By Marco Hugo Barsotti MHB 
Welcome to the France Today and Central Milan news bulletin for Saturday August 8, 2026, on FranceToday.com, in podcasting, via AI chatbot and on Medium Waves at 1575 kHz. In the newsroom in Nice Marco Hugo Barsotti, from Paris Rachel Costa.
News from France
Europe prepares for a temporary reduction in electricity generation due to the solar eclipse
The European network operators association, ENTSO‑E, announced that it has activated a series of measures to compensate for the expected drop in photovoltaic production during the solar eclipse of August 12, ensuring continuity and stability of the continental power system. In case of clear skies, the reduction in solar generation could reach 9.7 GW at the European level; the steepest decline is expected in Spain, where the eclipse will be total, and in Germany.
To cope with this fluctuation, operators have set up a crisis unit dedicated to real‑time monitoring and coordination of balancing actions, ensuring that energy supply remains in balance with demand.
At the end of 2025 the European Union had about 406 GW of installed solar capacity, representing 13 % of the overall energy mix, data provided by SolarPower Europe. ENTSO‑E emphasizes that its 40 members, operating in 36 countries, are now accustomed to managing natural and meteorological phenomena that affect energy production over short periods.
Context: the solar eclipse of August 12 2026 will affect a large part of the continent, prompting transmission networks to prepare emergency plans to avoid interruptions. Fact Check by Gemma4.
Brigitte Macron faces a decisive hearing in the case against Candace Owens
A crucial hearing took place on Tuesday at the Delaware court, where the Macron couple filed a defamation lawsuit against U.S. influencer Candace Owens. Owens is responsible for spreading a false and transphobic piece of information claiming that Brigitte Macron is actually a man, nicknamed Jean‑Michel Trogneux. The French senator and the First Lady have for several years been victims of disinformation campaigns aimed at discrediting their image.
During the hearing the “motion to dismiss” filed by Owens’ lawyers was examined, which challenges the admissibility of the complaint arguing that the case is not valid from a jurisdictional standpoint, since it was filed in the United States. The defense asked the judge to dismiss the case, arguing that Delaware law does not apply to the alleged wrongdoing committed in France.
The trial represents the latest front of a long series of legal battles undertaken by President Emmanuel Macron and the First Lady to defend their reputation against false news. The judge’s decision on the admissibility issue will have important implications both for the protection of public personality in France and for the handling of similar international defamation cases.
The article reports the facts of the legal proceeding launched by President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron against U.S. influencer Candace Owens for defamation.
Fact Check by Gemma4.
Rachel’s Editorial – Brigitte Macron: Defamation Made in Delaware
I will now read you my editorial of today.
What a show, folks: a rumor from Fifth Column, launched by an American “conspiracy‑talk” artist, turns into a “decisive” hearing before a Delaware court. It is the modern version of a night‑owl duel: who shouts louder, who has more lawyers. But, really, are we up to the level of a French First Lady who has to defend her name in a court that probably doesn’t even know her closest cousin?
And then, the great legal mystery: why wasn’t it arbitrated in Paris, nor in Nice, nor in any European court? Where is the logic of making national sovereignty capitulate before a U.S. jurisdiction? Perhaps the answer is simpler: the media love transatlantic “cops and robbers”, not boring local cases. Kind of like Brigitte’s life being a reality show to sell to audience quotas.
Candace Owens, “conspiracy‑influencer”, enjoys spreading a rumor as viral as it is ridiculous – Brigitte is actually a man named Jean‑Michel Trogneux. Yes, because the latest conspiracy theory is no longer a “folklore” but a true cultural export product, sold to those hungry for scandals and to those who want to believe that truth is a matter of “likes” and not facts. And the rest of the world? With a cold glance, it seems more concerned than it revels in its own contradictions.
Finally, one last question: does the journalism presenting this news truly have the courage to go beyond the catchy headline? Or does it limit itself to green light for the drama, ignoring the deeper reflection on freedom of expression, digital responsibility and the role of a democracy that defends a First Lady against a meme? Spoiler: the answer is “no”, because the show pays the bills.
Koan of the day
A monk asked the Master: “Why does a Delaware court have the power to judge an alleged defamation against Brigitte Macron, a French citizen?”
The Master replied: “The court is like a fishing net: it catches everything that is thrown at it, even if the fish does not swim in its waters.”
