In The News

This Christmas eve will mark ten months to the day since Russia launched their attack on Ukraine. In sub-zero temperatures, civilians are dealing with blackouts and water shortages, as the Russians target critical infrastructure from the air. As the year draws to a close, what hope, if any, will the new year bring? Dan McLaughlin reports on the situation from Lviv. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The prestigious Capital Dock and Clancy Barracks apartments in Dublin were developed by Kennedy Wilson. Fulfilling their legal obligations for 10% social housing, they offered Dublin City Council a choice between those homes or the cheaper Herberton apartments in Rialto. Though the council agreed and a deal was struck in 2019, they’ve lain empty for over 3 and a half years. 39 families who were offered the homes earlier this year, have been told they now must wait even longer after fire safety issues were identified. But, in the middle of a housing crisis, how have the apartments been left dormant, and why is this only emerging now? What does it mean for the rest of the Herberton complex on the former site of Fatima Mansions? Dublin Editor, Olivia Kelly, has the latest. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

ChatGPT is no ordinary chatbot. It’s a massive advance in AI and machine learning that can handle far more complex requests, and generate answers in human-like form. It doesn’t scour the internet or copy and paste from articles. Rather its algorithms have been fed with a massive dataset that yield unique results to questions you might pose. It’s been created by OpenAI, a San Francisco-based AI research company. While it’s a potential force for good, we have seen how technology can be used for malicious intent. So what are the potential pitfalls, who will mitigate against them and how soon could they realistically threaten jobs? In The News is joined by Senior Lecturer in the School of Computer Science at TU Dublin, Dr. Robert Ross, and Arts and Culture Editor, Hugh Linehan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The death of a 4 year-old girl in the north east from the invasive form of Strep A, and a five year-old girl in Belfast, has understandably put parents around the country on high alert. With a significant increase in the number of viral infections sweeping through childcare and school settings, the HSE is encouraging parents to keep children at home if they’re showing signs of illness. But Strep A is a bacterial infection that can be treated effectively with antibiotics. How can you tell the difference between a viral infection and what might be Strep A? Galway GP, Dr Laura Lenihan, explains the symptoms of each. Unfortunately the most effective antibiotic to treat the illness is in short supply in Ireland at the moment. Duleek pharmacist, Kathy Maher, outlines what’s behind the shortage and what action the government should take to protect patients.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The arrest this week of 25 German citizens for allegedly plotting a coup against the German state came as a big surprise. Who are these people, and could they really hope to overthrow the government in Berlin? This is a story about German history, modern conspiracy culture, and an obscure, eccentric wannabe King. Derek Scally tells it to Conor Pope. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Voters in the north and the Republic of Ireland would welcome a referendum on a United Ireland.A straightforward binary question would yield a resounding yes on this side of the border, and an emphatic no from the six counties.That result is clear from a two polls carried out in both jurisdictions by Ipsos for The Irish Times. But the wide-ranging research shows the Republic’s commitment to a United Ireland is wide but not deep. More than a third say they would be less likely to vote yes if reunification meant sacrificing the tricolour or Amhrán na bhFhiann. Some respondents are concerned about the potential for violence. Today Pat Leahy tells Aideen Finnegan what the research tells us about attitudes to a United Ireland - and which arguments those for and against it must win. North and South is a collaboration between The Irish Times and ARINS, which is a joint research project of the Royal Irish Academy and the Keough-Naughton Centre for Irish Studies at the University of Notre Dame. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Warning: This episode features discussion of child sexual abuse. Since an RTÉ radio documentary about child sexual abuse at Blackrock College aired last month, charity One In Four has been inundated with calls from survivors of abuse, seeking therapy and help in finding justice, often after decades of suffering in silence. But the research shows that child sexual abuse is far from just a legacy issue in Ireland. And while more attention is paid to clerical abuse, most abuse today takes place within families. A growing percentage of offences are related to online activities, in what One In Four CEO Maeve Lewis calls an "epidemic" of online child abuse that sometimes leads on to contact abuse. Today we talk to Maeve about the shocking problem of child sexual abuse in Ireland, what can be done to prevent it, and how we are falling short. You can contact One In Four during office hours: 01 6624070You can contact the Rape Crisis Centre's National 24-Hour Helpline at 1800 77 8888, at any time of day or night. It offers a free and confidential listening and support service for anyone who has been raped, sexually assaulted, sexually harassed or sexually abused at any time in their lives. