By Marco Hugo Barsotti MHB 
Welcome to the Radio Nizza and Central Milan bulletin for Friday June 19, 2026, on FranciaOggi.com, in podcasting, via AI chatbot and on Medium Waves at 1575 kHz. In the newsroom in Nice Marco Hugo Barsotti, from Paris I am Rachel Costa.
News from France
SNCF suspends 71 Intercités trains due to risk of air‑conditioning failures
SNCF has cancelled seventy‑one Intercités trainsets from Thursday through the following Monday, in response to a heat wave that has pushed temperatures above thirty‑three degrees across much of the national territory. The trains involved are the Corail, built in the 1970s, whose air‑conditioning systems could malfunction under extreme temperature conditions, compromising passenger safety and comfort.
The cancellations affect three major routes: the Paris‑Orléans‑Limoges‑Toulouse line, the Paris‑Clermont‑Ferrand connection, and the Bordeaux‑Marseille link. On Thursday, seven trains out of twenty were cancelled on the first itinerary, four out of sixteen on the second, and five out of sixteen on the third. The number of trains eliminated remained similar on subsequent days, varying between five and seven cancellations depending on the route, throughout the emergency period.
Ticket holders for a cancelled Intercités can request, without any penalty, a ticket replacement or a full refund. SNCF also encourages the most vulnerable passengers – seniors, people with health conditions, or children – to postpone travel where possible, to avoid being on a train without operational air‑conditioning.
List of Cancelled Trains
Friday
- Paris–Orléans–Limoges–Toulouse line (Palito): 7 trains cancelled out of 20
- Paris–Clermont‑Ferrand line (Pacle): 4 trains cancelled out of 16
Saturday
- Paris–Orléans–Limoges–Toulouse line (Palito): 5 trains cancelled out of 17
- Paris–Clermont‑Ferrand line (Pacle): 4 trains cancelled out of 12
- Bordeaux–Marseille (Southern Transversal): 6 trains cancelled out of 13
Sunday
- Paris–Orléans–Limoges–Toulouse line (Palito): 5 trains cancelled out of 19
- Paris–Clermont‑Ferrand line (Pacle): 3 trains cancelled out of 13
- Bordeaux–Marseille (Southern Transversal): 5 trains cancelled out of 13
Monday
- Paris–Orléans–Limoges–Toulouse line (Palito): 7 trains cancelled out of 20
- Paris–Clermont‑Ferrand line (Pacle)
This measure was adopted in response to an orange alert declaration in twenty‑six French departments starting the afternoon of June 18, where forecasts indicated temperatures above forty degrees in various areas of central and southern Italy.
Fact Check by Gemma4
Interview of Emmanuel Macron on “The Event”: USA‑Iran deal, fuel prices, Lebanon, Ukraine and the Lyhanna case
The French president, interviewed by Caroline Roux at the Élysée, gave a detailed account of recent international events and domestic policy issues.
He began by stating that the signing of the peace agreement between the United States and Iran in Versailles, which took place a few hours earlier, was jointly decided by Paris and Washington. “It’s a good thing, but one cannot say that the war is completely over,” Macron said, emphasizing the start of a new phase of cooperation and dialogue, as well as the need to resume negotiations on the Iranian nuclear issue with the indispensable support of France, Germany and the United Kingdom to lift UN sanctions.
On the energy front, the president said the agreement caused an immediate drop in barrel prices, which should translate into a gradual decline in pump prices. He reiterated the importance of the durable reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, urging Washington to consider the French offer of support, while warning that dependence on that route remains a “tool of pressure” for Tehran.
Regarding Lebanon, Macron argued that the peace agreement is crucial to allow the Lebanese army to retake control of territories occupied by Hezbollah, promising rapid international mobilization in support of this goal. He also criticized Benjamin Netanyahuo’s stance, which refuses to withdraw troops from southern Lebanon, stating that his policy fuels resentment and violence in the region.
