By Marco Hugo Barsotti MHB 
Welcome to the bulletin of Radio Nizza and Centrale Milano for Tuesday July 21, 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
«We lost against ourselves»: autopsy of the French defeat against Spain
The Bleus, who had shone for a month in previous rounds, never managed to impose themselves against the Roja in the Dallas World Cup semifinal, Wednesday July 14. Despite 87 % of franceinfo readers having predicted France in the final, Didier Deschamps’s team was dominated for the entire ninety minutes, suffering a 0‑2 defeat.
Kylian Mbappé, interviewed on M6’s microphone, admitted that France “didn’t play the match it wanted, neither tactically nor technically” and that “when you don’t do what you should do in a semifinal, you don’t win”. Only two players, Rayan Cherki and Maxence Lacroix, answered the journalists’ questions, while the captain limited himself to a brief statement without entering the mixed zone.
The analysis of the protagonists suggests that preparation on the back of the Boston successes was insufficient to handle the intensity of the final. Cherki acknowledged that “when things go too well, one can believe they are above the fray”. France, which had easily overcome Morocco (2‑0) in the quarter‑finals and Paraguay (1‑0) in the round of sixteen, seemed to encounter a step up in difficulty against the reigning European champions.
Spain, despite a difficult campaign against the Cape Verdean leader, Uruguay and modest victories over Portugal and Belgium, also showed great composure. Coach Luis de la Fuente praised his athletes, calling them “the best team in the world” facing “one of the best national teams in the world”.
Tactically, Mbappé highlighted a pressing error: “we let the rhythm be dictated to us, often ending three‑against‑two in midfield; Ruiz and Rodri had time to play, while we pressed on the inside”. Deschamps kept the same setup as previous rounds, reinstating Aurélien Tchouaméni in place of Manu Koné, but did not change the system even after the difficulties. The interruption of Adrien Rabiot at the change, due to a yellow card, further weakened the team.
The Spanish midfield of Rodri‑Fabian Ruiz‑Dani Olmo maintained control of the game, with Olmo decisive for the second goal. Deschamps, in the heat of the moment, pointed the finger at the refereeing, complaining about the referee’s level especially regarding the penalty that opened the Spanish advantage, but neither the players nor the staff attributed the defeat to that decision. Cherki summed up: “Today we lost against ourselves, not against the referee nor against Spain”.
Statistically, France produced only 0.3 Expected Goals (xG), the lowest value in a World Cup match in the last sixty years, with just two shots on target in the first 65 minutes and a single real chance in the second half, a Mbappé shot deflected by Marc Cucurella. With possession at 49 % and essentially zero created opportunities, the Bleus failed to apply pressure.
In the post‑match, the mood in the squad was one of silence and disappointment. Maxence Lacroix reported that “in the dressing room there was a heavy silence, we had lost our way to the final”. The next match, the small final against England in Miami, already appears as a bitter formality.
Context: 2026 World Cup semifinal played in Dallas, where France was defeated 0‑2 by Spain.
Fact Check by Gemma4
The Assembly approves the agricultural emergency law, acetamiprid could be used in some struggling supply chains
During the night between Monday and Tuesday July 21, the National Assembly approved, with 296 votes in favour against 224 against, the agricultural emergency law. The text introduces emergency measures for the sector and, by way of derogation, allows the re‑introduction of two plant‑protection products banned in France but still authorized at the EU level: acetamiprid and flupyradifurone. The use of these pesticides would be limited to specific agricultural supply chains that are in a state of distress.
The measure now awaits Senate examination, where it is expected to be confirmed in a vote scheduled for the same day. The possibility of granting Anses (National Agency for Food Safety) a derogation authority was retained in the joint committee, thus favouring a prudent re‑opening of these products for the most affected crops.
The debate highlighted deep divisions within the government. Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard defended the text, emphasizing that it meets farmers’ concrete requests. At the same time, Ecological Transition Minister Monique Barbut strongly opposed the re‑introduction of acetamiprid, deeming it incompatible with environmental protection policy. Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu, although having previously urged not to include acetamiprid in the law, left the decision to Parliament, fueling further tensions.
From the opposition, left‑wing groups, green parties and the majority of right‑wing deputies voiced severe criticisms. Various medical and scientific societies called for an intervention by the Constitutional Council, while La France Insoumise’s Aurélie Trouvé and socialist Mélanie Thomin denounced a “protection of science”. The National Union of Agricultural Trade Unions (FNSEA) welcomed the law, calling it a “turn back towards awareness of the crisis afflicting French farms”.
The future of the regulation will depend on the Senate’s final vote. Should the law be confirmed, the issue of acetamiprid’s presence could trigger ministerial resignations, as some observers have speculated, and fuel further controversies among the various political camps and civil‑society organisations.
