Ballot Day
by Mark Corcoran
 

The Ballots on whether to accept or reject the public service pay package have been sent out to members today.

 

Ministers are pressing for a 'multi-billion' euro budget day giveaway to help consumers with the cost of living crisis according to the Irish Times. The credit to help with the soaring energy costs is set to be paid as a once-off measure although no agreement has been reached yet.

 

The European Central Bank is poised to deliver a hammer blow to homeowners, with a second hefty rise in interest rates expected today. Rates could go up as much as 0.75% according to the Irish Independent.

 

Universities are set to use a 'lottery' system to select students for many high-points courses. Due to the volume of applicants for specific courses a random selection is set to be introduced for courses above 550 points due to the inflation of Leaving Cert results.

 

Apple have unveiled its new iPhone, Airpods and fitness watch. The Tech giant showcased the iPhone 14 along with revamped Airpods and an Apple watch designed for fitness enthusiasts. You can watch the reveal here.

 

The funeral of young jockey Jack de Bromhead took place in Waterford yesterday. The 13 year old tragically passed away last week in a pony riding incident. 

 

Lastly, the Government are set to hold electricity emergency training exercises today to prepare for any 'doomsday' winter blackouts. Environment Minister Eamonn Ryan's department has said that the purpose of the exercises is to test for a 'co-ordinated' response to any major incidents across the electricity and gas networks.

 

ZEN

 

Today is the birthday of Sweedish DJ Tim Bergling, better known as 'Avici'. The incredible musicain infused all genres of music with electronic dance music (EDM) causing controvery and backlash but his hit 'Wake Me Up' became one of the world's most well-known songs. His long standing mental health issues and the pressures of fame led him to give up touring in 2016 but sadly he lost his battle with mental health in 2018. Here's a short clip from a documentary on his work.

 

Avicii - The Story Behind "SOS" ft. Aloe Blacc

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