August 08: Today’s top stories in 60 seconds

Consumers spending more as essentials inflate 
Spending on groceries, restaurants and fuel is increasing month-on-month, according to banking app Revolut, as consumers prioritise while inflation surges. In contrast, spending on clothes shopping, and leisure activities such as sports clubs and cinemas has dropped. Supermarket spending was up 6.6% per consumer in July, compared to June. However, looking back since last year, spending on groceries has actually dropped by 4% per consumer in July 2022, compared to July 2021, suggesting many are looking for cheaper products.
RTÉ

More than 1,300 families apply to live rent-free on Inis Meáin for a year
More than 1,300 families have applied under a new initiative to live rent-free on Inis Meáin for a year. The initiative is being run by a community development organisation on the island off the Galway coast, which has said it is humbled by the response. Comhlacht Forbartha Inis Meáin announced the initiative in mid-July, and following the closing date for applications on Wednesday next August 10th, the group plans to shortlist a number of families for interview before picking one they feel will integrate well within the community, and be able to pay regular household bills.
The Irish Times

Former Man United star Ryan Giggs goes on trial for assault 
Former Manchester United star Ryan Giggs stands trial today on charges of attacking and coercively controlling his ex-girlfriend, in a case that has upended his managerial career. The 48-year-old, who until recently served as coach of the Wales national team, has pleaded not guilty to the charges, which carry a maximum jail term of five years. The jury trial at a crown court in Manchester is set to open at 10:30 am (0930 GMT), presided over by judge Hilary Manley and is expected to last 10 days. Giggs is charged with assaulting his former girlfriend, PR executive Kate Greville, causing her actual bodily harm on November 1, 2020, when police were called to his home in the Manchester area. The Welshman is further charged with common assault of her younger sister, Emma Greville, on the same day. He also faces a charge of controlling and coercive behaviour towards Kate Greville throughout their relationship, which began in 2017 and ended with the alleged assault.
The Journal

Senate passes Democrats’ sweeping health care and climate bill
The Senate on Sunday afternoon passed Democrats’ $750 billion health care, tax and climate bill, in a significant victory for President Joe Biden and his party. The package is the product of painstaking negotiations, and its final passage would give Democrats a chance to achieve major policy objectives ahead of the upcoming midterm elections. The sweeping bill – named the Inflation Reduction Act – would represent the largest climate investment in US history and make major changes to health policy by giving Medicare the power for the first time to negotiate the prices of certain prescription drugs and extending expiring health care subsidies for three years. The legislation would reduce the deficit, be paid for through new taxes – including a 15% minimum tax on large corporations and a 1% tax on stock buybacks – and boost the Internal Revenue Service’s ability to collect.
CNN

Today’s forecast
Any lingering mist and fog will soon clear to leave a dry and warm day with long sunny spells, turning a bit hazy at times. Highest temperatures of 19°C to 24°C, warmest in the southeast. Breezes will be light variable or southwest to west in direction. Dry with clear spells tonight. Lowest temperatures generally between 8°C and 12°C in light variable breezes. Some mist and fog patches will set in again tonight.
Met Éireann