By Marco Hugo Barsotti MHB 
Welcome to am1575news, the bulletin of France24 and Radio Centrale Milano for Thursday 03 September 2026 in podcasting, on the medium waves and on franciaoggi.com. In the editorial office in Nice Marco Hugo Barsotti, from Paris Rachel Costa.
News from France
Helena Noguerra denounces the loss of anonymity after accusing Patrick Bruel of sexual assault
Helena Noguerra, Belgian singer and sister of Lio, is one of the many women who have denounced singer Patrick Bruel for alleged sexual violence. Initially she gave her testimony anonymously to the police and handed it over to a column published on Mediapart under the pseudonym “Cécile”. Wednesday 2 September her identity was revealed by two newspapers, Paris Match and RTL, which published the details of her story, exposing her name and image.
Noguerra reacted on social media asserting that “someone sold her testimony to the press” and called the dissemination of her story “a shame”. In the same statement she emphasized that, although she wanted to help other women speak, the revelation of her name undermines the protection offered by justice to those who dare to report. According to the singer, justice “does not protect us when we speak, nor when we choose to remain anonymous”.
Even Noguerra’s lawyer, Jade Dousselin, condemned the journalists’ decision, recalling that several other victims in the case expressly requested anonymity. She warned that the loss of confidentiality could discourage further testimonies and increase the anxiety of the complainants.
Meanwhile, Patrick Bruel, currently under investigation in four criminal proceedings for sexual violence, has cancelled his tour, citing “the need to appease feelings”. The artist reaffirmed his innocence, arguing that the cancellation does not constitute an admission of guilt.
The episode highlights the tension between the need to protect victims of sexual abuse and the media pressure to disclose sensitive information, fueling a debate on journalistic responsibility in criminal complaint cases.
Source: franceinfo, 02/09/2026
Fact Check by Gemma4.
Elevators in France: missing parts, pending repairs and overpricing put pressure on the market
In France about 1.5 million elevator failures are recorded each year, a figure that underlines the seriousness of a now‑saturated sector afflicted by growing obsolescence. Four large groups – the American Otis, the German TKE, the Finnish Kone and the Swiss Schindler – control almost 80 % of turnover, handling not only manufacturing and installation but especially maintenance, their main source of profit.
The case of a 76‑year‑old pensioner, forced to take the stairs to reach the fourth floor, is emblematic. The elevator of her building, installed more than forty years ago – the average age of a quarter of the national fleet – has been out of service for several weeks. “It’s our daily reality for days. We have to think about what to bring to the floor, otherwise we risk forgetting something,” the woman says, describing the situation as “a bit useless”.
Another resident reports that the device on the sixth floor has not worked for months and that interventions by Kone, the assigned elevator technician, consist of declaring a missing component that must be ordered, without providing certainty about the actual availability of the part. Union‑representative vice‑president Nicolas Benistan highlighted that owners have incurred a cost of €2 616 for the replacement of a door, without seeing concrete improvements.
Kone explained that its warehouse contains about 50 000 spare parts, many of them refurbished because they are no longer produced from scratch. The company claims to resolve most failures within 48 hours, but admits that the age of the installations makes it difficult to source components for forty‑year‑old devices. “We often have to find alternative solutions, which can lengthen response times,” said Karim Maandi, Kone supervisor.
Technicians’ testimonies confirm growing pressure on staff. Adrien Pettré, a Schindler technician of 17 years, reports that operators must complete an ever‑increasing number of tasks within tight deadlines, fearing that haste may cause critical checks to be overlooked and increase the risk of accidents.
Complicating the picture further, overpricing practices and unnecessary work are emerging. Some professionals have reported inflated estimates, jumping from €1 500 to invoices of €5 000 without justification. In one case, a building owner discovered that the brakes presented for replacement did not match those of the property but belonged to another elevator. The technician did not accept responsibility but agreed to refund a year of maintenance and to terminate the contract in exchange for the tenants’ silence.
According to the economic research institute Xerfi, the value of the French elevator market exceeds €3 billion (2024). With 25 % of the national fleet over 40 years old and a persistent shortage of spare parts, prospects for improvement appear limited until more transparent policies and greater competition in maintenance are adopted.
