July 25: Today’s top stories in 60 seconds

Couples can avail of publicly funded IVF scheme from September under age and BMI limits
One publicly funded IVF cycle will be available to those that meet access criteria from September. Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly will today announce full funding for a cycle of IVF for eligible couples if they have availed of one privately funded cycle or have never availed of any. Up to three cycles of IUI (Intrauterine Insemination Treatment) will be covered for those deemed clinically determined for such treatment under the new scheme. Under Budget 2023, €10 million was allocated to start the roll-out of free infertility treatments from September.
The Journal 

Report on Ryan Tubridy’s 2017-2019 pay is finished – but RTÉ still hasn’t published it
RTÉ is sitting on a crucial investigation into the failure to properly declare Ryan Tubridy’s earnings.
The report is expected to prompt serious questions about the RTÉ board’s handling of the revelations about Mr Tubridy’s pay. RTÉ has received the findings of a report into the “error”, which resulted in the former Late Late Show host’s salary being understated. But it is not yet clear when the report by accountants Grant Thornton will be published.
Independent.ie

Hourly rail service between major cities recommended
There should be an hourly train service between major cities and at least one train every two hours between other urban centres, a new report aiming to transform the current rail system has recommended. Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan will bring the draft report of the first All-Island Strategic Rail Review, which makes 30 recommendations, to Cabinet later this morning. This review wants faster speeds, improved frequency, and new rail routes for people and freight, particularly across the west and north of the country. The recommendations span a period of over 25 years, but a number of proposals could be implemented before 2030.
RTÉ

Ireland’s pace of climate policy implementation ‘not acceptable’, says watchdog
The pace at which the Government is implementing agreed climate policy “is not acceptable, given the existential threat and impact” climate change is having on society, an independent watchdog has warned. The Climate Change Advisory Council (CCAC) said Ireland would not meet its legally-binding climate targets set in the first and second carbon budget periods up to 2030 “unless urgent action is taken immediately and emissions begin to fall much more rapidly”. In its annual review the council said: “2023 is a critical year for delivery of Ireland’s national climate action and … we must see emissions fall consistently if we are to meet our national and EU legal obligations in full and on time.”
The Irish Times

Talks underway for Bruce Springsteen to play concert in at least one GAA stadium in 2024
Discussions are underway about Bruce Springsteen playing at least one GAA stadium in next year. The Irish Examiner understands “The Boss” and The E Street Band will return to Ireland for the second successive May in 2024.
The Irish Examiner 

Europe and US heatwaves near ‘impossible’ without climate change
The heatwaves battering Europe and the US in July would have been “virtually impossible” without human-induced climate change, a scientific study says. Global warming from burning fossil fuels also made the heatwave affecting parts of China 50 times more likely. Climate change meant the heatwave in southern Europe was 2.5C hotter, the study finds. Almost all societies remain unprepared for deadly extreme heat, experts warn.
BBC News

Rhodes fires – latest updates: Adults ‘fight’ to be evacuated in Rhodes – as 34 dead in Algeria fires and parts of Turkey ablaze
Airlines are laying on additional flights to help British holidaymakers leave Rhodes. Meanwhile, tourists on the island say there were power cuts last night as further evacuations were ordered.
Sky News

Today’s forecast
Dry with sunny spells for most this morning aside from isolated showers in northern areas. It will turn cloudier this afternoon with scattered showers developing. Highest temperatures of 17 to 20 degrees with light westerly winds. There will be clear spells and scattered showers at first tonight but rain and drizzle will develop in the west and southwest overnight. Lowest temperatures of 9 to 12 degrees with very light southwest breezes.
Met Éireann