
It is also important to consider that quality of sleep is just as important as quantity. Factors such as sleep disturbances, sleep disorders, and poor sleep hygiene can all impact the restorative nature of sleep, regardless of the number of hours spent in bed. In some cases, individuals may need to seek medical advice to address underlying sleep issues that are affecting their sleep quality.
North Carolina Republicans close in on enacting bill that weakens incoming Democratic governorCLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Tate McCubbin had 20 points and Austin Peay cruised to a 93-46 victory over Brescia on Sunday. McCubbin also contributed eight rebounds for the Governors (5-8). Anton Brookshire scored 15 points while going 5 of 13 (5 for 12 from 3-point range). Isaac Haney went 5 of 9 from the field (4 for 8 from 3-point range) to finish with 14 points. The win broke a six-game slide for the Governors. Damian Garcia led the way for the Bearcats with 17 points. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .The Empty Stocking Fund is a 43-year-old project of The New Mexican . Each year, hundreds of people receive aid from the fund during the holiday season to help cover rent payments, medical bills, utility costs, car repairs, home improvements and other needs. Who it helps: Applicants, who must live within 50 miles of Santa Fe and must provide documents that provide proof of their identity, are considered without regard to race, age, ethnicity, gender identity or sexual orientation. Applications for aid are currently on pause due to overwhelming demand. 2024 goal: $475,000 This holiday charity project, which began in 1981, is jointly administered by the Santa Fe Community Foundation, Enterprise Bank and Trust, the Salvation Army, Presbyterian Medical Services, The Life Link, Habitat for Humanity, Esperanza Shelter, Youth Shelters and Family Services, Gerard’s House and a private individual. To donate: Make your tax-deductible donation online by visiting santafecf.org/funds/empty-stocking-fund . In person, visit the Santa Fe Community Foundation at 501 Halona St., or The Santa Fe New Mexican , 150 Washington Ave., Suite 105, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Contributions can also be mailed to Empty Stocking Fund, C/O Santa Fe Community Foundation, P.O. Box 1827, Santa Fe, NM 87504-1827. Donors can request to remain anonymous. Anonymous: $600 Anonymous: $400 Anonymous: $350 Anonymous: $103.09 Anonymous: $25 Anonymous: $206.19 Anonymous: $7,122.34 Linda and Elijah Garcia: $20.62 Harry Georgeades: $200 Gino's Gym/Gino Brazil — in memory of Angie Brazil and Mary Beth Shymkus: $250 Marisa Gjurgevich: $103.09 David Goodrich and Brian Clarke: $515.46 Jeannice Gordon: $100 John and Oneida Gummersall: $250 Laura and David Hansen: $900 Happy Huskies Giving Fund: $50 Allen Hartford: $150 Jackie and John Hiatt: $250 Bernard Holzapfel: $250 Vicki and David Hunt: $500 Pamela S. Hyde: $1,100 Jack and MaryLou Davis Foundation: $5,000 The D.J. Kahlo Fund: $1,000 Sue Katz: $97.42 Anne and Mark Keller — in memory of Nathan Keller: $1,030.93 David King: $100 Cumulative total: $38,906.61
Dolly Parton is encouraging performers of all ages to audition for a musical show encapsulating her journey. The Grammy-winning country legend has announced a nationwide casting search for a play titled Dolly: An Original Musical . In a video posted to TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, Parton made the announcement and explained the auditioning process as clips from all stages of her career played. "I want to give you the chance to help me bring my story to Broadway — and maybe even play me!" Parton said, encouraging everyone to try out for the opportunity. "This show is a celebration of my music, my life, and all the amazing people who've been with me along the way," she continued. “We're looking for talented performers who can capture the spirit of my journey, whether you're an experienced theater professional or an undiscovered gem with that little special something." A post shared by Dolly Parton (@dollyparton) A press release from the show elaborated that the musical is looking for "performers of all ages to portray Parton at different stages of her incredible life." Applicants are required to record a one-minute video of themselves singing their favorite Parton song and post it to social media with the tag #SearchForDolly. Applicants must also complete the application form on the musical's site. The application window will close on January 12, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. ET and evaluation of the candidates will begin. The Dolly: An Original Musical casting team will then invite any promising applicants to New York City for a formal audition process. In January, Parton got candid about her dream to have a Broadway show about her life. “Right now, I'm working on my life story as a musical, and so going on Broadway and opening my show on Broadway, that's been a biggie [goal] in my mind for many, many years,” she told People Magazine at the time. “That'd be the one that I want to make certain I get done while I'm still kicking, while I'm around to stay involved in it.” The Broadway bio musical will be packed with both classic Parton songs and new releases she wrote specifically for the show.After-hours movers: HPE, lululemon, Ulta Beauty, Docusign and moreGerman security and intelligence chiefs are due on Monday to face questioning about the car-ramming attack that killed five people and wounded more than 200 at a Christmas market 10 days ago. They will be quizzed about possible missed clues and security failures before the December 20 attack in the eastern city of Magdeburg, where police arrested the 50-year-old Saudi psychiatrist Taleb al-Abdulmohsen at the scene. