Dublin Zoo welcomes arrival of first bull elephant with tusks named Aung Bo

The Department of Integration is seeking to expand temporary legislation to allow for the use of various property types, including banks, nightclubs, and equestrian centres, for international protection accommodation. Current rules around asylum seeker housing may be loosened to include different building types, with the possibility of extending the deadline for this legislation until 2032. Government officials are considering repurposing vacant commercial buildings and are aiming to stabilize asylum seeker numbers by 2028 through the...

A former Tory Cabinet minister expressed support for Labour's controversial plans to slash £6 billion from the welfare bill, questioning if the Tories could have done the same. The decision to cut from welfare, raid the international development budget, and remove winter fuel payments were not in Labour's election manifesto, causing backlash from MPs and voters alike. Despite criticism, Downing Street remains firm in their decision, citing the need to rewire the economy and prioritize...

Decades of experience as a GP working with terminally ill patients has led to a call for a change in laws on assisted dying, supported by the recent decision of the Royal College of GPs to drop their opposition. This shift reflects a broader change in the medical profession's stance on the issue, as more doctors acknowledge the need for a legal route to shorten suffering for terminally ill patients. With the possibility of assisted...

Conan O'Brien, host of the 2025 Oscars, revealed on his podcast that the Academy had strict guidelines for portraying the Oscar statue, rejecting his ideas for promo videos involving the statue being portrayed in domestic scenarios. Despite wanting to portray Oscar in an apron or on a couch, he was told Oscar could never be horizontal or wear clothing. Conan also faced red tape while trying to include gummy snacks in attendee gift boxes, as...

In his final address as president, Michael D Higgins expressed gratitude for the support and kindness of the Irish people during his two terms in office, emphasizing the importance of shared values in addressing global challenges. He highlighted the need for solidarity and compassion in the face of division, inequality, and environmental degradation, urging a rejection of cynicism and a commitment to transformative ideals. Higgins called for a renewed sense of solidarity and shared responsibility...

In the trend of 'sleepmaxxing', experts suggest 11 hacks for better sleep, including eating pineapple before bed to boost melatonin levels, limiting caffeine and alcohol consumption, following the 3-2-1 rule of stopping alcohol, food, and fluids before bed, and trying the military sleep method involving muscle relaxation and visualization for quicker sleep onset. These tips aim to improve sleep quality and promote better rest. Full Article