ONE of Ireland’s most beloved high street retailers is set to close its doors for the final time tomorrow, with two more Northern Irish locations set to shut in months.

River Island’s Henry Street store will close on Friday along with two other locations on the island of Ireland early next year.

Alamy

River Island has announced major closures in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland[/caption]

It comes as part of a wider restructuring plan across the UK.

The retailer will be closing its shops in Lisburn and Bloomfield’s Shopping Centre in Bangor.

The closures will come in January and 31 other locations around the UK will be shutting as well.

And hundreds of jobs are expected to be cut.

Out of the 230 stores across the UK and Northern Ireland, 97 won’t be impacted by the closures.

Sky News has reported that the restructuring plan will be put to business creditors in August.

And the company is set to renegotiate rents with the landlords of 70 other shops.

It’s also been announced that the Banbury branch will be closing on June 28.

The announcement of the store closures in Northern Ireland comes just after the news that they will also be closing locations in the Republic of Ireland.

The fashion giant owns 24 locations with multiple branches in Dublin alone.

But one of their biggest locations, on busy Henry Street in the capital’s city centre, is set to close.

The announcement was made just days ago on a poster in the store front.

It reads: “This store is closing.

“This store will be closing from Friday 27th June.”

But they told customers that shopping at the store will still be possible online and in person.

Customers were reassured that they can visit the nearby Grafton Street location or visit the online store.

But customers were devastated and took to social media to share their disappointment.

Reacting to a post on Facebook sharing the news, one person said: “First it was new look now this I’m pretty sure the store next will be going… I would actually cry if next will be shut down.”

Another commented: “Really sad news. One by one are closing.”

And a third penned: “We will have no shops left in Ireland.”

BEAUTY editor Jo Hoare has had enough of Britain’s summer stink. But are natural deodorants really to blame?

Soap-dodgers beware, as she investigates what’s really making the nation so whiffy.

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Body odour seems to have made a big comeback for 2025 due to natural deodorants[/caption]

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Working from home has made some of us forget basic hygiene rules[/caption]

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If your morning journey requires any kind of exertion such as cycling, please factor in time for a pre-work shower[/caption]

YOU know what I didn’t expect to make a comeback in 2025? Body odour.

Sure, some of these Nineties trends (disc belts, I’m looking at you) are a little questionable, but I never imagined I’d be reliving the stink of my sixth form common room, which was full of sweaty teens using only Impulse and Lynx to dull their hormonal armpits.

We all smell sometimes, but anyone who has been on a train or bus, or to a shop or supermarket, during the recent heatwave can’t fail to have noticed one thing: B.O is officially on the rise.

It’s got so bad that I’ve seriously considered messaging BBC Breakfast weather presenter Carol Kirkwood to ask if she’ll include an ‘odour-ometer’ alongside her pollen count, just so I know whether to dig out my old Covid masks and a vial of smelling salts to make my morning commute more bearable.

I’m not alone, either, as last month a poll revealed that almost half of Brits (47 per cent) live in fear of developing sweaty smells.

But what’s causing this current B.O bonanza?

Two words: natural deodorant. Once the mainstay of hippy shops and those weird catalogues that fall out of gardening magazines, we’ve moved away from gunky pots that looked like you’d find them at the back of the fridge, or strange rocks you were supposed to rub into your pits.

Now, natural deo is a thing of beauty, with designer scents, instagrammable packaging and – shockingly – zero change from £20 vibes.

But there’s one problem. It often doesn’t work.

On a chilly day, where temperatures don’t reach double digits and you’re doing nothing more strenuous than making a cuppa, you might just be OK.

But chuck in sunshine, any form of physical activity, or the merest hint of a haywire hormone and you’re done for.

Even the rich and famous aren’t immune. Made In Chelsea’s Melissa Tattam admitted on her Wednesdays podcast with Sophie Habboo that, due to using natural deodorant, she “f***ing stinks”.

So why are we doing it to ourselves? I get it. I’ve dabbled in the natural stuff, too, driven by a desire for sustainability, curiosity and wanting to have a product on my dressing table that didn’t scream ‘stops you stinking for 72 hours you filthy pig’.

(Sidenote: who actually needs their deodorant to work for three days? Have a shower.)

I wanted to be a believer in natural deodorant, I really did. But I also wanted to be able to lift my arm to hold the rail of the Tube without my fellow passengers collapsing.

