In a brazen daylight heist at the Louvre Museum in Paris, thieves made off with eight priceless pieces of jewelry, including a tiara worn by Empress Eugenie, wife of Napoleon III, and the Marie-Louise necklace. The stolen items, valued at €88 million (£76m; $102m), were part of France’s historical heritage, with some pieces gifted by Napoleon and Napoleon III to their wives. The robbery, which took less than eight minutes, occurred shortly after the museum opened on Sunday morning. Thieves, armed with power tools, accessed the Galerie d’Apollon via a balcony near the River Seine, cutting through a glass window and threatening guards to evacuate the building. Despite attempts to set fire to their escape vehicle, the thieves fled on scooters. French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the robbery as an attack on France’s heritage. Security measures at the Louvre have since been tightened, with a preliminary report revealing significant lapses, including the absence of CCTV in one-third of the museum’s rooms and a non-functional alarm system. Authorities believe the thieves were highly organized professionals, and experts fear the stolen jewels may already have been dismantled and smuggled out of the country.
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Bocholt group visits Wuxi to honor friendship
In a significant gesture to honor four decades of friendship, a delegation from Bocholt, Germany, led by Vice Mayor Gudrun Koppers, visited Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, on October 20, 2025. The visit centered around a special photo exhibition at the Wuxi Museum, which showcased the rich history of cultural and economic exchanges between the two cities. This milestone event not only highlighted the enduring bond between Wuxi and Bocholt but also underscored their commitment to fostering deeper collaboration in the years to come. The delegation’s visit served as a testament to the strength of international partnerships and the shared vision for mutual growth and understanding. For more insights into the delegation’s impressions and their aspirations for future cooperation, viewers are encouraged to explore the accompanying video.
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From bowling alley to ballroom – Trump isn’t the first to remodel the White House
The White House, a symbol of American leadership, has undergone numerous transformations over the centuries, each reflecting the tastes and needs of its occupants. The latest renovation includes paving the Rose Garden lawn with stone tiles, adding ‘Trump touches’ to the Oval Office, and constructing a new ballroom by demolishing the East Wing facade. This is not the first time the White House has seen such changes. In 1902, President Theodore Roosevelt initiated a major renovation, replacing Victorian-era conservatories with the West Wing, despite some congressional opposition over the $65,000 cost. In 1933, an indoor pool was built for President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who suffered from polio, though it has since been covered. The most extensive renovation occurred during President Harry Truman’s tenure from 1948 to 1952, which included adding a bowling alley and a balcony. First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy led a $2 million restoration in the 1960s, featuring a televised tour of the White House. More recently, President Barack Obama, an avid basketball fan, converted a tennis court into a dual-purpose court and added a rug with a Martin Luther King Jr. quote. These renovations highlight the evolving nature of the White House, blending tradition with modern needs.
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Domestic tourism spots receive nearly 5 billion visits in first three quarters
China’s domestic tourism industry has witnessed a remarkable surge in 2025, with nearly 5 billion visits recorded across various tourist destinations in the first three quarters. This represents an impressive 18% year-on-year increase, signaling a robust recovery and growing enthusiasm for domestic travel. The data underscores the resilience of China’s tourism sector, which has been steadily rebounding from the challenges posed by global uncertainties in recent years. The rise in domestic tourism is attributed to several factors, including improved infrastructure, government initiatives to promote local travel, and a renewed interest in exploring the country’s diverse cultural and natural attractions. Popular destinations such as Changchun Park, with its vibrant autumn colors, and educational exhibitions like Shanghai’s first event for elderly learning, have drawn significant attention. This upward trend not only boosts local economies but also highlights the importance of sustainable tourism practices to preserve China’s rich heritage and natural beauty.
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Abu Dhabi: Natural History Museum to open on November 22 with 67 million-year-old T-rex
Abu Dhabi is gearing up for a cultural extravaganza this winter with the grand opening of the Natural History Museum on November 22, 2025. Located in the vibrant Saadiyat Cultural District, this architectural marvel spans 35,000 square meters and emerges from the waters of Saadiyat Island like a natural rock formation. Designed by the acclaimed firm Mecanoo, the museum’s design mirrors its mission to connect visitors with the natural world and inspire future generations to explore and protect it. The museum promises an immersive journey through 13.8 billion years of Earth’s history, from the Big Bang to the evolution of life, including the rise and fall of dinosaurs. Among its star attractions are ‘Stan,’ a nearly complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton; a 25-meter female blue whale specimen; and the Murchison Meteorite, which contains grains older than our solar system. The museum also highlights the Arabian Peninsula’s natural history, featuring discoveries like the extinct Stegotetrabelodon emiratus elephant. Permanent galleries such as The Story of Earth and Resilient Planet, alongside interactive experiences, offer a comprehensive exploration of our planet’s past, present, and future. To celebrate its launch, the museum will host two temporary exhibitions: The March of the Triceratops and the 61st Wildlife Photographer of the Year. Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi, emphasized the museum’s role in shaping the emirate’s cultural landscape and fostering scientific knowledge. The Natural History Museum joins other iconic institutions like Louvre Abu Dhabi and the upcoming Zayed National Museum, solidifying Abu Dhabi’s position as a global cultural hub.
