Russia has pressed on with its offensive in eastern Ukraine, after NATO yesterday branded Moscow the biggest "direct threat" to Western security and agreed plans to modernise Kyiv's beleaguered armed forces.

The garda Cold Case Unit is to conduct a "full review" of the murder of Sophie Toscan du Plantier in west Cork in 1996.

The Environmental Protection Agency has found that more than half of domestic septic tank systems, used by households especially in rural areas to treat domestic sewage, failed inspection last year.

Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan has defended the move for the army to be put on standby to assist at Dublin airport, saying it is to prepare for the eventuality that Covid-19 will make it difficult for the airport to operate at full capacity.

Investment into HSE-run inpatient mental health services is required to ensure that people, regardless of their financial means, have access to a similar standard of mental health care, according to a report.

Japan's electricity grid is creaking under the strain of Tokyo's hottest June since records began, with the unexpected shutdown of a power plant raising fears that tens of millions of people could be deprived of power on another scorching day.

The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has said it has issued an order to Russia to ensure that the death penalty was not carried out against two British men who were captured after fighting for Ukraine.

The Taoiseach has told EU and NATO leaders that Ireland was analysing its security and defence posture in the light of Russia's aggression, but insisted that this does not cut across the country's position as militarily neutral.

A consultant in Respiratory Medicine has said there are currently a large number of incidental Covid-19 cases in hospital, where patients are admitted to hospital for another issue, and are then found to be infected.

No fewer than 11 Irish players will be in action on day one of the Horizon Irish Open at Mount Juliet in Kilkenny.

Peter O'Mahony has been given the nod over Jack Conan in Ireland's back row for Saturday's first Test against the All Blacks in Auckland.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has praised his dictator father's rule after being sworn in as the country's new leader, completing a decades-long effort to restore the clan to the country's highest office.

Children begin to identify with religious and political symbols from as early as the age of five, according to research by Queen's University Belfast.

Vodafone Ireland has announced that it is to begin a phased programme to upgrade its entire 3G service from late 2022.

More than 1,000 visitors streamed in as the Shanghai Disney Resort theme park opened after a closure of three months, with face masks and social distancing the order of the day.

The sole surviving member of an Islamic State terror cell that killed 130 people in Paris in November 2015 has been handed a whole-life sentence by a French court, the toughest punishment possible.

R&B singer R Kelly has been sentenced to 30 years in prison by a federal court in New York for masterminding an elaborate scheme to entice and sexually exploit young aspiring singers and underage children.

US President Joe Biden has pledged more American troops, warplanes and warships for Europe as NATO agreed the biggest strengthening of its deterrents since the Cold War in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Aer Lingus has cancelled 12 flights today due to a spike in Covid-19 cases among staff.