In a historic turn of events, Nicolas Sarkozy, the former French president, is set to become the first ex-head of state in living memory to serve a prison sentence. On Tuesday, Sarkozy is expected to begin a five-year term at Paris’ La Santé prison, a facility renowned for housing high-profile inmates since the 19th century. The sentence stems from his 2021 conviction for criminal conspiracy related to the illegal financing of his 2007 presidential campaign using Libyan funds. Despite maintaining his innocence, Sarkozy will be admitted to the prison, where he may face solitary confinement or be placed in the “vulnerable” section, colloquially known as the VIP wing. La Santé, inaugurated in 1867, has undergone significant renovations in recent years, but its conditions remain stark. Former inmates describe the initial shock of incarceration, with cells measuring just 9 square meters and equipped with basic amenities. Sarkozy, who has vowed to “hold his head high,” is permitted to bring three books, including Alexandre Dumas’ “The Count of Monte Cristo,” and 10 family photos. His son, Louis, has called for a rally in support of his father, while Sarkozy’s wife, Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, has shared heartfelt messages on social media. The Paris court’s decision to enforce the sentence before his appeal is heard underscores the gravity of the case. Sarkozy’s imprisonment marks a dramatic fall from grace for the once-powerful leader, raising questions about accountability and justice in France’s political landscape.
作者： admin
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Liuyang fireworks set Guinness World Records
The Liuyang Fireworks Festival, celebrated in the heart of Hunan province—known as ‘China’s fireworks capital’—has made history by securing two new Guinness World Records. The event, which captivated audiences with its stunning visuals, has sparked widespread excitement and discussion across social media platforms. As a highlight of the festival, two groundbreaking performances showcased an unprecedented fusion of fireworks and drone technology. In one record-breaking feat, a fleet of 7,496 drones simultaneously launched fireworks, marking the largest coordinated daytime fireworks display ever recorded. In another awe-inspiring moment, 15,947 drones took to the skies, all controlled by a single computer, shattering the previous record of 10,197. These achievements not only highlight Liuyang’s dominance in the fireworks industry but also demonstrate the innovative integration of technology in traditional celebrations. The festival has solidified Liuyang’s reputation as a global leader in pyrotechnic artistry, drawing attention from enthusiasts and professionals worldwide.
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Japan allows over-the-counter ‘morning after’ pill
In a landmark decision, Japan has approved the over-the-counter (OTC) sale of an emergency contraceptive pill, marking a significant shift in the country’s approach to reproductive health. ASKA Pharmaceutical, the manufacturer of the pill, announced that the medication, branded as Norlevo, will now be accessible without a prescription, empowering women to take control of their reproductive choices. While a specific launch date remains undisclosed, the pill will be classified as ‘medicine requiring guidance,’ necessitating that women take it under the supervision of a pharmacist. This development aligns Japan with over 90 countries where such pills are already available without a prescription. The decision follows years of advocacy by rights groups, who argued that prescription requirements deterred younger women and rape victims from accessing timely contraception. A health ministry panel first discussed OTC sales in 2017, with public consultations revealing widespread support. However, concerns about potential misuse delayed approval until now. Norlevo, and its generic counterpart levonorgestrel, are most effective within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse, with an efficacy rate of 80%. This move is seen as a step forward in addressing Japan’s conservative views on abortion and women’s reproductive rights, rooted in traditional patriarchal norms.
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What caused the AWS outage – and why has it made the internet fall apart?
Amazon Web Services (AWS), the backbone of the internet for countless businesses worldwide, faced a significant outage that disrupted operations for over 1,000 companies and impacted millions of users globally. The incident, attributed to a Domain Name System (DNS) error, left major platforms like Snapchat, Reddit, Lloyds Bank, Halifax, Roblox, and Fortnite inaccessible. AWS, which powers approximately one-third of the internet, provides critical services such as storage, database management, and traffic routing, enabling businesses to avoid maintaining costly in-house infrastructure. However, the outage highlighted the vulnerabilities of relying on a single service provider. The disruption originated at AWS’s largest data center in North Virginia, though the exact cause remains unclear, with possibilities ranging from maintenance issues to human error or cyberattacks. Experts have long warned against the risks of over-reliance on AWS, emphasizing the lack of viable alternatives at its scale. While competitors like Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform, IBM, and Alibaba exist, AWS remains the dominant player. The incident has reignited debates about the need for Europe and the UK to develop their own cloud infrastructure to reduce dependence on U.S. tech giants. Despite calls for such initiatives, the sheer dominance of AWS raises questions about the feasibility of creating a comparable alternative. This outage serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of the internet’s infrastructure and the challenges of diversifying its foundations.
