By Marco Hugo Barsotti MHB 
Welcome to am1575news, the bulletin of Francia24 and Radio Centrale Milano for Saturday August 22, 2026 in podcasting, on the medium wave and on franciaoggi.com. In the newsroom in Nice Marco Hugo Barsotti, from Paris Rachel Costa.
News from France
The government abandons the doubling of the medical co‑pay ceiling, opting for an inflation adjustment
The Health Minister, Stéphanie Rist, announced that the plan to double the annual ceiling of health co‑payments – from €100 to €200 – will be suspended with immediate effect. The decision, communicated on August 20 in the pages of Figaro, comes after harsh criticism from patient associations, doctors’ unions and health watchdog organisations, which had called the measure “a monumental error” and an unfair burden for those suffering from chronic illnesses.
However, the government does not abandon the whole initiative. Rist explained that the ceiling, introduced in 2005, has not been updated to keep pace with price movements. The new proposal therefore foresees an increase linked to inflation, more modest than the originally planned doubling. The exact amount has not yet been indicated; according to some observers, the adjustment could raise the limit from about €50 to €67, reflecting inflation accumulated since 2005.
The debate on the issue goes back to 2024, when the government had already raised the drug co‑payment from €0.50 to €1, generating an additional revenue of €820 million for the State according to the Court of Auditors. In 2025, the François Bayrou government re‑introduced the issue before retracting it. The following summer, the Lecornu government relaunched the extension with the aim of saving on the Social Security budget, in view of deficits exceeding €21 billion.
The reactions have not subsided: PS deputy Jérôme Guedj called the possible correction “unacceptable”; Unsa Salute labelled “a double‑deception game” the calculation based on inflation since 2005; the CGT demanded a total abandonment of co‑payments. Patient associations, such as the French Multiple Sclerosis Association, also welcomed the cancellation of the doubling, but expressed concerns about a possible new increase, especially for heavily followed patients.
In summary, the government intends to reform medical co‑payments with an inflation adjustment, deemed more “fair and understandable”, but the measure remains contested and subject to further debate before any implementation.
Franceinfo, August 21 2026
Fact Check by Gemma4.
The current heat wave becomes the longest ever recorded in France, equal to that of July 1983
France is experiencing an unprecedented heat wave: 23 consecutive days of high temperatures across much of the territory have matched the duration of the July 1983 heat wave, according to data from Météo‑France. The National Thermal Index (ITN), the average temperature across 30 reference stations, stood at 24.7 °C yesterday.
In 2026 the national weather service recorded three distinct heat waves: 14 days in June, 16 days in July and, from the end of July, the current 23‑day spell. Between the first and second wave there were three days of pause, while between the second and third wave there were eight cooler days.
At present, no region is under orange heat‑wave watch, but five departments – Ardèche, Isère, Drôme, Var and Alpes‑Maritimes – have been placed under orange watch for thunderstorms. From Friday morning the two Corsican departments will also be included in that alert.
This wave has already surpassed in length those of July 2006 and 2003. If it continues through Friday August 21, it will become the longest recorded since 1947, the year systematic observations began. Summer 2026 thus becomes the year with the most extreme‑heat days since the mid‑20th century.
franceinfo, August 20 2026
Fact Check by Gemma4.
Rachel’s Editorial – When the Thermometer Makes More News Than Parliament
I’m now reading you my editorial of today.
The press announces with the enthusiasm of an ice‑cream vendor that France is experiencing a record heat wave, 23 days of scorching sun and an ITN hovering around 25 degrees. But is it really a “record”? Since when do we measure? Since 1947, when the first thermometers were more nervous than a mother‑in‑law on a visit. Yet journalism keeps typing “longer than that of 1983” as if it were a war medal, without asking whether our climate has decided to do its own personal Tour de France.
And there’s a detail nobody seems to have noticed: if this is the “longest ever recorded” wave, why compare it immediately to that of 1983? Either it’s a record, or it’s equal to another — it cannot be both at the same time. And if in 1983 there was already a comparable heat wave, one has to wonder: was global warming already underway then? Or were we going through a period of global cooling that no one ever warned us about? The narrative, when you do the math, doesn’t hold up — and apparently the newsroom didn’t even notice.
