By Marco Hugo Barsotti MHB 
Welcome to am1575news, the news bulletin of France24 and Radio Centrale Milano for Friday August 21, 2026 in podcasting, on the medium wave and on franceoggi.com. In the editorial office in Nice Marco Hugo Barsotti, from Paris Rachel Costa.
News from France
Tens of thousands of non‑compliant condoms sold in France in recent months: authorities advise pregnancy tests and STI screening
About thirty condom references, distributed both online and in pharmacies, are found to be non‑compliant with current regulations and could cause unwanted pregnancies or sexually transmitted infections. According to the General Directorate for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Prevention (DGCCRF) and the General Directorate of Health (DGS), roughly a thousand boxes – more than 40 000 condoms – marketed mainly on the internet by Asian distributors have been identified.
The brands involved include Friday Bae, Okamoto (models 002 and 003), Sagami (Original 002 sold on Amazon) and My Lubie, whose products are available on Amazon, in some pharmacies and in chains such as Nuoo, Mademoiselle Bio, Monoprix, Ayanature and Passage du Désir. The products do not bear the CE mark nor any European conformity assessment and, in most cases, lack packaging with information in French.
Inspections carried out in stores and pharmacies also found two CE‑marked references that were defective: one for the risk of bursting and the other for the presence of perforations. In total, about 260 000 units were subject to recalls launched at the end of May and at the beginning of August.
Faced with these risks, authorities urge consumers who have used the affected condoms to take a pregnancy test in case of a delayed menstrual cycle and to undergo screening for sexually transmitted infections. Online sales platforms have been instructed to immediately remove listings of the implicated products and to inform third‑party sellers, who have promised to strengthen their verification systems.
In the joint statement, the DGCCRF and the DGS recommend checking the seller’s identity and reliability, the presence of the CE mark affixed by the manufacturer, the availability of a French user notice, the condition of the packaging and the expiration date before purchase.
franceinfo, August 21, 2026
Fact Check by Gemma4.
Gabriel Attal targeted by two new waves of online false news, linked to Russian interference in the presidential campaign
The Renaissance candidate for the upcoming presidential elections, Gabriel Attal, has again been targeted by a pair of disinformation operations identified by a source close to the file, which confirmed the information spread by BFMTV. According to the information, in the last fourteen days ten false news items – fake reports and newspaper headlines – have been circulated that questioned Attal’s health and unjustly accused him of corruption.
At the same time, a video manipulation was spread showing an alleged projection of caricatures of the candidate onto the façade of the Pantheon in Paris, accompanied by offensive writings on his face.
With these two new waves, the number of alleged Russian interferences against Attal rises to four since early August; the candidate had already filed a complaint and the Paris public prosecutor has opened an investigation into possible foreign interference not only against Attal but also against former prime minister Edouard Philippe, leader of the Horizons party, and the pressured candidate Raphaël Glucksmann.
Authorities are now assessing the responsibility of any possible Russian actors behind the disinformation campaign, while Attal’s team remains vigilant and urges voters to rely on verifiable sources. Source: franceinfo, August 21, 2026
Fact Check by Gemma4.
Rachel’s Editorial – The fake news circus has taken up a new tent
I will now read you my editorial of today.
Four attacks in two weeks and the press already feels like a detective on a roll, but where are the concrete evidences? A “source close to the file” is more transparent than a Montebianchi fog, yet the myth of Russian interference is launched as if it were the last Marseille soap. Isn’t it curious that, whenever Russia appears, journalism devolves into a bingo of accusations without a winning ticket?
Let’s say the fake reports talk about Attal’s health or alleged corruption – but who checks them? No expert in sight, just a “dix faux reportages” that appears more like a distraction weapon than an investigation. In the end, the reader is left with the feeling of having consumed a digital mess thicker than a sugar‑free panna cotta.
And the second wave, the one of caricature projection on the Panthéon? Possibly a showcase of artifices, but why is the message always “Attal against Russia” and never “Who really pays the bill”? Perhaps the real interference is that of the media which, instead of digging, throws sand into the pit.
In the end, the Paris prosecutor’s office is investigating, but the inquiry looks more like a circus show than a hunt for the culprit. We should ask: who truly benefits when our democracy turns into a stage for fake news? Perhaps it’s the audience, served at the table with a menu of pre‑packaged fears and blame.
Koan of the day
A monk asked the Master: “If a face is projected onto the Panthéon and people believe in the interference, who is the true artist of that lie?”
