LAST UPDATE | 13 Jul 2025

GOOD MORNING.

Here’s all the news you need to know to start the day.

Donald and the tariffs

1. Donald Trump has threatened to impose a 30% tariff on the European Union and Mexico, ramping up pressure for deals in his trade wars.

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said a 30% levy would “hurt businesses, consumers and patients on both sides of the Atlantic”, but warned that the EU could deploy “proportionate countermeasures” in response.

Plastic netting on the way out

2. Plastic nets on fruit and vegetables and single-use plastic packaging for condiments and preserves, such as ketchup sachets, will be banned by the end of the decade under new EU rules.

In our lead story this morning, Valerie Flynn looks at advice issued by the packaging waste industry’s main body to its member companies – which include supermarkets, hospitality businesses and manufacturers – to encourage them to start preparing for the ban now.

Weather warning

3. Warm conditions of 23 to 29 degrees will continue across the country, although a Status Yellow high temperature warning will be pared back compared to recent days.

There will be a sharp contrast in Connaght as the province is set to be under a thunderstorm warning later this afternoon.

Apartment sizes

4. Quality of life concerns around the government’s plans to reduce minimum apartment sizes have been raised by both experts in housing and people living in already cramped conditions.

Limerick fatal assault

5. A man arrested in connection with the fatal assault of Michael Hayes in Limerick on Thursday night has now been charged by gardaí.

Presidential race

6. Galway Independent TD Catherine Connolly is building momentum among Opposition parties on the left for the Áras, garnering the backing of key supporters in People Before Profit yesterday.

However, it remains uncertain whether Mary Lou McDonald will contest the presidency – but the Sinn Féin leader has made some choice appearances this weekend.

Elon Musk’s AI issues apology

7. The world of Elon Musk is a confusing one at the best of times.

This is no less so than for this story about how the billionaire’s AI startup has apologised for a series of offensive posts, which included praise for Hitler.

Rosie O’Donnell

8. In between his threatened tariffs, US president Donald Trump has also said he is considering removing Rosie O’Donnell’s US citizenship.

The American comedian moved to Ireland earlier this year, telling RTÉ’s Late Late Show in March that she moved to Ireland from the US to “escape” Donald Trump, who she said “has it out” for her.

Katie Taylor’s New York victory

9. Gavan Casey dials in from New York City to reflect on Taylor’s majority decision win over Amanda Serrano in their Madison Square Garden on a special weekend edition of The 42FM.