1. Almost 800 released from debt
Almost 800 people will be discharged from bankruptcy in Ireland today – the first group to qualify for a faster discharge under changes made to the country's laws last year. The 793 bankrupts will be able to start again from today "without the burden of unsustainable debt", Insolvency Service of Ireland (ISI) director Lorcan O'Connor said last night.
2. Suicide deaths in North hit record 318
A total of 318 suicides were registered in Northern Ireland last year, the highest annual death toll since records began in 1970. The figures mean an average of six people each week took their own lives in 2015 and represent a 19 per cent increase on the suicides recorded in 2014.
3. Merkel holds firm on refugee policy
German chancellor Angela Merkel has staked her political future on facing down the so-called Islamic State and mastering the refugee crisis they have triggered. Amid growing public unease, Dr Merkel insisted she would not allow Islamist attacks undermine German values or, in a nod to domestic critics, force her to alter her asylum strategy.
4. Dublin hotel may become homeless hostel
Lynam's Hotel on O'Connell Streetcould become a dedicated accommodation facility for the homeless, following an offer by Nama to facilitate its sale to Dublin City Council. Five homeless families are facing eviction at the end of next month from the hotel, which is at the centre of a High Court dispute.
5. Donegal near top of national fatality rates for road deaths
Donegal is consistently found to have one of the highest road fatality rates in the country, and road deaths are still above average, according to latest figures.
And finally: Are we needlessly scaring ourselves to death over terrorism? "We live in a safer, more peaceful world than any previous generation did," writes Hugh Linehan.