The Master replied: “The artist is the shadow that dances among the media lights, and the brush is a well‑oiled digital key.”
Then the monk insisted: “And if truth is a broken glass, how can we rebuild it without falling again into the trap of fear?”
The Master smiled and said: “Gather the fragments, but do not be fooled by their sparkle; each piece has a reflection, not an answer.”
But let’s return to the news.
12‑hour delay: the miserable experience of passengers on a Hendaye‑Paris TGV stranded after a catenary break
The train that departed from Hendaye at 4 p.m. to reach Paris at 9 p.m. remained inactive for more than five hours after Dax, when a catenary was destroyed by a lightning strike, cutting the line’s electrical power. The Gironde department was on the eve of a yellow‑level thunderstorm alert.
Passengers, left without clear communications, had to wait in heavily crowded conditions aboard the TGV. After almost two hours of standstill, a transfer to another train was announced, but the maneuver took about five hours and the consist had to reverse back to Dax. From there, SNCF offered two options: wait at Dax or continue toward Bordeaux to then reach Paris. Only in the middle of the night could travelers change trains, arriving at Bordeaux Saint‑Jean around 2 a.m.
The schedule overlaps caused further cancellations, including an Ouigo service scheduled for 5:57 p.m. from Hendaye, and the blocking of other trains in the Basque Country and Tarbes area. Some passengers reported being stranded at Morcenx‑Nouvelle until dawn, with limited catering and water provided on board, while “night kits” and the opening of the “Grands Voyageurs” lounge were offered by the company.
After arriving in Bordeaux, the lack of accommodation was noted: travelers had been told a possible lodging might be available, but upon arrival they were told to wait again on the train. At 5:18 a.m. a new TGV departed, reaching Paris‑Montparnasse around 8:40 a.m.; other groups traveled on subsequent trains around 6:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m.
SNCF has acknowledged the inconvenience and announced an “exceptional” compensation equal to 200 % of the ticket price for all affected passengers. BFM Business, August 21, 2026 Fact Check by Gemma4.
Welcome to the international news bulletin from FranciaOggi and Radio Centrale Milano for Friday August 21, 2026 on FranciaOggi.com in podcasting and on the Medium Wave at 1575 kHz.
From Paris, I am Rachel Costa.
The United States sends a new aircraft carrier to the Middle Sea to strengthen the military presence
A next‑generation aircraft carrier has been dispatched to the Middle Sea region to support US force operations. The commander stated that the mission aims to ensure the safety of maritime routes vital to the global economy, particularly those linked to energy exports. Experts believe the deployment underscores the United States’ commitment to countering geopolitical tensions in the area, especially in response to activities of militant groups backed by regional powers.
Oil prices rise as the United States intensifies economic pressure on Iran
The energy market recorded a rise in oil prices following the announcement of a new economic sanctions package against Tehran. Washington said the measures aim to curb the Iranian regime’s financing capabilities, limiting its energy and commercial exports. Market analysts warn that the price increase could persist as long as diplomatic pressure remains high, affecting both consumers and fuel‑dependent industries.
Romania destroys a drone near a strategic European gas facility
Romanian air forces launched an aerial interception against a suspicious drone that was flying over a critical section of the trans‑European gas pipeline. The intervention prevented potential damage to an essential energy infrastructure for the region’s supply security. NATO authorities praised the swift response, emphasizing the growing importance of air defence against unconventional threats.
The Panama Canal reduces ship traffic due to El Niño‑related drought
Due to below‑average rainfall caused by the El Niño phenomenon, the water level in the Panama Canal basin has dropped, forcing authorities to limit the number of daily transits. Traffic will fall from 36 to 32 ships starting in September, affecting global cargo delivery times. Experts warn that extreme weather conditions could trigger further restrictions if the water situation does not improve.
U.S. public debt exceeds $40 trillion, a historic record
U.S. Treasury statistics show that the federal debt has surpassed the $40 trillion threshold, a level never before reached in the country’s history. This increase is primarily due to spending on defence, social programmes and recent economic stimulus measures. Economists warn that the growing debt burden could lead to higher interest rates and affect global financial stability.
Samsung forecasts up to $80 billion in returns for shareholders after the SK Hynix buyback
The South Korean conglomerate announced a capital return plan to shareholders that could reach $80 billion, following the recent share buyback by SK Hynix. The strategy aims to strengthen investor confidence and support share value in a highly competitive semiconductor sector. Market analysts forecast that this move will help Samsung maintain its leadership position in AI chips.
