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Lyons Denies Hostility to Irish Language Amid Funding and Strategy Disputes

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons denies hostility to the Irish language amid disputes over funding and delayed implementation of an Irish language strategy, while advocacy group Conradh na Gaeilge seeks a court order to compel Stormont to act.

5 min read

PA Media Gordon Lyons, a man with short, reddish brown hair and blue eyes, speaking during a press event. He is wearing a suit jacket, a shirt and a tie.

MSPs Sworn In and New Presiding Officer Election Underway at Scottish Parliament

All 129 MSPs, including 64 newcomers, were sworn in at Holyrood, pledging allegiance in multiple languages. Floral emblems and traditional dress highlighted the ceremony. MSPs will elect a new presiding officer and deputies, with John Swinney favored to become first minister.

3 min read

Getty Images John Swinney, who is bald with glasses, speaks with his right hand raised.

No Fish Deaths Found After Pollution in Derg River Tributary

The Loughs Agency found no fish deaths after a pollution incident on the Derg River tributary in County Tyrone on 6 May. Immediate action stopped the discharge; the incident is now a legal matter.

1 min read

Brendan Winters A tributary of a river in County Tyrone. There is water in the foreground and green trees in the background.

Rescuers Search Kyiv Rubble After Deadly Russian Strikes Kill Two

Two killed and 40 wounded in massive Russian strikes on Kyiv and other regions. Rescue efforts continue amid widespread damage and a corruption probe targets Zelensky's aide.

3 min read

Reuters Emergency service workers search a smouldering building

Russian Drone Attacks Kill 13 in Ukraine After Ceasefire Ends

Thirteen killed and 41 injured in Russian drone attacks across Ukraine after a ceasefire expired. Attacks hit multiple regions, with Ukraine warning of possible missile strikes following drone waves.

3 min read

DSNS / Dnipropetrovsk region Ukrainian firefighters tackle a blaze following Russian drone strikes in the central Dnipropetrovsk region. Photo: 13 May 2026

Ex-Irish PM Ahern Clarifies Immigration Views After Controversial Video Emerges

Former Irish PM Bertie Ahern clarifies immigration comments after a video shows him expressing concerns about African migrants. Taoiseach Micheál Martin calls the remarks inappropriate amid ongoing debates on Ireland's asylum system and immigration policies.

4 min read

Brian Lawless/PA Wire Bertie Ahern, a man with short, white hair, looks past the camera into the distance during a 2025 event. He is wearing a a navy suit jacket and a white shirt. The background is blurred

Who is Alex Batty and How Was He Found After Six Years Missing?

Alex Batty vanished at age 11 during a holiday in Spain and was found six years later in the Pyrenees. Now 20, he shares his story in a BBC documentary, revealing the nomadic life he led with his mother and grandfather and his return to the UK.

5 min read

BBC Alex Batty, who is wearing a black coat and hooded top, is standing in front of a large lake.

Princess Catherine Returns to Italy for Early Childhood Education Tour

Princess Catherine returns to international duties with a visit to Reggio Emilia, Italy, focusing on early childhood education as she marks a milestone in her cancer recovery.

3 min read

Reuters Catherine, Princess of Wales, May 2026

Peace Wall Turns 2-Minute Walk Into 20 Minutes for Belfast Friends

Lily Brannon and Michelle Bradley live just minutes apart in Belfast, but a peace wall extends their journey to 20 minutes. United by a cross-community program funded by the International Fund for Ireland, they overcame barriers to form a close friendship.

4 min read

BBC Two women stand side by side in front of a red brick wall. The one of the left has blonde hair, has reading glasses pushed onto her head and is wearing a mustard top. On the right the woman wears a blue cardigan over a white top which separates into a floral pattern around the neck.

Starmer to Meet Swinney on Constitution and Shared Issues After SNP Election Win

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has agreed to meet First Minister John Swinney to discuss constitutional issues and shared concerns following the SNP's election win, despite Labour's opposition to independence or another referendum.

4 min read

PA Media Sir Keir Starmer and John Swinney. Sir Keir has grey hair and Swinney has a bald head. They are both wearing glasses and dark suits with white shirts. Sir Keir is wearing a blue tie and Swinney a purple tie.

Irish Broadcaster RTÉ Airs Father Ted Episode Instead of Eurovision Final in Protest

Ireland’s RTÉ will air a 1996 Father Ted episode instead of the Eurovision final to protest Israel’s participation, sparking accusations of antisemitism and varied reactions.

3 min read

Two men in shiny plastic suits hold microphones on stage with an orange backdrop.

Scotland Welcomes Its First Baby Sloth at Edinburgh Zoo

Edinburgh Zoo celebrates Scotland's first baby sloth, Atty, born to parents Feira and Nico. Named after Sir David Attenborough, Atty will spend his early months clinging to his mother as visitors prepare to meet him.

2 min read

Edinburgh Zoo Baby Sloth Atty clings to mother Feira's stomach as she swings upside down from branches in the sloth house at Edinburgh Zoo. There is vegetation and a green-framed glass door in the background.