The French government's response to the police killing of Nahel M, a 17-year-old from Nanterre, has been criticized for its focus on punitive measures rather than addressing the root causes of social unrest. The article highlights the government's reliance on police violence to maintain control, with President Emmanuel Macron and his ministers downplaying accusations of systemic racism and brutality within the police force. Calls for police reform, including independent investigations and audits of police racism, have been ignored. The article suggests that Macron's administration prefers to rule with police violence rather than tackle the underlying issues, exacerbating tensions in French cities.

Hundreds of thousands of French citizens are protesting against the new vaccine pass system, which mandates proof of vaccination or a negative test for access to cultural venues, bars, and restaurants. Despite increasing vaccination rates, the policy has sparked significant backlash, potentially affecting President Emmanuel Macron's re-election prospects. The protests, which have grown substantially, include a diverse group of participants, challenging the government's portrayal of them as anti-vaxxers and conspiracy theorists.

The article discusses the issues with the Home Office's Brexit app, which is intended to register the 3.7 million EU nationals living in the UK before the end of March 2021. A significant problem with the app is that it does not work on iPhones, which are used by half of the UK's adult population. The government's advice to those affected is to use someone else's smartphone to bypass this issue. The situation is described as a 'total disaster,' indicating major flaws in the app's implementation and accessibility.

The article reports on the recent protests that took place across European cities, where thousands of individuals marched to raise awareness and call for an end to violence against women. The protests saw significant turnout, with 49,000 people marching in Paris and a total of 150,000 across France, as reported by the event organisers. The article likely covers the scale of the protests, the demands of the protesters, and possibly the broader context of violence against women in Europe.

Reykjavik turned off its street lights to minimize light pollution and provide optimal viewing conditions for the northern lights. The blackout, initially planned for an hour, extended until midnight due to a delayed start of the aurora borealis display. The Icelandic police cautioned observers about safety, while tourists and residents shared impressive images of the phenomenon. The northern lights have been particularly vivid in Iceland, though the display on Wednesday was noted to be less impressive than earlier in the week.

The Leave campaign has gained a significant lead in the British E.U. referendum, with early tallies showing a 51.6% to 48.4% advantage over the Remain campaign. Nigel Farage, leader of the U.K. Independence Party, has encouraged supporters by highlighting the potential of an independent United Kingdom and criticizing the major parties for their conduct.

Thomas Mair has been charged with the murder of Jo Cox, a Labour Party lawmaker, an event that has left Britain in shock and paused the campaigning for the EU referendum. Mair, from Birstall, West Yorkshire, is to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court. British media law restricts reporting that could prejudice a trial. Cox was killed outside a public library in Birstall, where she was due to meet constituents.

Jo Cox was fatally attacked by a man, Thomas Mair, who also injured a 77-year-old man. The police, led by Temporary Chief Constable Dee Collins, arrested the suspect and recovered weapons, including a firearm. The investigation is ongoing to determine the motive, with a significant police presence and efforts to reassure the local community.

The Louvre Museum in Paris has taken precautionary measures to protect its art collections from potential flooding. Although there is currently no flooding or water seepage, the museum has closed to allow time for the safe evacuation of artworks if water levels continue to rise. Jean-Luc Martinez, President of the Louvre, and French Culture Minister Audrey Azoulay have both stated that the collections are not at risk, and the prevention plan is being effectively implemented.

Heavy rains in France caused the Seine River in Paris to reach its highest levels since 1982, prompting concerns for cultural institutions and the surrounding countryside. The river, which began flooding on Wednesday, was expected to crest on Saturday morning and remain high throughout the weekend. Deputy Mayor Colombe Brossel indicated it would take over a week for the water to recede to normal levels. Residents were urged to secure valuables, and an art collection was moved from a city hall in a Paris suburb.