EUROPE
Romania and Bulgaria in Schengen
After 13 years of waiting, Romania and Bulgaria join the Schengen Area, which now includes 25 European countries. This integration allows more than 400 million citizens to move freely in this zone, which also includes associated countries such as Switzerland and Norway.
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ENGLAND
Discovery of footprints of dinosaurs
Nearly 200 dinosaur footprints dating back 166 million years have been discovered in England. The site, one of the largest ever found in the UK, will be revealed in a BBC documentary.
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OVERSEAS
A solidarity stamp for Mayotte
La Poste has issued a solidarity stamp to help the people of Mayotte after Cyclone Chido. From each sale, 1 euro will be donated to the French Red Cross, already mobilized on site. This gesture is part of a tradition of similar initiatives, such as after the 2004 tsunami and the invasion of Ukraine.
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ITALY
No smoking In Milan
Since January 1, smoking has been banned in public places in Milan, unless more than 10 meters from other people. Smokers who do not respect this ban risk a fine ranging from €40 to €240. Electronic cigarettes are not affected by this new measure, which, according to the Milan City Hall, is as much for health as for the environment.
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WEST BANK
Al Jazeera suspended
On January 1, the Palestinian Authority suspended Al Jazeera's operations in the West Bank, accusing it of "inciting sedition." The move comes amid tensions in Jenin, where clashes with armed factions have been increasing. Al Jazeera denounces this as an attempt to muzzle the press, an accusation also made by Hamas.
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USA
Attack in New Orleans
A former US military man inspired by the Islamic State drove his pickup truck into a crowd in New Orleans, killing about 15 people and injuring about 30. The FBI is investigating possible terrorist links, while the explosion of a Tesla outside the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas is also under investigation.
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Trump convicted for assault
Donald Trump was ordered to pay $5 million to a former journalist for a sexual assault in 1996 and for defamatory remarks made in 2022. This judgment was upheld on appeal by a New York court, which thus ratifies the verdict of a Manhattan federal civil court rendered on May 9, 2023.
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American Airlines ground his flights
On December 24, a technical glitch grounded all American Airlines flights for an hour, disrupting travel during the Christmas season. The company apologized, but the incident sparked outrage among travelers on social media. The situation was quickly resolved, avoiding prolonged chaos.
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