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Reforming NFA allows gov’t to buy palay at fair price – Romualdez

MANILA, Philippines — Proposals to reform the National Food Authority (NFA) will allow the government to buy palay or rice grains at fair prices so that farmers will not be shortchanged, while also capacitating the agency to sell cheap rice, Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez said on Monday. In a statement, Romualdez said that the House

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Aer Lingus bosses cut €40 off return fares to top holiday sun spots including Santorini, Nantes, Split and many more

AER LINGUS bosses have cut €40 off return fares to top holiday sun spots including Santorini, Nantes and Split.

To enjoy a bargain break with Aer Lingus during the peak seasons this summer, jetsetters must book by June 27.

Aer Lingus Airbus A320 landing.
Aer Lingus are having a new dreamy summer sale
Getty Images - Getty
Ferry on the Loire River in Nantes, France.
Jet to France, Greece, Turkey and many more locations this year
Getty Images - Getty
Tourists at Diocletian's Palace peristyle in Split, Croatia at dusk.
Holidaymakers will have to book by June 27 to avail of these reduced prices
Getty Images - Getty

Get the sun holiday of your dreams this year with the flash sale from Aer Lingus.

Things are heating up with €40 off selected return flights to Europe this July and August.

Choose from over 10 different stunning destinations to jet off to this year.

Get your summer sizzler deal today and look forward to Santorini sunsets, island-hopping in Croatia and Turkey’s Turquoise Coast.

Visit the many sites Nantes has to offer as this city on the Loire River in the Upper Brittany region of western France is included in the sale.

For just €32.60 you enjoy a walking tour to discover the city’s highlights, or experience the unique “Green Line” art trail. 

Or view one of the must-see attractions including the Machines de l’île, the Château des Ducs de Bretagne, and the Passage Pommeraye.

For a more tropical trip, jet off to the second largest city in Croatia for as little as €59.60.

Don’t pick between party or sightseeing as you can have both when you visit Split.

Dance the night away in one of the many nightclubs the strip has to offer this summer.

Or see famous DJs including the famous Galway artist Kettama at the techno festival of the year Terminus.

For a more chilled holiday, soak up the sun on one of the many turquoise coasts in Turkey.

Izmir offers a blend of historical sites, vibrant culture, beautiful beaches, and a more relaxed atmosphere than some other major Turkish cities.

Be a beach babe for just €79.60 on the golden shore of Ilica Plaji, known for its warm waters, wide sandy shore, and beautiful scenery.

There is even something for Mama Mia fans as the sale has flights to Santorini for the same price.

Get a stunning view of the blue waters in one of the iconic white villas overlooking the Aegean sea.

Fly to one of these dreamy destinations from July 1 to August 31.

Travel fans will have to be quick as the sale ends on June 27.

Aerial view of Split Bačvice seaport in Croatia.
Hop from island to island whilst exploring Croatia
Getty Images - Getty
Beach in Cesme, Izmir, Turkey with people swimming and relaxing under umbrellas.
Alamy
Soak up the sun on the coasts in Izmir for just €79.60[/caption]
Oia, Santorini at twilight.  Houses and churches are illuminated against the setting sun.
Have a Mama Mia summer this year as the sale includes flights to Greece

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‘Know your rights when it comes to delayed or cancelled flights’ warn transport chiefs over busy summer travel period

TRANSPORT chiefs have warned that holidaymaker’s should know their rights when it comes to “delayed or cancelled flights” this summer.

As the busy travel season approaches, the Consumer Council is urging travellers to get organised early to avoid stress and save money.

Woman pulling a suitcase through an airport terminal.
Getty Images
Travel pros have given their top tips ahead of the busy summer season[/caption]

The transport chiefs have released a set of tips for anyone heading off by air, sea or public transport over the coming months.

Head of Transport Policy at the Consumer Council, Michelle Kelly, said it’s especially important to plan ahead during the busy summer period.

She said: “It’s best to plan ahead during this busy period. Be it unexpected disruption to flights or sailings due to extraordinary circumstances or delays for any reason, knowing your rights ahead of travel can help.

“We are also reminding consumers of the importance of checking airline policies well in advance such as cabin bag allowances to avoid extra costs at the airport.

“We have chosen our 2025 summer travel tips based on our communication with consumers over the past year.

“Hopefully, our tips will help travellers avoid unnecessary hassle and expense.”

Their summer 2025 tips are based on what consumers struggled with most last year, from surprise costs to last-minute panic over passports.

The first tip from the Consumer Council is to know your rights – especially if your flight or sailing is delayed or cancelled.

