Ethiopia's Tamirat Tola Wins Olympic Gold in Men's Marathon with Olympic Record Time

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Tamirat Tola of Ethiopia has won the Olympic gold in the men's marathon with a new Olympic record time of 2:06.26!** The 30-year-old runner dominated the race from start to finish, breaking away from the rest of the field early on and never looking back. Bashir Abdi of Belgium won silver with a time of 2:07.13, while Kenya's Benson Kipruto took bronze with a time of 2:07.27. Tola's victory marks Ethiopia's first gold medal in the men's marathon since 2000. **Meanwhile, France is preparing to face the US in the basketball final, aiming to dethrone the defending champions led by LeBron James and Stephen Curry.

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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!

Farage Offers to Help Mandelson in US Role

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Nigel Farage has offered to help Lord Mandelson, the incoming US ambassador, in his new role by using his connections with the Trump administration. Despite their political differences, Farage believes he could be a useful asset for fostering good US-UK relations. He is particularly willing to assist with talks on trade, tariffs, intelligence-sharing, and countering terrorism, as many members of the president's cabinet are his friends. However, he fears that the government may be too split to take up his offer. Mandelson has been warned that he will need a thick skin to weather regular attacks from Trump's allies, but with his experience in the hard world of diplomacy, he is expected to succeed as ambassador to Washington.

Tragic Loss of Olympic Snowboarder Sophie Hediger in Avalanche

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In a heartbreaking turn of events, Swiss Olympic snowboarder Sophie Hediger, 26, passed away in an avalanche at the Arosa resort in the Swiss Alps on December 24, 2024. Hediger, who was part of Switzerland's snowboard cross team at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, was in her prime and had achieved two World Cup podium finishes in the 2023-24 season, with her best result being a second place in St. Moritz in January. The Swiss skiing federation has expressed its deepest condolences to Hediger's family, stating that her life 'came to a tragic, sudden and far too early end.'

Bill Clinton Hospitalized for Testing and Observation After Fever

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Former US President Bill Clinton** was admitted to a hospital in Washington D.C. on Monday afternoon for "testing and observation", after he developed a fever. Clinton, who has had several health scares since his time in office, is said to be in good spirits and appreciates the care he is receiving. The 78-year-old served as US president from 1993 to 2001.

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.

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.

US Engages with Rebels in Syria, Urges Preparation for Emergency Situations

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The US is in contact with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham rebels in Syria** despite designating them as terrorists in 2018. The US, Turkey, EU, and Arab countries support a united, peaceful Syria and call for a Syrian-led transition to a representative government with respect for human rights. The UAE cautions against trusting HTS's talk of unity. The US Embassy in Damascus advises US citizens to prepare for emergency situations and be ready to shelter in place. The eventual shape of US-Syrian relations remains unclear, with the US government unable to provide routine or emergency consular services to US citizens in Syria.

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.

Ukrainian Delegation Meets with Trump's Team for Crucial Talks

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In a recent turn of events, a high-level Ukrainian delegation, including the Head of the President's Office and the Defence Minister, visited the US for discussions with Donald Trump's team. The main goal of the visit was to establish mutual understanding with the Americans and discuss Russia's plans. The Ukrainian side also sought to give their assessment of the situation on the battlefield. Yermak, the Head of the President's Office, met with various political figures, including National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, and expressed gratitude for the US's strong support. This visit comes after President Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine must work directly with Trump.

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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.

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Trump's Joke About Making Canada a State

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During a dinner with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, President-elect Donald Trump jokingly suggested that Canada become the 51st state. The conversation also touched on trade deficit and border concerns. Trump downplayed the potential threat of Canada becoming a deep-blue state with a larger Electoral College representation. The dinner was described as a light-hearted social evening and the relations between the two leaders were warm and cordial.

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.

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.

BREAKING: US Embassy in Kyiv Shuts Down Amid Russian Air Attack Threats

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The US Embassy in Kyiv has shut down for the day due to a warning of a potential significant air attack.** This comes as tensions rise between Ukraine and Russia following Ukrainian strikes on Russian territory using American-made missiles. The US has provided Ukraine with antipersonnel mines and lifted restrictions on the use of long-range weapons inside Russian territory. Meanwhile, NATO has warned that it will hold Russia responsible for any long-range missile strikes. **Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.

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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*
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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)*,

Israel Fails to Meet US Demands for Gaza Aid, Aid Groups Say

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Israel has failed to meet US demands for greater humanitarian access to Gaza**, where conditions are worse than at any point in the 13-month-old war, international aid organizations said on Tuesday. The Biden administration had called on Israel to "surge" more food and other emergency aid into Gaza, giving it a 30-day deadline that was expiring on Tuesday. However, Israel has only partially complied with four of the 19 measures outlined by the US, and has failed to comply with 15. The report, co-signed by eight international aid organizations, said that Israel's actions have made the situation in Gaza even worse, particularly in Northern Gaza. US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said last week that Israel had made some progress, but needs to do more to meet the US conditions.

Canada Prepares for Migrant Surge as Trump Vows Mass Deportations

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Trump's Mass Deportation Plan Could Spark Migrant Surge to Canada:** As Donald Trump doubles down on his pledge to conduct the largest mass deportation in American history, Canada braces for a surge of migrants to its southern border. With formal crossings closed, desperate families may take increasingly dangerous routes across the 5,500-mile border. Quebec, the province that absorbed most of the crossing in the past, warns of an overwhelming situation. Will Canada be prepared for this potential crisis?