LAST UPDATE | 1 Oct 2025

GOOD MORNING.

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

Childcare fees

1. In our main story this morning, The Journal Investigates reports that over 50 childcare providers have left the government’s Core Funding scheme in the last few years, putting further pressure on parents and the affordability of much-needed childcare.

Shutdown

2. The US government has shut down after lawmakers failed to break a budget impasse during acrimonious talks that hinged on Democratic demands for health care funding.

European Council

3. Taoiseach Micheál Martin is among several EU leaders gathering in Denmark today for an informal European Council meeting to discuss bolstering Europe’s defence and security and strengthening support for Ukraine.

Philippines

4. The death toll from a powerful earthquake that shook the Philippines yesterday has risen above 50.

Calling it quits

5. Nicole Kidman has filed for divorce from Keith Urban after 19 years of marriage.

Belfast

6. Four people were hospitalised in Belfast yesterday evening after they became unwell after potentially coming into contact with a possibly noxious substance.

Safety

7. A Social Democrats councillor has said she was struck in the face by an unknown man while walking in Dublin city on her way to canvass two weeks ago.

Companion pass

8. People aged over 70 can now bring any person over 16 on public transport for free with a companion pass.

Dancing with the Stars

9. RTÉ has named Oti Mabuse as the new head judge in the upcoming season of Dancing with the Stars, while Laura Fox is set to replace Doireann Garrihy as co-host.