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Archaeologists excavating the site of a former mother-and-baby institution in Tuam, County Galway, have uncovered seven sets of infant remains. The institution, operated by the Bon Secours Sisters and open from 1925 to 1961, has long been a subject of controversy. The Office of the Director of Authorised Intervention, Tuam (ODAIT), which began the excavation in July, issued its third monthly update, revealing the discovery of the remains near a ‘vaulted structure’ on the western edge of the site. Initial assessments suggest the remains belong to infants, but further analysis, including radiocarbon dating, will be required to determine their age and historical context. This process is expected to take at least three months. The site, previously used as a military barracks and a workhouse, has a complex history, making it challenging to pinpoint the exact era of the remains. ODAIT also reported finding two additional sets of remains believed to date back to the workhouse era, alongside numerous artifacts, including personal items like a razor. The excavation has drawn international attention since 2014, when local historian Catherine Corless revealed that 796 children and babies died at the institution without burial records. In 2017, Irish government investigators discovered ‘significant quantities of human remains’ in underground chambers. ODAIT continues to collaborate with the National Museum of Ireland to manage and analyze the findings.

A tragic incident unfolded near Bulgaria’s eastern Black Sea coast late Thursday night, resulting in the deaths of six migrants and injuries to four others, including the driver of the van they were traveling in. The vehicle, bearing Romanian registration plates, was being pursued by Bulgarian police when it crashed into a lake after the driver lost control while attempting to evade spike strips laid by authorities. The accident occurred near the city of Burgas, according to Border Police Chief Anton Zlatanov, who briefed reporters on Friday. The migrants, believed to be from Afghanistan, were illegally entering Bulgaria at the time of the crash. The driver, a Romanian national, and three other passengers sustained minor injuries and were transported to a hospital after receiving initial medical care at the scene. Bulgaria, a key transit country for migrants from the Middle East and Afghanistan, has seen a significant reduction in migration pressure over the past year, with authorities dismantling up to 20 organized criminal groups involved in human trafficking. Zlatanov emphasized that while complete elimination of migration is unattainable, efforts have led to a 70% decrease in migration-related challenges compared to the previous year.

A performance by the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra in Paris on Thursday night was marred by protests and clashes, leading to the detention of four individuals by French police. The concert, conducted by Lahav Shani and featuring pianist Sir Andras Schiff, was interrupted three times, with protesters setting off flares and causing chaos in the auditorium. The event, which showcased works by Beethoven and Tchaikovsky, had already faced criticism from a French performing arts union and pro-Palestinian activists, who called for a boycott. Despite the disruptions, the concert resumed and concluded peacefully. The Philharmonie de Paris condemned the incidents, emphasizing that such actions threaten public safety and are unacceptable. French Culture Minister Rachida Dati defended artistic freedom, while Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez praised the police for their swift response. However, European Parliament member Manon Aubry refused to condemn the protests, arguing that the orchestra represents a state accused of war crimes. The incident highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding cultural events linked to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.