Notre Dame Cathedral's Stunning Rebirth: A Successful Reconstruction Unveiled

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After years of painstaking work, Notre Dame Cathedral is ready to welcome the public once more.** The reconstruction of the world-famous landmark has been a resounding success, as demonstrated by the beautifully restored medieval edifice that was unveiled during President Macron's recent visit. Here's what you need to know about the **astonishing transformation:

  • Lightning-fast reconstruction: In just five short years, the cathedral has been rebuilt to its former glory, a feat that usually takes two centuries.
  • A labor of love: The project required an enormous amount of resources and dedication from experts around the world.
  • A sight to behold: The renovated cathedral is a breathtaking testament to human ingenuity and resilience.
France
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restoration
Notre Dame Cathedral
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Senegal to Close All Foreign Military Bases: What You Need to Know

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Big News from Senegal!** The West African nation just announced it will close all foreign military bases in the near future! Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko made the announcement during a policy statement, but no specific timeline has been set yet. This move appears to be aimed primarily at France, which has faced opposition from some African leaders over its alleged heavy-handed approach on the continent. France has already left Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, and the process of exiting Chad started this month. Senegal's new government, in power for less than a year, has taken a hard line stance on the presence of French troops. But what does this mean for the region and for Senegal's relations with France? Let's dive in and find out!

France Mourns for Cyclone Chido Victims in Mayotte

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France is holding a day of national mourning for the victims of Cyclone Chido in Mayotte, an overseas region of France between northern Mozambique and northwestern Madagascar. The storm may have killed thousands and caused massive damage. President Macron and Prime Minister Bayrou led the minute of silence for the storm's victims and pledged to rebuild the devastated infrastructure and homes. Mayotte was already France's most impoverished territory before the cyclone struck, and now more than 100,000 people remain in Red Cross shelters after their homes were destroyed.

Samuel Paty's Killers Convicted: A Tragic Reminder of the Price of Hate

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Eight people have been convicted in a French anti-terrorism court** for their involvement in the beheading of teacher Samuel Paty outside his school four years ago. Paty, 47, was killed near Paris on 16 October 2020, after showing his class cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad during a debate on free expression. The assailant, an 18-year-old Russian of Chechen origin, was shot to death by police.

Earliest Evidence of Christianity Found North of Italy

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Big news!** The earliest known evidence of Christianity north of Italy has been discovered by archaeologists! This amazing artifact, called the Frankfurt silver inscription, was found in a third-century grave in Hesse, Germany, and dates back to between 230 and 260 AD. The inscription, written in Latin, invokes Saint Titus and Jesus Christ, and is one of the 'most important testimonies of early Christianity' worldwide. Here are some exciting key points about this discovery:

Emmanuel Macron Heads to Devastated Mayotte After Cyclone Chido

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Emmanuel Macron is on his way to Mayotte after Cyclone Chido left a trail of destruction in the French territory.** The storm has already claimed 22 lives and injured 1,373 people, with the death toll expected to rise. Mayotte's infrastructure has been severely damaged, leaving many residents without electricity, water, or communication. The storm is the latest in a string of extreme weather events fueled by climate change.

Gisele Pelicot's Ex-Husband Asks Forgiveness As Verdict Nears in Rape Trial

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Gisele Pelicot's Ex-Husband Asks Forgiveness As Verdict Nears in Rape Trial
The French man who enlisted dozens of strangers to rape his heavily-sedated wife apologized to his family and hailed his ex-spouse's courage during his trial.
Gisele Pelicot has become a feminist hero in France and a champion for rape victims.
Dominique Pelicot, the ex-husband, pleaded for forgiveness and asked the family to accept his apologies.
Prosecutors are seeking the maximum possible sentence of 20 years imprisonment for aggravated rape.

Hundreds of people gathered in Avignon in support of Gisele Pelicot and to raise awareness about sexual abuse.

Notre Dame Cathedral's Triumphant Return to Paris

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After a devastating fire in 2019, Notre Dame Cathedral has finally reopened its doors for the first mass since the tragedy. The French president, Emmanuel Macron, led a ceremony on Saturday, praising the cathedral's restoration and the nation's resilience. The Catholic church reclaimed the resurrected cathedral, with Archbishop Laurent Ulrich consecrating the new altar. Macron did not take communion, but the first lady, Brigitte, did. The second mass will be held later in the evening.

Political Chaos in France: Barnier Resigns After No-Confidence Vote

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Political Chaos in France:** French Prime Minister Michel Barnier has resigned after a no-confidence vote in parliament. The vote came as a result of Barnier's 2025 budget plan, which included austerity measures unacceptable to a majority in parliament. Barnier's fall deepens France's political stalemate, reducing the probability of a consolidation of public finances. President Emmanuel Macron now faces the daunting task of picking a viable successor.

Delta Stowaway Causes Disruptions on Return Flight to NYC

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Delta Stowaway Causes Disruptions on Return Flight to NYC
A Russian national and legal resident of the US, who previously snuck onto a Delta Air Lines flight from NYC to Paris, caused disruptions on a return flight to NYC. The woman, who didn't have valid travel documents to enter France, was scheduled to be on a flight to the US on Tuesday afternoon but was removed after becoming disruptive. She was reportedly to be accompanied by six US marshals on the flight back to NYC, but instead, she was taken back into French police custody after her outburst.

Delta is conducting an exhaustive investigation of the incident and is committed to ensuring the safety and security of its passengers.

Macron Acknowledges 1944 Massacre of West African Troops by French Army

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In a significant move, French President Emmanuel Macron has recognized the killing of West African soldiers by the French Army in 1944 as a massacre for the first time. The soldiers, who had fought alongside the French during World War II, were killed by their French counterparts in what historians believe was a dispute over unpaid wages. Macron's acknowledgment comes as France's influence is declining in the region, with Paris losing its sway in the former French colonies in West Africa. The move has been welcomed by the Senegalese government, which has long sought closure on this story. Macron has also expressed his commitment to establishing the causes and facts that led to this tragedy.