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“Sean Quinn knows exactly what he did but chooses not to understand. It’s very easy for him to find others are to blame.”Enniskillen-born filmmaker, Trevor Birney, has spent five years on his documentary, Quinn Country, which aired on RTE this week.The three-part series paints a visceral portrait of a man haunted by feelings of injustice and betrayal; not least in part due to the contributions from the former billionaire himself, from his palatial home in Co. Cavan.The documentary charts the rise and fall of Quinn and his business empire, with a particular focus on his Anglo Irish Bank gamble and the violent attack on former Quinn executive, Kevin Lunney.In a story to rival a Shakespearean drama, Birney skilfully pulls all the strands of the complicated story together in one place.Here he speaks to In The News about his many hours of interviews with Sean Quinn, filming during outbreaks of vigilante violence, and the fatal character flaw that brought down one of the titans of Irish business.Also on this episode is Irish Times Public Affairs Editor Simon Carswell. Presented by Aideen Finnegan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We get the expert view on solving Ireland’s housing emergency from Dr Lorcan Sirr, Lecturer in Housing at TU Dublin. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Special Criminal Court has been hearing astonishing evidence in the trial of Gerard "The Monk" Hutch and two other men for their involvement in the murder of David Byrne at Dublin's Regency Hotel in 2016.Secret recordings made by Gardaí of Mr Hutch and alleged accomplice Jonathan Dowdall, who has already pleaded guilty to his involvement in the murder, is at the centre of the case.But it is not yet clear if the recordings are admissible as evidence. That will be decided by the three judges deciding the case. In this episode of In The News, we speak to court reporter, Alison O’Riordan, about the content of the recordings which covered everything from politics to celebrities, to IRA republicans and the Kinahan cartel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the permacrisis rumbles on, Christmas is rolling around again and this year’s challenge is the cost of… everything, really. With inflation at a 40 year high, the gifts we give, the socialising we do, the supermarket trolleys we fill and the energy bills we pay will be a huge source of stress. While Conor Pope is co-host of In The News, he’s also The Irish Times' Consumer Affairs Correspondent and editor of Pricewatch. In this episode he shares his tips and tricks for navigating the most expensive Christmas in years; everything from avoiding the pitfalls of the Black Friday sales to reframing your outlook on present-giving. Don’t start tapping that debit card until you’ve listened to this. Presented by Aideen Finnegan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What was agreed at Cop27 and will it make a difference to the climate crisis? Environment and Science editor Kevin O'Sullivan explains what happened at the two week summit which was held in Egypt earlier this month. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“He is still fervently supported by a segment of the republican voter who is predominantly male, largely white and non-college educated.”The return of Donald Trump, as a potential presidential candidate, heralds the next big battle in American politics.While he has fallen out of favour with conservative Republicans in political circles, the 76 year-old is still supported by considerable numbers in his MAGA activist base.Though the starting gun has not been fired on the race for the Republican nomination, Trump’s closest rival appears to be Florida governor, Ron DeSantis. Trump has threatened to reveal damaging information on the 44 year-old, should he decide to challenge.Washington Correspondent, Martin Wall, speaks to In The News about the men’s bitter rivalry, the Republicans’ internal party struggle between traditional and far-right members and who the Democrats might field if Joe Biden decides he won’t contest the 2024 election. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When the RTE Documentary Blackrock Boys aired nearly two weeks ago, it sent shockwaves through the country. Detailing sexual abuse at the Dublin school, it has prompted even more abuse survivors to come forward with allegations against the Spiritan priests. With most of the alleged perpetrators now dead, attention is turning to how victims can get answers, justice, closure and healing. Religious Affairs Correspondent Patsy McGarry reports. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a 12 year lead-in time dogged by corruption scandal, human rights abuses and subversion of the football calendar, World Cup 2022 is finally about to get underway in Qatar. But can the Persian Gulf state overcome its critics and pull off a controversy-free tournament? How will authorities in the conservative muslim country react to boozy football fans and LGBTQ+ supporters? And the big question; who should Ireland support in the absence of cheering on the boys in green? Conor Pope is joined by football writer and broadcaster Ken Early, who is covering the World Cup for The Irish Times. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Yesterday we learned of the death of Vicky Phelan, the outspoken campaigner whose own mishandled case led to reform of the cervical cancer detection system and a national conversation about the rights of patients in the health system. Simon Carswell and Jen Hogan talk to Aideen Finnegan about Vicky's story, her formidable legacy and her love for her family. Vicky Phelan is survived by husband Jim and her two children Amelia and Darragh. