Stories from Paris · France

The American investment fund OneStar is set to acquire a polytechnic chemical company. The fund reportedly intends to retain only 13% of the existing workforce. The acquisition is primarily focused on securing the company's patents.

Total reportedly made at least one billion in profits through oil speculation. This figure represents an increase of more than $1 billion compared to the previous year. The profit rise is attributed in part to the crisis in the Middle East and increasing crude oil prices. The Union Française des industries pétrolières reported that refiners have quadrupled their margins compared to distributors since the start of the conflict. The situation has resulted in economic consequences, including costs of over 6 million for gasoline. In March alone, 2.5 million euros in super profits were realized. TotalEnergies announced profits of 5 billion euros for the first quarter. Total has published spectacular first-quarter results. The broadcaster noted that despite being outside active combat zones, certain areas have been evacuated due to regular Israeli military strikes.

Workers at the Snacker Z recycling workshop in Paris, France, inspect used shoes to assess their condition for reuse. Snacker Z has grown from a small group of self-taught leather restoration volunteers into a large-scale social enterprise. The organization collected approximately 30,000 pairs of shoes last year. It donated over 7,000 pairs to those in need and resold 2,000 pairs using a solidarity model to create jobs. Mohammed Bokatem stated that no other non-profit in the footwear recycling industry currently operates at this scale. The initiative aims to create jobs and provide affordable product access through a circular economy model. The process involves reviving discarded shoes into new products. At Mohammed Boukha Tem's company, standard shoes undergo a cleaning process from the sole up and internal disinfection.

New data indicates a 2.4% increase in certain economic indicators, suggesting resilience in the French economy. However, economists advise caution due to the ongoing war in the Middle East which began in late February. France Travaille predicts a drop in hiring intentions this year, with a 6% decrease, the lowest level since 2018. The economy in Western Europe remains resilient despite the energy crisis caused by the war in Iran. Member states in the region are projected to achieve an average growth of 2.3% this year, significantly higher than the EU average of 0.9%. This forecast was reported by the Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies in its annual outlook.

French President Emmanuel Macron advocated for progress in the debate regarding the decriminalization of abortion for women. He stated that a government proposal to advance the issue appeared proportionate.

Spanish airline Volotea is reportedly implementing a practice where flight ticket prices may change after a purchase has been completed.

Researcher Tiffany Scandolera is studying the common bean at the Institut Jean-Pierre Bourguin. Researchers are studying how plants resist microbiological threats to ensure crop security.

The French rugby federation and Ligue Nationale de Rugby issued a joint statement rejecting World Rugby's 20-minute red card trial. Authorities warned that the proposed temporary expulsions pose a major threat to player welfare. The organizations argued that the trial could encourage dangerous play on the field. Officials argue the change could encourage dangerous play. Data cited by officials shows only 60% of teams reduced to 14 players lose matches. The trial, introduced in elite competitions last year, allows a sent-off player to be replaced after 20 minutes. French officials cited data showing only 60 percent of cases involve specific outcomes to argue that permanent red cards do not ruin contests. Cricket officials have proposed alternatives to the current sanction system, including renaming the sanction as an orange card.

The Paris Prosecutor's office has opened an investigation into the reappearance of the Coco website. The Paris prosecutor's office has launched an investigation into a website that has reappeared under the new URL and name 'Cocholande'. It faces accusations of facilitating sexual assaults and homophobic ambushes. The source noted the site was previously used by Dominique Pellico to recruit men for sexual assaults. The investigation is currently ongoing, according to the report. A prosecutor has requested a trial before an assize court for voluntary homicide following a vehicle incident in the Madeleine district. The incident involved a driver who was transporting his daughter to a medical appointment. The case is being handled by prosecutor Pierre de Cossette. Prosecutors are requesting that a 52-year-old driver be tried in the Assizes court for the death of a 27-year-old cyclist.

Direct action groups have claimed responsibility for a series of bomb attacks targeting banks and various buildings in Paris. The explosions occurred at night and caused no reported casualties. The source noted that the attacks targeted various types of buildings across the capital. The explosions did not result in any casualties, according to the report. The attacks involved explosive devices detonating in multiple locations throughout the capital. One police officer has also died in connection with these direct action attacks. The specific roles of individuals named Nathalie and Joël in the incident remain unconfirmed. The investigation into the circumstances of the assassination is ongoing.