Belfast News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!

Lord Peter Mandelson, former UK ambassador to the US, defends his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein, refusing to apologize directly to victims. He admits to misplaced loyalty, but claims ignorance of Epsteins crimes, blaming a broken system for ignoring victims voices. Emails reveal Mandelsons support for Epsteins early release, leading to his dismissal by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.

Surfer rescued from Clare coast after wave mishap, highlighting coastal risks during windy conditions.

Eamon Ryan, former Green Party leader, criticizes Irish governments handling of Mercosur trade deal, lacking coherence and capability. EU ambassadors approved political deal, but it still needs European Parliaments approval. Irelands government voted against deal, fearing cheaper Brazilian beef could harm Irish beef exports. Thousands of farmers protested, urging European Parliament to reject agreement. Ryan notes current setup with independents less integrated than previous coalition with Fianna Fail and Fine Gael. European Parliaments upcoming vote on deals future remains a point of contention.

Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín discusses his partys openness to collaborating with other political groups on a case-by-case basis, despite past criticisms of the big three parties. He highlights the alignment of Aontú policies with those parties and emphasizes the importance of unity on major human issues. Tóibín also shares Aontús plans to fight the Mercosur trade deal, warning of its potential threats to Irish health and farmers. He criticizes the Taoiseachs handling of the issue and reveals Aontús own investigation leading to the removal of those involved, demonstrating their commitment to real priorities.

Over five hundred Irish students used AI illegally in coursework last year, with many universities lacking separate tracking. University of Galway detected 224 cases, an increase from the previous year. Students have mixed feelings, with some seeing AI as a future job tool, while others worry about losing real skills. Universities are adapting with expert oversight and clear guidelines to keep degrees meaningful and teach ethical use.

Urgent appeal for information on missing Belfast man, William Putt, last seen near Royal Victoria Hospital. Described as 58, dark hair, beard, wearing khaki coat, dark tracksuit, blue shoes. Community urged to check cameras, share dashcam footage. Contact police with any leads.

Anglo-Iranian women rally in London, urging UK to ban IRGC as terrorist group amid Irans brutal crackdown on protests. Protesters demand stronger action against IRGC, which has led violent response to unrest, resulting in dozens of deaths and thousands of arrests. Laila Jazayeri, director of the Association of Anglo-Iranian Women, calls for UK to help restore online access to Iran to expose regimes actions.

Barristers Strike in Northern Ireland Causes Delays in Crown Court Cases, Sparking Concern from Victims Commissioner A barristers strike in Northern Ireland is causing major delays in Crown Court cases, including the arraignment of two men charged with the unlawful killing of nurse Karen Cummings. The strike, which began last Monday, targets a dispute over legal aid payments from the Department of Justice. Victims families are growing frustrated, with many already waiting years for their cases to move forward. The commissioner designate for victims of crime warns that the indefinite strike leaves people in limbo, adding to their trauma and blocking any sense of closure. Justice Minister Naomi Long says her department lacks the funds to give barristers the pay rise theyre demanding. The Bar Council points out that Crown Court legal aid fees havent increased in twenty years, fueling the walkout. As talks continue, pressure mounts for a quick fix, especially for the most serious cases, so victims can finally see justice served without further heartbreak.

Tensions escalate as UK government threatens to block X over harmful deepfake images, drawing criticism from US officials and sparking debate on tech accountability and free speech.