Rafael has strengthened into a powerful Category 3 hurricane ahead of its expected landfall in western Cuba, where it was forecast to bring “life-threatening” storm surges, winds and flash floods.

Housing is expected to be the main battleground of the Irish general election as the Government defends its record and the opposition pitch their solutions. Better access to childcare, the high cost ...

However, Florida, Nebraska and South Dakota defeated similar constitutional amendments, leaving bans in place.