19.07.2026 00:32

US military reports seventh night of strikes against targets in Iran

Washington - 19.07.2026: According to its Central Command, the United States completed another wave of strikes against targets in Iran on Friday, July 17. The US military described it as the seventh consecutive night of operations. President Donald Trump had ordered the operation. The information was reported consistently by several international news agencies.According to US Central Command, the strikes targeted Iran's military capabilities. Facilities for coastal and maritime surveillance, air defense positions, logistical infrastructure, and underground weapons depots were cited. The US side said the objective was to limit Iran's ability to monitor or attack ships and other targets in the vicinity of the Strait of Hormuz.Independently verifiable details regarding all affected locations, the scale of the weapons used, and possible damage are not yet fully available. Information about the targets comes primarily from US military leadership. Iranian authorities reported explosions in several parts of the country on Friday and also reported damage to transport and energy infrastructure. A comprehensive official Iranian assessment was not initially released.The latest wave of strikes came amid heightened tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz. The strait between Iran and Oman is one of the most important routes for global energy trade. Following reports of Iranian attacks and US countermeasures, shipping traffic there has been significantly restricted. The confrontation therefore affects not only the states directly involved, but also regional trade and international energy supplies.Several states on the Persian Gulf have also recently been affected...

Aktuell Read 19.07.2026 00:16

Andy Burnham takes over Labour and becomes British Prime Minister

London - 19 July 2026: Andy Burnham is set to take office as British Prime Minister. The 56-year-old MP for Makerfield was officially declared leader of the governing Labour Party on Friday, 17 July. He is due to replace Keir Starmer at the head of the government on Monday, 20 July 2026. No general election is required because Labour continues to hold a parliamentary majority in the House of Commons.Burnham was the only validly nominated candidate for the party leadership. According to the Labour Party, he received the backing of 379 of the 403 Labour MPs in the House of Commons. This brought an unusually...

Aktuell Read 19.07.2026 00:03

Strait of Hormuz blocked again: US strikes on Iran worsen situation

Tehran - 18/07/2026: The Strait of Hormuz has again been largely blocked to regular commercial shipping after another night of American attacks on targets in Iran. Iranian authorities said the passage would remain closed until further notice. Several media outlets also report ongoing US military operations and a sharply deteriorating security situation in the Persian Gulf.The latest escalation follows seven nights of United States attacks against military targets in Iran. According to information available so far, Washington says the operations are intended to protect international shipping and contain Iranian attacks on commercial vessels. Tehran rejects this account and holds the American operations responsible for the...

Aktuell Read 18.07.2026 23:46

Tour de France: The Vosges Become a Steep Stage

Mulhouse - 18 July 2026: This Saturday, the Tour de France reaches the Vosges - and with them a landscape where even a friendly summer road can suddenly take on a resolute character. Stage 14 covers 155.3 kilometres from Mulhouse to Le Markstein-Fellering. Five categorised climbs compress the day into a mountain theatre, with a backdrop of dark forests, broad summits and narrow mountain roads.After the long, flatter days of the past week, this stage demands a different kind of focus from the riders. In the Vosges, the climbs are rarely monumental in the Alpine sense, but they follow one another with a persistence that needs no grand gesture. The route accumulates around 3,800 metres of elevation gain, offering scarcely any opportunity to hide behind one's own rhythm.The programme includes the Col du Page and the Col du Haag, which feature on the official route of the race for the first time in 2026. They are joined by traditional names such as the Ballon d'Alsace and the Grand Ballon. At...

Aktuell Read 18.07.2026 23:30

Camopi in French Guiana: Illegal gold mining continues to put pressure on Indigenous community

Camopi - 18 July 2026: The Indigenous community of Camopi in southeastern French Guiana continues to face considerable pressure from illegal gold mining and cross-border crime. A report published this week describes the situation on the border with Brazil as persistently tense. Residents report insecurity and restrictions on hunting, fishing and freedom of movement along the Oyapock River.Camopi is remotely located in the Amazon region and is difficult to access. The rivers are crucial for supplies and transport, but, according to local representatives, they also serve as routes for the logistics of illegal gold miners. The proximity to Brazil facilitates access to remote areas where government controls are particularly difficult to carry out.At the heart of the issue is illegal gold mining, which has for years been regarded in French Guiana as a security, environmental and health problem. Forest areas are damaged and rivers polluted in the process. For the residents of Camopi, this is not solely about protecting a natural area: the affected rivers and forest areas are the...

