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

IRELAND

Waterford Spraoi making final preparations prior to the St. Patrick’s Day Parade In Dublin. Robbie Reynolds Photography Robbie Reynolds Photography

• The planned Luas strike was called off.
• Gerry Adams says it was “unacceptable” that he was unable to attend a St Patrick’s Day event at the White House. 
• The death of a Belfast prison officer is now being treated as murder.
• Sliced bread, crisps, and cufflinks were among the gifts Enda Kenny gave the Obamas at the White House.
• A Hungarian national was jailed for life for murdering a 20-year-old Kildare man with a baseball bat.
• The HSE has announced a new plan to ensure people who’ve self-harmed are seen in hospital.
• Dog owners are set to face fines of €5,000 if their dogs are unchipped.
• Donald Trump criticised US companies re-locating to Ireland.
• Independent Senator Fidelma Healy-Eames announced her retirement from politics.

INTERNATIONAL

Sibling pups Charlie and Sawyer, stars of the Instagram account @puppynamedcharlie. AP / Press Association Images AP / Press Association Images / Press Association Images

#MARCHING ON: Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton scored big primary wins as Marco Rubio dropped out of the Republican race.

#NORTH KOREA: An American student who admitted stealing a propaganda banner from a hotel was sentenced to 15 years’ hard labour in North Korea.

#SUGAR TAX: Britain is going to impose a tax on excessive sugar levels in soft drinks.

#TAMPON TAX: The UK’s budget also contained plans to divert money from the so-called ‘tampon tax’ to women’s charities.

INNOVATION

• Ever need help with too many tabs open on your browser? Here’s a tip.
• When the iPod was first released in 2001 it was slow to take off. Is the same happening now with Sony Playstation VR?

PARTING SHOT

How many girls are in this photo? It’s getting the internet in a bit of a tizzy.