July 18: Today’s top stories in 60 seconds

External investigators denied access to review children’s hospital site for six weeks
The timeline for the completion of the new national children’s hospital could “slip further” after another breakdown in communication between the board and builders, while a squad of external investigators were shut out of the site for six weeks. The National Paediatric Hospital Development Board (NPHDB), overseeing the building of the project, has hired one of the world’s leading investigative and intelligence companies, Kroll, to review the works on the site. However, board members met last month to discuss issues with the “behaviour” of lead contractor BAM. According to minutes of that meeting, BAM said it would not attend meetings if the development board were present, while Kroll was “excluded” from the site for six weeks.
The Irish Times

Dentist arrested by gardaí in €1m medical card overclaiming investigation
A dentist from the south of the country has been arrested in relation to a long-running Garda fraud investigation into alleged overclaiming on medical card work at his dental surgery. Sources say that detectives are investigating if a sum close to €1m was obtained in the alleged scam that dates back to 2006.
Independent.ie

Ireland has become warmer across all seasons in the last 30 years
Average temperatures were higher in the last 30 years than the 30 before across all seasons of the year, according to new figures released by Met Éireann. Between 1991 and 2020, mean temperatures were higher throughout the country for spring, summer, autumn and winter than they were between 1961 and 1990. Levels of sunshine and rainfall both increased, with some counties experiencing a more notable jump in rainfall than others, particularly in the north and west of the country.
The Journal

Ireland faces ‘real threat of espionage from China’
Ireland faces a “very real” threat of economic espionage and academic interference from China, leading security experts have said. The warning follows a report by the intelligence and security committee of the British parliament, which detailed threats to British industry and universities from Chinese authorities.
The Irish Examiner

Drop in number of TV licences issued in first week of July
There was a notable drop in the number of TV licences issued in the first week in July compared to the same time last year, with 11,241 licences issued compared to 15,432 in 2022. The fall in TV licence numbers comes as RTÉ has been embroiled in controversy over the publication of inaccurate figures for presenter Ryan Tubridy’s earnings. The licence figures were released by Minister for Media Catherine Martin in a reply to a parliamentary question from Fine Gael TD Brendan Griffin. RTÉ Director General Kevin Bakhurst said he was very grateful to those who have continued to buy a TV licence during a period when events have cast such a dark shadow over RTÉ. He added that they have every right to feel let down. A total of 5,837 fewer TV licences were issued during June and the first week in July than there was in the same period in 2022.
RTÉ

Europe could hit 46C – as 230,000 evacuated in China
The latest updates as heatwaves and extreme weather cause disruption across the globe. Sardinia is expected to see temperatures of 46C today, there are major wildfires in Greece and 230,000 people have been evacuated in China due to Typhoon Talim.
Sky News

McDonald’s workers speak out over sexual abuse claims
A toxic culture of sexual assault, harassment, racism and bullying has been alleged by more than 100 current and recent UK staff at outlets of the fast-food chain McDonald’s. The BBC was told that workers, some as young as 17, are being groped and harassed almost routinely. The UK equality watchdog said it was “concerned” by the BBC’s findings and is launching a new email hotline. McDonald’s said it had “fallen short” and it “deeply apologised”. It added that all employees deserved to work in a safe, respectful and inclusive workplace.
BBC News

Asylum seeker barge docks as lords vote for ‘shameful’ UK illegal migration bill
A barge that will be used to house 500 asylum seekers has belatedly arrived in a port on England’s southern coast after voting in the House of Lords paved the way for the government’s small boats and migration bill to become law. The arrival of the Bibby Stockholm, which was pulled by a tug into Portland port in Dorset on Tuesday morning, coincided with condemnation of the previous night’s drama in which the Conservative frontbench saw off five further changes to the bill peers were seeking, including modern slavery protections and child detention limits. At least one other vote was ditched in the face of the government victories.
The Guardian

Today’s forecast
Outbreaks of rain in most areas this morning, heavy in places, especially in the south with some spot flooding. Through the late morning and afternoon, rain will clear eastwards with brighter weather and showers following, some heavy. Highest temperatures of 17 to 20 degrees with mostly light variable winds. Tonight will be mainly dry with clear spells and isolated showers. Lowest temperatures of 7 to 11 degrees with light northwest breezes. A Status Yellow Rain warning is also in place for counties Cork and Waterford with spells of heavy rain and showers potentially leading to localised flooding.
Met Éireann