Evening Update Monday 24th of June 2024

NEWS
Today's Press Conference - Jordan Bardella, leader of the far-right Rassemblement National party (RN), has outlined the party's priorities for a "national unity government" if they win the legislative elections. He proposed banning mobile phones and implementing school uniforms to enhance school discipline. Meanwhile, Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire criticized both far-left and far-right extremes, highlighting antisemitic remarks from the Nouveau Front Populaire. At the same time, trade unionist Laurent Berger expressed concerns over the RN's potential rise, urging positive alternatives. President Macron and his team emphasized the need for a change in governance methods. And on the left, internal disagreements persist over leadership, with former President François Hollande urging Jean-Luc Mélenchon to step aside.

New Number for Animal Abuse Reports - A new number, 3677, is now available across France to report animal abuse. Operating like an emergency service, it can be reached from 9am to 7pm on weekdays and 10am to 5pm on weekends. The National Council for Animal Protection launched this initiative with a budget of 300,000 euros to better coordinate efforts against animal abuse.

Car Crash on the A8 Motorway - A car crash occurred at 6am at the N33 Trets interchange on the A8 motorway. As a result, the motorway was closed in the direction of Nice to allow a helicopter to rescue the victims. The accident caused a 9km traffic jam, which is now under control.

Needle Pricks in the Alpes-MAritimes - Police have launched an investigation after reports of needle pricks at this weekend’s "Promenade en fête" event in Cagnes-sur-Mer. The Grasse Public Prosecutor's Office is investigating for administering harmful substances (GHB) with premeditation. Four people reported pricks to civil protection, prompting an early end to the festival. In total, 14 people have filed a complaint over the weekend in the Alpes-Maritimes. Local gendarmeries are handling the investigations.

Indictment for Attempted Murder - The Grasse Public Prosecutor's Office has confirmed the indictment of a man for attempted murder of a minor under 15 and attempted murder by a spouse in Vence. Currently hospitalized, he will be sent to prison once discharged. He allegedly attacked his ex-wife and two of their children. The ex-wife disarmed him and retaliated with a chopper. She was questioned but released as a protected witness. One child, seriously injured, was operated on at Pasteur II hospital in Nice and is no longer in danger.

Col of Allos Closed for the Summer - The Col of Allos in Alpes-de-Hautes-Provence will remain closed this summer due to rockslide risks. Winter weather damaged the routes, prompting maintenance work this summer. The closure will affect local businesses, but the department plans financial compensation for impacted restaurants.

Belgian Cyclist hit in the Vaucluse - A Belgian cyclist was struck by a truck on Sunday, June 23rd, in Sault, Vaucluse. The truck attempted to overtake her but had to swerve back due to an oncoming car, resulting in the collision. The cyclist sustained severe injuries and was airlifted to a hospital in Marseille.

 

BUSINESS
US prosecutors have recommended criminal charges against Boeing for allegedly violating a settlement related to two fatal 737 Max crashes that killed 346 people. The United States Department of Justice (DoJ) has until July 7 to decide. Boeing denies breaching the agreement. The 2021 settlement included a $2.5bn fine and deferred prosecution. Relatives of the victims urge a $25bn fine and criminal prosecution. Boeing's leadership faces criticism over safety and compliance issues. Outgoing CEO Dave Calhoun, who leaves at the end of 2024, testified about improvements, but concerns remain about the company's culture and recent production issues.

An application to build a solar farm inside the New Forest National Park has been rejected. Enviromena Project Management UK Ltd proposed over 12,000 solar panels on a 9.85-hectare site at Thornlands Farm, Netley Marsh. The project, which would provide 6MW of renewable energy, enough to power nearly 2500 homes per year, was deemed a "major development" and against national policy by the New Forest National Park Authority. The National Park Authority (NPA) also cited insufficient evidence regarding wildlife impact and grazing needs. While supporting small-scale renewable energy projects, the NPA opposed this large-scale development.

 

SPORTS
Cricket - South Africa are through to the T20 World Cup semi-finals after a tense three-wicket win on the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method over co-hosts West Indies in a winner-takes-all Super 8s match.

Football - Furious Scotland head coach Steve Clarke has railed against the decision not to award his side a penalty as they crashed out of Euro 2024 in dramatic fashion, Losing 1-0 to Hungary.

Tennis - Britain's Andy Murray has not yet decided on whether he will play at Wimbledon, his Davis Cup captain Leon Smith has said. Meanwhile, Jannik Sinner claimed his first title as world number one with victory over Hubert Hurkacz at the Halle Open.

Athletics - World champion Noah Lyles won the 100m at the US Olympic trials to qualify for this summer's Games in Paris.

Cycling - Tom Pidcock won his second gold medal in just over 24 hours in his final mountain bike race before this summer's Olympics.

 

WEATHER
Mostly cloudy with chances of rain and risks of thunderstorms inland. Highs of 24 degrees in Nice and Cannes, 26 in Toulon and Marseille, and 28 in Saint-Tropez.
Tonight, cloudy with lows of 18 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, cloudy with chances of light rain on the Riviera and thunderstorms inland. Highs of 23 degrees.

Last local news

Activist Placed in Provisional Detention

A 34-year-old activist has been placed in provisional detention in Nice for antisemitic posts on social media. ... Activist Placed in Provisional Detention Read More

19/09/2024

Evening Update Thursday 19th September 2024

According to reports, no PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) have been found in a May 2024 tap water sample from Mazan, Opio, Nice, and Marseil... Evening Update Thursday 19th September 2024 Read More

19/09/2024

Mayor of Nice calls for temporary border checks

Following Germany's decision to reintroduce identity checks at its borders the mayor of Nice Christian Estrosi has called for a similar measure betwee... Mayor of Nice calls for temporary border checks Read More

17/09/2024

French and Riviera News Thursday 19th September 2024

According to a recent study carried out in France, eight out of ten out of date painkillers sold over the counter, such as paracetamol, remain 90% eff... French and Riviera News Thursday 19th September 2024 Read More

19/09/2024

Evening Update Wednesday 18th September 2024

Menton's mayor, Yves Juhel, supports the call made by Nice's mayor, Christian Estrosi, for the reintroduction of temporary border controls at the Fren... Evening Update Wednesday 18th September 2024 Read More

18/09/2024