EVERY MORNING TheJournal.ie brings you the nine stories you need to know as you kick off your day.
1. #RIP: We woke up this morning to the shocking news that Glee star Cory Monteith was found dead at a Canadian hotel today. He was just 31 years old. The actor has always been open about his struggles with substance abuse and it is understood he died from a drug overdose.
2. #ACQUITTED: A number of peaceful rallies have been held across the United States following the acquittal of George Zimmerman. The 29-year-old neighbourhood watch volunteer had been accused of killing unarmed teen Trayvon Martin last year. The investigation into the 17-year-old’s death – and the subsequent trial – has heightened racial tensions in Florida and beyond.
3. #MARCHING SEASON: There was more trouble in Northern Ireland last night with PSNI officers deploying water cannon and AEPs (a type of fired projectile) to disperse rioters who threw petrol bombs, bottles and other missiles.
4. #ABORTION: The passing by the Dáil of the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill 2013 does not spell the end of the abortion debate for this year. Plans to campaign for a referendum that could repeal the the Eighth Amendment to the Constitution – which gives equal right to life to a mother and her unborn baby, prohibiting abortion in this country – have got under way.
5. #EQUALITY: According to the Sunday Times, Enda Kenny is considering neutrality on the question of same-sex marriage if a referendum is held next year. The possibility of not taking a formal position has been examined in order to protect Fine Gael TDs who may be likely to defect.
6. #MURPHY REPORT: No prosecution is to be taken against any garda in relation to the alleged protection of padedophile priest Patrick McCabe, reports RTÉ News. Commissioner Martin Callinan issued a statement as a redacted chapter of the Murphy Report was published, revealing that a previous commissioner had taken a personal interest in pursuing a blackmail complaint against McCabe’s first known victim, tapping his phone and failing to investigate the initial complaint of abuse.
7. #MEANS-TEST: The government is examining new funding models for patients who require disability and mental health services which could see those who can afford to contribute to their own care doing so. Speaking to the Sunday Business Post, junior minister Kathleen Lynch said she was being “very careful” in regard to the proposals as she did not want to “cause anyone anxiety or distress”.
8. #IN MEMORY: The Royal Hospital in Kilmainham will host the National Day of Commemoration ceremony this morning to remember all Irish citizens who died in wars or on service with the United Nations.
9. #UNDERCOVER: A crime novel that comes with a twist is not that unusual but the surprise in The Cuckoo’s Calling came in the author’s name. The ‘debut novelist’, Robert Galbraith, who was met with critical acclaim when he published his first book in April, is actually none other than JK Rowling of Harry Potter fame, reports BBC News.
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