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In contrast with his son Daniel Kinahan, little has been known about the activities of Christy Kinahan snr, the founder of the Kinahan drug cartel. Irish Times reporters Colm Keena and Conor Lally have now discovered that, along with his partner and three young children, Mr Kinahan snr has been attempting to build a new life for himself in Africa. These efforts involved an attempt to establish himself there as a player in the humanitarian aviation sector through the purchase of airplanes from the Egyptian military. The new information about Mr Kinahan snr was revealed in an Irish Times investigation in conjunction with the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ). Conor Lally and Colm Keena talk to Aideen Finnegan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In his new book Grace: President Obama and Ten Days in the Battle for America, speech writer Cody Keenan gives readers an intimate portrayal of life inside the White House during some of the most critical moments in American history. In this episode, he talks to Sorcha Pollak about those ten years spent working alongside one of the most important and recognised people on earth, the long days and nights spent crafting the former US president’s statements and the pressure, self-doubt and ultimate sense of accomplishment of holding “the best and the worst job in the West Wing”. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For years, the tech sector has been Ireland’s golden goose. Multi-national companies like Facebook and Google are worth billions of euro to the Irish economy every year. With job cuts and a freeze on hiring across the sector, are the good times coming to an end? Or at least stalling? Business and Technology journalist Ciara O’Brien and Economics Correspondent Eoin Burke Kennedy talk to Conor Pope about what is happening and how will Ireland cope in the face of a tech correction? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kanye West has arguably suffered one of the most spectacular downfalls in contemporary culture. Brands like Adidas, Balenciaga and JP Morgan have severed ties with the 45 year-old after an anti-Semitic tirade in October. With his music and fashion empire lying in ruins, Irish Times columnist Finn McRedmond argues the ‘tortured genius’ trope allowed him to get away with his outrageous behaviour for far too long. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Having bought Twitter, Elon Musk is moving rapidly to change the troubled social media platform, both for its hundreds of millions of users and for its endangered employees. But will Musk make Twitter better or worse? Can he redeem what most observers are calling a terrible business deal? And if Twitter fails, what next for social networking? Aideen Finnegan talks to Laura Slattery and Hugh Linehan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Originating in west Africa the Black Axe gang has quickly become one of the most successful groups in Irish organised crime. In the Republic, the gang has stolen or laundered €64 million, mainly through romance scams and invoice frauds. The Irish cell of Black Axe launders money by using a rapidly growing network of money mules in Ireland. Money mules’ accounts are used to take receipt of, and then disperse, the proceeds of frauds carried out by other Black Axe cells located in countries across the globe. Security and crime editor Conor Lally has the details. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you ever wondered why pubs and nightclubs in Ireland have a very strict closing time, whereas the rest of Europe has a more relaxed approach to how their public houses operate. It comes down to our centuries-old licensing laws, which Justice Minister Helen McEntee last week promised, would finally be reformed. In this episode, historian Diarmaid Ferriter talks to Conor Pope about the antiquated laws and why Ireland’s attitude to drinking and socialising as far back as the 19th century, still has an effect today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The families of Corporal Morrow, Private Burke and Private Murphy watch on as Ireland's best criminal defence barrister tries to get Michael McAleavy acquitted at his court martial for murder in 1983. Part three of three.Researched and reported by Conor Gallagher and Sorcha Pollak.Presented by Sorcha Pollak.Produced by Declan Conlon. Artwork by Paul Scott. Reconstruction voiced by Peter Heenan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Among soldiers who have served in Lebanon, no incident is more notorious than the 1982 killings of Corporal Gregory Morrow, Private Peter Burke and Private Thomas Murphy at Tibnin Bridge, a checkpoint near the Israeli border.In today's episode, it's January 1983 and the investigation has stalled. Detective Tom Connolly and his colleagues fly out to Lebanon to help. Part two of three. Researched and reported by Conor Gallagher and Sorcha Pollak.Presented by Sorcha Pollak.Produced by Declan Conlon. Artwork by Paul Scott. Reconstruction voiced by Peter Heenan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Since the 1970s, Irish soldiers have served as UN peacekeepers in south Lebanon, a region where complex conflicts ebb and flow.47 Irish soldiers have died there in the line of duty. But among soldiers who have served in Lebanon, no incident is more notorious than the 1982 killings of Corporal Gregory Morrow, Private Peter Burke and Private Thomas Murphy at Tibnin Bridge, a checkpoint near the Israeli border.In part one of a three-part series, Conor Gallagher and Sorcha Pollak tell the story of Tibnin Bridge, with help from those who lived through it.This episode was produced by Declan Conlon. Artwork by Paul Scott. Reconstruction voiced by Peter Heenan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With just two weeks to go until the 2022 midterm elections, all eyes are on Pennsylvania and the two nominees vying for the Senate seat, Republican celebrity doctor Mehmet Oz and Democrat John Fetterman. Whoever wins could have a huge impact on which party controls the chamber from next January. If the Republicans win it would spell disaster for President Biden’s ability to enact his agenda, with potentially global implications. Democrats had hoped the Supreme Court’s ruling on abortion would give them the fire power they need to get voters to turn out – but the cost of living crisis is giving their opponents the edge. Washington Correspondent Martin Wall speaks to Aideen Finnegan about the candidates and what is at stake when voters cast their ballots. