By Marco Hugo Barsotti MHB 
Welcome to the news bulletin of Radio Nizza and Centrale Milano 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 convoys from Thursday through the following Monday, in response to a heat wave that has pushed temperatures above thirty‑three degrees across most of the national territory. The affected trains 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 connected Paris‑Clermont‑Ferrand line and the Bordeaux‑Marseille connection. On Thursday, seven trains were cancelled out of twenty on the first itinerary, four out of sixteen on the second and five out of sixteen on the third. The number of eliminated convoys remained similar on the following days, ranging between five and seven cancelled trains depending on the route, for the entire emergency period.
Ticket holders for a cancelled Intercités can request, without any penalty, a replacement ticket or a full refund. SNCF also invites the most vulnerable passengers – seniors, people with health conditions or children – to postpone travel where possible to avoid boarding a train without operational air‑conditioning.
List of suspended trains
Friday
- Paris–Orléans–Limoges–Toulouse (Palito): 7 trains cancelled out of 20
- Paris–Clermont‑Ferrand (Pacle): 4 trains cancelled out of 16
Saturday
- Paris–Orléans–Limoges–Toulouse (Palito): 5 trains cancelled out of 17
- Paris–Clermont‑Ferrand (Pacle): 4 trains cancelled out of 12
- Bordeaux–Marseille (Trasversale Sud): 6 trains cancelled out of 13
Sunday
- Paris–Orléans–Limoges–Toulouse (Palito): 5 trains cancelled out of 19
- Paris–Clermont‑Ferrand (Pacle): 3 trains cancelled out of 13
- Bordeaux–Marseille (Trasversale Sud): 5 trains cancelled out of 13
Monday
- Paris–Orléans–Limoges–Toulouse (Palito): 7 trains cancelled out of 20
- Paris–Clermont‑Ferrand (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 agreement, 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 we cannot 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 nuclear talks with Iran with the indispensable support of France, Germany and the United Kingdom to lift UN sanctions.
On the energy front, the president declared that the agreement caused an immediate drop in barrel price, which should translate into a progressive decline in pump prices. He highlighted the importance of a lasting reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, urging Washington to consider France’s offer of support, while warning that reliance on that route remains a “pressure tool” 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 swift international mobilization to support this goal. He also criticised 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 “stunning”. He credited the G7, and in particular the new approach of Donald Trump, with a greater capacity to support Ukraine and pressure Russia.
I am the Boss
Macron then commented on Donald Trump’s style, calling it “provocative” and sometimes “a form of threat” but added that France has been able to “prepare a job with the American administration” to manage 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, 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 reprises 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 themes at the centre of national debate.
Fact Check by Gemma4
Good morning from Paris. I am Rachel Costa and I will now read my editorial.
Rachel’s editorial – Macron the indispensable, or the master of ceremonies at Versailles?
There he is again, our president, who from the Élysée lounge gives us a report as a global statesman. Peace between the United States and Iran signed in Versailles (coincidentally right here with us), barrel‑price drop, Hezbollah to be disarmed, Ukraine producing “stunning” drones, Trump provocative but manageable… All under the banner of France dictating the line, coordinating, mediating, illuminating.
Too bad reality has the ugly habit of being less cinematic. A peace agreement that “does not mean the war is over”, the Strait of Hormuz still in the hands of whoever can close it at will, Netanyahou who does not drop the south of 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 strike.
Macron speaks as the protagonist, but increasingly looks like a supporting actor trying to convince himself (and us) that he is still at the centre of the stage. Europe flounders in artificial intelligence? Everyone’s fault except the French management of recent years. Outrage over Lyhanna’s death? We announce an inspection, as usual. Internal problems – purchasing power, sluggish growth, languishing industry – disappear elegantly from the discourse when Nobel‑level diplomacy can be discussed.
There is a wounded pride, yes. That of those who see a Trump arriving who does not follow the prescribed 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 is increasingly looking elsewhere.
Koan of the day
A monk asked Zhaozhou: “Master, who is truly the leader among two powers that sign 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 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 the 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 looking in the face of the one who arrives and simply says ‘I am the boss’.”
But let’s get back to the news.
Despite a 45 % occupancy rate and rising losses, Trenitalia’s parent calls the France 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 achieve financial balance. Access to the Channel Tunnel was cited as an additional development factor.
A subsidiary of one of Europe’s largest railway operators, Trenitalia is SNCF’s main competitor in the high‑speed segment in France. The company operates the Paris‑Lyon route with 14 daily runs since 2022, also connects Milan and launched, exactly a year ago, the Paris‑Marseille line with four rotations per day.
Luigi Corradi, chief executive officer 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, in light of the difficulties and the substantial investments undertaken.
