EVERY MORNING, TheJournal.ie brings you the stories you need to know as you start your day.

1. #UNDER FIRE: US attorney general Jeff Sessions is under fire after the Washington Post reported he met twice last year with Russia’s ambassador to Washington.

2. #HOMELESSNESS: There are 27 empty houses for every one person in emergency accommodation, according to the Simon Communities.

3. #WINTER: A wind warning remains in place across the middle of the country this morning – and there are reports of trees down and other problems on the roads, after a night of high winds and rain. A man died after suffering head injuries in a 12-car pile-up on the M7 after a freak hailstone storm hit the area.

4. #DR STEEVENS: The HSE has spent just over €3 million refurbishing its headquarters in Dublin over the last five years.

5. #NOT COOL: Around €1 million is spent to remove ‘upsetting’, ‘offensive’ graffiti in Dublin each year.

6. #RENTAL CRISIS: Simon Coveney said he will be forced to introduce regulations for Airbnb if a ‘satisfactory arrangement’ cannot be reached with the company.

7. #BUY ME: Irish retailers have been told that should get rid of their individual apps and focus on developing their social media presence in an effort to win new shoppers.

8. #ANIMAL ABUSE: A group of visitors at a Tunisia zoo stoned a crocodile to death.

9. #NOT COMING BACK: The two accountants involved in the embarrassing mix-up at Sunday’s Oscars will not be invited back to the show, a spokesperson for the Academy has confirmed.