LAST UPDATE | 5 Sep 2025

GOOD MORNING. 

Here’s all the news you need to know as you start the day. 

Ahern concedes

1. Bertie Ahern has reportedly given up on running for president, deciding not to seek the Fianna Fáil nomination.

Rebrand

2. US president Donald Trump is changing the name of the Department of Defense to the Department of War, the White House announced Thursday, insisting the rebrand will project a more powerful image.

Tusla under fire

3. The Ombudsman for Children has expressed “extreme concern” over the State’s response to a child in North Dublin who went missing years ago and is now presumed dead.

Croke Park 

4. Canadian popstar The Weeknd is to play Croke Park next year as part of a world tour.

New season

5. Virgin Media has announced the schedule for its upcoming season of television – expect Rosie O’Donnell and Michael Healy-Rae on Gogglebox, Ryan Tubridy in the hot seat, and even an appearance from Caitlyn Jenner.

Central Bank

6. How did Ireland’s Central Bank avoid making a decision on the sale of Israel’s ‘war bonds’?

Read Paul O’Donoghue’s analysis here.

Plane diverted

7. A flight from France to the United States diverted to Shannon Airport yesterday evening after the crew declared an emergency, reporting they had to shut down one of their aircraft’s two engines.

Cork fire

8. Two restaurants had to be evacuated after a fire broke out in Cork city centre yesterday evening. 

Dublin shooting

9. Three people, including a teenager, have been arrested over a shooting in west Dublin last week.