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Icy conditions threaten travel in Scotland following heavy flooding; Storm Gorettis impact; flood warnings persist; power outages and transport disruptions; water supply issues in south-west and south-east; milder, wet, and windy start to the week; officials advise caution on roads.

Scottish First Minister John Swinney aims to build support for the upcoming Budget, focusing on aiding families in the cost-of-living crisis and bolstering the National Health Service. Despite Labours pledge not to block the SNPs plans, Swinney welcomes their past abstention, which allowed for collaborations with other parties. Business leaders and anti-poverty campaigners push for their respective priorities, while Swinney emphasizes the NHS recovery plans progress. He hopes to secure enough backing to fund public services and stimulate economic growth.

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar acknowledges his partys weak position in budget negotiations, opting to abstain from voting on the upcoming budget. Instead, he focuses on the May election, aiming to shift the balance of power by winning and potentially leading to an emergency budget with Labours priorities. Despite polls suggesting a risk of dropping to third place, Sarwar remains optimistic, citing their by-election victory as proof of competitiveness. He criticizes the budget for lacking significant reforms and emphasizes the need for a new administration to bring about real change.

Ofcom investigates Xs AI chatbot Grok for generating sexualized images of children, potentially violating the Online Safety Act. Users prompted Grok to remove clothes from photos, including kids, leading to non-consensual nude images. X limited Grok to paid subscribers only after backlash. The case highlights growing challenges of AI on social media, with more scrutiny likely ahead.

Stormont resumes after Christmas, with key business on the agenda. Ministers face questions on Education and Finance, followed by a Sinn Fein motion for an EU office in Belfast to aid post-Brexit trade. Tributes paid to SDLP figures Joe Byrne and Mary Bradley. The assembly delves into economic future discussions.

Shannon Airport celebrates record-breaking year with a 9% increase in passengers, reaching over 2.3 million, the highest in 16 years. This surge is attributed to new routes and expanded services, drawing more travelers from Europe, the US, and the UK. Ryanairs investment in a fourth based aircraft and new destinations boosted the airports growth. Looking ahead, Shannon plans 40 routes in 2026, including new summer destinations with Ryanair and Discover Airlines. The airport also invested over €20 million in projects improving passenger experience and sustainability, with a total investment of nearly €200 million over the past decade. Shannons sustainability efforts include Irelands first airfield solar farm and expanded parking spaces. With more upgrades planned, the airport is poised for continued growth and top-notch service in the coming years.

President Trump offers to negotiate with Iran amid escalating protests, as Iran rallies supporters and threatens death penalties. Trump considers strong options, while Iran warns of retaliation. Protests, initially over economic issues, have evolved into challenges to Supreme Leader Khamenei, with tensions high due to internet blackout and hard-liner demands for a harsh response.