The Sun King who shaped a century of power in France
France has repealed Code Noir and is considering reparations as lawmakers move to the Senate after a near-unanimous Assembly vote. The historic slave code governed colonial slavery and is now being removed from the books, with discussions turning to compensation for descendants of enslaved people.
The Apollo Gallery at the Louvre has reopened after nine months, but the crown jewels are no longer on display. Eight jewels valued at about $102 million were stolen in October; authorities have charged four suspects, and the jewels remain missing. Security upgrades are in place as France reviews museum safety in the Louvre New Renaissance plan.