Author: Lester Holt

A highly unusual handbag made from lab-grown “dinosaur leather” has failed to sell at a Paris auction after bids came in far below expectations. The experimental item, created using biotechnology and ancient biological material, drew global attention but did not reach its estimated price range. The dinosaur leather bag was offered at the Drouot auction house in Paris by auctioneers Giquello. It had been expected to sell for between $500,000 and $740,000, or about €300,000 to €500,000. However, final bids reportedly reached only around $150,000, falling short of the reserve price. The item was described as a “one-of-a-kind” luxury object…

Paris Hilton made headlines during the 2026 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony in Los Angeles after giving a heartfelt shoutout to her longtime friend Britney Spears. The reality star, DJ, and entrepreneur spoke warmly about Spears while discussing her “dream squad” of celebrity women she admires. Hilton also named singers Kesha and Demi Lovato when asked which famous women she would want alongside her. But her mention of Spears stood out most, given their long history as two of the most recognizable pop culture figures of the 2000s. Paris Hilton has long shared a close friendship with Britney Spears. The…

Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, known as UM6P, has launched a new ESG certification program in partnership with HEC Paris. The program is designed to help public institutions and state-owned companies improve sustainability, transparency, and governance standards. The initiative is part of a wider effort led under the National Agency for the Strategic Management of State Holdings, aimed at modernizing public-sector performance. It focuses on integrating environmental, social, and governance principles into decision-making processes across government-related organizations. The certification program targets key officials working in public enterprises and state institutions. Its goal is to help them include ESG standards in strategic…

Paris mayor legacy tensions are emerging as the new city leadership in France’s capital begins confronting unresolved political and administrative issues linked to the previous administration. Shortly after being elected mayor of Paris, Emmanuel Grégoire was immediately faced with an unexpected and symbolic challenge inside City Hall. Within days of taking office, investigators from the Paris gendarmerie arrived at the building to carry out searches linked to an ongoing legal case that predates his leadership. The investigation is connected to alleged irregularities in a public contract tied to a ceremony marking the 10th anniversary of the November 13, 2015 terrorist…

Polish tennis player Maja Chwalinska has become one of the biggest surprises at this year’s French Open after reaching her first Grand Slam quarterfinal with an impressive straight-sets victory in Paris. The world No. 114 defeated French player Diane Parry 6-3, 6-2 on Court Philippe-Chatrier, ending the hopes of the last remaining home competitor in the women’s singles draw. Chwalinska entered the tournament through qualifying and has now produced one of the most remarkable runs of her career. Following the victory, the 24-year-old admitted that even she did not expect to be among the final eight players competing for the…

Celebrations for Paris Saint-Germain’s major football victory turned chaotic in Paris as large-scale clashes broke out between fans and police, leading to hundreds of arrests and multiple injuries. The unrest came after the club’s dramatic win in a major European final, which triggered both celebration and violence across parts of the city. The incident unfolded across the French capital, where authorities had deployed a massive security operation in anticipation of potential disturbances. Around 22,000 police officers were mobilised nationwide, including 8,000 in Paris, after previous celebrations in earlier years had ended in riots and widespread damage. Despite the heavy security…

A Paris marathon contract dispute has triggered political tension in the city after a new organizer linked to a major media group was awarded the rights to manage one of the world’s most famous races. The decision has divided left wing politicians in the city council of Paris. The debate focused on the awarding of the Paris marathon and half marathon concession for the coming editions. The contract was granted to a group called Cadence, which includes Havas, a company owned by the family of French billionaire Vincent Bolloré. City officials said the decision followed a public tender process launched…

Paris Nanterre University has been named the winner of the French edition of the International Criminal Court moot court competition. The ICC moot court winner was announced after the final round was held inside Courtroom 2 of the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands. The competition brought together law students from universities across multiple countries to argue a fictional legal case based on international criminal law. Teams acted as legal representatives for victims and the defence, presenting structured oral arguments before a panel of judges. International Criminal Court hosted the final round of the competition as part of its…

Emmanuel Moulin, President Emmanuel Macron’s nominee to lead the Bank of France, has defended the importance of central bank independence during a tense parliamentary confirmation hearing in Paris. The debate over the Bank of France independence comes as lawmakers prepare for a closely contested vote that could determine his appointment. Moulin, a former chief of staff to Macron and experienced finance official, told lawmakers that he would act independently if confirmed as governor. He stressed that the central bank must remain free from political pressure to ensure economic stability and trust in the currency. His remarks were made before France’s…

Paris and the Île-de-France region are preparing for a busy Pentecost weekend from May 22 to May 25, 2026. The four-day break is expected to bring a wide mix of free events, cultural activities, outdoor festivals, and family-friendly programs across the region. Visitors and locals will have access to a packed schedule of entertainment spread throughout Paris and nearby areas. Many of the events are free, making the weekend a popular time for both tourists and residents to explore the city’s cultural life. One of the main highlights is the European Night of Museums on Saturday, May 23. During this…