In a notable event, French authorities have arrested two men in their 30s related to the October 19 theft of eight royal artifacts from the Louvre Museum, valued at around €88 million ($102 million). The suspects, known to police, were apprehended on Saturday; one at Charles de Gaulle Airport while attempting to fly to Algeria and the other in Seine-Saint-Denis, a Paris suburb. Investigators identified them through DNA analysis from forensic samples collected at the crime scene, marking a significant breakthrough, though the stolen jewels have not been recovered yet.
In the U.S., the Department of Justice (DOJ) plans to monitor elections in New Jersey and California by deploying observers to six counties to ensure transparency and compliance with federal law. This decision, made at the request of Republican officials, has prompted backlash from Democratic leaders, who accuse the DOJ of election interference. California Governor Gavin Newsom expressed concern that federal observers could intimidate voters, while New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin called the move “highly inappropriate.” The DOJ defends its actions as necessary for safeguarding election integrity.
Additionally, the U.S. Office of Special Counsel is investigating Jack Smith, the special counsel responsible for two high-profile criminal cases against former President Donald Trump. The inquiry focuses on potential violations of the Hatch Act, which restricts political activities by federal employees. This investigation was prompted by Republican Senator Tom Cotton, who claimed Smith’s actions benefited President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. These incidents reflect ongoing tensions in both France and the U.S., particularly regarding cultural heritage and political integrity.
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