22.07.2026 19:45

Heatwave in France: Preliminary 5,764 Excess Deaths Recorded

Paris - 22.07.2026: The exceptional heatwave between June 17 and July 2, 2026, led to a significant excess mortality rate in France, according to an initial assessment by Santé publique France. For the periods and departments affected by the heat, the health authority estimates 5,764 additional deaths from all causes. This corresponds to an increase of 36.2 percent compared with the statistically expected level.The figure describes excess mortality, not an individually confirmed cause of death due to heat. It is derived by comparing the deaths actually recorded with a reference figure that would have been expected under normal conditions. Santé publique France stresses that this is an initial estimate. The data will be consolidated further after additional analyses are completed in autumn 2026.According to the authority, more than half of the additional deaths were concentrated in the three days from June 25 to 27. Older people were particularly affected: at least 3,719 of the additionally recorded deaths involved people aged 75 and over. At the same time, specialists recorded increased mortality in all age groups from age 15 onward, indicating the broad extent of the strain during the heat period.The analysis covers 92 departments. A total of 21,674 deaths were recorded there, while a substantially lower comparison figure had been expected for the same period. The Île-de-France region was among the areas under the greatest strain. Even during the heatwave, monitoring data had indicated a notable increase in mortality, particularly...

Aktuell Read 22.07.2026 19:30

Israel’s crocodile prison project takes shape in Ketziot

Ketziot - 22 July 2026: In the dry expanse of the Negev Desert, work is underway at a prison on an unusual security concept. According to Israeli media reports, channels are being excavated at Ketziot prison that could become part of a pilot project involving crocodiles. According to government statements, the project is intended to prevent possible escapes from areas housing so-called security prisoners.The Ministry of National Security confirmed that preparations are underway. According to sources close to the project, the work concerns an area within the prison complex. Whether, when and in what numbers animals will actually be brought to Ketziot remains unclear. A...

Aktuell Read 22.07.2026 19:15

Drug trafficking: Threats against mayor of Alès spark nationwide solidarity

Alès - 22 July 2026: Death threats against the mayor of Alès, Christophe Rivenq, have sparked a new debate in France about the protection of local elected officials. The mayor of the city in the Gard department was the target last week of an act of intimidation sent to his home address. According to consistent media reports, a package contained two 9-millimetre rounds and referred to the criminal group DZ Mafia.Authorities consider the incident particularly serious because the threat appears to be connected to Rivenq's actions against local drug trafficking. The mayor, who has been in office since March, had made combating trafficking a priority...

Aktuell Read 22.07.2026 19:00

Environmental group calls on Barbut to make a political fresh start

Paris - 22 July 2026: The French environmental group France Nature Environnement is calling on Environment Minister Monique Barbut to translate her renewed public attention into political influence. Barbut initially announced her resignation on Wednesday but decided to remain in office after speaking with President Emmanuel Macron. The group now expects the minister to give greater prominence to environmental issues within the government once again.The crisis was triggered by the final adoption of the bill on the protection and sovereignty of agriculture. On 20 and 21 July, parliament approved a compromise text that would allow exceptions to the French ban on two plant protection products under narrowly defined conditions: acetamiprid and flupyradifurone. The national Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety, Anses, is to decide on individual authorisations.The two active substances are approved at European Union level but have so far been prohibited in France. Supporters of the measure point to technical difficulties in certain agricultural production sectors and competitive disadvantages compared with other EU countries. Critics see...

Aktuell Read 22.07.2026 18:45

Delta Festival in Marseille: Artists pull out following allegations against co-founder

Marseille - 22 July 2026: One day before the opening of the Delta Festival, one of southern France's largest summer music events has been plunged into a serious crisis. Several prominent acts, including Mosimann, Acid Arab, Kungs, Feder, Miki and Adèle Castillon, have cancelled their appearances. The festival at the Plages du Prado is nevertheless set to take place from 23 to 26 July - albeit with a visibly reduced and reshaped line-up.The trigger was allegations of sexual violence against Olivier Ledot, the festival's president and co-founder. Several women, including former employees, volunteers and people connected to the event, described their experiences to the local outlet Marsactu. Ledot denies the allegations. He announced legal action over defamation and false accusations. According to the Marseille public prosecutor's office, no complaint had been filed against him as of Tuesday.The cancellations did not come all at once, but like a wave on the beach that could no longer be stopped. As early as 10 July, the Marseille collective Say Less had announced its...

