France Highlights
Meeting with Naïka at the Cannes Film Festival
Naïka experienced a memorable first walk up the steps at the Cannes Film Festival, taking to the red carpet alongside John Travolta. Behind the scenes before her showcase, the Franco-Haitian singer shared her dreams of cinema and her journey toward renewed self-confidence. A wonderful spotlight that celebrates her talent and inspires through her authenticity.
This week's series: “Truelove,” “Dutton Ranch,” and “Maximum Guaranteed Pleasure”
La Matinale offers every Tuesday a selection of series to (re)discover, including “Truelove,” “Dutton Ranch,” and “Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed.” Good news for fans: the “Yellowstone” franchise is now expanding to Texas with “Dutton Ranch,” led by Chad Feehan, promising new captivating stories to enjoy on the small screen.
World Cup 2026: Neymar finally included in Brazil’s squad by Carlo Ancelotti, as is Lyon’s Endrick
At 34, Neymar, the all-time top scorer in the history of the Seleção, has been selected by Carlo Ancelotti to play in a fourth World Cup with Brazil in 2026. The list also includes young Lyon player Endrick, as well as Marquinhos, Lucas Paquetá and Bruno Guimarães. A squad that blends experience and youth, boding well for Brazil’s ambitions.
"A crazy responsibility": Gilles Lellouche recounts how he took on the role of Jean Moulin in the film about the Resistance fighter competing at Cannes
Presented on May 17 in Cannes in competition for the Palme d’Or, “Moulin” highlights the inspiring figure of Jean Moulin with Gilles Lellouche in the leading role. This highly anticipated biopic, which the actor spoke about on the “1 p.m. News,” will be released next October. It is excellent news to celebrate the memory of a great member of the Resistance and to introduce his story to as many people as possible.
"Fjord": Sebastian Stan transformed in one of Cannes’ most anticipated films
In Cannes, Cristian Mungiu’s “Fjord” is drawing all eyes, with an unrecognizable Sebastian Stan in a drama inspired by a true story about immigration in Norway. The feature also spotlights Arthur Harari’s “The Unknown Woman” and “The Marie-Claire Case,” which looks back at a historic trial that helped advance abortion rights in France. A selection that resonates with powerful, hope-bearing stories.
Cannes Film Festival: Virginie Efira sets the red carpet ablaze, “Hope” wakes up the Croisette, the controversy surrounding Canal+ flares up again… What to remember from Monday, May 18
The Cannes Film Festival is entering its final week with a Croisette as vibrant as ever, driven by stars like Virginie Efira and the momentum generated by the film “Hope.” Between films in the running for potential Palmes and discussions surrounding Canal+, the news remains intense, a sign of a lively festival that showcases cinema and captivates the public.
World Cup 2026: Cape Verde’s historic squad list for its first World Cup
Cape Verde will take part in a World Cup for the first time in its history, a major milestone for the country’s football. Head coach Pedro Leitao Brito, known as Bubista, has unveiled the list of the 26 players selected for the 2026 World Cup, officially launching a historic and hope-filled journey for the entire nation.
Behind the image: Sophie Adenot three months aboard the ISS
For three months aboard the ISS, French astronaut Sophie Adenot has been exploring life in orbit, balancing daily life in weightlessness with numerous scientific experiments. Her work highlights the challenges and rewards of space research, while inspiring others and strengthening France’s place in the international adventure of space exploration.
Sought-after profiles, anonymity, transplant… Six things to know about bone marrow donation, after the mobilization to save Elio, who has a rare blood cancer
Following the appeal launched by Elio’s parents—Elio, 4 and a half, suffering from a rare blood cancer—a compatible bone marrow donor was found, offering real hope of recovery. This mobilization also had a major impact: in one month, 70,000 new people registered on the Biomedicine Agency’s lists, increasing the chances of saving other patients.
Cristiano Ronaldo called up for a sixth World Cup, a record
Cristiano Ronaldo has been called up with Portugal among a 27-man squad for the 2026 World Cup. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner will thus play in a sixth World Cup, a record, probably his last, in the United States. This is excellent news for the fans, who will once again be able to enjoy his experience and his incredible eye for goal on the biggest stage.
Louvre Museum: Studios Architecture Paris and Selldorf Architects, two firms selected for its transformation
The Ministry of Culture has unveiled the winning project for the transformation of the Louvre Museum, entrusted to Studios Architecture Paris and Selldorf Architects. The plan provides for a new entrance on the east façade and a room dedicated to the “Mona Lisa,” a promising step forward to improve visitor reception and showcase the works.
Ivory Coast squad for the 2026 World Cup: Bonny called up, Haller on standby
Ivorian coach Emerse Faé has unveiled the list of 26 players selected for the 2026 World Cup, with a welcome new addition: the first call-up of Ange-Yoan Bonny, who plays for Inter Milan. This announcement highlights the renewal and depth of Ivorian talent, boding well for an ambitious campaign. Sébastien Haller, for his part, is among the reserves.
