Latest news with #EmmaPearson
Local France
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Local France
PODCAST: What that 'slap' says about the Macrons and French farmers fight the future
Host Ben McPartland is joined by The Local France's Emma Pearson, Genevieve Mansfield and John Lichfield for the latest episode of the Talking France podcast. The team starts this week off with the story making headlines in France and across the world: the viral video that appears to show French President Emmanuel Macron being shoved by his wife, Brigitte. We discuss the reaction to the video, plus other disinformation campaigns that have targeted the French president and his wife. You can find the Talking France podcast on Spotify or Apple, download it here or listen on the link below From recent protests by French farmers and taxi drivers, to a surprising power cut in the south of France which affected the last night of the Cannes Film Festival, the Talking France team also give you the latest on disruption around the country. Advertisement We also discuss how the stereotype that all French people are slim and in good shape may be false, particularly considering the country's rising obesity rates and the government's latest plans to tackle the health issue. And we'll finish this week off with the French cities that suffer most from the 'urban heat island effect' and why you may want to avoid them during a heatwave, plus how some of France's most famous museums and galleries are planning to charge non-EU residents higher fees. Stick around till the end to hear our recommendations for the best exhibits (or expos ) to visit in Paris this summer. EXTRA READING: Eight of the biggest sex scandals that rocked French politics Fire cuts power to 45,000 in French Riviera as sabotage suspected OPINION: Tractor protests expose the hypocrisy of French farming policies How serious is France's obesity problem? MAPS: The top five worst French cities to spend a heatwave in French museums plan to hike prices for non-EU visitors Talking France is a free podcast made possible by the support of paying members of The Local - you can find out more about becoming a member here . You can also help us by leaving a nice review, sharing the podcast on social media, or just telling a friend about us.
Local France
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Local France
PODCAST: France hit by 'sordid kidnappings' and the best place to buy a second home?
Host Ben McPartland is joined by The Local France's Emma Pearson, Genevieve Mansfield and John Lichfield for the latest episode of the Talking France podcast. After a brief diversion to the Brittany town that has banned to sale of alcohol to Smurfs, we start by looking at a worrying spate of crimes - the kidnapping of French crypto-currency bosses and members of their families. You can find the Talking France podcast on Spotify or Apple, download it here or listen on the link below After two Americans were attacked with mini Eiffel Towers in Paris we look at safety issues for tourists and France's strict privacy laws which also cover filming or photographing people in the street. Advertisement Headlines about the UK's post Brexit 'reset' deal with the EU tend to focus on issues like fishing and defence, but the deal also contains things that would have a big impact on the lives of Brits who live in France or visit regularly - we break down the details. Also up for discussion are hospital waiting times in France, including the areas with the longest and shortest wait times, and the measures that could improve things. And finally, what is the best part of France in which to buy a second home? We look at the advantages and drawbacks of each part of the country, and some questions to ask before purchasing. EXTRA READING: What does UK-EU 'reset' deal really mean for Brits in France? Everything you need to know about buying a second home in different parts of France French town breaks world record for number of smurfs The 14 scams that tourists in Paris need to be aware of French crypto boss hails 'heroic' duo for foiling kidnap bid Talking France is a free podcast made possible by the support of paying members of The Local - you can find out more about becoming a member here . You can also help us by leaving a nice review, sharing the podcast on social media or just telling a friend about us.
Local France
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Local France
PODCAST: Will Macron's referendums ever happen and why French bureaucracy is getting easier
Host Ben McPartland is joined by The Local France's Emma Pearson, Genevieve Mansfield and John Lichfield to look at all the latest news and talking points from France. We begin this week with French President Emmanuel Macron's recent TV appearance and plans to introduce several referendums as part of an attempt to win back the French people. You can listen to Talking France on Spotify or Apple, download HERE or listen on the link below France has its fair share of rodeos. The French press talks about them all the time, and they are something of a fixation for French law enforcement. But France's 'urban rodeos' have nothing to do with livestock. We find out about why French 'urban rodeos' are both dangerous and popular, as well as the history behind them. Advertisement Scholars of French history will likely be familiar with the Dreyfus affair, but you may not have realised the role it still plays in French society and how France's parliament wants to honour the wrongly accused Capitaine Alfred Dreyfus. If you have ever considered a move to France, you were probably warned of the country's impenetrable bureaucracy. But according to The Local France's editor, Emma Pearson, French admin is not that bad. Our Talking France team spars off on the pros (and cons) of French bureaucracy. And stick around until the end to hear about why one Paris Metro user was fined €150 for carrying a house plant, plus some of the Metro rules everyone should be aware of. Talking France is a free podcast made possible by the support of paying members of The Local - you can find out more about becoming a member here . Further reading Macron backs holding referendums on French social and economic reforms What are France's 'urban rodeos'? French lawmakers want Dreyfus promoted 130 years after scandal OPINION: Let's stop complaining, French bureaucracy really isn't that bad Paris woman fined €150 for taking 'too large' plant on the Metro Suitcases, pets and DIY equipment - what can you take on the Paris Metro? Suggested resources on the Dreyfus Affair ; Piers Paul Reid - The Dreyfus Affair (book) Robert Harris - An Officer and a Spy (book), France Inter - Alfred Dreyfus, le combat de la République (free podcast, in French) Origin Story - The Dreyfus Affair (podcast, subscribers only), J'Accuse film, directed by Roman Polanski (in French).