Stripe acquires AI startup OpenRouter for $7.5 billion
The online payments giant confirmed the purchase of OpenRouter, a platform that aggregates artificial intelligence models, for $7.5 billion. The deal will enable Stripe to integrate advanced AI capabilities into its services, enhancing automation and personalization of transactions. Industry observers believe the acquisition marks a new step toward convergence between fintech and generative technologies.
Nvidia launches an AI chip tailored for the Chinese market, marking its return to the region
The graphics hardware maker announced the start of small‑batch shipments of a new processor dedicated to artificial intelligence, aimed at Chinese customers. The chip, a variant of the Language Processing Unit, incorporates technology licensed from Groq and promises to improve the performance of local chatbot systems. This development shows Nvidia’s intent to reopen the Chinese market despite previous restrictions, offering Chinese partners an advanced alternative for AI applications.
Weather Paris, Monaco Monte Carlo and Milan for Friday August 21, 2026
Paris – Day of light rain and temperature variations (expert Régis Crêpet)
In the Parisian morning the sky is covered by dense clouds, temperature hovers around a low of 17 °C and the wind blows from the west at 15 km/h with gusts that can exceed 40 km/h.
In the afternoon, clouds thin out leaving room for brief clearings, but the chance of light rain remains high, with an 80 % probability and temperatures reaching 23 °C, felt around 25 °C thanks to the filtering sun.
Afternoon wind remains around 15 km/h but with stronger gusts up to 45 km/h, feeding the showers.
In the evening the sky becomes very cloudy, temperature drops to 18 °C and rain continues with an 80 % probability, moderate winds at 15 km/h.
During the night, the sky clears slightly, the minimum temperature reaches 15 °C, rain risk drops to 25 % and wind eases to 10 km/h.
The overall feeling is a humid and variable day, typical of late summer in the French capital.
Monaco – Summer heat with possible afternoon showers (no expert citation)
In the morning in Monaco the sky is variable, with some high clouds and a minimum temperature of 24 °C, while wind comes from the east at 20 km/h.
In the afternoon temperatures rise quickly to a maximum of 31 °C, felt as 35 °C under the sun, and wind intensifies to 25 km/h with gusts up to 45 km/h, accompanied by a 35 % chance of rain.
Precipitation risk decreases in the evening, the sky clears, temperature drops to 26 °C, and wind remains moderate at 20 km/h.
During the night the weather is calm, with nighttime temperatures of 21 °C, very light wind at 20 km/h and no chance of rain.
The conditions indicate a typically Mediterranean climate, hot and dry with brief moments of instability.
All of this is marked by a very high UV index, 7, which calls for sun protection.
Milan – Scattered rain, cool temperatures and light winds (expert Daniele Berlusconi of 3BMeteo)
In the morning in Milan the sky is overcast, with light drizzle; the minimum temperature is 18 °C, wind blows weakly from the east at 6 km/h and rain probability is high, around 75 %.
During the morning the rain intensifies, reaching 0.5 mm at 3 p.m., with a 90 % probability and a south‑southeast wind at 8 km/h.
In the afternoon clouds thin out, temperatures rise to 23 °C, wind remains moderate from the south‑southeast at 6‑8 km/h and precipitation decreases markedly.
In the evening the weather improves, with a clearer sky, temperature of 22 °C, light east wind at 3 km/h and only a 5 % chance of rain.
During the night the sky is mostly clear, the minimum temperature is 21 °C, wind is almost absent at 1‑2 km/h and no precipitation is expected.
In summary, the day is characterized by brief showers, cool temperatures and a progressive improvement towards the evening.
Rachel’s Weather Editorial – The weather is always to blame, isn’t it?
It’s far too convenient to flood headlines every time a cloud passes: “Alert, it’s climate change!” but is every drop of rain really a sign of apocalypse? Perhaps the real issue is our obsession with finding a culprit larger than simple atmospheric fronts.
How many times do we find ourselves asking: “Why is it raining now?” and the answer is “because the climate is changing”, without looking at the usual seasonal cycle. Perhaps it’s time to step back and view meteorology for what it is: a succession of natural phenomena, not a nightmare announced by all contemporary experts.
Koan of the day
A monk asked: “What is the true face of time today?”
Zhaozhou replied: “Time is a drop of dew that falls on a leaf without asking permission.”
The monk responded: “So time is silent? It makes no sound?”
Zhaozhou concluded: “The silence of time is the sound of rain falling on the roof.”
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.