By Marco Hugo Barsotti MHB 
Welcome to the Radio Nice and Central Milan news bulletin for Friday 19 June 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 cancelled seventy‑one Intercités trainsets from Thursday through the following Monday, in response to a heat wave that has raised temperatures above thirty‑three degrees across much of the national territory. The trains involved are the Corail, built in the 1970s, 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 connection, and the Bordeaux‑Marseille link. On Thursday, seven trains out of twenty on the first itinerary, four out of sixteen on the second, and five out of sixteen on the third were suppressed. The number of eliminated trainsets remained similar in the following days, with variations between five and seven trains cancelled depending on the route, throughout the emergency period.
Holders of a ticket for a cancelled Intercités can, without any penalty, request 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 board 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 Line (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 Line (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 from the afternoon of 18 June, where 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”: USA‑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 stating that the peace agreement between the United States and Iran signed in Versailles, concluded a few hours earlier, was jointly decided by Paris and Washington. “It is 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 talks on Iran’s nuclear program with the essential 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 the barrel price, which should translate into a gradual fall in pump prices. He stressed the importance of a lasting reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, inviting Washington to consider France’s support offer, while warning that dependence on that route remains a “pressure tool” for Tehran.
Regarding Lebanon, Macron argued that the peace deal is crucial to enable the Lebanese army to retake control of territories occupied by Hezbollah, promising swift international mobilisation to support this goal. He also criticised Benjamin Netanyahu’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 resilience of Kiev’s army and its ability to produce drones, calling it “stupendous”. He attributed to the G7, and in particular to Donald Trump’s new approach, a greater capacity to support Ukraine and put pressure on 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 over the low European investment in artificial intelligence, highlighting that the United States and China dominate the field, while France is the most advanced company in Europe. He called for greater public European 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 22 June and reiterating the importance of turning collective indignation into “useful actions”.
This summary reproduces the main statements of the French president during the interview broadcast on France 2 on 18 June 2026, highlighting foreign, energy, technology and social policy themes at the centre of the national debate.
Fact Check by Gemma4
Good morning from Paris. I’m Rachel Costa reading you my editorial now.
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 global‑statesman report. Peace between the United States and Iran signed in Versailles (coincidentally right here), drop in barrel price, Hezbollah to be disarmed, Ukraine producing “stupendous” drones, Trump provocative but manageable… All under the banner of France dictating the line, coordinating, mediating, illuminating.
It’s a pity reality has the nasty habit of being less cinematic. A peace deal that “does not mean the war is over”, the Strait of Hormuz still in the hands of whoever can close it at will, Netanyahu who does not give up 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 sting.
Macron speaks as the protagonist, but increasingly looks like a supporting actor trying to convince (and convince us) that he is still at the centre of the stage. Europe stumbles in artificial intelligence? Everyone’s fault except the French management of recent years. Indignation over Lyhanna’s death? We announce an inspection, as always. Internal problems – purchasing power, anaemic growth, 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 arriving who does not follow the expected script, who needs no Parisian flattery and who, with a joke, reminds everyone who really commands. But calm: 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 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 replied: «Because even the one seated at the head of the table needs to tell a story in which they are 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 continue to breathe just behind the door?»
Zhaozhou said: «Because the peace signed on paper still fears to face the one who arrives and simply says ‘I am the boss’.»
But let’s return to the news.
Despite a 45 % occupancy rate and growing losses, Trenitalia’s parent calls the French launch a real success
The operator, present on the high‑speed lines Paris‑Lyon‑Milan since late 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 identified as an additional development factor.
A subsidiary of one of the largest European rail 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 trips since 2022, also connects Milan and launched, exactly one 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 a “real success” for FS, in light of the difficulties and the sizable investments made.
However, the performance would be disappointing. The average occupancy rate stands around 45 %, considered insufficient. On the Paris‑Marseille line, capacity swings between 50 % in low‑season periods and 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, whereas Trenitalia’s “Frecciarossa” offers only one.
