Author: France 24

Israel is urging its citizens to resist the urge to spy for Iran with a nation-wide advertising campaign launched on Wednesday, saying that the consequences outweigh any financial reward. “For 5,000 shekels is it worth ruining your life/family?” the campaign warns, adding that those caught spying for Tehran face up to 15 years in prison.

Get ready for your ultimate cinema fix! This week on arts24, Eve Jackson and film critic Emma Jones dive into the hottest summer movie releases – from the psychological pandemic drama “Eddington” to the blockbuster reboot of “Superman”, plus the colourful new “Smurfs” adventure. Discover why Joaquin Phoenix’s latest film grapples with the turmoil of 2020, how James Gunn’s Superman brings heart and humour back to the Man of Steel and why Rihanna’s Smurfette steals the show in the beloved reboot. Plus, get a sneak peek at upcoming films this summer, including Luc Besson’s “Dracula” and Pedro Pascal’s sci-fi epic “The Fantastic Four:…

Cold, rigid, and metallic – it’s not a medieval torture device, but the vaginal speculum, a tool used daily in gynecological exams worldwide and often linked to discomfort and fear. Two engineers at Delft University in the Netherlands are now reimagining this decades-old device, aiming to make it less intimidating for patients.

Simon Yates was the strongest rider in the 28-man breakaway on stage 10, winning solo at the top of the eighth and final ascent of the day. This marks his third Tour de France stage victory. Ben Healy took the yellow jersey from Tadej Pogacar by 29 seconds, becoming the first Irishman to wear the yellow jersey in 38 years.

The US Bureau of Labor of Statistics will be releasing its June inflation data this Tuesday, with economists forecasting a slight uptick in consumer prices because of the impact of tariffs. FRANCE 24 spoke to Nela Richardson, Chief Economist at ADP, about the impact of import duties on US inflation. Also in this edition: the French government considers a spending freeze in a bid to find €40 billion in savings and cut the deficit.

At least a dozen people were killed after Israel struck Hezbollah targets in eastern Lebanon on Tuesday, violating the ceasefire with the Iran-backed group. The attack came amid rising tensions between the neighbouring countries as Israel repeatedly bombed Lebanon despite a November ceasefire aimed to end more than a year of hostilities. 

About a year after receiving the all clear from doctors, British comedian and broadcaster Mark Steel released his book “The Leopard in My House: One Man’s Adventures in Cancerland”. Setting it apart from other offerings in the genre is Steel’s dry humour that shines through during some of his bleakest moments. Speaking to FRANCE 24’s Perspective programme, he said it’s all part of the job: “I think the terrible thing is, the mind of the comic goes ‘if I get through this, there’s a show in this’.”

Napping isn’t just for toddlers anymore. Studies show that a daytime sleep can be great for adults too. Afternoon naps have been proven to boost memory, improve job performance, make you more alert, ease stress and lift your spirits! Sébastien Spitzer, author of “Petite philosophie de la sieste” or “Little Philosophy of Napping”, tells us why.

With drums, chants and a mission of inclusion, Swedish fan group the Soft Hooligans have landed in Switzerland for Euro 2025 – bringing good vibes to the stands and pushing for better support for women’s football. The movement began in 2017, when Kajsa Aronsson, 61, and her daughter Estrid Kjellman, 29, were inspired at the Women’s Euros in the Netherlands. 

On Monday, US President Donald Trump announced new “reciprocal” tariffs on 14 countries that would come into effect on August 1 unless a deal was struck before then. Japan and South Korea vowed to pursue negotiations with Washington – as did South Africa – but promised to defend their national interests, setting the stage for difficult talks. Also in this edition, the BRICS summit wraps up in Brazil, with Trump making headlines there too.