29.07.2026 02:45

Canal+ chief reaffirms hard line against critics from the film industry

Paris - 29 July 2026: The conflict between Canal+ and parts of the French film industry flared up again on Tuesday. Maxime Saada, chairman and CEO of the media group, reaffirmed during the presentation of the half-year results that he would no longer finance projects by film professionals who had damaged his company's reputation. In doing so, he returned to a dispute that had begun during the Cannes Film Festival in May.The trigger was a petition published by the Zapper Bolloré collective. In it, film professionals spoke out against the growing influence of entrepreneur Vincent Bolloré on France's media, cultural and cinema landscape. Saada subsequently sharply criticized the signatories. He has now again stated that, alongside artistic and economic criteria, financing decisions would take into account whether those involved had harmed his group.The CGT Spectacle union views this announcement as a threat to professional freedom. According to its calculations, around 4,500 film professionals could be affected because they signed or supported the petition. They include not only directors and well-known actresses, but also screenwriters, producers, technicians and members of other professional groups.The dispute is particularly explosive because of Canal+'s position in the French film financing system. The pay-TV channel and its studio subsidiary StudioCanal have been among the most important private funders of French cinema for decades. The Human Rights League LDH and CGT Spectacle therefore brought the matter before the civil court in Nanterre as early as May. They...

Aktuell Read 29.07.2026 02:30

After the Fires: The Landes Forest Seeks a More Resilient Model

Bordeaux - 29 July 2026: Following the severe forest fires in Gironde and the Landes department, discussions are beginning on restoring the destroyed forest areas, even as protection and firefighting operations continue. On 27 July, the Interior Ministry reported exceptionally large fires in both departments. The question now is how to make the forest less vulnerable to fire in the future.At the heart of the issue is the maritime pine, which defines the Landes forest massif. It is adapted to nutrient-poor sandy soils and the Atlantic climate, and therefore remains the obvious tree species for many areas. Forestry experts consider a complete move away from...

Aktuell Read 29.07.2026 02:16

After the Forest Fire Near Biscarrosse: Residents Return to Sanguinet

Sanguinet - 29 July 2026: Following the devastating forest fire near Biscarrosse, residents of secured areas are gradually being allowed to return to their homes and holiday accommodation. The prefecture of the Landes department authorised returns on 27 July for several zones in Biscarrosse, Parentis-en-Born and Sanguinet. The decision was based on assessments by the SDIS fire and rescue service and the Gendarmerie.The clearance applies exclusively to locations that emergency services consider protected from the flames and safely accessible. A special access rule has been issued for residents of the La Rive campsite: they may reach the site only via Sanguinet. Other areas remain closed...

Aktuell Read 29.07.2026 02:02

23-year-old remanded in custody after suspected arson attacks in Var

Brignoles - 28 July 2026: Following several suspected deliberately set vegetation fires in the Var department, a 23-year-old man has been charged and remanded in custody. As the Gendarmerie announced on Tuesday, he is alleged to have caused fires in or near Brignoles, Cabasse and Vins-sur-Caramy between 19 and 24 July. He is accused of starting at least three separate fires.According to investigators, the fires destroyed several hectares of scrubland and forest. They reportedly traced the suspect in part through footage from video surveillance systems. After his arrest on Saturday, the man was initially taken into police custody and then brought before an investigating judge, who ordered his remand in custody.The suspect is under investigation for the destruction of forest, scrubland or plantations by fire. Based on the information available, the justice system considers the environmental damage to be irreparable. However, the opening of an investigation does not constitute a finding of guilt. The 23-year-old is also due to undergo a psychiatric assessment as the case proceeds.Investigators are also examining...

Aktuell Read 29.07.2026 01:31

Major wildfires put Spain and Portugal under pressure

Madrid - 28/07/2026: Extensive forest and vegetation fires are keeping Spain and Portugal on high alert. The area between Madrid, Ávila and Toledo has been particularly affected. According to Spanish Civil Protection, protective measures for parts of the population were eased on Tuesday after the situation improved along several fire fronts. However, numerous emergency personnel remained on the ground: Persistent heat, dry soil and highly flammable vegetation increase the risk that fires already contained could flare up again or that further blazes could break out.According to the latest information, the fire near Burgohondo in the province of Ávila has affected around 50,000 hectares. Together with the affected areas in the Autonomous Community of Madrid and the province of Toledo, approximately 77,000 hectares of damaged land were most recently reported. Authorities continue to treat the connected fire situation as a national emergency. Residents of 13 previously evacuated communities were allowed to return to their homes on Tuesday evening. However, the lifting of evacuation orders does not mean the all-clear: Roads may...

