Author: Grace Johnson

A deal over TikTok may be near. US President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping will discuss terms on Friday. Officials from both nations reached a “framework” agreement this week. Reports suggest TikTok’s US operations could be sold to American firms. If it succeeds, one expert called it a “rare breakthrough” in US-China trade relations. It could close a dispute that has dominated headlines for years. Observers now debate what the deal means for TikTok’s 170 million US users and what Beijing gains in return. Washington may not unlock TikTok’s algorithm Chinese state media labelled the talks a “win-win”.…

Meta has unveiled smart glasses powered by artificial intelligence. The company hopes they will become everyday essentials for users worldwide. New devices at Meta Connect At the Meta Connect developer conference, CEO Mark Zuckerberg presented several products created with Ray-Ban and Oakley. Among them was a neural wristband. It pairs with the Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses and allows users to send messages through small hand gestures. The announcement came as Meta faces continuing criticism over the impact of its platforms. Concerns focus heavily on risks to children. Zuckerberg called the innovation a “huge scientific breakthrough.” He spoke before hundreds of…

Food prices increased again in August, the fifth monthly rise in a row. Official figures show the fastest pace since early last year. The cost of food and non-alcoholic drinks climbed 5.1% over the year. Beef, butter, milk and chocolate saw the sharpest jumps. Slower growth in areas such as air fares held overall inflation steady at 3.8%, unchanged from July. Economists said supermarkets are passing higher wage and National Insurance costs directly onto consumers. Bank of England faces tough choices Inflation remains well above the Bank of England’s 2% target. Analysts expect the central bank to keep interest rates…

Paris saw a new sports milestone this week as 16-year-old Camille Dubois set a national record in the 100m freestyle at a regional swimming championship. Her achievement is drawing attention to France’s growing pool of young sports talent. Dubois completed the 100-meter freestyle in a record-breaking 53.21 seconds, surpassing the previous national mark. Coaches and fans praised her performance, noting her discipline and strong training routine that contributed to this success. Dubois’s record comes at a time when France is investing heavily in youth sports programs. Local swimming clubs and schools are providing better training facilities and coaching, encouraging more…

Roland Garros is ready for a bigger and better French Open as organizers unveil key stadium upgrades. Tennis fans in Paris are buzzing with excitement ahead of the annual tournament. The improvements include new seating areas that promise better comfort and views for spectators. In addition, fan engagement zones have been added to make the experience more interactive. Visitors can now enjoy more than just matches, with spaces for games, food, and photo opportunities. Players have also noticed the changes. Many praised the upgraded facilities during practice sessions at the venue. They said the new environment helps them focus better…

The Paris rental market has reached a stable phase following a surge in prices after the pandemic. Experts say this stability is good news for both tenants and landlords, creating a fair and predictable rental environment. After years of uncertainty and rapid price increases, rental costs in Paris are now leveling off. Many areas that once saw sharp spikes in rent are now experiencing minimal changes, making it easier for residents to plan their budgets. Tenants are seeing rental prices that reflect the true market value of properties. This balance helps prevent overpricing and makes it easier for residents to…

Several new affordable housing projects have been approved in the suburbs of Paris. These developments aim to provide better housing options for young professionals and families across the Île-de-France region. The local government has emphasized that housing affordability is a top priority. Rising rent and property prices in Paris have made it difficult for many residents to find suitable homes. These new projects are designed to ease that burden. The developments will include a mix of one- to three-bedroom apartments. Some projects are planned near public transportation hubs to ensure easy access to the city center. Developers are also focusing…

French cuisine is more than just food; it is a global benchmark that shapes chefs and culinary trends worldwide. From Paris to New York, French cooking techniques, recipes, and presentation styles are inspiring kitchens everywhere. Experts say this influence strengthens France’s cultural identity and attracts millions of tourists every year. Top chefs across the globe credit French cuisine for shaping their skills. Techniques such as sauce making, pastry crafting, and fine dining plating are now standard in many countries. Culinary schools in Europe, Asia, and the Americas emphasize French methods, showing its lasting impact. Many chefs say French cooking teaches…

The Canneseries Festival 2025 has received a record number of international series submissions, showing the world’s growing interest in French media. This surge reflects France’s expanding role as a creative hub in the global entertainment industry. Festival organizers confirmed that entries from Europe, the Americas, Asia, and Africa have reached an all-time high. Experts say this demonstrates the festival’s growing influence and the increasing appeal of French storytelling. The submissions cover a wide variety of genres, from drama and comedy to thriller and fantasy. Many series incorporate multicultural themes, signaling a shift toward globally minded content. Organizers believe this trend…

Fifteen new mental health centers have opened across the Île-de-France region, giving residents easier access to free counseling and therapy sessions. This move aims to support people facing stress, anxiety, and emotional challenges in their daily lives. The centers are part of a wider plan by the French Health Ministry to improve access to mental health care. These centers offer a safe space for people of all ages. Visitors can speak with trained therapists and counselors about their struggles and learn how to manage their mental well-being. The services include one-on-one therapy, group discussions, and mental wellness workshops. All sessions…