By Marco Hugo Barsotti MHB 
Welcome to the bulletin of Radio Nizza and Centrale Milano for Friday June 19 2026, on FranceToday.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 canceled seventy‑one Intercités trainsets from Thursday through the following Monday, amid a heat wave that pushed temperatures above thirty‑three degrees across much of the national territory. The affected trains are the Corail, built in the seventies, whose climate‑control 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 line and the Bordeaux‑Marseille connection. On Thursday, seven trains out of twenty were removed on the first itinerary, four out of sixteen on the second and five out of sixteen on the third. The number of eliminated trainsets remained similar in the following days, with variations between five and seven trains canceled depending on the route, for the entire emergency period.
Ticket holders for a canceled Intercités can request, without any penalty, a replacement ticket or a full refund. SNCF also invites the most vulnerable passengers – seniors, people with medical conditions or children – to postpone their travel where possible, to avoid being on a train without operational air‑conditioning.
List of Canceled Trains
Friday
- Paris–Orléans–Limoges–Toulouse Line (Palito): 7 trains canceled out of 20
- Paris–Clermont‑Ferrand Line (Pacle): 4 trains canceled out of 16
Saturday
- Paris–Orléans–Limoges–Toulouse Line (Palito): 5 trains canceled out of 17
- Paris–Clermont‑Ferrand Line (Pacle): 4 trains canceled out of 12
- Bordeaux–Marseille Line (Southern Transversal): 6 trains canceled out of 13
Sunday
- Paris–Orléans–Limoges–Toulouse Line (Palito): 5 trains canceled out of 19
- Paris–Clermont‑Ferrand Line (Pacle): 3 trains canceled out of 13
- Bordeaux–Marseille Line (Southern Transversal): 5 trains canceled out of 13
Monday
- Paris–Orléans–Limoges–Toulouse Line (Palito): 7 trains canceled 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, when forecasts indicated temperatures above forty degrees in several areas of central and southern Italy.
Fact Check by Gemma4
Interview of Emmanuel Macron on “The Event”: US‑Iran deal, fuel prices, Lebanon, Ukraine and the Lyhanna case
The French president, interviewed by Caroline Roux at the Élysée, provided a detailed account of recent international events and domestic policy issues.
He began by noting that the peace agreement between the United States and Iran signed in Versailles a few hours earlier was jointly decided by Paris and Washington. “It’s a good thing, but you can’t say 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 talks on Iran’s nuclear programme with the indispensable support of France, Germany and the United Kingdom to lift UN sanctions.
On the energy front, the president said the deal caused an immediate drop in the price of a barrel, which should translate into a gradual decline in pump prices. He stressed the importance of a lasting reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, urging Washington to consider the French offer of support, while warning that dependence on that route remains a “pressure tool” for Tehran.
Regarding Lebanon, Macron argued that the peace deal is crucial to allow the Lebanese army to regain control of territories occupied by Hezbollah, promising a swift international mobilization to support this goal. He also criticized the position of Benjamin Netanyahuo, who 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 resilience of the Kyiv army and its ability to produce drones, calling it “wonderful”. He credited the G7, and in particular Donald Trump’s new approach, with a greater capacity to support Ukraine and pressurize 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 job with the American administration” to handle commercial tensions, including the threat of taxing French wines.
In the technology sector, the president expressed concern about Europe’s weak investment in artificial intelligence, noting 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 “deep transformation” underway in the handling of 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 reflects the main statements of the French president during the interview broadcast on France 2 on June 18 2026, highlighting the foreign, energy, technology and social policy issues at the centre of the national debate.
Fact Check by Gemma4
Good morning from Paris. I’m Rachel Costa and I’ll read you my editorial now.
Rachel’s Editorial – Macron the indispensable, or the master of ceremonies at Versailles?
Here he is again, our president, who from the Élysée salon gives us a global statesman’s report. US‑Iran peace signed in Versailles (look, right here at home), barrel‑price drop, Hezbollah to be disarmed, Ukraine producing “wonderful” drones, Trump provocative but manageable… All under the banner of France dictating the line, coordinating, mediating, enlightening.
