French President Emmanuel Macron visited Paris' iconic Notre-Dame cathedral on Friday, marking his final visit before the landmark reopens to the public next week, following more than five years of intensive reconstruction.
The cathedral was severely damaged by a devastating fire on the evening of April 15, 2019, which destroyed much of the roof and caused the spire to collapse. The fire, which shocked viewers worldwide, also threatened the cathedral’s bell towers, although they and the façade survived. The blaze was an international tragedy, with the sight of the medieval structure in flames drawing global sympathy.
Since the fire, a massive reconstruction effort has been underway to restore Notre-Dame to its former glory. On Friday, drone footage revealed the completed spire, while scaffolding remained in place around parts of the façade as workers rushed to finalise the restoration ahead of the official reopening on December 7.
Whilst the exact cause of the fire remains unclear, French authorities have speculated that an electrical fault or a discarded cigarette may have been to blame.
Macron’s visit comes at a time when the world-famous cathedral is on the verge of returning to its role as a symbol of French heritage, following years of painstaking restoration.
French authorities have launched an investigation into death threats issued against judges involved in the trial of Marine Le Pen, following her conviction on corruption charges earlier this week.
Türkiye's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is scheduled to visit Paris today to discuss European security, regional developments, and bilateral relations, according to media reports referring to sources from the Foreign Ministry.
Manchester City remain optimistic about Erling Haaland’s return before the season ends. The 24-year-old striker, who injured his left ankle against Bournemouth, is set to miss upcoming matches but is expected to recover in time for the Club World Cup and help City's push for a Champions League spot.
French far-right leader Marine Le Pen was banned from running for public office for five years after being convicted of embezzlement, ruling her out of the 2027 presidential race. She received a four-year prison sentence, with two years suspended, and a €100,000 fine. Le Pen plans to appeal.
AnewZ provides an examination of Marine Le Pen, the leader of France's far-right National Rally party, and explores her ascent in French politics, her controversial policy positions, and the recent legal challenges she faces.
U.S. President Donald Trump’s inner circle is advising him against speaking with Russian President Vladimir Putin unless Russia commits to a full ceasefire in Ukraine, NBC News reported on Thursday, citing administration officials.
Kirill Dmitriev, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s investment envoy, is visiting Washington this week for talks with members of the Trump administration, sparking fresh speculation over behind-the-scenes diplomacy between Moscow and Washington.
A Russian drone strike hit residential buildings in Kharkiv late on Thursday, killing at least two people and injuring 32 others, Ukrainian officials said, as nightly attacks on the country's cities continue to mount.
In Sydney’s Bennelong, where Chinese Australians make up a large share of the electorate, the fight for votes is playing out on unexpected turf: Xiaohongshu.
Leaders from Central Asia and the European Union will meet in Samarkand on April 4 for the first-ever EU-Central Asia Summit, aimed at deepening ties. Talks will focus on trade, investment, green energy, and security — marking a new era of cooperation.
Aid groups in Myanmar’s worst-hit areas urgently need shelter, food, and water after a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake killed over 2,700 people. Rescue efforts face challenges due to ongoing civil war, damaged infrastructure, and restricted aid access, with the toll expected to rise.
French far-right leader Marine Le Pen was banned from running for public office for five years after being convicted of embezzlement, ruling her out of the 2027 presidential race. She received a four-year prison sentence, with two years suspended, and a €100,000 fine. Le Pen plans to appeal.
The Armenian armed forces attempted three reconnaissance drone flights over Azerbaijan Army positions near Gerenzur, but all were successfully intercepted. Meanwhile, Armenian units repeatedly fired on Azerbaijani positions from multiple regions, escalating tensions in the area.
Apple marked its 49th anniversary by reaching a market capitalization of $3.3 trillion. Despite recent tech stock volatility, Apple's shares surged 28% in 2024.
U.S. President Donald Trump’s inner circle is advising him against speaking with Russian President Vladimir Putin unless Russia commits to a full ceasefire in Ukraine, NBC News reported on Thursday, citing administration officials.
Kirill Dmitriev, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s investment envoy, is visiting Washington this week for talks with members of the Trump administration, sparking fresh speculation over behind-the-scenes diplomacy between Moscow and Washington.
A Russian drone strike hit residential buildings in Kharkiv late on Thursday, killing at least two people and injuring 32 others, Ukrainian officials said, as nightly attacks on the country's cities continue to mount.
In Sydney’s Bennelong, where Chinese Australians make up a large share of the electorate, the fight for votes is playing out on unexpected turf: Xiaohongshu.
The United States is relapsing into an old identity. In 2025, President Donald Trump revived the strategy that once defined the American economy — tariffs. For more than a century, from 1789 to 1913, tariffs powered U.S. government revenues and protected domestic industry.
U.S. President Donald Trump’s inner circle is advising him against speaking with Russian President Vladimir Putin unless Russia commits to a full ceasefire in Ukraine, NBC News reported on Thursday, citing administration officials.
Kirill Dmitriev, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s investment envoy, is visiting Washington this week for talks with members of the Trump administration, sparking fresh speculation over behind-the-scenes diplomacy between Moscow and Washington.
A Russian drone strike hit residential buildings in Kharkiv late on Thursday, killing at least two people and injuring 32 others, Ukrainian officials said, as nightly attacks on the country's cities continue to mount.
In Sydney’s Bennelong, where Chinese Australians make up a large share of the electorate, the fight for votes is playing out on unexpected turf: Xiaohongshu.
Leaders from Central Asia and the European Union will meet in Samarkand on April 4 for the first-ever EU-Central Asia Summit, aimed at deepening ties. Talks will focus on trade, investment, green energy, and security — marking a new era of cooperation.
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