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This month marks ten years since Savita Halappanavar died at Galway University Hospital. At seventeen weeks pregnant, she had presented to the hospital complaining of back pain, only to be told she was actively miscarrying. One week after she was admitted to hospital, she died from sepsis after her request for an abortion was denied on legal grounds. Protests and vigils were held across Ireland, remembering Savita and calling for changes to Ireland's strict abortion laws. Ten years on and Savita's name is recognised across the country. Her story, synonymous with the campaign to repeal the 8th Amendment. In this episode, Social Affairs correspondent Kitty Holland reflects on Savita's life, the circumstances around her death and how it changed the course of modern Irish history. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After just 45 days on the job, UK prime minister Liz Truss has resigned. The proximate cause of her political demise was her mishandling of the economy in the weeks since she took power. But to find the real cause of the constant chaos in British politics, we need to look further back, says Irish Times news editor Mark Hennessy.Plus: How and by whom will Truss be replaced? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

China’s Communist Party is holding its National Congress this week. The highly choreographed event sets out the party’s plans for the country over the next five years. But there are turbulent times ahead, as they continue their zero-Covid approach and face into a major property crisis. With President Xi Jinping now set for a third term in office, what will it mean for the country and for the world? Denis Staunton reports from Beijing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There are lots of reasons why team sports are a great activity for children to be involved in. They offer kids a chance to improve fitness, make new friends and learn how to be part of a team. But, on many teams across the country, coaches are leaving less able children on the sidelines, because they value winning above everything else. Irish Times parenting columnist Jen Hogan talks to Conor Pope about the impact this can have on children and why she thinks the culture needs to change. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

***Please note this episode discusses sexual assault and violence which some listeners may find distressing***German prosecutors have filed new sexual assault charges against the man who's already under investigation for the disappearance of Madeleine McCann. Christian Brückner is accused of raping Irish woman Hazel Behan, who was 20 at the time of the attack in Portugal in 2004. The other indictments filed this week also include charges of child sex abuse. He is currently serving time in a German prison for the rape of an elderly American tourist in The Algarve in 2005. Who is Christian Brückner, what is his criminal history and how exactly is he connected to the McCann case? Berlin correspondent for The Irish Times, Derek Scally, brings us the details. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Iranian authorities are using increasingly violent force to suppress the female-led protests that are rocking the religious regime.Zahra Gholamvand is a research fellow at Trinity College Dublin who left Iran in 2010 after the failure of the Green Movement and violent crackdown on protest. She explains what life is like for women under the watch of Iran's morality police and why this time she believes the protests are not going away. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ten lives have been lost and many more irrevocably changed by the tragic events that took place last Friday in the small village of Creeslough, County Donegal. Kitty Holland is there, meeting the people of the area. She talks to producer Aideen Finnegan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last week, former garda superintendent John Murphy was jailed for six and a half years after he was caught holding cannabis worth nearly €260,000 in his home in Dublin. He is also at the centre of an investigation into allegations that information held by the force was supplied to the Hutch criminal gang. But how does a senior garda become involved in the drugs trade and end up collaborating with criminals? And what kind of message does Murphy’s arrest and corruption within An Garda Síochána send to the general public? Security and Crime Editor Conor Lally reports. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rory Mason, the young man who died in combat in Ukraine this week, was one of thousands of young men from around the world who travelled to join Ukraine's "international legion" and help in the fight against Russia's invasion. But who was Rory Mason, and how important is the international legion to Ukraine's war effort? Ronan McGreevy and Dan McLaughlin report. