Evening Update Wednesday 19th of June 2024

NEWS
Dissolution of GUD - Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin will propose the dissolution of the GUD, a far-right student union, to President Emmanuel Macron. The minister condemned the union's defamatory rhetoric as extremely serious. Four far-right militants had been sentenced to six months in prison last week for participating in homophobic marches in Paris. While in custody, the young men made paramilitary statements and claimed affiliation with GUD and the National Rally (RN).

Guérini Stripped of his Legion of Honour - Former Socialist leader Jean-Noël Guérini has been stripped of his Legion of Honour. Following the Cour de Cassation's decision in March to uphold his conviction, Guérini had already resigned as a senator. The Marseille politician was found guilty of rigging public contracts to benefit his brother. He was sentenced to three years' imprisonment, with 18 months suspended, five years of ineligibility, and a lifetime ban on wearing the distinguished red ribbon.

Cloud of Sand in the Alpes-Maritimes - A cloud of Saharan sand is expected to reach southern France by the end of the week. Météo France has observed a sand bed traveling towards the region earlier this week. Some deposits on surfaces are anticipated. Météo France has issued a yellow alert for the Alpes-Maritimes today.

Air-Pollution in the PACA Region - The prefect of the PACA Region has issued an air quality warning this morning for the Var and Alpes-Maritimes departments. Fine particles and strong winds are expected to raise ozone levels in the Vaucluse region this afternoon. The prefect advises residents to avoid outdoor physical activities and heavy traffic areas, consult their doctor if they are undergoing medical treatment or suffer from respiratory or cardiac conditions, and to ventilate indoor spaces for at least ten minutes per day.

Suspicious Individuals in Les Moulins, Nice - Twenty individuals dressed in dark clothing, some armed with handguns, have been spotted this morning in Les Moulins in Nice. National and municipal police arrested four people, one of whom was carrying a knife. The circumstances remain unclear, but no injuries have been reported.

 

BUSINESS
Chip and Ai Company Nvidia has become the world’s most valuable company after its share price hit an all-time high on Tuesday, closing at nearly $136, up 3.5%. This surge makes it more valuable than Microsoft and Apple. Nvidia's dominance in AI chip production has driven demand, boosting sales and profits. The company's market value now stands at $3.34 trillion, nearly double since the start of the year. Despite fierce competition from tech giants like Microsoft, Alphabet, Meta, and Apple, investors believe Nvidia will continue to grow. However, some analysts question its high valuation and market share sustainability.

Four members of the UK's richest family, the Hindujas, are on trial in Switzerland for alleged exploitation and human trafficking. They are accused of allegedly spending more on their dog than on their servants, confiscating staff passports, paying as little as $8 for 18-hour days, and restricting their freedom. Despite a financial settlement over exploitation, the trial continues for trafficking charges, which the Hindujas deny. Some former servants defended the Hindujas, while Prosecutor Yves Bertossa seeks prison terms and compensation. This case, along with past incidents, highlights Geneva's issues with servant mistreatment.

 

SPORTS
Football - Kylian Mbappe "remains uncertain" to play in France's meeting with the Netherlands after breaking his nose in their opening win at Euro 2024. The 25-year-old striker was forced off during Monday's 1-0 victory over Austria after his face struck opponent Kevin Danso's shoulder in the follow-through from an aerial challenge.

Golf - Rory McIlroy says he will take time away from golf following his dramatic late collapse at the US Open, calling it one of the "toughest" days of his career. The 35-year-old held a two-shot lead in pursuit of a fifth major title - and a first since 2014 - before dropping shots at three of the last four holes.

Tennis - Carlos Alcaraz continued where he left off on the British grass by starting his Queen's title defence with a straight-set victory over Argentina's Francisco Cerundolo. The 21-year-old Spaniard won 6-1 7-5 in his first match on grass since lifting the Wimbledon title last year.

 

WEATHER
Cloudy with sunny intervals and moderate to strong winds across the riviera. Highs of 28 degrees in Nice, Cannes, Saint-Tropez, 30 in Toulon and 31 degrees in Marseille.
Tonight, cloudy with light rain inland and lows of 21 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, cloudy throughout the day and highs of 30 degrees.

Last local news

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