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President Michael D Higgins has led Irish tributes to Pope Francis, praising the pontiff's "warmth" and "unique humility" following the Vatican's announcement of his death this morning. President Higgins stated that Pope Francis "sought to show in the most striking and moving of ways, the extraordinary importance of the spiritual" as a source of global ethics. He highlighted the Pope's "consistent invocation of a shared humanity" and advocacy on "vital issues" including global hunger, poverty, climate change and justice—topics they discussed across five meetings during Francis' papacy. "During his visit to Ireland, Pope Francis spoke of the scandal of child abuse, including in the Church, and its consequences for victims and families. On such matters, and on others such as attitudes towards women and those of the LGBTQ+ community within the Church, Pope Francis sought to play a positive role," […]

Newly qualified teachers may soon become eligible for permanent contracts after just one year in a post, according to a new measure announced by the Minister for Education. Helen McEntee unveiled the policy change as hundreds of teachers prepare to attend their annual trade union conferences, with the INTO Congress beginning in Galway. "I am determined to address job security and make teaching a more attractive, sustainable career," McEntee stated. "Allowing newly qualified teachers who are starting in September to gain a permanent contract a year earlier will help teachers to place their careers on a more stable footing much sooner than before. This will provide teachers with the certainty that they need, particularly when applying for mortgages." Job insecurity remains a significant concern for younger teachers, especially at post-primary level. Many report difficulties finding secure full-time positions despite widespread […]

A male inmate at Midlands Prison in County Laois has died from what authorities believe to be a drug overdose. The prisoner, reported to be in his thirties, was found deceased earlier today according to official sources. The Irish Prison Service (IPS) confirmed the death in a statement, noting that standard procedures for investigating deaths in custody will be followed. "As with all death in custody, the Irish Prison Service, the Office of the Inspector of Prisons and An Garda Síochána investigate where circumstances warrant," the IPS statement indicated. The prison service further clarified that the official cause of death will ultimately be determined by the Coroner's Office following their examination. Midlands Prison, where the incident occurred, is a closed, medium-security facility designed to house adult male offenders. The institution has the capacity to accommodate up to 870 inmates. No […]

At least two people, including a 12-year-old boy, have died in Oklahoma after their vehicle was trapped in floodwaters, as severe weather impacted the South and Midwest during Easter weekend. Flood warnings were active across Oklahoma, with the National Weather Service forecasting severe thunderstorms from east Texas into southeast Iowa and Illinois on Sunday. The agency also warned of potential strong tornadoes and damaging winds from central Arkansas into central Missouri. Police in Moore, Oklahoma, located about 18km (11 miles) south of Oklahoma City, described the situation as "a historical weather event that impacted roads and caused dozens of high-water incidents." In a statement Sunday, Moore police explained that one vehicle "left the roadway and was swept under the bridge. At the time of the incident, all but two occupants were rescued. It is with great sadness that we report […]