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

IRELAND

A sunset in Dublin Sam Boal / Rollingnews.ie Sam Boal / Rollingnews.ie / Rollingnews.ie

• The Irish government is planning to officially recognise the State of Palestine on 21 May.
• A review is set to consider a second emergency department in the midwest due to pressures at the ED in University Hospital Limerick.
• A man in his 20s died after a scrambler bike crash in Blanchardstown, Dublin 15.
• Tents pitched by international protection applicants along the Grand Canal in Dublin were removed this morning, with the affected individuals offered alternative accommodation.
• Nearly half of septic tanks that were inspected last year failed the inspection.
• New figures show 20 measles cases have been confirmed in Ireland to date this year. 
• UCC is to divest from an Israeli company following engagement with its students’ union regarding the university’s position on Gaza.

THE WORLD

A protest in Malmo this afternoon against Israel's participation in Eurovision Daragh Brophy / The Journal Daragh Brophy / The Journal / The Journal

#GAZA Israel is pushing forward with plans for ground assaults on Rafah despite the US threatening to curtail its supply of weapons.

#US Stormy Daniels returned to the witness stand in Donald Trump’s hush money trial.

#SWEDEN A small cohort of Irish Eurovision fans joined a major protest in Malmö this afternoon calling for Israel to be expelled from the song contest as it continues its months-long bombardment of Gaza.

PARTING SHOT

A panel of experts will discuss community and cohesion in the EU and how to protect it at a joint event hosted by The Journal and the University of Limerick next week.

You can find all the details here.