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser, Saxony-Anhalt state officials, and the heads of Germany's domestic and foreign intelligence services are expected to face a closed-door committee hearing in parliament from 1200 GMT. Abdulmohsen is the only suspect in the attack in which a rented BMW sport utility vehicle ploughed through the crowd of revellers at high speed, leaving a trail of bloody carnage. Investigators have yet to declare a suspected motive in the assault that used a motor vehicle as a weapon, which recalled past jihadist attacks, including in Berlin and in the French city of Nice in 2016. Abdulmohsen, by contrast, has voiced strongly anti-Islam views, sympathies with the far right, and anger at Germany for allowing in too many Muslim war refugees and other asylum-seekers. According to unconfirmed media reports citing unnamed German security sources, he has in the past been treated for mental illness and tested positive for drug use on the night of his arrest. The Saudi suspect has been remanded in custody in a top-security facility on five counts of murder and 205 counts of attempted murder, prosecutors said, but not so far on terrorism-related charges. Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who faces elections in February, has declared that Germany needs to "investigate whether this terrible act could have been prevented". "No stone must be left unturned," he told news portal t-online on Friday, echoing similar comments by Faeser. Scholz said that "over the years, there have been repeated clues" about the suspect, adding that "we must examine very carefully whether there were any failings on the part of the authorities in Saxony-Anhalt or at the national level". German media digging through Abdulmohsen's past and his countless social media postings have found expressions of anger and frustration, and threats of violence against German citizens and politicians. Saudi Arabia said it had repeatedly warned Germany about Abdulmohsen, who came to Germany in 2006 and was granted refugee status 10 years later. A source close to the Saudi government told AFP that the kingdom had in the past sought his extradition. Germany has not officially commented on this claim, but would usually deny requests to send people granted asylum back to the country they fled. Abdulmohsen had a history of brushes with the law and court appearances in Germany, media have reported, including for threats of violence. German police have said they had contacted Abdulmohsen in September 2023 and October 2024, and then repeatedly tried but failed to meet him again in December. Police hold such meetings with people deemed a potential threat to make clear they are under close watch and to deter misconduct. Ahead of the German elections, the Christmas market bloodshed has reignited fierce debate about immigration and security, after several deadly knife attacks this year blamed on Islamist extremists. The head of the conservative opposition, Friedrich Merz, wrote that, whether the attacker was a jihadist or an anti-Islam activist, "conflicts are being fought out on German soil... We have to stop this!" bur/fz/bc
It’s always a historic occasion when an Australian makes it to Formula 1, and Jack Doohan’s fast-tracked debut will be no exception. Doohan, 21 years old, will be the 19th Australian to enter a grand prix and 16th to start a race. The Gold Coast native will also be Australia’s first grand prix driver to hail from Queensland. The son of 500cc motorcycle world champion Mick Doohan, he’s worked hard to crack the premier class in four-wheel motorsport. That effort will culminate in him hitting the track on Friday for first practice in a car with his name on the side of it. Every F1 qualifying session and race LIVE in 4K on Kayo. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited time offer. But getting to F1 is one thing. Staying there is another challenge entirely. Doohan will have little time to soak up his achievement. The hard work starts now. THE OPPORTUNITY Remarkably Doohan will be the fourth driver to be drafted in mid-season this year, following in the footsteps of Oliver Bearman at Ferrari and Haas, Franco Colapinto at Williams and Liam Lawson at RB. His will arguably be the most surprising debut of the lot, coming with the unexpected departure of Esteban Ocon with one round remaining. Ocon was already set to depart Alpine at the end of the year after a rollercoaster partnership with the French team. His highs have been outstanding. Ocon has scored the Renault-owned team’s two best results since its return to F1 in 2016 — victory at the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix and second place in Sao Paulo last month. But his lows have been damaging. He had several on-track altercations with Fernando Alonso over their two seasons together, and he inevitably came to blows with childhood rival Pierre Gasly too. The nadir was this year’s Monaco Grand Prix, where Ocon crashed into his teammate at Portier on the first lap while both were running in the points. He took himself out of the race, but mercifully an ensuing red flag allowed Gasly to restart back in the top 10, from where he scored a point. Then team principal