Here's What Happened Today: Wednesday

17 Dec 2025, 20:45 by David MacRedmond, https://www.thejournal.ie/author/david-macredmond/ · TheJournal.ie

NEED TO CATCH up? The Journal brings you a round-up of today’s news.

James Ryan (6) from County Mayo at the Little Blue Heroes Foundation Leah FarrellLeah Farrell

IRELAND

There was a huge backlash today against the government’s u-turn on disbanding the Road Safety Authority, with road safety groups arguing that the organisation is still not fit for purpose.
Micheál Martin was on the defensive this morning following the release of a review of Fianna Fáil’s failed presidential campaign.
An Irish American lawyer advised undocumented Irish people in the US not to come home this Christmas because of the risk of detention.
The Attorney General decided against bringing criminal contempt proceedings against Enoch, Ammi, Isaac and Martina Burke “at this time”.
A court heard dozens of secret audio recordings of parents abusing their two children.
There was a fierce debate over fox hunting in the Dáil today.
The Office of the Ombudsman took its IT systems offline after being targeted in a “financially motivated” ransomware attack.

INTERNATIONAL

Alan Jackson, the attorney for Nick Reiner, arrives in court LA today. Alamy Stock PhotoAlamy Stock Photo

#LA: Nick Reiner appeared in court for the first time since being charged with the murder of his parents, director Rob Reiner and his wife Michele.

#OSCARS: The Academy Awards will be shown exclusively on YouTube from 2029.

PARTING SHOT

A VANITY FAIR interview with White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles has been causing quite a stir in US political circles.

The two-part article series included over a dozen interviews with Wiles where she discussed a variety of issues which have come up in the eleven months since Trump took power, including the Epstein Files, Elon Musk’s roles in government and tariffs.

The article kicked off with the Chief of Staff describing US President Donald Trump as having an “alcoholic’s personality”.

Read the full rundown from Sophie Finn here.

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