Too bad reality has the nasty habit of being less cinematic. A peace deal that “doesn’t mean the war is over”, the Strait of Hormuz still in the hands of whoever can close it at will, Netanyahou who won’t let go of southern Lebanon and Trump who arrives an hour late to dinner only to announce “I am the boss” with the smile of someone who knows exactly where to poke.
Macron speaks as the protagonist, but increasingly looks like a supporting actor trying to convince (and to convince us) that he is still at the centre of the stage. Europe lagging in AI? Everyone’s fault except the French management of recent years. Outrage over Lyhanna’s death? We announce an inspection, as always. Internal problems – purchasing power, sluggish growth, languishing industry – vanish neatly from the discourse when Nobel‑style diplomacy can be talked about.
There is a wounded pride, yes. That of those who see a Trump arriving who doesn’t follow the expected script, who needs no Parisian flattery and who, with a joke, reminds everyone who really commands. But fear not: we French know how to “prepare a job” with anyone. Even with those who consider us picturesque.
France continues to play the role of universal mediating power. Too bad the audience, more and more, is looking elsewhere.
Koan of the day
A monk asked Zhaozhou: “Master, who is really the leader among two powers signing the peace?”
Zhaozhou replied: “He who arrives late to dinner.”
The monk asked again: “Then why does Macron speak as if he were conducting the orchestra?”
Zhaozhou answered: “Because even the one who sits 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 war keep breathing 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 back to the news.
Despite a 45 % load factor and growing losses, Trenitalia’s parent company calls the French launch a real success
The operator, present on the high‑speed Paris‑Lyon‑Milan lines since the end of 2021 and on Paris‑Marseille since last year, aims to grow its business clientele and increase frequencies to reach financial balance. Access to the Channel tunnel has been cited as another development element.
A subsidiary of one of Europe’s largest railway operators, Trenitalia is the main competitor to SNCF in the high‑speed segment in France. The company runs the Paris‑Lyon route with 14 daily trips since 2022, also connects Milan and launched, exactly a year ago, the Paris‑Marseille line with four rotations per day.
Luigi Corradi, chief executive of FS International, the international division of the former historic Italian operator, described the entry into the French market as a “real success” for FS, given the difficulties and massive investments involved.
However, performance would be disappointing. The average load factor hovers around 45 %, considered insufficient. On the Paris‑Marseille line, capacity ranges from 50 % in off‑season periods to 80 % in the busiest 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.
Accumulated losses are notable: €34 million in 2022, €50 million in 2023 and over €68 million in 2024, the year in which Trenitalia paid €50.3 million in track 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 landslide in the Maurienne valley that halted the Milan connection for 19 months; the original 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 regards the situation as expected, noting that 50 % of costs stem from track fees. Future strategy focuses on business customers: the number of Paris‑Lyon trips has been increased, coverage extended to Marseille, with growing volume even in winter months. Business passengers are the most profitable and help level occupancy throughout the year; however, they are still heavily dependent on SNCF’s InOui TGVs, which have launched the “Optimum Plus” class on Paris‑Lyon.
Another ambitious project is the link to London via a Channel tunnel, slated for 2030, part of a European expansion strategy that foresees the purchase of 74 new Frecciarossa trains by then, with a total investment of €2 billion. The company also aims to be integrated into SNCF Connect’s powerful ticket‑selling platform, in line with recent French and European legislative provisions guaranteeing competitor access to booking networks.
The financial backing from the parent group, Ferrovie dello Stato, was reinforced with an additional loan in 2024 and a capital restructuring in January 2025.
Note: the data come from press releases, corporate statements and industry sources.
Fact Check by Gemma4
Welcome to the international bulletin from Radio Nizza and Centrale Milano for Friday June 19 2026 on FranceToday.com in podcasting and on Medium Waves at 1575 kHz.
From Paris I am Rachel Costa.
Switzerland postpones the US‑Iran summit scheduled for Geneva
Swiss authorities have announced the decision to postpone by one week the secret talks between Washington and Tehran, originally scheduled for Friday. The delay stems from uncertainty about the U.S. secretary of security’s participation, who cancelled his flight to Switzerland. International observers fear the postponement could 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 US‑Iran agreement. Analysts note that normalising maritime flow reduces concerns over supply availability, but warn that global demand remains weak due to recent energy tensions. A stronger demand outlook in the coming months will be the decisive factor for future price movements.
