EVERY MORNING, TheJournal.ie brings you the stories you need to know as you start your day.

1. #BLACK-TIE AFFAIR: Donald Trump opted to stay away from the annual White House correspondents’ dinner and instead held a campaign-style rally.

2. #SLIM LEAD: Leo Varadkar would be a more popular choice as Taoiseach than Simon Coveney, according to a new opinion poll.

3. #MATERNITY HOSPITAL: As the spotlight is shone on the religious ownership of hospitals, what role does the church plan in healthcare provision?.

4. #SOFT TARGET: Rank-and-file gardaí are concerned they could be targeted at checkpoints if a hard border is implemented post-Brexit.

5. #TENSIONS: Pope Francis has called for negotiations to prevent ‘a world war in parts’ over North Korea.

6. #CAREER STALLED: Hundreds of newly qualified teachers have no way of getting probated because of a new scheme.

7. #ERDOGAN: Turkey has blocked Wikipedia and banned TV dating shows in a fresh clampdown on freedoms. (The Guardian)

8. #SAVE IRELAND’S BIRDS: A new scheme is being piloted in Ireland in an effort to save an endangered bird of prey.

9. #THE CHAMP: Britain’s Anthony Joshua defeated veteran Ukrainian Wladimir Klitschko in a world boxing heavyweight title fight epic in front of 90,000 people at Wembley.