By Marco Hugo Barsotti MHB 
Welcome to the bulletin of Radio Nice and Central Milan for Monday July 27, 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 this is Rachel Costa.
News from France
Fires in Gironde: 84 firefighters injured, the situation remains “stable” during the night
A wave of unprecedented fires has devastated the Gironde department since Wednesday. So far about 220 000 people have been evacuated, 2 500 firefighters, 1 500 soldiers and 1 200 police and gendarmerie agents are engaged in the area. The fire has burned more than 42 000 hectares, destroying 240 homes, with most of the damage concentrated in the single commune of Le Porge.
According to the prefecture’s bulletin, 84 firefighters were injured; ten of them had to be evacuated as a precaution. The prefecture stated that during the night from Sunday to Monday the situation remained “overall stable”, but rescue forces remain “fully mobilized”.
The President of the Republic, Emmanuel Macron, will chair a meeting of the interministerial crisis cell at 10:00, followed by a Cabinet meeting, to coordinate containment and assistance operations.
Meanwhile, air quality in the region has deteriorated significantly due to smoke, with six departments placed on red alert for particulate levels.
Context: the fires, which started on July 26, have hit vast forested areas of Gironde and the Landes, prompting a coordinated response among firefighters, military and law enforcement, as well as national emergency measures.
Fact Check by Gemma4
Historic fire in Gironde: 42 thousand hectares burned, 240 houses destroyed and over 220 000 evacuations
A violent fire that broke out on Wednesday in Saumos has already devastated 42 000 hectares of territory in Gironde, approaching 15 kilometers from the metropolis of Bordeaux. The prefecture confirmed that, up to four o’clock this morning, the blaze is still active and that more than 220 000 people have been evacuated from the affected area. The mayor of Bordeaux, Thomas Cazenave, reassured that the evacuation of the entire city is not planned, despite the flames being about 25‑30 kilometers from the urban center.
The provisional tally records the destruction of 240 homes and the injury of 75 firefighters, ten of whom had to be withdrawn from the operational field. No civilian casualties were reported. Over 5 000 men and women – including firefighters, soldiers, police officers and gendarmes – are engaged in fighting the flames.
The fire’s characteristics make it one of the most significant recorded in France since World II; only the 1949 fire in the Landes of Gascony had burned a larger area, about 50 000 hectares. The prefecture described the phenomenon as a pyrocumulonimbus, commonly called a “fire plume”, in which the flames generate their own winds, with vortexes and fire jumps that make the fire extremely unpredictable.
To meet the emergency, the army intervened with 1 500 soldiers and, for the first time in France, a military transport aircraft A400M was employed, capable of dropping 20 000 liters of retardant from within its cargo hold. The operation, carried out in just fifteen days thanks to collaboration among civil security, the armed forces and the manufacturer Airbus, represented a world first.
Saturday evening the prefecture ordered the evacuation of an additional 55 000 people in five communes – Marcheprime, Le Barp, Biganos, Mios and Cestas – to contain the resurgence of the blaze. The Interior Minister, Laurent Nuñez, described the evacuation operation as the largest ever carried out in peacetime on national territory.
Authorities also ordered a partial closure of the A63 highway in both directions, with interruptions ranging from exit 17 at Liposthey to exit 24 at Cestas in the south‑north direction, and between the Bordeaux roundabout and exit 23 at Marcheprime in the north‑south direction. Rail traffic has been suspended from Bordeaux towards Arcachon and, at the prefecture’s request, also halted towards Morcenx, Dax and Mont‑de‑Marsan.
Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu warned on social media that weather forecasts will worsen and that the coming hours will be particularly difficult for rescue teams. According to the Interior Minister, the fight against the blaze will be long.
Article published by France 3 Régions on July 26 2026.
Fact Check by Gemma4
Fires in Gironde: the mayor of Bordeaux opens an economic crisis cell
The mayor of Bordeaux, Thomas Cazenave, asked the Economy Minister Roland Lescure for the urgent establishment of an “economic crisis cell” in Gironde, a response that the minister confirmed. The measure, announced on Sunday July 26, is intended to tackle the economic repercussions of the large fires that continue to rage in the region, where numerous communes have been evacuated and productive activities are suffering severe disruptions.
Cazenave highlighted the pressure on returning to work: “Tomorrow is Monday and the issue of returning is central. Many businesses operate in evacuated zones.” He also emphasized the particularly delicate situation of the tourism sector, severely hit both by reduced visitor flows and the loss of high‑season periods.
The mayor called for the minister, the prefect and all local economic actors to meet to share constraints and impacts, in order to ensure economic continuity during a crisis that seems set to last. He also asked to jointly define the modalities of intervention and support for the most affected businesses.
