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Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, held a private meeting with Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, a Nobel Peace Prize winner. The meeting comes amid Venezuelas turmoil, following Maduros arrest and Rodriguezs takeover. Machado, dedicated her prize to Trump and the Venezuelan people, but the Nobel Institute clarified the prize is non-transferable. World leaders influence on Venezuelas future remains a focus.

Tragic accident in County Antrim: A woman in her thirties dies, man critically injured in two-car crash; police seek dash-cam footage for investigation.

DUP leader Gavin Robinsons active X account raises questions amid AI scandal. Robinson claims he hasnt tweeted since 2017, but his profile shows regular posts. He blames AI systems for spreading explicit content, as Ofcom investigates X over AI issues. Robinsons past controversial posts and his role as DUP leader, MP, and former Lord Mayor of Belfast are highlighted. The scandal emphasizes the need for UK-wide rules to regulate platforms and future tech.

Robyn Barnes, a Belfast resident, had her bail conditions partially upheld after distributing knuckle dusters at an anti-immigration protest. Her lawyer argued the restrictions infringed on her free speech, but police countered with evidence of social media organization and weapon distribution. The judge kept bans on attending anti-immigration protests and posting about immigration online, citing her alleged role as an organizer.

Downing Street downplays IRGC terror label amid Iran protests; UK officials condemn violence, stress support for Iranian peoples right to choose their government without brutal crackdowns, as hundreds die and thousands arrested in uprising against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

First Minister Michelle O’Neill criticizes X for its AI chatbot Groks creation and sharing of sexualized childrens images, prompting Ofcoms investigation. Politicians condemn the platform as toxic and vile, advocating for tougher rules and new laws to prevent such content. The anger is widespread, sparking calls for coordinated action to protect children from illegal content on platforms like X.

Scottish First Minister John Swinney criticizes Lord Peter Mandelsons continued presence in the House of Lords, despite losing his ambassador job. The SNP plans to introduce a bill to remove Mandelsons title, citing his refusal to apologize for his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein. SNP MP Kirsty Blackman warns that Prime Minister Keir Starmers inaction could threaten his leadership, as pressure for accountability in the upper house grows.

John Swinney, Scotlands First Minister, is advocating for a peaceful resolution to the escalating unrest in Iran, emphasizing the importance of protecting human rights amidst deadly protests against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The demonstrations, initially sparked by economic struggles, have evolved into a significant threat to the regime, resulting in hundreds of deaths and thousands of arrests. Swinney urges the international community to prioritize individual rights and avoid further violence, as tensions rise with US and UK involvement. He warns that the global community must strengthen a rules-based system to safeguard all parties and work towards lasting peace.

Cork Citys Housing Boom: Two Major Projects to Deliver Over 800 New Social and Affordable Homes Cork City is set for a significant housing boost with two major projects. The Creamfields development on the old Kinsale Road will provide 606 units, making it one of the biggest mixed-tenure builds in years. Meanwhile, the Railyard Apartments scheme at Albert Quay will add 217 units, including cost rental, social, and age-friendly social homes. The Railyard will feature Irelands tallest residential building, while Creamfields will deliver 225 social homes and 381 cost rentals across four phases. These developments, a key government priority, will inject new life into the city center and transform a brownfield site into a vibrant suburban neighborhood.