Aktuell Read 18.07.2026 23:17

Two US Soldiers Killed in Jordan, Another Missing

Azraq - 18 July 2026: Two US soldiers were killed in an Iranian missile and drone attack in Jordan. Another soldier is missing, according to US Central Command, CENTCOM. Washington made the information public on Saturday, 18 July. The attack reportedly occurred on Friday, 17 July, as American and allied forces intercepted ballistic missiles and drones.According to reports from the United States, Muwaffaq Salti Air Base near Azraq was hit, where US personnel and combat aircraft are stationed. CENTCOM initially released no names or further personal details about those killed. The command cited the protection of family members, who are to be informed first.Four additional...

Aktuell Read 18.07.2026 23:00

Fundraising campaign launched to rebuild the Fontainebleau Forest

Fontainebleau - 18 July 2026: A national fundraising campaign has been launched to rebuild the Fontainebleau Forest, which was severely damaged by fires. The Fondation du patrimoine is collecting funds together with the Office national des forêts, the city of Fontainebleau, the Seine-et-Marne Department and the Île-de-France Region for securing, restoring and later reforesting the affected areas.According to the Île-de-France Region, more than 2,000 hectares of the forest massif were destroyed. This corresponds to nearly ten percent of the area. The fires began on 12 July. The two fire zones are now under control, but have not yet been fully extinguished. Emergency services and security...

Aktuell Read 18.07.2026 22:47

Cuba’s Doctors Abroad Caught Between Washington and Havana

Polistena - 18 July 2026: At the hospital in the small southern Italian town of Polistena, the pressure often begins long before rounds. Specialist staff have been lacking on the wards for years, and emergency departments have at times been nearly impossible to staff. More than 200 Cuban doctors are now working in Calabria. For many patients in the region's remote communities, they are not a symbol of global politics, but the person who actually comes to examine them.Yet this very model is under growing political pressure. The United States government has long criticized Cuba's state-organized overseas deployments, accusing Havana of economically exploiting medical personnel....

Aktuell Read 18.07.2026 22:32

Ukrainian Drone Attacks Hit Logistics Centers Near Moscow

Kotowsk - 18 July 2026: A series of Ukrainian drone attacks on targets in Russia has killed at least eight people and injured more than 50 others, according to Russian authorities. The deadliest single incident occurred in Kotowsk in the Tambov region. A logistics center belonging to online retailer Wildberries was hit there, killing seven employees during the night shift.Tambov region Governor Yevgeny Pervyshov said that a further 25 people were injured in Kotowsk. The warehouse caught fire after the strike. Wildberries later said the fire had been extinguished. The casualty figures, the exact extent of the damage and the circumstances of the attack could...

Aktuell Read 18.07.2026 22:15

Lavender Harvest on the Valensole Plateau Begins Earlier Than Expected

Valensole - 18 July 2026: The lavender harvest on the Valensole Plateau in Alpes-de-Haute-Provence began earlier than usual this summer. Persistent warmth accelerated the plants' development, reducing the period during which the widely visible purple fields are in full bloom. The latest television report from the region draws attention to a crop that closely connects the landscape, agriculture and tourism of Provence.The Valensole Plateau is one of France's most important growing areas for lavender and lavandin. During the summer, the plants shape the fields and roadsides there before being cut and processed. They are used to produce essential oils, fragrance products and regional goods, among other things. Work on the farms is often continued by families across several generations, as the Franceinfo report on local businesses also highlights.The earlier harvest requires careful timing in agriculture. Once flowering is well advanced, the plants must be cut and taken for distillation within a short period. For the businesses, this is not only about the appearance of the fields, but also about the...

Aktuell Read 18.07.2026 22:02

Court of Auditors presses for cuts to EDF energy tariff for employees

Paris - 18/07/2026: France's Court of Auditors has described the preferential electricity and gas tariff available to employees and former employees of state energy group EDF as a disproportionate burden. In a report on the group's personnel policy published on Friday, the institution calls for a fundamental overhaul. The government is considering following this recommendation; unions in the electricity and gas industry have already announced their opposition.The so-called Tarif agent dates back to the nationalization of the French energy supply system in 1946. It applies not only to EDF, but to those entitled under the special employment status of the electricity and gas industry. The...

Aktuell Read 18.07.2026 21:46

Umih expects significant revenue losses in bars and restaurants after France’s semi-final exit

Paris - 18 July 2026: Following the French national football team's elimination in the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup, the hotel and restaurant association Umih expects a noticeable decline in revenue at bars and restaurants. According to its president, business volume could fall by around 30 percent due to France's absence from the final. The figure is an industry forecast, not official statistics.The matches played by the Equipe de France had generated exceptional nationwide interest in recent weeks. For many hospitality venues, the evening broadcasts provided an opportunity to welcome additional guests, prepare terraces and indoor areas for the matches, and adjust staffing levels....

