NEED TO CATCH up? TheJournal.ie brings you a round up of today’s news.

IRISH

Surfers braving the cold to ride the big waves at Killiney Beach at the weekend. John Fahy John Fahy

• Irish Water confirmed customers won’t be fined for not registering for water charges before tonight.
• IAG made promises in a bid to secure a takeover of Aer Lingus.
• A murder investigation was launched following the death of a man in Cabra.
• The Taoiseach said the Garda training college will never close again.
• It was predicted Ireland’s economy will hit its pre-recession peak this year.
• The Ceann Comhairle clarified remarks he made after blocking a Dáil debate.
• It was revealed that the Government made contact with Saudi Arabia after an Irish resident was arrested and tortured.
• Dissident republicans protested over prison conditions in Antrim.
• Ray D’Arcy returned to the airwaves.

WORLD

Winnie the Pygmy hippo tucks into a special veggie birthday cake on her first birthday at Bristol Zoo Gardens. Ben Birchall / PA Wire/Press Association Images Ben Birchall / PA Wire/Press Association Images / PA Wire/Press Association Images

#BRUSSELS: The European Parliament was evacuated after a bomb scare.

#CHINA: A father and daughter were executed over the cult killing of a woman.

#CROATIA: The country began writing off the debt of thousands of citizens.

#EGYPT: A freed Al-Jazeera journalist has spoken about his experience. [BBC News]

#FRANCE: Former IMF chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn went on trail, accused of pimping.

UNITED STATES: Obama announced plans to tax the offshore profits of US firms. [RTÉ News]

INNOVATION

• Schrödinger’s cat is both dead and alive, according to a new experiment. [NewScientist]
• You can now build your own real-life Mario Kart (kinda). [TNW]
• The Pirate Bay is back online. [Mashable]
• A study of bird’s flying patterns reveals a bit of altruism is at work in nature. [Science]

PARTING SHOT

Have you ever been so drunk you replied to a drunk text from yourself? This guy was. [DailyEdge.ie]

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.

For the price of one cup of coffee each week you can make sure we can keep reliable, meaningful news open to everyone regardless of their ability to pay.

Support us Learn More