Bruno Famin was so incensed he appeared prepared to sack him on the spot, though he was eventually talked down. PIT TALK PODCAST: McLaren and Ferrari will take the constructors championship down to the first this weekend in Abu Dhabi after a stalemate in Qatar. Meanwhile, at Alpine, Jack Doohan is preparing to make his shock F1 debut in place of the ousted Esteban Ocon ahead of his first full-time season in 2025. But it was clear the relationship was on the rocks. Team and driver announced they wouldn’t be renewing ties into 2025, and Ocon sealed a deal with Haas. The end of that relationship has now been hastened by several factors. One is Ocon’s underperformance in the second half of the season. He’s been qualifying more than a quarter of a second slower the Gasly since the break, equating to around three places on the grid, and he’s scored points just once since the mid-season break, that being his excellent second place in Brazil. It’s a situation that’s bred suspicion, and Ocon has several times hinted — without saying outright — that his underperformance is due to the team, either accidentally or wilfully, given the suddenness and sharpness of his downturn. The second is his request to join Haas in a post-season test. Haas is Alpine’s chief rival for sixth in the championship, a battle that could be worth as much as $15 million. Alpine owes it no favours. With Doohan obviously available to step up immediately, Alpine was motivated to start its next chapter early. Ocon was given a proposition: race in Abu Dhabi and forgo the test or quit the team and get a head start at Haas. It wasn’t a pleasant situation, particularly as it seems to have been put to him just hours before the start of the race in Qatar, according to Autosport . “This is not how I wanted it to end,” he wrote on social media. But Ocon was also motivated to start the next chapter of his career and quit the team. Doohan got his chance. THE THREAT That might be all there is to the story — Alpine wanting to get its protégé a head start for 2025 when it hopes there’ll be more to fight for with a more consistently competitive car. But there are rumours about Alpine’s driver management plans that have refused to fade away. In recent months there have been reports that Alpine has taken an interest in Williams rookie Franco Colapinto. Colapinto’s sudden debut was spectacular. Often a close match for teammate Alex Albon and scoring points in just his second race — his predecessor, Logan Sargeant, hadn’t scored all year — the Argentine immediately turned heads in the paddock. What’s more, because Williams had already signed Carlos Sainz for 2025 — for whom Alpine was also bidding — Colapinto has no drive for next season. Red Bull also reportedly made a play for the 21-year-old but wanted to buy him outright, for which Williams was rumoured to have demanded US$20 million (A$31 million). Alpine, however, is said to have been prepared to take him on loan. With Gasly already signed up on a long-term deal, Doohan was in the gun. But Colapinto’s form has since waned. He wasn’t the only driver to crash heavily in the treacherous wet of Brazil, but his qualifying smash in Las Vegas was a totally unforced error, taking off some of his sheen. An anonymous weekend in Qatar saw Red Bull withdraw its interest, but while Alpine’s enthusiasm is also said to have cooled, it reportedly hasn’t ruled him out entirely. That’s not least because, along with obvious speed, Colapinto also brings with him considerable sponsorship, especially with the prospect of a potential Argentine Grand Prix to follow should he establish himself in the sport. It’s music to the ears of a team that announced this year it would shutter its decades-old engine department to save money. And so Doohan’s early promotion takes on a different meaning. Perhaps it’s not simply a head start. It could also be an evaluation. Alpine management has long talked up Doohan’s prospects as a Formula 1 driver, having been impressed by his speed, commitment and professionalism. But Alpine management has been in a state of upheaval for more than a year now, and while Doohan was confirmed for 2025 only a few months ago, Colapinto wasn’t an option then. And before you wonder whether Alpine could be so ruthless with one of its own juniors before he’s barely had a chance to drive, remember that Ocon is the only race winner and the longest tenured driver in the team’s modern history and still got the flick without the dignity of a farewell race. Sentiment doesn’t come into it. THE CHALLENGE So what will it take for Doohan to pass his first test? While no-one will expect him to match Gasly this weekend, he won’t be allowed too much slack either. He won’t be measured against just his teammate; he’ll also be compared to the other rookie debutants this year. Bearman scored points for seventh in his sudden call-up for Ferrari halfway through the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix weekend at one of the sport’s most challenging tracks. Colapinto’s success as a mid-season debutant is clear, the Argentine demonstrating both speed and racecraft. Lawson, notwithstanding his five grands prix last year, has also done extremely well, finishing ninth in his comeback race in the United States despite starting from the back of the grid with an engine penalty. He’s been a match for teammate Yuki Tsunoda. “I think the problem is you’ve got the benchmark that Bearman set [at Jeddah], which was phenomenal,” Alpine team principal Oliver