February 16: Today’s top stories in 60 seconds

Nicola Sturgeon resignation

After over eight years, Nicola Sturgeon has resigned as Scotland’s first minister and leader of the Scottish National Party, but will remain in office until her successor is elected. Sturgeon acknowledged there had been “choppy waters”, but that her decision had come from “a deeper and longer-term assessment”. She said: “Since the very first moment in the job, I have believed that part of serving well would be to know, almost instinctively, when the time is right to make way for someone else,” she said.

BBC

Philippines earthquake

A 6.1 magnitude earthquake hit the central Philippines yesterday (Irish time), though thankfully no reports of casualties or significant damage have been made. The strong and shallow quake struck just off the coast of Masbate province in the centre of the archipelago nation. The Philippine seismological agency said it had recorded more than 80 aftershocks.

thejournal.ie

Ryan Tubridy top earner

Host of The Late Late Show and his own radio show on weekday mornings, Ryan Tubridy remains the highest earner within RTÉ. The presenter earned €440,000 in 2021, a drop from his 2020 total of €466,250, which in turn was a drop from his 2019 earnings of €495,000. Liveline host Joe Duffy is second, with €351,000 earned in 2021. Claire Byrne is a new entrant to the top three, pocketing €350,000 in 2021.

Irish Examiner

Mayo car crash

A man has died following a single-vehicle collision on the N60 at Ballygowan in Claremorris, Co Mayo in the early hours of this morning. The driver, aged in his 40s, later died from his injuries. Gardaí are appealing for witnesses, particularly anyone with dashcam footage, to contact them.

Breaking News

Drug seizure linked to Kinahan gang

Four people have been arrested in connection with a large cocaine seizure estimated to be worth €2.8 million — linked to the Kinahan organised crime group – have been charged. The three men and one woman are expected to appear before the Criminal Courts of Justice in Dublin this morning. Two other men arrested have been released without charge and a file is to be sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions.

RTÉ