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

IRELAND

Pictured is Basil Amin (14) at the announcement that applications are now open for the 2024 BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition which takes place in January Naoise Culhane Naoise Culhane

• An Garda Síochána is to deploy armed officers, as well as its anti-riot, mounted and dog units, in an effort to increase visibility in Dublin city centre.
• The organisers of the Ironman race where two men died at the weekend has claimed that it was informed of Triathlon Ireland’s decision not to sanction the swim race only after it had taken place.
• The Oireachtas Media Commitee is to request to meet with RTÉ again in September to look at the actions now being taken by the broadcaster in response to the payments scandal.
• Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien has said he wants the renters’ tax credit to be increased in October’s Budget. 
• Wholesale electricity prices have reached their lowest point in two years after falling by 64% in the 12 months to July.
• There has been a surge in the number of antigen tests being sold in pharmacies in recent weeks, pharmacists say, as Covid-19 case numbers continue to rise.
• The statue of Molly Malone located on Dublin’s Suffolk Street has been vandalised with paint for a second time.
• A man accused of attacking social media influencer and podcaster Charleen Murphy in a Dublin lounge has been sent forward for trial.
• The High Court has lifted orders preventing a man who suffered severe head injuries following an alleged serious assault from leaving the hospital where he has been undergoing treatment.

INTERNATIONAL

People watching a news channel covering the rescue operation of those trapped in the cable car in Pakistan Muhammad Sajjad / PA Images Muhammad Sajjad / PA Images / PA Images

#PAKISTAN: Eight people have been rescued after being trapped for hours in a stricken cable car high above a remote Pakistan valley.  

#GREECE: Firefighters have found the bodies of 18 people while scouring the area of a major wildfire in Greece.

#WORLD CUP: Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has blasted as “insufficient” the apology given by Spain’s football federation chief for kissing star player Jenni Hermoso on the lips after the country won the Women’s World Cup.

#LETBY: The refusal of serial child killer Lucy Letby to attend her sentencing and hear the testimony of her victims’ families has produced widespread support for a change in the UK law.

PARTING SHOT

Rock band Arctic Monkeys have announced three new Dublin dates to mark the end of their world tour.

The band will play the 3 Arena on 15, 17 and 19 October, as well as Belfast’s SSE Arena on 16 October.

Miles Kane, member of the Last Shadow Puppets, will support the band for their Irish gigs.

Tickets will go on sale on Tuesday, 29 August at 9am.

Arctic Monkeys will be returning to Dublin & Belfast in October 2023 for a series of arena dates to mark the end of their World Tour. The band are pleased to announce @MilesKaneMusic as Special Guest. These dates follow the cancellation of the band’s summer show at Dublin’s… pic.twitter.com/lZRY1dwnKI

— Arctic Monkeys (@ArcticMonkeys) August 22, 2023