So what is it about some natural deodorants that makes us more prone to ponging?

“Most natural deodorants don’t contain aluminium salts, the key ingredient in traditional antiperspirants that physically blocks sweat glands and reduces perspiration,” explains GP and women’s health specialist Dr Deepali Misra-Sharp.

“Instead, natural formulations usually rely on ingredients like baking soda, arrowroot powder, or magnesium hydroxide to neutralise odour rather than prevent sweating.

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Make sure to wear socks in your trainers to avoid unwanted odours[/caption]

“In high temperatures, or when you’re hormonally prone to sweating more – as with perimenopause, menstruation, or pregnancy – or exercising heavily, this can be a losing battle.

“There’s also limited peer-reviewed evidence for the efficacy of many ‘natural’ deodorant ingredients and many products also need frequent reapplication to stay effective, which isn’t always practical.”

So far, so stinky. But it’s not entirely the fault of natural deo – some people seem to actively encourage unwanted whiffs with their bad habits.

Here’s my rundown of the worst offenders:

The smug cyclist

We get it, you’re saving the planet – and a fortune in train fares.

What you’re not saving is our noses. If your morning journey requires any kind of exertion, then please factor in time for a pre-work shower.

The fast fashionista

Man-made fabrics might mean you can have a different outfit every day of the summer for less than the price of a meal deal, but you might be costing yourself friends.

Polyester, nylon and acrylics trap moisture, heat and odour creating a toxic B.O timebomb.

The sock dodger

Gen Z have done us a favour with their crew sock obsession.

Admittedly, they can end up looking like those compression socks people wear to combat DVT, but at least they don’t have stinky feet.

Even trainer socks lead to cheesy trotters, slipping down just enough to allow foul foot odours to infiltrate your footwear.

Night-time showerers

I like an extra ten minutes in bed as much as the next person, but skipping a morning shower when the nighttime temps haven’t dropped below 20 is a bad idea.

Yes, it’s nice to get into bed feeling fresh, but right now, showering first thing is a B.O-busting no-brainer.

The WFH brigade

Working from home has its perks, but it’s made some of us forget basic hygiene rules.

Wearing the same shirt all week is fine if your only co-worker is a houseplant, but once you rejoin the human race, it’s time to reacquaint yourself with the washing machine.

JMPD said successful candidates will be considered for appointment as metro police officers upon completion of the training.

FEW figures in electronic dance music carry the weight and legacy of Dr. Motte.

The Berlin-born DJ, producer and visionary has been shaping the sound and spirit of techno for over four decades.

Petrov Ahner

Dr Motte has been shaping the sound and spirit of techno for over four decades[/caption]

As the founder of the iconic Love Parade in 1989, which started as a small dance protest with just a few friends, Dr. Motte ignited a global movement.

By 1999, the Love Parade had grown into the biggest dance music event in history, uniting 1.5 million people on the streets of Berlin in a celebration of peace, music, and togetherness.

Dr. Motte’s life’s work is rooted in the belief that electronic music can be a unifying, cultural force.

In 2019, he launched Rave The Planet, an annual initiative and parade aimed at securing techno’s place as a recognised cultural heritage.

Thanks to his ongoing activism, Berlin’s techno scene was officially added to the German UNESCO Commission’s list of intangible cultural heritage, a huge milestone in preserving the genre’s roots and cultural impact. 

Dr. Motte & Marc van Linden – Our Future Is Now –  STREAM HERE.

In celebration of this year’s Rave The Planet which takes place on July 12 in Berlin, and his unwavering dedication to the scene, Dr. Motte has teamed up with heavyweight producer Marc van Linden for a powerful new release: Our Future Is Now, the official anthem of the Rave The Planet parade 2025.

It’s a sonic manifesto built on iconic synth stabs, acid-soaked 303s and Dr. Motte’s evocative spoken word. It pulses with unity, hope and the belief that the future we dream of is being shaped on today’s dance floors.

All proceeds go to Rave The Planet’s non-profit mission to protect, promote and celebrate techno culture and to keep the spirit of the original Love Parade alive.

On the decks, Dr. Motte is as captivating as ever. His sets are unpredictable journeys through the techno cosmos. Raw, energetic, and emotionally charged.