There are specific protections in place for travellers under EU and UK law, so it’s worth reading up on what you’re entitled to before setting off.

The second tip is to book with flexibility in mind, even if it costs a bit more.

Kelly said that while flexible tickets or accommodation may seem pricier at first, they can save you money if your plans need to change last-minute.

Next on the checklist is to check your passport early and don’t leave it to the week before your holiday to realise it’s expired.

Some countries require a certain amount of validity left on your passport before you’re allowed to enter, and passport renewals can take weeks.

If you or someone you’re travelling with needs special assistance, such as wheelchair support or help boarding, the Consumer Council stresses that this must be booked at least 48 hours in advance.

The Council also recommends checking airport parking charges and pre-booking parking if you’re driving to the airport.

Some car parks near terminals charge high fees for last-minute arrivals, but booking online in advance often comes with big savings.

Another step is to get travel insurance as early as possible, ideally from the moment you book as Kelly said it means you’re covered if an illness or disruption affects your plans.

‘It is not a replacement for travel insurance’

And for those travelling within the EU, it’s ideal to apply for a Global Health Insurance Card which can provide access to necessary healthcare in Europe at reduced cost.

Kelly said the GHIC is handy for peace of mind, but still urged travellers to ensure their private insurance covers everything from cancellations to medical emergencies.

The Consumer Council is also advising travellers to keep an eye on travel updates from their airline, airport or ferry provider.

Unexpected delays, strikes or weather-related issues can cause major problems, so staying informed can give you a head start if needed.

For those using public transport, checking timetables and schedules in advance is also important, especially if it’s part of your route to the airport or ferry terminal.

Another common pitfall for airline passengers is not knowing the hand luggage rules, which vary from one airline to another.

Some carriers allow only one small cabin bag, while others charge for extra items like handbags or laptop cases and airport staff often enforce these limits strictly.

It’s also important to check airport security procedures, especially rules on carrying liquids as not being prepared can slow you down or lead to items being confiscated.

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The Precinct review: This top-down sandbox police romp is simply the best.. better than all arrest

An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows Illustration of a Chinatown street at night with a police car and pedestrians, Image 2 shows Gameplay screenshot showing a police standoff in a warehouse, Image 3 shows Gameplay screenshot showing a parking violation in a video game

AS my wife often tells me, I ALWAYS play the good cop when parenting.

Which is why I thought I’d be really good at The Precinct. 

As it turns out though, this superb top-down sandbox takes a lot more skill than first imagined.

Gameplay screenshot showing a parking violation in a video game.
Kwalee Ltd
Slap tickets on illegally-parked cars[/caption]

Before we get into my poor attempts at collaring a graffiti vandal, a little backdrop to The Precinct.

It’s like Grand Theft Auto but where you play on the right side of the law. Really, I hear you ask? That will never work! But it does . . . and really well.

This is a fantastically addictive outing from Fallen Tree Games – a lovely nod to classic top-down belters like GTA, GTA: London and Gangsters.

Gameplay screenshot showing a police standoff in a warehouse.
Kwalee Ltd
Shootouts can be fun though controls are tricky at first[/caption]

Set in the 80s, you play a rookie cop called Nick Cordell Jr. His dad was a cop but died and now he’s pounding the streets of Averno City in a bid to catch the bad guys. He’s helped out by his partner – a cynical vet – not far from retirement.

Meanwhile, an encouraging but secretive chief watches over a department that isn’t all quite as it seems.

Yes, it’s dripping in US cop cliches but this adds to the character of the game and gives it a bit of life.

Gameplay screenshot showing a police response to an aggravated assault in a park.
Kwalee Ltd
If someone resists arrest, it usually results in a chase on foot[/caption]

The gameplay itself is pretty straightforward. You patrol the city during shifts, either on foot, in a patrol car or by chopper. There’s a main story arc which has some terrific twists and turns but in-between that your job is to keep an eye out for trouble.

And this comes in many different forms – from clocking speeding vehicles to chasing down attempted murderers on foot.

You can even spend a shift dishing out parking tickets. Sounds boring but I spent a lot of time hunting down illegally-parked cars next to fire hydrants – you can even check parking metres to see if the allotted time has expired.

When it comes to other arrests, each one must be done by the book to earn XP. When you stop someone, you need to check the ID first, then search them before applying the correct offence.

Illustration of two police officers in a chief's office.
Kwalee Ltd
The Precinct has a decent storyline with a few twists[/caption]

They might drop contraband or the ID might come back as a wanted crook – all of which needs to be taken into account before you dish out punishment. If you get it wrong, you’re docked XP.

