The Museum of African Art in Washington, part of the Smithsonian Institution, has returned 29 bronze works of art to Nigeria, marking the first time the Smithsonian has repatriated looted art objects to Africa. The restitution was finalized in a ceremony attended by Nigerian and museum officials. Ngaire Blankenberg, the museum's new director, initiated the return, emphasizing the importance of ethical decisions in cultural institutions and the need to create a space that respects African heritage. The move challenges the stance of some European museums against restitution, questioning who should decide the terms of displaying cultural objects.

Simon Charette's L’Opéra comique de Washington is set to present its first performance, 'La Vie Parisienne' by Franco-German composer Jacques Offenbach, at the Maison française on Friday, March 8, 2024, from 8pm to 10pm. The comic opera, written in 1866, portrays the lively Paris of the Second Empire, depicting aristocrats, bourgeoisie, and artists entangled in the city's nightlife through social satire, romance, and farce. The production will feature professional actors and singers, with 7 singers, 15 musicians, and 20 choristers, making it one of Charette's largest productions.

La Maison Française will host a special NBA-themed event on January 23 at 7pm featuring French basketball player Rudy Gobert. The evening will spotlight the first U.S. screening of Jonathan Bensimhon's documentary 'Rudy Gobert N°27', followed by a one-on-one discussion between Gobert and French director Sébastien Onomo. The 52-minute film provides an intimate look at Gobert's rise to fame, marked by challenges and exceptional resilience, and includes insights from his close friends and teammates. It covers his journey from a non-top player to an NBA star and his achievements with the Minnesota Timberwolves and the French national team.

Washington DC now has two more Michelin-starred restaurants, with Causa and Rania each receiving one star in a ceremony held in New York on November 7. The city now boasts 25 starred establishments, including the three-star The Inn at Little Washington. No new two or three-star restaurants were added this year, and Cranes lost its star. Special awards were given to individuals for sommelier, young chef, cocktail program, and exceptional service. The Inn at Little Washington also received a green star for sustainable cuisine. Additionally, two new restaurants, Yellow and La Tejana, were added to the Bib Gourmand selection, which recognizes affordable dining options.

French author Victor Dixen, now based in Washington, has made a significant impact on the American literary scene with his science fiction works. His journey began with insomnia-driven writing sessions, leading to the creation of 'Le Cas Jack Spark' series, likened to Harry Potter by French literary journalists. After moving to New York, a city he adores for its diversity, and later to Washington DC, Dixen's books have been translated into English and published by Amazon Crossing. His latest series, 'Vampyria', is gaining traction in the US, with plans for television adaptations, including collaboration with 'Doctor Who' screenwriter Phil Ford.

With the arrival of warm weather, vineyards in Virginia and Maryland are preparing to welcome wine lovers and families. French Morning has visited seven vineyards within an hour of DC that are perfect for an afternoon with children. These include Fabbioli Cellars, Creek’s Edge Winery, Barrel Oak Winery, The Winery at Bull Run, Rockland Farms, Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyards, and Big Cork Vineyards, each offering family-friendly amenities such as picnic tables, food options, games, and even a civil war museum.

Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim, president of the Association of Peul Women and Indigenous Peoples of Chad (AFPAT), emphasizes the critical role of women in finding solutions to climate change. She highlights the adverse effects of environmental changes on the Mbororo community in Chad, particularly on women, and calls for their inclusion in decision-making processes. Hilda Flavia Nakabuye, founder of Fridays for Future Uganda, also underscores the importance of addressing women's needs in climate change programs.

Célia Belin, a 41-year-old from Dijon, has been appointed as the interim director of the Center on the United States and Europe at the Brookings Institution in Washington DC. She reflects on her educational journey, highlighting her public school background and her passion for languages. Belin's career includes a significant focus on American evangelicalism and its support for Israel, leading to her thesis publication and her experiences at the Council on Foreign Relations and the Middle East Institute. After working at the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, she joined Brookings in 2017 and recently succeeded Tom Wright, who moved to the White House National Security Council. Belin has also been vocal about the travel ban affecting her J-1 visa, advocating for mobility rights.

For three years, Flint residents have been without access to clean drinking water. After being poisoned with lead for eighteen months, they have lost faith in the administration and are waiting for assistance from the Michigan state or federal government. The Flint River, once heavily polluted by the automotive industry, became the city's water source as a cost-saving measure. Despite initial assurances of safety, residents began to notice changes in the water's color and odor. General Motors stopped using Flint water due to its corrosive nature. Resident complaints and independent research eventually revealed dangerous lead levels. Pediatrician Mona Hanna-Attisha's study showed a significant increase in children's blood lead levels, leading to a public call for a change in the water source.