News
Back to school allowance - About 3 million families will benefit from the back-to-school allowance today Wednesday 16th August, which is intended to support the most modest families in France. The aid is for parents of children aged 6 to 18. To benefit from the ARS, the annual resources of a family with a dependent child must not exceed 25,775 euros. Note that people who are not yet recipients must create a personal space on the CAF website to benefit from the ARS.
Fires in the Pyrenees-Orientale - More than five hundred hectares have been destoryed in a major fire in the Pyrenees-Orientale department in south-west France. Several hundred firefighters backed up by Canadair water bombing aircraft fought the blaze. About 3,000 people were evacuated from villages in the countryside near Perpignan. The fire has now been brought under control and extinguished.
Fire in Grasse – Meanwhile, a man in his forties detained on Monday, on suspicion of starting the serious fire in a building in Grasse at the weekend has been referred with the view to the opening of a judicial investigation. Three people died in the fire on the Place aux Aires in Grasse in the early hours of Sunday. According to the Grasse prosecutor, the man has confessed to "involuntarily" starting the fire by throwing a burning cigarette in the corridor at the entrance to the building.
Global Wealth Report - According to UBS's Global Wealth Report, France had more than 2.8 million millionaires in 2022 ranking third and passing for the first time ahead of Japan, Germany and the United Kingdom. A first since the financial crisis of 2008. The United States had 1.8 million fewer millionaires in 2022, while Japan lost 466,000, the United Kingdom 439,000, Australia 363,000, Germany 253,000. Contrary to the global trend, France stands out with a slight increase with 25 more millionaires in 2022. Other countries such as Norway (+104,000), Iran (+104,000) or Brazil (+120,000) have seen their number of millionaires grow.
Eiffel Tower - Two American tourists have been found sleeping near the top of the Eiffel Tower after drunkenly getting trapped in. Security guards are believed to have roused the men as they were making their rounds before the French landmark's 9am opening time. They 'appear to have got stuck because of how drunk they were,' according to French media.
Business
The Bank of Ireland and Irish police have issued warnings after technical issues led to reports that people could withdraw large sums from cash machines despite having little or no funds in their accounts. Pictures and videos shared on social media appear to show long queues outside machines in the Republic of Ireland. The bank said it had been experiencing faults with its mobile app and warned customers that any withdrawal of funds over normal limits will be taken from accounts. It said people should "not withdraw or transfer funds if they are likely to become overdrawn".
And - Russia has hiked interest rates to 12% after the rouble fell to its lowest value in 16 months. The currency fell past 100 per dollar on Monday, prompting Russia's central bank to hold an emergency meeting. The Bank of Russia said it decided to raise interest rates from 8.5% to curb inflation, which hit 4.4% in August.
Sport
Football - England and Australia are both hoping to make history by reaching the Women's World Cup final for the first time when they meet in Sydney today. Kick off is at midday French time.
Meanwhile Spain beat Sweden 2-1 in the other Semi-Final on Tuesday.
Cricket - Ben Stokes' return to the England one-day side for the defence of the World Cup will be confirmed today. Stokes, will come out of retirement to be named in a 15-man squad for a four-match series against New Zealand in September. Stokes was man of the match in the final when England won the World Cup for the first time in 2019.
Rugby - England captain Owen Farrell is clear to play in the Rugby World Cup after his red card in Saturday's warm-up with Wales at Twickenham was overturned.
Cycling - Former British Cycling and Team Sky chief doctor Richard Freeman has been banned from all sport for four years for violating anti-doping rules.
Weather
Sunny, highs of 28 degrees in Monaco, Nice and Saint-Tropez. 29 degrees in Cannes. 31 degrees in Vence. A moderate breeze. This evening going down to 19 degrees along the coast with clear skies.
The outlook for tomorrow and Friday remaining fine with highs of 29-30 degrees and a gentle breeze.
Sunrise 06.35am
Sunset 08.33pm
Beach Weather
Nice – Sea temperature 26 degrees. Air temperature 28 degrees. UV level 9.
Saint-Tropez - Sea temperature 26 degrees.. Air temperature 31 degrees. UV level 9.
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