EVERY EVENING, TheJournal.ie brings you a round-up of the day’s biggest stories, as well as the bits and pieces you might have missed.

• The battle for Tripoli looks like it’s nearing its end this evening, as the personal private compound of Muammar Gaddafi has fallen into the hands of the country’s rebels, who are flying their revolutionary flag over his private residence. There’s no sign, however, of Gaddafi himself. Even Gaddafi’s bedroom has been looted, with one rebel appearing on Sky News wearing a hat and chain belonging to the despot, and wielding one of his canes:

• Dominique Strauss-Kahn walks a free(-ish) man this evening, after a judge in New York’s State Supreme Court dismissed criminal sexual assault against the former IMF chief. He still faces a civil case from the hotel maid who accuses him of attempted rape, however, as well as criminal charges over a separate incident in France.
• It’s almost certain now that Fianna Fáil will not run a candidate in this year’s presidential election, after the most likely nominee, Brian Crowley MEP, withdrew his candidacy for the nomination. Munster-based Crowley said he could not represent the party when so many of its senior figures did not want to participate in the election.
• Buildings in major cities on the US’s east coast have been evacuated following an earthquake there in the last few hours. A quake of magnitude 5.9 has struck Virginia, with its effects felt in Ohio, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, New York and Washington. The Pentagon has been evacuated, as have air traffic control towers at airports in New York.
• The quake also struck the Manhattan DA’s press conference as he explained why charges against Strauss-Kahn has been dropped. Reuters has the video.
• Authorities in Northern Ireland have asked American authorities to arrange for the release files relating to The Troubles – hoping that the files released may contain information on the IRA’s murder of Jean McConville. Irish Central said the filings also appeared to ask for the release of all files on Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams.
• Ryanair has decided to get rid of all flights between Dublin Airport and Cork and Kerry, blaming improvements in the Irish road network and government subsidies for other carriers on the Kerry route.
• The Irish economy looks like it’s getting back on its feet. Not only did the number of tourists coming here rise in the second quarter of 2011, but the trade surplus (exports minus imports) reached a record high of over €4 billion in June.
• A growing divide between Eurozone countries on whether Greece should give collateral for its second bailout might just have the potential to scupper the Euro. Here’s how.
• A petition in the UK, calling for the official release of all documents relating to the 1989 Hillsborough disaster in which 96 Liverpool fans were killed, has reached the threshold of 100,000 signatures – meaning it will now be debated in the House of Commons.
• Toxicology tests on the body of Amy Winehouse have confirmed the presence of alcohol in her system when she died – but that there were no illicit or illegal substances present.
• Pet owners in Galway have been asked to stay vigilant after one household cat was found decapitated and dumped in a garden, for the third time in two years.
• Do you recognise this man from Kent? The man woke up on a beach there last week – and says he can’t remember who he is.
• It’s been another good day for Irish sport – with cyclist Dan Martin coming second in today’s Stage 4 of La Vuelta in Spain.
• Earlier we posted The Line Ireland’s latest video voxpop, asking people about their biggest fears. Among the biggest fears you posted:
  • Sarah Palin
  • Sarah Palin, with a Glock 19
  • Shark attacks
  • Clowns
  • Joan Burton
  • Glee
  • Umbrellas (“it’s not a phobia, it’s a legitimate fear”)
  • Porcelain dolls
• Got any more? We want to hear them.
• A British man has lost his official complaint over being lambasted by Channel 4 for his record-breakingly-bad appearance on Mastermind – when he set the lowest ever score (1) for the specialist subject round.
• Finally this evening, you’ll probably know the band OK Go for their legendary videos as much as their music. Here’s their latest offering: a cover of the theme tune to The Muppet Show… featuring the original artists.

(If you enjoyed that, see also: Weezer’s video for Keep Fishin’.)

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