55,000 new coronavirus cases have been recorded in the US - a new daily record.
Infections have increased in the vast majority of states ahead of today's Independence Day celebrations.
Last night protesters were arrested as Donald Trump marked the occasion with an event at Mount Rushmore in South Dakota.
It follows weeks of demonstrations, where some Confederate statues have been destroyed or damaged by anti-racism activists.
During last night's speech, Mr Trump claimed there had been a "merciless campaign to wipe out our history".
***
Gardaí are to inspect pubs across the country today, to make sure COVID-19 guidelines are being adhered to.
Operation Navigation began at 7pm yesterday and will run until July 20th.
The Government will review a report on compliance at its meeting on Monday.
***
In the UK, Boris Johnson insists he does not want to return to a national lockdown as many pubs, restaurants and hairdressers get ready to reopen today.
The British Prime Minister says if there's a second spike of coronavirus he would prefer to take a more targeted approach like the one imposed on Leicester.
However, he did say he would not hesitate to reimpose restrictions if he needed to.
***
Air France has become the latest major airline to announce big job losses - with 7,500 roles being cut.
The company says at the height of the pandemic it was losing €15 million a day, with air traffic down 95%.
It's hoped most of the cuts will be made by not replacing staff when they leave.
***
A status yellow wind alert will take effect in seven counties along the west coast tonight.
Donegal, Connacht and Clare will be affected from 10pm until 8am tomorrow.
Met Éireann says the counties will see very windy conditions, with strong gusts of up to 110 km/h expected.
