Evening Update Thursday 11th of July 2024

NEWS
National Assembly - Far-left LFI leader Manon Aubry criticizes Emmanuel Macron for being in "total denial of reality" after he called for "republican forces" to form a strong majority, ignoring the Nouveau Front Populaire's success in the legislative elections. LFI deputy Mathilde Panot calls it a "democratic coup." In the meantime, senate President Gérard Larcher opposes a Prime Minister from the Nouveau Front Populaire, arguing it doesn't reflect the French people's true will and criticizing their policies. Economist and politician Sandrine Rousseau laments the left's delay in agreeing on a Prime Minister, adding to instability. Socialist Olivier Faure and other left-wing leaders accuse Macron of disrespecting the election results. Meanwhile, Macron's party, Renaissance, is divided on whether to align with the Republicans or the Nouveau Front Populaire.

Delays in Nice Airport - Multiple flights have experienced delays on Wednesday, July 10th at Nice International Airport. Departures and arrivals from Paris Orly, Roissy, and Northern Europe were delayed by 30 minutes to an hour. These delays were attributed to the Olympic Games' opening ceremony and aircraft training sessions for the upcoming July 14th celebrations. The DGAC (General Directorate of Civil Aviation) mandated that civilian aircraft be placed on standby during military aircraft operations.

Final Tribute for Nice Firefighter - A final tribute was held today, Thursday 11th July to honour the firefighter who tragically lost his life on June 25th on the Promenade des Anglais, in Nice. A procession began at the Hancy fire station and moved to the Basilica of Notre-Dame, where the ceremony took place. The procession was joined by hundreds, including fellow firefighters, family members, and municipal police officers. The 41-year-old firefighter was fatally struck by a speeding car whose driver, under the influence of nitrous oxide (laughing gas), had run a red light. During the ceremony, tram traffic has been cut off.

Homicide in Cannes - A suspect in a family homicide was apprehended yesterday, Wednesday 10th July by the Cannes municipal police. The suspect fled after allegedly killing his stepfather but was arrested shortly after while attempting to steal a scooter. The police secured the scene and prevented further danger. The suspect is now in judicial custody, and an investigation is underway.

Lost Gliders in Hautes-Alpes-de-Provence - The Hautes-Alpes prefecture has announced that a glider with two people on board went missing late Wednesday evening in the Crévoux area of the Hautes-Alpes-de-Provence. Extensive search efforts are underway, involving a dozen firefighters, gendarmes, military personnel, and a helicopter. The aircraft had taken off from Aspres-sur-Buëch. The search continues in the Embrunais mountain region.

Meteorite Seen in South of France - A meteorite was spotted on Wednesday evening at 10:57pm in the skies over southern France. Many internet users and specialist websites reported the sighting over the Var and Marseille, describing the meteorite as glowing green with a red trail. It remained visible in the sky for at least 5 to 6 seconds.

 

BUSINESS
A New York jury found Wall Street investor Bill Hwang guilty of fraud and market manipulation, three years after the collapse of his investment fund, Archegos Capital Management. This failure caused billions in losses for major banks. Prosecutors alleged Hwang lied to lenders while making large bets on companies. Co-defendant Patrick Halligan was also found guilty. Sentencing is set for October 28, and both men remain free on bail. Hwang's lawyer plans to appeal, asserting Hwang's innocence.

Ansd - The UK economy grew by 0.4% in May, driven by strong retail and construction performance, rebounding from zero growth in April. Construction saw its fastest expansion in nearly a year, jumping by 1.9%. Meanwhile, the services sector grew by 0.3%. The new Labour government announced measures to boost growth, including reintroducing housebuilding targets and lifting the ban on onshore wind farms. Despite a recent dip in inflation, some Bank of England officials remain concerned about persistent inflationary pressures, making an interest rate cut less likely in August.

 

SPORTS

Football - England will face Spain in the Euro 2024 final in Berlin on Sunday after a last-minute strike from substitute Ollie Watkins sealed victory over the Netherlands.

Cricket - Gus Atkinson's stunning performance of 7-45 highlighted England's potential future beyond James Anderson and put the home side in a dominant position on the first day of the opening Test against the West Indies.

Rugby Union - Harlequins prop Fin Baxter will make his first England start against New Zealand at Eden Park on Saturday. The 22-year-old replaces the injured Joe Marler in the only change to England's starting XV which lost the first Test 16-15.

Athletics - Kenyan marathon runner Lawrence Cherono has been given a seven-year ban for breaching anti-doping rules after testing positive for a banned substance and attempting to mislead the investigation.

 

WEATHER
Fine and bright with highs of 27 degrees in Nice, 29 in Cannes and Marseille, 32 in Toulon and 34 degrees in Saint-Tropez.
Tonight, light clouds with lows of 22 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, cloudy morning with risks of rain and thunderstorms inland, clear afternoon, and risks of thunderstorms inland in the evening that should clear up at night.

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