Notre Dame mass, USWNT in World Cup action, Father's Day: 5 things to know this weekend

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Updated

Notre Dame Cathedral holds first mass since fire

The Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris will hold a small mass Saturday evening, the first to take place at the church since the April fire that destroyed parts of the iconic landmark. The mass will be streamed live June 15 and include about 20 attendees, who will all be wearing hard hats as a security precaution. More than 400 firefighters were able to put out the blaze on April 15, but not before it destroyed the building’s signature spire and parts of the roof.

Hong Kong suspends controversial bill amid growing unrest

As Hong Kong braced for more protests and street clashes, Chief Executive Carrie Lam on Saturday suspended a proposed bill indefinitely that would have allowed extraditions to mainland China. Chief Executive Carrie Lam, who has claimed that the amendments are necessary to close legal loopholes, told the media that she took the move in response to widespread public unhappiness over the measure. Critics have feared the bill would let China target political opponents in the former British colony and could undermine its judicial independence. It also has been suggested the bill could threaten U.S.-Hong Kong relations and could discourage foreign visitors and business.

USWNT returns to World Cup action after Thailand blowout

Fresh off a record-breaking 13-0 win over Thailand, the United States plays Chile on Sunday (FOX, 12 p.m. ET) in their second game of the FIFA Women’s World Cup. The USWNT’s margin of victory was the largest ever in a Women’s World Cup game, leading some observers to label the Americans as "disgraceful" for celebrating each goal vigorously. Others focused on the large inequality present in women’s soccer worldwide. And on Sunday, the USWNT could be in store for another huge win. Chile is ranked 39th in FIFA’s world rankings, even lower than 34th-placed Thailand, while the U.S. sits atop the list. .

Amanda Knox to participate in panel despite some negative reactions

Amanda Knox will participate in a panel discussion Saturday titled "Trial by media" in Modena, Italy, as part of the Festival of Criminal Justice partially organized by the Italy Innocence Project. Knox, a former American exchange student, was released from Italian prison after being wrongfully convicted and incarcerated for the sexual assault and 2007 murder of her roommate British student Meredith Kercher. Knox, now 31, arrived Thursday in Italy for the first time since an appeals court acquitted her in 2011 in the slaying of Kercher and was escorted by plainclothes officers at Milan's Linate airport as she kept her eyes down. But not everyone is happy with Knox's appearance at the conference. Francesco Maresca, a lawyer for the Kercher family, told the Associated Press that Knox taking part was "inappropriate" and "inviting her to a technical panel on justice was a mistake."

Father’s Day: Bring on the dad jokes!

Stores and restaurants are offering special discounts and freebies on Sunday to show their appreciation to dads nationwide. According to the National Retail Federation’s annual survey, Americans are expected to spend an estimated $16 billion on gifts for dad this year, more than ever before and up from last year’s $15.3 billion.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Notre Dame mass, USWNT in World Cup action, Father's Day: 5 things to know this weekend