- One of America’s greatest singer songwriters Tom Petty has died. The 66 year-old suffered a cardiac arrest. He was rushed to hospital in California after being found unconscious and not breathing. Petty was playing three nights in Hollywood as part of a 40th anniversary US tour with his band The Heartbreakers.
2. Police say they’ve recovered more weapons from the home of a gunman who killed 59 people in Las Vegas.Stephen Paddock opened fire from a 32nd floor window into crowds at a music festival below. More than 500 people were injured.
3. A national strike has been called across Catalonia today. It follows Sunday’s unofficial independence referendum in which 2-million people voted – with 90 per cent of them backing separation from Spain.There’s anger after more than 800 people were left injured as Spanish Police tried to stop people voting.
4. The government’s being urged to ditch plans for tax cuts in the budget. Social Justice Ireland says investment in infrastructure, and tackling inequality would be better for the economy. The campaign group believes proposals like broadening the lower tax band, and cutting the USC won’t benefit lower income workers.
5. Irish Credit Unions have topped the list for customer experience for the third year in a row. Amárach Research’s annual survey of Irish brands looks at what makes customers feel valued. Other companies to make the top 10 include Lush Cosmetics and An Post.
6. A decision to raise the pension age to 66 didn’t result in less people retiring, according to a new report. The ESRI study says many people gave up work at 65 anyway, and claimed social welfare benefits. The government had hoped the change to the retirement age would reduce the cost burden on the state.
