News Brief Jan. 8-12

International:

Gabriel Attal was appointed as France’s new prime minister following the resignation of Elisabeth Borne earlier this week. 

At 34 years old, he is the youngest prime minister in French history. He is also the first openly gay man to serve the position. 

“As prime minister, he will be charged with forming a new government and ensuring the passage of legislation that advances the president’s agenda. Most power, however, lies with the French presidency,” CNN wrote. 

Attal was the spokesperson for the French government during COVID-19, which increased his publicity. He also led the ministry of public works and public accounts before transitioning to the ministry of education in July of 2023.

At the request of French President Emmanuel Macron, Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne resigned. 

Borne’s resignation followed “recent political tensions over contentious immigration legislation backed by Macron to strengthen the government’s ability to deport some foreigners, among other measures,” The Hill reported. 

Macron wrote a statement on X thanking Borne for her work. 

“Madam Prime Minister, dear Elisabeth Borne, your work in the service of our Nation has been exemplary every day. You implemented our project with the courage, commitment and determination of women of states. With all my heart, thank you.”

National:

The president of the National Association of Realtors (NAR), Tracy Kasper, stepped down from her position this week. Allegedly, her decision was influenced by the potential for blackmail. 

NAR is the largest professional trade organization in the United States. Kasper has been president since August 2023 after the former president resigned due to sexual harassment allegations. 

“As a result of the recent threat and given the significance of this moment for myself, my family and the organization, it is again time for me to put the interests of NAR first. So, it is with a mix of gratitude and a heavy heart that I submit my resignation as your president effective immediately,” Kasper wrote in a statement. 

“She recently received a threat to disclose a past personal, non-financial matter unless she compromised her position at NAR,” CNN reported. 

President elect Kevin Sears will be the immediate replacement. 

Local: 

Edmond is experiencing a transition delay to the American Medical Response (AMR) ambulance service. EMSA has been servicing Edmond, but due to “longer than normal response times,” the city sought change.

The process began in July and finalized in August. AMR has built offices and purchased ambulances to fulfill its $660,000 contract with the city of Edmond. The contract is set to last a year but can be extended another four years. 

Edmond residents are paying for the new services by a $3 upcharge to their monthly utility bills. Fifty new jobs have been created by building the new service. 

AMR requires its priority one calls, those requiring immediate medical attention, to be reached within 10 minutes and 59 seconds 90% of the time. 

The new start date for AMR is Jan. 23, 2024. 

“We just needed to go out and look to see if we could provide a better service for the residents of Edmond,” Chris Denton, Edmond Deputy Fire Chief, said.