Source: France 2, 01/09/2026
Fact Check by Gemma4.
Editorial by Rachel – Chained Elevators: the high‑altitude circus
Who has never dreamed of doing an urban trek up the stairs of their own home, thanks to an elevator that decides to retire at forty? It’s the new fashionable sport for the over‑seventy, but in the franceinfo coverage it almost sounds like a Pinocchio tale: “I’m not lying, the elevator broke!” Yet, the ones telling us these stories are a network of four giants that, like unicorns, are the only legitimate way to make us believe that the only “floor” possible is theirs – their profits.
The piece talks about “over‑facturing” and “parts impossible to find”, but no concrete data, no names of these “fake estimates” from a thousand euros to five. It’s easier to find logic in a DIY manual than in the figures of a three‑billion‑euro market dominated by Otis, TKE, Kone and Schindler. “A contract that costs €160 a year and does not cover repairs” sounds more like a horror story for condominium managers than verified news.
And then, the months‑long wait for an elevator door that should show the way neither better nor worse: “the age of the device”, says the Kone manager, as if old age were a legal excuse. Since the spare‑parts shop has 50 000 pieces, many of them “re‑mounted”, shouldn’t we perhaps ask: why not design elevators with standardized, long‑life parts? Or maybe it’s easier for multinationals to sell the fear of a “collapse” and pocket the “helm” of maintenance.
Finally, the press seems more interested in the drama of the seventy‑six‑year‑old lady than in the roots of the crisis: an oligopolistic market that self‑regulates with long‑term contracts, five‑year checks and a “complicit silence” when fraud emerges. If real journalism were about digging where the fingers poke, here we face a neon‑lit tower that hides the cracks of reality. And we, steadfast viewers, keep pressing the “call assistance” button hoping to hear the melody of an elevator that perhaps will never arrive.
Koan of the day
Monk: Master, when an elevator remains stopped for months and the cause is the absence of a part that is no longer manufactured, who is truly at fault?
Master: No one is at fault; it is the current of time that decides which parts deserve to exist, and men pay the ticket for the journey that never departs.
Monk: Then, how can a condominium find peace if the repair market is a maze of inflated offers and broken promises?
Master: When the silence of a halted elevator weighs more than any invoice, the true repair happens in the awareness of those who decide to take the stairs without complaining.
And back to the news.
Small businesses in alarm at Matignon: “they could close”
French small‑business owners met the Prime Minister at Matignon to denounce a growing fragility threatening artisans, merchants and self‑employed professionals. The Union of Proximity Enterprises (U2P), which represents about 3.5 million managers and nearly six million employees, highlighted the rise in payment cessations: in the second quarter 2026, 17 486 collective procedures were initiated, a 5.4 % increase over the previous year, while since the start of the year about 37 700 bankruptcies have been recorded. Micro‑enterprises are the most affected, with a 9.5 % jump in insolvencies by February and a surpassing of 70 % of the 2010‑2019 historic average, according to the Banque de France data.
The main concern of U2P concerns the mandatory introduction of electronic invoicing, which has been in force since 1 September 2022 for VAT‑registered companies, with a planned extension to SMEs, very small enterprises (TPE) and micro‑enterprises from 1 September 2027. The association warns that a poorly prepared imposition could force many small firms to “lock the door” and calls for “sustained and benevolent” support to ease the transition.
The government confirmed the promise not to increase the tax burden on businesses compared to 2025, responding to one of U2P’s key requests. In return, the employer group proposes cutting public and social spending to rebalance the accounts, supports maintaining apprenticeship aid and urges a review of the new rules on work‑pension cumulation and the regime for collaborating spouses, deemed excessively burdensome.
After the meeting, U2P president Michel Picon awaits that the “constructive dialogue” translates into concrete decisions aimed at safeguarding the continuity of proximity activities.
Source: BFM Business, 2 September 2026
Fact Check by Gemma4.
