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

IRELAND

A group of 39 children with special needs today flew into Dublin for an Irish Christmas thanks to Chernobyl Children International. Pictured are Sacha Nestsiaronka, charity founder Adi Roche and Nastassia Drom.

• Apollo House occupiers were told they can stay until after Christmas
• The BAI issued a warning against Ray D’Arcy
• Europe ordered Aer Lingus and Ryanair to repay millions in state aid
• A man who recently lost his job collected a €500,000 Lotto cheque
• A relative of the Hutch family appeared in court on an armed robbery charge
• The State sold its shares in tobacco companies
• Two weather warnings were issued
• Theresa May is coming to Ireland next month

INTERNATIONAL

People gather at Stonehenge in Wiltshire on the winter solstice to witness the sunrise on the shortest day of the year. PA Wire / PA Images PA Wire / PA Images / PA Images

#BERLIN: German authorities launched a manhunt for a Tunisian man suspected of driving the truck that ploughed through a Berlin Christmas market, killing 12.

#MARINE A: A British soldier who killed an injured Taliban fighter has been denied bail.

#TOM ARNOLD: A US comedian claimed he has unreleased footage of Donald Trump using extremely offensive racist language.

PARTING SHOT

They say that good Christmas songs aren’t recorded any more. But this from Mayo band The Baubles is really, really good. And all proceeds from the sales go to MS Ireland.