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

Ireland

Swimmers brave the cold waters at the Forty Foot this morning Leah Farrell Leah Farrell

• A 26-year-old man, Habib Shamel, has appeared before a Belfast court charged with the murder of  a woman in Limerick earlier this week.
• A woman in her 20s has died following a single-vehicle crash in Co Meath in the early hours of this morning.
• US President Joe Biden will travel to both Dundalk and Carlingford as part of his trip to Ireland next week, Louth County Council has confirmed.
• The Garda Representative Association (GRA) is due to meet with Garda management tomorrow over concerns around deployment and accommodation while staffing Joe Biden’s visit next week.
• Property and housing experts have questioned the resourcing and “lack of detail” around a heavily-promoted scheme to prevent tenants losing their homes.
• Inspections on permanent asylum seeker accommodation centres will be carried out by the health watchdog before the end of the year, the Integration Minister has said.

International

Sturgeon asked journalists to “respect” her neighbours’ privacy amid the “disruption and inconvenience” since her husband's arrest on Wednesday. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

#SNP PROBE Former Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has vowed to “fully co-operate” with police after the arrest of her husband, the SNP’s former chief executive, during an investigation into party finances.

#BERLUSCONI A doctor has said former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi is responding well to treatment in an intensive care unit at a Milan hospital, according to reports.

#COVID-19 Chinese health officials have defended their search for the source of the Covid-19 virus and criticised the World Health Organisation (WHO) after its leader said Beijing should have shared genetic information earlier.

#TAIWAN China today launched military drills around Taiwan today, in what it called a “stern warning” to the self-ruled island’s government following a meeting between its president and the US House speaker.

Parting Shot

This evening, Ireland are facing off against the USA in a friendly match with Vera Pauw’s side heading into the match unbeaten in nine games.

You can keep an eye on all the action this evening on our The42‘s liveblog.

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