We ask instead where the question went about what this wave really costs us: excess deaths, forest fires, dry agriculture. The number of deaths is mentioned in a secondary link, but the main article ignores it as if temperature were the only villain of history. It’s like a superhero movie showing only the villain and forgetting to introduce the protagonist, i.e., our inability to cut emissions.
And then the false reassurance: “no department is on heat‑wave alert any longer,” but five regions are on thunderstorm alert for the oragi. It’s like telling a patient that the tumor has disappeared, but forgetting to mention that the surgery was canceled. Weather authorities play around with variable warnings, but the real alert should be aimed at politicians who keep talking about “transition énergétique” while consumers’ pockets heat up.
Finally, the most uncomfortable question: who is responsible for this record? Is it nature rebelling, our poor water‑management capacity, or journalism that prefers big numbers over a utilitarian message? If we can’t even distinguish a heat wave from a thunderstorm alert, how can we hope to understand the climatic future? Perhaps it’s time to abandon the “record‑peak” news and move to “concrete solutions,” before the thermometer closes the door on us for good.
Koan of the Day
Monk: Master, why do people rejoice when they hear about the longest heat wave in history?
Master: Because novelty is a fire that warms the soul, while the real trouble is a silent burn that occurs in forgotten fields.
Monk: Then, what should be our task in the face of these record temperatures?
Master: Our task is to learn to extinguish the fire inside ourselves before the world does it outside, because a candle burned too long no longer illuminates, but consumes the darkness itself.
But let’s get back to the news.
12‑hour delay: passengers of a Hendaye‑Paris train stranded after a catenary break
A high‑speed train linking Hendaye in the Basque Country with Paris suffered a delay of more than twelve hours due to a catenary break caused by a lightning strike. The train, which left Hendaye at 16:00 with an expected arrival in Paris at 21:00, was halted about one kilometre beyond Dax station, around 17:15, when the overhead line gave way under the meteorological impact. The Gironde department was, in fact, on the eve of a yellow thunderstorm alert.
Passengers were confined on board for almost five hours, with scarce communication from staff. After about two hours of standing, a transfer was made to another 600‑seat TGV, where roughly 500 travellers were moved, creating a noticeably crowded situation. Firefighters intervened on board, including the evacuation of a pregnant woman experiencing contractions.
Arriving in Dax in the evening, travellers had to decide whether to wait there or continue toward Bordeaux and then on to Paris. Only in the middle of the night was it possible to change trains and reach Bordeaux‑Saint‑Jean around 02:00. Meanwhile, other scheduled services, including an Ouigo scheduled for 17:57 from Hendaye, were cancelled, and a direct train from Tarbes was also halted at Morcenx‑Nouvelle, arriving in Bordeaux only at 04:00.
In Bordeaux passengers reported poor accommodation management: initial information indicated the possibility of temporary lodging, but on site they were told to spend the night on the train. Only bottles of water and basic snacks were distributed, while SNCF offered “night kits” and opened the “Grand Voyageurs lounge” for those who wished to wait in more comfortable conditions.
The new connection to Paris departed at 05:18, with an expected arrival at Montparnasse at 08:40. Some passengers then continued on later trains at 06:00 and 07:00. The SNCF Voyageurs division expressed regret for the disruptions and announced an exceptional compensation of 200 % of the ticket price.
BFMTV, August 21 2026
Fact Check by Gemma4.
Vanessa Paradis’s childhood home up for auction
The complex called “Sources”, a former mill owned by Vanessa Paradis’s parents in Seine‑et‑Marne, will be auctioned on February 5 2026 with a base price of €900 000. Sold in 2015 to developer SFP2, then placed into judicial liquidation, the site is now in a state of abandonment: vegetation has overrun the entire property and the interiors have been occupied and damaged by squatters. Lawyer Éric Assouline of the Ethic All firm handling the sale declared that “it has been abandoned for years and is in a dreadful condition.”