On the Ukrainian front, the head of state praised the resistance of the Kiev army and its ability to produce drones, calling it “wonderful”. He credited the G7, and in particular the new approach of Donald Trump, with a greater capacity to support Ukraine and exert pressure on Russia.
I am the Boss
Macron then commented on Donald Trump’s style, describing it as “provocative” and sometimes “a form of threat”, but added that France has managed to “prepare a work with the American administration” to handle commercial tensions, including the threat of taxing French wines.
In the technology sector, the president expressed concern about the weak European investment in artificial intelligence, emphasizing that the United States and China dominate the field, while France is the most advanced company in Europe. He called for greater European public investment in AI.
Finally, in response to the death of the young Lyhanna, Macron acknowledged a “profound transformation” underway in handling gender‑based violence cases, announcing an inspection that will be made public on June 22 and reiterating the importance of turning collective outrage into “useful actions”.
This summary recaps the main statements of the French president during the interview broadcast on France 2 on June 18, 2026, highlighting foreign, energy, technology and social policy topics at the centre of the national debate.
Fact Check by Gemma4
Good morning from Paris. I am Rachel Costa and I will now read you my editorial.
Rachel’s Editorial – Macron the indispensable, or the master of ceremonies of Versailles?
Here he is again, our president, who from the Élysée living room gives us a report as a global statesman. Peace between the United States and Iran signed in Versailles (what a coincidence for us), barrel price drop, Hezbollah to be disarmed, Ukraine producing “wonderful” drones, Trump provocative but manageable… All under the banner of France that sets the line, coordinates, mediates, enlightens.
Too bad reality has the nasty habit of being less cinematic. A peace agreement that “does not mean that the war is over”, the Strait of Hormuz still in the hands of those who can close it at will, Netanyahou who does not give up southern Lebanon and Trump who shows up an hour late to dinner only to announce “I am the boss” with the smile of someone who knows exactly where to sting.
Macron speaks as a protagonist, but increasingly appears as a supporting actor trying to convince himself (and us) that he is still at the centre of the stage. Is Europe lagging in artificial intelligence? The blame lies with everyone except the French management of recent years. The outrage over Lyhanna’s death? We announce an inspection, as always. Internal problems – purchasing power, sluggish growth, a languishing industry – disappear elegantly from the discourse when one can talk about Nobel‑level diplomacy.
There is a wounded pride, yes. That of those who see a Trump arrive who does not follow the expected script, who does not need Parisian flattery and who, with a joke, reminds everyone who truly commands. But rest assured: we French know how to “prepare a work” with anyone. Even with those who consider us picturesque.
France continues to play the role of a universal mediating power. Too bad the audience, increasingly, is looking elsewhere.
Koan of the day
A monk asked Zhaozhou: “Master, who is truly the leader among two powers that sign the peace?”
Zhaozhou replied: “He who arrives late to the dinner.”
The monk asked again: “Then why does Macron speak as if he were the one conducting the orchestra?”
Zhaozhou replied: “Because even the one seated at the head of the table needs to tell a story in which he is not just a guest.”
Another time the monk asked: “Master, does a peace agreement have the nature of Buddha?”
Zhaozhou replied: “Yes.”
“Then why does the war continue to breathe just behind the door?”
Zhaozhou said: “Because the peace signed on paper still fears to look in the face of the one who arrives and simply says ‘I am the boss’.”
But let’s return to the news.
Despite a 45 % occupancy rate and rising losses, Trenitalia’s parent company calls the launch in France a real success
The operator, present on the high‑speed lines Paris‑Lyon‑Milan since late 2021 and Paris‑Marseille since last year, aims to grow its business clientele and increase frequencies to achieve financial balance. Access to the Channel Tunnel has been identified as an additional development factor.
