By Sarah Finnan
04th Sep 2023
04th Sep 2023
Your speedy summary of today's must-read stories.
Belgian court to hear case alleging hacking of Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan’s Twitter account
Allegations that someone hacked and sent a damaging message from Luke Ming Flanagan’s Twitter account will be heard by a Belgian criminal court today. The case against the individual accused of hacking the MEP’s Twitter account will be heard at Palais de Justice in Brussels this morning.
The Journal
‘Slow Down’ day amid ‘alarming increase’ in road deaths
Gardaí are carrying out a national speed enforcement operation for the next 24 hours, amid what they said is an “alarming increase” in road deaths. The ‘Slow Down’ day, which began at 7am, aims to remind drivers of the dangers of speeding and to increase compliance with speed limits. The operation is supported by the Road Safety Authority and coincides with the full return of all schools and the related increase in road users.
RTÉ
Kinahan cartel taking stake in other gangs’ drug deals under franchisee system
The cartel gives Irish gangs its contacts and know-how in exchange for a percentage of proceeds of €5-€10 million drug deals.
The Irish Times
Applications open for Late Late Toy Show as Patrick Kietly begins search for ‘Toy Show superheroes’
Applications to audition for the Late Late Toy Show, hosted by incoming presenter Patrick Kielty, have officially opened. Young toy demonstrators and performers have been invited to apply for Kielty’s first Late Late Toy Show. It will be the first Toy Show in 14 years without Ryan Tubridy at the helm.
Independent.ie
Gardaí investigating after body of young man found at house in Cobh
An investigation has been launched following the death of a man in Cobh on Sunday night. Gardaí say they are investigating all the circumstances of the incident which happened at around 8:30pm in the Ballyvoloon area of the town. The body of the man, who was in his 20s, has since been removed to Cork University Hospital where a post-mortem is set to take place at a later date.
The Irish Examiner
Officials investigate death at Burning Man as thousands stranded by floods
Over 70,000 attendees of the annual Burning Man festival in the Black Rock desert of Nevada are stranded as the festival comes to a close on Monday due to heavy rains that have cut off access to the site. Attendees have been ordered to shelter in place and to conserve food, water, and fuel, although no shortages have been reported. A death that occurred at the festival is currently under investigation, but no details have been released, including the identity of the deceased or the suspected cause of death.
The Guardian
Ukraine’s defence minister Oleksii Reznikov dismissed
Ukraine’s Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov has confirmed that he is leaving his post. Mr Reznikov had led the ministry since before the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. President Volodymyr Zelensky announced Mr Reznikov’s dismissal on Sunday, saying it was time for “new approaches” in the defence ministry.
BBC News
Today’s forecast
Any mist or fog patches will soon clear to leave another warm or very warm day with mostly sunny skies. Coastal fog may develop locally. Top temperatures generally ranging between 22 and 26 degrees, in light to moderate easterly or variable breezes. Tonight will be warm and humid with mostly clear skies. Later on, some showers may move into the southwest. Lowest temperatures of 13 to 18 degrees in just light easterly breezes. Some mist and fog may possibly develop across Ulster.
Met Èireann