Soul food in Paris? Popular Gumbo YaYa attracts hip hop stars, loyal following during Olympics

PARIS - In the heart of Paris, Lionel Chauvel-Maga created the first soul food restaurant in the City of Light almost 10 years ago. Now, it's one of the most popular places, not just because of the famous chicken and waffles but also because of the culture surrounding it.

The front of the restaurant Gumbo YaYa Southern Kitchen in Paris, France, invites diners who want a different culinary experience in the City of Light. (Photo by Sydney Lovan/Special for Cronkite News)

Cardboard cutouts: ‘Stiff’ beds in Olympic Village receive mixed reviews as Paris Games wind down

PARIS - Athletes at the 2024 Paris Olympics have mixed reactions to the eco-friendly cardboard beds in the Olympic Village, with some criticizing the lack of comfort. Despite the complaints, the Paris Olympic Committee defends the decision, emphasizing the environmental benefits.

A look at the beds and mattresses inside a mattress fitting room in the Athletes' Village ahead of the Paris Olympics showcases the cardboard frame. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)

AR takes center stage at Paris Olympics, from interactive vending machines to immersive posters

PARIS - The Paris 2024 Olympics features over 15 immersive AR experiences through collaborations with Snap Inc. and Coca-Cola. Discover innovative ways to engage with the Games, from interactive Lenses to the world's first AR vending machine.

Station F, the largest startup campus in the world and home to 1,000 startups, houses Snap’s AR studio. (Photo by Melanie Hogue/Special to Cronkite News)

As closing ceremony nears, Paris drag community offers support of artistic Olympic celebrations

PARIS - The Paris Olympics’ opening ceremony celebrated the city’s diversity with drag queens, sparking a lively debate involving inclusivity and Christianity. Defended by performers from Madame Arthur and supported by Deputy Mayor Féréric Hocquad, the event showed Paris’s commitment to artistic freedom and inclusivity despite backlash.

Cabaret performer Maud Amour captivates the audience during one of the many shows put on at the popular Madame Arthur Cabaret Club in Paris. (Photo by Savannah Bowie/Special for Cronkite News)

Once facing imprisonment, Refugee Olympic Team boxer Cindy Ngamba now eyes gold medal

PARIS – The Refugee Olympic Team is making its third trip to the Olympic Games, and it has already earned its first medal. Cameroonian boxer Cindy Ngamba, who feared imprisonment for coming out, now has the chance to win gold Thursday.


Visitors still flock to see Notre Dame amid the gothic cathedral’s speedy reconstruction during Paris Olympics

PARIS – Even though Notre Dame is still not complete after a fire burned portions of the centuries-old cathedral five years ago, visitors remain awed by its exterior. Still, they’re disappointed they cannot go inside after many thought it would be ready by the Paris Olympics.


L.A.’s decision to snub breaking in 2028 Olympics will follow likely show-stopping effort in Paris

PARIS – Breaking is set to debut in the Paris Olympics Friday but will not return for the Los Angeles Games in 2028. That was a decision made by the L.A. organizing committee and not everyone is happy.


Japan captures first breaking gold as new Olympic sport bring street culture to the world stage

PARIS - Team USA Breaking will make its Olympic debut in Paris. Dancers hope to inspire youth movement in the sport, even if it won’t return in Los Angeles.

U.S. Olympic team breaking athlete Sunny Choi laughs while answering questions during an open practice at the High Performance Center in Paris. (Photo by Sydney Lovan/Special for Cronkite News)

Phrygees: One Paris Olympics mascot sports running blade to promote inclusivity, another symbolizes liberty

PARIS – The Paris Olympics mascots symbolize the French Republic. The Phrygian caps were worn by revolutionaries during the French Revolution, especially at the Storming of the Bastille. These mascots can be seen all over France during the Olympics.


From hanging with Snoop to fangirling over athletes, the U.S. women’s basketball team seeks balance during Olympics

PARIS - The US. women’s basketball team has a very short time to build chemistry, but they are doing well so far. The talent on the team helps them come together. They also are taking some time to enjoy this Olympics outside of competition.

Snoop Dogg and the Team USA women's basketball team are seen onstage during "A Celebration of Olympic Basketball" presented by NBC Universal and NBA at Team USA House in Paris. (Photo by Victor Boyko/Getty Images for NBC Universal)

‘I mean, I love them’: Suns fans from around globe head to Lille to see Devin Booker, Kevin Durant at Paris Olympics

PARIS - Since the 1992 Dream Team brought worldwide attention to the NBA, every team including the Suns has seen their fan base expand around the world. In 2024 Suns fans are well represented at the Olympics.


On target: Arizona archer Brady Ellison captures silver medal in Paris Olympics

PARIS - Five-time Olympic archer Brady Ellison won the silver medal in Paris, adding to his impressive career. Despite narrowly missing gold, Ellison continues to inspire young archers in Arizona, with his wife, Toja, and local supporters celebrating his achievements.

Brady Ellison of Team USA competes during the men's individual gold medal match against Woojin Kim of Team Republic of Korea during the Paris Olympics. Ellison, one of the most dominating athletes in the sport, came away with a silver medal. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)