The estate, spanning five hectares and comprising seven springs, once housed a bar‑café, a restaurant and an event hall. Fifteen years ago the property was valued at over €2 million; the municipality, hoping for future renovation, had rejected a previous offer deemed too costly.
The auction could drive the final price down should no buyer submit an initial bid. At the same time, other high‑value properties have been put up for auction, such as a nine‑hectare plot on the Cap Ferret peninsula, listed for sale starting at €3 million.
Capital, August 22 2026
Fact Check by Gemma4.
Welcome to the international news bulletin from FranceToday and Radio Centrale Milano for Saturday August 22 2026 on FranceToday.com in podcasting and on Medium Wave at 1575 kHz.
From Paris, this is Rachel Costa.
Russia intensifies naval attacks in the Black Sea
Russian armed forces have increased the frequency and sophistication of their attacks in the Black Sea area, aiming to disrupt Ukrainian commercial routes. More advanced drones and long‑range missiles have been deployed to jeopardize the safety of cargo ships carrying grain and other goods vital to the global economy. Kyiv has strengthened its coastal defenses, but Russian pressure remains high, signalling a new phase in the air‑sea war.
The escalation has raised concern among Ukraine’s allies, who fear a blockade of food supplies to Europe and the Middle East. International authorities are weighing response measures, including the deployment of additional anti‑drone defense systems and the adoption of alternative routes to ensure the continuity of maritime trade.
Russian missile attack kills two civilians in Ukraine
A missile strike launched by Russia caused the death of two people in the city of Kryvyi Rih, while bomb residues hit civilian infrastructure. Military experts attribute the action to a strategy of escalating pressure intended to weaken the resilience of the Ukrainian population. Local authorities have opened investigations to identify those responsible and assess further damage.
The event sparked condemnation from several European nations, which called on Moscow to respect international humanitarian law. Meanwhile, humanitarian organisations have intensified efforts to provide assistance to the affected communities, fearing that the violence could spread further.
U.S. public debt exceeds $40 trillion
The U.S. Treasury announced that the national debt has surpassed the $40 trillion threshold for the first time, reaching a level equal to 125 % of GDP. The rise has been driven by a combination of defence spending, social programmes and interest on previous borrowings. Economists warn that such growth could limit the government’s ability to intervene in future crises.
Market analysts highlighted the potential impact on interest rates and currency value, while investors closely monitor rating‑agency reactions. Fiscal authorities are considering measures to curb spending, but political pressures make short‑term decisions difficult.
Iraq aims to produce up to ten million barrels per day of oil
The Iraqi government announced an ambitious plan to raise oil production to a range between eight and ten million barrels per day within the next six years. The goal is to reduce dependence on the Strait of Hormuz maritime route, rarely used because of regional tensions, and to diversify export routes. To reach the target, Iraq intends to invest in transportation infrastructure and new extraction platforms.
Authorities cited the need to modernise domestic refining capacity and attract foreign investment in a sector still dominated by state‑owned companies. International observers predict that such a substantial production increase could influence global oil prices, especially amid geopolitical volatility.
Anthropic IPO prospectus highlights AI‑related risks
The artificial‑intelligence firm Anthropic has filed documentation for its upcoming IPO, including an explicit notice about potential regulatory and market risks associated with the technology. The document stresses that a possible share‑issuance could be delayed due to prospective government restrictions aimed at mitigating misuse of advanced language models.
Investors are urged to consider regulatory uncertainty as well as ethical concerns surrounding AI proliferation. Despite growing sector interest, analysts warn that the company’s ability to generate sustainable revenue will depend on its skill in navigating a rapidly evolving regulatory landscape.
Nvidia plans a return to China with a new AI chip
The semiconductor giant announced the launch of a project aimed at reviving its presence in the Chinese market by developing a new chip dedicated to artificial intelligence. The strategy seeks to overcome recent trade restrictions and meet China’s growing demand for advanced computing power for machine‑learning applications.
