April 05: Today’s top stories in 60 seconds

‘An unspeakable tragedy’ – gardaí in Limerick search for man with bandaged hand as woman stabbed to death
Gardaí investigating the violent death of a young woman in Limerick were last night looking to trace a man seen entering a shop with a bandaged hand and then washed his hands in the store. Officers interviewed staff at the shop and removed a number of items from the premises. It is close to the scene of the fatal assault on the woman, who was aged in her 20s. The man is believed to have put his hand back in the makeshift bandage after washing himself. Gardaí were anxious to speak to him to rule him in or out of their investigations. A garda spokesman said: “An Garda Síochana does not comment on specifics of ongoing investigations.” The woman’s body was discovered inside an apartment block on Dock Road, just off O’Curry Street, about 1.30pm. Gardaí said the woman died in a “fatal assault”, but they did not disclose specific details of her injuries.
Independent.ie

Criminal investigation to be held into sexual abuse allegations within Defence Forces
A criminal investigation into allegations of sexual abuse within the Defence Forces has been announced by the Garda Commissioner. Drew Harris said gardaí had received 26 complaints so far dating back to the 1960s, but expected to receive more and encouraged victims to come forward. He also said the investigation, which was been led by the National Protective Services Bureau, was independent of the military authorities and that there may be predators and victims of multiple offences in the Defence Forces. He was speaking last night at the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors conference in Galway. The Defence Forces has welcomed the announcement and said it will assist gardaí if required.
RTÉ

Dáil may be recalled if Biden wishes to address Oireachtas, Tánaiste indicates
The Dáil may be recalled from its Easter recess if US President Joe Biden wishes to address the Houses of the Oireachtas next week, Tánaiste Micheál Martin has indicated. Biden is expected to arrive in Belfast next Tuesday, 11 April and travel to locations around Ireland before departing on Saturday, 15 April. His visit coincides with the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, which was signed on 10 April 1998. Speaking to reporters yesterday, Martin said he “very much welcomes the arrival of the President”.
The Journal

ISPCA rescues 200 more dogs this year compared to same period last year
The Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA) has rescued 200 more dogs in the first three months of the year compared to the same period last year. At the launch of the ISPCA’s new strategic framework, the animal welfare charity raised concerns over the effect changes in lifestyle at the end of covid-19 restrictions have had on pets. Initially, the lockdown resulted in a positive change for animal welfare, with many households adopting pets from shelters. However, once restrictions were lifted, there was a significant increase in pets being returned to shelter care, as well as a noticeable reduction in adopting and fostering, the ISPCA says. In total, 380 dogs have been rescued since the start of this year.
The Irish Examiner

Trump condemns ‘ridiculous’ case against him and hits out at judge and district attorney
Former US president Donald Trump has strongly condemned the criminal prosecution being brought against him in New York as “ridiculous” and an insult to the country. He also attacked both the judge presiding over the case and the district attorney in Manhattan. In a speech at Mar-a-Lago, his home in Florida, on Tuesday night he set out a list of grievances, some dating back to his original 2016 campaign for the White House. He argued the US justice system had become “lawless” and that the case being taken against him was politically motivated.
The Irish Times

Jacinda Ardern says leaders can be ‘anxious, sensitive, kind and wear your heart on your sleeve’ in farewell valedictory speech
Jacinda Ardern has sent a powerful message that people can be “anxious, sensitive, kind and wear your heart on your sleeve”, while still also leading a country: “Just like me.” Ardern’s valedictory speech on Wednesday capped more than five years as Prime Minister of New Zealand, marked by a series of tragedies in the mosque attacks, Whakaari eruption, Covid-19 pandemic – and Ardern’s globally respected responses to them. Fiancé Clarke Gayford and their young daughter Neve were front and centre in a packed public gallery full of family and friends and colleagues, including former prime ministers, iwi leaders, public health officials and members of the Islamic community. In a speech full of laughter and tears, Ardern went through her achievements and reflected on where more work had to be done, particularly on child poverty and climate change calling for MPs to “take the politics out of it”, while acknowledging the “weight” of carrying a country on her shoulders at times.
New Zealand Herald

‘Queen Camilla’ title used officially for the first time on King’s coronation invites
The title of Queen Camilla has been used for the first time by Buckingham Palace on invitations for the King’s coronation. It comes as US President Joe Biden told the King in a phone call on Tuesday that First Lady Jill Biden will attend the coronation, the White House said in a statement. More details of the 6 May event were also revealed along with the formal invitations on Tuesday night. Camilla has been referred to as Queen Consort since the death of Queen Elizabeth II but is named Queen Camilla on the invites, which will soon be sent to more than 2,000 guests.
Sky News

Today’s forecast
Dull this morning with areas of mist and fog. Outbreaks of rain and drizzle will move eastwards across the country today, clearing from the east later this afternoon. The rain will be followed from the west by sunny spells and isolated showers. Highest temperatures of 11 to 15 degrees, warmest in the south. Mainly light southwesterly breezes, veering westerly during the afternoon. Isolated showers will continue tonight, though many areas will remain dry. Lowest temperatures of 1 to 5 degrees, coolest inland, with light westerly breezes.
Met Éireann