WHAT’S THE STORY?

1. FORMER executives of what was the Quinn Group have bought several companies linked to the family’s empire in a deal thought to be worth about €100 million.

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2. IN the hopes it will help solve the housing crisis, the government has announced plans to “transform” 1,008 vacant properties into “high-quality family homes” over the next 12 months.

Mark Stedman / Photocall Ireland Mark Stedman / Photocall Ireland / Photocall Ireland

3. THE murder trial of Oscar Pistorius is winding down with both sides getting ready for closing arguments. Earlier today, the defence rested its case.

The athlete outside court today. Jerome Delay / PA Wire Jerome Delay / PA Wire / PA Wire

4. Adrian Folan. Adrian’s family are now asking for the media to respect their privacy.

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5. A BAKERY chain in Northern Ireland is in hot water after refusing to make a cake with a slogan supporting gay marriage. The Equality Commission is now pursuing Asher’s Bakery.

6. JAPAN is readying itself for one of its worst storms in years as typhoon Neoguri makes its way toward the southern Okinawa island chain. About half a million people have already taken shelter.

7. IS IT a bird? Yes, and a very big one at that. The largest flying bird EVER – yes, ever – has been discovered. It had a wingspan of 6.4m. And sharp teeth.

A reconstruction image of the world's largest ever flying bird AP Photo / Bruce Museum, Liz Bradford AP Photo / Bruce Museum, Liz Bradford / Bruce Museum, Liz Bradford

8. IN amazing news today, scientists say they have taken a “major step forward” in predicting whether someone will get Alzheimer’s Disease, meaning treatment can be started on time and may stave off the condition.

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9. Here’s one for the road, in case that news is all a bit dreary. Raju the Elephant was freed this week after 50 years in captivity. Here are his first moments of freedom.

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