Evening Update Tuesday 18th of June 2024

NEWS
Jordan Bardella Calls for an Absolute Majority - Jordan Bardella, president of the far-right National Rally, calls for an "absolute majority" in the National Assembly. He emphasizes the need for substantial legislative power. Bardella's proposals include repealing pension reforms starting in autumn, reducing VAT on energy and fuel to 5.5% this summer, cutting specific tax breaks, slashing France's EU budget contribution by 2 billion euros, and reintroducing minimum sentences for drug offenses and attacks on public officials. Additionally, he proposes suspending family allowances for parents of repeat juvenile offenders and replacing state medical aid with an emergency fund solely for critical health needs.

Olympic Flame in Alpes-Maritimes - The Olympic Flame is in the Alpes-Maritimes today. HSH Prince Albert II, Princess Charlene, and Charles Leclerc were among those who carried the flame through the region. It arrived in Monaco at Port Hercule at 2:15 pm, ending at the Rock of Monaco with an exhibition on Monaco’s Olympic history.
Before Monaco, the flame emerged from the sea in Villefranche-sur-Mer at 8:05 am, visited the Citadel, Grasse, Cannes, and Valberg. It returned to the Alpes-Maritimes in Antibes at 3:07 pm, passing through key landmarks.
The flame will head to Mercantour National Park and La Colmiane/Valdeblore, arriving in Nice at 5:56 pm. It will travel along the Baie des Anges for 9.2 km, ending at Quai des États-Unis in Nice at 7:20 pm.

Actress Anouk Aimee has Died - The 92-year-old actress Anouk Aimée passed away in her Paris apartment. She was renowned for her role in Claude Lelouch's 1966 film 'Un homme et une femme'. The news was announced this morning on social media by her daughter.

Lycee Albert Ier Renovation in 2025-2026 - The Princely government plans to relocate Lycée Albert Ier students within two years to Collège Charles III in l’Annonciade. All 800 students will move to the new location for the 2025-2026 academic year to allow major energy and insulation renovations at Lycée Albert Ier. As part of its environmental policy, the government will replace the school's gas-fired boiler with a central air conditioning system. Preliminary electrical capacity upgrades were made last year without significant internal opposition.

Food Retaliers will be Opened on Sundays - Food retailers in Marseille and Aix-en-Provence will be allowed to open every Sunday this summer until September 8. The Bouches-du-Rhône prefect made this decision in anticipation of the large crowds expected for the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

A Man has been Stabbed in the Neck with a Broken Bottle - A man has been stabbed in the neck with a broken bottle in the early hours of this morning in Nice. During a brawl in a pub, a 24-year-old attacked a 19-year-old with a broken bottle before fleeing the scene. The police apprehended the attacker, who is now in custody.

A Man has been Shot in Marseille - A man has been found dead last night in Marseille. A 32-year-old man was in the passenger seat of a car with a bullet wound to his face last night near the tourist area of Malmousque in Marseille. CCTV footage led to the arrest of a suspect in the early hours of the morning. An investigation for murder has been launched.

 

BUSINESS
Spain's renewable energy capacity has surged, with wind power doubling and solar energy increasing eightfold since 2008, making it the EU's second-largest producer after Sweden. Since 2018, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has promoted renewables by removing barriers and offering subsidies. Despite economic recovery post-Covid, electricity demand has declined due to improved efficiency and more renewable use. This has led to occasional excess electricity and low prices, challenging investment in renewables. Experts call for faster electrification and better energy storage to balance supply and demand.

The US government has sued Adobe, alleging it violated consumer protection laws with hidden termination fees and a complicated cancellation process. The FTC claims Adobe did not clearly disclose subscription terms and early cancellation charges, making it difficult for customers to cancel. Adobe disputes the claims and plans to fight the lawsuit, insisting its cancellation process is simple and transparent. The FTC's complaint seeks to stop Adobe's practices and impose financial penalties.

 

SPORTS
Football - Kylian Mbappe suffered a broken nose during France's opening game at Euro 2024 but will not need immediate surgery. The French Football Federation said a mask will be made for their captain, but it is not yet known if he will play against the Netherlands on Friday.

Cricket - Nicholas Pooran hit a stunning 98 as West Indies prepared for a Super 8s match against England at the T20 World Cup with a 104-run victory over Afghanistan.

Athletics - Jamaica's five-time Olympic champion Elaine Thompson-Herah will not defend her 200m title at this summer's Games in Paris. The 31-year-old has decided not to compete in the 200m at the upcoming Jamaican trials but will still race in the 100m. Thompson-Herah appeared to sustain an injury during the 100m at the NYC Grand Prix earlier this month.

 

WEATHER
Mostly sunny with cloudy intervals across the region. Moderate to strong winds near Nice. Highs of 28 degrees in Nice, 29 in Cannes and Saint-Tropez, 32 in Toulon and 33 degrees in Marseille.
Tonight, clear skies with lows of 18 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, sunny with cloudy intervals and highs of 26 degrees.

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