By Marco Hugo Barsotti MHB 
Welcome to am1575news, the newsletter of France24 and Radio Centrale Milano for Thursday August 20, 2026 in podcasting, on the medium wave and on franciaoggi.com. In the newsroom in Nice Marco Hugo Barsotti, from Paris Rachel Costa.
News from France
Ardèche, Drôme and Isère on orange alert for thunderstorms, Corsica in emergency Friday morning
Météo‑France has placed the departments of Ardèche, Drôme and Isère under orange vigilance for thunderstorms starting Thursday August 20 at 3:00 p.m. The bulletin foresees a “large southeast area of the country in transition from a heat wave to marked thunderstorm activity”. Numerous thunderstorm bursts are expected, with the possibility of strong gusts, heavy rain, hail, lightning and sudden wind gusts.
The agency warns that these phenomena “could be accompanied by episodic violent events (gusts, heavy precipitation) requiring special attention”. The risk remains high until Friday morning, when, from 6:00 a.m., the two departments of Corsica will also go under alert, with forecasts of particularly strong gusts, abundant precipitation, hail and intense lightning.
Source: franceinfo, August 20 2026
Fact Check by Gemma4.
France has not yet finished being seen as the point of fragility of the euro area in terms of indebtedness: because the rise in the cost of French debt will further complicate the 2027 budget
The interest rate on French debt has surpassed the 4.10 % threshold on the ten‑year maturity, the highest level reached since November 2008. At the beginning of January the yield was around 3.50 %. Germany as well, traditionally the reference model for the euro area, records an increase above 3.20 %, a value not seen since 2011. In the United States, ten‑year Treasuries have exceeded 4.70 %, versus 3.90 % at the end of February.
This rise is fueled by a global context of higher rates, the persistence of high oil prices due to the Middle‑East conflict and the reduction of strategic hydrocarbon reserves, according to analyst Vincent Juvyns of ING. The combination of inflation and supply uncertainty pushes lenders to demand higher yields, while central banks have moved away from the sovereign bond market, limiting the number of buyers.
The French government, busy drafting the 2027 budget, must face a larger deficit and rising defense spending, as well as support corporate investments in artificial intelligence. Benoît Vesco, president of Delubac AM, warns that markets perceive highly indebted states as unable to implement debt‑reduction plans; even Germany, considered a “good payer”, is resorting to massive borrowing. In this scenario France is seen as the point of fragility of the euro area.
Long‑term yields confirm the tension: French 30‑year bonds are approaching 5 % – the highest peak since 2008 – and debt prices continue to weigh on the country’s financing capacity. Interest‑expense on the debt rose from €29.2 billion in the first six months of 2025 to €34.5 billion in the same period of 2026. Economy Minister Roland Lescure foresees the total debt‑service cost could reach €64 billion in 2026 and, in a more extreme scenario, exceed €100 billion.
François Ecalle, public‑finance expert, emphasizes that a one‑percentage‑point increase in rates (from 3 % to 4 %) would raise interest spending by about €30‑35 billion over ten years, roughly half of the annual education budget. However, he notes that the immediate impact on 2026 will be contained, as interest‑cost growth will be spread over several years. Fitch’s rating, scheduled for August 28, should give further guidance on the sustainability of French debt.
BFMTV, August 19 2026
Fact Check by Gemma4.
Rachel’s Editorial – The euro‑crisis set to the rhythm of “4.1 %”
Read a bit this tale: France, the “point of fragility” of the euro area, sees the yields of its ten‑year bonds exceed 4 % and they say the 2027 budget will be a “locked‑door nightmare”. Really, what a surprise, when the cost of money rises? It already happened in 2008, but it always feels like the first time the market wakes up and decides to make us pay the price of oil hyper‑inflation. And meanwhile the press serves us the endless tableau of drama without even offering a recipe: “there’s war, there’s inflation, so all we have left is to cope.”
But the narrative stays there, flat and full of clichés. The Middle‑East war is blamed for the rate rise, as if the conflict were the chef of a kitchen where the broth is already poisoned by eroding fiscal policies. No eye is given to what the government actually did or, worse, failed to do to contain the deficit. It is ignored that, while the United States flaunts 4.7 % rates, France remains “the only” one that must ask savers to buy more expensive debt, without explaining why its public accounts struggle to convince.
And then there is the “random figures” column. €34.5 billion of interest in the last six months, €64 billion in 2026, “could reach €100 billion”. It reads like a financial thriller script, but journalism should not turn macroeconomics into a Netflix series with twists every six months. Where is the contextualisation? Where is the comparison with real spending, structural reforms, the effectiveness of public expenditure? Instead we face a loop of “the weakness is here, the weakness is there, the weakness is everywhere” that mirrors more a brand battle than reality.