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Supreme Court to consider law barring illegal drug users from owning guns
The US Supreme Court is set to deliberate on whether a federal law prohibiting habitual illegal drug users from possessing firearms violates the Constitution. This case, prompted by the Trump administration, follows a lower federal court in Texas ruling in favor of Ali Hemani, an alleged regular marijuana user charged under the statute. Hemani’s attorneys successfully argued that the law infringed on his Second Amendment rights, leading to the charge being dismissed. The government, however, contends that the law is essential to prevent individuals who pose ‘unique dangers to society’ from owning guns. Solicitor General John Sauer emphasized the heightened risk of armed, impaired encounters with law enforcement. The government asserts that the restriction is narrowly tailored and does not unjustly infringe on Second Amendment rights, as individuals can regain gun access if they cease illegal drug use. Hemani, however, argues that the law is overly broad and could unfairly affect marijuana users, especially in states where cannabis is legal or decriminalized. This case follows the high-profile prosecution of Hunter Biden, son of former President Joe Biden, who was convicted under the same law in 2024 but later pardoned. The Supreme Court’s conservative majority has historically supported gun rights, though exceptions exist, such as its 2024 decision upholding a ban on firearms for individuals with domestic violence restraining orders. The outcome of this case could significantly impact the intersection of gun rights and drug policy in the United States.
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US nuclear stockpile agency to layoff hundreds as shutdown continues
The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), a semi-autonomous agency under the US Department of Energy, has announced the temporary layoff of approximately 1,400 employees as the federal government shutdown enters its 20th day. This marks the first time in the agency’s history, since its establishment in 2000, that such measures have been taken. Officials revealed that fewer than 400 employees will remain operational post-furlough. The NNSA plays a critical role in safeguarding the US nuclear stockpile and preventing the global proliferation of nuclear weapons. Spokesperson Ben Dietderich stated, ‘We are left with no choice this time. We’ve extended funding as long as we could.’ The Office of Secure Transportation, responsible for transporting nuclear weapons, has secured funding until October 27. Energy Secretary Chris Wright, who is set to address the issue at a news conference in Nevada, assured that the nuclear stockpile remains secure, though modernization efforts will be hindered. Meanwhile, the US Senate is poised to vote on a funding bill, which has already failed 10 times. Senate Majority Leader John Thune plans to introduce legislation to pay federal employees and military personnel working without pay. The shutdown, stemming from a deadlock between Republicans and Democrats over healthcare funding and budget negotiations, has left 1.4 million federal employees either furloughed or working without pay.
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How did thieves at Louvre carry out 7-minute heist; 60 investigators hunt for robbers
In a brazen daylight robbery, a group of thieves executed a meticulously planned heist at the Louvre Museum in Paris, making off with eight priceless pieces of royal jewellery. The audacious theft, which took a mere seven minutes, has left French authorities scrambling to apprehend the perpetrators and recover the stolen treasures. The stolen items include an emerald-and-diamond necklace gifted by Napoleon to his wife, Empress Marie Louise, and a diadem belonging to Empress Eugenie, adorned with nearly 2,000 diamonds. The thieves gained access to the Apollo Gallery, home to the royal collection, using a furniture hoist and cutting equipment to breach a window and open display cases. A brief clip of the raid, captured by a visitor’s phone, was broadcast on French news channels. The museum’s staff intervened, forcing the thieves to flee and abandon some of their equipment. French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez described the incident as a ‘major weak spot’ in the nation’s museum security, reigniting debates over the lack of adequate protection for cultural institutions. The theft has sparked outrage across the political spectrum, with far-right leader Jordan Bardella calling it ‘an unbearable humiliation for our country.’ President Emmanuel Macron assured the public that ‘everything is being done’ to catch the culprits and recover the stolen items. This marks the first major theft from the Louvre since 1998, when a painting by Corot was stolen and never recovered.
