Prince Hamzah of Jordan, son of Queen Noor and the late King Hussein, is a popular figure in Jordan, bearing a strong physical resemblance to his father. Despite having no political role and only holding honorary positions, his engagement with Jordanian tribes and presence at social events have earned him significant public support. Appointed as the crown prince by his father before his death in 1999, he was later replaced by King Abdullah's son in 2004. Recent tensions arose when Prince Hamzah was placed under house arrest, accused of involvement in a plot against King Abdullah, which he denied. Journalist Daoud Kuttab suggests that Prince Hamzah's calm demeanor in response to the accusations has increased his popularity. While the king remains popular, the incident indicates a need for greater political involvement of Jordanians in the country's governance.

In Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, women are increasingly venturing into the food truck business, a significant shift in a traditionally male-dominated public space. Three sisters, Rabah, Rana, and Felwa, have successfully launched their food truck with family support, while Salam Walid, a pioneer in this field, shares her journey and the societal changes that have enabled this trend. The Saudi government's recent reforms, including allowing women to drive and simplifying business procedures, have facilitated this entrepreneurial wave, reflecting broader social and economic transformations in the kingdom.

A fundraising campaign has been launched to provide medical care for Mona, a female lynx injured in a car accident in Jura, France. The lynx, treated at the Centre Athénas, requires dental implants to survive in the wild. Veterinarians emphasize the urgency of her release to ensure her adaptation before the breeding season. The lynx population in Jura is critically low, with conservation efforts hindered by insufficient state support. The center has raised 5,000 euros out of the 9,000 needed for Mona and another lynx, Automne, who also requires medical attention.

In celebration of the 70th anniversary of the first meeting of the Council of Europe, Strasbourg's City Hall has been reconfigured to resemble its 1949 appearance for the European Heritage Days. The Council of Europe, described as the guardian of democratic principles and the rule of law in Europe, is highlighted through quotes from various ambassadors and officials. The European Court of Human Rights, established by the Council in 1959, is noted for its role in ensuring compliance with the European Convention on Human Rights, particularly in countries like Russia and Turkey.

Two mothers in Strasbourg protested the lack of aides for disabled children in schools by climbing a scaffold and displaying a banner. They highlighted that in the Bas-Rhin region, there are only 1,180 aides for 6,765 disabled children, leading to significant educational challenges. The rectorate has promised a meeting, but the mothers, part of the Collectif citoyen handicap, remain frustrated with the ongoing issue. This protest is part of a national movement with similar demonstrations across France.

Hop'lunch, a start-up based in Strasbourg, delivers hot meals to companies, targeting employees tired of typical lunch options. Founded by Matthieu Diebold, the company operates without subscription or delivery fees, offering a variety of meals ordered online. Despite not yet being profitable, Hop'lunch is expanding its services to more business parks, aiming to increase volume and profitability. The service is well-received by local businesses and employees for its convenience and affordability.

A Strasbourg restaurateur, Camille Dorsemans, initiated an online fundraiser to help Quentin Seyeux, the founder of the local online grocery store Marmelade, replace his stolen custom-made delivery bike. The bike, essential for eco-friendly deliveries in the city center, was valued at 3,500 euros. Without it, Seyeux faces increased costs and logistical challenges, impacting his business operations and image. The community has shown support, with individuals like Clément Coriette contributing to the cause.

The organic farm Durr Biolacte in Boofzheim, Alsace, has ceased operations following a listeria outbreak linked to eight cases in France, including one in Bas-Rhin. The farm's 35 employees are recalling products from shelves, and the farm is considering destroying current production facilities. The mayor of Boofzheim expressed support, noting the farm's importance as a local employer. No financial aid is anticipated, and the farm must submit a safety plan for its products to the state services.

The 87th European Fair of Strasbourg has been relocated to a temporary site behind the Hilton hotel and Kléber high school, near Place de Bordeaux, due to the construction of a business district and a new theater at its previous location, Wacken. The move has caused confusion and inconvenience for visitors and the 900 exhibitors, with issues such as parking accessibility and visitors struggling to find their way around. The future Exhibition Park is expected to be ready by 2021. Exhibitors like Maryse Vairinhos of Kenwood and Emmanuel from Tryba have expressed their dissatisfaction, particularly with the parking situation and the change of location.