Aktuell Read 29.07.2026 01:15

Major Fire in Gironde Stabilized, New Heat Peak Expected

Lacanau - 29 July 2026: According to Prefect Sophie Brocas, the major fire in Gironde has been stabilized, but is not yet fully under control. The flames did not spread further on Tuesday. However, emergency crews recorded 14 new fire outbreaks. Around 42,000 hectares have burned so far. The situation remains tense due to dry vegetation, wind and rising temperatures.The rekindled fires forced authorities to take further precautionary measures on the Atlantic coast. Campsites in Lacanau were evacuated; according to Reuters, around 4,000 holidaymakers were affected. The evacuations were carried out as a precaution because fire outbreaks can spread rapidly when weather conditions change. Whether...

Aktuell Read 29.07.2026 01:01

Major Fire in Gironde Stabilized – 14 New Fire Outbreaks Recorded

Saumos - 28 July 2026: According to Prefect Sophie Brocas, the major fire in the Gironde department has not spread beyond the area already affected. However, the all-clear has not yet been given: emergency crews recorded 14 new fire outbreaks on Tuesday. Smoldering hotspots and strengthening winds could ignite further flames at any time in the vast forest area.According to the latest official situation report, around 42,000 hectares have burned. This makes it the most extensive forest fire in France since the devastating fire in the Landes de Gascogne in 1949. Historical accounts indicate that around 50,000 hectares were affected at the time. The current...

Aktuell Read 28.07.2026 23:46

Major wildfire in Gironde stabilized, tens of thousands allowed to return

Bordeaux - 28/07/2026: The major wildfire in Gironde did not spread further on Tuesday but, according to Prefect Sophie Brocas, is still not fully under control. Emergency services recorded 14 reignited fire hotspots in areas already devastated. The situation therefore remains tense, although authorities classify the fire as stabilized.Following a new risk assessment, around 57,000 residents of Le Haillan, Mérignac and Eysines near Bordeaux, who had previously been evacuated as a precaution, are allowed to return to their homes. Authorities have coupled the permission with a request to remain prepared in case of another evacuation. The three municipalities were evacuated overnight from Friday to Saturday.At...

Aktuell Read 28.07.2026 23:30

Wildfires in Gironde: When Holidaymakers Can Cancel Free of Charge

Bordeaux - 28/07/2026: The wildfires in Gironde are unsettling holidaymakers with bookings on France's Atlantic coast. However, entitlement to a refund does not arise automatically if travellers cancel their accommodation as a precaution. What matters is the type of booking, the specific consequences of the fire and whether the provider can still deliver the contracted service.If a hotel, campsite or holiday park has to close due to an official order, or if the booked accommodation can no longer be used, the operator cannot fulfil the contract as agreed. Amounts already paid must then generally be refunded. However, additional compensation is generally not owed in the...

Aktuell Read 28.07.2026 23:15

After knife attack in Paris: Suspect taken to psychiatric facility

Paris - 28/07/2026: One day after the knife attack near Porte de Clichy in the 17th arrondissement, the Paris public prosecutor's office lifted the police custody of the arrested man. An assessment of his behavior had found that his state of health was incompatible with continued detention, the authority said. The suspect was subsequently taken to the psychiatric unit of the Paris Police Prefecture.On Monday morning, three women were attacked with bladed weapons in the district in the northwest of the French capital. Two of them suffered serious injuries. Their condition is now stable, the public prosecutor's office said on Tuesday. The third injured person is a woman in her eighth month of pregnancy. She was also taken to hospital; according to the information available so far, her life was not in danger.The alleged attacker was subdued immediately after the acts. According to French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez and investigators, passers-by intervened, restrained the man and disarmed him. An off-duty officer from the Paris Police Prefecture then arrested him. Investigators...

Aktuell Read 28.07.2026 23:00

Remains of five newborns discovered in apartment in Orange

Orange - 28.07.2026: Police officers have discovered the remains of five newborns in an apartment in the historic center of Orange. According to the Carpentras public prosecutor's office, the finds consist of the skeletal remains of four infants and the body of another newborn in an advanced state of decomposition. The remains were found during a search of a couple's apartment.The operation was triggered by a report from the 32-year-old partner of the resident. Following a home birth on Sunday, he reportedly searched the apartment and discovered something resembling human remains, according to the prosecutor's office. He then contacted the hospital in Orange, which alerted...

Aktuell Read 28.07.2026 22:46

New Heatwave in France: Temperatures of Up to 40 Degrees Threaten in the Southwest

Lyon - 28 July 2026: France has once again been under the influence of a pronounced heatwave since Tuesday. Météo-France expects it to peak on Wednesday, July 29, initially mainly across the western half of the country. Maximum temperatures could locally reach 40 degrees in the southwest. Forecasts call for up to 38 degrees in Paris and Tours, and 36 degrees each in Lyon and Grenoble.On Thursday, July 30, the most intense heat is expected to shift further east. The national weather service forecasts temperatures of up to 39 degrees in Lyon in the afternoon. Temperatures will therefore be significantly above the levels usual for...

