NEWS
Legislatives - According to the Interior Ministry, the number of proxy votes has significantly increased between the first and second rounds of the early legislative elections, reaching 3.2 million. In the first round, there were 2.6 million proxy votes, four times more than in 2022. Since the start of the campaign, 51 candidates have been physically assaulted, announced Gérald Darmanin. Thirty arrests have been made, with a varied profile of the attackers. Meanwhile, former Minister of Health Xavier Bertrand advocates for a "parliamentary democracy," urging intelligent cooperation if an absolute majority for the National Rally is avoided. Finally, former president Jacques Chirac’s daughter Claude Chirac condemns François Hollande's alliance with La France Insoumise (LFI), expressing her disbelief and supporting the Republican incumbent Francis Dubois in the first constituency of Corrèze.
New Caledonia - 3,500 police officers and gendarmes will be deployed on Sunday, in New Caledonia. Gatherings will be banned on the archipelago from Saturday morning to Sunday evening, and the curfew, in place since the start of the violence, has been extended until July 15, announced the High Commission of the Republic. Restrictions on the sale and transport of weapons, as well as the sale of alcohol, will also remain in effect across the entire territory until Monday, July 15.
Tiger Mosquito - Health authorities in the Var and Alpes-Maritimes have issued a red alert due to a resurgence of the tiger mosquito, which can transmit diseases like dengue, chikungunya, and Zika. The entire southern half of France and some central and northern departments are affected. It's nearly impossible to eradicate once present. To protect yourself, avoid stagnant water, wear long and light clothing, use skin repellents, install mosquito nets, and use electric insecticide diffusers. Tiger mosquito bites are more painful and persistent. Clean bites with soapy water and apply soothing cream. Consult a doctor if you experience an allergic reaction or symptoms like headache with fever, joint pain, or skin rash.
Mafia Leader in Cannes - A Ukrainian mafia leader has been arrested earlier this week in Cannes. A large judicial operation involving fifty soldiers from the Alpes-Maritimes gendarmerie led to the capture of three men of Russian and Ukrainian nationality. The leader, accused of multiple crimes since 2014, continued his criminal activities in Cannes. Investigators seized 16,000 euros in cash, frequency scanners, and night-vision binoculars. The suspects were presented to a magistrate and have been remanded in custody.
Fire in Peymeinade - A fire broke out early this morning in an apartment in Peymeinade, near Grasse. Twenty-eight firefighters responded to the blaze on the ground floor of the three-story building. The 55-year-old resident suffered minor injuries and was taken to the Hospital Centre of Grasse. His apartment was completely destroyed. The cause of the fire is still unknown.
Fall in Marseille - A 19-year-old woman has died early this morning after falling from her third-floor balcony in the 11th district of Marseille. An investigation has been launched to determine the circumstances surrounding her fall.
BUSINESS
Mortgage costs remain the biggest challenge for UK homebuyers, says UK Bank Halifax, but the squeeze from higher interest rates may ease as incomes rise. In June, the average UK house price fell by 0.2% to £288,455. The Bank of England’s base rate is 5.25%, and a potential rate cut is hinted for August 1. Three million households may see higher mortgage payments soon. Currently, the average two-year fixed mortgage rate is 5.93%. Northern Ireland had the fastest regional house price growth at 4%, while London remains the most expensive at £536,306. The property market is sluggish due to high mortgage rates and prices. Labour aims to build 1.5 million homes through planning reforms if elected.
And - Samsung Electronics expects a 15-fold profit jump for Q2 2024, driven by rising AI chip prices. The world's largest memory chip maker forecasts a profit of 10.4tn won ($7.54bn), surpassing analysts' estimates of 8.8tn won. This surge also follows a 10-fold profit increase in Q1. Shares rose over 2% in early Seoul trading. The AI boom has lifted demand for chips in data centres and smartphones, boosting Samsung and the sector. The company may face a three-day strike next week over bonus and time-off transparency.
SPORTS
Golf - World number 236 Hayden Springer recorded the PGA Tour's 14th sub-60 round with a first-round 59 at the John Deere Classic in Illinois on Thursday. Springer, who only earned his tour card via qualifying school in December, also recorded the second 59 inside two weeks on the tour after American Cameron Young at the Travelers Championship on 22 June.
Tennis - Former junior rivals Emma Raducanu and Sonay Kartal will aim to reach the Wimbledon last 16 on Friday when they play their third-round matches. Raducanu is second on Centre Court against Greek ninth seed Maria Sakkari. Fellow Briton Kartal, the world number 298, faces second seed Coco Gauff in the final match on Court One.
Football - It is the hosts versus arguably the best performers of Euro 2024 so far as Germany face Spain in a huge quarter-final match at Arena Stuttgart on Friday.
Cricket - James Anderson has not ruled out continuing to play county cricket after his England retirement, says Lancashire head coach Dale Benkenstein. England's leading wicket taker of all time will play his 188th and final Test match against the West Indies at Lord's, starting next Wednesday.
WEATHER
Sunny intervals with moderate winds near Nice. Highs of 25 degrees in Nice, 27 in Cannes, Marseille, and Toulon, and 28 degrees in Saint-Tropez.
Tonight, clear skies with lows of 20 degrees.
Outlook for this weekend:
Saturday: cloudy with light rain and risks of thunderstorms inland. Highs of 26 degrees.
Sunday: Mostly sunny with highs of 27 degrees.
Monday: Fine and bright throughout the day and the region with highs of 26 degrees.
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France faces a hung parliament after surprise election results on Sunday. Defying many political observers ‘expectations France’s far-right National ...
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According to the Interior Ministry, the number of proxy votes has significantly increased
between the first and second rounds of the early legislati...
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