Is free, publicly-funded childcare possible in Ireland?; Brian Stanley quits Sinn Féin after ‘gross misconduct’ allegation – The Irish Times

Pope Francis, before his death, donated €200,000 from his personal account to inmates at Rome's Regina Coeli prison, which he visited to offer Easter well-wishes. During his final visit, he expressed his desire to be close to the inmates, emphasizing their need for attention and care. Auxiliary Bishop Benoni Ambarus revealed this heartfelt gesture, highlighting the Pope's consistent commitment to prisoners throughout his papacy and his wish for a simple burial, funded by a benefactor,...

Emergency workers are responding to a chemical incident in Oldham, Greater Manchester, where orange fumes were reported emanating from a tanker on West End Street, prompting officials to advise residents to keep doors and windows closed. Roads, including West End Street and Chadderton Way, have been closed as emergency services, including a Hazardous Area Response Team, work to secure the area and manage the situation. Firefighters have been on-site since 3:15 PM, urging the public...

Ashley Tran, 30, and Phuoc Nguyen, 33, traveled to the Vatican for their wedding, only to find themselves amidst the mourning of Pope Francis, who passed away shortly before their arrival. They chose to honor the late pope by delaying their wedding plans to pay their respects, reflecting on his impact on their faith, especially during challenging times in their lives. Despite initial concerns about their wedding plans, they embraced the belief that everything happens...

A British Airways flight attendant, Irfan Ali Mirza, 45, was found dead in a San Francisco hotel room after failing to report for work following a layover from Heathrow. Colleagues raised the alarm when he did not respond to calls, leading hotel staff to discover his body; police reported no evidence of foul play, and the cause of death remains unconfirmed. Irfan, who had over 20 years of service, leaves behind a wife and three...

Metro’s Gergana Krasteva reported from St Peter’s Square in Vatican City, where thousands queued in sweltering heat to pay their respects to Pope Francis, who recently passed away. As the crowd waited for hours, a mix of emotions filled the air—anticipation, grief, and a sense of community among mourners, including nuns, priests, and tourists. Inside St Peter’s Basilica, the atmosphere was heavy as people glimpsed the pope's coffin, marking a significant moment in history as...

Nearly 70 incidents of missing or stolen parliamentary IT equipment involving MPs and their staff were reported in 2024, including a new MP's laptop and iPad that vanished from the House of Commons cloakroom. The loss of such devices raises security concerns amid fears of espionage from countries like Russia and China, particularly given the sensitivity of the information they may contain. Although the House of Commons has not disclosed specific details about suspects or...