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 editorial office in Nice Marco Hugo Barsotti, from Paris Rachel Costa.
News from France
Europe prepares for a temporary reduction in electricity production for 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 the continuity and stability of the continental power system. In clear‑sky conditions, the reduction in solar production could reach 9.7 GW across Europe; the sharpest 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 cell dedicated to real‑time monitoring and coordination of balancing actions, ensuring that energy supply stays in balance with demand.
By the end of 2025 the European Union had about 406 GW of installed solar capacity, equal to 13 % of the overall energy mix, data provided by SolarPower Europe. ENTSO‑E notes that its 40 members operating in 36 countries are now accustomed to handling natural and weather 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 put emergency plans in place to avoid outages. 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 claim that Brigitte Macron is actually a man, nicknamed Jean‑Michel Trogneux. The French senator and the first lady have been victims of disinformation campaigns for several years 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 by arguing that the case is not valid jurisdictionally, 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 in 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 admissibility will have important implications both for the protection of public personalities in France and for the handling of similar international defamation cases.
The article reports the facts of the legal proceedings 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’m reading you now my editorial for today.
What a show, folks: a rumor from Fifth Column, launched by a “conspiracy‑talk” American artist, turns into a “decisive” audience before a Delaware court. It’s the modern version of an owl‑firing duel: who shouts louder, who has more lawyers. But seriously, 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 any European court? Where’s the logic of letting 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 sold by audience quotas.
Candace Owens, “conspiracy influencer”, enjoys spreading a rumor as viral as it is ridiculous – Brigitte is supposedly a man named Jean‑Michel Trogneux. Yes, because the latest conspiracy theory is no longer a “folklore” story but a full‑blown cultural export product, sold to those hungry for scandals and to those who want to believe truth is a matter of “likes” rather than facts. And the rest of the world? With a cold stare, it seems more worried than it revels in its own contradictions.
Finally, one last question: does the journalism that brings us this news really have the courage to go beyond the catchy headline? Or does it merely give a green light to 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 insisted: “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 symbol BSP, announced the closing 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 holdings, the equity value of the deal exceeds $2.25 billion. The acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.
The CEO and co‑founder of Bending Spoons, Luca Ferrari, said the goal is to grow Airtable “by accelerating innovation” and “enhancing teams’ and workflows’ ability to operate in a single flexible space”. According to Ferrari, Airtable’s annual recurring revenue grew by more than 20 % year‑over‑year, reaching about $480 million in June 2026.
Howie Liu, co‑founder and CEO of Airtable, emphasized 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 year‑end, pending confirmation of the required 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 to 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 bulletin from FranceToday and Radio Central 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 bacterial viruses never seen before
A team of researchers used artificial intelligence to design new bacterial genomes, producing viral‑bacterial strains unknown to science. The discovery, published by a French team, set off alarms in the scientific community for its potential bioterrorism implications. Experts are immediately calling for stricter regulation of generative research in biomedicine to prevent abuse.
A Russian missile kills a child near Kiev
During last night, a missile launched from Russian‑controlled territory hit a residential building a few kilometres from central Kiev, causing the death of a child and injuring other civilians. Ukrainian authorities denounced the use of long‑range weapons against populated areas, labeling it a war crime. The attack prompted strong condemnation from the European Union and the United States, which promised new sanctions against Moscow.
The European Union launches a large‑scale AI procurement
The European Council published a tender for the creation of high‑speed computing infrastructures intended for AI algorithm development. The project, funded with common funds, aims to narrow the technological gap between Europe and the United States and China. Interested companies must demonstrate energy‑sustainability capabilities and privacy compliance, while the Commission warned that competition will be fierce.
Donald Trump reignites debate on the Iran deal: markets react
The United States president again announced the possibility of an agreement with Iran over the Strait of Hormuz, despite recent regional tensions. The announcement pushed oil prices up more than three percent, while equity analysts noted a surge in trading of energy stocks. Washington authorities called the proposal “theatrical”, but emphasized that a potential deal could ease pressure on global prices.
Ukrainian startup provides drones for precision attacks
An emerging company in Kiev 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 used against Russian command centers in the Donbas area. Military experts called the technology “a breakthrough” for modern warfare, but also warned about the risks of autonomous weapon proliferation.
Nvidia invests $3 billion in an AI energy company
The chip giant announced a $2 billion stake in a company specialized in building power 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 emerging AI‑dedicated energy ecosystem. Financial analysts predict the investment will strengthen the company’s position in the energy supply chain.
Trenitalia buys 19 high‑speed trains from Hitachi for €2 billion
The Italian railway group signed a contract with the Japanese manufacturer for the supply of nineteen high‑speed trains destined for the French market and the future direct line between Paris and London. The new sets will enter service from 2029, promising reduced travel times and improved passenger comfort. The agreement marks an important cross‑border collaboration in the transport sector and should stimulate competition in the European high‑speed rail 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 rollout of zero‑emission vehicles, while manufacturers seek alternative solutions to reduce lithium dependence. European authorities are considering 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 under an almost cloudless sky, with temperatures around 18 °C and a light breeze from the north‑north‑west at about 15 km/h. Expert Régis Crêpet notes that the sun will soon peek out, raising temperatures to about 31 °C in the afternoon, with a heat index that can reach 36 °C. In the afternoon the wind picks up slightly, reaching gusts of 20 km/h, but remains moderate and brings no precipitation. The evening will be almost equally hot, with temperatures dropping only to 30 °C, still without rain. During the night the climate will stay stable, with a slight dip to 23 °C and weaker winds of 10 km/h. In short, a day of almost uninterrupted sunshine, ideal for outdoor activities.
Monaco Monte Carlo – Sunny and sultry
The morning in Monaco starts with temperatures around 27 °C, accompanied by an east‑coming breeze of 15 km/h. High humidity makes the heat feel more intense, but the sky remains mostly clear. In the afternoon the thermometer climbs quickly to 31 °C, with a sensation exceeding 40 °C under direct sun; the wind stays moderate, with gusts up to 20 km/h, and no risk of rain. In the evening temperatures drop slightly to 29 °C, keeping the climate warm and dry, and the breeze remains around 10‑20 km/h. At night the weather eases a bit, with temperatures near 27 °C and lighter winds of 10 km/h. Overall, a typically Mediterranean day, sunny and rain‑free.
Milan – Sun with light breezes
At sunrise Milan records 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 continues with mostly clear skies and temperatures gradually climbing to 32 °C in the afternoon, with the sun dominating the urban landscape. The wind stays 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 fade, dropping to about 31 °C, but the sky remains clear and rain‑free. During the night the temperature falls to 30 °C, with light east‑northeast winds at 3 km/h, closing a warm and dry day. Expert Daniele Berlusconi of 3BMeteo notes 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 entertaining to point the finger at climate change every time the thermometer climbs above 30 °C? We wonder whether the sun is, for once, just a natural element doing what it has always done, without a culprit to blame. Perhaps it’s time to ask whether our obsession with global causes simply hides our inability to adapt to a hotter summer.
And so, while the heat envelopes us, we keep asking: what could the climate have done differently? Or should we simply put a fan nearby and enjoy it, without hunting for fault 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 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.