First sod cut at new purpose-built youth hub in Ardoyne

THE First Minister and deputy First Minister have cut the first sod at a new youth hub which will transform services for young people in the Greater Ardoyne area of North Belfast.

Man charged with murder of Denis Donaldson

A MAN is to appear in court later today in connection with the murder of Denis Donaldson. The Sinn Féin man was outed as an MI5 and Special Branch agent in December 2025, and was murdered in Glenties, Co Donegal, in April 2006. The Real IRA admitted responsibility for the 55-year-old’s killing. A Garda spokesperson said they arrested a male today, aged in his late 40s, following extradition from Scotland on foot of a European Arrest Warrant. “The male will appear before the Special Criminal Court this afternoon.”

Arnold Schwarzenegger receives Honorary Doctorate from Ulster University in Belfast

ULSTER University today awarded an Honorary Doctorate to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger at its Belfast campus in recognition of his extraordinary career and his remarkable contributions to public service, environmental advocacy, and the arts. Born in Austria and later emigrating to the United States, Dr Schwarzenegger rose to international prominence as a seven-time Mr Olympia champion before becoming one of Hollywood’s most recognisable actors. He later served as the 38th Governor of California and has been widely recognised for championing environmental action, civic leadership, philanthropy and public service. The honorary degree also recognises Arnold Schwarzenegger’s contribution to global arts and culture through a film career that helped shape the modern action genre and influence generations of audiences worldwide. Dr Schwarzenegger’s visit to Ulster University Belfast carries a personal significance – it comes 60 years after his first visit to the city. As a young bodybuilder, he landed in Belfast in 1966 where he was unexpectedly invited to speak to an audience following a competition. Speaking today Dr Arnold Schwarzenegger said: “Sixty years ago I came to Belfast as a young bodybuilder. I could never have dreamed that I would be back here all these years later to receive an honorary doctorate from Ulster University. It’s wonderful to be back."

U-turn as SEN summer schemes to go ahead after all

MLAs have welcomed news that Special Educational Needs (SEN) summer schemes will now go ahead this year. The Education Minister and the Health Minister confirmed that following engagement between both Departments and the Education Authority (EA) a solution has been secured that will allow special school summer schemes to proceed this year. On Friday a recall petition by the Alliance Party had won the support of Sinn Féin, SDLP and TUV for a recall of the Assembly to discuss the issue. Later that day, however, Education Minister Paul Givan and Health Minister Mike Nesbitt confirmed that the summer schemes would go ahead after all after the Department of Health confirmed that nursing support will be provided at every summer scheme location.

MINDFUL MOMENT: Two events encapsulated the soul of our city

From the Bard to the best of Belfast, I had the great fortune of being invited by my fabulous friend and mentor to the home of the Ulster Orchestra, beautifully housed within a former church on Townsend Street. The setting itself felt reverent, as though the walls still held echoes of devotion only now, the devotion was to music, heritage and language. The evening was dedicated to celebrating the Blind Belfast Bard, Carl Hardebeck, a British born Irish composer and arranger of Irish traditional music. Affectionately known as the Blind Bard of Belfast, Hardebeck’s legacy has, in many ways, faded into the mist of time. Yet on that special evening, he was vividly resurrected through the inspiration and passion of the musicians, conductor and the ethereal voice of Gráinne Holland.

Long-awaited resurfacing works to begin in Airfield Heights

RESIDENTS in Airfield Heights off the Glen Road are set to see long-awaited improvements to their local roads, with resurfacing works due to commence this week.

Ulster Orchestra's Crescendo project brings music to more schools in North and West Belfast

THE Ulster Orchestra is celebrating the success of an exciting expansion of its flagship, community-led Crescendo project, which brings the joy of music-making to children across Belfast. Delivered in partnership with Colin Neighbourhood Partnership, Shankill Children’s Zone and Queen’s University Innovation Zones, the expansion project has reached more than 500 children in four new primary schools in North and West Belfast, creating more opportunities for creativity, confidence, and performance.

MÁLA POIST: There is a need to educate young men to protect women

WHILE we rightly grieve the appalling number of women murdered in Northern Ireland—over 30 since 2020—we are ignoring the "why." 

Gaelic Games: St Gall's come up short as Cushendun edge victory in hurling opener

Soccer: Cliftonville rue missed chances as Larne clinch important victory

NIFL PremiershipLarne 2Cliftonville 0At Inver Park