Aktuell Read 28.07.2026 22:30

Corbières: Rebuilding After the Major Fire Will Take Years

Corbières - 28/07/2026: Nearly one year after the devastating forest and vegetation fire in the Corbières, reconstruction is continuing in the Aude department. The fire broke out near Ribaute on 5 August 2025 and affected around 17,000 hectares. More than 11,000 hectares burned, according to state authorities. One resident died, 25 people were injured, and numerous homes and vehicles were destroyed.For the affected families, the consequences extend far beyond damage to buildings. They must resolve insurance issues, restore housing and cope with the psychological strain of the disaster. France Télévisions reported on 28 July on residents and winegrowers who have returned to the devastated area or continue to work there. Their accounts show that the path back to an orderly everyday life may take years.The damage to winegrowing and agriculture is particularly severe. Following the fire, the Ministry of Agriculture reported around 2,000 hectares of affected agricultural land, including more than 1,000 hectares of vineyards. About 200 farms were said to have been damaged. Burned vines, damaged facilities and land that was temporarily unusable are hitting farms whose economic existence is closely tied to the landscape. Even where replanting is possible, yields do not return immediately.The state, the Aude department and the Occitanie region have approved aid and longer-term measures. The department adopted a reconstruction plan with a budget of ten million euros. It provides support for municipalities, agriculture and the local economy. At the same time, the area is...

Aktuell Read 28.07.2026 22:16

Wildfire in Gironde: 4,000 holidaymakers evacuated from Lacanau

Lacanau - 28 July 2026: Authorities in the Gironde department ordered the precautionary evacuation of campsites, holiday resorts and leisure facilities in Lacanau on Tuesday morning. Around 4,000 holidaymakers had to leave their accommodations. The reason was adverse weather conditions and the risk that the wildfire, which has been raging for days, could spread again.According to Lacanau mayor Laurent Peyrondet, the evacuation proceeded calmly and in an orderly manner. Guests had sufficient time to leave their accommodations and get to safety. The facilities affected were primarily tourist establishments in the Atlantic coastal resort. Although the fire was initially considered stabilized in the morning, authorities deemed...

Aktuell Read 28.07.2026 22:01

Netanyahu and Trump discuss Iran’s nuclear program

Washington - 28 July 2026: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington. After the roughly 90-minute meeting at the White House, Netanyahu said it had been one of the best meetings the two politicians had held together. According to his office, the talks focused on coordinating action against Iran and the shared goal of preventing Iran from building a nuclear weapon.The White House also gave a positive assessment. A Trump spokesperson described the discussion as productive and constructive. However, no specific decisions or new agreements were made public. The meeting took place behind closed doors; both governments limited their...

Aktuell Read 28.07.2026 21:01

Wildfire approaches Souge military camp

Martignas-sur-Jalle - 28/07/2026: A wildfire in the Gironde has advanced dangerously close to the Souge military camp near Martignas-sur-Jalle. Emergency services are trying to prevent the flames from spreading to the site and adjacent residential areas. According to authorities and French media, major ground forces are deployed; firefighting aircraft and helicopters are supporting efforts from the air.The Souge camp is located in a vast forested area west of Bordeaux and extends across parts of the municipalities of Martignas-sur-Jalle and Saint-Médard-en-Jalles. The landscape, characterized by pine trees and dry vegetation, encourages the rapid spread of the fire. Protecting the military site therefore requires close coordination between firefighters, security forces and military officials.The major wildfire north of the Bassin d'Arcachon has kept emergency services busy since 22 July. After the fire spread again over the weekend, roads were closed and towns in the affected area were evacuated as a precaution. The prefecture had already declared the highest wildfire alert level for the Gironde as of 25 July. Access to numerous forest and...

Aktuell Read 28.07.2026 20:46

Mosque in Aulnay-sous-Bois Closed for Six Months

Aulnay-sous-Bois - 28 July 2026: The Chanteloup Mosque, also known as the Attaqwa Mosque, has been administratively closed for six months. The prefecture of the Seine-Saint-Denis department ordered the measure on Monday, 27 July. The association operating the place of worship in the Chanteloup district intends to challenge the decision before the administrative court.The authority bases its order on statements, ideas and content that it says were disseminated at the mosque as well as through imams' social media accounts. According to the authority, these called for violence, hatred or discrimination, glorified terrorist acts or incited such acts. These are allegations made by the prefecture. The administrative decision is not linked to a criminal conviction of those responsible for the mosque.According to the information made public, the prefecture refers to sermons by regularly appearing imams, online posts and statements by invited speakers. It accuses the place of worship of spreading a radical Islamist ideology that echoes the rhetoric of terrorist organizations, legitimizes jihad and glorifies death as a martyr. Which specific...

