NEWS
National Assembly - The Socialist Party (PS), ecologists, and communists have proposed economist Laurence Tubiana for Prime Minister to far-left La France Insoumise (LFI), which doesn't agree with the proposal, calling it "not serious." Olivier Faure, the PS leader, believes in Tubiana's candidacy, noting that three out of four parties support it. LFI Manuel Bompard criticized Tubiana for recently advocating a coalition with Macron's supporters. The first post-legislative Council of Ministers meeting is scheduled for Thursday, where President Macron is expected to accept Prime Minister Gabriel Attal's resignation. This allows ministers who were elected as deputies to return to their parliamentary roles for the upcoming election of the National Assembly president and other strategic positions. Meanwhile, Macron met with party leaders from the presidential camp to discuss the legislative outcomes.
75th Gala of Monaco Red Cross - The 75th Gala of the Monaco Red Cross featuring a concert by Jamiroquai will take place on July 19, 2024, at the Salle des Etoiles, Sporting Monte-Carlo. Hosted by H.S.H. Prince Albert II and Princess Charlène, the event honours Monaco Red Cross donors and showcases their ongoing humanitarian efforts since 1948. Highlights include a gourmet dinner, a prestigious raffle, and a performance by Jamiroquai.
Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom in Saint-Tropez - Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom were spotted this morning at the port of Saint-Tropez. The couple enjoyed a delightful time on the Côte d'Azur with their 4-year-old daughter, Daisy.
Red Alert for Fire Risks - Parts of Var and Bouches-du-Rhône have been placed Today, Tuesday, July 16th, under red alert due to fire risks. With temperatures expected to exceed 40 degrees in some areas, access to several mountains, including all those near Marseille, has been restricted. Road works are prohibited after 1pm. And some rest areas on the A57 motorway, specifically Suvé du Vent and Lauvets, are closed.
Bear Attack - A French tourist was attacked by a bear in Northern Italy near Trentin. The 43-year-old was walking in the woods when the attack occurred. He was rescued by medical staff and airlifted to Santa Chiara Hospital in Trento. His injuries are not life-threatening. Forest rangers are currently working to identify the bear responsible for the attack. In 2023, an Italian jogger was killed by a bear that had then been separated from its cubs and placed in an enclosure.
Injured Policemen - Two policemen were injured during an intervention on Monday afternoon in Cavaillon, Vaucluse. A woman was attempting to stop cars from the roadside. Upon seeing the officers, she repeatedly struck them. They had to use a taser to subdue her. One of the officers has been granted a three-day leave from work. The woman was taken to Cavaillon Hospital before being arrested and will soon be summoned to appear in court.
Drug Trafficling in Toulon - Two men, aged 21 and 33, have been arrested for drug trafficking in Toulon. After apprehending them in the act, the police searched their apartment and discovered over 10 kilos of cocaine, cannabis, and ecstasy, along with a firearm and ammunition. Both men have been summoned to appear in court.
BUSINESS
In France, the three most expensive seaside resorts are all on the French Riviera. Property prices per square meter there exceed those in Paris by a significant margin. Despite a 2.7% decrease in prices over the past year, the market remains strong, especially in Ramatuelle, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, and Saint-Tropez, where prices reach up to €16,083 per square meter. The Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region leads with the highest average prices, attracting both local and international buyers, with notable activity in the luxury property market.
Russian antivirus company Kaspersky Labs is leaving the US following a ban on its software sales and distribution by the Biden administration, citing security concerns over Moscow's influence. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo highlighted risks to US infrastructure. Kaspersky, denying the allegations, will wind down operations and cease US-based positions from July 20, 2024. Its US website has already halted sales. The ban, effective September 29, restricts updates and new business. Violations will result in fines. Kaspersky, active in 31 countries with over 400 million users, plans to challenge the ban legally.
And - Jess Hyland, a video game artist, says the industry is unstable, with widespread layoffs and studio closures following a pandemic-induced boom. Generative AI is touted as a potential solution, promising efficiency and creativity, but many fear it's a cost-cutting measure. Jess notes AI-generated content often requires human correction, changing job roles unfavourably. While some in the industry are optimistic about AI, others worry about its impact on creativity and job security. Indie developer Chris Knowles highlights concerns about game clones and sustainability. Despite AI's potential, the industry faces challenges in balancing innovation with human artistry.
SPORTS
Tennis - Britain's Cameron Norrie beat Jozef Kovalik 7-6 (7-4) 6-4 in the first round of the Swedish Open.
Athletics - Ben Pattison moved second behind Sebastian Coe on the British men's 800m all-time list as Monaco hosted the penultimate Diamond League meeting before the Paris Olympics. World bronze medallist Pattison, 22, ran a personal best of one minute 42.27 seconds for fifth place in a high-quality race.
Rugby Union - Former France international front row Rabah Slimani has signed for Irish province Leinster. The 34-year-old prop won the last of 57 caps for France in 2019, having made his debut for Les Bleus off the bench against New Zealand in 2013.
WEATHER
Mostly sunny with moderate to strong winds in the Var and Bouches-du-Rhône. Highs of 28 degrees in Nice, 30 in Cannes, 31 in Marseille, 33 in Toulon and 38 degrees in Saint-Tropez.
Tonight, bit cloudy with lows of 23 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, cloudy morning, fine afternoon and back to a cloudy evening with highs of 28 degrees and a gentle breeze.
BEACH WEATHER
Mostly fine with highs of 28 degrees in Nice, 34 in Hyeres les Palmiers, and 38 degrees in Saint-Tropez with moderate winds. The sea is beautiful but a little rough reaching 25 degrees. Even if there are some clouds, don’t forget your sunscreen as the UV levels are of 8 and 9 all across the Côte d’Azur.
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