The Briefing - Your Monday morning news catch up

Welcome to your Monday morning briefing. Let us ensure you’re up to speed on what’s happening and are prepared for the day ahead.

Mon, 06 Oct, 2014 - 01:00

BRIEFING TOP STORY

SURGE IN THE USE OF HEROIN ACROSS CORK

There are 500 heroin addicts in Cork City and county — a massive increase in the past 10 years — with only half of them receiving any help.

IRISH NEWS

HIGH WINDS CUT POWER TO THOUSANDS AND AFFECT DART, ROAD AND FERRY SERVICES

The ESB has said that thousands of homes have no power this morning after overnight high winds and heavy rain.

SERIOUS CRIMINALS AMONG 32 ON THE RUN FROM JAIL

Attempted murderers, kidnappers, and drug offenders are among the 32 prisoners who have escaped from jails here and are still on the run.

WORLD NEWS

HONG KONG PROTESTORS AT ODDS OVER PULLBACK

In an apparent concession to authorities warning pro-democracy protesters to clear Hong Kong’s streets by the beginning of the work week, students occupying the area outside city government headquarters agreed yesterday to remove some barricades that have blocked the building’s entrance during the week-long demonstrations.

FIVE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE VATICANS FAMILY SYNOD

Pope Francis yesterday opened a two-week meeting of bishops and cardinals from around the world aimed at making the church’s teaching on family life — marriage, sex, contraception, divorce and homosexuality — relevant to today’s Catholic families.

SPORT

RODGERS RELAXED ON STERLING FUTURE

Premier League

Liverpool 2 West Brom 1

At times this season, the chaos that Luis Suarez occasionally brought to Liverpool has seemed like some kind of tranquil memory, but Brendan Rodgers has no concern about the club’s latest controversy surrounding Raheem Sterling’s future

PHELPS TO TAKE BREAK

Michael Phelps will take a break from swimming in order to confront his personal issues following his arrest for alleged drink driving last week.

BUSINESS

RIHANNA, ROBBIE BOOST AVIVA PROFITS

The staging of concerts by Rihanna and Robbie Williams at the Aviva Stadium last year contributed to the firm operating the stadium recording an operating profit of €4.55m.

VIEWPOINTS

BUSINESSES IN BID TO STUB OUT GOVERNMENTS ANTI-SMOKING MEASURES

Lobbying the Taoiseach to drop plans to introduce plain cigarette packs is big business, writes Political Reporter Juno McEnroe

EXAMVIRAL

10 GREAT RAINY DAY MOVIE MARATHON IDEAS

With a status orange weather alert throughout much of the country, it’s a great opportunity to settle down with loved ones, grab some popcorn and enjoy a marathon of movies. Here are our favourite things to binge watch...

SHOWBIZ