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The five films shortlisted to represent France at the Oscars
One of these will be chosen next week to be France’s representative
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Regional train derails in France - possible sabotage
44 people were injured including one seriously hurt
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Hairdresser suspected of starting 17 fires in Charente-Maritime
The woman was arrested after a series of fires in several communes
€21m more for heritage from lottery
An extra €21million has been awarded for historical monument restoration after an outcry about the tax take from the Loto du Patrimoine lottery.
Scratchcards and weekly draw sales raised €200million and there was anger as the state took €14million in tax, leaving just €20million for restoration.
Finance minister Gérald Darmanin said the tax rate was reduced from normal and €144million of the money was returned as prizes, while Loto organiser FDJ got €22million.
However, after the €20million was criticised by a leading heritage TV presenter as a “drop in the ocean”, he loosened the purse strings and announced the extra €21million.