Lost Period

Much of the UK has been crippled by the largest rail strike in decades. Some 40,000 workers participated in Tuesday's walkout, calling for higher wages to deal with the spiraling cost of living. Experts say the disruptions will weigh on economic growth. Also in the show: EasyJet is on the frontline of the aviation industry's staff shortages, and businesses in Las Vegas will continue performing Elvis-themed weddings, after reaching a deal with the late singer's estate.

From a film on abortion rights to a biopic about Marilyn Monroe, there's plenty in store at this year's Deauville American Film Festival. The mistress of ceremonies, FRANCE 24's very own Genie Godula, speaks to Eve Jackson at the Normandy beach town about what to look out for during this annual celebration of US cinema.

Business ties are high on the agenda at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Uzbekistan. The countries represented are huge potential markets for Russian energy, and Vladimir Putin has been pushing for closer ties. China and India in particular have increased their imports of Russian oil, natural gas and coal since the invasion of Ukraine. Also on the show: US railworkers reach a deal to avoid a costly strike, and the owner of Patagonia donates the retailer to a climate charity.

The Comedy Stop Festival kicked off on September 15 in Paris with performances from Australian comic Celeste Barber and local talent Paul Taylor. Iranian-American comedian Maz Jobrani is also in the French capital for the festival. He is performing at Paris's Apollo Theatre on Sunday, with other performances planned at the Alhambra over the weekend.

Kee-Yoon Kim was once a serious lawyer working for a top law firm. She later dropped it all to become a stand-up comedian and was met with rave reviews. She has once again decided to change career and is now set to release her first EP, "Palli Palli", which is filled with dark humour and cheeky French chanson.

Universities in Iran have turned into a battleground between authorities and student demonstrators. The latest protests mirror the experiences of earlier generations.

The Gulf nation of Qatar is hosting the FIFA World Cup, even as human rights groups document the colossal loss of life among migrant labourers working on the country's massive construction programme. Moreover, Qatar's attitude to same-sex relationships has prompted calls for the Emirate to be shunned.

The 2022 Soccer World Cup in Qatar is hugely controversial. The allegations range from corruption in the awarding of the tournament to Qatar to harsh criticism of the host nation for its human rights record, and its World Cup carbon emissions.

The Chinese Communist Party is expected to unveil its lowest economic growth target in decades amid an ongoing slump in the country's real estate market. Also on the show: Mexico plans food tariff cuts to confront high inflation, and Franco-Angolan business ties take centre stage as President Emmanuel Macron visits Luanda.

After getting a law degree, Michael Sengazi began to dabble in theatre and ultimately decided to ditch his future career as a lawyer to become a stand-up comedian. While his parents were initially a bit upset about seeing their law school investment used to tell jokes, he eventually won them over – along with all of Burundi.

Screenwriters in Hollywood are striking for the first time in 15 years. Negotiations between the Writers Guild of America and TV networks – as well as Netflix, Amazon and Disney – broke down after the two sides failed to find an agreement on issues like pay, mandatory staffing and guarantees against artificial intelligence. We take a closer look.

Angered by government inaction over sexual harassment allegations against a ruling party politician, female wrestlers approached the nation's top court for justice.