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

IRELAND

Gardaí caught in the middle of protesters on Kildare street this afternoon. Sam Boal / RollingNews.ie Sam Boal / RollingNews.ie / RollingNews.ie

• Leo Varadkar personally signed off on a plan to give former Taoisigh special supports – including VIP airport facilities, increased use of state cars, and the salary of a full-time secretary – just four months after he took office.
• A woman in her early 30s has suffered serious injuries in an early morning assault in Arklow, Co Wicklow. 
• Gardaí have arrested one woman and two men in relation to the protests that took place outside Leinster House this afternoon. 
• A Status Yellow ice/snow warning has been issued for Ireland from 11am today until 11am tomorrow. 
• Two Scottish League footballers have appeared in court accused of an assault in Dublin city-centre.
• Gardaí in Malahide are seeking the public’s assistance in locating a couple from Portmarnock, Co Dublin. 
• Almost 8,000 people in Cavan have been warned not to consume their water due to elevated levels of manganese.
• The Taoiseach has said there will “not necessarily” be a general election held in February next year, saying reports with this date are “speculation”. 

WORLD 

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson pulls a pint with newly elected Conservative party MP for Sedgefield, Paul Howell during a visit to Sedgefield Cricket Club in County Durham. PA Wire / PA Images PA Wire / PA Images / PA Images

#WHITE ISLAND: Divers have been working in contaminated waters with near-zero visibility attempting to find the bodies of two people killed in the White Island eruption in New Zealand.

#NUCLEAR NEGOTIATIONS: North Korea says it has successfully performed another “crucial test” at its long-range rocket launch site that would further strengthen its “reliable strategic nuclear deterrent”.

#SEXUAL ASSAULT: A Georgia man who was videotaped slapping a US reporter’s rear on live TV was arrested yesterday on a misdemeanour charge of sexual battery.

PARTING SHOT 

An airport in Lithuania has turned knives, scissors, razors and other no-fly items taken from passengers’ carry-on luggage into a “cutting edge” Christmas tree.

Can’t see the tweet? Click here.