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

IRELAND

Barack Obama pictured with Dublin Lord Mayor Ray McAdam. Conor McCabe Photography. Conor McCabe Photography.

• Former US President Barack Obama received the Freedom of Dublin today, though a number of Dublin councillors boycotted the ceremony
• Tánaiste Simon Harris formally opened a new Irish embassy across the road from the White House in Washington DC
• The ESRI warned that Ireland’s finances may be as vulnerable now as they were in the lead-up to the financial crisis of 2008
• the HSE confirmed that the chickenpox vaccine is now available free of charge for all babies born on or after 1 October 2024
• An Irish barrister on the Gaza flotilla said that “there’s been a moral collapse internationally” when it comes to the ongoing genocide in the region
• On the Gaza flotilla, a rare cross-party motion condemning recent attacks on the boats is expected to be tabled in the Dáil next week
• PTSB announced changes to its mortgage and deposit rates
• American football fans have been pouring in to Dublin today ahead of a National Football League (NFL) game in Croke Park on Sunday

INTERNATIONAL

US President Donald Trump pictured addressing the United Nations General Assembly Hall. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

#EUROVISION: The European Broadcasting Union confirmed that it will hold a vote in November to decide whether Israel will be allowed to take part in the Eurovision Song Contest next year.

#FRANCE: A Paris court has sentenced former French president Nicolas Sarkozy to five years in prison after convicting him on charges of criminal conspiracy

#GAZA: A 27-year-old aid worker and her two young children were killed by Israel in Gaza city

#TRUMP: US President Donald Trump has accused staff at the UN building in New York of sabotaging his recent speech to the General Assembly

PARTING SHOT

Michael D and Misneach

Outgoing President Michael D Higgins’ love of animals is well known.

Higgins has had Bernese Mountain Dogs in the Áras since he first took office in 2011 – Shadow was the first, followed by Síoda and Bród. All have sadly passed away, with Misneach the remaining pup by the president’s side.

As Higgins prepares to depart the Áras, we were curious – are the contenders to be his replacement also dog lovers?

Jane Matthews reached out to each of their campaign teams to ask.

She can confirm that all three candidates are pet owners, although all of a smaller variety than the existing Áras pup.