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Paris 2024: A Dazzling Opening Ceremony on the Seine

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The 2024 Olympics opened in Paris with a stunning and innovative ceremony, marking the first time athletes paraded along the River Seine instead of in a stadium. The nearly four-hour spectacle featured 6,800 athletes from 205 delegations sailing on 85 boats, passing iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. The event culminated in a dramatic moment as French judo champion Teddy Riner and sprinter Marie-Jose Perec lit a cauldron shaped like a hot air balloon, which soared into the Parisian sky.

Despite heavy rain and earlier disruptions caused by arson attacks on the French train network, the ceremony unfolded with vibrant performances. Among the highlights were US singer Lady Gaga, who delivered a cabaret act, and Celine Dion, who made an emotional return to the stage. The artistic direction, led by Thomas Jolly, brought to life a narrative celebrating French history, art, and sport, with contributions from approximately 2,000 musicians and dancers.

The last two boats to parade were the US team, the next hosts for the 2028 Olympics, and the French delegation, which had the largest number of athletes onboard. Great Britain was represented by flagbearers Helen Glover and Tom Daley. IOC President Thomas Bach addressed the athletes, emphasizing the Olympics as a unifying event amid global tensions and conflicts.

Over 10,500 athletes will compete in 32 sports throughout the Games, which run until August 11. The ceremony’s visual spectacle included fireworks in the colors of the French flag and featured various artistic segments, from ballet to performances inspired by French culture. Celine Dion thrilled the crowd with a rendition of Edith Piaf’s “L’Hymne à l’amour,” marking her first performance since revealing a serious health condition.

Despite some minor gaffes, such as confusing South Korea with North Korea, the ceremony was a remarkable celebration of sport and unity, setting the stage for the upcoming competitions.

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French high-speed rail sabotaged before Olympic ceremony

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French rail company SNCF has reported that at least 250,000 passengers will be affected by what Prime Minister Gabriel Attal has called “acts of sabotage.” These disruptions were caused by a series of fires early Friday morning, just hours before the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics.

Several high-speed TGV lines heading west, north, and east of Paris have been impacted, and Eurostar has warned customers of potential delays and cancellations. No group has claimed responsibility for the attacks, and Mr. Attal stated that security forces are actively searching for the perpetrators, while the public prosecutor’s office is conducting an investigation.

According to Mr. Attal, these “prepared and coordinated” acts of sabotage targeted SNCF installations. The company described the fires as a “massive attack” involving “malicious acts,” and workers are currently repairing the damaged cables manually. SNCF anticipates that up to 800,000 people could be affected over the weekend due to the disruptions.

SNCF’s head, Christophe Fanichet, assured that efforts are being made to minimize disruptions and that affected travelers would be reimbursed. He advised people not to go to the stations unless they have been informed that their trains are operational. Transport Minister Patrice Vergriete indicated that all evidence points to these being arson attacks, noting that they occurred simultaneously, and vans were found at the scene from which individuals had fled. Flammable materials were also discovered.

Three major TGV routes connecting Paris with cities like Lille, Bordeaux, and Strasbourg were targeted, while authorities prevented a fourth attack on the Paris-Marseille line. Sports Minister Amélie Oudéa-Castéra condemned the attacks as “downright appalling” and highlighted the potential impact on the public and Olympic athletes.

Paris 2024, the organizing committee for the Olympic Games, is currently assessing the situation and collaborating with SNCF. The rail company has reported severe disruptions, with Eurostar and other high-speed services being diverted, causing ripple effects on other routes. Eurostar announced it would be cancelling one in four of its services on Friday, with similar disruptions expected over the weekend and potentially lasting until Monday morning.

Megan Murphy, a passenger traveling from London, reported her Eurostar train was delayed by 90 minutes and made a brief stop in Lille to switch tracks. Germany’s Deutsche Bahn has also warned of disruptions to its long-distance rail network and advised passengers to check their travel plans.

SNCF is already on site to investigate the damage and begin repairs, though they caution that the situation could extend throughout the weekend and beyond. Mr. Farrandou lamented that this disruption ruins what should have been a festive holiday period and a celebratory day for the Olympics.

