NEED TO CATCH up? The Journal brings you a round-up of today’s news.

IRELAND

The chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan at today's briefing Leah Farrell / Rollingnews.ie Leah Farrell / Rollingnews.ie / Rollingnews.ie

• The HSE ransomware attack has been described as “possibly the most significant cyber attack on the Irish State”. 
• Four deaths and 425 new cases of Covid-19 were confirmed in Ireland.
• Dr Tony Holohan has said he “still strongly recommends against” antigen tests for the general public.
• The Taoiseach held a “constructive” meeting with Prime Minister Boris Johnson at Chequers.
• The National Ploughing Championships has been cancelled for a second year due to pandemic fears.
• There was a strong reaction after Dublin City Council closed off the popular Portobello plaza for the weekend.
• Four gardaí and a retired superintendent are to face trials over allegedly attempting to pervert the course of justice.
• Edwin Poots is the new leader of the DUP.
• The green light was given for the sale of Denis O’Brien’s Communicorp to Bauer Media.

INTERNATIONAL

A Palestinian man mourns as people inspect the remains of the Production Bank, an institution linked to the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas Mohammed Talatene DPA / PA Images Mohammed Talatene DPA / PA Images / PA Images

#PALESTINE: Israel pounded Gaza with artillery and air strikes as the deadly conflict intensifies.

#INDIAN VARIANT: Data has shown that the Indian Covid-19 variant has been detected in a number of England’s Covid hotspots.

PARTING SHOT

Ever wanted to see Russian prisoners use British red phone boxes to call home?

Then I have the link for you.