Updated 23.10pm

NEED TO CATCH up? TheJournal.ie brings you a round-up of today’s news.

Irish Water managing director John Tierney leaving Leinster House after meeting Environment minister Alan Kelly. Niall Carson Niall Carson

IRISH

• The four accused by Mairia Cahill responded to the allegations made against them, meanwhile Cahill is considering suing Sinn Féin.  
• John Tierney said nobody has asked him to step down and Alan Kelly said no bonuses should be paid at Irish Water. 
• The man arrested in relation to the disappearance of Mary Boyle was released.
• Gavin Glynn who sparked a wave of charity this year has died. 
• A nurse was sentenced to life in prison after being found guilty of murdering her mother. [RTÉ]
• Convicted offenders in Donegal are not being monitored properly. 
• The mother charged with the murder of her son was admitted to the Central Mental Hospital.
• The Seanad agreed to recognise Palestine as an independent state. 
• Eight NATO warships are in the Irish Sea – here’s why.
• The 19-year-old found on the grounds of Leinster House with a sword was given community service.
• Phil Hogan was confirmed as the EU Agriculture Commissioner.
• Dublin Zoo has a new addition.

WORLD

Poor Pope Francis got caught in the head wind today. AP / Press Association Images AP / Press Association Images / Press Association Images

#CANADA: A manhunt is ongoing in Ottawa after a soldier was shot dead outside Parliament Buildings.

#US: An American who was held in captivity in North Korea for six months has returned home.

#US: An Irish-born US judge was suspended over a porn emails scandal.

#UK: The father of a British Islamic State hostage died without knowing the fate of his son.

#GERMANY: Three teenage girls were stopped at a German Airport on suspicion of trying to join Islamic State.

INNOVATION

• This fake log jams your phone so you can be one with nature. [Wired.com]
• NASA launched a free sound library with historical audio from Nasa missions. [NASA]

PARTING SHOT

Would you like to be the mayor of your own little city? Now you can. [gizmodo.com]

First published 21.00pm