This incident occurs amid a heightened security operation in Paris, involving tens of thousands of troops and police aimed at protecting the global sporting event. French authorities have vowed to locate and punish those responsible for these “criminal acts.” A security source suggested that the sabotage might be linked to extreme left groups, although no direct Russian connection has been established. Earlier this week, a Russian man was arrested on suspicion of being involved in a destabilization plot against the Games, but France has not connected him to the rail sabotage. Despite Russia’s ban from the Olympics, some of its athletes are still competing as neutrals.

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Paris Prepares for Its First Olympics in a Century

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The Paris Olympics, with the motto “Games Wide Open,” officially begin on Friday with a historic opening ceremony featuring a 6km procession along the River Seine, accommodating 300,000 spectators. This marks the first time in a century that Paris has hosted the summer Games, showcasing events in and around the city’s iconic landmarks.

The artistic director, Thomas Jolly, aims to highlight France’s diversity, with speculation surrounding performances by stars like Celine Dion and Lady Gaga. The Games will also achieve gender parity for the first time, with equal participation from 5,250 male and 5,250 female athletes.

Despite the excitement, concerns linger over overcrowding, inflation, and transportation challenges. A major security presence, including 5,000 police and soldiers, will be deployed to ensure safety. Local businesses along the Seine have expressed frustrations due to restrictions, though authorities assure that barriers will be removed post-ceremony.

The anticipated cost for the Games is around 9 billion euros, with organizers pledging to make it the greenest Olympics yet. While only two new venues have been built, iconic locations such as the Stade de France and Roland Garros will host various events.

One of the primary concerns leading up to the Games was the water quality of the Seine, particularly for swimming events. Regular testing will ensure safety after a century-long ban on swimming in the river.

The opening ceremony will be a groundbreaking event, taking place outside a traditional stadium. It will feature a parade of nations and culminate in the lighting of the Olympic cauldron. The event will be broadcast live, marking an exciting start to the Games, with some events already underway, including men’s rugby and football.

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Olympic Village Faces Food Shortages Amid High Demand

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Reports indicate that several athletes have raised concerns about a shortage of food at the Olympic Village in Paris. Complaints have centered on a perceived lack of availability of specific items, such as eggs, which were rationed at breakfast on Wednesday, and grilled meats, as noted by the French newspaper L’Équipe.

Sodexo Live!, the official catering partner for the Olympic Village, acknowledged the “very high demand” for certain food items and assured that “volumes will be increased” to meet the athletes’ needs. The Olympic Village is scheduled to serve around 13 million meals throughout the Games, with a daily total of 40,000 meals.

The Carrefour group, responsible for supplying fresh produce to the Olympic Village, confirmed that the quantities of food planned will be revised upwards to accommodate the high demand. Feeding approximately 15,000 athletes from 208 countries is a massive undertaking, with the total meals served over the 30 days of the Olympics and Paralympics equating to what is provided at 10 football World Cups.

The Olympic Village features six main dining areas offering French, Asian, Afro-Caribbean, and global cuisine, with 500 different recipes to suit various tastes. The food service is governed by a strict quality charter designed to halve the carbon footprint of meals compared to London 2012. To achieve this, a quarter of all ingredients are sourced from within a 250km radius of Paris, 20% are certified organic, and all meat, milk, and eggs are from French sources. Additionally, a third of the food is plant-based. The Village also has 200 water, juice, and soda fountains, with only reusable cups and crockery being used.

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With the Olympics Approaching, Paris Deploys 75,000 Troops Across the City

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A crowd of disappointed tourists gazed longingly through the metal fences lining the River Seine. Beyond them, Notre Dame Cathedral and other Parisian landmarks were tantalizingly out of reach.

A Mexican woman in the group lamented, “We don’t have a code,” as she watched others with the necessary QR security code pass through a police checkpoint with a reassuring beep. Nearby, a weary couple, burdened with large suitcases, turned around slowly on a crowded sidewalk after being told by a French gendarme that they needed to find another route.

As Paris prepares to debut its unique Olympic opening ceremony—a river-based event featuring athletes paraded on ornate barges through the heart of the city—the country’s security forces are finalizing an unprecedented operation.

