The article evaluates Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien's claim that construction began on nearly 60,000 new homes in Ireland over the past year. It highlights that the claim is based on commencement notices, which may not accurately reflect actual construction activity due to factors like a waiver on registration fees that led to a surge in filings. Experts express skepticism about the reliability of these figures as indicators of real construction progress. The article presents a balanced view, incorporating perspectives from government officials and critics, including Sinn Féin's Eoin Ó Broin, and experts like Orla Hegarty and John McCartney.

Nigel Pickford, a self-taught shipwreck researcher from England, has been instrumental in discovering numerous shipwrecks with cargoes valued at over €185 million. Despite never going to sea, Pickford's research has led to significant findings, including the discovery of the Endurance, Ernest Shackleton's exploration ship, under the Weddell Sea ice. The allure of shipwrecks lies in their potential to reveal lost knowledge and history, encapsulated in a single moment of time.

Donald Trump has been projected to win Arizona, completing a sweep of all seven swing states, securing his position as US President-elect. This victory has resulted in the Republican Party gaining control of both houses of Congress, causing significant concern within the Democratic Party. A meeting between Trump and current President Joe Biden is scheduled to ensure a smooth transition of power, with First Ladies Jill Biden and Melania Trump also set to meet.

The Generalitat Valenciana has announced financial aid for those affected by the DANA storm, offering 6,000 euros per damaged home and 200,000 euros to each affected municipality. The aid is part of a 200 million euro package, with 60 million allocated for the current year and 140 million for 2025. The aid is available to residents in 75 municipalities, with recent additions including Carcaixent and Castelló. The government has also allocated 50 million euros for urgent municipal expenses related to the storm, with 200,000 euros granted to each affected municipality. Applications for aid can be submitted online or in person, with necessary documentation required.

The article outlines the process for requesting compensation from the Insurance Compensation Consortium for damages caused by the DANA, a natural disaster that resulted in significant loss of life and property. The Consortium, under the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Business, is responsible for compensating insured individuals and businesses. The article details the eligibility criteria, the process for filing claims, and the expected compensation amounts. It also highlights government measures to support affected individuals and businesses, including potential subsidies for industrial establishments. The estimated cost of the damages is 3.5 billion euros, significantly higher than previous years.

A male Garda was injured in a hit-and-run incident in Mallow, Co Cork, when an unmarked patrol car was struck by another vehicle that fled the scene. The Garda was treated for non-life-threatening injuries at Cork University Hospital and has been discharged. An investigation is underway, and witnesses, especially those with camera or dash-cam footage, are urged to contact Mallow Garda Station.

The article investigates the issue of deaths in police custody across 13 EU countries, highlighting Ireland's high per capita rate. It discusses the lack of standardized data collection and investigation protocols, as recommended by the UN. The article emphasizes the need for transparency and accountability in police operations, citing specific cases in Ireland and other EU countries. It also notes the ongoing efforts to ratify the UN Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture in Ireland. The investigation was conducted by The Journal in collaboration with Civio and the European Data Journalism Network.

Gabriel Trejo, a former police inspector in Algete, Madrid, was disqualified from the police force in 2014 after investigating a case of alleged torture by Guardia Civil officers. Despite the victims not filing complaints and even expressing gratitude for his actions, Trejo was convicted of illegal detention. His investigation into the torture case was abruptly halted, and he believes his disqualification was a retaliatory move by the implicated officers. Trejo's efforts to obtain a pardon have garnered widespread support from various political groups and organizations, but the Ministry of Justice has yet to respond. The article criticizes the judicial system and police misconduct while portraying Trejo as a victim of systemic injustice.

Eunate Martínez, a young tenant in Madrid, faces eviction due to a temporary rental contract for her room, which is governed by the Civil Code rather than the Law of Urban Leases (LAU). This legal loophole allows landlords to bypass tenant protections, leading to frequent rent increases and evictions. The Sindicato de Inquilinas de Madrid highlights that such cases are common but often go unchallenged. The article underscores the precarious situation of young tenants and the broader issue of rental fraud, calling for greater tenant rights and legal reforms.

In Madrid's Tetuán neighborhood, the UIP evicted Liomare, her two daughters, and four grandchildren from their home, despite previous attempts to prevent it. The family, unable to pay rent due to financial hardship, faced eviction by the property owner GM-Reo. The Assembly of Housing of Tetuán criticized the use of police force and the lack of application of a decree to halt evictions for vulnerable families. Simultaneously, another eviction occurred in Vallecas, involving a family struggling to secure social rent from La Caixa and TDA-28. The article highlights the challenges faced by vulnerable families and the organizations advocating for their housing rights.