The Var and the Alpes-Maritimes are on a yellow warning for storms and for heavy rain and flooding this evening and tonight. The Var prefecture warned that during episodes of intense rain, dry soil can create significant runoff and sudden rises in water levels. The Ardeche and Drome departments have been placed on an orange level alert for heavy rain and flooding tomorrow evening. It follows torrential rain in both departments earlier this week.
The train from Dignes-les-Bains to Nice suffered a derailment this morning. The incident happened near the Madeleine stop when the train was manoeuvring and was travelling at just 5km per hour. There were no injuries but train services were disrupted and the service won't be in operation to take supporters to the World Cup rugby match in Nice this evening.
A coordinated police operation has taken place in the Pontcarral district of Toulon, under the authority of the prefect of Var and at the request of the public prosecutor of Toulon. Thirteen vehicles were removed, controls of businesses were carried out, three illegal foreigners were arrested and there was a dismantling of uncontrolled mechanical activities in garages. The prefecture said that the operation "will allow residents to reclaim their neighbourhood".
King Charles III has arrived in France on an official visit which will last until Friday. He is being accompanied by Queen Camilla. Earlier today the couple attended a ceremony at the tomb of the unknown soldier at the Arc de Triomphe. This evening they will attend a concert and reception at the Palace of Versailles.
BUSINESS
Inflation in the UK unexpectedly fell to 6.7% in the year to August, down from 6.8% in July. It is the third month in a row that inflation has fallen. The Office for National Statistics said that prices for milk, cheese, eggs and vegetables all fell last month, but the price of bread and cereals rose.
A UK body representing motor manufacturers has said that delaying a ban on sales of new petrol and diesel cars could deter people from switching to electric vehicles. UK government ministers are reportedly considering pushing back a planned ban from 2030 to 2035. The Society of Motor Manufactures and Traders said the message it would send to consumers would be "incredibly confusing".
SPORT
Cricket... Three US areas have been named as venues for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup next year. They are Dallas, Florida and New York. The tournament is being co-hosted by the USA and the West Indies and will be the biggest in its history, with 20 teams competing.
Football... Marcelino, the coach of Olympique de Marseille is leaving the club. He was only appointed in June. The club has appointed two replacement coaches as an interim measure.
Rugby Union... There's only one World Cup match today. Italy against Uruguay kicks off at 5.45 in Nice.
Eric Ciotti, leader of Les Républicains, has expressed cautious support for new Prime Minister Michel Barnier if his policies align with law and order...
Read More
France has a new Prime Minister, after 51 days of waiting right-wing politician Michel Barnier was appointed Prime Minister on Thursday. ...
Read More
Michel Barnier has been announced as the new French Prime Minister, tasked with forming a unity government. Barnier, a veteran politician and former B...
Read More
The announcement of France's new Prime Minister is expected before 1 p.m. today, with Michel Barnier emerging as a leading candidate. Bernard Cazeneuv...
Read More
Marseille has been hit by heavy rain with businesses in the old port of the city flooded on Wednesday afternoon. Shopkeepers found themselves taken b...
Read More
