Author: France 24

A daily update on the latest business and economic news. 

Two-time Booker prize-winning author, Margaret Atwood has spent four decades warning what happens when democracy, women’s rights and free expression begin to erode. Today, many readers believe the world has caught up with her fiction. In this interview with FRANCE 24’s Eve Jackson, the author of The Handmaid’s Tale reflects on US President Donald Trump, the expanding book bans in the United States, the rollback of reproductive rights, censorship and why she torched an “unburnable” edition of her most famous novel. 

Nearly 20 years after taking power in Gaza, Hamas said on Monday it would hand over control of the territory to a committee of Palestinian technocrats. The move is a bid to get the ball rolling on the second phase of a peace plan backed by US President Donald Trump and wrest some control of the territory from Israel’s grasp, Middle East expert Jean-Paul Chagnollaud told FRANCE 24.

François Picard is pleased to welcome Eric Klinenberg, Professor of Sociology at NYU and Author of “Heat Wave: A Social Autopsy of Disaster in Chicago”. He challenges one of the dominant assumptions surrounding extreme heat: that technological adaptation alone can protect societies from climate change. Drawing on his landmark study of Chicago’s deadly 1995 heatwave, he argues that mortality during extreme heat is shaped as much by the strength of social ties as by meteorological conditions.

Spain have qualified for the World Cup quarter-finals after beating Portugal (1-0). Cristiano Ronaldo has played his final World Cup match.

A handful of OPEC+ countries have agreed to increase their output targets from August but the cartel is fighting for its survival after the UAE’s departure. A French company is using the Seine to cool down Paris’ buildings. And, Sky says it’s buying ITV’s broadcast channels and streaming service for £1.6bn.

FRANCE 24’s Olivia Salazar-Winspear brings us all the latest from the Avignon performing arts festival, which is celebrating its 80th anniversary. This year, Golden Globe winners, Brazilian actor Wagner Moura and French actress Isabelle Huppert are starring in shows. The festival has also chosen Korean as its language of honour and turns the spotlight on artists from the Mediterranean region. Salazar-Winspear also talks to the co-director of Avignon’s fringe program. It’s known as the “off” in French and features more than 1,700 shows performed in public spaces around the city. Finally, she gives us her recommendation for a fringe show that…

“Allies must ensure that Ukraine receives the support it needs in its war with Russia” according to NATO chief Mark Rutte, ahead of a summit set to take place in Ankara, Turkey. He has also said allies will be announcing contracts worth tens of billions to “deter and defend”. FRANCE 24’s Kethevane Gorjestani tells us what to expect from the summit, and what it means for Ukraine.

Organisers of the Pride March due to take place in Paris on June 27 weekend postponed the event after police ordered them to change the date to relieve pressure on emergency services during the heatwave. A popular music festival has also been cancelled, while public alcohol consumption has been temporarily banned. This comes as hospitals and emergency services are overwhelmed amid a historic heatwave. FRANCE 24’s Emerald Maxwell tells us more from eastern Paris.

Norway beat Brazil 2–1 in the World Cup round of 16. Erling Haaland scored twice (79’, 90’) and is now level with Messi and Mbappé in the goalscoring charts (7).