BBC News Briefing

29 November, 2024

Sofia Lotto Persio

Hello. As anticipation for the re-opening of Notre-Dame in Paris builds, today we are getting a first glimpse inside the restored cathedral. In Ukraine, Paul Adams visits an energy plant that has been repeatedly hit since Russia's full-scale invasion of the country in 2022, while Jonathan Head explains the escalating feud among political dynasties in the Philippines. And finally, we share tips on how to avoid a bad deal on Black Friday.

TOP OF THE AGENDA

Notre-Dame rises from the ashes

A general view of Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral shows the nave leading up to the altar.

On entering the refurbished cathedral, Macron said it was now "repaired, reinvented and rebuilt." Credit: Reuters

In April 2019, a fire tore through the roof of Notre-Dame cathedral, a historic building and symbol of Paris that dates back to the 12th Century. The fire burned for 15 hours, destroying the spire, wooden roof beams and stone vaulting. Falling wood and masonry also caused damage, as did the water from firehoses - shocking images showed what the interior looked like after the fire. With the eyes of the world on the French capital, President Emmanuel Macron made returning the cathedral to its former glory a priority. Works to do so have been kept a closely guarded secret, with only a few images released over the years marking the progress of the €700m (£582m) renovation. Ahead of the official re-opening on 7 December, today the world has been given a first look inside. Get the latest.

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'A spectacular experience': Paris correspondent Hugo Schofield shares his impression of the restoration work.

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Listen: In this episode of The Global Story podcast, host Katya Adler discusses how Notre-Dame's fire captured the world's attention.

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From the archives: When the fire broke in 2019, Henri Astier wrote about Notre-Dame's significance to French people.

WORLD HEADLINES

Trump's tariffs: A proposed 25% tax on Canadian goods could increase prices for US consumers, with no indication it will exclude oil and gas.

Assisted dying: The UK parliament is debating a bill that would give some terminally ill people in England and Wales the right to end their lives.

Ashley Paul Griffith: A former childcare worker dubbed "one of Australia's worst paedophiles" has been sentenced to life in prison for raping and sexually abusing almost 70 girls.

Google Maps: Indian authorities are involving the app in the death of three men whose car veered off an unfinished bridge. Google said it was co-operating with the investigation.

Health concern: Australia has warned travellers not to drink some liquors in Laos, following a spate of deaths linked to suspected methanol poisoning.

AT THE SCENE

Ukraine

Fighting to keep the lights on

A man in a protective yellow hat holds a hammer as he tries to fix a damaged wall

Even before the most recent Russian attack, Ukraine had lost 9GW of generating capacity. Credit: BBC/Joe Phua

On Thursday, Russia mounted its second mass attack on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure in less than two weeks. Ten such attacks this year have placed an enormous burden on the energy system. Engineers are wrestling with the well-nigh impossible task of keeping one step ahead of Russia’s relentless assault, as the rest of the country tries to adapt.

Paul Adams, Diplomatic correspondent

There’s evidence of Russia’s destructive intent everywhere. In one corner of the turbine hall, under a gaping hole in the roof, workers warm their hands over a makeshift brazier. Huge sheets of plastic have been draped over the machinery to protect it from the elements. "The conditions are tough," says Oleksandr. We’ve agreed not to identify him further. "We don’t even have time to restore the main equipment, let alone the roof and walls. Everything gets destroyed again from one strike to the next."

Keep reading

BEYOND THE HEADLINES

A political feud takes a dramatic turn

Effigies of Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos (L) and Vice President Sara Duterte are seen as protesters march to congress during a demonstration coinciding with Marcos' State of the Nation Address, in Manila on July 22, 2024.

The decision by the Marcos and Duterte clans to join forces in the 2022 election was a marriage of convenience. Credit: Getty Images

Philippine vice-president Sara Duterte has a reputation for tough talking, but could saying she dreams about cutting off the head of one-time ally President Ferdinand Marcos prove to be one verbal indiscretion too far? Southeast Asia correspondent Jonathan Head explains how the alliance between the offspring of former Philippine leaders has unravelled so spectacularly.

Find out more

A bullet train passes Mount Fuji in Japan.

SOMETHING DIFFERENT

Miracles of speed

In the sixty years since its introduction, the bullet train has transformed Japan.

Here's how

And finally...

Black Friday sales are in full swing. It can be easy to get swept up in the shopping frenzy and end up out of pocket - here are five tips to navigate the day without getting ripped off.

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– Sofia

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