Oakes said, per Autosport . “And I mean this in a nice way, as he’s hugely talented, but you had Kimi [Antonelli, Mercedes’s reserve driver] with the sort of pressure in Monza [where he crashed in FP1]. “I think at the end of the day Jack’s just got to take it as he finds it. I think he’s professional enough to handle it. “I think as well, once you ease into the weekend, FP1, FP2, you can build up to it as well.” He’ll also carry with him the added pressure of knowing Alpine is hoping to cement sixth in the constructors championship, a battle it leads by five points over Haas and by 13 points over RB. That said, Ocon’s car has finished just once in the points since the end of July, so it would be hard to argue a non-scoring finish by the Australian would make the switch a mistake. Nonetheless, he’ll need to show by the end of the weekend that he’s not out of his depth. He needs to perform capably enough that Colapinto would look like nothing more than a needlessly messy sideways move at best. If he can hold his seat to next year — which, even amid these rumours, is surely highly likely — the threat will rapidly recede. Not only will he be able to quickly close the experience gap to Colapinto, but he’ll be the only one of the two on the grid, absorbing all the spotlight while Colapinto battles for relevance from the sidelines. If you’re only as good as your last race, Doohan’s advantage will be that he’s the only one racing. THE PREPARATION Doohan will arrive in Formula 1 well prepared to take on the sudden challenge, having been an active and engaged Alpine reserve driver since 2022, after finishing a closer runner-up in the 2021 Formula 3 championship. He was then in with a shout for the 2022 F2 crown before a late-season collapse, much of which was owed to an atrocious run of luck. He was subsequently declared a favourite for the 2023 championship, but an undetected cracked chassis for the first five rounds killed his chances — though even then he finished third and only 35 points off the lead, scoring the most points of any driver in the final five rounds. He took a gamble at the end of last year to forgo a racing program, turning down chances to race in different categories to instead fully devote himself to Alpine. He’s been embedded in the team every weekend. For the European rounds he’s also been on the simulator on Friday night, working on a testing program in parallel with the practice sessions, and then flying to the track in time for track action on Saturday. His sim work was considered instrumental to the team’s strong weekend in Monaco earlier in the year and has underpinned the development program that eventually turned the car good late this year. Between races he’s undertaken a private testing program comprising 5000 kilometres in previous-spec Alpine cars to keep him sharp and fit, complementing the two FP1 sessions he’s had this year in Canada and Great Britain as well as the four practice appearances over the past two seasons. “I think the program has been, I dare say, well planned for him,” Oakes said. “I think although the team doesn’t get much credit from the [Oscar] Piastri situation, they obviously are pretty good with young drivers and preparing them. “And I think Jack’s been on that same path. He’s been with me quite a bit in the garage. “He listens to the intercom with me, and Flav [Briatore, executive adviser], giving us his two pennies as well, so I’m sure he’s ready for it.” What he hasn’t done in the last 12 months, however, is feel the pressure of a qualifying lap or the tension of a race start. He hasn’t had to nail a racing pit stop or manage a tyre stint while also competing with other cars. These are the things that could trip him up this weekend, and these are the things to which he must show himself capable of quickly reacclimatising. THE RECORD Along with the Hungaroring and Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi was one of Doohan’s strongest tracks during his Formula 2 years. His first visit in 2021 was just his second race in F2. He qualified an astounding second and just 0.213 seconds slower than pole-getter Oscar Piastri, who shortly afterwards won the championship. He scored points in the second sprint, and though he crashed out of the feature race, a statement had been made. On his return in 2022 he started fifth for the feature race and was setting up for a grandstand victory on the alternative strategy when his front-left wheel fell off, forcing him into retirement. But there would be no stopping him on his final visit, in 2023. He qualified on pole, rose from 10th to sixth in the reverse-grid sprint race and then converted for an emphatic victory in the Sunday feature, promoting him to third in the championship. He should have no trouble finding his way around this circuit, in other words. Alpine, on the other hand, has a less impressive history at the traditional season-closing race. Since returning to the sport in 2016 the French team has collected just seven scoring finishes across either car in Abu Dhabi. Only twice has it got both cars into the points, in 2020 and in 2021. It’s never finished better than sixth, having done so twice, in 2017 and 2018. Last year both drivers failed to score and finished more than a minute off the lead. But Alpine is on the up this season and has a reasonable chance of scoring points. Its average gap to pole over the last five races places it at the head of the midfield, coinciding with what’s turned out to be a season-changing upgrade