Author: France 24

The author and journalist Taffy Brodesser-Akner has been awarded the Grand Prix de Littérature Américaine for her novel “Long Island Compromise” and its translation by Diniz Galhos. Brodesser-Akner tells us about the kidnapping that kicks off this sprawling family saga, and its repercussions through younger generations. We also discuss the pivotal role of wealth and privilege in American society, and why the aspirational lifestyles peddled by the rich and famous prompt such heated debate, after Brodesser-Akner’s profile of Gwyneth Paltrow in the New York Times Magazine went viral.

Palestinian militant group Hamas on Tuesday threatened to delay the start of phase two of the Gaza ceasefire agreement until more pressure is put on Israel to cease deadly strikes, open the key Allenby border crossing and allow more aid into the beleaguered territory.

McLaren driver Lando Norris held his nerve but could not hold back the tears after clinching his first Formula 1 title at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Sunday.

Paramount Skydance on Monday launched a hostile bid worth $108.4 billion for Warner Bros Discovery, hoping to outbid Netflix just days after the streaming giant reached a $72 billion takeover deal with the storied Hollywood studios.

French-Armenian guitarist Waxx has just released a new cover album “Etincelles 2”, which features collaborations with beloved French artists such as rapper MC Solaar and singer Jain, as well as up-and-coming musicians like Solann. He tells Marjorie Hache about this new record and his first book “Shuffle”, which explores the stories behind the songs. They also check out new music from Guns N’ Roses, Sampa The Great and Melody’s Echo Chamber.

As celebrations kicked off marking the first anniversary on Monday of the ousting of former President Bashar Assad’s regime, Syrians are still struggling to heal after the dynasty’s repressive 50-year rule and a 14-year civil war that killed an estimated half-million people, displaced millions more and left the country battered and divided. For in-depth analysis and a deeper perspective, Rochelle Ferguson Bouyahi welcomes Heiko Wimmen, Project Director for the International Crisis Group in Iraq, Syria and Lebanon.

McLaren driver Lando Norris secured his first Formula 1 championship at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Sunday. Although Red Bull’s defending champion Max Verstappen won the race, Norris finished third, just behind his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri, who came in second. This result put Norris two points ahead of Verstappen in the final season standings, clinching the title.

The European Union will release an updated plan this Wednesday to end its dependence on China for rare earths. These critical minerals are considered crucial in a number of high-stakes supply chains, notably in the defence, renewable energy and auto sectors, yet Beijing dominates both their mining and refining globally. Also in this edition, we look at how deforestation may have helped exacerbate recent floods in Indonesia.

British photographer Martin Parr, famed for his iconic depictions of British life, has died at 73, his studio announced on Sunday.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday that he expected the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire to begin “very shortly” once Hamas returns the remains of the last hostage whose body was taken by Palestinian militants during the October 7, 2023 attacks.