The 'Archaeological Atlas of France', published by Inrap and recently reissued due to high demand, offers a detailed account of France's history through the lens of archaeology rather than traditional historical figures and events. It includes 100 new maps based on recent excavations, covering topics such as human occupation, climate, population, and lifestyle changes over thousands of years. The Atlas also explores the archaeology of Guyana and its history of slavery, penal colony, and gold panning. It provides insights into socio-economic and cultural processes, the circulation of objects, changes in funerary practices, and the spread of diseases like the plague. The Atlas synthesizes data from the 19th century onwards and reflects on contemporary issues such as epidemics, climate change, and urban development. It also traces the history of wine in Gaul and the impact of Mediterranean trade.

Aya Nakamura, a French-Malian pop singer, is at the center of a racist controversy stirred by the far-right in France over the possibility of her performing at the Paris Olympics opening ceremony. President Emmanuel Macron's consideration of Nakamura, who is globally recognized and has top-selling albums in France, has been met with racist remarks and online hate campaigns. Far-right leader Marine Le Pen criticized Nakamura's potential performance as a provocation, while a group called Les Natifs displayed a racist banner. Despite a poll suggesting a majority of French people do not see Nakamura as representing 'French' music, Sports Minister Amélie Oudéa-Castéra and Culture Minister Rachida Dati defended her. Cultural magazine figure Carole Boinet argued that the far-right's reaction makes Nakamura's performance even more imperative, highlighting her international acclaim and unique linguistic style.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pledged to continue the war in Gaza until Hamas is eliminated and Israeli hostages are returned. He warned Hezbollah to take lessons from Hamas's experiences. An Israeli air traffic control base was struck by Hezbollah, with Israel retaliating by killing seven militants. Tensions escalated with the death of a Palestinian toddler by Israeli police at a West Bank checkpoint and the targeted killing of a top Hamas leader in Beirut. The Israeli military claims to have dismantled Hamas' military infrastructure in northern Gaza and will focus on central and southern Gaza.

Serbia's governing Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), led by President Aleksandar Vucic, claimed a sweeping victory in the parliamentary elections with around 47% of the vote, potentially securing 130 seats in the 250-member assembly. The opposition coalition Serbia Against Violence, which was expected to challenge SNS, especially in Belgrade, disputed the results, alleging vote-rigging and demanding a rerun of the ballot. Independent monitors and media reported irregularities, including claims of voters being bussed in and attacks on monitoring teams. The opposition plans to protest in the capital. The elections also saw participation from several right-wing and pro-Russia parties, with the campaign framed as a referendum on Vucic's rule. Serbia has been an EU candidate since 2014, but the government faces criticism over democratic backsliding, handling of the Kosovo crisis, and public discontent due to inflation and corruption.

Serbia's governing Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), led by President Aleksandar Vucic, claims a sweeping victory in the parliamentary elections with 47% of the vote, potentially securing around 130 seats in the 250-member assembly. The opposition coalition Serbia Against Violence disputes the results, alleging vote-rigging and demanding a rerun in Belgrade. Independent monitors and media report irregularities, including claims of voters being bussed in and fraudulent identity documents. The opposition plans major protests, while the SNS denies allegations. The elections saw a 55% turnout and included several right-wing and pro-Russia parties. Vucic's campaign focused on consolidating power amid public discontent over inflation, corruption, and the Kosovo crisis.

Israel has accused the UN of hypocrisy for not responding to allegations of rape and brutal treatment of Israeli women by Hamas during the 7 October attacks at the Nova music festival. Israeli Ambassador Gilad Erdan criticized UN Women for suggesting a UN body with anti-Semitic biases investigate the claims. Hamas denied the accusations, but women's rights campaigners believe the sexual violence was premeditated. UN Women expressed alarm and called for investigations, but faced criticism for not specifically naming Hamas. High-profile figures like Hillary Clinton and Sheryl Sandberg spoke at a UN event, demanding global condemnation of Hamas' actions. Israeli police have collected over 1500 testimonies related to the attacks, and Yael Richert presented evidence at the UN event, likening the aftermath to a 'second Holocaust'. Over 1,200 Israelis and nearly 16,000 Palestinians have been killed in the recent conflict.

In Aarwangen, Switzerland, the traditional sound of cowbells has become a point of contention between long-time residents and newcomers. Two couples who recently moved to the village complained about the noise, leading to a campaign by some residents to preserve the cowbell and church bell sounds. The village, which has been growing with new housing, is a fully functioning traditional village with dairy farms. The municipality president, Niklaus Lundsgaard-Hansen, sees the conflict as an example of the urban-rural divide. Swiss communities have faced similar dilemmas, with no common rules regarding the noise, leading to individual case handling. A special exhibition at the Langenthal museum addresses the debate, emphasizing tolerance. A public meeting will be held to vote on the future of the bells, with one couple withdrawing their complaint and the other planning to move away.

London's Design Museum is hosting SKATEBOARD, the UK's first major exhibition on skateboard design history, from the 1950s to the present. The exhibition features around 100 boards and over 150 related items, including a chronological display, rare boards, and a mini-ramp for live skateboarding. Key pieces include Tony Hawk's first professional model and the first women's pro model by Laura Thornhill. The exhibition, which runs from 20 October 2023 to 02 June 2024, also includes a film and will be accompanied by a book published by Phaidon.

A YouGov survey reveals that many British adults regret not focusing on language studies in school and believe languages should be compulsory. Only 21% of UK adults can converse in a non-native modern language. Since foreign language GCSEs became optional in England 20 years ago, language study has declined. The British Academy calls for statutory language learning rights for students aged 5-18 and launches the Languages Gateway to improve access to language learning. Comparatively, 65% of Europeans can speak a second language, with bilingualism more common in Nordic countries and less so in Southern Europe.

Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has announced plans to offer €2 cinema tickets to people over 65 on Tuesdays, aiming to combat sedentary lifestyles post-Covid-19 and support the cultural industry. The scheme, which echoes a previous €400 youth culture voucher, could benefit 9.5 million people and involves a €10 million investment. It is part of a broader effort to make Spain a significant audiovisual hub, with the film protection fund reaching €107 million in 2023. The coalition partner Unidas Podemos suggests expanding the plan to include the unemployed, low-income individuals, people with disabilities, and young people aged 15 to 29.

Les Flammes, the first French awards ceremony dedicated to rap, R&B, and Afrobeats, is set to take place in Paris, recognizing genres often overlooked by mainstream awards. Organized by Booska-P and Yard, the event will feature 14 live performances and be streamed on YouTube and Twitch. Public voting and a gender-balanced jury will determine the winners in various categories, with artists like Ronisia, Aya Nakamura, and Booba among the nominees. The ceremony aims to shine a light on the creativity emerging from working-class neighborhoods and celebrate the cultural impact of these music genres.

The journalist recounts their career trajectory, starting from student radio at the University of Edinburgh, moving through various roles in national and regional radio in the UK and Switzerland, and working in regional and international TV in the UK and France. Currently, they are also engaged with the United Nations Information Service, contributing to the UN News in Brief.

The author reflects on their upbringing in south London, where there was minimal exposure to mountain life. Despite this, they developed a passion for climbing on Southern Sandstone. This newfound interest in rock and snow-related activities led them to relocate to the French Alps. The author invites readers to explore their writings, which focus on travel, mountains, and themes related to snow.