NEED TO CATCH up? TheJournal.ie brings you a round-up of today’s news.

Reid Wiseman Reid Wiseman

IRISH

• Sinn Féin is the most popular party in Ireland, new polls show
• New information emerged about benchmarking pay increases for Irish Water staff
• A juvenile was among three arrested by gardaí who seized cash and jewellery
• President Michael D Higgins went to Africa – here’s how he has been getting on so far
• Sinn Féin Deputy Leader Mary Lou McDonald says she is refusing to pay water charges
• Sales of water butts are rocketing this year, says Woodies
• A sailor was rescued during a yacht race after he was hit by a broken mast
• A man escaped injury after being shot at in a Dublin carpark
• A Dublin dry-cleaner will clean your suit for free if you have a job interview
• Enda Kenny says that Gerry Adams must reveal where child abusers were moved to

INTERNATIONAL

Alice's parents Rosalind Hodgkiss (centre) and Jose Gross (second from left) during the public memorial service for her. Steve Parsons Steve Parsons

#HONG KONG A British banker was charged over a double murder after two women’s bodies were found in his apartment.

#PAKISTAN A suicide blast killed 45 spectators during a border ceremony.

#GOOD NEWS The world is becoming a better place – seriously.

#CLIMATE CHANGE A major report says that the fight against global warming is getting tougher.

#ALICE GROSS The family of Alice Gross, who was murdered in west London, held a memorial for her.

INNOVATION

• Do you ever use voice commands on your phone? If the answer is no, or even ‘how the hell does that even work?!’ then have a read of this.
• Curious about smartwatches? We tried the Moto 360, and here’s the verdict.

PARTING SHOT

Is chocolate actually good for you? Here’s a new report saying it might well be… [The Guardian]