1 Notre Dame Burns
There are few moments in modern history where you know everyone in the world is watching the exact same thing unfold as you are. Yesterday? It was word that one of the most historical buildings in the world was burning: the Notre Dame cathedral in France. As pictures of the devastation flashed across screens, social media was also convulsing in shock and grief. While the cause of the blaze is still unknown – though believed to be accidental at this point – the world was as transfixed on their screens as those in Paris were to the real thing, watching as an 850-year-old building that has withstood French Revolution and two World Wars fell to fire. If there’s good news, it’s that the fire is out – and that some of the most precious religious relics are safe - including the 'Crown of Thorns' believed to have been worn by Jesus at his Crucifixion. The bad? The entire wooden interior is gone. Still, the damage is significant – the famous spire is gone and the roof has collapsed. And a world where the next is “how will they rebuild,” that effort is already underway. French billionaire Francois-Henri Pinault has pledged more than $130-million to rebuild the iconic cathedral. Pinault, who is married to actress Salma Hayek, is the CEO of the group behind names like Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent, among others. It won’t be a solo effort, of course – French President Emmanuel Macron has also vowed to rebuild.
2 Mueller Report Expected To Be Released Thursday
The Justice Department expects to release the final report of Special Counsel Robert Mueller on Thursday morning. The roughly 400-page report is the result of a nearly two-year investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. Attorney General William Barr has insisted that redactions are necessary to protect confidential and sensitive material. While Democrats are suspicious about the redactions and have demanded access to the full, unredacted report, Barr has said he will make notations explaining the redactions. Apparently, this won’t be the “only” release either. Word is that another release could be soon. As for what will be redacted now? There are several categories: including information related to the grand jury used by the special counsel during his probe, and information related to ongoing investigation.
3 Tiger Woods To Receive Presidential Medal Of Freedom
President Donald Trump will award the Presidential Medal of Freedom to golfer Tiger Woods. Trump tweeted the news, the day after Woods won his fifth Masters title in Augusta. Trump noted that that he spoke with Tiger to congratulate him and tell him he would be presenting the honor to Woods for "his incredible success and comeback in sports and more importantly, life." The Medal of Freedom recognizes those who have made a meritorious contribution to the national interests of the United States, world peace, cultural or other significant public or private endeavors. Trump has presented the Medal of Freedom to a number of athletes since taking office