Vittoria de Savoie: rare confidences about her private life and new film projects
At 22, actress Vittoria de Savoie is preparing for a major turn in her career: on 18 September she will premiere on Prime Video the romance “Toi + Moi, seuls contre tous”, in which she plays Alma, a university student dealing with her first romantic experiences. The interview granted to Gala on the occasion of issue 1734, Thursday 3 September, was marked by surprising honesty about desires, love expectations and the role of her heroine.
Vittoria stressed the awareness of having to build a personal path, beyond the family name. “More than public judgment, I fear being reduced to titles and my ancestry,” she said, highlighting the desire to be recognised for talent rather than lineage.
In the film, Alma falls for a rebellious “bad boy”, a dynamic that also mirrors Vittoria’s early attractions. “As a child I had the same tendency toward transgressive boys,” she admitted, explaining that the fascination stemmed from a desire to “save the other, make them change”. With experience, however, her priorities have shifted: now she seeks a relationship based on friendship, sharing and common interests, rather than tumultuous passions. When asked if she was currently in love, she answered plainly: “No, I’m a heart to be taken.”
Just days earlier, on 6 July, during the “Elle Summer Party” organized by Prime Video at the Noti Club in Paris, Vittoria was seen alongside co‑star Lucas Barski, but she confirmed that their relationship is purely professional. Her rock look – chocolate‑colored hair, leather jacket and Rolling Stones T‑shirt – recalled her mother’s style, actress Clotilde Courau, while maintaining an autonomous identity.
Vittoria de Savoie, the elder daughter of Clotilde Courau and entrepreneur Emmanuel‑Philibert de Savoie, expressed the goal of letting her work speak, knowing the surname will open doors but also demanding she stand out. “Play, learn, progress and let time run” are the principles guiding her new cinematic adventure.
Source: Gala, 2 September 2026
Fact Check by Gemma4.
Welcome to the international bulletin from FranceToday and Radio Centrale Milano for Thursday 03 September 2026 on FranceToday.com in podcasting and on the Medium Waves at 1575 kHz.
From Paris, Rachel Costa.
Cyber‑attack makes French Ministry of Ecological Transition websites inaccessible
A massive cyber‑attack hit several government portals linked to the Ministry of Ecological Transition. Pages dedicated to public consultations and various regional services displayed the message “Maintenance in progress”, preventing users from accessing information. Authorities have activated response teams to contain the threat and restore services as quickly as possible. Experts underline the growing risk of attacks on critical systems, especially during a transition to cleaner energy sources.
Iranian attacks on Kuwait: US warns the conflict won’t last long
Kuwaiti armed forces recorded missile and drone launches from Iran, with damage reported in several coastal locations. The White House spokesperson said the United States is closely monitoring the situation and does not anticipate a prolonged escalation. Kuwait’s oil minister confirmed that oil flow through the Strait of Hormuz will not suffer significant interruptions. The event reignites tensions in the Persian Gulf, already heated by recent trade disputes.
The Netherlands transfers 86 tonnes of gold to London for greater security
The Dutch central bank moved a substantial gold reserve, amounting to 86 tonnes, from its US and Canadian branches to a London vault. The decision was motivated by concerns over geopolitical instability and the desire for quicker access to reserves in case of crisis. The move follows a similar operation by the Bank of France, which transferred its gold coins to Paris. Financial analysts warn that these relocations could signal a new trend of diversifying international reserves.
EU tightens sanctions on Russia after drone attack on Leipzig
European authorities announced further commercial restrictions against Russia following a drone attack on Leipzig airport, attributed to Russian groups. The EU spokesperson emphasized the need for a coordinated response to protect the continent’s air security. The new measures include blocking certain critical technologies and expanding existing financial sanctions. The decision comes as tensions between Moscow and the West remain high after recent military activities in the region.
South Korean semiconductor exports triple, raising excess‑supply fears
According to official data, South Korean chip exports have tripled compared with the same period last year. The rapid sector growth has sparked concerns about global reliance on these components, especially in technology and automotive sectors. The South Korean government is assessing measures to ensure fair distribution and mitigate possible bottlenecks in the supply chain. Analysts recommend close monitoring to avoid market shocks.