In the meantime, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) of Bordeaux‑Gironde has already activated its own crisis cell, opening a dedicated number (3006) to assist companies with initial procedures and direct them to available support schemes. The CCI president, Patrick Seguin, reiterated that “in emergency situations businesses must quickly identify the aid they are entitled to and receive assistance with the paperwork.” Seguin warned that many entities, especially in retail, tourism and the proximity sector, risk not making it through the season, with survival consequences for the businesses.
The CCI reports that around 6 700 businesses have already been affected by the fire’s effects, both through evacuations and material damages, and is dialoguing with the prefect to consider establishing a specific solidarity fund for Gironde.
The article, published on BFM Business on July 26 2026, reports the statements of the mayor of Bordeaux and the CCI initiatives to address the economic consequences of the fires in Gironde.
Fact Check by Gemma4
Fires in France: Macron calls a interministerial crisis cell on Monday
President Emmanuel Macron ordered, in response to the fires that have raged in Gironde, the Landes and Var for several days, the formation of an interministerial crisis cell. The meeting, scheduled for 10 a.m. on Monday, will take place at the Ministry of the Interior and will serve to coordinate the State’s actions prior to the Cabinet meeting set for 11.
On the same day, the government will urgently convene at 9 a.m., at the headquarters of the Ministry of Economy in Bercy, the leaders of the tourism, energy, telecommunications and insurance sectors. The meeting will be attended by the Economy Minister Roland Lescure and the Commerce Minister Serge Papin, with the aim of taking an initial stock‑take of the situation, identifying priorities and ensuring the continuity of economic activity in the affected areas.
In the afternoon, at the national level, the involved professional federations, tourism operators, energy and telecommunications operators, as well as insurance companies, will meet together with the ministers delegated to Energy Maud Bregeon, to Industry Sébastien Martin and to Digital Anne Le Hénanff. The purpose is to share a consolidated assessment, coordinate sectoral solidarity actions and accelerate, if necessary, the activation of support mechanisms for the affected businesses.
Authorities reported about 220 thousand people evacuated since Wednesday, with the inability to start work activities on Monday in the affected communes and with the Gironde prefect, Sophie Brocas, urging tourists not to go to the area. In the Landes, 30 thousand people have already been evacuated; meanwhile, power outages affect 500 customers in Gironde and 780 in the Landes, a situation described by Enedis as “very evolving”, with some areas still inaccessible to technicians.
The article reproduces the official communications from the Élysée and the Ministry of Economy regarding the fires that have devastated Gironde, the Landes and Var, highlighting the coordination measures implemented at governmental level.
Fact Check by Gemma4
Rachel’s Editorial – Crisis Cell, or the magic of gathering while it burns
Indeed, here we are again, in the marvelous theater of institutional responses. After days and days of flames devouring Gironde, Landes and Var, the president decided: an interministerial crisis cell is being established. Appointment at 10 a.m., Ministry of the Interior. Then Cabinet at 11. And already at 9, in Bercy, the bigwigs of tourism, energy, telecommunications and insurance. A dense, orderly, almost elegant agenda.
Here in the newsroom we tried, I swear, to imagine the frantic comings and goings of presidential helicopters, mud‑caked boots, impromptu meetings among the still‑smoking pines. Instead? Tables, agendas, “first point on the situation”, “identify priorities”, “ensure continuity of economic activity”. After a week of black crisis, here’s the response: convene. Not go. Not coordinate on the ground. Convene.
One wonders: is it really that hard to set foot in the critical zones? Or perhaps, when the emergency must not only be tackled but *must tell a story of control and method*, the cell is favored over the ground? Because if after days of fire the first visible move is a meeting in Paris, how can we then believe those who tell us the State is “fully mobilized”? Presence, as we know, is not summoned by decree as easily as an interministerial cell… at least not always. Ah, France and its fires! Always a surprise, and always a meeting.
**Koan of the day**
A monk asked Zhaozhou: «When the mountain burns, where is the Buddha? –
“In the meeting room,” replied Zhaozhou.
“And why doesn’t he come down to extinguish the flames?”
“Because he is still reading the agenda,” said Zhaozhou.
Welcome to the international bulletin from Radio Nice and Central Milan for Monday July 27, 2026 on FranceToday.com in podcasting and on Medium Waves at 1575 kHz.
From Paris this is Rachel Costa.
EDF entrusts the construction of the new EPR‑2 reactors to Technip Energies
The French electric giant EDF has signed an agreement with the engineering firm Technip Energies to accelerate the construction of two new fourth‑generation EPR‑2 reactors at Penly. The goal is to put the first of the two new plants into service by 2038, thus ensuring the continuity of nuclear power production in France.
