December 4: Today’s top stories in 60 seconds

Loss of income would put almost half of voters off a united Ireland
The economic effects of a united Ireland on voters’ personal finances would have a crucial impact on their choice in any future referendums, according to the latest research. Almost half of all voters in Northern Ireland who expressed a preference – 43 per cent of the total – said they would be less likely to vote for a united Ireland if it meant they would be £3,500 a year worse off. Almost as many – this figure includes 23 per cent of voters from a Protestant background and a third (33 per cent) of voters who describe themselves as neither Catholic nor Protestant – 38 per cent of voters in Northern Ireland said they would be more likely to vote for a united Ireland if it meant they would be £3,500 better off.
The Irish Times

Migrant Nurses Ireland says CUH racism allegations were not investigated in ‘timely manner’
Migrant Nurses Ireland has said that it is “extremely concerned” that stakeholders appear to have failed to take “appropriate and timely action” in response to allegations that 29 Indian nurses experienced “humiliating and derogatory” behaviour while undertaking training in Cork University Hospital (CUH). Nursing regulator the NMBI has said it’s been told by the hospital that it is addressing the issue and has recruited a senior manager with responsibility for the welfare of the nurses.
The Journal

Revealed: The massive difference in GP visit prices depending on where you live
Some private patients are paying almost €50 more to see their family doctor than those in other parts of the country – with prices highest in Dublin. A new survey reveals how one in six are paying between €26 and €50 to see their GP, while over a third are paying between €51 and €75, with prices highest in Dublin.
Independent.ie

Senior social worker warns of ‘disgusting’ elder abuse by families to swindle money
A senior social worker for the Cork and Kerry region has warned of ‘disgusting’ financial abuse of elderly patients by family members who use ‘next of kin’ status to swindle their money. In one of the worst cases, a relative of an elderly person, who was sick in hospital, sent in a solicitor to have a will changed at the hospital bedside when the patient was suffering from a progressive illness. Aisling Murphy, the HSE safeguarding and protection social worker for Cork and Kerry, warned that too many people exploit the “myth” that being a next of kin gives them legal rights over a relative. “It’s disgusting, what people are capable of doing is disgusting,” said Ms Murphy.
The Irish Examiner

Most industry experts don’t think renewable targets will be met – report
95% of industry experts do not believe Ireland will reach its target of having 80% of electricity generated from renewable sources by 2030, a new report has found. The study by KPMG, commissioned by Wind Energy Ireland, found planning delays and inadequate capacity on the electricity grid are among the factors that will prevent the milestone being reached. A lack of “joined up thinking” in policy development is also hindering the possibility of the target being met, the analysis concludes.
RTÉ

Israel army ‘in all areas of Gaza’ as new evacuations ordered
The Israeli military says it’s expanding its ground operation into “all areas” of the Gaza Strip following the resumption of fighting on Friday. It has this morning posted on social media a fresh order for people to evacuate about 20 areas of the Palestinian enclave. Its forces have been pushing further south – amid warnings from humanitarian groups that Gazans are running out of places to flee.
BBC News

Oxford names ‘rizz’ as word of the year after Tom Holland interview fuelled rise in use – but what does it mean?
“Rizz”, meaning romantic appeal, has been chosen as the Oxford 2023 word of the year. A team of experts and tens of thousands of public votes selected ‘rizz’ as the word which most captures 2023.
Sky News

Europe is ‘miles behind’ in race for raw materials used in electric car batteries
European carmakers have secured less than a sixth of the key raw materials they will need by 2030 to make electric vehicle batteries, according to analysis that highlights the expected scramble for green-tech resources.
The Guardian

Today’s forecast
A frosty start for many this morning with some ice. Any lingering rain will clear from the southeast early on and the rest of the day will bring a good deal of dry weather overall, with spells of winter sunshine. However, it’ll probably be a bit cloudier overall along parts of the east coast, with some scattered showers too in the north and west, with the chance of a few of hail or sleet, mainly over higher ground. Highest temperatures 3 to 7 degrees in mostly moderate northwesterly winds, fresher at times in coastal parts. Dry in most places tonight with clear spells and just a few isolated showers, the odd wintry one. However, it’ll be cloudier along the east coast with the likelihood of a little rain and drizzle. There’s the chance of some isolated fog or freezing fog patches. Cold; with lowest temperatures ranging from around -3 or -4 degrees in parts of the midlands and west to around 1 or 2 degrees along the east coast. Frost and ice will be fairly widespread, though some eastern coastal parts may remain frost-free. Winds will decrease mostly light northwesterly or variable, but will be fresher along the east coast.
Met Éireann