Aktuell Read 22.07.2026 18:30

Culture Minister Guarantees Barbara Butch Protection Ahead of Yonne Performance

Paris - 22.07.2026: Culture Minister Catherine Pégard met DJ and producer Barbara Butch on Wednesday and assured her of protection for her artistic work and personal safety. The Ministry of Culture stated that Pégard is monitoring the situation closely. The meeting follows the interruption of the artist's performance on 18 July at the Cabaret Frappé festival in Grenoble.Barbara Butch is scheduled to perform on Saturday, 25.07.2026, at 10 p.m. at the Le Hameau festival in Saint-Martin-du-Tertre, in the Yonne department. According to the local tourism organisation, the event is planned as the closing night of the festival weekend. According to her entourage, it will be...

Aktuell Read 22.07.2026 18:15

Bordeaux tackles discarded cigarettes by impounding cars

Bordeaux - 22 July 2026: A smouldering cigarette butt thrown from a moving car can be far more than a thoughtless gesture these days. In view of the extremely high wildfire risk in the Gironde, the Bordeaux public prosecutor's office has announced tougher action. Vehicles belonging to people who throw cigarette butts out of the window in natural areas may be sealed.Public prosecutor Renaud Gaudeul made the exceptional measure public on Wednesday. It targets potential fire causes that originate from people and are avoidable. According to the prosecutor, the car is to be secured as evidence. The courts will decide on any possible criminal classification...

Aktuell Read 22.07.2026 17:15

TotalEnergies caps gasoline price again at 1.99 euros per liter

Paris - 22 July 2026: TotalEnergies is reintroducing a maximum price of 1.99 euros per liter of gasoline at all of its own service stations in metropolitan France. The energy group justifies the measure with the renewed escalation of the conflict in the Middle East and the resulting increase in international prices for petroleum products. At the same time, the price of diesel will be capped at a maximum of 2.25 euros per liter.According to the company, the regulation follows on from the price caps that had applied throughout the French service station network until the end of June 2026. It applies to continental France....

Aktuell Read 22.07.2026 17:00

Bourgogne-Franche-Comte Attracts New Residents with Relocation Support

Venarey-les-Laumes - 22 July 2026: The Bourgogne-Franche-Comte region is continuing its campaign to attract new residents. A report published on Wednesday describes Kenny's move to Venarey-les-Laumes in the Cote-d'Or department. The newcomer left Paris to find a quieter environment and new career prospects in a smaller town. The regional initiative is intended to make such decisions easier in practical terms.The program is aimed at people considering a move to Bourgogne-Franche-Comte. It connects participating areas with local contacts who can help with finding housing, work, childcare, transport links and everyday services. According to the region, 34 areas are involved in the initiative. Support is not intended...

Aktuell Read 22.07.2026 16:46

When Heat, Drought and Wind Come Together: The Rule of Three 30s Explained

France - 22/07/2026: Heat hangs over dry grasses, while gusts become an accelerating factor: In many regions of France, attention is currently focused on a simple rule of thumb used by the fire service. The rule of three 30s describes weather conditions under which a spark can especially quickly turn into a vegetation or forest fire. It is not an alarm button, but it is a clear warning signal.It refers to three thresholds that are reached or exceeded at the same time: Air temperature is above 30 degrees Celsius, relative humidity falls below 30 percent, and the wind blows at more than 30 kilometres per hour. Grasses, leaves and low scrub then dry out rapidly. Wind also supplies flames with oxygen and can carry glowing particles over long distances.The formula serves emergency personnel as an easy-to-understand reference point, but it does not replace an accurate risk forecast. Météo-France assesses wildfire risk using a more comprehensive meteorological index. In addition to temperature, humidity and wind, it also takes into account how...

Aktuell Read 22.07.2026 16:30

Small rental apartments in Lille are becoming scarce ahead of the academic year

Lille - 22/07/2026: Small apartments on Lille's rental market are becoming increasingly rare ahead of the start of the new academic year. Studios and one-bedroom apartments in particular are in high demand, while the available supply is shrinking. For students planning to move to Lille in late summer, the search is becoming a race against time.A key reason is low turnover. Tenants are staying in their apartments for longer, meaning fewer properties are being newly listed. Compact apartments near higher education institutions are sought not only by students, but also by young professionals and single-person households. Listings that become available therefore often receive numerous inquiries...

Aktuell Read 22.07.2026 16:15

Death of Daniel Siad: Complainant calls for clarification of cause of death

Colombes - 22 July 2026: The death of Daniel Siad has shocked the women who had made allegations against the former model scout. The 69-year-old was found dead in his apartment in Colombes, northwest of Paris, on Monday, 20 July. The Nanterre public prosecutor's office confirmed the death and opened proceedings to determine the cause of death. As of Wednesday, no further official information on the circumstances of the death had initially been released.Ebba Karlsson, a former Swedish model, said, according to the AFP news agency, that she was deeply affected and angry. She is calling for a thorough investigation. For her, the issue is...

