EVERY WEEKDAY EVENING, The Journal brings you five of the biggest stories of the day.

1. #CEASEFIRE Israel and Hamas  have agreed to the first phase of a Gaza ceasefire deal that could see Israel’s withdrawal from parts of the territory and the freeing of the remaining living hostages within days.

2. #CATHERINE CONNOLLY Fine Gael has gone on attack mode in response to an answer presidential hopeful Catherine Connolly gave to a hypothetical question about hiring a convict. 

3. #SLANE HEADLINER American country music star Luke Combs has been officially announced as the next headliner for Slane Castle, set to perform at the historic Co Meath venue in the summer of 2026.

4. #HOUSE PRICES The price of an average residential property is now eight times more than average earnings, the highest it has been since 2009, according to a new report.
MyHome.ie’s report on asking prices for houses in quarter three of 2025, produced alongside Bank of Ireland, was released today.

5. #HOSPITAL CRISIS In an emotional speech, Alan Kelly has told the Dáil that Limerick, Clare and North Tipperary are “discriminated against” in terms of hospital services.