Author: France 24

After 18 months of negotiations, Japan’s top steelmaker, Nippon Steel, completed its $14.9 billion acquisition of US Steel. On Thursday, CEO Eiji Hashimoto confirmed that the company granted the US government an unusual “golden share”, giving it more say in strategic issues. Also in this edition, the latest data showing France’s economy is lagging behind its European neighbours and potentially the biggest sale in US sports team history.

Western support for Israel’s right to strike Iran backs up a pattern of “pre-emptive” violence that critics say is further eroding international law and the rules-based order put in place in the wake of World War II, ushering in a “law of the jungle” in which might takes precedence over right – with dire consequences for global stability and co-operation.

Film critic Perrine Quennesson joins Eve Jackson to talk about the latest French films of the moment, including a gripping real-life Kabul evacuation thriller that premiered at Cannes this May. “13 Days, 13 Nights” is the latest feature from Martin Bourboulon, the director behind “The Three Musketeers” saga.

The Bhopal gas tragedy, which happened over 40 years ago, continues to kill people even today. That’s the message brought to France this week by two leading activists who continue to push for justice. The initial leak, which is still considered the world’s worst industrial accident, killed over 3,500 people within days in the central Indian city of Bhopal in December 1984, after they breathed in poisonous gas leaked from a Union Carbide pesticide factory. According to government estimates, more than 15,000 people have died in the years since, although activists say the figures are in reality far higher. In…

Borussia Dortmund and Brazil’s Fluminense played out a goalless draw in their Club World Cup opener. Jude Bellingham’s younger brother Jobe made his debut for Dortmund. In Group E, River Plate eased past Japan’s Urawa Red Diamonds 3–1.

The US Federal Reserve has kept its benchmark interest rate at the current range of 4.25% – 4.50%, as it expects slower growth, higher inflation and slightly higher unemployment by the end of the year than it previously forecast. The move was widely expected, including by Donald Trump, who nonetheless insulted Fed Chairman Jerome Powell again. Plus, Nippon Steel has completed its takeover of US Steel after agreeing to let the US government have significant control in business decisions. 

In this Entre Nous segment we’re focusing on art – but more specifically, how to get children excited about it. We speak to Charlotte Wilkins, an art historian and author who tells us about the benefits of introducing art to children early on.

The UN has recently warned about the dangers of online misogyny, specifically in relation to the so-called ‘manosphere’ – a network of communities that claim to address men’s struggles, but often promote harmful advice and attitudes, as well as false narratives about gender equality. FRANCE 24’s Sharon Gaffney speaks to sex counsellor and therapist Claire Ferrero. She says that online mysogynist influencers prey on the insecurities of young men for profit.

Chelsea kicked off the Club World Cup with a 2-0 win over Los Angeles FC in front of 50,000 empty seats. In Group C, Benfica rescued a point against Boca Juniors after being down 2-0 with an 84th-minute equaliser.

For those suffering from mental health problems, the internet can be a door to getting help and finding a community, but it can also open a user to extremely damaging content that encourages self-harm. Adele Zeynep Walton is campaigning for a safer digital world after her sister Aimee took her own life in 2022, having spent time on a pro-suicide forum. Walton’s book “Logging Off: The Human Cost of Our Digital World” draws attention to a growing, insidious phenomenon.