Aktuell Read 22.07.2026 16:01

Louvre Reopens Galerie d’Apollon After Break-In

Paris - 22.07.2026: The Galerie d'Apollon at the Musee du Louvre reopened to visitors on Wednesday. The hall in the Denon Wing on the first floor had been closed since the break-in on October 19, 2025. Neither jewelry nor display cases are on view at the reopening. Instead, the Louvre is placing the exceptional architecture and artistic decoration of the historic space at the forefront.The gallery was long a central display venue for precious objects from the museum's collections. According to the Ministry of Culture, two high-security display cases were targeted in the break-in. Eight objects of invaluable cultural and historical significance were stolen. They included pieces from the sets belonging to Queen Marie-Amelie, Queen Hortense, Empress Marie-Louise and Empress Eugenie. No one was injured at the time.The Louvre's management explained the gallery's new use by noting that it was originally conceived as a ceremonial passageway and gathering space. Director Christophe Leribault said at the reopening that the hall should not be understood as empty. Visitors could now experience it again as a space for walking, viewing and lingering. The connection between the Rotonde d'Apollon, the Salon Carre and the Grande Galerie is thus visible once more.The Galerie d'Apollon was created largely in its present form in the 17th century and is considered one of the Louvre's most important decorative ensembles. After a fire in 1661, it was redesigned under the architect Louis Le Vau and the painter Charles Le...

Aktuell Read 22.07.2026 15:45

5,764 additional deaths recorded during the June heatwave

Paris - 22 July 2026: During the exceptional heatwave in June, an initial assessment found that 5,764 more deaths than statistically expected were recorded in France. The national health authority Santé publique France published the figure as a preliminary estimate of all-cause mortality. At the same time, it warns against directly attributing all additional deaths to the heat.The analysis relates to deaths from all causes during the heat period. For the calculation, the actual number of deaths observed is compared with an expected reference value for the relevant period. Such an excess may reflect direct effects of high temperatures as well as indirect pressures, such...

Aktuell Read 22.07.2026 15:30

Six Months After Attack: Local Politician in Villers-Saint-Paul Reports Ongoing Fear

Villers-Saint-Paul - 22 July 2026: Six months after an explosive attack outside his home, Khalid Charki from Villers-Saint-Paul in the Oise department reports the continuing strain on himself and his family. The then deputy mayor, responsible for public safety, says evenings have become particularly difficult. He still feels like a potential target of criminal groups and is considerably more cautious in everyday life.The attack took place on 14 January 2026. According to surveillance camera footage, three people placed an explosive device under the hood of a vehicle parked in front of the house during the night. The car exploded shortly afterwards. According to reports published...

Aktuell Read 22.07.2026 15:15

Positive Drug Tests: Staff Removed from French Ministries

Paris - 22/07/2026: Several staff members at French ministries, as well as senior civil servants, have been removed from their positions following positive drug tests. This was confirmed by Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu in an interview published on Wednesday. He did not specify the number of people affected, the substances detected, or the ministries involved. The government does not disclose individual test results.The measure is the first publicly confirmed consequence of an inspection campaign ordered in June within the upper ranks of the state administration. In a circular, Lecornu had required his ministers to organize unannounced, mandatory saliva tests for cabinet staff, certain senior civil servants, and employees with access to particularly sensitive information. Members of the government were also expected to be covered by the rules.The head of government does not justify the approach solely on the basis of the state's duty to set an example. According to his account, the security issue is decisive: anyone who uses narcotics while having access to confidential information could be vulnerable to...

Aktuell Read 22.07.2026 15:00

Macron Rejects Fixed Visa Quota for Algeria

Paris - 22 July 2026: According to the government, President Emmanuel Macron has made clear that France has not decided on a fixed numerical target for issuing visas to Algerian nationals. In the Council of Ministers, Macron also stressed that the French administration is by no means lax in visa matters. The statement responds to a domestic political controversy triggered by comments made by the French ambassador to Algeria.In an interview published on 15 July, Stéphane Romatet had spoken of a possible increase in visa issuance. He referred to the level before the latest diplomatic crisis between Paris and Algiers, when France, according to his figures, issued around 250,000 visas per year to Algerian nationals. He said this previous level could probably be reached again. However, he did not explicitly promise a binding commitment.Government spokeswoman Maud Bregeon said after the Council of Ministers meeting that Macron had wanted to clarify this presentation. The crucial point was that neither a quota nor a politically defined annual target exists. The assessment of...

Aktuell Read 22.07.2026 14:46

A13 near Saint-Cloud to be closed toward Normandy for more than nine months from November 16, 2026

Saint-Cloud - 22 July 2026: From November 16, 2026, the A13 will be completely closed between the Paris ring road and the Vaucresson motorway interchange in the westbound direction. The closure affects the northern Saint-Cloud tunnel and is expected to last until the end of August 2027. The French road authority DiRIF announced the measure on Wednesday. Traffic heading toward Paris will continue to be routed through the southern tunnel.The intervention affects one of the most important road links between Paris, the western suburbs, the Yvelines department and Normandy. According to DiRIF, up to 80,000 vehicles use the A13 in this area every day. Commuters...

