The Louvre Museum has approved a significant ticket price increase for non-European visitors starting January 14, raising the price from 22 to 32 euros. This measure aims to fund a comprehensive renovation and expansion plan, dubbed “Louvre New Renaissance,” estimated to cost up to 800 million euros. The price hike will impact a majority of the museum’s visitors, primarily from the U.S., China, and Britain, following the exposure of security vulnerabilities due to a recent heist. The overhaul, set to modernize infrastructure and improve the visitor experience, includes plans for a dedicated gallery for the Mona Lisa by 2031.
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On Thursday, the investigation into the Louvre crown-jewels heist saw five more individuals seized, including a suspect linked by DNA, which expanded the scope of the search across Paris and its suburbs. Authorities have now apprehended three of the four alleged members of the “commando” team, with one detainee suspected of being part of the group that committed the crime. The recent arrests have not led to the recovery of the stolen treasures, valued at approximately $102 million. Police have acknowledged significant security flaws at the museum.
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In a daring daylight robbery, thieves targeted the Louvre Museum, making off with royal jewels once worn by French queens and empresses. The group utilized power tools and a crane lift to break into the Galerie d’Apollon, shattering display cases and threatening guards before fleeing on scooters. The stolen items included pieces from the Marie-Louise, Marie-Amélie and Queen Hortense, and Empress Eugénie collections, with some items, like Eugénie’s crown, recovered at the scene. This brazen heist, lasting only seven minutes, prompted immediate evacuation and a subsequent investigation into organized theft and criminal conspiracy, led by the Paris public prosecutor’s office.
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The Louvre Museum in Paris has been closed due to a robbery that occurred on Sunday morning during opening hours. France’s culture minister confirmed the incident, stating that authorities are investigating the scene. While the museum cited “exceptional reasons” for the closure, reports suggest the theft involved jewelry. According to French media, three masked individuals accessed the Apollo Gallery, where the remains of France’s crown jewels are housed, via a freight lift.
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Reports indicate that South Africa’s ambassador to France, Nkosinathi Emmanuel “Nathi” Mthethwa, has been found dead less than a day after going missing. Authorities received a concerning message from him the previous evening, and his phone last pinged near the Bois de Boulogne in Paris. According to reports, he is believed to have jumped from the 22nd floor of a hotel, though this has not been officially confirmed. Mthethwa had a long political career, serving as a minister in various capacities since the early 2000s, and most recently as South Africa’s ambassador to France.
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On July 5, 2025, the Seine River in Paris opened its three swimming pools for the ‘Paris Plages’ event. This marked the beginning of the Pont Marie safe bathing site, welcoming swimmers to enjoy the water. People were observed swimming and diving, taking advantage of the recreational opportunity. This event offered a public space for Parisians and visitors alike to cool off and enjoy the river.
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After a 1.4 billion euro cleanup, the River Seine in Paris is opening for public swimming for the first time in over a century, with three designated swimming areas set to open. The Seine, once heavily polluted and illegal for swimming, was a key venue for the 2024 Paris Olympics, motivating extensive water quality improvements. Although authorities report water quality meeting European standards, some experts express skepticism about the water’s true safety and the current assessment methodology. Despite this, swimming sites will be open for free during specific times, offering a new recreational experience to Parisians and tourists.
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As the intense heatwave continues to grip France, the Eiffel Tower has been forced to take safety measures. The summit of the iconic landmark has been closed to visitors for Tuesday and Wednesday due to the extreme temperatures. While the first and second floors remain accessible, the attraction’s website is advising those without pre-booked tickets to reschedule their visits. This decision prioritizes the well-being of both visitors and staff during the heatwave.
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A new memorial in Paris, a large steel star designed by Jean-Luc Verna, commemorates LGBTQ+ victims of Nazi persecution and broader historical injustices. Located near the Bastille Plaza, the monument serves as a reminder of past atrocities and a call to combat ongoing discrimination. The design’s duality—a dark side representing remembrance and a silvery side reflecting the changing tides of public opinion—symbolizes both the gravity of the past and the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ rights. The inauguration comes amid rising concerns over recent setbacks for LGBTQ+ rights in the United States and Europe, highlighting the memorial’s continued relevance.
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US banking regulators plan to significantly reduce capital requirements for major banks this summer, potentially reversing key post-2008 crisis protections. This follows extensive lobbying by the banking industry, arguing that current regulations hinder lending and competitiveness. The proposed changes would lower the supplementary leverage ratio, impacting the amount of high-quality capital banks must hold against risky assets. This deregulation effort aligns with the Trump administration’s broader push to reduce regulations, despite concerns about increased market volatility.
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John Q. Hosedrinker