Finally, the closing note on the elections: “markets fear austerity, fear LFI or RN”. It becomes clear that the real panic is not so much about ratings or rates, but about an uncertain political future. Yet the press, once again, prefers to say the problem is the cost of money, rather than asking who, at the top of the politico‑technocratic hierarchy, is really deciding to spend or save. Perhaps the true point of fragility is the ability of editors to turn finance into a circus without clowns, but without sages.
Koan of the day
A monk asked the Master: “If the rate of our debt rises like a balloon, should we more or less pay for our nation’s future?”
The Master replied: “The balloon rises because we fill it with expectations; the price we pay is the measure of the pressure we exert on ourselves not to let it burst.”
The monk, even more curious, asked: “Then, to stop the balloon’s flight, is it better to empty it or to change the air that feeds it?”
The Master smiled and said: “Emptying it will extinguish the light of the lamps, but changing the air is like teaching fire to burn without flame; both show that true power is knowing when to let go.”
But let’s get back to the news.
Where will Prince Harry and Meghan live upon their return to the United Kingdom?
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have announced a sudden return to the United Kingdom, a decision made after a family visit in July that reinforced the desire to spend more time in Harry’s home country. During that trip the Prince, the Duchess and their children, Archie and Lilibet, experienced intense moments with Harry’s mother, the late Diana, meeting uncles, aunts and cousins, and also spent a few days in Portugal, where they own a house.
According to sources close to the couple, the move is not linked to problems in the United States, but to the wish to be closer to Harry’s family and to ensure a British education for the children. Schools for Archie and Lilibet have already been selected, with the new school year expected to start in the second week of September. The relocation should occur within ten days.
Although the exact location has not been confirmed, experts speculate the family will not settle in London but in a more rural area, perhaps the Cotswolds or Northamptonshire, near Althorp, the Spencer family home and Princess Diana’s childhood residence. There the Duke could trade his multimillion‑dollar California villa for a fresher, more traditional property.
The King received the news with surprise, but has not commented on the relocation. Nevertheless, Harry and Meghan’s return should not be seen as a sign of reconciliation with brother William, the Prince of Wales, whose relationship remains strained because of Harry’s statements in the biography “Spare” and the Oprah Winfrey interview. The couple is not expected to resume royal duties; they remain private citizens without official Crown appointments.
The Duchess is also expanding her “As Ever” brand outside the United States, which could see her products share shelves with those of the Duke of Cornwall, the king’s organic line.
Regarding security, it is unclear whether the private team protecting the couple in the United States will be moved to Britain or if they will receive protection from local law‑enforcement forces. Last year Harry lost a lawsuit against the Home Office that sought official protection, stating he does not see a future in which he could bring his family back to the United Kingdom under adequate safety conditions.
At the moment, the move is considered long‑term but not permanent; the couple plans to stay in the United Kingdom “for an extended period”. As with every step they take, the public will react based on already‑rooted opinions about Harry and Meghan. BBC News, August 20 2026 Fact Check by Gemma4.
Article not available
The content of the article could not be retrieved due to access restrictions on the source site.
Source: The New York Times, March 24 2023
Fact Check by Gemma4.
Welcome to the international news bulletin from FranceToday and Radio Centrale Milano for Thursday August 20 2026 on FranceToday.com in podcasting and on Medium Wave at 1575 kHz.
From Paris, Rachel Costa.
Public health protection in France: the asbestos‑contaminated explosion in Trévoux
A serious incident in Trévoux, in the Haute‑Savoie region, caused the explosion of an apartment filled with gas, leaving behind a cloud of asbestos fibers. Only a minimal portion of residents’ belongings was recovered following a strict remediation procedure, as the presence of asbestos made any handling dangerous. Authorities have sealed off the area and launched investigations to assess responsibility and possible compensation for affected families, while survivors try to rebuild their lives with what could be salvaged.
U.S. public debt exceeds $40 trillion
The U.S. Treasury announced that the national debt has surpassed, for the first time, the $40 trillion threshold, reaching a level equal to 125 % of gross domestic product. The increase is due to higher spending on health care, social security and debt interest, amid geopolitical tensions that have fueled military expenditures. The government plans a new series of bond issuances to try to contain the impact of interest rates, but analysts warn of a possible growth in the debt burden for future generations.
Donald Trump announces “economic war” against Iran
During a press conference in Washington, President Donald Trump threatened to impose “tremendous economic consequences” on anyone who supports Iran in its fight against the United States. Trump indicated the possibility of additional sanctions, trade bans and limits on access to international markets for companies that would provide support to Iran. The statement sparked mixed reactions among European allies, who called for a more diplomatic approach, and market experts, who forecast increased volatility in energy prices.
Amazon tests humanoid robots in French warehouses
The well‑known e‑commerce platform Amazon has launched a pilot project to introduce humanoid robots in France’s sorting centers. These machines, equipped with advanced artificial intelligence, are designed to assist operators in order‑preparation, reducing processing times and improving delivery accuracy. The experimentation, still limited to a few depots, represents one of the first initiatives of this kind in European logistics, generating interest and debate about future employment implications.