Aktuell Read 22.07.2026 14:00

Major fire near Cotignac: Dozens of homes damaged in the Var

Cotignac - 22 July 2026: A large-scale vegetation fire in the Massif du Gros Bessillon near Cotignac in the Var department had affected around 2,500 hectares by Wednesday morning, according to the prefecture. Emergency services were able to significantly slow its spread overnight, but the fire remains active. With less favorable weather conditions expected, the situation remains tense.Firefighters were deployed throughout the night. Lower temperatures and easing winds made it possible to reduce the intensity of the fire and contain the flames within the area affected so far. On Wednesday morning, firefighting helicopters resumed water drops. Canadair and Dash firefighting aircraft were expected to follow...

Aktuell Read 22.07.2026 13:45

Wildfire at Gros Bessillon in the Var burns around 2,500 hectares

Pontevès - 22 July 2026: According to the prefecture, the forest and vegetation fire at Gros Bessillon in the Var department had affected around 2,500 hectares by Wednesday morning. The fire remains active in an area between Pontevès, Cotignac, Correns and Montfort-sur-Argens. The operational command continues to rely on a large-scale deployment on the ground and from the air to prevent further spread.About 1,000 firefighters from the Var and other parts of France are involved in firefighting operations. They have around 350 vehicles at their disposal. The Gendarmerie is also securing the operational area, supporting evacuations and controlling access routes. The large number of personnel...

Aktuell Read 22.07.2026 13:31

Girondins Bordeaux Turn to CNOSF in Fight for National Competition Places

Bordeaux - 22 July 2026: Girondins de Bordeaux are not giving up their fight for a place in French national football. One week after their exclusion was confirmed by the DNCG appeals committee, the historic club has referred the matter to the Comité national olympique et sportif français (CNOSF). The move to the Olympic sports committee is the next stage in proceedings that will determine the club's sporting and financial future.The DNCG, French football's financial watchdog, excluded Bordeaux from all national competitions for the 2026/2027 season on 30 June 2026. The appeal against that ruling was unsuccessful on 15 July. The club, which once played...

Aktuell Read 22.07.2026 13:16

Bruno Le Maire reflects on his one-day attempt to return to the cabinet

Paris - 22 July 2026: In an interview broadcast on Wednesday, Bruno Le Maire again commented on his surprise appointment as defence minister in Sebastien Lecornu's first cabinet. The former economy and finance minister described the episode in retrospect as a reminder of a completely absurd moment. His appointment on 5 October 2025 placed additional strain within hours on an already unstable government formation process.Le Maire had left the government in September 2024 after seven years at the finance ministry and, according to his own statement at the time, withdrawn from day-to-day politics. His return came a year later amid particularly tense circumstances: Sebastien Lecornu had shortly beforehand been appointed prime minister and was expected to organise a viable majority in a deeply divided National Assembly.The Elysee Palace appointed Le Maire minister of state as well as minister of the armed forces and veterans. The change also had an institutional logic: Lecornu himself had led the defence ministry since 2022 and relinquished it when moving to Matignon. For the armed...

Aktuell Read 22.07.2026 13:00

RN Reports Hack on Party Website and Denies Data Leak

Paris - 22 July 2026: According to its MP Rassemblement National (RN) has been the target of a hack of its website. Tanguy said on Wednesday on broadcaster Franceinfo that data belonging to party members or candidates had not been exposed in the incident. The statement is therefore the party's first public account of the possible scope of the attack.The MP for Somme's fourth constituency and deputy chair of the RN group in the National Assembly placed the incident in the broader context of increasing digital attacks. Political parties, he argued, cannot secure their systems more effectively than public authorities secure their own digital infrastructure....

Aktuell Read 22.07.2026 12:45

Wildfire near Ponteves: 1,100 firefighters continue battling active hotspots

Ponteves - 22/07/2026: Smoke still hangs over the slopes of Gros Bessillon as firefighting helicopters drop water over the fire zone on Wednesday morning. The wildfire, which broke out around midday on Tuesday in the municipality of Ponteves, remains active, according to the Var prefecture. Emergency crews aim to bring the fire under lasting control during the day before less favorable weather conditions return on Thursday.According to the prefecture's 9 a.m. situation report, the fire has now affected around 2,500 hectares. During the night, falling temperatures and weakening winds enabled firefighters to significantly reduce its intensity and keep the blaze within its previous area of...

Aktuell Read