Catch-up with what you've missed with our morning briefing

Good morning. Here’s everything you need to know before you start your day.

Thu, 28 Apr, 2016 - 01:00

IRELAND

Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil’s negotiating teams will meet today to finalise what is expected to be a three-year government formation deal before a likely re-election of Enda Kenny as Taoiseach next week. Water charges look likely to be permanently axed as a Dáil vote will now be required for their reintroduction.

The Luas tram service in Dublin is being hit by another strike today. Drivers are taking the action in support of a pay claim of over 20%.

The acting Environment Minister is to be questioned later by a special Oireachtas Committee set up to deal with the growing problem of homelessness.

Forensic experts have been called in to examine the gun used in the fatal shooting of a 41-year-old man in Cork. Gardaí are continuing to investigate the death of Diarmuid Byrne at his home on Plunkett Rd, Ballyphehane, on Tuesday.

A mother on the phone trying to explain the work of her professor son was the spark for an invention that could be used on future space missions.

WORLD

The UN envoy for Syria has appealed to the US and Russia to intervene to help revive Syrian peace talks. Staffan de Mistura said a recent spike in fighting has overshadowed the talks and put an increasingly fragile ceasefire in "great danger".

The chief constable of South Yorkshire Police has been suspended in the wake of the Hillsborough inquest findings.

SPORT

Tommy Walsh is poised to quit the Kerry football squad amid growing frustration at his lack of game time with the Kingdom, the Irish Examiner understands. Meanwhile, Cork have declined to comment on the appointment of Pádraig Hughes to referee Saturday’s All-Ireland U21 final in Ennis.

Johnny Sexton accepts that he struggled to perform on his return to Leinster, but the Ireland out-half believes it was unfair of former players to talk about his history of concussion without considering the full facts.

BUSINESS

A new shoe company has announced it is to create 28 new jobs in Ireland. The global footwear chain - The Athlete's Foot (TAF) - has announced plans to open four new shops in Ireland in the coming months.

Kerry Group shares fell yesterday as the company held its annual general meeting in Tralee, Co Kerry, and reported “good business momentum” despite tough market conditions.

ANALYSIS

I’m the eejit who bought the water harvester, a gigantic yoke sitting in the back garden looking like it’s an oil tank, writes Victoria White

LIFESTYLE

A family member developing Alzheimer’s disease means big changes for all concerned. But there are organisations there to help.

VIRAL

Cork Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals are looking for your help to find forever homes for a few of their furry friends.

A Prince fan paid a unique tribute to the late star by performing a dance in a packed Tube carriage.

TECHNOW

GAMING: Creator of The Walking Dead, Robert Kirkman, has shared some details about Season 3 of Telltale’s episodic tale. Apparently, we’ll see the return of a familiar character.

MOVIES: The world wants The Avengers to be put in check, but Cap is having none of it. Read our Captain America Civil War spoiler free review.

TECH: Artificial Intelligence is making great strides towards a future where humans are more and more obselete and it's latest challenge is the most important yet - foosball.