A subsidiary of one of the largest European railway operators, Trenitalia is the main competitor of SNCF in the high‑speed train segment in France. The company operates on the Paris‑Lyon route with 14 daily services since 2022, also connects Milan and launched, exactly one year ago, the Paris‑Marseille line with four rotations per day.
Luigi Corradi, CEO of FS International, the international division of the former historic Italian operator, described the entry into the French market a “real success” for FS, in light of the difficulties and substantial investments undertaken.
However, the performance would be disappointing. The average occupancy rate sits around 45 %, considered insufficient. On the Paris‑Marseille line, capacity ranges between 50 % in low‑season periods and 80 % in the most demanded months, according to Fabrice Toledano, marketing director. To achieve profitability, SNCF’s TGV trains need at least 75 % occupancy; moreover, SNCF TGVs operate with two service classes, while Trenitalia’s “Frecciarossa” offers only one.
The accumulated losses are considerable: €34 million in 2022, €50 million in 2023 and over €68 million in 2024, the year in which Trenitalia paid €50.3 million in fees to SNCF Réseau. Revenue was €39.5 million in 2022, €45.7 million in 2023 and €38.6 million in 2024, the latter year hampered by a severe disruption in the Maurienne valley that halted the connection with Milan for 19 months; the initial forecast was €90 million. Net debt rose from €18.4 million in 2022 to €113 million in 2024.
Trenitalia admits it remains in the red, but considers this situation expected, emphasizing that 50 % of costs stem from fees. The future strategy focuses on business clientele: the number of services on Paris‑Lyon has been increased, coverage extended to Marseille, with a growing volume also in winter months. Business clientele is the most profitable and allows leveling occupancy throughout the year; however, it remains still heavily tied to SNCF’s TGV InOui, which have launched the “Optimum Plus” class on Paris‑Lyon.
Another ambitious project is the connection to London via the Channel Tunnel, slated for 2030, part of a European expansion strategy that foresees the purchase of 74 new Frecciarossa trains by that time, with a total investment of €2 billion. The company also aims to be integrated into the powerful SNCF Connect ticket‑selling platform, in line with recent French and European legislative provisions aimed at guaranteeing competitors access to reservation networks.
The financial support from the parent company, Ferrovie dello Stato, was reinforced with an additional loan in 2024 and a capital restructuring in January 2025.
Note: the data reported come from press releases, company statements and industry sources.
Fact Check by Gemma4
Welcome to the international bulletin from Radio Nizza and Central Milan for Friday June 19, 2026 on FranciaOggi.com in podcasting and on Medium Waves at 1575 kHz.
From Paris I am Rachel Costa.
Switzerland postpones the summit between United States and Iran scheduled in Geneva
Swiss authorities have announced the decision to postpone by one week the secret negotiations between Washington and Tehran, originally scheduled for Friday. The postponement stems from uncertainty about the participation of the United States secretary of security, who cancelled the flight to Switzerland. International observers fear the delay will weaken confidence in the peace process the two powers are trying to build.
Oil price falls as the Strait of Hormuz reopens to traffic
The early hours of Friday saw crude oil prices move downward following the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz after the United States‑Iran agreement. Analysts note that normalising maritime flow reduces concerns about supply availability, but warn that global demand remains weak due to recent energy tensions. The prospect of stronger demand in the coming months will be the decisive factor for future prices.
Fuel distributors confirm the reduction of pump prices
The head of the French fuel distribution group said companies have agreed to pass on the recent oil price declines to consumers. The move has been welcomed by motorists, especially amid still‑high inflation. Authorities are monitoring the actual implementation of the discount to ensure there are no regional disparities.
The South Korean KOSPI continues its record run while Asian markets show mixed signals
The main South Korean stock index hit a new all‑time high, driven by confidence in the tech sector and solid export performance. Meanwhile, other Asia‑Pacific markets exhibited swings, reflecting uncertainties tied to recent negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program. Experts warn that KOSPI stability will depend on companies’ ability to maintain competitive margins in a volatile global context.
