, opposed by estate agents, will allow for more transparency in the market.

Despite the inclement weather, this year’s No Finish Line began on the promenade in Nice this morning, with 230 schools and many celebrities taking part in the first runs. The course remains open around the clock for the next five days, with €1 being raised for charity with every single kilometre run.

Tributes are being paid to Dick Rivers, the Nice rock star from the sixties, who passed away yesterday aged 74. Named after the character Elvis Presley played in the movie ‘Loving You’, Dick Rivers first hit the charts with the hit song ‘Twist in St Tropez’ in 1961.

France and New Zealand are to lead efforts to stop the use of social media to organise and promote terrorism. The Presidents of both countries will co-chair a meeting in Paris next month which aims to get countries and tech firms to agree to eliminate terrorist content online.

BUSINESS

The UK has approved Huawei as a supplier of non-core components, such as antennas, for its new 5G data network. This is despite pressure from the United States to exclude the company.

Boeing has said it is withdrawing its full year 2019 financial forecast, while it works through issues surrounding its 737 Max aircraft, whose software is suspected of causing two deadly crashes. Boeing said uncertainty over when the plane would be allowed to fly again, means it cannot forecast profits. However, a fall in 737 deliveries has already led to a $1bn drop in revenues.

SPORT

Football - French official Stephanie Frappart will become the first woman to referee a mainstream Ligue 1 match when Amiens host Strasbourg on Sunday. Madame Frappart was selected for the game by the French Football Federation to prepare her for World Cup conditions.

Former Barcelona president Sandro Rosell has been acquitted of money laundering after 20 months in prison. The 55-year-old was accused of laundering fees for broadcast rights and a sponsorship contract with Nike. Prosecutors had wanted Rosell to be jailed for six years but Spain's National Court could not prove the allegations.

Formula 1 - Honda will have its first engine upgrade of 2019 for Red Bull and Toro Rosso at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The teams Technical Director said one reason for its early introduction was a quality control issue with the previous engine.

Rugby - Former England winger Topsy Ojo is to retire at the end of this season after 16 years with London Irish. The 33-year-old is the teams all-time record appearance maker and try scorer since his debut in October 2005.

Tennis - The ATP Finals will move from London to Turin after the Italian city was named host from 2021 to 2025. Manchester, Singapore and Tokyo were also on a five-city shortlist to stage the season-ending tournament which has been held at London's O2 Arena since 2009.