URGENT UPDATE: Amazon Web Services (AWS) is cutting hundreds of jobs as part of a significant restructuring effort in its cloud division, confirmed earlier today. Employees received termination emails on Thursday morning, with immediate revocation of system access, highlighting the urgency of this decision.

According to a spokesperson, this strategic move aims to enhance operational efficiency amid a shifting landscape in the technology sector. The affected employees include specialists who assist clients with product development and sales activities. While AWS has not disclosed an exact number, sources indicate that it impacts at least several hundred workers.

This announcement comes as many tech giants, including Microsoft, Meta, and Intel, are also implementing staff reductions, largely attributed to the rise of generative AI technologies. The trend reflects a broader recalibration within the industry as companies adapt to new market demands.

Despite the job cuts, AWS’s financial performance remains strong. In the first quarter of 2025, the cloud service provider reported a revenue increase of 17% to $29.3 billion, with operating profit up by 23% to $11.5 billion. This resilience underscores the ongoing demand for cloud services, even as operational shifts occur.

As this story develops, industry observers will be watching closely for further announcements from AWS and other tech companies navigating similar challenges. The emotional impact on those affected by the layoffs is significant, as many face an uncertain job market in a rapidly changing industry.

Stay tuned for more updates on this urgent situation.

UPDATE: A pivotal report focusing on families, children, and young people in the Gaeltacht is set to launch this evening in Baile na hAbhann, Connemara. The event, hosted by Tuismitheoirí na Gaeltachta, aims to shed light on critical issues affecting Irish-speaking communities from 2016 to 2022.

The launch will be officiated by Catherine Connolly, Galway West TD and Chairperson of the Dáil Committee on the Irish Language, the Gaeltacht, and the Irish-speaking Community. This significant event will take place at An Pota Café at 6 PM local time, prompting immediate attention from community leaders and families alike.

This report is crucial as it addresses the evolving challenges faced by children and families in the Gaeltacht, providing insights that can influence future policy and support initiatives. With increasing concerns regarding the preservation of the Irish language and culture, this launch emphasizes the urgent need for community engagement and action.

Attendees of the launch will include local stakeholders, parents, and advocates who are keen to understand and discuss the findings of this comprehensive report. The outcomes of this evening’s gathering could pave the way for vital discussions on educational and social support systems in the region.

As the report is unveiled tonight, the implications for families in the Gaeltacht could be profound, sparking a renewed commitment to nurturing the Irish-speaking community. Stay tuned for updates as this story develops and the insights from the report are revealed.

This is not just a report; it’s a call to action for all who care about the future of the Gaeltacht.

BREAKING: Arm has just opened a state-of-the-art facility in Galway City, marking a significant milestone for both the company and the local tech landscape. The facility, inaugurated on July 21, 2025, is set to drive innovative advancements in technology and strengthen Ireland’s position in the global semiconductor industry.

This new site at Crown Square is part of Arm’s strategic expansion since it established operations in Galway in 2014, growing its workforce to 90 staff members locally and over 4,800 employees across Europe. The project has received robust support from the Irish Government through IDA Ireland, highlighting the importance of this development in fostering high-quality employment opportunities.

Minister for Enterprise Trade & Employment Peter Burke emphasized the significance of the new facility, stating, “The opening of Arm’s new facility in Galway is a strong endorsement of Ireland’s position as a global hub for research, innovation, and advanced semiconductor technologies.” He noted that the recently launched Silicon Island: Ireland’s National Semiconductor Strategy aims to place Ireland at the forefront of the global semiconductor industry, focusing on emerging technologies and manufacturing expertise.

Arm’s Senior Director of Engineering, Mike Lardner, expressed pride in the Galway team’s contributions, stating, “We’re proud that our teams in Galway are helping deliver the computing foundations for the next era of innovation – advancing research, strengthening the local ecosystem, and building the future of AI on Arm.” His comments reflect the company’s commitment to fostering technological advancements that will resonate far beyond the region.

IDA Ireland CEO Michael Lohan congratulated Arm on this vital move, reiterating the company’s pivotal role in the semiconductor industry and its commitment to innovation in technology development. He emphasized that this strategic expansion not only enhances Arm’s market reach but also enriches the local talent pool in Ireland.

The opening ceremony underscores the growing importance of Ireland in the global technology landscape, particularly in semiconductor development. As Arm invests in this cutting-edge facility, the region can anticipate a surge in high-tech jobs and collaborative research opportunities.

WHAT’S NEXT: The implications of Arm’s new facility will unfold in the coming months as the company ramps up operations and integrates its innovative projects within the local ecosystem. Watch for updates on how this investment will reshape the tech landscape in Galway and beyond.

Stay tuned for more developments on this story as it progresses.

URGENT UPDATE: The Kilkenny community is in an uproar following shocking incidents of littering in St Kieran’s Crescent. The Eastern Environs Community Group has condemned the “disgraceful” behavior that has left the area littered with waste, calling it a blatant act of antisocial dumping.

Residents report that the littering occurred recently, igniting anger among locals who have witnessed the persistence of these “litter louts.” “Undeterred by neighbourhood outrage, these uncaring individuals continue to spread their waste in communal residential areas,” a community spokesperson stated. The group has taken a firm stand, chanting, “SHAME! SHAME! SHAME!” to express their discontent.

This incident highlights a troubling trend that has plagued the community, as more residents are becoming frustrated with the lack of respect for their environment. The community group is urging local authorities to take immediate action against these offenders to restore the neighborhood’s dignity.

WHY THIS MATTERS: The impact of this littering extends beyond just aesthetics; it affects property values and the overall quality of life in Kilkenny City. Immediate action is crucial to deter further incidents and protect the local environment.

WHAT’S NEXT: Residents are calling for a community meeting to discuss strategies for addressing this issue. The Eastern Environs Community Group is also advocating for increased surveillance and stricter penalties for littering. Authorities are being urged to respond quickly to restore faith in community standards.

Stay tuned for updates as this situation develops. Local officials are likely to weigh in, and community members are mobilizing to ensure their voices are heard.