Missile startup founded by former SpaceX employees aims for a $12 billion valuation
A new air‑interception systems company, born from a group of former SpaceX engineers, has attracted high‑profile investors, targeting a twelve‑billion‑dollar valuation in the coming years. The firm is developing short‑range missiles for the defence of critical infrastructure, deemed essential in the new era of geopolitical tension. Industry analysts note that the capital raised could accelerate prototyping and production, but stress the need to overcome international regulatory hurdles.
Weather Paris, Monaco Monte Carlo and Milan for Friday June 19, 2026
Paris – Day of extreme heat
The morning is clear with a lightly clouded sky and temperatures around 23 degrees, wind blowing at 25 km/h from the southeast, with no trace of rain (expert Régis Crêpet).
In the afternoon the sun becomes more intense, temperatures rise to 36 degrees and the heat feels around 40, while wind gusts reach 35 km/h from the south.
Late afternoon maintains the heat, with temperatures dropping to 31 degrees but still very sultry and without precipitation.
Towards evening the wind shifts to north‑west with gusts of 35 km/h, temperature sits around 31 degrees and the sky remains mostly clear.
During the night the temperature falls to 24 degrees, wind eases to 15 km/h and the sky stays lightly clouded, guaranteeing a rain‑free rest.
The whole day remains canalizing, with a very high UV index in the afternoon reaching 8.
Monaco Monte Carlo – Sunny and moderately warm
The morning in Monaco wakes under an absolutely clear sky, 27 degrees with a light breeze of 10 km/h from the north, with no threat of rain.
In the afternoon the sun continues to dominate, temperature rises to 29 degrees and wind strengthens to 15 km/h from the south, still dry.
Late afternoon sees a slight temperature drop to 26 degrees, with winds of 15 km/h from the southwest, maintaining the absence of clouds and precipitation.
Evening brings shade, but the sky remains clear, temperature around 24 degrees and wind eases again to 15 km/h.
During the night the weather stabilizes with 24 degrees, light winds of 15 km/h from the southeast and a clear sky without rain.
The whole day is characterized by stable and warm weather, ideal for enjoying the streets of the Principality.
Milan – Heatwave approaching
The morning the city of Milan wakes with 27 degrees, a clear sky and a light breeze of 1 km/h from the east, with no precipitation (expert Daniele Berlusconi of 3BMeteo).
During the morning temperatures stay around 28‑29 degrees, the gentle wind rises to 2‑4 km/h from east‑southeast, and the sky remains mostly clear.
Afternoon brings the most intense heat, with temperatures reaching 35 degrees, moderate wind of 4 km/h from east‑southeast, and no rain in sight.
Late afternoon temperatures remain high, around 35 degrees, with stronger winds of 4 km/h from south‑southeast, while the sky stays clear.
Evening temperature drops slightly to 34 degrees, wind shifts to south‑southeast with gusts of 5‑6 km/h, and the sky remains clear.
During the night the minimum falls to 31 degrees, wind eases to 3‑4 km/h from south‑southeast, and the sky is partially cloudy but without precipitation.
A heat‑alert has been issued for the afternoon‑evening period, advising caution for those with health problems related to heat.
Rachel’s Weather Editorial – Is the thermometer a journalist?
It’s always amusing to see how every little temperature variation is blamed on “climate change” as if it were a thriller plot, right? rhetorical questions: why did the sun decide to scorch Paris’s provolone today and not yesterday? Is it a meteorologists’ conspiracy or simply the result of a well‑settled high pressure?
Yet, while we wonder whether a cloudy sky is truly a sign of an imminent climate apocalypse, experts keep swinging swords against the wind, but perhaps we should just take the heat as an invitation to drink more water and fewer “conspiracy theories”.
Koan of the day
Monk asks: “Is there rain tonight?” Zhaozhou replies: “The sky does not weep, but the thermometer sweats.” And that’s today’s weather.
Sign-off.
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