Hilton sees India as the most promising tourism market in Asia
Hospitality group Hilton stated that India represents the most dynamic market for travel growth in Asia. The executive responsible for global strategy highlighted rising domestic demand, a growing middle class and infrastructure investments as key factors. Hilton plans to open numerous new hotels in major Indian cities in the coming years, focusing on a diversified offering to attract both business travelers and tourists. Market observers believe the expansion could further boost the local hotel industry.
OpenAI reveals a secret technique in Astra model, fueling safety concerns
A team of journalists discovered that OpenAI’s Astra language model uses a proprietary procedure to optimise text generation, raising worries among cybersecurity experts. The technique would allow the model to significantly reduce token consumption, but could also facilitate the creation of deceptive or manipulative content. OpenAI replied that it is evaluating the ethical implications and will continue to cooperate with regulatory authorities. The case reignites the debate on the need for stricter guidelines for AI development.
Weather Paris, Monaco Monte Carlo and Milan for Thursday 03 September 2026
Paris – a partly sunny day with variable temperatures
In the Parisian morning the sky opens slightly above 18 °C, a north‑west breeze around 10 km/h and no raindrops yet.
In the afternoon the sun takes over the capital bringing the thermometer to 26 °C, the wind strengthens to 15 km/h from the south‑west and humidity stays low, with no rain in sight.
Towards evening temperatures drop to 24 °C, clouds return to pepper the sky but do not forecast precipitation; the wind remains moderate at 15 km/h, refreshing the air.
At night the city wraps itself in a delicate veil of light clouds, with 21 °C, calm wind around 15 km/h and a dry sky.
The whole day is characterised by a total absence of rain and comfortable conditions for those who want to stroll along the Seine.
As expert Régis Crêpet reminds, the weather will be stable and pleasant throughout the day.
Monaco Monte Carlo – blazing sun and sweltering‑mid temperatures
The morning in Monte Carlo wakes up with an almost clear sky, 22 °C and a light 15 km/h breeze from the east, with no sign of rain.
Late morning temperatures rise to 24 °C, the sun shines high over the Principality and the wind stays calm, keeping the atmosphere dry.
In the afternoon the thermometer reaches 29 °C, the sun is nearly total and the wind is 10 km/h from the north‑east, with a very high UV index but no chance of showers.
At sunset temperatures fall to 27 °C, a few high clouds approach but bring no rain, the wind eases again to 10 km/h.
The night is serene with 24 °C, wind of 10 km/h and a sky free of precipitation, ideal for a promenade along the waterfront.
Conditions remain dry and steady, with dominant sunshine all day.
Milan – intense heat with clear sky and light breezes
The Milanese morning welcomes the sun at 23 °C, virtually no wind from the north‑east, an ideal condition for outdoor activities without fear of rain.
During the morning the temperature gradually climbs to 24 °C, the wind stays calm at 2 km/h and the sky remains mostly clear.
In the afternoon the thermometer hits 33 °C, the sun shines uninterrupted, the light east wind is around 3 km/h and there is no trace of precipitation.
Towards evening temperatures drop to 27 °C, the wind becomes more noticeable from the west at 6 km/h, but the sky stays free of threatening clouds.
At night the city envelops itself in 27 °C, wind of 3 km/h from the north‑west, with no rain, ensuring a comfortable rest.
According to expert Daniele Berlusconi of 3BMeteo, the climate will be stable, hot and dry, with weak winds all day.
Weather Editorial by Rachel – When climate change becomes the universal culprit
It’s truly astonishing how every small temperature shift is immediately blamed on the great master of chaos, climate change. One can really wonder whether a slightly cooler morning breeze can become the definitive proof of global warming, or whether a fleeting storm in a coastal city is truly a signal of an imminent meteorological apocalypse.
Yet, while journalists cling to every drop of rain to cite it, we ask ourselves: is it really necessary to turn every event into a catastrophic warning? Or perhaps, sometimes, the weather is simply what it is, without the need to dramatise each cloud as if it were an end‑of‑the‑world prophecy?
Koan of the day
Un monk asked: “What shape does time have today?”
Zhaozhou replied: “Time is like the emptiness of the sky, without shape.”
The monk responded: “Then why does the wind blow and the sun burn?”
Zhaozhou concluded: “Because the wind and the sun are the very expression of emptiness.”
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.