Former NI unionist leader to face historic sexual-offences trial
Former Northern Ireland unionist leader Jeffrey Donaldson and his wife Eleanor face charges of historic sexual offences and are due to stand trial at Newry Crown Court in May 2026.
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Seagull delivers surprise splash during King Charles III's Northern Ireland visit
During a visit to The Pantry Foodbank at Donard Methodist Church in Newcastle, Northern Ireland, King Charles III was splattered by a seagull as he greeted volunteers and well-wishers.
Northern Ireland Pastor Convicted for Reading John 3:16 Near Hospital in Abortion Buffer Zone
A 78-year-old retired pastor, Clive Johnston, was convicted of breaching a 100-meter safe access zone outside Causeway Hospital in Coleraine by preaching a sermon, and fined £450. Supporters say the ruling threatens religious liberty and free speech amid abortion buffer zones, while Johnston vows to appeal as international observers voice concerns about censorship in the UK.
New IRA claims Belfast police station blast, warns more attacks are coming
The New IRA claimed responsibility for a car bomb outside a Belfast Police Service station (Dunmurry), threatening further attacks. A 66-year-old man was arrested under terrorism laws in connection with the incident. Analysts say the group’s link to Iran and Hezbollah signals a broader, cross-border hybrid warfare pattern, with learning and tactics potentially spreading to other theaters.
66-year-old arrested in Northern Ireland over New IRA Belfast car bombing claim
Police in Northern Ireland arrested a 66-year-old man under the Terrorism Act after the New IRA claimed responsibility for a car bomb at a Belfast police station, signaling an escalation of threats amid ongoing sectarian tensions and the legacy of the Good Friday Agreement.
New IRA suspected after Dunmurry car bomb targets Belfast-area police station
A hijacked delivery car containing a gas-cylinder-type device exploded outside Dunmurry police station near Belfast; there were no fatalities, but two minors were evacuated from nearby homes. Police say the attack bears similarities to a March attempt in Lurgan, and Deputy Chief Constable Bobby Singleton says the New IRA is the early working hypothesis as investigators keep an open mind about the case.
Dunmurry car bomb attack condemned as reckless by NI police chief
Police released body-worn footage of a car bomb detonating outside Dunmurry police station as officers evacuated nearby residents; a delivery driver was forced to drive the device to the station. Authorities believe dissident republicans, possibly the New IRA, carried out the attack; no serious injuries reported as the NI police chief labelled it a deliberate, reckless and stupid act and urged anyone with information to come forward.
Dunmurry car bomb prompts evacuations near Belfast police station
Police evacuated homes in the Dunmurry area near Belfast after reports of a car bomb outside a PSNI station; no casualties have been reported, and authorities are probing the motive, with past attacks by dissident Republican groups noted in the context of the post-Good Friday Agreement security landscape.
Car bomb near Dunmurry police station sparks security alert
A car bomb exploded outside Dunmurry police station in South Belfast, prompting police to declare a security alert while forensic investigators examine the scene.
Thrones actor Michael Patrick dies at 35 after MND battle
Michael Patrick, a Northern Ireland–born actor who appeared in Game of Thrones and co-wrote the BBC series My Left Nut, died at 35 after being diagnosed with motor neuron disease in February 2023. His wife Naomi Sheehan announced the death, saying he died in hospice care surrounded by family; his final social post noted a prognosis of about a year to live.
Game of Thrones Actor Michael Patrick Dies at 35 After MND Battle
Irish-born actor Michael Patrick, known for his work on Game of Thrones and other TV roles, died at 35 in Northern Ireland after being diagnosed with motor neuron disease in February 2023; his wife Naomi Sheehan announced the news on Instagram, saying he passed peacefully in hospice surrounded by family and praising his inspiring spirit.
Tonali fires Italy to a 1-0 lead over Northern Ireland in WC 2026 playoff
Sandro Tonali’s low finish from the edge of the box gives Italy a 1-0 lead over Northern Ireland in their World Cup 2026 playoff after a largely cagey first half that finished 0-0; Italy surged after the restart with chances for Kean andRetegui and a string of saves from NI keeper Pierce Charles, while Donnarumma and the Italian defense resisted late pressure as the match remained tight.
Opera and Ballet Rally as Chalamet’s ‘No-One Cares’ Remark Sparks Backlash
Timothée Chalamet’s comment that people don’t care about ballet or opera drew criticism from opera singers and dancers in Northern Ireland, who insist these art forms are alive, accessible and important. Artists like Petra Wells, Charlotte Fastiggi, and Nicole Meier argue ballet and opera require dedication, continue to attract audiences (including sold-out NI productions), and remain integral to local culture ahead of the Oscars where Chalamet hopes for Best Actor.
Two Northern Ireland deaths flagged in safety monitoring of GLP-1 weight‑loss drugs
Two deaths in Northern Ireland were reported to the MHRA as potential adverse reactions to GLP-1 weight‑loss drugs (Mounjaro and Wegovy), part of more than 500 suspected adverse drug reactions in NI over the last two years. The MHRA cautions that such reports do not prove causation and could involve underlying conditions or coincidences; the fatalities were a man in his 40s and a woman in her 60s, with six pancreatitis cases recorded in 2024–25. Most reports came from healthcare professionals; regulators and drugmakers emphasise ongoing monitoring and safety.
Mesh harm victims press for a government-backed redress timetable
Women harmed by vaginal mesh implants across the UK are pressing the government to set a deadline for a funded, government-backed compensation scheme. Campaigners, including Sling The Mesh, plan to hand a letter to the prime minister at Downing Street urging urgent action on compensation, while in Northern Ireland victims report chronic pain and life-changing consequences. The Hughes Report recommended initial payments and a NI scheme, but the Department of Health says medical-device policy is reserved to Westminster and no timetable has been set for redress.