brought to the United States Grand Prix. Gasly has cracked Q3 three times since then, with an average qualifying result of 8.8. The team has also scored 46 of its 59 points since bringing the upgrade, albeit its double podium in Brazil contributed 35 of those. Scoring points is a tall ask for the Doohan at his first grand prix, when blowing off the cobwebs after a year off the grid will be the priority. But if he’s to pull out a big result, he may have arrived in just the right place at exactly the right time.ARIES Today, focus on studies, career, and entertainment. There might be some expenditure on house, vehicle, education, medical bills, or children. Finance: Expect expenses for entertainment, health, property, or premiums. Career: Success is likely in fields such as education, politics, medical, and public services. Domestic & Love Life: Disputes or ill health involving family members, particularly your mother or children, may arise. Health: Potential issues include back pain, eye problems, throat, cough, or skin ailments. Lucky Number: 6 / 9 Lucky Colour: Pink / Red TAURUS Today, enjoy travel, communication, and entertainment with possible family involvement. Finance: Expect expenditures for property, travel, children, or communication. Career: Beneficial for those in tourism, journalism, entertainment, or politics. Domestic & Love Life: You’ll try to balance family time, possibly with a picnic or a family party. Health: Some may experience back pain, ear issues, throat problems, or cough. Lucky Number: 6 / 8 Lucky Colour: Pink / Blue GEMINI Today is ideal for communication, household activities, and travel. Finance: Expenses related to health, travel, or education are expected. Career: Doctors, politicians, and professionals in communication, publication, or hotels may see success. Domestic & Love Life: Be mindful of disputes or health issues involving family members. Health: Possible health concerns include throat problems, toothaches, or heart issues. Lucky Number: 5 Lucky Colour: Green CANCER Today, focus on family time, travel, and entertainment. Finance: Expenditures on health, travel, and communication are likely. Career: Opportunities will come for those in medicine, journalism, and literature. Domestic & Love Life: Family travel or potential health issues in the family may occur. Health: Be cautious of toothaches, colds, or throat pain. Lucky Number: 2 / 6 Lucky Colour: Silver / Pink LEO Today, your investments might mature, and travel is indicated. Finance: Expect expenses on education, travel, or vehicles. Career: Beneficial for those in finance, tourism, or communication. Domestic & Love Life: Enjoy a long drive or travel with family. Health: Be mindful of blood pressure, back pain, or throat problems. Lucky Number: 1 Lucky Colour: Orange VIRGO Today, focus on career and self-reliance. Finance: Travel and health expenses are indicated. Career: Success comes for those in tourism, communication, advertising, or consulting. Domestic & Love Life: You might struggle to balance job responsibilities and family time. Health: Some may experience bronchitis, back pain, or knee pain. Lucky Number: 5 Lucky Colour: Green LIBRA Today is ideal for career, study, and travel. Finance: Expect expenses related to travel or education. Career: Fields like banking, tourism, law, and marketing will bring success. Domestic & Love Life: A long journey or religious activity with family is possible. Health: Watch for throat pain or knee pain. Lucky Number: 5 / 6 Lucky Colour: Green / Pink SCORPIO Success is indicated, but there may be obstacles in education or travel. Finance: Expenses related to health, study, or self-growth. Career: Those in politics, education, or journalism will thrive. Domestic & Love Life: Balance between family and professional duties may cause stress. Health: Potential issues include skin problems, asthma, or knee pain. Lucky Number: 2 / 9 Lucky Colour: Silver / Red SAGITTARIUS Today, you will face challenges but find solutions. Finance: Expenses related to education, health, or travel. Career: Occultists, researchers, and those in tourism or publication will succeed. Domestic & Love Life: Family disputes or health concerns are indicated. Health: Be cautious of indigestion, heart issues, or BP problems. Lucky Number: 1 / 3 Lucky Colour: Orange / Yellow CAPRICORN Today guarantees success in business or career but challenges in personal life. Finance: Expect expenses for travel, education, or family. Career: Fields like communication, finance, or publication will see gains. Domestic & Love Life: Disputes with your spouse may arise. Health: Some may suffer from bronchitis or throat issues. Lucky Number: 6 / 8 Lucky Colour: Pink / Blue AQUARIUS You may be overwhelmed by responsibilities today. Finance: Expenses related to business, health, or children are expected. Career: Cybersecurity, finance, or politics will bring benefits. Domestic & Love Life: Disputes with children or maternal family may occur. Health: Be cautious of bronchitis, throat problems, or surgeries. Lucky Number: 6 / 8 Lucky Colour: Pink / Black PISCES Today is a day of celebration and studies. Finance: Expenses for parties, education, or entertainment are likely. Career: Fields like law, education, and journalism will bring success. Domestic & Love Life: Enjoy time with family and resolve any issues. Health: Some may experience back pain, asthma, or cough. Lucky Number: 3 / 9 Lucky Colour: Red / Yellow
Derivatives decline: Where did F&O volumes disappear?
