Author: France 24

François Picard is pleased to welcome Dana Thomas, Paris-based journalist, specialising in fashion and culture, and author of “Deluxe: How Luxury Lost Its Luster”. For decades, allegations of sexual exploitation in the fashion industry, spanning the globe, have resurfaced, often surrounding powerful figures whose deaths have complicated any semblance of accountability. In the wake of Daniel Siad’s sudden death, Thomas offers a scathing indictment of the systemic failures within French law enforcement, the modelling industry, and the highest echelons of power. 

The US on Wednesday is set to announce a deal with Saudi Arabia that would allow the oil-rich Gulf nation to enrich uranium, according to US media reports. Riyadh has long asserted its right to a civilian nuclear programme, but Israel and several policy experts warn that it could spark a nuclear proliferation threat in the region. 

Remco Evenepoel won the individual time trial on Stage 16 of the Tour de France, 2 days after his victory at Plateau de Solaison. The three-time world time trial champion finished 28 seconds ahead of Tadej Pogacar and 1’04” clear of Mattias Skjelmose, between Évian and Thonon. The Belgian remains second overall, 4’32” behind the Slovenian in the yellow jersey. 

EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic and his Chinese counterpart are meeting in Brussels as Europe prepares countermeasures to battle a flood of cheap imports. Also, oil prices climb after a weekend of renewed strikes between the US and Iran, and South Korea unveils a massive new investment in chip production.  

French lawmakers are expected to pass a bill on July 21st banning social media access to children under 15. If approved, France would follow Australia’s lead, where the world’s first ban ​for under-16s ‌on platforms including Facebook, Snapchat, TikTok and YouTube came into ⁠force in December, as concerns grow over the impact social media has on the health and safety of minors.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun is in Washington to meet with US President Donald Trump in the first official visit by a Lebanese head of state since 2009. It comes at a moment of high stakes for the country. Israeli forces are now occupying a significant portion of southern Lebanon following rocket attacks by Hezbollah on northern Israel. Tel Aviv insists that the Iran-backed militia be disarmed before it withdraws, something the Lebanese army is likely unable to accomplish. As a result, Israel has launched a ‘”pilot programme'” for “safe zones”, which effectively sees Israel hand control of three Lebanese villages…

Ebola is continuing to spread in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Two new provinces in the country have registered new cases. Aid workers warn that the disease is outpacing the health response. Details by FRANCE 24 correspondent in Kinshasa, Emmet Livingstone.

Spain reunited with their supporters in Madrid less than 24 hours after winning the World Cup final against Argentina (1-0, after extra time). The players of La Roja, alongside head coach Luis de la Fuente, presented the trophy upon their arrival at the airport before taking part in celebrations across the capital. More than 1 million people attended the parade, which ended with a major concert at Cibeles Square.

Former Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham is set to become the United Kingdom’s new Prime Minister this Monday. He will do so having reiterated a commitment to help raise the standard of living in the country. However, the Labour leader’s agenda will be tested by the country’s financial situation and his prior commitments, both of which will limit the scope of his plans. In this segment, we’ll look at how his policies promise to deliver higher growth in the short and long term.  

Welsh ​pop ​singer Bonnie Tyler, famed for ​1980s ‌power ⁠ballads ‌such as “Total ⁠Eclipse of the Heart” ​and “Holding ‌Out for a  Hero”, ​has died at the age ​of 75, ​BBC ​News reported ​on Thursday.