What is fait divers?

Fait divers is a French term that translates to "minor news" or "odd events". It is a type of news item that reports on unusual or bizarre incidents that are not necessarily important or significant. These items can include stories about crime, accidents, disasters, and other events that are out of the ordinary.

Fait divers stories often focus on the human interest aspect of a news event, such as the personal lives of the people involved or the emotional impact of the event on the community. They are not typically considered hard news, but are rather a type of soft news that provides entertainment or curiosity to readers.

Fait divers stories are common in French-language newspapers and media outlets and are also found in other countries that have a strong French language influence. They can be criticized for prioritizing sensationalism over more important news stories, but they also offer readers a break from more serious news and can provide a glimpse into the cultural and social aspects of a community.