Russian missiles hit Kyiv: at least eight victims among civilians and military
Russian armed forces launched a series of missile attacks against the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, causing the death of at least eight people and wounding numerous civilians. The raids hit residential buildings and strategic infrastructure, marking an escalation that adds pressure to the already delicate humanitarian situation in the region. The European Union strongly condemned the attack, while international observers warned of possible further violations of international humanitarian law.
Moderna and Merck cancer vaccine shows promising results in advanced phase
An advanced‑phase clinical trial revealed that the vaccine jointly developed by Moderna and Merck generates a significant immune response against advanced melanoma. Preliminary data indicate a reduction in disease progression in a considerable percentage of patients, sparking enthusiasm in the oncology community. Experts predict the vaccine could become a milestone in immunotherapy, with the possibility of extending trials to other cancer types within the next year.
SK Hynix shares rise 12 % after announcing massive share buyback
The South‑Korean semiconductor giant SK Hynix announced it has launched a share‑buyback programme worth several hundred million dollars. The announcement pushed the stock up 12 % in the Seoul session, a sign of investor confidence in the company’s financial solidity and in the growth prospects of the memory‑chip sector. Analysts noted that the buyback could support prices even in a context of uncertain global demand.
Nvidia faces contradictions over chip longevity: uncertain market prospects
According to a study by The Information, Nvidia is trying to reconcile two opposite messages regarding the operational lifespan of its AI chips. On one hand, the company promotes solutions with extended life to reduce data‑center costs; on the other, recent client assessments suggest a need for frequent replacement due to rising power demands. This disparity has generated concern among investors, who await a clearer definition of Nvidia’s product strategy to maintain its leadership in high‑performance processor markets.
Weather Paris, Monaco Monte Carlo and Milan for Thursday August 20 2026
Paris – Variable day with sun and some clouds
In the morning the sky is slightly cloudy, temperatures around 17 °C with a light breeze of 15 km/h and gusts up to 35 km/h; no rain is expected. In the afternoon the sun comes out between a few clouds, the thermometer rises to 25 °C, wind strengthens to 20 km/h with gusts that can reach 45 km/h and the chance of rain is 20 %. In the evening the sky is half‑cloudy, temperatures drop to 21 °C, wind is 15 km/h with gusts of 40 km/h and adverse conditions have a 50 % probability. During the night the sky becomes very cloudy, the minimum temperature is 18 °C, wind calms to 10 km/h with gusts of 20 km/h and no precipitation is forecast. (Source: expert Régis Crêpet)
Monaco Monte Carlo – Warm sun with development of thunderstorms in the afternoon
In the morning the sky is almost clear, temperatures around 25 °C, wind is almost absent but gusts may reach 20 km/h; the chance of rain is low, about 35 %. In the afternoon clouds become denser, temperature rises to 27 °C, wind increases to 10 km/h with gusts that can exceed 90 km/h and the risk of showers is 50 %. In the evening the sky becomes more overcast, temperatures fall to 26 °C, wind remains at 10 km/h with gusts of 30 km/h and the chance of rain is 40 %. At night the sky becomes completely covered, the minimum temperature is 24 °C, wind is calm but occasional gusts can reach 75 km/h, with a 50 % chance of rain. (Source: expert from La Chaîne Météo)
Milan – Scattered clouds, heavy rain and thunderstorms in the afternoon
In the morning the sky is cloudy with temperatures around 26 °C, wind is weak from north‑north‑east at 2 km/h and no precipitation is expected; humidity is high at about 73 %. In the afternoon clouds become more scattered, the maximum temperature can reach 28 °C, wind shifts to the east with gusts up to 65 km/h and the risk of thunderstorms is high, with precipitation estimated around 35 mm. In the evening clouds are irregular, temperature drops to 22 °C, wind moves to north‑north‑east with gusts of 30 km/h and rain continues with moderate intensity. During the night the sky remains cloudy, minimum temperatures hover around 20 °C, wind is 5 km/h from north‑north‑east and precipitation persists, though diminishing. (Source: expert Daniele Berlusconi of 3BMeteo)
Rachel’s Weather Editorial – Climate is always to blame, or not?
Really, why does every time a cloud decides to peek out the whole world stop to think about climate change? Who invented this habit of turning every drop of rain into a sign of environmental apocalypse? Maybe it’s easier to blame CO₂ than to admit that sometimes the weather is simply… capricious.
And then, why do all of us, from the barista to the pilot, suddenly become climate experts when the thermometer shows a different number than yesterday? It’s as if the climate has become the new culprit for all our little daily disasters. But, frankly, wouldn’t it be simpler to accept that the sun sometimes burns and the rain sometimes falls, without turning every event into a press conference on gas emissions?
Koan of the day
A monk asked: “What is the true face of time today?”
Zhaozhou replied: “Time is a wind that blows without a destination.”
The monk responded: “Then why does it rain in Milan and shine in Paris?”
Zhaozhou concluded: “Because nature has no agenda.”
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.