France’s government collapses after the prime minister loses a confidence vote
PARIS — Legislators toppled France’s government in a confidence vote on Monday, a new crisis for Europe’s second-largest economy that obliges President Emmanuel Macron to search for a fourth prime minister in 12 months.
Prime Minister François Bayrou was ousted overwhelmingly in a 364-194 vote against him. Bayrou paid the price for what appeared to be a staggering political miscalculation, gambling that lawmakers would back his view that France must slash public spending to repair its debts. Instead, they seized on the vote that he called to gang up against Bayrou — a 74-year-old centrist who was appointed by Macron last December.
The demise of Bayrou’s short-lived minority government — now constitutionally obliged to submit its resignation to Macron after just under nine months in office — heralds renewed uncertainty and a risk of prolonged legislative deadlock for France as it wrestles with pressing challenges, including budget difficulties and, internationally, wars in Ukraine and Gaza and the shifting priorities of U.S. President Donald Trump.
Nick Reiner will be charged with first degree murder in his parents’ killing
The 32-year-old son of famed director Rob Reiner is being held without bail. Los Angeles authorities say the charges against him carry a maximum sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.
After outcry over prices, FIFA to sell $60 tickets for the World Cup — with a catch
FIFA said it would sell $60 tickets to the World Cup, including for the final — but only for supporters of qualified teams. And the actual number of available tickets is limited.
What to know from Susie Wiles’ interviews with ‘Vanity Fair,’ according to the writer
Throughout the year, Vanity Fair writer Chris Whipple interviewed some of the people closest to President Trump. We speak with Whipple about his talks with White House chief of staff, Susie Wiles.
Bondi Beach attack casts a shadow on Hanukkah celebrations in Israel
People of all ages had been looking forward to celebrating — especially this year, as a ceasefire in Gaza has held since October and all but one of the hostages taken by Hamas-led militants have been returned.
Psychologists are increasingly using — and worrying about — AI tools, poll finds
A survey finds that 56% of psychologists are trying out artificial intelligence tools at work, mainly for administrative tasks. A majority also are concerned about harms of AI on patients and society.
Her 1951 walkout helped end school segregation. Now her statue is in the U.S. Capitol
Barbara Rose Johns was 16 when she led a walkout at her high school, credited with helping end school segregation. Her statue replaces Robert E. Lee's, which was removed in 2020.