Mystery Diamond Necklace Linked to Marie Antoinette Sells for $4.8m

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A diamond necklace, rumoured to be linked to a scandal that contributed to the downfall of Marie Antoinette, has been sold for $4.8m at an auction in Geneva. The necklace, composed of three rows of diamonds, has a fascinating history and is believed to contain some of the diamonds from the famous necklace involved in the scandal that engulfed Marie Antoinette. The unidentified buyer was 'ecstatic' and 'ready to fight' for the 'spectacular antique jewel'.

Tight Security in Paris for Israel-France Football Match Amid Tensions

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Tight security in Paris for Israel-France football match
Police in Paris are bracing for potential violence before Thursday's France-Israel football match*
The match has been designated 'high risk' after hooliganism and antisemitism in Amsterdam last week*
About 4,000 police officers will be deployed on the streets and another 1,500 on public transport routes*
A pro-Palestinian demonstration has been organised at Saint-Denis plaza at 6pm local time*
Only about 150 Israeli fans are expected*
The match is due to start at 8.45pm local time (7.45pm UK)*,

Grover Cleveland's Legacy Lives on in His Hometown

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Grover Cleveland** was a unique president in American history, being the only one to serve two non-consecutive terms. But in his hometown of Caldwell, New Jersey, he's more than just a name in a history book. Caldwell is filled with Cleveland-related history, from his birthplace to apartments, parks, and even a parking spot named after him. Despite his humble beginnings, Cleveland rose to become a lawyer, mayor, governor, and two-time president. His legacy continues to inspire residents like Carlos Pomares, who was inspired by Cleveland's honesty and hard work to run for local office. So while Cleveland may not be the most well-known president, his impact is still felt in his hometown and beyond.

What is Grover Cleveland's legacy in his hometown?*

New DNA Analysis of Pompeii Victims Reveals Shocking Truths

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A recent DNA analysis of Pompeii victims has revealed shocking truths about who they really were, challenging long-held assumptions based on physical appearance and positioning. The analysis found that a 'mother' holding a child was actually a man, and at least one of two people locked in an embrace was also a man. The findings suggest that Pompeii citizens came from diverse backgrounds, mainly descended from eastern Mediterranean immigrants. **This study highlights the importance of integrating genetic data with archaeological and historical information to avoid misinterpretations based on modern assumptions.

First Openly Transgender Lawmaker Elected to Congress: Sarah McBride

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Sarah McBride** has made history as the first openly transgender lawmaker elected to Congress! The Delaware state senator and LGBTQ activist won the election for Delaware's lone House seat. Let's celebrate this milestone in American politics! 🎉

DRUG-RELATED SHOOTING IN FRANCE LEAVES FIVE INJURED

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A shooting in France's western city of Poitiers has left five people injured, including a teenager. The violence is thought to be linked to drug trafficking. The interior minister has warned that the country is at a 'tipping point' when it comes to drug trafficking violence. In the same week, a five-year-old boy was also seriously injured in a shooting related to drug trafficking in Rennes. France is experiencing a surge in gang-related drug violence, with numerous cities affected. The senate has estimated annual drug trafficking revenues in France at €3-6 billion ($3.3-6.6 billion).

Biden to Apologize to Native Americans Over Boarding Schools

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President Biden is set to apologize to Native Americans for the federal government forcing their children into boarding schools.
This historic trip to Arizona on Friday follows his promise to visit Indian Country.
Boarding schools, run by the federal government and religious institutions, were designed to assimilate Indigenous children by destroying Native culture, language, and identity.
At least 973 children died in these schools, according to a Federal Indian Boarding School Investigative Report by the Department of the Interior (DOI).
The first formal apology by a sitting president seeks to usher in a new era of federal-tribal relationships.

Basketball History: LeBron and Son Bronny Share the Court for the First Time in the NBA

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LeBron James** and his son Bronny James made history by becoming the first father-son duo to play together in an NBA game! The Lakers' season opener against the Timberwolves was the stage for this epic moment, with the pair joining the game in the first half. LeBron scored 16 points while Bronny, in his first NBA season, played three minutes and missed both field-goal attempts. This milestone moment was witnessed by Ken Griffey Sr. and Ken Griffey Jr., who also made history as a father-son duo in Major League Baseball. Get all the exciting details in the full article!

French Minister of Foreign Affairs Supports Ukraine's NATO Bid

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Jean-Noël Barrot**, France's new Minister of Foreign Affairs, visited Kyiv to show support for Ukraine's resistance to Russian aggression. During his visit, Barrot and his Ukrainian counterpart, Andrii Sybiha, discussed the challenges facing Ukraine's energy sector. Barrot also expressed France's openness to the idea of inviting Ukraine to join NATO, noting that negotiations with the allies will continue. The French minister's visit is a significant gesture of support for Ukraine's sovereignty and its aspirations for Euro-Atlantic integration.

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Netanyahu Slams Macron Over Weapons Embargo Call

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Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu has criticized French President Emmanuel Macron for calling for an arms embargo on Israel. Netanyahu reminded Macron that Israel was created by the victory in the War of Independence, not by a UN decision. Macron's comments came amid Israel's war with Hamas in Gaza and military operations in Lebanon. Netanyahu called for civilized countries to stand by Israel's side, while Macron said France would no longer supply arms to Israel. The UN peacekeepers in Lebanon have called for respect and an immediate cease-fire on all fronts. Hezbollah has clashed with Israeli troops in border villages, and the Lebanese Red Cross said some of its paramedics were injured by an Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon on Sunday.