Aktuell Read 18.07.2026 21:30

Mustard, Roquefort and Oyster: France’s Ice Cream Market Bets on Unusual Flavors

Paris - 18 July 2026: Mustard, Roquefort and oyster are among the most striking new flavors with which French ice cream producers and artisanal gelato makers aim to appeal to customers. A report by France 2's television news magazine on Saturday shows that the offering is increasingly moving away from the familiar classics of vanilla, chocolate and strawberry. Unusual ingredients are being presented as part of a broader search for new taste experiences.The economic backdrop is favorable: according to the industry organization Association des Entreprises des Glaces, the French ice cream market reached record sales of around 1.6 billion euros in 2025. This represented an increase of ten percent compared with the previous year. Industry representatives attribute the development not only to warm months, but also to a growing number of products, formats and occasions for consumption.Although savory ice cream varieties remain a niche segment, they can give greater visibility to regional products and artisanal production. An ice cream flavored with Roquefort refers to a protected French blue cheese, while mustard draws on well-known specialties from Burgundy. Oyster ice cream relies on a particularly strong surprise effect. Such creations are aimed primarily at consumers looking for tastings, local ingredients or unusual combinations.Innovation is not limited to small ice cream parlors. The retail range is also becoming broader, as current market reports show. Numerous new products have been announced for 2026. Alongside new flavors, smaller portion sizes, shareable formats and on-the-go...

Aktuell Read 18.07.2026 21:15

Hotels Are Once Again Targeting Families with Children

Paris - 18 July 2026: French hotels are increasingly adopting a family-friendly profile during the summer season. According to a Franceinfo report broadcast on Saturday, some establishments are explicitly tailoring their offerings to parents with children: play areas, age-appropriate leisure programmes, family-suitable rooms and organisational support are intended to make stays easier. The concept is marketed under the promotional slogan of a clear culture of welcoming children.This creates a counterpoint within the accommodation industry to establishments that market peace and an exclusively adult guest clientele as a particular mark of quality. The two models serve different expectations. While child-free offerings focus on retreat, wellness and...

Aktuell Read 18.07.2026 20:17

Panini Swap Meets Turn Collecting into a Team Effort

Paris - 18 July 2026: Stacks of duplicates lie on the table, alongside the album with its empty spaces. As the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States reaches its decisive phase, a familiar ritual is also entering its peak season in France: collectors meet to swap Panini stickers and fill their albums together.Demand is considerable. The official Panini collection for the 2026 World Cup comprises 980 stickers in a 112-page album. These include team pictures, federation logos, player portraits and 68 special stickers on premium material. The figure of 980 therefore does not refer to 980 footballers, but to the...

Aktuell Read 18.07.2026 20:01

Jubillar Case: Children’s Lawyers Call for Respect for Delphine Aussaguel

Albi - 18/07/2026: In a case that has been followed far beyond the Tarn department for years, the children of Delphine Aussaguel are once again at the center of attention. Their lawyers, Laurent Boguet and Malika Chmani, have called on the media and everyone close to the proceedings to respect the memory of their mother and protect the family from further distress.The appeal follows the latest search operations in the north of the Tarn department. Investigators found human bones in a field near Mailhoc on 16 July, after Cedric Jubillar reportedly led them to the site, according to media reports. The on-site investigation was concluded on 17 July. Forensic analysis is expected to determine whether the remains found can be attributed to Delphine Aussaguel.According to a statement, Boguet and Chmani criticize the way parts of the media have reported recent details, which they consider undignified. They are clearly not seeking to deny the public interest in a major criminal case. Their concern is directed at a narrative approach in which...

Aktuell Read 18.07.2026 19:45

Strong Solidarity with Firefighters During Wildfires in France

Fontainebleau - 18 July 2026: As France battles forest and vegetation fires in several regions, deployed firefighters are experiencing a major wave of support. Members of the public thank teams personally at operation sites, applaud them or offer practical assistance. According to reports by Franceinfo, the gestures range from providing equipment to supporting particularly exhausting operations.The solidarity comes at a time of intense pressure on the fire service. In the Fontainebleau region of Seine-et-Marne, around 800 firefighters were battling a major fire that had been ongoing since 12 July, according to the Gendarmerie. More than 2,000 hectares of forest were affected by the flames. Police and the Gendarmerie are securing access routes, protecting local residents and supporting operational command.Weather conditions also remain a decisive risk factor. On Saturday, Meteo-France warned of elevated to very high wildfire danger in the Mediterranean region and Corsica. Rising temperatures and dry air encourage new fires and can accelerate their spread. Authorities are therefore urging the public to comply with fire bans and immediately report...

