NEWS
What to Expect after the National Assembly's Dissolution - After President Emmanuel Macron dissolved the National Assembly, French political parties are gearing up for legislative elections on June 30 and July 7. The far-right National Rally (RN), led by Jordan Bardella, is leading with 31.4% of the vote and is considering an alliance with Eric Zemmour's Reconquête party, totalling nearly 40% of the vote. Left-wing parties are calling for a "Popular Front" to oppose the far-right. The Republican Party has refused any alliance with Macron's majority. Government officials stress the need for a new dynamic and cooperation, while Economic Minister Bruno Le Maire warns of significant election consequences.
Gas Price Increase from 1st July - The price of gas in France will rise by an average of 11.7% starting July 1, according to the energy regulator. This increase means an additional €124 on the annual gas bill for gas consumers. The increase mainly results from higher distribution costs despite a 20% drop in gas consumption from 2021-2023. Most suppliers, like EDF and Engie, will pass this increase on to consumers. The energy regulator advises consumers to compare offers to find the best deal.
Fraudulent Ticket Resale Sites - Cyber police have discovered 338 fraudulent ticket resale sites for the Paris Olympics, two months before the opening ceremony. These sites either sell tickets without authorization or scam users for their bank and personal details. So far, 51 sites have been closed and 140 have received formal notices. A total of 8.3 million tickets have been sold.
Prisoner Escapee - A prisoner from the Bouches-du-Rhône department has escaped on his way to vote. The 41-year-old prisoner had an exit permit to vote and was accompanied by two men. After casting his vote, he ran off. An investigation has been opened.
30-year-old Woman Dies after Falling from Window - A 30-year-old Moldavian woman has died after falling from the second floor of a building in Fréjus in the Var. Her husband has been charged with murder. He has been imprisoned. His trial is set for the 13th of June.
Philosophical Meetings in Monaco - Philosophical meetings will occur in Monaco from the 11th to the 16th of June. Open to everyone, Monaco has hosted philosophical meetings on the Place D’armes of the Quartier du Port for the past 10 years. The themes covered will be ecology, education, health, women, and the art de vivre. Find them at the Place d’Armes from 9h30 to 10h30, at the café du Théâtre Princesse Grâce at noon for lunch, and in the evening at the Théâtre Princesse Grâce.
BUSINESS
Starbucks costumers have been complaining about their drinks getting more expensive, reflecting broader issues for the coffee giant. Facing inflation-wary customers, unionization disputes, and boycotts related to Israel's war in Gaza, Starbucks saw a 1.8% global sales slump in early 2024. U.S. sales dropped 3%, with a notable decline in rewards members. CEO Laxman Narasimhan attributed disappointing sales to cautious customers and misinformation. Efforts to revive business include new menu items and promotions, but challenges persist. Analysts suggest Starbucks' woes are specific to the company rather than the broader economy.
Shein, a fast-fashion giant popular for its affordability, faces backlash over rising prices, environmental impact, and labor practices. Despite doubling profits to over $2 billion in 2022, its planned London Stock Exchange listing is controversial. Customers like 17-year-old Michaela love the low prices and influencer discounts but worry about plastic packaging and ethical concerns. The company's rapid growth, especially during the pandemic, relies on a "test and repeat" production model and heavy social media engagement. This involves producing small batches of new styles to assess saleability before deciding to move into mass production. Critics, including former customers, are increasingly troubled by its environmental and labor practices, despite Shein's efforts to address these issues.
SPORTS
Rugby Union - Sale Sharks fly-half George Ford will miss England's summer tour of Japan and New Zealand. Ford started at fly-half throughout this year's Six Nations but is currently recovering from a pre-existing Achilles injury.
Golf - Scottie Scheffler holed a five-foot putt on the last to hold off Collin Morikawa and win the PGA Tour's Memorial Tournament by one stroke to claim his fifth title of the year. In doing so, the world number one became just the second player after Tiger Woods to win the Players Championship, Masters and Memorial in the same year.
Athletics - Dina Asher-Smith claimed 100m gold in 10.99 seconds at the European Athletics Championships as British team-mates Georgia Bell and Lizzie Bird also achieved medals in Rome.
WEATHER
Mostly cloudy throughout the region with sunny intervals. Gusts of up to 55 km/h. Highs of 24 degrees in Nice and Marseille, 26 in Cannes and Toulon, and 30 degrees in Saint-Tropez.
Tonight, clear skies in most of the region with lows of 19 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, cloudy with sunny intervals and highs of 23 degrees.
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