"They arrive at secondary school more mature": in the Irish town of Greystones, children are deprived of phones
In Greystones, Ireland, children grow up without smartphones all year round, an initiative praised for fostering their maturity when they start middle school. As the “10 days without screens” campaign kicks off in France, Ireland wants to go further by making the ban on social media for under-16s a priority. Good news for young people’s well-being and development.
Global Good News
College Commencement Speaker Announces He’s Paying Off Final Year of Loans For Graduates to Honor Father
At North Carolina State University’s commencement, the speaker surprised more than 170 graduating students by announcing he would pay off their final year of student loans. He made the generous gift in honor of his father, giving the class a powerful financial boost and a memorable start to their next chapter.
Celebrating 15 Years of Matching Disabled Youth with College Athletes–Over 4,500 Kids Discover the Power of Belonging
Boston-based nonprofit Team IMPACT is celebrating 15 years of pairing children with serious illness or disabilities with college athletic teams, creating life-changing bonds of belonging and empowerment. Since 2011, it has matched over 4,500 kids with teams nationwide and grown into a network of more than 850 programs. The milestone highlights how supportive communities can build resilience and brighten young lives.
18 Rescue Workers Toil for 6 Hours to Save Dog Trapped Underground (Watch Her Joyful Release)
In North Yorkshire, 18 members of the Scarborough and Ryedale Mountain Rescue Team worked for six hours to save a Staffordshire bull terrier trapped 21 feet underground after falling into a narrow crevice. Thanks to their skilled, determined effort, the dog was safely freed and reunited with her relieved owner. The successful rescue highlights the power of teamwork and swift emergency response.
‘It’s so full of love’, the festival for young carers
The Young Carers Festival offers young carers a joyful weekend each year where they can step away from adult responsibilities and simply enjoy being kids. Filled with love and fun, the event gives them a well-deserved break, connection, and celebration of their hard work. It’s uplifting news because it supports young people who care for others by prioritizing their happiness and wellbeing.
Village’s Honored Oak with its Own Stone Wall Wins European Tree of the Year
Lithuania’s 400-year-old Laukiai Oak won first place in the European Tree of the Year contest in late March, ending Poland’s four-year winning streak. Celebrated for its stunning canopy, golden autumn colors, and the way it unites its small farming community, the honored tree is bringing joyful recognition to local heritage and nature.
Jogger’s Call for Help Saves Critically-Endangered Penguin Found Face-Down on the Beach
A jogger’s quick call for help led rescuers to a critically endangered African penguin found helpless on a South African beach. Wildlife veterinarian Catherine Hauw rushed to Brenton-on-Sea and began emergency care. The fast response gave the vulnerable penguin a vital chance to recover, highlighting how everyday people can make a real difference for endangered wildlife.
Over 200 Volunteers Lead Largest-Ever Oyster Reef Restoration Off England’s Portsmouth
More than 260 volunteers gathered at Chichester Harbor near Portsmouth to help launch the UK’s largest subtidal oyster reef restoration project, placing 20,000 native oysters back into local waters. The effort aims to rebuild historic, biodiverse reefs that support marine life and improve water quality. It’s uplifting news showing how community action can accelerate coastal ecosystem recovery.
Endangered Butterflies Are Thriving Behind Bars
In Washington state, conservationists are helping an endangered butterfly rebound by breeding and raising it in a greenhouse located just outside a women’s prison. With host plants, eggs, and larvae carefully tended, the program is boosting the species’ chances of survival while turning an unexpected space into a haven for wildlife recovery.
Students Work to Fundraise to Save Habitat Where They Watch Bald Eagle Chicks on Livestream
A 4th-grade class in California’s Big Bear Valley is going above and beyond by fundraising to help a local wildlife trust purchase threatened land that protects the habitat of bald eagles Jackie and Shadow, whose chicks they watch on a livestream. Their student-led effort is inspiring because it turns science learning into real-world conservation action and helps safeguard wildlife for the future.
Passionate ‘Tortoise Guardians’ Help Critically-Endangered Giant Tortoise Slowly Return to India
In Nagaland, India, local communities have become “tortoise guardians,” shifting from hunting to protecting mainland Asia’s largest and critically endangered giant tortoise. Their grassroots conservation efforts are helping the species slowly return, offering hopeful progress for wildlife in a remote border region where protection can be especially challenging.
What went right this week: the good news that matters
This week brought encouraging progress: a malaria vaccine helped reduce child deaths, a major court win strengthened protections for the ocean, and electric trucks gained momentum as cleaner transport options. Together, these developments highlight real-world advances in public health, environmental defense, and climate-friendly innovation that can improve lives and safeguard the planet.