Celebrating Mardi Gras

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What is Mardi Gras, and how is it celebrated?

"Mardi Gras," "Fat Tuesday" in French, is a celebration before Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent, the 40-day period of prayer and fasting for Christians.

The celebration began in medieval Europe in Rome and Venice, passing through France in the 17th and 18th centuries and making its way to the colonies.

Today, some traditions include indulging in special sweets, dressing up for parades, dancing and wearing masks.

See how Mardi Gras is celebrated around the world >

Bannon told Epstein he wanted to 'take down' Pope Francis: Docs

Former White House strategist Steve Bannon allegedly texted with Jeffrey Epstein about working to remove then-Pope Francis, according to documents released by the U.S. Department of Justice last month.

The podcast host reportedly wrote Epstein, "Will take down Francis," referencing the then-pope. He continued, "The Clintons, Xi, Francis , EU—come on brother."

Why were Bannon and Epstein allegedly discussing Pope Francis?

Pope Francis faced backlash for his lax approach to allegations of sexual abuse within the Church during his reign. In 2018, he publicly apologized to survivors for defending Chilean Bishop Juan Barros of Osorno, who was accused of concealing years of sexual abuse of minors.

Bannon told the Spectator in 2018 that the pope was "beneath contempt," adding, "His greatest failings outside the spiritual and theological are siding with the globalist elites against the citizens of the nations of the world."

Did Epstein collaborate on funding Catholic organizations? >

US troops arrive in Nigeria to train the military to fight extremism

Roughly 100 U.S. troops have arrived in Nigeria to help train soldiers there, the Nigerian military announced Monday.

The deployment follows the Nigerian's request to the U.S. government for help with training as the West African country fights against Islamic militants and other armed groups.

Tensions between the U.S. and Nigeria appear to have eased after President Donald Trump said the country was not protecting Christians from an alleged genocide — an accusation that has been rejected by the Nigerian government.