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The Boarding

France boarded a sanctioned tanker in the Indian Ocean this week. Moscow calls it piracy. Paris calls it enforcement. Martin Doyle on a helicopter boarding, a false flag, and the shadow fleet both sides are fighting over.

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Two Hundred: Waters Makes History in Chicago

Anna Leigh Waters won her 200th PPA title at the Chicago Cup — and swept all three golds on the same Sunday. Tanya Ruiz on a milestone weekend, a surprise men's finalist, and the doubles team nobody can beat.

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Semifinal Saturday

Three days of pool play in San Clemente are done, and the brackets are set. Today the season's last finalists get decided. Dana Whitfield on what Friday settled and what Saturday will answer.

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The Café Gourmand

In France, dessert doesn't have to be a decision. The café gourmand gives you the espresso and a little parade of sweets — the whole menu's greatest hits, in miniature. Hélène Marchand on the art of not choosing.

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The Overcapacity Pact

Fourteen economies signed a US-led statement against industrial overcapacity this week. France signed too. China calls it protectionism. Sam Kessler on the pact that names its target without naming it.

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The Goûter

At four o'clock, France stops for a snack. Not a sad desk-drawer granola bar — a real one. June Calloway on the goûter, and what America lost when it killed the afternoon.

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The Last Supporter

Washington leaned on its allies to walk away from a Brussels disinformation conference. Canada and Lithuania walked. France stayed. Victor Lemaire on a very public split over who gets to call out whom.

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Gold in Kuala Lumpur, Finals in San Clemente

Noé Khlif flew to Malaysia unplanned and came home with PPA gold and silver. Meanwhile the PPA Tour Finals opened in California. A very French week in American pickleball.

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The Debt Bomb

The Wall Street Journal calls France's finances a 'debt bomb.' French borrowing costs have climbed past Greece's. Both sides of the Atlantic have something to say about it — and neither side is being quiet.

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The Pharmacy

In France, the pharmacy is where you go when you feel sick. In America, it's where you go when you need batteries. Marion Ellis on the green cross and the long aisle.

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The Quiet Discipline

While the triplette gets the crowds, Europe's best shooters stand alone in a circle today in Loutraki for precision-shooting qualifying. Tommy Becker on the loneliest, purest test in pétanque.

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The Bise and the Handshake

In France you kiss people hello. In America you shake their hand and keep your distance. Betsy Callahan on learning the math of the bise.

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