Conflict between Israel and Iran, faulty Takata airbags, and initial heatwave in France predicted for 2025.
Every evening, the Libération editorial team picks the day's top news stories in France and beyond that you need to know about.
Iran's Supreme Leader Turns Down Capitulation Amid Ongoing Unrest
The strikes continue on the sixth bloody day of tension between Israel and the Iranian theocracy. In Tehran, just after Iran's supreme leader denies any concession, deafening blasts are heard. While U.S. President Donald Trump insists Iran desires a negotiation, stating, "Iran wants to negotiate, but it's damn too late. I told them: 'Why didn't you negotiate earlier? Before all these deaths? Why didn't you negotiate with me two weeks ago?'" Stay informed on the developing events in Iran.
Dangerous Takata Airbags: More Vehicles Affected by Expanding Recall
The death of a driver on June 11 in Reims has thrust a lingering problem in the spotlight, impacting approximately thirty car brands. Libération provides guidance on determining if you need to replace your life-saving equipment.
Environmental Protesters Disrupt Polytechnique Graduation Ceremony
A group of around ten students have written a speech advocating for the environment, touching on vegetarianism and capitalism. They planned to read this on stage during the Polytechnique, France's prestigious public engineering school under military command's graduation ceremony, initially scheduled for June 13. They hoped to voice their concerns about the school's teachings, over-focused on techno-solutionism, the belief that technology can solve all problems, such as climate change. The school administration rejected their proposal, as confirmed by Libération. Read "The Green Pushback at Polytechnique" for more insight.
France's First Summer Heatwave Looms on the Horizon
France is on the precipice of its first summer heatwave. In the following days, sweltering temperatures will engulf a significant portion of the country. While Météo-France has already placed around 20 departments on yellow alert for June 19, mainly in the western region and the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, the situation will worsen from Friday. Several departments in Poitou-Charentes to Brittany will elevate their alert status to orange. The list of affected zones will be published on Thursday at 4 p.m. Learn more about the heatwave here.
Top Seeded French Tennis Player Needs to Re-Qualify for Wimbledon
Despite her remarkable and heroic run at Roland-Garros, Lois Boisson will have to earn her place in the Wimbledon main draw. The French player did not receive an invitation from the organizers of the London Grand Slam (set to run from June 30 to July 13) and will have to compete in qualifiers, as they announced on Wednesday, June 18. Standout semi-finalist of the Afternoon Tennis Championship, the French player climbed in the WTA rankings (from 361 to 65). Dive deeper into Lois Boisson's journey here.
Extra
France's ambiguous stance vis-à-vis Netanyahu's actions in Gaza and support against Iran: A troubling indecision
Libération contests France's inconsistent approach toward Israel's behavior in Gaza and criticism of war crimes against Palestinians, arguing these actions trivialize the disregard of international law.
Our expert reviews on the week's movie releases
Libération offers insightful critiques on the week's cinematic offerings, such as "Elio", "Loveable", "Peacock", "The Return, the return of Ulysses", "Voyage on the brink of war".
The "Cinema(s) of Iran" festival in Paris rattled by the Israel-Iran conflict
Every year, filmmakers in exile, as well as some still residing in Iran, present their work to passionate French audiences. This Wednesday, June 18, the festival opened in a tense atmosphere, while the ongoing hostilities between Israel and Iran continue unabated 2000 kilometers away. Read about the global repercussions of this war here.
Libération's evening picks include updates on global events such as Iran's ongoing unrest, the expanding Takata airbag recall affecting numerous vehicle brands, environmental protests disrupting the Polytechnique graduation ceremony, France's approaching heatwave, Lois Boisson's unexpected need to re-qualify for Wimbledon, and insights into the week's movie releases. Additionally, Libération questions France's indecisive approach towards Israel's actions in Gaza and criticisms of war crimes against Palestinians. The "Cinema(s) of Iran" festival in Paris faces troubles due to ongoing hostilities between Israel and Iran. Stay informed on these developing stories and more on Libération.
