Tue Oct 01 07:07:20 UTC 2024: ## Subject: Today’s Top Stories: Budget Day, Israeli Military Action in Lebanon, Hurricane Helene Toll

**Good morning!** Here’s a quick rundown of the top stories you need to know this morning:

**Budget Day:**
* Minister for Finance Jack Chambers is set to deliver his first budget today, with a heavy focus on cost-of-living measures.
* Expect a €2 billion cost of living package, double child benefit payments before Christmas, energy credits, and more.
* Follow all the budget news throughout the day on The Journal.

**International News:**
* Israeli troops have entered Lebanon in “targeted ground raids”, backed by airstrikes and artillery.
* The Israeli military has vowed to fight Hezbollah and declared a military zone in parts of its border with Lebanon.
* The death toll from Hurricane Helene in the US could be as high as 600.
* A UK tribunal will hear allegations of widespread police spying on journalists in Northern Ireland.

**Irish News:**
* The first phase of a ban on XL bully dogs has come into effect, making it illegal to import, breed or re-sell the animal in Ireland.
* An investigation has been launched after a teenager was hospitalized following a serious assault in Dublin.

**Other:**
* The US vice presidential candidates will take part in their first televised debate tonight.
* Tánaiste Micheál Martin has paid tribute to Jackie Lennox’s chipper, which is closing after 73 years.

**Stay informed and up-to-date with all the latest news on The Journal.**

**[Link to The Journal’s website]**

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