May 23: Today’s top stories in 60 seconds


by Sarah Finnan
22nd May 2023

Your speedy summary of today's must-read stories.

Boys arrested over horror assault in Navan given security advice by gardaí as Snapchat row investigated
The five boys arrested for their involvement in a shocking assault on a 14-year-old schoolboy in Navan have been given detailed personal security advice by gardaí after receiving abuse and threats online.
Independent.ie

Fresh searches for Madeleine McCann begin in Portugal
Police in Portugal have begun a search as part of the investigation into the disappearance of Madeleine McCann. A Policia Judiciaria statement said it is co-ordinating searches in the Algarve at the request of German police and in the presence of British officers. Police divers were seen entering the water at the Barragem do Arade reservoir this morning. A police motor boat has also been sent into the water with two officers on it.
RTÉ

Close to half of animal species on the world’s surface are in decline, research finds
Almost half of the animal species on the world’s surface are currently undergoing declines in their population sizes, new research has found. The paper, published today, examines changes in population densities of more than 70,000 species of animals from across the world’s surface over time, making it the most comprehensive research of its kind to date. The researchers from Queen’s University Belfast said the findings are a “drastic alert” as global biodiversity loss caused by human industrialisation is significantly more alarming than previously thought.
The Journal

Irish watchdog opposed €1.2bn Meta fine, saying it would have no ‘meaningful dissuasive effect’
A record €1.2 billion fine against Facebook owner Meta for violating privacy law was imposed in the face of claims by Ireland’s data regulator that no financial sanction was needed. The penalty against one of the world’s largest companies was imposed on Monday after Data Protection Commissioner Helen Dixon’s European counterparts dismissed her argument that a fine would have no “meaningful dissuasive effect” on Meta.
The Irish Times

AIB confirms property deeds of 30 customers destroyed at Cork City branch
AIB has confirmed that 30 customers had their property deeds destroyed during maintenance work at a Cork city centre branch. The Data Protection Commissioner has been informed of the incident at the South Mall branch. The bank told the Irish Examiner that deeds being stored in the bank belonging to about 30 customers were “inadvertently disposed of” by a third-party contractor during maintenance work at the South Mall branch.
The Irish Examiner

US debt ceiling talks described as productive but no deal yet
US President Joe Biden and top Republican Kevin McCarthy have called their latest talks on the debt ceiling productive but no deal has yet been reached. “I believe we can get a deal done,” House Speaker McCarthy told reporters. While acknowledging areas of disagreement, Mr Biden said a default was “off the table”. The debt ceiling is a spending limit set by Congress which determines how much money the government can borrow. Failure to raise it beyond the current cap of roughly $31.4tn (£25.2tn) by June could result in the US defaulting on its debt.
BBC News

Two teenagers died in crash that sparked rioting in Cardiff
Two teenagers died in a crash that sparked rioting in Cardiff, police have said – with at least two cars set on fire and fireworks thrown at officers. South Wales Police said it was investigating the “serious road traffic collision and scenes of violent disorder” which happened in the Ely area of the city on Monday night.
Sky News

Today’s forecast 
Dry today with cloud lifting through the morning, with good spells of sunshine developing. It will remain a little cloudier through the day in the north and northwest. Highest temperatures of 14 to 18 degrees, warmest in Leinster and Munster, in light northwesterly breezes. Staying dry with good clear spells. Lowest temperatures of 5 to 9 degrees. Light variable breezes overnight allowing patches of mist to form.
Met Éireann

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