Fuel distributors confirm pump‑price reductions
The head of the French distribution group said that companies have agreed to pass on the recent oil‑price drops 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.
South Korea’s KOSPI continues its record run as Asian markets show mixed signals
South Korea’s main stock index hit a new historic high, driven by confidence in the tech sector and solid export performance. Meanwhile, other Asia‑Pacific markets have shown volatility, reflecting uncertainties tied to recent Iranian nuclear negotiations. Experts warn that KOSPI’s stability will depend on firms’ ability to maintain competitive margins in a volatile global context.
Missile startup founded by former SpaceX employees targets a $12 billion valuation
A new air‑interception systems company, created by a group of former SpaceX engineers, has attracted high‑profile investors, aiming for 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 tensions. Sector analysts note that the capital raised could accelerate prototyping and production, but underline the need to overcome international regulatory hurdles.
Weather Paris, Monaco Monte Carlo and Milan for Friday June 19 2026
Paris – Extreme heat day
The morning is clear with a lightly clouded sky and temperatures around 23 °C, wind blowing from the southeast at 25 km/h, no rain (expert Régis Crêpet).
In the afternoon the sun intensifies, temperatures rise to 36 °C and the heat feels around 40, with wind gusts reaching 35 km/h from the south.
Late afternoon the heat remains, temperatures drop to 31 °C but it stays very sultry and dry.
Towards evening the wind shifts northwest with gusts of 35 km/h, temperature holds around 31 °C and the sky stays mostly clear.
During the night the temperature falls to 24 °C, wind calms to 15 km/h and the sky remains lightly clouded, ensuring a rain‑free rest.
The whole day is confirmed as canalic (canyon) weather, with a very high UV index in the afternoon reaching 8.
Monaco Monte Carlo – Sunny and moderately hot
In the morning Monaco wakes under an absolutely clear sky, 27 °C with a light breeze of 10 km/h from the north, no rain threat.
In the afternoon the sun continues to dominate, temperature rises to 29 °C and wind strengthens to 15 km/h from the south, still dry.
Late afternoon sees a slight temperature dip to 26 °C, with winds of 15 km/h from the southwest, maintaining cloud‑free and rain‑free conditions.
In the evening shade approaches, but the sky remains clear, temperature around 24 °C and wind eases again to 15 km/h.
During the night the climate stabilises at 24 °C, weak winds of 15 km/h from the southeast and a clear sky without rain.
The entire day is characterised by stable, warm weather, ideal for enjoying the Princess’s streets.
Milan – Heatwave incoming
In the morning Milan wakes with 27 °C, a clear sky and a light breeze of 1 km/h from the east, no precipitation (expert Daniele Berlusconi of 3BMeteo).
During the morning temperatures stay around 28‑29 °C, light wind rising to 2‑4 km/h from east‑southeast, and the sky remains mostly clear.
Afternoon brings the most intense heat, temperatures reaching 35 °C, moderate wind of 4 km/h from east‑southeast, and no rain in sight.
Late afternoon temperatures remain high, around 35 °C, with stronger winds of 4 km/h from south‑southeast, while the sky stays clear.
Evening temperature drops slightly to 34 °C, 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 °C, wind calms to 3‑4 km/h from south‑southeast, and the sky is partly cloudy but without precipitation.
A heat‑alert has been issued for the afternoon‑evening period, advising caution for those with heat‑related health issues.
Rachel’s Weather Editorial – Is the thermometer a journalist?
It’s always amusing to see how every small temperature change gets 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 meteorologist conspiracy or simply the result of a well‑placed high pressure?
Yet, while we wonder whether a cloudy sky is truly a sign of imminent climate apocalypse, experts keep slashing 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 it going to rain tonight?” Zhaozhou replies: “The sky does not weep, but the thermometer sweats.” And that’s today’s weather.
Sign-off.
Online, on X and Mastodon, on all smart speakers and on medium wave, this is FranciaOggi with Centrale Milano 1575 kilohertz.