April 25: Today’s top stories in 60 seconds

Independent abortion review recommends increase in service provision
A review into the State’s abortion law has recommended an increase in the provision of termination services across the country. The review, to be presented to the Cabinet this morning and published in full tomorrow, sets out a range of legislative and operational recommendations in respect of the law. It has also found an uneven geographic spread of hospitals providing termination services. Operational changes include increasing the provision of termination services. The review found that here are 422 community providers and that 11 of the 19 maternity hospitals in the country are involved in service provision. Plans are underway to increase the number of maternity hospitals providing abortion services to 17 by the end of June.
RTÉ

AI speed cameras capable of detecting phone and seatbelt use considered by Garda
An Garda Síochána is examining new speed camera technology which will be capable of detecting drivers who are not wearing seat belts or using mobile phones. The technology will form part of a planned €100 million spend on new traffic-monitoring systems which will be installed, maintained and operated by a private company. If the relevant legislation is passed by the Oireachtas, the new cameras will also be capable of detecting if drivers are using bus lanes illegally or are breaking traffic lights. The new system will replace the current contract gardaí have with the private provider GoSafe which operates almost 1,400 safety cameras zones around the country.
The Irish Times

1.3m people to receive €200 cost-of-living payment this week
Around 1.3m people, including pensioners and lone parents, are set to receive cost-of-living supports from this week. Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys is set to inform Cabinet of a number of €200 payments that will be given to welfare recipients to help households with rising costs.
The Irish Examiner

Gardaí seek assistance in tracing missing Dublin teenager who may be in Northern Ireland
Gardaé are seeking the public’s assistance in tracing the whereabouts of 15-year-old Rebeca Cirpaci. Rebeca was last seen in the Tallaght area of Dublin on Monday, 24 April. She is described as being approximately 5’ 2” in height, of slim build, with black hair and brown eyes. A garda spokesperson said it is possible that she may currently be in Northern Ireland.
The Journal

Revealed: How Irish households are being charged the highest prices in Europe for electricity
The price of electricity in Ireland is the highest in Europe, according to new research that is likely to pile pressure on the Government for further relief to households.?
The unit price for electricity is almost double the European average, according to the Household Energy Price Index, which was commissioned by the Austrian energy regulator and the Hungarian energy regulator. Gas prices are also among the most expensive in Europe.
Independent.ie

Sudan crisis: Warring sides agree to ceasefire
A ceasefire in Sudan appears to be holding after taking effect at midnight (22:00 GMT on Monday). It is the fourth attempt to stop the fighting which began on 15 April, with previous truces not observed. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the 72-hour truce had been agreed between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) after 48 hours of negotiations. At least 400 people have been killed in the hostilities.
BBC News

Jury selection to begin in Donald Trump’s civil rape tri
A federal court in New York will begin selecting a jury on Tuesday to hear evidence that Donald Trump raped the famed advice columnist E Jean Carroll nearly three decades ago.
The Guardian

Today’s forecast
Largely dry and sunny this morning. Cloud will gradually build with a few well scattered showers developing. Outbreaks of rain will push into the southwest later in the evening. Highest temperatures of 8 to 12 degrees, mildest in the west, in light, occasionally moderate east to southeast breezes. Cloud with patchy outbreaks of light rain, drizzle and mist will continue to move up from the south overnight. Lowest temperatures generally of 4 to 7 degrees. Colder in the north early on in the night before the cloud builds with temperatures in parts falling to 1 degree. Easterly breezes will be mostly light.
Met Éireann