Whether he’s playing intimate underground clubs or headlining major festivals he continues to embody the essence of rave culture.

Now, as he marks 40 years in music in 2025, The Night Bazaar is honoured to welcome Dr. Motte to The Night Bazaar Sessions with an exclusive DJ mix on Mixcloud. It’s a powerful transmission from one of techno’s true masters and a timely reminder of the music’s enduring power.

He told us: “This mix is my little journey through different shades of our scene – from raw underground energy to classic rave spirit. Music connects us, no matter if it’s fresh tracks, timeless remixes or our own productions.

“For me, it’s always about spreading the idea behind it: love, unity and positive energy.“

And don’t forget to check out the June edition of The Night Bazaar Drum & Bass Music Show with Promo ZO which is available to listen to now at HERE. https://www.mixcloud.com/thenightbazaar/promo-zo-the-night-bazaar-drum-bass-music-show-june-2025/

Petrov Ahner

The tech legend said he wanted to share positive energy[/caption]

Kaizer Chiefs are closing in on the signing of a prolific Portuguese striker, who netted 23 goals in 29 games last season.

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang has declared special non-working days in three towns in Misamis Oriental, Negros Oriental, and Zamboanga Sibugay. Based on Proclamation 945, July 1 was declared a special holiday in Magsaysay town in Misamis Oriental in celebration of its founding anniversary. READ: Marcos wants Marawi City General Hospital open by August Meanwhile, Proclamation

Marumo Gallants have done away with the recycling of PSL coaches, and they have appointed a little known French mentor.

Renowned actress Meme Ditshego has passed away at the age of 60 following a brief illness. Her management shared the news.

STL RESULT TODAY – PCSO releases the official STL results for June 27, 2025 (Friday) in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao at 10:30 AM, 3:00 PM, 7:00 PM, 8:00 PM, and 9PM draws.

The post STL Result Today, June 27, 2025 appeared first on PCSOLOTTO.PH.

DREW Harris has defended garda handling of the Evan Fitzgerald case after the gunman killed himself with a gun in a Carlow Shopping Centre after being arrested for buying guns from undercover cops.

The Garda Commissioner has warned that “people will see why this was entirely proportionate” when others linked to the case are dealt with in the courts.

DAMIEN STORAN

Garda Press Office

Evan Fitzgerald, 22, was arrested last year as part of an investigation into the sale of weapons on the dark net.

Undercover gardai arranged to meet Fitzgerald and two others and carried out a “controlled delivery” where they provided decommissioned guns from garda stores to the three men.

Gardai then swooped on the men and arrested them over firearms charges. 

In the run up to his court date, Fitzgerald went on to steal a shotgun from a neighbour and went to Fairgreen Shopping Centre in Carlow where fired a number of shots in the air before turning the weapon on himself and taking his life.

The 22-year-old has been described as a “vulnerable” person who was obsessed with guns.

Former Justice Minister Michael McDowell raised the case in the Seanad this week and accused gardai of entrapment.

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris was this afternoon quizzed about the case in the Public Accounts Committee where he launched a staunch defence of the actions of the undercover gardai.

He said: “I do believe the operation was necessary.

“I’ve reported to the Minister on the operation and a file was submitted to the DPP as well and they accepted that file and there were charges preferred in respect of those firearms but also other items including explosives.

“I do think in terms of public safety and the danger there was to the public that that operation was fully warranted and proportional.”

Pressed on the issue by Labour TD Eoghan Kenny, the Commissioner claimed details that will emerge from the courts on the case will justify the gardai’s actions. 

He said: “This matter is still before the courts.

“There are still two individuals who are before the courts and I don’t want to elaborate further but I think once more details emerge through the courts process people will then see for themselves actually why this operation was entirely proportional.”

INCORRECT INFORMATION CIRCULATING

The Commissioner told Fine Gael’s James Geoghegan that he noted Senator McDowell’s entrapment accusations and has referred them to the Ombudsman due to the seriousness of the charge made in the Seanad.

The Commissioner said that there was some incorrect information circulating about the case.

He said the guns used during the “controlled delivery” operation were taken back by gardai.

He clarified that the gun Evan Fitzgerald took to the Carlow shopping centre had been stolen during a burglary.

Gardai also later found another gun and an imitation gun as part of searches carried out after the Carlow shooting and they were unaware of how Fitzgerald obtained these guns.