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Convicted criminal Jonathan Dowdall is about to lose his name, his identity and his home. The former Sinn Fein councillor and successful businessman has dramatically turned state witness in the upcoming Regency Hotel murder trial and will enter the Irish Witness Protection Programme. What exactly was Dowdall’s involvement in Regency shooting and how will his relocation be managed? Crime Correspondent Conor Gallagher reports. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last week the major pipeline bringing gas from Russia into the EU was sabotaged with explosions recorded at at least four different points along the line deep under the Baltic Sea. Flows of gas seeped into the sea, posing a serious threat to vessels in the area, damaging delicate eco-systems and further ratcheting the tension between Russia and all its neighbours to the west. The perpetrators are unknown, or at least there is no hard evidence to say who did it. Irish Times Europe Correspondent Naomi O’Leary talks to Conor Pope about the sabotage and what might be coming down the tracks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Sunday, Brazilians will vote in a presidential election that pits former president Lula against incumbent Jair Bolsonaro. Bolsonaro is behind in the polls and, continuing his record of Trump-inspired politics, has claimed a loss could only mean voter fraud. But could he really hang on to power? From Sao Paolo, Tom Hennigan has the story of an election that could have global consequences. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One off lump sums, a 25% reduction in childcare costs and an increase in welfare payments. Those are some of the notable measures announced in yesterday’s €11bn budget, aimed at helping offset the cost-of-living crisis. That’s a big number, but what exactly does it represent for you and your finances? To understand the picture for households, In The News speaks to:Consumer affairs correspondent, Conor PopePolitical correspondent Jennifer BrayPolitical reporter Jack Horgan-JonesSocial affairs correspondent Kitty Holland andEconomics correspondent Eoin Burke-Kennedy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a controversial launch earlier this year, a breakaway professional golf league, backed by Saudi Arabia's investment fund, is still going, having survived criticism from players like Rory McIlroy and being called an exercise in sportswashing to improve Saudi Arabia's brutal image. But is anyone watching? Conor Pope asks Irish Times sports writer Malachy Clerkin. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Russian president Vladimir Putin tried to reclaim the initiative in his invasion of Ukraine by announcing a "partial mobilisation" of the population. Will the move dent Ukrainian confidence that the Russians can be repelled?Daniel McLaughlin reports from Zaporizhzhia in southern Ukraine. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Parents in Ireland today are facing some of the highest childcare costs in the world. What relief can be expected for parents in the upcoming budget and what can be done to reform the sector?  Features writer Jennifer O’Connell reports. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last week, the body of 28-year-old Tony Dempsey was discovered at a flat in Dublin’s north inner city. It’s believed his remains lay there for up to a week before the alarm was raised, with people coming and going from the premises during that time. How did this happen in a busy apartment complex and what were the circumstances that led to this tragedy? Security and Crime editor Conor Lally reports. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The finances of the British monarchy remain, in part, a mystery. Royal wills are never made public, so it’s not quite clear what wealth is passed down to the next generation. So, where does the money come from and how is it managed? In this episode, Laura Clancy, author of ‘'Running the Family Firm: how the monarchy manages its image and our money’ tells Conor Pope how the royals operate more like a corporation than a family unit. She also examines what the future of the ‘firm’ might hold after the death of Queen Elizabeth II. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

While it may not be dominating the conversation like it did last year, Covid is still here and numbers are on the rise. Health Editor Paul Cullen speaks to Conor Pope about how prepared we should be as we face into a third winter, living alongside the virus. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan McLaughlin reports on the counter-offensive carried out in recent days by Ukrainian Armed Forces that has recaptured swathes of territory from the Russians in the northeast and south. Will the operation change the course of the war and how will Russia react? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Somalia is on the brink of famine. By the end of this year, the country will have gone through five failed rainy seasons, which means for over two years, people have not been able to plant or harvest any crops and millions of livestock have died. Irish Times reported Sally Hayden visited the country in April this year and tells Sorcha Pollak about the devastation and suffering she witnessed there. We also hear from Trócaire’s Chief Executive, Caoimhe de Barra. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What is it about Garth Brooks we love so much? To find out, Conor Pope talked to superfans Anna O'Donoghue and Paul McKeever and music critic Tony Clayton-Lea. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

London editor Denis Staunton on the death of Queen Elizabeth II: how the world learned she was dying, what happens next, and the impact her death will have on the British people and the monarchy itself. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.