Any heavy-handed policing also sees you deducted points as does arresting someone incorrectly, like putting them in cuffs for an infraction that only requires a fine. It’s the same if you lose a “perp” during a police chase.

Overhead view of a police station in a video game.
Kwalee Ltd
You can drop off evidence and talk to colleagues at Police HQ[/caption]

All this really focuses your mind when making an arrest – did I miss anything in the search? Did I run a background check?

At the end of each shift you can use your XP to upgrade a fairly basic skills tree. This allows useful extras like calling in a road closure during a police chase – you can also deploy spike traps and order back-up units as you zoom through the city.

Illustration of a Chinatown street at night with a police car and pedestrians.
Kwalee Ltd
Car chases are great but you’re docked XP if you lose the perp[/caption]

The mechanics are smooth and responsive too. Excellent visuals add amazing character to Averno – broken roads, reflections in puddles – and the red and blue sirens burst through the tricky haze on a night shift. 

The isometric camera view really holds its own and allows for impressive car chases as well as back-alley duels.

Shoot-outs are fun though the aiming can be tricky at first. 

Gameplay screenshot showing a hit and run investigation in a video game.
Kwalee Ltd
Checking IDs is a crucial part of the arrest procedure[/caption]

However, despite the delightful screeches of tires and blaring sirens, the busts can get a little repetitive. And it’s a little easy to rise through the ranks.

But these are tiny gripes in what is an awesome 12-13 hours of proper policing.

You have the right to remain silent . . . in awe of this game.

The Precinct

  • Formats: PlayStation 5 (reviewed), Xbox, PC
  • Developer: Fallen Tree Games
  • Publisher: Kwalee
  • Price: £24.99
  • Rating: 18
  • Score: 4.5/5

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‘Full circle moment’ – Jacqui Hurley emotional as RTE host prepares to represent Ireland on global stage

JACQUI Hurley described getting her Team Ireland basketball jersey as a “full circle moment” as she prepares to play in a tournament in Switzerland.

This week will see her line out in the Over-40s category at the FIMBA Maxibasketball World Championship in Ticino.

Man and woman holding a Hurley #3 basketball jersey.
@jacquihurley7
The Sunday Game presenter is heading to Switzerland this week[/caption]
Three women in Irish basketball uniforms.
@jacquihurley7
Basketball is her first love in sporting terms[/caption]
Team photo of Irish women's basketball team.
@jacquihurley7
The team in full[/caption]

Despite her hectic broadcasting schedule, she has kept up her playing commitments over the years in basketball in addition to going back playing ladies football after a decade-long break.

The 41-year-old represented Ireland internationally in basketball in her 20s before having to focus on her budding career with RTE.

Understandably this made this week’s milestone of being presented with her official Team Ireland kit all the more meaningful.

She reflected on Instagram: “Full circle moment to be heading off to play for Ireland again this week at @ticino2025.

“A real privilege to be able to do it at this stage of our lives & so special to get to play with so many former teammates again.

“Looking forward to making more memories with an incredible group at Basketball Ireland Masters!

“And never fear, there’s more tik-toks on the way in our downtime!!”

Earlier this year Hurley conducted an interview with RTE where she spoke about how her passion for playing the sport hasn’t waned over the years.

She remarked: “I turned 41 very recently and I reckon the football will have to go. I’ll move into a coaching role in that respect.

“But the basketball is something I’d like to play into my 50s.

“There are so many former Irish internationals that I’ve known down the years, and they are still playing.

“I’d love to play on an Irish Masters team and travel with them. Someday, hopefully.”

As if that wasn’t enough of a packed playing CV with which to boast of, she also played camogie for Cork in her 20s.

In that same interview she delved into how she has to be mindful of her natural biases when covering Gaelic Games.

She laughed: “Ah no, when Cork was playing in the All-Ireland hurling final last year, I was sitting beside Anthony Daly and we almost had to be separated.

“We did have great craic, but I’m emotionally invested in the GAA, and it can be very hard to detach myself.

“But you must keep bias separate. When the Cork camogie team won down the years – I would have played with a lot of them.

“But you must keep your emotions in check on air, because you’re a broadcaster and journalist first and foremost and have a job to do.”

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Topfence | Clear View Security Fencing Cape Town

Topfence is a leading provider of high-quality security fencing in Cape Town, specializing in clear view fencing that offers both strength and style. Designed for maximum visibility and minimal maintenance, our fencing systems are perfect for securing residential estates, commercial … View Listing

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