News of the World: What you missed this week internationally

FRANCE

It kneads love now more than ever. The country’s beloved baguette, which got official UNESCO heritage status in 2022, is in jeopardy as bread consumption in France is declining. Sales of the crusty loaves are decreasing due to factors such as younger generations dining out more and the growing propensity for American processed sliced white bread. “One of the threats is the fact that young people are losing the habit of buying a baguette every day,” Dominique Anract, president of the National Confederation of French Bakeries and Pastry Shops, told CNN.

GHANA

A treasure trove of 130 gold and bronze artifacts from the UK and South Africa, some of which were looted during the colonial era, were recently returned to Ghana. Among the prized lot — which was given back during a ceremony at the Manhyia Palace — were royal regalia, drums and ceremonial gold weights, dating back to the 1870s. Asante King Otumfuo Osei Tutu II said the gesture showed “goodwill and respect for the source and legacy of the Asante kingdom.”

INDIA

After India’s historic first Women’s World Cup win on Nov. 2, sales for the Women’s T20 World Cup in England next summer have skyrocketed. Sales for the tournament, which runs from June 12 through July 5, have surged by a staggering 171%. Tournament director Beth Barrett-Wild told the BBC that the increase shows “how women’s cricket is breaking firmly into the mainstream.”

CHINA

A 416-year-old grapevine discovered in Tibet earned the Guinness World Record title for oldest wild living vine. Located in Zuoba Village, Zogang County, the record-breaking vine was found during a survey of ancient and notable trees in Changdu city. Ring analysis and physical measurements were used to determine the age of the vine, which is at an altitude of 7,900 feet and measures about 26 feet tall and has a diameter of over 2 feet.

MEXICO

The NFL collaborated with Mexico for its campaign “Hasta La Muerte,” which was inspired by the country’s Day of the Dead. The series features 59 pieces of limited-edition clothing and merchandise created by Mexican designer, Atrapaluz and inspired by Mexican illustrator José Guadalupe Posada. “The idea was to highlight how in a family-centered country like Mexico, the NFL and its teams are passed down from generation to generation, becoming a symbol of identity for many families, a tradition for getting together and a way to keep our loved ones alive when they’re gone,” Atrapaluz told Mexico News Daily.

With Wires