The Paris 2024 Summer Olympics medals will feature a piece of iron from the Eiffel Tower, commemorating 100 years since Paris last hosted the Games. The medals, unveiled by organizers, were designed by Chaumet House of Jewellery, part of LVMH, and include a hexagon of iron at the center. The Eiffel Tower iron was donated by the Société d'Exploitation de la tour Eiffel. The Olympic medals depict the goddess Nike and the Eiffel Tower, while the Paralympic medals have a view under the tower with inscriptions in Braille. The medals also have tactile features to distinguish the different metals. The Olympic Games will take place from July 26 to August 11, and the Paralympic Games from August 28 to September 8.

The Paris 2024 Summer Olympics medals, unveiled six months before the games, will feature a piece of iron from the Eiffel Tower to commemorate 100 years since Paris last hosted the Olympics. The medals, designed by Chaumet House of Jewellery of the LVMH group, have a hexagon of iron at the center and are the first Olympic and Paralympic medals designed by a jeweller. The Olympic medals depict the goddess Nike and the Eiffel Tower, while the Paralympic medals include a view under the Eiffel Tower with inscriptions in Braille. The Paris 2024 Olympic Games will take place from July 26 to August 11, and the Paralympic Games from August 28 to September 8.

French farmers in Toulouse protested against the government's agricultural policy by dumping manure in front of city buildings. Nearly 400 tractors and 1,000 farmers from southwest France participated, causing traffic disruptions. They claim increased taxes, social charges, and living costs are creating hardships. Supermarkets were also targeted for not offering fair prices for produce. This follows previous demonstrations last November.

French farmers in Toulouse protested against the government's agricultural policy by dumping manure in front of city buildings. Nearly 400 tractors and 1,000 farmers from southwest France participated, causing traffic disruptions. They are facing hardships due to increased taxes, social charges, and rising costs for fuel, animal feed, and living. Supermarkets were also targeted for not paying fair prices for produce. This follows previous demonstrations last November.

French farmers in Toulouse protested against the government's agricultural policy by dumping manure and rotting produce in front of city buildings. Nearly 400 tractors and 1,000 farmers from southwest France caused traffic disruptions and targeted supermarkets, expressing grievances over increased taxes, social charges, and living costs. A delegation was expected to meet with the local police chief.

Tensions in Europe have escalated due to the Israel-Hamas conflict, with a rise in bomb threats and fears of hate crimes. In Berlin, symbols of antisemitism have appeared, while London has seen an increase in antisemitic and Islamophobic crimes. France, with significant Jewish and Muslim populations, is experiencing heightened security threats, leading to evacuations of airports and tourist sites. French officials have opened judicial enquiries and emphasized the severity of these threats.

Paris is facing a bedbug infestation just months before the 2024 Summer Olympics, with reports of the pests in hotels, cinemas, and public transport. The Deputy Mayor of Paris has urged the Prime Minister to declare bedbugs a public health issue and create a national action plan. The Transport Minister is meeting with transport operators to address traveler concerns. Exterminators emphasize the importance of quick action upon detecting bedbugs, and a report by Anses cites increased tourism and insecticide resistance as reasons for the infestation.

Paris is facing a bedbug infestation just 10 months before the 2024 Summer Olympics. Initially reported in hotels and vacation rentals, the infestation has spread to movie theaters, high-speed trains, and the Paris Metro. Public concern is growing as videos of the pests circulate on social media. Parisians are spending an average of $500 for home treatments. Deputy Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire has urged the government to recognize bedbugs as a public health issue and develop a national action plan. Transport Minister Clément Beaune is set to meet with transport operators to discuss traveler protection. Bedbugs, which feed on human blood at night, are not related to hygiene but to high fertility rates and increased tourism, coupled with resistance to insecticides.

A botulism outbreak linked to the Tchin Tchin Wine Bar in Bordeaux, France, has resulted in one death and at least eight people in intensive care. The victims, including tourists of various nationalities, consumed contaminated sardines canned by the restaurateur. An investigation for manslaughter has been opened, and health officials have issued warnings to anyone who visited the bar between September 4 and 10 to seek medical attention if symptoms arise. The outbreak is considered exceptional and serious by local medical professionals.

A man in Forbach, France, was released without charges after being accused by his wife of holding her captive for 12 years. The public prosecutor, Olivier Glady, found the claims unfounded, citing the wife's health issues and lack of evidence. The couple, German nationals, did not speak French, which hindered seeking medical assistance. The wife remains hospitalized as authorities seek better medical care solutions. An investigation continues to understand the woman's care and the reasons behind her accusations.

The Notre Dame cathedral's reconstruction has made significant progress, with the spire's shaft now complete and set to be placed on the cathedral's roof in Paris this August. The project, which involves traditional craftsmanship and modern technology, is expected to reach completion by the end of the year. French President Emmanuel Macron has promised a reopening to the public in 2024, and project leader Gen. Jean-Louis Georgelin is confident in meeting this deadline. Architects Axelle Ponsonnet and Aurélie Ouzineb, along with carpenter Benoit Angheben, express pride and excitement in contributing to this historic endeavor.