The project, dubbed “work of the century”, is a response to growing concerns about European energy security and independence from gas and oil supplies. Advanced safety technologies and a more efficient management of nuclear waste are at the heart of the agreement, marking a shift from previous rapid‑construction models.
Energy market analysts see the partnership as a positive signal for EDF’s competitiveness in the coming years, especially in view of a growing demand for low‑carbon energy.
Seattle shooting: two dead and five injured
An armed man opened fire at a food festival near Seattle’s famous Space Needle, causing the death of two people and injuring five others, including a child. Law enforcement declared the attack over after neutralizing the assailant, who was arrested on the scene.
Local authorities have launched an investigation to understand the shooter’s motives and check for possible ties to extremist groups. Seattle’s mayor expressed condolences for the victims and promised to strengthen security at the city’s public events.
The incident reignites the national debate on gun violence in the United States and the need for a more incisive reform of firearm ownership laws.
Trump suspends attacks against Iran, oil prices plunge
U.S. President Donald Trump announced a temporary halt to military operations against Iran, opening the door to diplomatic negotiations. The move came after two nights with no attacks from the United States, causing oil prices to drop by over 5 % on global markets.
Geopolitical experts believe the decision was influenced by pressure from major oil companies, concerned about a potential price increase due to a prolonged war in the Middle East. The National Security Council has begun a review of military strategies, while European allies welcome the opportunity for de‑escalation.
The drop in barrel price could translate into lower energy costs for consumers, but analysts warn that the market remains sensitive to any resurgence of tensions.
Chinese chipmaker CXMT soars 500 % on Shanghai debut
Flash memory company CXMT recorded a 500 % surge in its shares during its Shanghai stock market debut, confirming global interest in Chinese semiconductor manufacturers. The debut, which took place on Tuesday, raised more than $4 billion, placing CXMT among the leading suppliers of high‑capacity DRAM.
Investors saw CXMT’s growth as a response to U.S. restrictions on Chinese tech firms, as well as a potential new source of supply for smartphone and server assembly lines. Expansion of production capacity is expected by the end of the year, with plans to launch new products aimed at the data‑center market.
Market analysts note that although the current valuation appears high, China’s ability to reduce reliance on chip imports could sustain the company’s long‑term performance.
Nvidia shares rated for the worst: a case of excessive optimism
According to a recent analysis published by The Information, Nvidia’s shares are overvalued because the market has already priced in all potential risks linked to the artificial intelligence business. Author Anita Ramaswamy explains that revenue growth forecasts, based on a hypothetical demand for AI servers, do not account for operational difficulties, rising capital costs and the increasing competition from AMD and other emerging players.
The article also highlights that Nvidia’s current valuation far exceeds most industry standards, making the shares vulnerable to a possible pull‑back should growth estimates prove overly optimistic. Institutional investors are already reassessing their positions, with an uptick in sales ahead of more cautious quarterly results.
This outlook suggests a potential mid‑term price adjustment, urging analysts to closely monitor developments in the GPU supply chain and new investment policies of large funds.
Real wage growth in Europe stalled: inflation and energy crisis at the centre
A European Union report highlighted that real wages have remained almost unchanged since 2021, with a 6 % drop in Italy and a 2 % decline in Spain, while France managed a modest increase of 0.1 %. The main causes were persistent inflation, rising energy prices and restrictive fiscal policies implemented in response to the energy crisis.
French authorities recorded public spending equal to 57.3 % of GDP, the highest among EU countries, to support social measures and energy incentives, but this level of spending risked worsening public debt. Experts warn that wage stagnation could reduce European citizens’ purchasing power, further slowing economic recovery.
The European Council is considering coordinated interventions, including fund injections for the green energy sector and low‑income wage protection measures, to counter the erosive effect of inflation on households’ spending power.
China’s credit market fuels AI growth
According to a Goldman Sachs survey, Asian credit is benefiting from a wave of investments earmarked for artificial‑intelligence development. Regional banks have started offering more flexible credit lines to tech companies, including hybrid financing structures that combine traditional debt and venture capital.
The report underscores that, thanks to generous government support policies and still‑competitive interest rates, capital available for AI projects has grown by 40 % compared with the previous year. This has enabled startups and industry giants to accelerate data‑center construction, develop advanced chips and launch new AI‑based service platforms.
Analysts caution, however, that an over‑reliance on short‑term financing could create vulnerabilities if global macro‑economic conditions worsen, leading to a possible rise in rates and a reduction in liquidity available for the sector.
Real wages in the main European countries remain stagnant
A recent Eurostat survey showed that, despite governments’ attempts to curb inflation with energy subsidies, real wages of workers remain largely unchanged in Germany, France, Italy and Spain. The rise in costs for electricity, gas and fuel has eroded purchasing power, with an average loss of purchasing power of 4 % compared with 2022.