Note: the article incorporates the main information provided by the parliamentary press release and the statements of the protagonists during the discussion.
Fact Check by Gemma4
Rachel’s Editorial – L’Assemblée, the « growth » à la sauce pesticide ?
I will now read to you my editorial of the day.
What a joy to see parliamentarians, with the same urgency as a “salt in sight”, approve an agricultural law that seems more like an invitation to a chemical party. 296 votes in favour, 224 against: a figure that sounds more like an accounting of a bail for a practicing son than a public‑health decision. Where is the filter of reason when they fire like it’s a treasure hunt?
The case of acétamiprid is the latest chapter of the “rented pesticides” saga. A substance so controversial that it has already been banned, now resurrected on the excuse of a “struggling supply chain”. What logic? It’s like saying that if your car won’t start, the fault lies with the tank, but you can still fill it with expired gasoline. And flupyradifurone, the younger brother, is ready to play a cameo, because, as we know, two is better than one when public health is teetering.
The government, which once proclaimed the ban of acétamiprid as principle, now finds itself unable to keep a coherent line, to the point of letting Parliament speak as if it were a circus of clowns. Ecological Transition Minister Monique Barbut is delicately opposed, while Anses can guiltlessly “re‑introduce” these toxins on a degressive basis. Don’t you wonder if science is becoming a commodity traded between lobbyists and parliamentarians? Or is it more convenient to pretend that Anses is the supreme judge of our fate?
And finally, the grand finale: left‑wing groups promise to appeal to the Constitutional Council, while the FNSEA cheers this “return home” of pesticides. In a country that boasts environmental leadership, are we truly ready to forgo the scent of wildflowers for that of industrial chemistry? Or perhaps the real emergency is the loss of credibility of a political class that seems more interested in saving struggling supply chains than in saving citizens?
Koan of the day
A monk asked the Master: “If the Assembly decides to reopen the doors to an already banned pesticide, is it for the love of farmers or for profit convenience?”
The Master replied: “Where the kernel is broken, man finds an excuse to plant a paper tree; the truth is that the fear of empty fields is tastier than clean soil.”
The monk persisted: “Then, can the law, by allowing exceptions, truly protect health or is it just a veil over danger?”
The Master concluded: “A veil is still a veil; who wears it does not see the sun but believes they are warmer. But let’s return to the news.
Welcome to the international bulletin from Radio Nizza and Central Milan for Tuesday July 21, 2026 on FranceToday.com in podcasting and on Medium Waves at 1575 kHz.
From Paris I am Rachel Costa.
Iran launches new attacks against U.S. defence installations, threatens stronger incursions
Iranian armed forces have once again struck U.S. military command centers and maritime targets, intensifying Tehran’s warlike rhetoric. Washington responded with a tenth consecutive night of air raids aimed at neutralising Tehran’s offensive capabilities. The President of the United States warned that the American response will be more lethal if Iran does not halt hostilities.
Maritime traffic avoids the Strait of Hormuz due to renewed hostilities in the Middle East
After the escalation of fighting between the United States and Iran, numerous commercial vessels have diverted their routes away from the Strait of Hormuz, the main global oil‑transport corridor. The disruption has pushed crude oil prices upward, fueling fears of an energy‑supply shortage. Analysts warn that the situation could persist until a diplomatic solution is reached.
President Trump announces 50 % duties on Canadian products, accusing Canada of trade discrimination
President Trump announced a 50 % tariff on Canadian products, accusing Canada of commercial discrimination.
Donald Trump imposed a fifty percent tariff on a range of goods from Canada, claiming the country is practicing a “discriminatory treatment”. Among the affected products are wine, hockey equipment and cement, key sectors of the Canadian economy. The Ottawa government pledged to reconsider the issue and to launch negotiations to ease trade tensions.
The ECB selects 36 banks, including BPCE and Revolut, to trial the digital euro in 2027
The European Central Bank selected around thirty financial institutions to take part in a pilot phase of the digital euro, planned for the second half of 2027. The program aims to test the feasibility of a State electronic currency, improving payment speed and traceability. Participants will have to ensure data security and the protection of end‑user privacy.
Air France suspends flights to Dubai and Riyadh for safety reasons linked to Middle‑East tensions
To protect its passengers and staff, Air France decided to temporarily suspend routes to the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. The measure comes in response to recent military escalations between the United States and Iran, which have heightened the risk of air attacks in the region. The airline has promised new assessments and a possible resumption of connections once the situation stabilises.
