Russia says forces have advanced in key Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk
Buildings destroyed by invading Russian forces in Pokrovsk, Ukraine, in October 2024. Photograph: Tyler Hicks/New York TimesRussia’s defence ministry said on Thursday that its forces had advanced in the battered Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk and were fighting house-to-house battles in a bid to eject Ukrainian forces from the city. Russian forces are just a few kilometres away from closing their pincer movement around Pokrovsk and neighbouring Myrnohrad and are also closing in on Ukrainian forces in Kupiansk in the Kharkiv region. Yuri Podolyaka, one of Russia’s top war bloggers, said Russia had tactical control of Pokrovsk but that in Myrnohrad Ukrainian forces had blocked themselves behind heavy defences. Ukrainian forces were also seeking to attack from the northwest.
Source:The Irish Times
November 06, 2025 21:33 UTC
Witness for McGregor side in alleged whiskey deal case has serious health difficulties
Photograph: Leonardo Fernandez/Getty ImagesA witness for the Conor McGregor side in the alleged “whiskey deal” case against the mixed martial arts fighter (MMA) has serious health difficulties and as a result he is seeking an adjournment of the action, the High Court heard. An appeal by Mr McGregor was rejected and he has since applied to the Supreme Court for a further appeal. Mr Lobov originally claimed he made an oral agreement about the whiskey brand in a gym in September 2017. Mr McGregor said he was in Ibiza that September and could not have been present on that date. Mark Lynam SC, who heads Mr McGregor’s new legal team, said there were two separate difficulties and one related to serious health difficulties of one of the McGregor side’s witnesses.
Source:The Irish Times
November 06, 2025 21:30 UTC
Missing the LPT deadline: what happens now?
Even if you have missed the local property tax deadline, you are still required to make a return. But it notes in that letter that it will “continue to seek submission of your LPT return and confirmation from you of your property valuation”. I don’t agree with local property tax. Revenue will not clear the sale of any property where there is outstanding local property tax due, or where your LPT returns are not up to date. In certain circumstances, you can defer payment of local property tax fully or in part.
Source:The Irish Times
November 06, 2025 19:38 UTC
‘Batten down the hatches’: Turkey farmers worry amid bird flu outbreaks – The Irish Times
Turkey farmer Billy Gray: 'My biggest worry is for the people I supply to.' This week, two outbreaks of highly pathogenic bird flu have been detected among turkey flocks in counties Carlow and Meath. The news has prompted Mr Gray to “batten down the hatches and keep the head down” to minimise any risk to his birds on Feighcullen Farm. It has a serious knock on to the supply chain.”Mr Gray has also put other restrictions in place on his farm. “There is significant input into 250 turkeys and it’s a significant loss if it was to hit us,” she says.
Source:The Irish Times
November 06, 2025 19:14 UTC
Immaculate five-bed in boutique Rathfarnam development for €1.75m
It’s a boutique, gated development; the old walls still surround part of the land and the river Glin runs through it. “This is the most important room,” says the owner’s seven-year-old daughter, leading the way to a large playroom on the left-hand side of the hall. A stunning guest bathroom completes the hallway; it has moody dark tiles shot through with traces of gold. With plenty of working space and a five-ring gas hob, this is a kitchen made for an ambitious cook. The attic is vast and has potential for going up another level – neighbours have created cinema rooms or home gyms.
Source:The Irish Times
November 06, 2025 18:57 UTC
Tesla shareholders must finally stand up to Elon Musk
Shareholders in Tesla gather today to decide whether to approve a proposed $1 trillion package for chief executive Elon Musk. Denholm notes that Musk has threatened to walk out if shareholders vote down the package. Over the first nine months of the year, Tesla sales are down 28.5 per cent across Europe versus the same period last year. Posting on X ahead of the vote, Musk wrote: “Tesla is worth more than all other automotive companies combined. It might be time for Tesla shareholders to take that chance.
Source:The Irish Times
November 06, 2025 18:33 UTC
Why is the Government playing chicken on climate with Europe?
Last month, Minister for Climate Darragh O’Brien brushed off warnings from the State’s fiscal and climate watchdogs as “back-of-the-envelope stuff”. Brushing aside a sober, peer-reviewed analysis by the Climate Change Advisory Council (CCAC) and the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council (Ifac) signals a troubling game of chicken with Europe over our climate obligations. The compliance regime is not a speculative fine that might never materialise – it’s a core part of the EU’s climate law. There is also a belief that because some other countries are also off track, Europe might look the other way. The forthcoming Climate Action Plan is the Government’s chance to prove it still takes its climate and fiscal responsibilities seriously.
Source:The Irish Times
November 06, 2025 17:21 UTC
Last 11 years have been hottest on record as ‘alarming’ weather streak continues
Photograph: Jae C Hong/APThe world’s weather experts have warned that Earth is experiencing an “alarming streak of exceptional temperatures” with climate change driving ever more difficult conditions. The State of the Global Climate Report from the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) shows 2025 is set to become the second or third warmest year in human history. Glaciers in all parts of the world lost record volumes of ice, measured at 450 billion tonnes. Glaciers in all parts of the world lost record volumes of ice. “Each year above 1.5 degrees will hammer economies, deepen inequalities and inflict irreversible damage,” he said.
