EVERY WEEKDAY EVENING, TheJournal.ie brings you the five stories you need to know before you hit the road.

1. #JACKIE: Former TD Jackie Healy Rae has died. The former Kerry deputy passed away in hospital this afternoon, aged 83. Michael Healy Rae said the family was “devastated” at the loss.

2. #SEARCHES: A fresh search is under way in a wooded area in rural Co Laois. It follows new developments in the investigation into the 1996 disappearance of Fiona Pender.

3. #NOT HAPPENING: Israel has refused to allow Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams permission to enter Gaza.

4. #ON TRIAL: Independent TD for Tipperary North Michael Lowry is set to face a trial on charges of filing false tax returns. Lowry has said he will “vigorously defend [the] exceptionally selective and unfair prosecution.

5. #MILITARY: After four denials, Minister for Foreign Affairs Charlie Flanagan has admitted that a US military plane DID land at Shannon Airport.

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The 5 at 5 5 minutes, 5 stories, 5 o’clock…

Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.