Four people have died after a migrant boat ran into difficulties crossing the English Channel. The small boat got into trouble in the early hours of this morning off the coast of Dungeness. The Prefecture of the Channel and the North Sea said that a helicopter, a French Navy hydrographic vessel and a coast guard patrol boat had been involved in the rescue operation. Several French fishing boats also came to the assistance of the vessel. The coastguard, RNLI and air ambulance were amongst those involved in the rescue operation from the UK side of the Channel.
Dozens of departments in northern France are still on Meteo France yellow or orange warnings for snow and icy conditions. Train services between Paris and Orleans have been cancelled for the day and roads monitor Bison Fute have called for vigilance in the affected areas. Police in the Ile-de-France have encouraged locals to limit their movements today and to favour teleworking.
Nice mayor Christian Estrosi has attended the installation ceremony of the new Director of Public Security of the Alpes-Maritimes at the Auvare barracks in Nice. Frédéric Pizzini has been in office since November 21 and replaces Nadine Le Calonnec.
The Prefect of the Var has said that thirteen machines were seized last week as part of the department's continuing operations to stop so-called urban rodeos. In August the French Interior ministry instructed local authorities to increase controls on urban rodeos, saying that they cause serious disturbances to public order and risks to public safety.
The Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation is celbrating its 10 year anniversary today. H.S.H. Princess Charlene created Her Foundation with the desire to offer more positive opportunities to children around the world. For 10 years, the Foundation has been working to prevent drowning and inspire children through the values of sport. More than 1 million people have benefited from the Foundation’s programmes in 43 countries through 510 different projects.
Lignes d'Azur have said that due to the celebrations linked to the World Cup match between France and Morocco, a partial evening service is in place on tram line 1 this evening. From 15 minutes before the end of the match and until further notice Line 1 will run between "Henri Sappia" and "Masséna" stations and between "Opéra Vieille Ville" and "Hôpital Pasteur" stations . There is no connection between the "Masséna" and "Opéra Vieille Ville" stations. You can find details on www.lignesdazur.com
BUSINESS
Annual inflation in the UK fell to 10.7% in November, down from 11.1% in October. The Office for National Statistics said that the easing in the annual inflation rate reflected mainly price changes in transport costs, particularly for motor fuels and second-hand cars. There were also downward effects from tobacco, accommodation services, clothing and footwear, and games, toys and hobbies. The largest, partially offsetting, upward effect came from price rises for alcohol in restaurants, cafes and pubs.
Elon Musk is no longer the wealthiest person in the world. According to both Forbes and Bloomberg, Musk has been overtaken by French businessman Bernard Arnault, the chief executive of luxury goods group LVMH. According to Forbes, Musk is worth about $178bn and Bernard Arnault is worth about $188bn.
SPORT
Rugby Union..London Irish hooker Agustin Creevy has received a four-week ban following his sending off in their match against Montpellier on Friday. He made a dangerous tackle on full-back Anthony Bouthier. The ban means that he'll miss the Irish's Champions Cup match with Stormers in Cape Town on Saturday.
Cricket... Derbyshire's Wayne Madsen has signed a new two-year contract, at the age of 38. The South African signed a new deal back in May until the end of the 2023 season, but has now extended that until 2024.
WORLD CUP REPORT
It's the much anticipated France against Morocco semi-final this evening. France have won the cup twice, in 1998 and 2018, and finished as runners up in 2006 when they lost on penalties to Italy. Morocco are the first African team to ever reach a World Cup semi-final. They have already beaten Belgium, Spain and Portugal on their way to the last four. Moroccan football fans hoping to attend the semi-final have been facing cancelled flights. The country’s national airline, Royal Air Maroc, has cancelled seven flights today, blaming a decision taken by the Qatari authorities. Whover wins this evening will be taking on Argentina, who beat Croatia 3-0 last night to reach the final.
A new optional regional transport tax for businesses, introduced in France’s 2025 budget, aims to fund eco-friendly mobility projects. ...
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A judge has authorised a dive to inspect the wreckage of a plane in the sea off Antibes. The plane crashed into the Mediterranean on September 11 1968...
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In France, drinking water is heavily contaminated with "forever pollutants," particularly trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), as revealed by two studies from ...
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The trial of the Tunisian man accused of the murder of three people in the Nice Basilica attack is continuing in Paris. Yesterday the families of the ...
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Four cities in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur (PACA) region made Booking.com's 2025 list of the "most welcoming destinations in France." ...
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