LAST UPDATE | 16 Sep 2025

GOOD MORNING.

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

Eoin Hayes apology

1. Social Democrats TD Eoin Hayes has issued an apology for wearing “brown makeup” on his face and hands while dressing up as then US president Barack Obama at a Halloween party in 2009.

Áras race

2. Dublin City council was one of multiple local authorities that opted not to nominate a candidate for the presidential race after hearing from those who were attempting to win them over.

Trump vs NYT

3. US President Donald Trump has said he is suing The New York Times for $15 billion. 

Biting incident 

4. A French rugby player is facing a 12-match ban for biting Irish rugby player Aoife Wafer in a World Cup game. 

Extrajudicial killing

5. The US has struck another alleged Venezuelan drug boat as Donald Trump insisted “we have proof”. 

The Ploughing 

6. From today, Screggan in Co Offaly will be transformed into a sprawling celebration of all things rural, from tractor demos and livestock shows to food stalls, fashion, and political tents.

Rain warning 

7. Five counties are set to come under a Status Yellow alert for rain later this evening.

Peter Mandelson 

8. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said he does not intend to resign as pressure over his hiring of Jeffrey Epstein’s friend as US ambassador. 

Genocide

9. United Nations investigators have accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza.