“You’ve been convicted of a number of offences including rape. The consequence of that is inevitably a significant custodial term. My current view is that I therefore have to remand you into custody.”— Mr Justice Bentham said this to Russell Brand at Southwark Crown Court after his conviction.

“It was not an easy decision, because some decisions are not made with the mind alone - they are also made with the heart.”— Cristiano Ronaldo, in an Instagram video announcing his retirement from international football.

“We don't want our money sent to do apartheid, or genocide, or war.”— Abdul El-Sayed said this in his victory speech, referring to his criticism of Israel's actions.

“If anyone wants to come after California, or any one Californian, they better be ready for a fight.”— Xavier Becerra said this in his victory speech after CNN projected him to win California’s gubernatorial election.

“The real fight in this country is not left vs. right. It is top vs. bottom. … Our unity is a threat to their wealth and their power.”— James Talarico, speaking to supporters in his victory speech after winning the Texas Senate race.

“If you bring home the bacon and you bring us to victory, then you deserve to stay.”— Senator Ruben Gallego of Arizona said this in support of Chuck Schumer remaining Senate majority leader.

Hubert Aiwanger’s death is a shock; it clearly brings our own humanity into focus.

— Markus Söder, leader of the CSU and Bavarian Minister-President, spoke after Aiwanger’s death.

It’s not surprising that Vivek Ramaswamy has stooped to such a despicable low as to attempt to turn the sexual abuse Amy endured at twelve years old from our birth mother’s husband into a political talking point.

— Philip Stearns, Amy’s brother, in a statement about Ramaswamy’s campaign ad.

It was hard not to feel the emotion of being part of an encounter that had a real sense of history about it, with the feeling that, at every step through the Apostolic Palace, absolutely anything could happen!

— Vatican official and Jesuit Antonio Spadaro wrote on Instagram about the meeting between Pope Leo and Bob Dylan, which he helped arrange.

“If you'd like to argue it was worth it, that losing the Senate for the next 6 years was worth it, then do so. Argue it was a worthwhile cost to pay. Agree or disagree, that's at least honest.”— Vice President JD Vance wrote this in a social media post about Republicans’ midterm losses and the Iran war.