French justice Minister Gerald Darmanin has arrived in Toulon to support prison officers in the city. It follows an incident last night during which a car reportedly pulled up to the gates of the prison and opened fire with an automatic weapon. There were attacks on several other French prisons overnight last night and the National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor's Office has taken charge of an investigation into the incidents, which it is believed may have been coordinated. Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau condemned the attacks and said that the protection of prison officers and establishments would be strengthened.
One person has died and another has been injured in Arles in the Bouches-du-Rhone. The two were targeted by gunfire late last night. Authorities believe that it may have been a settling of scores in the criminal community.
The month of March saw a decrease in road accidents in the Alpes-Maritimes compared to March 2024. The Prefecture said that since the tightening of penalties for license suspensions, 411 licenses were suspended in March. The Prefect called on residents of the Alpes-Maritimes to continue improving their behavior and to respect basic safety rules such as respecting speed limits, prohibiting cell phone use while driving and the consumption of narcotics and limiting alcohol consumption to ensure safer roads.
Seven new municipalities in the Alpes-Maritimes are joining the “Villages of the Future” program. They will benefit from personalized support from government services for their projects, including improving the living environment, access to services and economic development. They join the 15 municipalities in the department that have already benefited from the program since its launch in 2024. The new municipalities are La Penna, La Roque-en-Provence, Lieuche, Roubion, Tournefort, Valdeblore and Valderoure.
President Macron has held a meeting by telephone with Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In a post on social media, President Macron said he reiterated France's support for the security of Israel and its people. He said he had made his position "very clear", saying that "a ceasefire is the only way to ensure the release of the hostages still held by Hamas" and "the opening of all humanitarian aid crossings is a vital necessity for the civilian population of Gaza". The President added that he wanted "peace, as soon as possible".
President Macron is hosting an event at the Elysees Palace this evening to mark the sixth anniversary of the fire at Notre Dame cathedral in Paris. A fire, which devastated the building, broke out in its roof on April 15, 2019. Many of the professionals who have been involved in the restoration process will be awarded the Legion d'Honneur at the event this evening.
A delegation from Monaco has traveled to Madagascar to meet with local partners, beneficiaries of projects supported by the Monegasque Cooperation and the Madagascar authorities. The partnership with Madagascar is implemented through some forty projects involving the public sector and civil society. Since 2016, the two countries have been linked by a health agreement and, since 2022, by a general framework agreement.
BUSINESS
US Vice-President JD Vance has said that there is a "good chance" a trade deal could be reached with the UK. UK imports into the US are currently charged a 10% tariff under President Trumps new tariff regime, with higher rates for cars, steel, and aluminum. Vance said "we're working very hard with Keir Starmer's government" on a deal. In a media interview the vice-president added that "The president really loves the United Kingdom. He loved the Queen. He admires and loves the King. It is a very important relationship. And he's a businessman and has a number of important business relationships.."
China's President Xi Jinping has called on Vietnam to oppose what he called "unilateral bullying" to keep a global system of free trade. The Chinese leader is on a so called "charm offensive" across South East Asia. he'll also visit Malaysia and Cambodia. The trip was planned before the current tariff dispute but it has taken on heightened significance after recent tariff increases.
SPORT
Football.... England women's team assistant coach Arjan Veur-ink is to leave his role at the end of this summer's European Championship. He's been appointed head coach of the Netherlands' women's team. During his time with England he's worked with Dutch compatriot Sarina Wiegman. They were both part of the England outfit that took the Lionesses to the 2022 Euros and the World Cup final in 2023.
Newcastle's assistant manager Jason Tyndall has said that manager Eddie Howe will be back as soon as he's "100% ready". Howe was admitted to hospital last Friday with pneumonia. The club have said that he will miss the next two games against Crystal Palace on Wednesday and Aston Villa on Saturday.
This evening in the Champions League quarter finals Aston Villa are at home to PSG and Borussia Dortmund host Barcelona. Kick off for both matches is at 9pm our time.
Speed restrictions are in place on all major roads in the Alpes-Maritimes today because of a smog alert....
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A Marseille magistrate has been sentenced on the 17th of June in Nîmes for repeatedly avoiding motorway tolls using fake license plates. ...
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A major police stop-and-search operation along France's borders is being carried out today, involving 4,000 police officers, gendarmes and customs off...
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SFR has announced automatic compensation of 100GB of free mobile data for affected customers following a major network outage on the 16th of June....
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French President Emmanuel Macron will chair a high-level Security and Defence Council meeting at the Élysée Palace today Wednesday, June 18th at 4pm, ...
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