Local France
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Local France
PODCAST: France's plan to save kids from screens and will it get harder to become French?
Host Ben McPartland is joined by The Local France's Emma Pearson, Genevieve Mansfield and John Lichfield to look at all the latest news and talking points from France. We start this week off with why May might be the best month in France, followed by a less joyful topic: changes to the French citizenship application process. The team discusses how a new memo, sent out by the interior minister, could shake up applications for French citizenship, and why it might actually be more of a political stunt than a serious transformation of the process. You can listen to Talking France on Spotify or Apple, download HERE or listen on the link below France has also joined the global conversation about screen time for kids. After an open letter was sent to the French press by France's former PM, the country is thinking about ways to get kids off their mobile devices, from making Instagram turn black and white to taxing social media platforms. You can also listen to our previous episode about the French law restricting how parents post pictures of their children on social media. The Talking France team also unpacks the latest spate of dramatic attacks on prisons. We explain how serious of a problem organised crime is in France, plus how the government wants to tackle the issue of drug trafficking. Clermont-Ferrand might be the place to go if you want to visit France's ancient volcano chain in the Auvergne region, but the ground below it is increasingly unsteady (or 'Swiss cheese' as its mayor has called it). We finish this episode off with an explanation of why this French city could be sinking. Talking France is a free podcast made possible by the support of paying members of The Local - you can find out more about becoming a member here . Further reading OPINION: France's plan to 'toughen up' citizenship rules is just more smoke and mirrors Why do French ministers love to send 'circulaires'? France's ex-PM calls 'state of emergency' over children's screen use France charges 21 prison attack suspects 'Swiss cheese': Why this French city is worried about sinkholes Advertisement
7NEWS
01-05-2025
- Health
- 7NEWS
‘Devastated': Disabled riders mourn beloved RDA horses
A series of violent wild dog attacks has claimed the lives of beloved therapy horses, leaving both volunteers and riders devastated. The team at Riding for the Disabled (RDA) at Hervey Bay has been forced to say an emotional goodbye to five of their beloved horses, all of whom suffered traumatic injuries and illnesses caused by wild dog attacks. 'We believe that the dogs are chasing and attacking the horses.,' said Emma Pearson from RDA Hervey Bay, Queensland. 'Our horses have developed stress-induced colic.' The volunteer-run organisation is offering essential services to those with physical and mental disabilities. For the riders, the gentle giants are more than just horses — they are vital partners. Engaging with horses through RDA not only enhances physical abilities but also fosters emotional growth and confidence. 'These horses are more than just animals — they're partners, teachers, and companions to people living with disabilities,' Pearson said. Thirty riders use the therapeutic service at Hervey Bay each week, with many more on the waiting list. RDA offers a rare opportunity for independence, joy, and healing, while building a tight-knit community of support. The recent attacks have devastated the community. For many riders, their time at RDA is a moment to escape the challenges they face daily. But unfortunately, the wild dog problem is not new. Pearson explained that while they have always been an issue in the area, their presence has become more frequent and prolonged in recent months. 'We have had the council out to set traps,' Pearson said. 'But it's been an ongoing struggle, and it feels like we're fighting an uphill battle. 'If anyone sees dogs in the area, please take photos, contact us, and let the council know.' The charity is now calling for help. To cover mounting veterinary bills, rebuild fencing, and eventually bring in new horses, RDA Hervey Bay has launched a GoFundMe campaign. 'We set a $3000 goal as our starting point,' Pearson said. 'But if we could wave a magic wand and make funds appear, we'd love to raise closer to $8000.'