President Emmanuel Macron, undeterred by recent political upheavals following his controversial decision to dissolve the French parliament, declared, “We are ready.” This massive security effort is the largest peacetime deployment in French history, involving up to 75,000 police, soldiers, and private guards stationed across Paris at any time.

Roads and metro stations are closed, and around 44,000 barriers have been set up. An intricate QR code system has been established for residents and others seeking access to the Seine and its islands.

Teething problems and frustrations are evident in a city usually bustling with unrestricted tourists. “I’m a bit concerned. It’s never been so quiet. Most of my clients are gone,” said Omar Benabdallah, a 25-year-old waiter observing the vacant tables on the Île de la Cité.

French authorities assure that the disruptions will be short-lived, with many barriers to be removed after the ceremony, promising a spectacular show celebrating Paris’s history and beauty.

Gen Lionel Catar, responsible for coordinating 5,500 French troops, acknowledged the scale of the operation but noted it builds on France’s existing Opération Sentinelle, which was established in response to past terrorist attacks. The security includes demining teams, canine units, anti-drone systems, radars, and divers patrolling the Seine.

Following advice from UK police based on their experience with the 2012 London Olympics, the operational headquarters was moved to the École Militaire near the Eiffel Tower for closer proximity to key figures and resources.

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Macron Delays New Government Appointment Until After Paris Olympics

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French President Emmanuel Macron has announced that he will postpone naming a new government until after the Paris Olympics conclude on August 11. This decision follows a proposal from the New Popular Front (NFP), a left-wing coalition that emerged as the largest group in France’s parliament after recent elections. The NFP has put forward Lucie Castets, a relatively unknown civil servant, as their candidate for prime minister.

Macron stated that appointing a new prime minister before mid-August would “create disorder” amid the ongoing Olympics, which start with an opening ceremony in central Paris on Friday. The left-wing coalition has criticized Macron’s delay, accusing him of undermining the outcome of the recent legislative elections.

Macron had previously accepted the resignation of Prime Minister Gabriel Attal due to significant losses for their centrist party in the elections. Attal and his team are continuing in a caretaker role until a new government is formed.

In France, the president is expected to appoint a prime minister who can secure a majority in the National Assembly. Currently, no single party holds a majority, but the NFP, with at least 182 of 577 seats, is in a strong position. The NFP’s choice, Lucie Castets, a 37-year-old economist with a background in finance and public services rather than politics, was presented just before Macron’s scheduled television interview.

Macron emphasized that the key issue is not the specific nominee but the formation of a majority in the Assembly. He plans to appoint a prime minister with the widest possible support. The delay has provoked a strong reaction from NFP members, who accuse Macron of attempting to disregard the results of the elections and deny the will of the people.

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Police Probe Alleged Gang Rape of Australian Woman in Paris

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French police are investigating a reported gang rape involving an Australian woman in central Paris. The 25-year-old sought refuge in a kebab shop in the Pigalle district early Saturday morning, with her dress partially torn. Local media indicated that no arrests have been made so far, but prosecutors confirmed the case is being treated as a gang rape.

The incident occurred just days before the 2024 Olympics are set to begin in Paris. According to French newspaper Le Parisien, restaurant staff called for assistance upon seeing the woman’s condition. Firefighters attended to her, and she was later taken to Bichat hospital for medical examination. The Paris Prosecutor’s Office stated that police are investigating the allegations and reviewing CCTV footage.

The investigation into the alleged gang rape, which is believed to have occurred between the night of July 19 and 20, has been assigned to the second judicial police district. With the Olympics starting on Friday, Paris is experiencing a heightened police presence to ensure public safety. Security measures include increased patrols, armed guards around the River Seine, and designated security zones requiring special passes to enter, including areas around the Eiffel Tower.

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Russian-US journalist jailed for ‘false information’

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Russian-American journalist Alsu Kurmasheva has been sentenced to six and a half years in prison by a court in Kazan, central Russia, for allegedly spreading false information about the Russian military. Kurmasheva, an editor at US-funded Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), was initially arrested last October for not registering as a foreign agent. Her sentencing coincided with the imprisonment of another US journalist, Evan Gershkovich, who was given a 16-year sentence for espionage.

