
Hosted by The Daily News Now! · EN

RTÉ’s 2025 annual report reveals a stark pay gap: nine of the top ten earners are executives, with only on-air star Claire Byrne making the cut at €280k. Director General Kevin Bakhurst, earning over €339k including perks, remains the highest-paid, while his pledge to cap base salaries at €250k clashes with his own rising total package. Other top earners include Deputy DG Adrian Lynch (€294k), CTO Richard Waghorn (€291k), and News Director Deirdre McCarthy (€285k). RTÉ explains the inflated figures include pensions and allowances, and notes some leaders were new in 2024. Meanwhile, the broadcaster reports a massive €22.5m surplus — up from €5.5m — driven by strong commercial revenue, cost control, and deferred projects. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/099c9b1ab281ce30

Spain’s Ministry of Health has approved a draft law that could ban smoking and vaping in outdoor public spaces like parks, beaches, and beer gardens — a move aimed at protecting kids from secondhand smoke and adapting to newer tobacco products. Following its 2011 indoor smoking ban, this legislation is now headed to parliament for final approval, sparking global interest. A quick poll revealed a clear divide: 150 respondents supported the ban, 99 opposed it, and 11 were undecided — showing strong public debate. As Spain leads the charge, the world watches to see if other nations will follow. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/43d5db92364a2746

Criminal legal aid solicitors are staging a nationwide two-day strike in Dublin’s major courts, set to escalate into a three-day shutdown next week, as they protest a controversial new flat fee system that pays them the same regardless of court appearances — a move they say is unfair and unsustainable. This latest walkout follows prior refusals to provide legal aid, causing widespread case delays. The solicitors blame the Department of Justice for failing to engage early, demanding the Minister take responsibility. Meanwhile, the Minister insists most solicitors are still working — a claim contradicted by data showing only three of 260 surveyed solicitors are actually under the new scheme. The Taoiseach defends the fee increase, calling the walkout unjustified, while some officials argue the old system was riddled with abuse — but the legal aid crisis continues to ripple through the justice system. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/799f828fefab351d

The Louvre’s Apollo Gallery has reopened—no crown jewels this time, just a dramatic return to its 17th-century ceremonial roots. After a daring heist stole treasures worth 88 million euros in under eight minutes, the museum’s security has been overhauled with new cameras and anti-intrusion tech. Part of the broader Louvre New Renaissance project—costing up to 800 million euros—the renovation aims to modernize infrastructure, manage crowds, and even give the Mona Lisa her own space by 2031. It’s a bold pivot: honoring history while locking down the future. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/6fb672d59ae76aee

Limerick’s mayor John Moran is demanding a confidential report on Aughinish Alumina, raising alarms over possible links between the plant’s exports and Russian military supplies in Ukraine. While not calling for immediate action, he insists Limerick’s interests must be formally represented in EU-level discussions and advocates for stronger oversight of the facility. He’s confident his experience handling sensitive documents makes him trustworthy with the report—and urges the government to ensure the city’s voice is heard before any decisions are made. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/75b47da2a343a186

Fota Wildlife Park just celebrated the arrival of five big cat cubs—two critically endangered Sumatran tigers and three endangered Asian lions—that could be game-changers for conservation. Born in June and July, these tiny survivors represent vital progress for species teetering on the edge: Sumatran tigers with fewer than 350 left in the wild, and Asian lions confined to one Indian habitat. Park ranger John Leahy beams with pride as first-time tiger mom Jambi and lioness Arya raise their cubs in quiet, protected spaces. Visitors will soon get a glimpse of the lion cubs as the park balances public excitement with the cubs’ need for peace and bonding. This is more than adorable news—it’s a powerful symbol of hope for endangered wildlife. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/204b4d17db226498

Fota Wildlife Park is on a conservation high note this summer, welcoming record-breaking births including two Sumatran tiger cubs — the first twin litter in the park’s history — and three Asian lion cubs, part of a second litter for the same proud parents. With fewer than 350 Sumatran tigers and Asian lions surviving in the wild, these births are critical for global breeding efforts. The park’s busy season also includes a Nubian giraffe calf, European bison calves, a François’ langur, and meerkat pups — all thriving under attentive new parents. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/45330d49bf197e08

Cork City Council just launched the Bike Library Scheme — a smart, community-driven way to try e-bikes risk-free. Borrow one for three months, no big upfront cost, just a refundable €50 deposit. With 25 bikes — including family-friendly cargo models — available at hubs across the city, including libraries and GAA clubs, it’s designed to make sustainable transport accessible to everyone. Perfect for testing if e-biking fits your daily life, this initiative is all about reducing car use and emissions — and getting people moving in greener ways. Keep an eye out for sign-ups via local partners and council channels. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/e744bec671844d6b

Hadi Matar, the 28-year-old convicted in the 2022 Salman Rushdie stabbing, faces a new federal terrorism trial in Buffalo, where prosecutors allege he acted on behalf of Iran and Hezbollah, motivated by a religious fatwa calling for Rushdie’s death. Rushdie, 79, is set to testify again, recounting the life-threatening attack that left him with vision loss. While Matar already serves a 25-year sentence for state charges, a federal conviction could lead to life in prison. Evidence includes his devices, research notes, and photos of religious figures, painting a picture of a man who believed he was carrying out a holy mission. This case reignites global debate over Rushdie’s controversial novel and the enduring threats he’s endured. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/e192697f5252d5e7

Ukraine’s President Zelensky has ousted the army’s top commander amid public pressure and a growing rift with the defense minister, replacing him with Major General Mykhailo Drapatyi — a younger, battle-tested leader known for his 2014 bravery. Drapatyi’s mission: overhaul Ukraine’s defense strategy with faster drone deployment, stronger air defenses, and clearer mobilization. The former defense minister, a tech-savvy innovator credited with boosting drone capabilities, is stepping aside to lead a tech unification effort, though his future role remains uncertain. While acknowledging the outgoing commander’s past victories, the former minister insists Ukraine must accelerate reforms to win the war. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/963d4f29b0818678