July 26: Today’s top stories in 60 seconds

US Embassy warns citizens to ‘keep a low profile’ on Dublin streets as Leo Varadkar admits garda recruitment target is ‘very hard’
American citizens have been issued a stark warning about personal safety in light of recent incidents of violence in Dublin. The warning from the US Embassy in Dublin comes just days after a US tourist was left with serious injuries after an assault in the city centre. It cites a number of safety measures that travellers should take, in what could damage Ireland’s international reputation as a welcoming destination for tourists. Pressure is mounting on the Government over the policing of street crime. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar yesterday admitted the Government’s target of recruiting 1,000 new gardaí this year is going to be “very hard to meet”.
Independent.ie

Gardaí raise concerns about procedures after security scare at Dublin Airport
Gardaí are expected to raise concerns with the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) over security procedures at the airport following the detection of apparently suspect components of an explosive substance in hand luggage during security screening. Gardaí are concerned that airport procedures may point to a vulnerability in security, which may include gaps in communication between DAA and airlines in such scenarios.
The Irish Examiner

HIQA reports says at-risk children left on waiting list for months
An inspection of a child protection and welfare service by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) found that children who alleged abuse, inappropriate contact and sexual assault were left on waiting lists for months. The HIQA inspection of Tusla’s child protection and welfare service in April found that the Child and Family Agency failed to take steps to identify children who were not receiving care and protection. HIQA found “a chronic shortfall” in staffing resources to meet demand, including gaps in the monitoring and oversight of waitlist cases and completion of safety planning.
RTÉ

Diversions in place as gardaí at scene of serious collision on M6 in Galway
Gardaí are currently at the scene of a serious collision on the M6 in Co Galway. The single vehicle collision happened at around 5.10am between Junction 17 at Athenry and Junction 18 at the M17/M18. The road is currently closed between the two junctions. Local diversions are in place and motorists are advised to take alternative routes. Gardaí have said no further information is currently available.
The Journal

Personal tax and energy supports will be among areas of focus in budget giveaway, Varadkar says
Reductions in personal tax, further energy supports and a major package aimed at reducing child poverty are to be included in October’s budget, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said. Speaking to journalists at Government Buildings after the final Cabinet meeting before the summer break, the Fine Gael leader put a strong emphasis on providing supports for businesses.
The Irish Times

Deadly Mediterranean wildfires kill more than 40
More than 40 people have died in Algeria, Italy and Greece as Mediterranean wildfires threaten villages and holiday resorts, and thousands have been evacuated. Greece is preparing for more evacuation flight from Rhodes, as fires also rage on the islands of Corfu and Evia. The current long heatwave shows no let-up – temperatures are expected to rise above 44C (111F) in parts of Greece. Fires in Sicily and Puglia have forced thousands of people to flee.
BBC News

‘Stripped and left topless in a cell, I was drugged and sexually assaulted by Greater Manchester Police’
Unconscious with her hands cuffed behind her back, a woman is carried into a police cell. She is forced face-down onto a thin mattress. Police officers take off her jeans, cut off her knickers, pull a pair of oversized custody shorts over her legs, then remove her top and bra before leaving her alone and topless. All of this is captured on CCTV. The woman in the footage is Zayna Iman, 38, who alleges that she was drugged and sexually assaulted while being held in custody by Greater Manchester Police.
Sky News

‘Put learners first’: Unesco calls for global ban on smartphones in schools
Smartphones should be banned from schools to tackle classroom disruption, improve learning and help protect children from cyberbullying, a UN report has recommended. Unesco, the UN’s education, science and culture agency, said there was evidence that excessive mobile phone use was linked to reduced educational performance and that high levels of screen time had a negative effect on children’s emotional stability.
The Guardian

Today’s forecast
Some bright spells in the east and north at first today but otherwise mostly cloudy, with patchy rain and drizzle spreading eastwards. The rain will turn heavier and more persistent in all areas this afternoon and evening, with highest accumulations in the southwest, where there may be some localised flooding. Becoming breezy with moderate to fresh southerly winds developing, with strong winds along southern and western coasts. Humid with highest temperatures of 16 to 19 degrees. Persistent rain will clear northeastwards early tonight, but it will remain cloudy with patchy rain, drizzle and mist. It’ll be a humid night with temperatures no lower than 13 to 15 degrees in light to moderate southwest winds.
Met Éireann