Peru closes 91 of its 121 ports amid huge wavesBaltimore quarterback Lamar Jackson, the reigning NFL Most Valuable Player, leads fan balloting for the 2025 NFL Pro Bowl Games after one week of voting, the league announced on Monday. Ravens superstar Jackson set the overall pace with 44,681 votes followed by teammate Derrick Henry, the running back leader, in second overall at 40,729 votes. Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley was third overall at 40,602, only 127 votes behind Henry in the rusher's race, with Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen fourth overall on 36,574 and Detroit running back Jahmyr Gibbs fifth on 35,637. The Detroit Lions lead all clubs in total votes received, followed by the Ravens, the two-time defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs, the Minnesota Vikings and Pittsburgh Steelers. The NFL's revamped all-star event will be staged in Orlando, Florida, for the second consecutive year. In all, 88 players will gather on February 2 in skills competitions and a flag football showdown with coaches Peyton and Eli Manning. While other vote totals were not revealed, Washington rookie Jayden Daniels was the top NFC quarterback in the fan voting and top receivers were Minnesota's Justin Jefferson in the NFC and Cincinnati's Ja'Marr Chase in the AFC. NFL fans can vote as often as they wish through December 23 with selections decided by a consensus of ballots by players, coaches and fans with each group counting for one-third of every player's final total. NFL players and coaches will cast votes on December 27. js/rcw
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Keitenn Bristow scores 23 as Tarleton State tops Florida A&M 70-60With a loud crack, the icy exterior gave way, revealing the succulent meat within. The villagers cheered and clapped as they gazed upon the prize they had waited so long for. The frozen pig heads were then prepared and cooked to perfection, with savory aromas wafting through the air, signaling the feast that was about to unfold.Emmanuel Macron has rejected calls to stand down and says he will name a new prime minister – the fourth of his seven years as president – in the coming days. If France was in his biggest political crisis in a generation, Macron wasn’t feeling it. In the wake of his government’s collapse, he says it’s still in the national interest that he sees out his five-year presidential mandate, which ends in 2027. A bar shows the telecast of French President Emmanuel Macron’s address to the nation. Credit: AP The collapse of France’s centre-right coalition government has thrust Macron back into the spotlight and a growing chorus is questioning whether the divisive and at times impetuous leader is suited to resolve the country’s political crisis. The turmoil comes amid a rough patch in the French economy , as various factors take a toll on growth, including the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, high interest rates and economic slowdowns in Germany and China, two of France’s trading partners. In a televised address, Macron said France could not constitutionally have new parliamentary elections for 10 months, following his decision to call a snap poll back in July. The result, he promised at the time, would offer the country some “clarification”. It led to the current chaos. Loading But for the first time, he conceded he was partly to blame for the situation the nation now faced. “Many have blamed me for it and I know, many continue to blame me. It’s a fact and it’s my responsibility,” he said. “The dissolution was not understood, that’s my responsibility, [but] I will never accept the irresponsibility of others.” He then went on to attack his political opponents on the “extreme right” and “extreme left”, accusing them of collaborating in an “anti-republican front”.
Escaped convicted murderer puts California town on edgeSMALLRIG AWARDS LAUNCHES THE GLOBAL FILMMAKER TALK SERIES WITH 2024 CANNES BEST DIRECTOR MIGUEL GOMESNone