UPDATE: Owen Farrell will captain the British & Irish Lions tonight at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne as they face off against a First Nations and Pasifika XV in a pivotal midweek match. This comes just days after a contentious opening Test victory where Farrell’s leadership will be put to the test.

The match kicks off at 7:00 PM AEST on July 12, 2023, and fans are buzzing with anticipation, despite concerns over the Wallabies’ recent performance. The Lions are expected to dominate, having delivered a strong showing in their first match, leading some to speculate that they may cruise to a series win.

Farrell, a seasoned veteran on his fourth Lions tour, is set to make history as the captain for the first time. With a decorated career that includes being a Test centurion and key player in major tournaments, his leadership is crucial for the Lions as they aim to solidify their position.

“Owen Farrell is a proven competitor who thrives under pressure. His experience is invaluable for our team,” said coach Andy Farrell.

However, the selection has drawn criticism, particularly for including a mix of players from different regions. This includes veteran out-half Kurtley Beale and tighthead Taniela Tupou, who are expected to challenge the Lions’ strategy. Farrell’s decision to shuffle the roster entirely, with only three players from the previous matchday returning, has sparked debate among fans and analysts alike.

In particular, the inclusion of young talents Jamie Osborne and Tom Clarkson has garnered attention, highlighting the Lions’ strategy to blend experience with fresh talent. Critics argue that this approach could undermine the team’s cohesion, but supporters see it as a necessary gamble to maintain competitive edge.

As the Lions prepare for this critical match, all eyes will be on Farrell. His ability to rally the team and ensure high standards will be pivotal as they navigate the challenges of a diverse opposition. History shows that midweek matches can be notoriously tricky, and Farrell’s leadership will be crucial in steering the Lions toward a decisive win.

Despite the ongoing criticism he faces, Farrell’s impact on the game is undeniable. Some fans argue that if he were an Irish international, he would be revered as an icon. This perception adds an emotional weight to tonight’s game as Farrell seeks to earn the respect he deserves on the international stage.

With the Lions looking to capitalize on their momentum, the outcome of this match could shape their journey forward in the series. Fans and players alike are eager to see if Farrell can lead his team to a commanding victory, reaffirming his status as one of the top players in rugby today.

Stay tuned for live updates and highlights as the action unfolds in Melbourne. This match is expected to be a turning point for the Lions as they aim for glory in this series.

UPDATE: A man has been arrested after allegedly threatening a homeowner while armed with a bread knife. Thomas Murphy, age 34, reportedly appeared at a residence, screaming threats and tearing off the doorbell camera.

This incident occurred earlier today in Ireland. Authorities express deep concern that Murphy intended to inflict serious injury on the homeowner. Following the alarming confrontation, Gardai apprehended Murphy at a nearby chipper where he attempted to hide.

Witnesses reported seeing Murphy brandishing the knife as he aggressively approached the house, raising urgent alarms about his intentions. Upon his arrest, he exhibited troubling behavior, reportedly spitting and urinating inside the Garda station.

Authorities are treating this situation with utmost seriousness, given the potential dangers posed by such actions. The public is urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities as investigations continue.

The court is set to hear more about Murphy’s case shortly, with outcomes that could have significant implications for community safety. More updates will follow as this developing story unfolds. Stay tuned for the latest on this urgent matter.

URGENT UPDATE: A new report reveals the alarming state of housing affordability across Europe, highlighting the ever-growing gap between net salaries and rent prices. With housing costs increasingly consuming household budgets, many individuals are struggling to find affordable living options in major cities.

Latest data from the Mapping the World’s Prices report confirms that in some European cities, rent can account for nearly an entire salary, leaving low-income earners and minimum wage workers in dire straits. This crisis is exacerbated by soaring rents in city centers, as documented by Eurostat and the Deutsche Bank Research Institute.

The report details the rent-to-salary ratios for 28 European cities, revealing that cities like London and Lisbon are among the hardest hit. In London, residents spend an astonishing 75% of their salary on rent, while in Lisbon, that figure is slightly above 100%. This means that the average net salary in Lisbon is not enough to cover rent for a one-bedroom apartment.

As of 2025, the report shows significant disparities in net salaries across Europe. For example, average monthly net salaries range from a mere €151 in Cairo to a staggering €7,307 in Geneva. In stark contrast, Istanbul reports the lowest salary among major European cities at €855, while Luxembourg, Amsterdam, and Copenhagen boast salaries above €4,000.

Rents for one-bedroom apartments vary widely across Europe. While Athens offers the cheapest rent at just €595, London tops the list with rents soaring to €2,732. Other cities like Zurich, Dublin, and Amsterdam also exceed €2,000, creating a significant burden for residents.

