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

IRELAND

The area around the International Protection Office on Mount St has been cleared of tents, with barriers put in place to prevent further tent cities from forming. RollingNews.ie RollingNews.ie

• Gardaí are preparing a major security operation to prevent serious disorder during this month’s UEFA Europa League final in Dublin.
• A man has been charged in connection with the Dublin riots last November.
• The Taoiseach has said people’s family homes should be out of bounds from protest after a group of anti-migrant protestors gathered at his home last night. 
• A judge has imposed reporting restrictions preventing the media from naming a man accused of attempted kidnapping of a toddler in Dublin due to “heightened” social media activity.
• Longstanding RTÉ broadcaster Bryan Dobson has retired today from RTÉ after 37 years at the broadcaster. 
• Trinity College Dublin has set a “dangerous precedent” with its decision to fine the students’ union over protests outside the Book of Kells.
• A young man who “bundled” a woman off the public pathway into bushes while she was out walking in her neighbourhood one evening has been jailed for aggravated sexual assault.
• Workers at the Tara Mines have voted to accept the deal to reopen the Co Meath mine, which has been closed since last July.
• The Irish Times Group has said it is committed to keeping RIP.ie “free to view” following its acquisition of the online death notice platform.

INTERNATIONAL

Britain's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak pets Pegasus V, a Shetland pony at a military base in North Yorkshire Alamy Alamy

#CAMPUS PROTESTS Police have arrested more than 2,100 people during pro-Palestinian protests at college campuses across the United States in recent weeks, sometimes using riot gear, tactical vehicles and flash-bang devices to clear tent encampments and occupied buildings.

#UK ELECTIONS Labour has won the Blackpool South parliamentary by-election in the UK and made gains in council contests to heap pressure on Conservative Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

#TRUMP TRIAL Donald Trump’s former campaign press secretary Hope Hicks today became the first former member of the former president’s inner circle to take the witness stand in his historic criminal trial.

PARTING SHOT

Cillian Leahy and Cian Naughton (both aged 9) Gareth Chaney Gareth Chaney

Music Generation Tipperary launched its ‘Sounds of Semple’ at The Templemore Arm Hotel today where Cillian Leahy (9) and Cian Naughton (also 9) posed for a photo with their ukuleles.

The project, which has been in the works for over two years, involves participation from 200 children from two primary schools in Templemore.

They’ve created a song and music video titled In the Arms of the County will was released today.

Music Generation Tipperary and Sounds of Semple project is co-funded by U2, The Ireland Funds, the Arts Council/An Comhairle Ealaíon and the Department of Education.