The accumulated losses are significant: €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 serious landslide in the Maurienne valley that disrupted 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 come from fees. The future strategy focuses on business clientele: the number of trips on Paris‑Lyon has been increased, coverage extended to Marseille, with growing volume also in winter months. Business clientele is the most profitable and allows leveling the occupancy rate throughout the year; however, it still remains heavily tied to SNCF’s TGV InOui, which have launched the “Optimum Plus” class on Paris‑Lyon.
Another ambitious project is the connection with London via the Channel tunnel, slated for 2030, part of a European expansion strategy that envisages the purchase of 74 new Frecciarossa trains by that time, with a total investment of €2 billion. The company also intends to be integrated into the powerful SNCF Connect ticket‑selling platform, in line with recent French and European legislative provisions aimed at ensuring competitors’ access to booking networks.
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, corporate statements and industry sources.
Fact Check by Gemma4
Welcome to the international news bulletin from Radio Nice and Central Milan for Friday 19 June 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 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 U.S. secretary of security’s participation, who cancelled his flight to Switzerland. International observers fear the delay could weaken confidence in the peace track 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 U.S.‑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 drop in pump prices
The president of the French distribution group stated that companies have agreed to pass the recent oil‑price reductions on 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 no regional disparities arise.
South Korea’s KOSPI continues its record run while Asian markets show mixed signals
The main South Korean stock index hit a new historic high, driven by confidence in the tech sector and solid export performance. Meanwhile, other Asia‑Pacific markets recorded fluctuations, 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 environment.
Missile startup founded by former SpaceX employees aims for a $12 billion valuation
A new air‑interception systems company, created by a group of former SpaceX engineers, has attracted high‑profile investor interest, targeting a twelve‑billion‑dollar valuation in the coming years. The firm is developing short‑range missiles intended to defend critical infrastructure, deemed essential in the new era of geopolitical tensions. Industry analysts note that the capital raised could accelerate prototyping and production, but stress the need to overcome international regulatory hurdles.
Weather Paris, Monte Carlo Monaco and Milan for Friday 19 June 2026
Paris – Extreme heat day
The morning is clear with a lightly clouded sky and temperatures around 23 degrees, the wind blows 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 it remains very muggy and without precipitation.
Towards evening the wind shifts to the northwest with gusts of 35 km/h, the temperature settles around 31 degrees and the sky remains mostly clear.
During the night the temperature falls to 24 degrees, the wind calms to 15 km/h and the sky stays lightly clouded, ensuring a rain‑free rest.
The entire day remains in the rain shadow, with a very high UV index in the afternoon reaching 8.
Monte Carlo – Sunny and moderately warm
In the morning in Monte Carlo, it 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 the 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 lack of clouds and precipitation.
In the evening the shade approaches, but the sky remains nevertheless clear, temperature hovers around 24 degrees and the wind eases again to 15 km/h.
During the night the weather stabilises with 24 degrees, light winds of 15 km/h from the southeast and a clear sky without rain.
The whole day is characterised by stable and warm weather, ideal for enjoying the Princess’s streets.
Milan – Heatwave coming
In 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 the temperatures stay around 28‑29 degrees, the light wind increases to 2‑4 km/h from east‑southeast, and the sky remains mostly clear.
The 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.
In the evening the temperature drops slightly to 34 degrees, the wind shifts towards south‑southeast with gusts of 5‑6 km/h, and the sky remains clear.
During the night the minimum falls to 31 degrees, the wind calms to 3‑4 km/h from south‑southeast, and the sky remains partly cloudy but without precipitation.
A heatwave alert has been issued for the late‑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 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‑placed high pressure system?
Yet, while we wonder whether a cloudy sky is truly a sign of an imminent climatic apocalypse, experts continue to sword‑fight the wind, but perhaps we should just take the heat as an invitation to drink more water and less “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.
Online, on X and Mastodon, on all smart speakers and on medium wave, this is FranciaOggi with Centrale Milano 1575 kilohertz.