France Highlights
“He’s still got it”: twenty years later, Zinédine Zidane returns to Clairefontaine for his first training session as manager of Les Bleus
Twenty years later, Zinédine Zidane returned to Clairefontaine to lead his first training session as manager of Les Bleus. Twelve players took part in this symbolic session, marking the promising beginning of a new era for the French national team.
Sailing: a major first for Léonard Legrand in the Route du Rhum
Léonard Legrand is preparing to take part in the Route du Rhum for the first time, with the race set to start on November 1 from Saint-Malo to Guadeloupe. A former electronics apprentice at Sodebo, he rose through the ranks until he took sole command of the Sodebo Fifty, a remarkable achievement that reflects his talent and ambition.
How people were encouraged to use their cars less to get to work
In Grenoble, carpooling lines allow residents to share their commute with their neighbors, thereby reducing traffic congestion and pollution. The system is already operational and offers a friendly, encouraging solution, even though it still needs to expand to permanently change habits.
Sailing: new boat and new ambition for Sébastien Simon ahead of the Route du Rhum
On November 1, 2026, Sébastien Simon will set off in the Route du Rhum with high ambitions, buoyed by his third-place finish in the 2024 Vendée Globe. His new boat, Groupe Dubreuil 2, featuring a fully enclosed cockpit inspired by aviation, gives him an innovative advantage as he aims for the top in the IMOCA class.
Shutters and fans for social housing: following the summer heatwaves, social landlords propose an emergency adaptation plan
The Social Union for Housing is proposing an emergency plan to better protect social housing residents from extreme heat, with the rapid installation of shutters and air circulators. These devices could be incorporated into thermal renovations already underway, prioritizing the regions most affected, to improve residents’ comfort and resilience.
After 18 seasons in the NBA, basketball player Nicolas Batum retires
After 18 seasons in the NBA, Nicolas Batum is retiring at the age of 37, bringing an outstanding career marked by his versatility, defense, and basketball IQ to a close. A former captain of the French national team, he will be particularly remembered for the memorable block that helped send France to the Olympic final in 2021.
Due to the crowds, the British Museum is banning photos at the Bayeux Tapestry exhibition.
Faced with large crowds, the British Museum has temporarily banned photography of the Bayeux Tapestry in order to ease visitor flow and improve the experience. This measure accompanies the exceptional exhibition of this French masterpiece in London, on loan until 2027 as part of a historic cultural collaboration.
European Volleyball Championship: France defeats Romania in three sets to reach the semifinals
France’s volleyball team defeated Romania convincingly in the quarter-finals of EuroVolley 2026, winning all three sets (25–16, 25–19, 25–19). This emphatic victory, led by Théo Faure and his teammates, sends Les Bleus through to the semi-finals and confirms their excellent form.
LIVE, fuel: the government announces aid for “high-mileage drivers,” nurses, home-care workers and fishermen
The government is expanding the €100 allowance to “high-mileage drivers,” benefiting 5.5 million people. It is also extending support for fishers until the end of the year and increasing assistance for nurses and home-care workers based on the number of kilometers traveled, providing concrete support to professionals who rely heavily on their vehicles.
A look back at Mbappé’s exclusive interview: “I have never severed my ties with Africa”
In Madrid, Kylian Mbappé spoke to RFI about his ambition to win the Ballon d’Or, his competitive nature, and his relationships with Didier Deschamps and Zinedine Zidane. He also reaffirmed his attachment to Africa, emphasizing his enduringly strong ties to his roots.
Pope Leo XIV’s visit: with Christ’s tunic on display at the Stade de France, the renewed popularity of relic veneration
On the occasion of Pope Leo XIV’s visit, Christ’s tunic, carefully preserved at the Basilica of Argenteuil despite its disputed authenticity, will be displayed at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis on September 25. This event bears witness to the renewed interest in religious heritage and offers the faithful an exceptional opportunity for contemplation.
“We’re in a factory”: Crous staff under pressure amid the success of the €1 meal
Since May 1, all students have been able to enjoy a €1 meal at university dining halls, a measure that has been very successful. This increased attendance demonstrates the usefulness of the program and improves access to affordable food, even though it places a significant burden on Crous staff.