The grape harvest season has begun in Alsace, but many winegrowers are struggling to find enough workers. Despite efforts by Pôle Emploi, the number of job offers exceeds the number of applicants. The profile of harvest workers has shifted from students to older individuals, including retirees and professionals taking time off work. This change is attributed to the region's low unemployment rate and the need for retirees to supplement their income.

Strasbourg's summer activities, including the FARSe festival, Docks d’été, and the cathedral facade show, have seen increased attendance and positive feedback. Mathieu Cahn, the deputy mayor in charge of urban animation, plans to expand and diversify these events for next year, aiming to attract larger audiences and include more spectacular and varied performances. Lucile Rimbert, the new artistic coordinator of FARSe, intends to engage peripheral neighborhoods to draw new participants. The city council's efforts to enhance summer activities are well-received, with a focus on maintaining free access and boosting overall engagement.

The rechargeable ticket introduced by the Compagnie des transports strasbourgeois (CTS) aimed to simplify public transportation and reduce environmental impact by replacing magnetic tickets. However, users have found the ticket to be fragile and complicated to use, with issues such as difficulty in recharging and the need for multiple tickets for groups. The Association des usagers des transports urbains de l’agglomération strasbourgeoise (ASTUS) also highlighted these complications. Despite the ecological intentions, the CTS has not yet provided data on the environmental impact of the new ticket system.

Montbéliard City Council, led by Mayor Noëlle Biguinet of The Republicans, has announced a reduction in school canteen and after-school care costs by 10%, as well as lower rates for senior meals delivered at home, in response to the Yellow Vests movement. Starting May 1st, parking will be free for the first hour citywide. These measures, which will result in a financial shortfall of 200,000 euros for the city, are seen as a way to boost purchasing power and support local commerce. The city's economic situation has been affected by the downsizing of the automobile industry, particularly the Peugeot plant. Critics suggest the mayor's actions are aimed at securing re-election, but supporters point to her success in reducing the city's debt.

The bar L'idéal in Strasbourg is changing its cocktail menu to remove names deemed 'violent and degrading' after pressure from feminist groups, including Osez le Féminisme. The bar's owner, Smaïl, aims to adopt a more humorous and less provocative approach. While some regulars support the bar, others have criticized it. Osez le Féminisme is pleased with the change and hopes for a feminist message in the new menu.

Archaeologists in Strasbourg have uncovered Roman funeral pyres during tramway extension works. The site, located near Koenigshoffen, revealed urns, tombs, and various artifacts, indicating a previously unknown necropolis. The discovery includes unique burial practices and offers insights into the region's Roman history.

A video by the Kuwaiti company Zain promoting love over Islamist extremism has gone viral on YouTube, amassing 4.5 million views in a few days. The video contrasts typical Ramadan content by depicting a suicide bomber who is confronted by his potential victims, urging acts of love instead of violence. The video has sparked mixed reactions, with some praising its message and others criticizing it as naive. A controversy also arose over the inclusion of Omran, a Syrian child survivor of a bombing, with some defending jihadists by citing injustices that drive their actions.

A recent incident in Jordan involving a Jordanian soldier opening fire on a convoy, resulting in the deaths of three CIA members, has sparked controversy. Initial reports suggested an accidental shooting, but American media now speculate on possible terrorist motivations. The U.S. Embassy in Amman has not ruled out terrorism, and the Jordanian government has imposed a publication ban on the matter. This incident follows a similar event last year, raising concerns about radicalization within Jordan's security forces. Jordan, a key U.S. ally, faces challenges with religious radicalization, exacerbated by its involvement in the coalition against ISIS.

The article reports on the state of Tikrit, Iraq, one year after its reconquest from the Islamic State. The city shows signs of recovery with reopened roads, functioning utilities, and operational schools and administrations. However, financial struggles persist due to unpaid salaries and the economic impact of the war and falling oil prices. Security remains a concern with ongoing kidnappings and conflicts, particularly in surrounding areas like Beiji and Toz Kormatu. The Popular Mobilization Forces and various militia groups play significant roles in maintaining order, though tensions and distrust linger among the population.

The Iraqi Finance Minister expressed relief as the IMF agreed to a $15 billion loan, contingent on economic reforms. Iraq has begun addressing budgetary issues, including paying arrears to oil companies and inventorying bank accounts. Planned measures include increasing electricity tariffs, reducing the public payroll, and raising taxes, though these face significant challenges due to the country's disorganization and widespread poverty. The IMF's recommendations did not address corruption, a major issue in Iraq. Implementing these measures could significantly increase Iraq's debt.