Kurmasheva, who denies the charges, has been described by RFE/RL president Stephen Capus as being unjustly convicted, calling the trial a “mockery of justice.” Capus has called for her immediate release, emphasizing the need for her to return to her family. Her husband, Pavel Butorin, expressed his and their daughters’ belief in her innocence, urging for her return home.

Kurmasheva, a dual citizen of the US and Russia, works for RFE/RL’s Tatar-Bashkir service, focusing on issues affecting ethnic minorities in central Russia. She had traveled to Kazan for a family emergency in May 2023 and was detained there. Her Russian and American passports were seized, and she faced legal troubles for not declaring her US passport. She was fined and subsequently arrested on the foreign agent charge, followed by a more serious accusation of spreading false information in December.

This case is seen as part of a broader crackdown on independent journalism in Russia, particularly since the invasion of Ukraine, with the “false information” charge frequently used to suppress dissent. The law criminalizing false information was enacted shortly after Russia’s invasion began, purportedly in response to what the Kremlin described as an “information war” against Russia.

Kurmasheva’s conviction adds to concerns that Russia may be using American citizens as leverage in negotiations, potentially involving exchanges for Russian prisoners held abroad. While speculation about such swaps continues, especially following Gershkovich’s sentencing, Kurmasheva’s situation remains uncertain.

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France recalls contaminated Olympic-branded water bottles

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France has issued a recall for a series of Olympic-themed water bottles for children, just one week before the Paris 2024 Games commence. The reusable bottles, adorned with the Olympic rings and Paris 2024 mascot or flame, have been found to contain excessive levels of Bisphenol A (BPA), according to the official consumer recall agency, Rappel Conso.

These white flasks, distributed in August last year and sold until June, have been deemed non-compliant with safety regulations. BPA, commonly used in food containers, is known to be an endocrine disruptor that can interfere with hormonal functions. It has been linked to various health problems, including breast cancer and infertility. Due to these risks, BPA has been banned in France since 2015.

Consumers are advised to return the affected bottles to the stores where they were purchased. The 2024 Summer Olympics, set to take place in France from July 26 to August 11, 2024, will proceed despite this issue.

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Tadej Pogačar completes dominant Tour de France victory

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Tadej Pogačar’s performance at this year’s Tour de France has been marked by a striking nonchalance, showcasing an overwhelming dominance throughout the race that hasn’t been seen in over 25 years.

At just 26 years old, Pogačar achieved a remarkable “double,” becoming the first rider since Marco Pantani in 1998 to win both the Tour de France and the Giro d’Italia in the same year—a nearly unattainable feat in contemporary cycling. His apparent ease was evident as he took a bow after clinching his fourth stage win on Friday and maintained a light-hearted demeanor in post-race interviews.

Pogačar’s success continued with additional stage victories on Saturday and Sunday, totaling six stage wins for the race—the most by any rider since 2009 and an impressive feat for a general classification contender. Remarkably, he became the first rider since 1948 to win five mountain stages in a single Tour.

He finished with a commanding lead of six minutes and 17 seconds over his main rival, Jonas Vingegaard, who took second place. Pogačar extended his lead by winning the time trial in the final stage held in Nice on Sunday.

The rivalry between Pogačar and Vingegaard has defined the Tour de France since 2021, when Vingegaard first challenged Pogačar’s dominance. Pogačar won that year, but Vingegaard claimed the next two editions. This year, Pogačar reasserted himself as the preeminent rider, overpowering Vingegaard, who was still recovering from a severe crash three months prior that had left him with a broken collarbone, several ribs, and a collapsed lung.

Their rivalry contrasts two distinct personalities: the bold and aggressive Pogačar versus the more reserved and strategic Vingegaard. Remco Evenepoel, making his debut at the Tour, was the only rider able to keep pace with the duo, ultimately finishing third, 9:18 behind Pogačar.

On the podium, Pogačar wore the yellow jersey as the overall winner, with Evenepoel in white as the best young rider, Richard Carapaz in polka dots as the best climber, and Biniam Girmay making history as the first Black African rider to win the green jersey for the points classification.

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