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

Minister James Browne and Minister of State John Cummins speaking with fruit vendor Marie Cullen at the National Monument on Dublin's Moore Street in Dublin. Sasko Lazarov Sasko Lazarov

IRELAND

• Gardaí appealed for help from the public to identify a man who was attacked near Temple Bar in Dublin in the early hours of Wednesday morning
• Two “solid, decent incomes are no longer enough” to afford to buy a home, the Dáil heard during Leaders’ Questions
• The HSE apologised to the children and parents impacted by the levels of care in North Kerry’s child and mental health services (Camhs)
• It was revealed today that two tech companies made up 40% of corporation tax receipts in 2024, but it’s been warned that the outcome of future tech profits is “highly uncertain” and could fall sharply

• On that note, Apple confirmed that it is opening its first permanent office in Dublin later this year, with space for up to 300 staff
• Andy Farrell made five changes to his starting Ireland team for Saturday’s Six Nations meeting with England in Twickenham – with Sam Prendergast notably absent from the matchday 23
• The High Court adjourned a hearing involving Trinity Hospitality, owner of the property leased by The Hoxton Hotel, and bar-restaurant Yamamori Izakaya

INTERNATIONAL

PA PA

#EPSTEIN FILES: Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has left police custody this evening after his earlier arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office

#BOARD OF PEACE: Donald Trump promised $10 billion for Gaza and said his newly launched “Board of Peace” would work “very closely” with the United Nations, as he inaugurated the controversial new institution in Washington

#SOUTH KOREA: A South Korean court found ex-president Yoon Suk Yeol guilty of insurrection and sentenced him to life in prison, saying his martial law declaration in December 2024 was a plot to “paralyse” the National Assembly

#SECOND HAND: Online seller Ebay has agreed to pay $1.2 billion (€1.1 billion) to take over second-hand clothing marketplace Depop from Etsy, the companies have announced

PARTING SHOT

University of Galway University of Galway

Researchers, conservationists and hedgehog enthusiasts have joined forces to launch a new initiative to protect the “gorgeous” and much-loved animals.

A new conservation effort, Hedgehog Conservation Ireland, aims to develop a nationwide conservation strategy to stop population declines and ensure hedgehogs can thrive across Ireland.

Hedgehog Conservation Ireland will be launched tomorrow. “How could you not love them? They’re gorgeous,” said one of the lead researchers

Elaine O’Riordan, of the University of Galway’s School of Natural Sciences, said it will bring together “enthusiasts and researchers who are trying to get people active in protecting hedgehogs and to develop a hedgehog conservation strategy for Ireland”.

The group has also launched a website and O’Riordan said visiting the website and signing up is among the best ways people can initially begin to help the hedgehog.