In response, unions in several countries have launched negotiations for more substantial wage increases, but the bargaining has been slowed by a context of moderate economic growth and rising fiscal pressure. Some governments are considering introducing temporary tax incentives for low‑income workers, hoping to stimulate domestic demand.
The analysis indicates that if inflationary pressure persists, real wages could enter a prolonged decline phase, creating social tensions and forcing authorities to intervene with more aggressive policies.
Weather Paris, Monaco Monte Carlo and Milan for Monday July 27, 2026
Paris – A sunny day with mild temperatures, according to expert Régis Crêpet
The morning appears with slightly cloudy sky, but the sun already filters through, temperature around 18 °C, feeling like 15 due to a light breeze of 10 km/h with gusts up to 30 km/h.
In the afternoon the sun dominates, with a maximum temperature of 27 °C, feeling 30, wind intensifies to 15 km/h and gusts reach 35 km/h, with no sign of rain.
Towards sunset the sky is lightly clouded, temperature drops to 25 °C, but remains pleasant, wind returns to 10 km/h with gusts of 30 km/h, still dry.
During the night the sky clears completely, temperature steadies around 20 °C, wind remains light at 10 km/h with gusts of 20 km/h, and there is no risk of precipitation.
The day’s temperatures range between a low of 17 °C and a high of 27 °C, ideal conditions for a walk along the Seine.
Overall, high pressure ensures stable weather, without significant variations, and the sun remains the star from sunrise to sunset.
Monaco Monte Carlo – Shining sun and summer heat, according to the local expert
In the morning the sky is almost clear, temperature is 24 °C, feeling 25, with gentle winds of 10 km/h and gusts of 15 km/h, and no trace of rain in sight.
In the afternoon the sun is at its zenith, the thermometer reads 29 °C, feeling 39, the wind stays steady at 10 km/h with gusts of 15 km/h, and the sky remains lightly clouded.
In the evening the weather remains pleasantly warm, temperature drops to 27 °C, feeling 31 because of humidity, winds calm to 15 km/h, with no precipitation.
During the night the sky is almost cloud‑free, temperature returns to around 24 °C, feeling 26, with light winds of 10 km/h and gusts of 20 km/h.
The day’s temperatures vary between a minimum of 24 °C and a maximum of 29 °C, offering ideal conditions for a promenade along the seafront.
The absence of clouds and rain makes the evening perfect for enjoying the Principality’s panorama, while the light breeze keeps the climate comfortable.
Milan – Sweltering heat with clear sky, according to expert Daniele Berlusconi of 3BMeteo
The morning starts fresh compared with the rest of the day, with temperatures around 23‑24 °C, wind almost absent, direction south‑east, and no rain to report.
The sun rises rapidly, bringing the temperature to 26 °C around 10 a.m., then to 27 °C at 11 a.m., with always weak winds (1‑2 km/h) and total absence of precipitation.
In the early afternoon the hottest stretch approaches, temperature reaches 31‑32 °C around noon, rising to 34 °C towards 15‑16 p.m., with light wind from south‑east of 3‑6 km/h.
The afternoon continues sweltering, with a peak of 34 °C feeling almost 33, wind remains modest, and there is no threat of rain, leaving the heat dominating the city.
In the evening temperature gradually falls to 32 °C, then to 31 °C around 20 p.m., light wind from south‑west (3‑4 km/h) makes the air still hot but more bearable.
During the night temperature stabilises around 29‑31 °C, with weak winds (1‑3 km/h), keeping the sky clear and without precipitation.
The day records a minimum of 21 °C at twilight and a maximum of 34 °C in the afternoon, with a stable and sweltering climate typical of this season.
Rachel’s Weather Editorial – Climate Change Is Always the Fault Of…
But really, is it always climate change that makes us burn on the streets? Or perhaps it’s just our habit of believing every heat wave signals future catastrophes, without looking at the simple anticyclone rotating over Italy?
And while social media shout “climate change!” behind every heat wave, we journalists stay measuring weak winds and temperatures that have the same modest variation as a year ago. Instead of asking: “so, what will we really do?” we limit ourselves to repeating the mantra.
Koan of the day
Monk‑Zhaozhou: “The sky is clear, the air is warm, where is the wind?”
Monk‑Zhaozhou: “The wind is here, but its breath is barely perceptible.”
Monk‑Zhaozhou: “Then, the weather is silent but present.”
And this is today’s weather.
Sign-off.
Online, on X and Mastodon, on all smart speakers and on medium wave, this is Radio Nizza with Centrale Milano 1575 kilohertz.