The rent-to-salary ratio serves as a crucial measure of housing affordability. In Europe, the ratios range from 29% in Geneva to an alarming 116% in Lisbon. In addition to London and Lisbon, cities such as Barcelona and Madrid also see high percentages, leaving residents with little disposable income after paying rent.

Where do residents fare better? Geneva stands out with a rent-to-salary ratio of just 29%, while cities like Luxembourg and Frankfurt follow at 34%. Although these cities feature lower ratios, it is important to note that high salaries in these regions do not necessarily equate to lower rents.

The impact of this crisis is profound. Many individuals are forced to allocate the majority of their incomes to housing, leaving little for other essential expenses. In the broader global context, cities like New York maintain a rent-to-salary ratio of 81%, indicating a similar struggle in other major urban centers.

As the cost of living continues to rise, the need for urgent reforms in housing policy has never been clearer. Authorities are urged to address this issue to ensure that housing remains within reach for all residents. The data presented in this report serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges facing urban populations across Europe.

What’s next? Stakeholders are encouraged to engage in discussions about sustainable housing solutions, as the current state of affordability is unsustainable for the future of city living. As cities grapple with these challenges, residents must navigate an increasingly difficult landscape, making the urgency of this report all the more critical.

Stay tuned for further updates as the situation develops and policymakers respond to this urgent issue impacting millions across Europe.

European cities are facing a growing challenge regarding housing affordability, as recent data reveals stark disparities in rent-to-salary ratios. According to a report by Eurostat, housing costs are consuming an increasingly large portion of household budgets across the continent. The situation is particularly dire in city centres, where average rents can absorb nearly an entire salary for low-income earners.

The Mapping the World’s Prices report, which includes 69 cities worldwide, provides a comprehensive look at net monthly salaries and rents for one-bedroom apartments in European city centres. This analysis highlights the best and worst rent-to-salary ratios across the continent, revealing that in some cases, average net salaries are insufficient to cover rent.

Salary Disparities in European Cities

A closer examination of salary levels shows that averages vary significantly across Europe. In March 2025, net monthly salaries range from a mere €151 in Cairo to €7,307 in Geneva, making Switzerland the highest-paying country overall. In stark contrast, Istanbul ranks lowest in Europe with a monthly salary of €855, followed by Athens at €1,044.

Cities in Northern and Western Europe tend to offer higher salaries, with figures exceeding €4,000 in Luxembourg, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, and Frankfurt. Among the capitals of Europe’s five largest economies, Rome has the lowest average salary at €2,046, while Madrid slightly edges higher at €2,193. Berlin, Paris, and London feature higher averages, with salaries around €3,600.

Rising Rent Costs in Major Cities

The cost of renting one-bedroom apartments in European city centres presents a wide array of challenges. Rents can be as low as €189 in Cairo but soar to €2,732 (£2,365) in London. Other cities such as Zurich, Dublin, Amsterdam, and Geneva report rents that exceed €2,000, while Istanbul and Budapest remain below €900.

The rent-to-salary ratio serves as a critical measure of affordability, indicating the percentage of income that goes towards housing. For instance, Geneva boasts a favourable ratio of 29%, while Lisbon presents a concerning 116%. This alarming figure suggests that the average net salary in Lisbon is inadequate to cover rent expenses. Similarly, single earners in London allocate 75% of their income to rent, a figure echoed in Barcelona and Madrid at 74%.

In cities like Milan and Dublin, more than half of the average salary is consumed by rent, reflecting broader financial pressures. Other cities, such as Rome and Budapest, also exhibit high ratios, with residents spending 65% and 52% of their incomes, respectively.

Where Rent is More Manageable

Conversely, Geneva stands out as the only major European city where the rent-to-salary ratio falls below 30%. Other cities with more manageable ratios include Luxembourg and Frankfurt at 34%, and Zurich and Helsinki at 35%. These ratios illustrate that while housing costs remain high, elevated salaries help to alleviate the financial burden.

In the context of the largest European economies, Berlin has the lowest rent-to-salary ratio at 40%, followed closely by Paris at 45%. In comparison, London leads the pack with the highest ratio at 75%, followed by Madrid at 74% and Rome at 65%.

Globally, other cities facing severe housing affordability issues include Bogota (120%), Mexico City (118%), and São Paulo (102%). In these areas, residents often find their salaries barely cover rent, leaving little to no disposable income.

The OECD reports indicate that housing and utility costs have increased significantly over the past two decades within the EU, highlighting a persistent trend that threatens to impact the quality of life for many residents.

With the cost of living on the rise, the urgency for affordable housing solutions becomes increasingly critical, as many individuals navigate the challenges of balancing their income with housing expenses in an evolving economic landscape.