Author: France 24

Three people have died and three others are ill ⁠after a Netherlands-based cruise ship in the Atlantic was hit by a suspected outbreak of hantavirus. The virus is transmitted to humans through infected wild rodents, such as mice or rats, which shed the virus in their saliva, urine and droppings. In rare cases, it can also spread from human to human. FRANCE 24’s Environment Editor Valerie Dekimpe tells us more.

A slender home victory over Nantes on Friday evening saw high-flying Lens guarantee a return to the Champions League next season after a three-year absence. The only goal of the game was scored late on by 16-year-old Mezian Mesloub, who had only just come on for his professional debut.

In the second week of the trial pitting Elon Musk against OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, former board member Shivon Zilis took the stand before judge and jury. Zilis is romantically involved with Musk as he is the father of her four children. In this edition, we look back at what pushed the tech magnate to file this lawsuit to begin with and put in context Zilis’s testimony that Musk wanted OpenAI to be a subsidiary of Tesla. Also in this segment: FIFA boss Gianni Infantino defends the 2026 World Cup’s high ticket prices.

Mark Owen is pleased to welcome Angelo Amante, Reuters correspondent in Rome. Russia has returned to the 2026 edition of the Venice Biennale for the first time since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Its presence has triggered protests from activists, artists and political dissidents, who argue that culture itself has become an extension of state power and warfare.

Since the Middle East war erupted in late February, Jordan’s ancient city of Petra has been all but abandoned by the usual crowds of tourists that flock to the site every year.

As the Hantavirus-ridden vessel heads for the Spanish Canary islands with 140 passengers on board, a second cruise ship passenger has tested positive in a Dutch hospital. It emerged on Thursday that dozens of passengers disembarked the ship nearly two weeks after a man died on board, leaving health professionals to track where the virus came from, and where it might have gone since. Story by Antonia Kerrigan.

With PSG on the brink of history, following a very tight semi-final match against German powerhouse Bayern-Munich, Oliver Farry is pleased to welcome Victor Bolorunduro, Reporter for The Peninsula Qatar. The reigning European champions will now face Arsenal. According to Bolorunduro, PSG has discovered a “cohesiveness” and developed “a remarkable improvement from one match to another.” He places PSG’s current form within a broader narrative of European football evolution, once criticized for inconsistency, now “on the verge of retaining the title” for another year. 

The war with Iran has prompted many economies to reevaluate their energy needs and strategy. In Europe, several countries are considering reviving the use of nuclear power. Sweden, Belgium, and Italy are among those rolling back previous restrictions, while France and the UK are spearheading new nuclear projects.

She took the world by storm with her “Hit Me Hard and Soft” tour; Billie Eilish returns to the global stage now via the big screen. The pop star has joined forces with director James Cameron, best known for “Titanic” and “Avatar”, to bring her live performances to cinemas in 3D format. 

The United Arab Emirates says it’s responded to fresh missile and drone attacks by Iran this Friday. The strikes come hours after the US says three of its navy destroyers in the Strait of Hormuz were targeted. President Donald Trump ordered retaliatory strikes – but then downplayed the hostilities and said the ceasefire still stands. Analysis by Douglas Herbert, FRANCE 24 international affairs commentator.