Tanguys and trad sons: When the kids won't leave!

Christie's has withdrawn La Pascaline, a rare example of the first functioning calculating machine, from auction after a French court halted its export. Developed by Blaise Pascal in 1642, the device was expected to sell for over €2 million. This decision follows an urgent appeal from French scientists to keep the historical artifact in the country.

A new bill submitted to the French Senate aims to establish incest as a specific criminal offense, a long-awaited change by children's rights groups. Iris Ané from the Face à l'inceste organization noted that the term 'incest' has been absent from French law for centuries. The proposed legislation would also eliminate statutes of limitations for sexual crimes against minors, a change supported by 90% of French citizens according to an Ipsos poll. Ané emphasized the importance of allowing victims to come forward after the abuse.

The Louvre faces significant challenges as it grapples with mismanagement and a loss of direction, according to Didier Rykner, a French art historian. In an interview with Oliver Farry, Rykner highlights the museum's ambition overshadowing its true purpose, suggesting that the institution is becoming increasingly detached from its cultural significance. He calls for a closer examination of the underlying issues affecting the world's most famous museum.

The Neoliner Origin has embarked on its inaugural two-week voyage from France to the US, aiming to transform the shipping industry, which is known for its significant environmental impact. The journey faced challenging weather conditions, with winds reaching 74 mph, officially classified as a hurricane. Despite the difficulties, the ship represents a potential shift towards more sustainable transport methods in maritime logistics.

The European Union, supported by France and Germany, is considering a rollback of its stringent technology regulations. This shift aims to stimulate economic growth and reduce the bloc's reliance on U.S. technology companies. The EU initially sought to establish high standards for tech governance but is now reevaluating its approach in light of current economic challenges.

A French court has sentenced eight men to prison terms ranging from three to 15 years for their involvement in a smuggling network linked to a tragic shipwreck in the Channel in 2023 that resulted in the deaths of seven Afghan migrants. This case has highlighted the existence of an organized trafficking system operating across Europe.

Boualem Sansal, a French-Algerian writer, has been released from an Algerian jail and is now back in France, according to his support committee. His release comes six days after being transferred via Germany. Sansal was arrested in November 2024 during a diplomatic crisis between France and Algeria. Upon his arrival in France, he was welcomed by President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace.

Shein, the Chinese ultra-fast fashion giant, faces increasing scrutiny in France for selling controversial items, including childlike sex dolls and bladed weapons. The brand has recently opened its first physical store in BHV, a prominent Paris department store. French fashion brands are criticizing Shein for what they perceive as unfair competition, particularly as the local fashion sector is already struggling, with half of retailers experiencing severe financial issues and 37,000 jobs lost over the past decade.