Airbus and Air France were acquitted of involuntary manslaughter by a Paris court for the 2009 crash of Flight 447, which killed all 228 people on board. The court found no certain link of causality between the companies' errors and the accident. The prosecution had called for acquittal, citing pilot error as the main cause. Victims' families expressed shock and anger, with some finding the verdict hard to understand, especially given that Air France had not replaced faulty sensors known since 2001. This was France's first trial for corporate involuntary manslaughter, with a potential maximum fine of $245,680.

Paris will ban electric rental scooters following a public referendum where over 89% of participants voted against them, despite only 7.46% of eligible voters participating. The ban, effective after current contracts end in August, comes after scooters caused 408 accidents in Paris last year. Mayor Anne Hidalgo will not renew contracts with providers Lime, Dott, and Tier, foregoing 930,000 euros in revenue. The ban does not affect privately-owned scooters or other French cities. The Apacauvi charity, representing e-scooter accident victims, welcomed the decision.

Massive protests against President Emmanuel Macron's pension reforms in France have led to the postponement of King Charles III's first state visit. The visit was scheduled for March 26-29, including a stop in Bordeaux, which has seen significant unrest. The French presidency announced the delay after labor unions called for a strike on the day of the planned Bordeaux visit. Macron intends to proceed with the reforms, set to begin in September, despite ongoing protests since January. The reforms, raising the retirement age and requiring a longer work period for a full pension, have particularly angered women. The bill is currently under review by the Constitutional Council.

A beluga whale stranded in France's Seine river is the subject of a high-risk rescue operation by marine conservationists. The whale, which should be in arctic or subarctic seas, has been in poor health and not eating. Sea Shepherd, leading the rescue, plans to transport the beluga to a saltwater basin for treatment. Despite its condition, the whale's curiosity and movement have delayed euthanasia considerations.

French TV stars and twins Igor and Grichka Bogdanoff, known for their science fiction show Temps X and controversial academic work, died of COVID-19 six days apart at the age of 72 after refusing vaccination. They were admitted to the hospital on the same day with the virus. The twins, who had a background in applied mathematics and physics, faced criticism for their scientific theses and were accused of plagiarism, but still earned doctorates. They also sparked rumors of cosmetic surgery, which they denied, attributing their distinct features to unnamed 'technologies'. Igor Bogdanoff had expressed agreement with Dr. Didier Raoult's preference for future vaccines over current ones. Their friend, former minister Luc Ferry, had warned them about the risks of not getting vaccinated.

French TV stars and twins Igor and Grichka Bogdanoff, known for their science fiction show Temps X and controversial academic work, died of COVID-19 at age 72 after refusing vaccination. They were admitted to the hospital on the same day and passed away within six days of each other. The twins, who had a background in applied mathematics and physics, faced criticism for their scientific theses and were suspected of undergoing cosmetic surgery, which they denied. Igor Bogdanoff had expressed agreement with Dr. Didier Raoult's preference for future vaccines over current ones. Their friend, former minister Luc Ferry, had warned them about the risks of not getting vaccinated.

French President Emmanuel Macron has vowed to make life difficult for those refusing COVID-19 vaccinations, using strong language to emphasize his point. He aims to pressure the unvaccinated by limiting their access to social activities rather than making vaccination mandatory. This stance has drawn criticism from political opponents, particularly on the right and far-right. France is also debating a bill to tighten COVID pass rules, which would restrict access to various public places to only those who are vaccinated starting January 15.

French TV stars and twins Igor and Grichka Bogdanoff, known for their science fiction show Temps X and controversial academic work, died of COVID-19 after refusing vaccination. Grichka passed away on December 28, followed by Igor on January 3, both at the age of 72. They were unvaccinated, with Igor citing confidence in future vaccines over current ones, a view supported by French scientist Dr. Didier Raoult. Their friend, former minister Luc Ferry, had warned them against their decision not to get vaccinated.

France has implemented a mandatory 'COVID pass' for access to cafes, bars, and restaurants to combat a fourth wave of COVID-19 infections. The pass, which shows vaccination status or a recent negative test, is also required for leisure activities with large gatherings. Health workers must be vaccinated by mid-September or face suspension. Protests against the pass have occurred, with participants expressing concerns over personal choice and vaccine confidence. Despite protests, vaccination rates have surged, with 53% of the population now fully vaccinated. Concern remains over low vaccination rates among 18-30 year-olds.

France is experiencing a fourth wave of coronavirus infections and has introduced a 'COVID pass' for social activities where more than 50 people gather, including entry to museums, cinemas, and swimming pools, with plans to extend this to bars, cafés, restaurants, and shopping malls. The pass, which is available in paper and digital formats, serves as proof of vaccination, a negative COVID-19 test, or recovery from the virus. The Delta variant accounts for 96% of new cases, prompting regional restrictions. Approximately 42.5% of the French population is fully vaccinated, and the pass will also facilitate travel within the EU. For foreign travelers, France has specific entry requirements based on vaccination status and country of origin.