However, performance would be disappointing. The average occupancy rate sits around 45 %, considered insufficient. On the Paris‑Marseille line, capacity varies between 50 % in low‑season periods and 80 % in the busiest months, according to Fabrice Toledano, marketing director. To reach profitability, SNCF’s TGVs need at least 75 % occupancy; moreover, SNCF TGVs operate with two service classes, while Trenitalia’s “Freccia rossa” offers only one.
The accumulated losses are considerable: €34 million in 2022, €50 million in 2023 and over €68 million in 2024, the year 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 penalised by a severe landslide in the Maurienne valley that halted the Milan connection 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 views the situation as expected, stressing that 50 % of costs derive from track fees. The future strategy focuses on business clientele: the number of trains on Paris‑Lyon has been increased, coverage extended to Marseille, with a growing volume even in winter months. Business customers are the most profitable and allow occupancy levels to be levelled throughout the year; however, they still rely heavily on SNCF’s InOui TGVs, which have launched the “Optimum Plus” class on Paris‑Lyon.
Another ambitious project is the London connection via a Channel Tunnel, planned for 2030, part of a European expansion strategy that foresees the purchase of 74 new Freccia rossa trains by then, with a total investment of €2 billion. The company also aims to be integrated into SNCF Connect, the powerful ticket‑selling platform, in line with recent French and European legislative provisions guaranteeing competitor 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 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 FranciaOggi.com in podcasting and on Medium Waves at 1575 kHz.
From Paris I am Rachel Costa.
Switzerland postpones the summit between the United States and Iran scheduled in Geneva
Swiss authorities announced the decision to postpone by one week the secret talks between Washington and Tehran, originally scheduled for Friday. The postponement stems from uncertainty about the attendance of the U.S. Secretary of Security, who cancelled his flight to Switzerland. International observers fear the delay 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 drift down following the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz after the U.S.–Iran agreement. Analysts note that normalising maritime flow eases concerns about supply availability, but warn global demand remains weak due to recent energy tensions. A more robust demand outlook in the coming months will be the decisive factor for future prices.
Fuel distributors confirm the pump‑price drop
The president of the French distribution group declared that companies have agreed to pass on the recent oil‑price reductions to consumers. The move was 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 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 recorded swings, reflecting uncertainties tied to recent Iranian nuclear negotiations. Experts warn that KOSPI’s 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 aerial‑interception systems company, created by a group of former SpaceX engineers, has attracted high‑profile investor interest, targeting a $12 billion valuation in the coming years. The firm is developing short‑range missiles intended to protect critical infrastructure, deemed essential in the new era of geopolitical tension. Industry analysts observe that the raised capital 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 °C, wind blowing at 25 km/h from the southeast, no rain traces (expert Régis Crêpet).
In the afternoon the sun becomes more intense, temperatures rise to 36 °C and the heat feels around 40, while wind gusts reach 35 km/h from the south.
Late afternoon keeps the heat, with temperatures dropping to 31 °C but still very sultry and dry.
Towards evening the wind shifts to the northwest with gusts of 35 km/h, temperature holds around 31 °C and the sky remains mostly clear.
During the night temperature falls to 24 °C, wind calms to 15 km/h and the sky stays lightly clouded, guaranteeing a rain‑free rest.
The whole day is confirmed as clear, 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 °C with a light breeze of 10 km/h from the north, no rain threat.
In the afternoon the sun continues to dominate, temperature climbs to 29 °C and wind strengthens to 15 km/h from the south, still dry.
Late afternoon sees a slight temperature drop to 26 °C, with winds of 15 km/h from the southwest, maintaining cloud‑free and rain‑free conditions.
Evening brings shade, but the sky stays clear, temperature hovers 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 whole day is characterised by stable, warm weather, ideal for enjoying the Princess’s streets.
Milan – Heatwave approaching
In the morning Milan wakes at 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, the light wind rises to 2‑4 km/h from the 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 the east‑southeast, and no rain in sight.
Late afternoon temperatures stay high, around 35 °C, with stronger winds of 4 km/h from the south‑southeast, while the sky remains clear.
Evening temperature drops slightly to 34 °C, wind shifts to south‑southeast with gusts of 5‑6 km/h, and the sky stays clear.
During the night the minimum falls to 31 °C, wind calms to 3‑4 km/h from the south‑southeast, and the sky becomes partly clouded but without precipitation.
A heat‑alert has been issued for the afternoon‑evening period, advising caution for people with heat‑related health issues.
Weather editorial by Rachel – Is the thermometer a journalist?
It’s always amusing to see how every tiny 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 cheese today and not yesterday? Is it a meteorologist conspiracy or simply the result of a well‑settled high pressure?
Yet, while we wonder whether a cloudy sky is truly a sign of imminent climate apocalypse, experts keep slashing at 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 raining tonight?” Zhaozhou replies: “The sky does not weep, but the thermometer sweats.” And that’s today’s weather.
Sign-off.
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