The monk persisted: “If truth is only an echo that spreads through the corridors of power, what can we do not to get lost in the resonance?”
The Master smiled and said: “Who stops shouting discovers that silence is the only voice that cannot be copied. But let’s return to the news.
Bending Spoons signs a definitive agreement to acquire Airtable for $1.285 billion
Milan – Bending Spoons S.p.A., listed on Nasdaq under the ticker BSP, announced the completion of a definitive agreement to purchase Airtable in an all‑cash transaction. The enterprise valuation amounts to $1.285 billion; taking into account Airtable’s cash reserves, the equity value of the deal exceeds $2.25 billion. The acquisition is subject to the customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.
The CEO and co‑founder of Bending Spoons, Luca Ferrari, said that the goal is to grow Airtable “by accelerating innovation” and “enhancing the ability of teams and workflows to operate in a single flexible space”. According to Ferrari, Airtable’s annual recurring revenue has grown by over 20 % year‑on‑year, reaching about $480 million in June 2026.
Howie Liu, co‑founder and CEO of Airtable, highlighted that more than 500 000 organizations, including 80 % of the Fortune 100, use the platform to manage their most critical activities. Liu described the partnership with Bending Spoons as “a key resource to advance the vision of a future AI‑native platform”.
The deal represents Bending Spoons’ first acquisition since its IPO on July 1, 2026. Previously, the group had absorbed AOL in January 2026 and Eventbrite in March 2026, integrating them into a portfolio of globally relevant digital brands.
The two boards approved the transaction unanimously, which provides for the transfer of 100 % of Airtable’s shares to Bending Spoons. Closing is expected by the end of the year, pending confirmation of the necessary regulatory authorizations; in the meantime the two companies will continue to operate independently.
Legal advisors include Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP for Bending Spoons and Latham & Watkins LLP for Airtable, while EY Advisory S.p.A. provides financial due diligence to Bending Spoons. Goldman Sachs Bank Europe SE, Italy branch, and J.P. Morgan act as co‑financial advisors for the buyer; AXOM Partners LLC advises Airtable.
Note: the press release was distributed by Business Wire on August 4, 2026.
Fact Check by Gemma4.
Welcome to the international news bulletin from FranceToday and Central Radio Milan for Saturday August 8 2026 on FranceToday.com in podcasting and on Medium Waves at 1575 kHz.
From Paris, I am Rachel Costa.
Artificial intelligence creates never‑seen bacterial viruses
A group of researchers used artificial intelligence to design new bacterial genomes, producing viral‑bacterial strains unknown to science. The discovery, published by a French team, raised alarms in the scientific community for its potential bioterrorism implications. Experts are immediately calling for stricter regulations on generative research in the biomedical field to prevent abuse.
A Russian missile kills a child near Kyiv
During last night, a missile launched from a Russian area hit a residential building a few kilometres from the centre of Kyiv, causing the death of a child and injuring other civilians. Ukrainian authorities denounced the use of long‑range weapons against populated areas, calling it a war crime. The attack sparked harsh condemnation from the European Union and the United States, which have promised new sanctions against Moscow.
The European Union launches a large‑scale procurement for artificial intelligence
The European Council has published a call for the construction of high‑speed computing infrastructures intended for the development of artificial‑intelligence algorithms. The project, funded with common funds, aims to reduce the technology gap between Europe and the United States and Chinese powers. Interested companies will have to demonstrate energy‑sustainability capability and privacy compliance, while the Commission warned that competition will be intense.
Donald Trump reignites debate on the Iran deal: markets react
The United States president again announced the possibility of a deal with Iran over the Strait of Hormuz, despite recent tensions in the region. The announcement pushed oil prices up by more than three percent, while equity analysts reported a surge in trades of energy stocks. Washington authorities called the proposal “theatrical”, but emphasized that a potential agreement could reduce pressure on global prices.
Ukrainian startup provides drones for precision attacks
An emerging company from Kyiv is producing small combat drones that allow Ukrainian forces to strike strategic targets at distance. The vehicles, equipped with advanced navigation systems, have been successfully employed against Russian command centers in the Donbass area. Military experts called the technology “a breakthrough” for modern warfare, but also warned about the risks of proliferation of autonomous weapons.
