Britain's Big Ben marks 100 years of New Year 'bongs'

23 Sept 01:58 Key points summarised by AI

London's Big Ben celebrates 100 years of its New Year's Eve 'bongs' being broadcast live globally, a tradition that commenced on New Year's Eve 1923.
The iconic chimes hold deep national significance, broadcast daily on BBC radio and ITV, and marking pivotal moments such as Armistice Day, Britain's EU departure, and Queen Elizabeth II's funeral.
Despite a recent five-year restoration, Big Ben's bongs continued for crucial events, with dedicated clock mechanics meticulously ensuring its precise timing for the New Year's Eve countdown.
While now calibrated by GPS, the clock's timing mechanism is still fine-tuned using traditional methods, involving the addition or removal of old pennies from weights to adjust seconds.

Macron condemns those who 'sought to bring down the Republic' after rioting mars nationwide protests

19 Oct 12:56 Key points summarised by AI

President Macron condemned widespread rioting and looting during nationwide protests, blaming far-left activists and criminals for the "unrestrained violence" and vowing accountability for those who "sought to bring down the Republic."
Over 2,400 arrests were made as protests against rising living costs and poor school conditions escalated, causing extensive damage to public buildings and businesses in cities like Paris, Limoges (where City Hall burned), Marseille, and Lyon.
The unrest, which organizers hoped would revive the "yellow vest" movement, saw political leaders trade blame, with Macron instructing prefects to protect public buildings and potentially ban future protests to prevent further disorder.