Aktuell Read 18.07.2026 19:30

More disputes over rental cars: How customers can avoid costly additional charges

Paris - 18 July 2026: Complaints about rental car contracts and subsequent charges are increasing, according to a recent report by Franceinfo. Disputes arise particularly often when the vehicle is collected and returned: customers contest recorded scratches, object to high repair costs or receive additional invoices only after the rental has ended. Consumer advocates therefore advise documenting every step of the rental process in a traceable manner.The condition report at handover is crucial. Renters should inspect the bodywork, rims, windows, interior and fuel level together with the employee. Any existing damage must be clearly marked or described in the document. Additional photos and videos with...

Aktuell Read 18.07.2026 19:15

Bones Found in Jubillar Case: Investigators Await DNA Results

Mailhoc - 18 July 2026: In a remote field in the north of the Tarn department, a case that has gripped France for years has suddenly become very tangible again. According to judicial authorities, gendarmes found bones on 16 July at a location Cedric Jubillar had shown investigators. However, it has still not been confirmed whether the remains belong to Delphine Aussaguel.The site is located within the municipality of Mailhoc, near Cagnac-les-Mines, where Delphine Aussaguel and Cedric Jubillar lived. The on-site investigation was concluded on Friday, 17 July. The search focused on possible human remains and other evidence. Following the convicted man's new statements, the...

Aktuell Read 18.07.2026 19:00

Monaco: Investigators Release Video of Explosion

Monaco - 18/07/2026: Nearly three weeks after the explosion at the entrance to a residential building in Monaco, new evidence has been made public. Ukraine's Office of the Prosecutor General released a video lasting just under 40 seconds which, according to the office, documents the June 29 attack. It shows a person placing an object in the entrance area. Shortly afterward, an explosion shakes the image.According to investigators, the target was Ukrainian-born businessman Vadym Yermolaiev. His partner and her minor son were also injured. The family was deliberately targeted, the Monaco public prosecutor's office had already stated after the attack. No new officially confirmed details...

Aktuell Read 18.07.2026 18:47

Brazilian Court Bars Milei Visit to Bolsonaro

Brasilia - 18/07/2026: A planned visit with major political symbolism has been barred: Argentine President Javier Milei may not meet Jair Bolsonaro at his house arrest residence in Brasilia on July 25. Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes rejected a request from Bolsonaro's defense team. As a result, the former head of state remains shielded even during the announced Brazil visit by his close political ally.According to the Supreme Federal Court, STF, Bolsonaro is currently subject to stricter conditions. His visitation rights have been suspended for 30 days; ongoing medical and physiotherapy treatments as well as meetings with his lawyers are exempt. In addition,...

Aktuell Read 18.07.2026 18:16

Bacteria in Beach Sand: Why Researchers Are Also Examining the Ground

France - 18/07/2026: While the quality of bathing water is the main focus of monitoring during the summer, beach sand is now also receiving greater attention from researchers. A recent science report by Franceinfo explains that specialists are studying bacterial communities in sand samples. The ground at bathing sites is by no means sterile, but rather a habitat of its own with a wide variety of microorganisms.Research distinguishes between naturally occurring bacteria and germs that can reach the beach through animals, wastewater, rain runoff or human use. Microorganisms often find favorable conditions, particularly in the damp area between the waterline and dry sand. Their concentration can change significantly over short distances, which is why individual samples cannot readily be considered representative of an entire beach.However, detecting bacteria does not automatically mean there is a health risk. Scientists examine which species are present, in what quantities they occur, and whether they are considered potential pathogens. Health authorities point out that sand may contain fecal indicator bacteria, fungi, viruses or parasites, among...

Aktuell Read 18.07.2026 18:00

Spain expects the third heatwave of the summer from Tuesday

Madrid - 18/07/2026: Spain is preparing for a new spell of extreme heat. The state weather agency AEMET has announced the start of the third heatwave of this summer for Tuesday, 21 July. The event is expected to affect large parts of the country and, according to the current forecast, last at least until Thursday, 23 July. The south, east and interior of the country, as well as the Balearic Islands, would be particularly affected.According to the latest forecasts, temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius are expected in numerous regions. In the Guadalquivir Valley, southern Andalusia and parts of the Murcia region, values above 45 degrees...

Aktuell Read 18.07.2026 17:45

Edith Cresson retains state car with driver for longer, for the time being

Paris - 18 July 2026: Former French Prime Minister Edith Cresson continued to use her official car with driver even after the end of the previously unlimited arrangement. The Prime Minister's Office confirmed to Franceinfo that Cresson had been granted a seven-month transition period to implement the rules that have been in force since the beginning of the year. Mediapart had previously reported on the matter.The case concerns a reform adopted by decree in September 2025. It limits the provision of an official car and driver for former prime ministers to ten years after they leave office. For former heads of government whose terms of...

Aktuell Read