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Blue alert issued for Fengshen, 24th typhoon of the year
China’s National Meteorological Center has raised a blue alert for Typhoon Fengshen, the 24th typhoon of the year, as it gains strength over the South China Sea. As of 5 am on Monday, the storm’s center was positioned approximately 520 kilometers east of Sansha city in Hainan province. Currently classified as a tropical storm, Fengshen boasts maximum sustained winds of 23 meters per second, with its wind field extending 220 to 280 kilometers from the center. The typhoon is projected to move northwest at a speed of 20 to 25 kilometers per hour, potentially escalating into a severe tropical storm or even a full-fledged typhoon, with wind speeds reaching 30 to 35 meters per second. By Tuesday, a cold front is expected to redirect Fengshen southwestward toward the central coast of Vietnam, where it will likely weaken. Over the next three days, the storm is set to unleash heavy rainfall and strong winds across eastern and northern Taiwan, the coastal regions of Fujian and Guangdong provinces, Hainan Island, and the northern South China Sea. From 8 am Monday to 8 am Tuesday, northern Taiwan is forecast to experience torrential rains, with some areas receiving 100 to 200 millimeters of precipitation. Concurrently, a cold front will sweep across central and eastern China, causing temperatures to plummet by 4 to 6 degrees Celsius, with some regions experiencing drops of up to 8 degrees Celsius. The combined influence of the cold front and Typhoon Fengshen will also result in powerful winds across the southern East China Sea, Taiwan Strait, and northern and central South China Sea, with gusts reaching up to 36.9 meters per second, prompting the issuance of a yellow alert for strong winds.
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China’s AIMS telescope in mid-infrared band operational
China has officially commissioned the world’s first mid-infrared solar magnetic-field telescope, marking a significant leap in astronomical research. The Accurate Infrared Magnetic Field Measurements of the Sun (AIMS), developed by the National Astronomical Observatories of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (NAOC), has successfully passed its final acceptance review. Located in Lenghu township, Qinghai province, at an altitude of 4,000 meters, the telescope benefits from optimal viewing conditions despite the harsh environment. AIMS addresses a critical gap in mid-infrared solar magnetic-field observations, transitioning from indirect inference to direct detection, thereby enhancing measurement precision. The telescope’s domestically designed components, including the infrared spectrograph and imaging camera, have improved the accuracy of direct solar magnetic-field measurements to over 10 gauss. During its trial phase, AIMS captured mid-infrared flare data across multiple bands, offering new insights into solar eruptions and magnetic energy dynamics. Now operational, AIMS is poised to support advanced solar-physics research in China, bolstering the nation’s capabilities in solar-activity monitoring and space-weather forecasting.
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Merz rejects calls to relax refusal to deal with German far-right party
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has firmly dismissed appeals from within his Christian Democratic Union (CDU) to reconsider its stance against collaborating with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). Speaking on Monday, Merz emphasized that the AfD, which has seen rising support in recent polls, shares no common ground with his conservative party. The AfD, known for its anti-migration policies, secured second place in Germany’s February national election and continues to gain traction, particularly in the eastern states where regional elections are slated for next year. Despite pressure from some CDU members, including former General Secretary Peter Tauber and ex-Defense Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg, Merz reiterated the party’s 2018 resolution to avoid coalitions or cooperation with the AfD. He described the far-right party as fundamentally opposed to decades of policies that have shaped modern Germany’s success. Merz also acknowledged internal challenges within his coalition government with the Social Democrats, citing public disagreements that have frustrated voters. However, he defended the coalition’s progress on key issues like economic revitalization and migration control. The AfD, classified as a right-wing extremist organization by Germany’s domestic intelligence agency, continues to challenge this designation in court while pushing for the CDU to dismantle its so-called ‘firewall’ against far-right collaboration. Merz dismissed these overtures, stating that the AfD’s ‘outstretched hand is, in reality, a hand that wants to destroy us.’