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

Taoiseach and Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin delivers the opening address at the party’s Ard Fheis today, in the Dublin Royal Convention Centre on Ship Street. Sasko Lazarov Sasko Lazarov

IRELAND

• Media minister Patrick O’Donovan has voiced his anger at only being informed on Thursday about yet another salary issue at RTÉ.
• Former taoiseach Bertie Ahern said he regrets “if anyone was offended” by his comments on immigration but said “these are real issues”.
• RTÉ director general Kevin Bakhurst has defended paying a combined total of €97,000 to Claire Byrne and Ray D’Arcy after the duo stopped working for the broadcaster towards the end of year.
• The owner of a café at Dublin Castle that’s been forced to shut down for the six months of the EU presidency said he’s “furious” the decision was made without engagement with the café.
• A total of 95 Blue Flags have been awarded to beaches and marinas around Ireland this year.
• A woman in her 60s who was arrested in relation to the murder of a man in Co Donegal nearly 20 years ago has been released without charge.
• A man has been jailed for two years for “disturbing” attacks on ex-girlfriends – one at knife point in a flat and the other a public, prolonged beating – after breaking a suspended sentence.
• Driverless robots are to be used to transport food, medicines and other supplies around the new National Children’s Hospital.

INTERNATIONAL

US president Donald Trump smiles and gives a thumbs up with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping at Zhongnanhai in Beijing. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

#BEIJING: US president Donald Trump has warned Taiwan against declaring formal independence after a visit to China, whose leader Xi Jinping had pressed him not to support the self-ruling island.

#CEASEFIRE: Israel and Lebanon agreed to extend a ceasefire and hold new talks on a political settlement, the US announced, even as Israel carried out new strikes that it insists are not subject to the truce.

#ENERGY CRISIS: The president of Cuba is asking the United States to lift its fuel blockade instead of sending aid to the communist country, where resources are dwindling.

PARTING SHOT

“I’ve been pondering for several days now, what is it about the concept of a “coffee rave” that’s sent me into such a snit?

I can’t even remember where it was suggested to me. Instagram, maybe? It certainly has the hum of an enthusiastic Insta post off it.

A coffee rave is exactly what it sounds like. A DJ playing club tunes in a coffee shop, often pre-midday, while patrons enthusiastically hold americanos or croissants or iPhones or indeed all three aloft. There have been many such events held around the country.

Rationally, I shouldn’t have a problem with it. People are enjoying themselves, they’re building community, they’re boosting endorphins, and they’re supporting a local business. Green ticks across the board.

But here I come, with my little red flag, riled up by the very idea of a coffee rave.”

Read more in Nobody Needs This, a new series for The Journal.