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Boris Johnson denies UK failure in planning COVID school closures but apologizes for mistakes
Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson faced intense scrutiny on Tuesday as he testified before the U.K. Covid-19 Inquiry, defending his government’s handling of school closures during the pandemic. Johnson acknowledged the “horror” of the situation but denied claims of inadequate preparation, insisting that his Education Department had considered the possibility of closures as early as February 2020. However, former Education Secretary Gavin Williamson revealed that he was given just one night to devise a plan for shutting schools in March 2020, describing the process as abrupt and “discombobulating.” Johnson expressed regret for the government’s mistakes, particularly the impact on children, whom he said paid a “huge price” to protect society. The inquiry, which is expected to continue until 2027, has drawn criticism from bereaved families and advocacy groups, with protesters accusing Johnson of failing to act decisively. Save the Children UK’s Dan Paskins emphasized that the rushed decisions had lasting consequences, stating that “no amount of regret will undo the harm that has been done.”
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WHO says India has much to do on toxic cough syrup despite some progress
The World Health Organization (WHO) has called on India to intensify its efforts to prevent the sale of toxic cough syrup, despite acknowledging some advancements in the country’s pharmaceutical regulations. This comes after at least 24 children died from consuming Coldrif cough syrup, produced by Sresan Pharma, which contained diethylene glycol at levels nearly 500 times the permissible limit. The tragedy follows a global pledge made two years ago to tighten safety measures after similar incidents linked to Indian and Indonesian-made syrups claimed the lives of over 300 children worldwide. Rutendo Kuwana, WHO’s team lead for substandard and falsified medicines, noted that while India has introduced a new rule requiring export medicines to be tested for contaminants like diethylene and ethylene glycol, no such regulation exists for domestically sold syrups—a significant regulatory gap. Kuwana emphasized that India’s pharmaceutical market is vast, with tens of thousands of manufacturers and multiple states to oversee, making enforcement a complex challenge. Recent reports suggest India plans to scrap the export testing rule once companies upgrade their facilities to international standards by year-end. However, the WHO has stressed that medicines should be tested at every stage of production, not just the final product. Kuwana also highlighted a lack of accountability for previous incidents, describing it as a ‘big disappointment’ that no one has been jailed in India despite the deaths abroad. ‘This is not just selling fake shoes,’ he said. ‘It’s a moral issue, but if you don’t follow the rules, it’s criminal, because it has devastating consequences.’
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Vibrant autumn colors attract tourists to Changchun park
As October unfolds, the Jingyuetan National Scenic Area in Changchun, Jilin province, has transformed into a breathtaking canvas of autumn hues. The park, renowned for its 96% forest coverage, now boasts a stunning array of colors, from lush greens to radiant golds, bold oranges, and deep reds. This natural spectacle has drawn a surge of visitors, both locals and tourists, eager to immerse themselves in the serene beauty of the season. The gentle breeze has painted the mountains with vibrant foliage, creating a pastel paradise that offers a perfect escape for those seeking tranquility and a connection with nature. The scenic area has become a must-visit destination for autumn enthusiasts, providing an idyllic setting to relax and appreciate the gentle allure of the season.
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Cameroon arrests at least 20 protesters as tensions escalate after presidential election
Cameroon is facing heightened political tensions following the October 12 presidential election, with at least 20 individuals arrested in connection with protests against alleged electoral irregularities. Authorities confirmed the arrests on Tuesday, as the nation awaits the official proclamation of results expected later this week. Paul Atanga Nji, Cameroon’s Minister of Territorial Administration, stated that the protesters, detained in the northern city of Garoua, will face military courts on charges of insurrection and incitement to rebellion. Others involved in criminal activities have been transferred to Yaounde for further investigation. Nji accused political actors of manipulating the arrested individuals, emphasizing the government’s concern over acts of provocation and disorder. Opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who claimed victory last week, has urged President Paul Biya, 92, to concede. Biya’s party has dismissed Tchiroma’s claims, accusing him of attempting to disrupt the electoral process. The Constitutional Council is set to announce the final results by October 26. Analysts predict a victory for Biya, citing a divided opposition and the disqualification of his strongest rival in August. Post-election protests have erupted in several cities, fueled by allegations of fraud, including vote tampering and ballot stuffing. Civil society groups and the National Episcopal Conference of Cameroon have reported irregularities such as the relocation of polling stations and outdated electoral registers containing names of deceased individuals. Tchiroma has published results from 18 administrative units on his Facebook page, claiming they represent 80% of the electorate and confirm his victory. His posts have drawn both support and skepticism. Tchiroma, a former government spokesperson under Biya, has garnered significant backing from opposition parties and civic groups. Biya, in power since 1982, has presided over a nation grappling with a secessionist movement in the west and systemic corruption, despite its rich natural resources.
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‘Like a battlefield’: The real story behind the Tel Aviv derby violence
The cancellation of the highly anticipated derby match between Hapoel Tel Aviv and Maccabi Tel Aviv on Sunday has sparked widespread outrage, with eyewitnesses attributing the violence to politically motivated actions by the Israeli police. Sources, including sports analysts, local residents, and fans, have pointed to a significant escalation in police brutality since the appointment of ultranationalist Itamar Ben Gvir as National Security Minister in 2022. This incident has drawn attention to the broader political climate in Israel, where the government’s actions in Gaza and the West Bank have intensified scrutiny on domestic football. Maccabi Tel Aviv fans, already under fire for their controversial behavior during European matches, were initially blamed for the violence. However, witnesses and journalists have countered that the police instigated the clashes, leading to injuries among civilians and officers. Videos and photographs depict shocking scenes of police brutality, including the use of force against children and fans. The incident has highlighted the deep political divisions within Israeli society, with Hapoel Tel Aviv, historically associated with the left, bearing the brunt of the violence. Critics argue that the police, emboldened by Ben Gvir’s leadership, are increasingly targeting dissent. The cancellation of the match has reignited debates about the role of politics in sports and the growing tensions within Israeli football.