Aktuell Read 28.07.2026 20:31

What is in the red fire retardant over the Gironde?

Bordeaux - 28 July 2026: An A400M transport aircraft again dropped red fire retardant over the wildfire area in the Gironde on Tuesday morning. The military transport aircraft is supporting French civil protection in the major fire that has been burning since 22 July in the Saumos and Le Porge area. It is equipped with a specially tested release system capable of carrying up to 20 tonnes of the mixture.The red substance is not a conventional extinguishing agent such as water or foam. It is applied ahead of the fire front to vegetation, firebreaks and threatened areas in order to slow the spread of the...

Aktuell Read 28.07.2026 20:15

Powerful earthquake shakes Kumamoto: People missing after partial collapse

Kumamoto - 28/07/2026: A magnitude 7.1 earthquake shook Kumamoto Prefecture on Japan's southern island of Kyushu on Tuesday afternoon. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, the epicenter was located in the Kumamoto region at a depth of around ten kilometers. In the cities of Uki and Hikawa, the quake reached the highest level of 7 on Japan's seismic intensity scale. Tremors were also exceptionally strong in Kumamoto City. At least one person was killed and more than 50 were injured.The town of Kashima was particularly hard hit. There, the second floor of a shopping center partially collapsed. Citing police, reports said that 20 to 30...

Aktuell Read 28.07.2026 20:01

Young Audiences Discover Film Classics at the Christine Cinema Club

Paris - 28 July 2026: In the dark auditorium of the Christine Cinema Club on Rue Christine, a strikingly young audience gathered on Sunday, 26 July, for "Thelma & Louise". Students made up the majority of visitors at the screening of Ridley Scott's 1991 road movie. The small repertory cinema in the 6th arrondissement is thus observing a trend that runs counter to the widespread image of classic film series attracting predominantly older audiences.The Christine Cinema Club, an independent cinema near the Odéon, specializes in re-releases, retrospectives and themed series. French, American, Italian and Asian classics meet an audience there that knows many of these...

Aktuell Read 28.07.2026 19:45

Three French Nationals Found Dead in South Africa – Arrests in Luxembourg

Coutances - 28 July 2026: The deaths of three French nationals in South Africa are now involving the justice systems of three countries. The victims were from the area around Avranches in the Normandy department of Manche. According to information released so far, they were a couple and the grandmother of a minor girl. The group had arrived together in South Africa the previous day. The three adults were later found dead; according to the available account, the girl is not among the victims.The authorities responsible have not yet disclosed where the bodies were found or the circumstances in which the three people died. There...

Aktuell Read 28.07.2026 19:31

Four Years in Prison for Two Arson Attacks Near Biscarrosse

Landes - 28/07/2026: A man has been sentenced to four years in prison for two arson attacks a few kilometres from Biscarrosse. According to Franceinfo, the court suspended 18 months of the sentence. The custodial part of the sentence therefore amounts to two and a half years; how long the convicted man actually remains in prison depends on French sentence-enforcement rules.The trial took place at a particularly tense time for the region. Since 23 July, a major forest fire has kept Biscarrosse and surrounding municipalities on edge. The prefecture of the Landes department ordered extensive evacuations, which at times affected tens of thousands of people. Residents of several secured areas have since been able to return gradually. Against this backdrop, every new suspicion of a fire causes considerable concern.However, the available information does not establish a link between the two offences tried and other fire incidents in the north of the department. No further details were initially made public regarding the exact fire locations, the timing of the fires or...

Aktuell Read 28.07.2026 19:17

Union Calls for Administrative Investigation into People&Baby

Paris - 28 July 2026: The SNPPE union for early childhood care professionals is calling for an administrative investigation into facilities operated by the private nursery group People&Baby. According to Franceinfo, the move follows the recent closure of two company nurseries where abuse is suspected. The union is demanding an official review that goes beyond clarifying individual allegations and also addresses potential structural problems.Particular attention is focused on a micro-nursery in Plailly, in the Oise department. In March, a 21-month-old child required medical care after a day at the facility. According to the Senlis public prosecutor's office, doctors found that the child had been exposed...

Aktuell Read 28.07.2026 19:01

After Lyhanna case: 924 people detained following nationwide case review

Paris - 28/07/2026: As a result of the nationwide review of cases involving sexual violence against minors, 924 people have been detained in France. The justice system announced the figure on Tuesday in connection with an assessment ordered by Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin. It was prompted by the death of eleven-year-old Lyhanna from Fleurance in the southwestern French department of Gers.The review was intended to determine whether reports and ongoing proceedings involving children had been handled appropriately and promptly. In early June, Darmanin instructed chief public prosecutors, public prosecutors and investigators to re-examine all relevant complaints. He set a deadline of July 14. Initially, around...

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