2027 Budget: Sébastien Lecornu calls on the Socialists to reconnect with “the spirit of responsibility”
For the 2027 budget, Sébastien Lecornu is calling on socialist lawmakers to reconnect with “the spirit of responsibility.” He wants to continue pursuing a compromise-based approach, respecting everyone’s convictions, in order to foster constructive dialogue.
2026 Senate Elections: What Is the Senate For?
The Senate, often less publicized, nevertheless plays an essential role in the functioning of French institutions. The renewal of more than half of its seats on Sunday highlights this important chamber of legislative power and its role in democracy.
Global Good News
Couple Fosters 59 Dogs in Retirement: ‘We love to get them out of the kennels’
Retired British couple Nicole and Gary Wordsworth have fostered 59 dogs from Battersea Dogs Home over the past 15 years. Their ongoing commitment gives vulnerable dogs loving homes, companionship, and opportunities to leave kennels while they await permanent families.
In pictures: 10 years of the Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards
The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards celebrate a decade of hilarious and heartwarming animal photography in a new immersive London experience this autumn. The exhibition offers visitors a joyful way to enjoy unforgettable wildlife moments and appreciate the lighter side of nature.
Rural French Mayors Rally to Save Their Local Cafe-Bistro, and Help Reverse National Trend
A small Burgundy town has successfully reopened its beloved cafe-bistro, Au Bon Accueil, after an eight-month closure, with strong support from the mayor and local council. The community’s effort preserves a vital social and economic hub, offering hope that rural villages across France can reverse the decline of local gathering places.
Historic Philanthropic Gift Will Expand Veterinary Care Access to Millions of Americans and Their Pets
A philanthropic organization has pledged $250 million over five years to expand access to nonprofit community veterinary care across the United States. The historic investment will help millions of pet owners afford critical services, supporting healthier pets and stronger families.
165-Mile Bike Trail Through Minnesota Finally Completed After 30 years, One of the Longest in America
After more than 30 years of planning, construction, and fundraising, Minnesota’s 165-mile Mesabi Trail is finally complete. Stretching from the Mississippi River toward the Boundary Waters, the paved route offers cyclists access to the state’s scenic natural beauty and ranks among the longest paved bike trails in the United States.
Fox Left For Dead After Being Run Over is Now Recovering Thanks to Swimming Lessons
Fox cub Chance is making a remarkable recovery after being hit by a car and left unable to use his back legs. Thanks to hydrotherapy swimming sessions and compassionate care, the young fox is regaining mobility and showing inspiring resilience.
What We’re Reading: 20,000 Salmon Return to the Klamath River
Around 20,000 chinook salmon have migrated up the Klamath River through southern Oregon and northern California. Their return is an encouraging sign of thriving wildlife and renewed vitality in this important river ecosystem.
The ‘National Park’ That Stretches From Coast to Coast
Doug Tallamy’s 10-acre Pennsylvania property is demonstrating how native-plant restoration can transform private land into thriving wildlife habitat. Wood thrushes are nesting again, and rare luna moths have reached record numbers, offering encouraging evidence that conservation efforts can help biodiversity recover.
135,000 Shelter Pets Found Forever Homes in August Thanks to NBC’s Annual Adopt-a-thon
NBC and Universal’s annual Adopt-a-thon helped 135,000 shelter animals find loving homes nationwide this year. The July–September campaign also raised $480,000 for more than 1,000 participating shelters, providing vital support for animals still awaiting families.
Prisoners Prove Unlikely Heroes to Monarch Butterflies Thanks to Wisconsin Correctional Program
Wisconsin’s Redgranite Correctional Institution gives inmates a meaningful way to contribute by raising monarch butterflies, including those unable to participate in sports. The program supports declining pollinators while helping participants build purpose, responsibility, and community connections.
How ‘housing first’ is helping people leave rough sleeping behind
The “housing first” model helps people leave rough sleeping behind by providing a permanent home before asking them to address other challenges. Its striking results show that stable housing can create a strong foundation for recovery, independence and lasting positive change.
With Adapted Sailing, the Sea Is for Everyone
César Maquieira’s lifelong love of the Atlantic has inspired a focus on adapted sailing, helping make the sea accessible to people with disabilities. His story highlights how inclusive programs can open new opportunities for adventure, connection, and enjoyment on the water.