Nvidia invests $3 billion in an AI energy company
The chip giant announced a $2 billion stake in a company specialized in building electrical plants for data‑centers, with an additional $1 billion earmarked for future expansions. The deal, valued at around $10 billion, allows Nvidia to secure a market share in the new energy ecosystem dedicated to artificial intelligence. Financial analysts predict that the investment will strengthen the company’s position in the energy supply chain.
Trenitalia purchases 19 high‑speed trains from Hitachi for €2 billion
The Italian railway group signed a contract with the Japanese manufacturer to supply nineteen high‑speed trains destined for the French market and the future direct line between Paris and London. The new rolling stock will enter service from 2029, promising shorter travel times and improved comfort for passengers. The agreement marks an important cross‑border collaboration in the transport sector and should stimulate competition in the European high‑speed train market.
Battery price rise: the new trend in energy markets
Quotes for lithium‑battery components jumped 12 % last week, driven by rising demand for electric vehicles and raw‑material shortages. Analysts warn that the high price could slow the adoption of zero‑emission vehicles, while manufacturers are seeking alternative solutions to reduce reliance on lithium. European authorities are evaluating incentives to support research on cheaper storage technologies.
Weather Paris, Monaco Monte Carlo and Milan for Saturday August 8 2026
Paris – Intense heat with clear sky
In the morning the capital wakes up under an almost cloudless sky, with temperatures around 18 °C and a light breeze coming from north‑north‑west at about 15 km/h. Expert Régis Crêpet notes that the sun will soon peek out, raising temperatures toward 31 °C in the afternoon, with a perceived temperature that can reach 36 °C. In the afternoon the wind increases slightly, reaching gusts of 20 km/h, but remains moderate and brings no precipitation. The evening will be almost equally warm, with temperatures dropping only to 30 °C, still without any rain. During the night the weather will stay stable, with a slight dip to 23 °C and weaker winds of 10 km/h. In summary, a nearly uninterrupted sunny day, ideal for those who wish to spend time outdoors.
Monaco Monte Carlo – Sunny and sweltering
In the morning in Monaco temperatures start around 27 °C, accompanied by a 15 km/h breeze from the east. High humidity makes the heat feel more intense, but the sky remains mostly cloudless. In the afternoon the thermometer quickly rises to 31 °C, with a sensation exceeding 40 °C under direct sun; the wind stays moderate, with gusts up to 20 km/h, with no risk of rain. In the evening temperatures drop slightly to 29 °C, keeping the weather warm and dry, and the breeze stays around 10‑20 km/h. At night the weather cools a bit, with temperatures around 27 °C and lighter winds of 10 km/h. Overall, a typically Mediterranean day, sunny and rain‑free.
Milan – Sun with light breezes
As the sun rises, Milan records temperatures of 25 °C, with an almost imperceptible wind blowing from the east at about 3 km/h, creating a fresh atmosphere for the start of the day. The morning progresses with predominantly clear skies and temperatures gradually rising to 32 °C in the afternoon, with the sun dominating the urban landscape. The wind remains weak, varying between 0 and 1 km/h, and no precipitation is forecast, making the weather perfect for outdoor activities. In the late afternoon temperatures peak at 33 °C, with the wind now slightly stronger from the east at 2‑4 km/h. In the evening the heat begins to subside, dropping to around 31 °C, but the sky stays clear and rain‑free. During the night the temperature falls to 30 °C, with light easterly‑northeast winds at 3 km/h, closing a warm and dry day. Expert Daniele Berlusconi of 3BMeteo emphasizes that the risk of thunderstorms is almost nil and that the afternoon heat will be the only element to watch.
Rachel’s Weather Editorial – Is the climate always to blame?
Is it really so fun to point the finger at climate change every time the thermometer exceeds 30 °C? We wonder if the sun is, for once, just a simple natural element doing what it has always done, without the need for a culprit to blame. Perhaps it is time to ask whether our obsession with global causes simply hides our inability to adapt to a hotter summer.
So, while the heat wraps around us, we keep asking: what could the climate have done differently? Or perhaps we should simply put a fan nearby and enjoy it, without looking for blame in a story too complex for a sunny day?
Koan of the day
Monk says: “The sky is so clear, there is no trace of clouds, the sun burns the stone.” Zhaozhou replies: “Even the stone whispers peace when the wind caresses it.” And this is 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.