The United States condemns China’s actions as “dangerous and aggressive” after clashes on disputed cliffs in the South China Sea
The U.S. State Department condemned recent Chinese maneuvers against a Filipino vessel, calling them a threat to freedom of navigation. The incident, which occurred near a coral reef subject to territorial dispute, resulted in the injury of a Filipino sailor. Washington urged Beijing to respect international norms and refrain from further provocations.
Google develops a new “frozen” chip to run artificial‑intelligence models ten times more efficiently
The Mountain View company is developing a specialised processor, called “frozen”, capable of drastically reducing the energy consumption of large artificial‑intelligence models. According to initial estimates, the new chip could improve operational efficiency by 6 to 10‑fold compared to current solutions. Experts believe this innovation could give Google a competitive edge in AI‑dedicated data centres.
Weather Paris, Monaco Monte Carlo and Milan for Tuesday July 21, 2026
Paris – Sunny and mild day
In the morning in Paris the sky opens clear with temperatures around 15 °C, the sun shines and the wind blows lightly at 15 km/h with gusts up to 30 km/h, with no trace of rain. During the afternoon the thermometer rises to 26 °C, the air warms further, the wind remains moderate at 15 km/h and gusts reach 35 km/h, keeping conditions dry. In the evening, around 19:00, temperatures drop to 25 °C, the sky stays clear and the wind maintains the same intensity, with no risk of precipitation. The night brings a cool descent to 18 °C, the sky remains clear, the wind stays steady at 15 km/h with gusts of 35 km/h and humidity is low, guaranteeing a serene night. According to expert Régis Crêpet, the day will be characterised by stability and comfortable conditions for the whole population. Highs will be 26 °C, lows 15, with moderate wind and no rain in sight.
Monaco Monte Carlo – Mediterranean heat
In the morning in the Principality of Monaco the sky is slightly cloudy, temperature hovers around 27 °C, the wind is light at 10 km/h with gusts of 20 km/h and there is no trace of rain. The afternoon brings the heat peak with temperatures reaching 30 °C, the sun dominates, the wind remains steady at 10 km/h and gusts stay at 20 km/h, with a very low risk of showers. In the evening temperatures drop to 28 °C, there are light clouds but they do not interfere with the nice weather, the wind increases slightly to 10 km/h with gusts of 25 km/h. The night ends with 25 °C, sky almost cloud‑free, light wind of 10 km/h and gusts of 20 km/h, guaranteeing a pleasant night. The day’s temperatures range between 25 and 30 °C, the wind remains weak and precipitation is absent.
Milan – Variable with isolated showers
In the morning in Milan the sky is partially cloudy with temperatures around 24 °C, the wind blows from north‑northeast at 1 km/h, almost imperceptible, and there is no precipitation. During the morning the temperatures stay stable around 24‑25 °C with light east‑northeast winds, maintaining a sky with broad clearings and no rain. In the afternoon, around 12‑14 h, the thermometer rises to 30 °C, the wind comes from east‑southeast at 3‑4 km/h, the day is mainly sunny and precipitation remains absent. The evening brings denser clouds and brief showers: around 19:00 a light rain of 2 mm is recorded, temperature 28 °C, wind from the east at 1 km/h, and a 50 % chance of rain. At night, around 21‑23 h, temperatures drop to 25‑23 °C, the sky is cloudy but precipitation diminishes, the wind stays weak from the east at 4 km/h. According to expert Daniele Berlusconi of 3BMeteo, highs will reach 30 °C, lows 23 °C, with light winds and isolated thunderstorms in the evening. The day shows an alternation of sun and brief showers, with no weather alerts.
Rachel’s Weather Editorial – Climate Is Guilty of Everything
It’s truly surprising how today the sky makes us feel we are in a sci‑fi movie: every small temperature variation is immediately blamed on “climate change”. But is the fact that a gust of wind changes on Wednesday really proof that the Earth is about to go tongue‑twist? Perhaps we should ask the thermometer if it has an aura of guilt, or whether the rain is just a whim of some stressed meteorologist.
We keep asking ourselves, perhaps more useful questions: if the sun is stronger than yesterday, is it because the climate decided to go to the gym or because people stopped hanging laundry in the shade? Is it really necessary to add “climate change” to every story, even when the sky is simply clear and the thermometer does its job? Perhaps we should spare a blame sentence and enjoy the heat, but then, who are we not to soar high with words?
Koan of the day
Monk asked Zhaozhou: “What is the true nature of today’s weather?” Zhaozhou replied: “The sun burns, the breeze caresses, the rain lingers, and the sky remains neutral.” The monk nodded, adding: “Then the temperature swings between 25 and 30 °C, the wind is light, the clouds are shy.” Zhaozhou concluded: “The climate is simple when you observe it without bias.” And that is 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.