The initiative includes partnerships with local manufacturing plant suppliers and data‑center operators, who will need to integrate the new architecture into their cloud services. Observers believe Nvidia’s return to China could reshape competitive balances among leading AI‑hardware companies.
Anthropic’s AI venture acquires a consulting firm
The enterprise arm of Anthropic focused on enterprise solutions has completed the acquisition of a consulting firm specialised in implementing artificial‑intelligence systems for large organisations. The deal aims to strengthen the offering of managed services, allowing clients to integrate language‑model capabilities more quickly into their workflows.
Through the merger, Anthropic will expand its presence in vertical sectors such as finance, healthcare and energy, where demand for AI‑based solutions is rapidly growing. Industry experts anticipate the move could give Anthropic a stronger position in competition with other market leaders.
Weather Paris, Monaco Monte Carlo and Milan for Saturday August 22 2026
Paris – Mild and calm day
In the morning Paris starts with a lightly clouded sky, temperature around 15 °C, moderate south‑west wind of about 20 km/h and no chance of rain according to expert Régis Crêpet. In the afternoon the thermometer rises to 23 °C, the sun dominates the sky with a few scattered clouds, the wind eases to 10 km/h and the weather stays dry. In the evening temperatures drop to 20 °C, the wind cools to 15 km/h from the south‑east, with no risk of showers. During the night the temperature reaches 16 °C, the wind is lighter at 10 km/h from the south‑west and the sky remains clear. Minimum temperatures for the day are 14 °C, maximums 23 °C, wind varies from 10 to 20 km/h and no precipitation is expected. Ideal weather for walks along the Seine.
Monaco Monte Carlo – Scorching sun and light breezes
At sunrise the sun shines on Monaco with a temperature of 24 °C, almost clear sky, gentle east wind at 10 km/h and total absence of rain, according to the expert’s analysis. In the afternoon the heat peaks at 29 °C, the sky stays sunny, the wind remains at 10 km/h and no rain is expected. At sunset temperatures fall to 26 °C, the wind modestly increases to 15 km/h from the south‑east, without generating any rain. During the night the thermometer drops to 22 °C, the wind calms to 10 km/h and the sky stays clear. Daytime temperatures range between a minimum of 24 °C and a maximum of 29 °C, wind consistently between 10 and 15 km/h and dry weather throughout the day.
Milan – Late spring with gentle sun
In the early morning Milan experiences fresh air at 16 °C, partially clouded sky with scattered clouds, virtually no wind at 1 km/h from the west and total lack of rain, as observed by expert Daniele Berlusconi of 3BMeteo. In the afternoon the sun asserts itself, temperature climbs to 27 °C, the sky remains mostly clear and the wind stays very light, around 0‑1 km/h, with no precipitation. In the evening temperatures lower to 20 °C, the wind is barely perceptible at 3 km/h from the west‑south‑west, the sky is clear and there is no trace of rain. At night the city records 22 °C, the wind is light at 1 km/h from north‑north‑east, the atmosphere is calm and dry. The day shows minimum temperatures of 16 °C and maximums of 27 °C, practically constant light winds and no rain forecast.
Rachel’s Weather Editorial – The weather is always to blame, right?
Is it really so strange that every tiny temperature change is immediately blamed on climate change, as if the sun had signed a pact with global warming? Isn’t it more credible that the weather just does what it does, without a climate lawyer ready to defend it in court? And if it rains tomorrow, who will blame: the weather, climate change, or that man with the red hat who predicted the rainbow? Maybe it’s time to stop turning rain into an environmental crime and simply enjoy the falling water, like an old ’70s advertisement.
Koan of the Day
A monk asked: “What is the true face of time today?”
Zhaozhou replied: “Time is a peacock that displays its feathers, but it has neither tongue nor beak.”
The monk retorted: “Then why don’t the birds complain about the wind?”
Zhaozhou concluded: “Because the winds are only the echo of the footsteps of passers above the mountain.”
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.