Source:The Irish Times
November 06, 2025 16:32 UTC
Luxembourg or La-la land? Patrick O’Donovan chooses Hollywood over EU huddle
During the six-month presidency, Irish Ministers will take centre stage in European affairs, chairing council meetings where all 27 member states negotiate and forge common positions on key issues. There has been a noticeable increase in Ministers attending EU council meetings, in Brussels and elsewhere, rather than relying on senior Irish diplomats to represent them. Inside the department, officials said they wanted to arrange some bilateral sit-downs for O’Donovan on the margins of the Luxembourg trip. Out of the four EU meetings O’Donovan has been invited to so far this year, he has only made it to one. The Limerick TD was all set to travel to an EU council last month, but his flight was cancelled before take-off, due to a technical issue.
Source:The Irish Times
November 06, 2025 16:31 UTC
I worry I might be doing things only to capture them on my phone – The Irish Times
This thought experiment is centuries old, loosely linked to 18th century writings by Irish philosopher George Berkeley. There are two big gripes about modern-day concert going, phone use and talking. Phone use at shows is something I’m much more easy-going about, and I view it as audience and artist dependent. Earlier this month I went to a gig that explicitly asked for no phone use. I sometimes worry that I might only be doing things so I can capture the sight or event or moment with my phone.
Source:The Irish Times
November 06, 2025 16:31 UTC
Caelan Doris returns to lead much-changed Ireland team for visit of Japan
In what is an uplifting and inspiring story, the late developing Munster centre Tom Farrell will become the oldest back to make his debut for Ireland in the professional era after being named at outside centre. Craig Casey is promoted at scrumhalf and will start alongside his Munster halfback partner Jack Crowley, who is retained at outhalf. Gus McCarthy, Cian Prendergast and Jimmy O’Brien are all promoted to the bench, where Paddy McCarthy, Finlay Bealham and Cian Prendergast are retained. Looking ahead to Saturday’s game, Andy Farrell said: “I have been pleased with the application and diligence of the squad this week. “Tom (Farrell) becomes our latest debutant and his is a real Roy of the Rovers story when you look at his journey in the game to this point.
Source:The Irish Times
November 06, 2025 16:23 UTC
Caelan Doris set to return as Ireland captain for Japan match
Caelan Doris is set to return as Ireland captain when the side to face Japan at the Aviva Stadium next Saturday (kick-off 12.40pm) is announced at noon on Thursday. Andy Farrell is expected to delve into his squad with several changes from the side which lost 26-13 against New Zealand in Chicago while retaining an experienced core. If ever there was a game to look at alternatives to Josh van der Flier at openside, then this would seem the game to start Nick Timoney. The 30-year-old Ulster player earned his fourth cap, and first since the Fijian game in November 2022, against Georgia in June. Ireland (possible) v Japan: Osborne; T O’Brien, Ringrose, Aki/Henshaw, Stockdale; Crowley, Casey; Porter, Kelleher, Clarkson; Ryan, Beirne; Baird, Timoney, Doris (capt).
Source:The Irish Times
November 06, 2025 15:04 UTC
Japan’s death penalty in the spotlight after inmate freed from decades on death row
Death row inmate Iwao Hakamada (L), flanked by his sister Hideko, was released from Tokyo Detention House after serving more than 30 years. Hakamada is one of only five prisoners released from Japan’s death row since 1945. “The trend toward abolition worldwide is irreversible,” says Raphael Chenuil-Hazan, who leads Together Against the Death Penalty, a French lobby group. Once the justice minister signs an execution order, condemned inmates have minutes to get their affairs in order before dying. “It is meant to show the public the importance of the death penalty in Japan.”
Source:The Irish Times
November 06, 2025 14:54 UTC
Two arrested in connection with suspected arson attack at Drogheda Ipas centre
The scene of the arson attack on a centre housing asylum seekers on George’s Street in Drogheda, Co Louth. Photograph: Bryan O’BrienGardaí investigating a suspected arson attack on a centre for international protection applicants in Co Louth last week have made the first arrests in the case. CCTV footage has since emerged, however, which shows a man deliberately setting the blaze on the staircase. The man who set the fire had an accelerant, wore gloves and concealed his identity with a hood and face covering. Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan described the arson attack as “attempted murder” while speaking on Wednesday during a Dáil debate about international protection.
Source:The Irish Times
November 06, 2025 14:46 UTC
Central Bank fines crypto firm €21.5m for anti-money laundering rule breaches
US crypto giant Coinbase's Coinbase Europe has been fined €21.3 million by the Central Bank of Ireland. It marks the fourth-biggest financial penalty ever imposed by the Irish financial regulator and comes less than three years after Coinbase Europe was authorised by the authority. It is the first sanction levelled against a player in the crypto sector by the Central Bank. The value of these transactions amounted to over €176 billion, and accounted for approximately 31 per cent of all Coinbase Europe transactions conducted in the period when the faults existed. The Central Bank said it cannot say if any of the suspicious transactions were a criminal offence.
Source:The Irish Times
November 06, 2025 14:35 UTC