In The News

Eddie Hobbs, once a fixture on RTÉ, says, “The mainstream media is the North Korea of Europe”.He was speaking on Steve Bannon’s popular War Room podcast and it was a meeting of minds between one of the architects of Maga and the financial adviser-turned podcaster and campaigner.Bannon recently said he has been helping to form an Irish “national party”, working “behind the scenes” on “the Irish situation”.But has he? Where is the evidence for that? And how receptive would an Irish audience be to the former White House strategist’s vision for the country?Meanwhile Hobbs told a conference in Athlone this month that those who want to see a new government in Ireland that would cut immigration and break ties with globalist elites need to “reach across the Atlantic” and seek help from the Irish diaspora in the US Maga movement.So could Hobbs be an Irish Trump? What are the other likely candidates?And why is Bannon so out of touch with the political system in Ireland.Irish Times crime and security correspondent Conor Gallagher, an expert in the Irish far-right, explains.Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Declan Conlon. As we head into the New Year, The Irish Times wants to hear listener feedback on our two news podcasts; In The News and our more recently released sister podcast Early Edition.This survey is open to anyone who has listened to either In The News or Early Edition- whether you listen regularly, occasionally, or have listened in the past.This survey should take around 3-5 minutes to complete. All responses are anonymous. Thank you! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The devastating cruelty endured by four-year-old Mason O’Connell-Conway, who was murdered at his home in Limerick in 2021, was laid bare during the trial of his father’s girlfriend, Tegan McGhee (32).Doctors reported that the child’s injuries were similar to those suffered by car crash victims.McGhee and the child’s father, John Paul O’Connell, had told paramedics that the little boy had fallen from a bunk bed in their Limerick home. He died three days later in hospital in his mother’s arms.McGhee pleaded guilty to his murder at the trial in November and on Wednesday she was jailed for life. The boy’s father has already been jailed for seven years after pleading guilty to neglect and impeding the prosecution of McGhee, knowing or believing she had murdered his son.Mason’s mother Elizabeth Conway gave a powerful and heartbreaking victim impact statement in the Central Criminal Court which court reporter Eoin Reynolds describes here.Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Suzanne Brennan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Olivia Kelly, Dublin correspondent for The Irish Times, dives into the city's daunting traffic crisis. She discusses how Dublin became the 11th most congested city post-COVID and the impact of rising traffic on the economy and livability. Olivia examines the shelved traffic camera initiative, despite past success, and explores whether congestion charging could alleviate the problem. She sheds light on the Dublin City Transport Plan's mixed outcomes and the ongoing challenges with BusConnects and other transport projects.

In this engaging conversation, Bel Trew, Chief International Correspondent at The Independent, dives into the turbulent landscape of Iran. With firsthand experience in the region, she discusses the origins of the protests, sparked by economic distress and rising prices. Trew details the regime's violent crackdown and the chilling internet blackout that isolates Iranians. She highlights the growing calls for regime change, contrasting this uprising with past movements, and ponders the future of Iran—juggling between hopes for democracy and fears of chaos.

Ellen Coyne, an Irish Times political correspondent, dives into the dark side of AI with a focus on Elon Musk’s Grok app. She discusses how it allows users to create non-consensual intimate images, raising alarming legal and moral questions. Ellen highlights the platform's popularity and Musk's mixed responses to criticism. She addresses gaps in current laws protecting victims and how proposed legislation aims to tackle harmful deepfakes. The conversation reveals the urgent need for effective safeguards against AI-driven abuse.

Rachel Leingang, a Midwest political correspondent for Guardian US, dives into the tragic shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE officer in Minneapolis. She details the chaotic scene captured by numerous eyewitnesses and the ensuing political firestorm. The conversation explores conflicting narratives from officials versus public perception and the implications of increased ICE presence. Rachel also highlights the community's response, documenting actions to support affected families and track ICE movements amidst rising tensions and anxieties in the city.

Jack Power, a Brussels-based reporter for The Irish Times, dives into the intriguing geopolitical implications of Trump’s renewed interest in Greenland. He discusses the strategic significance of the island and its mineral wealth, revealing how recent US military actions in Venezuela have shifted perceptions of American intentions. Power also explores the responses from Denmark and Greenland, highlighting their firm opposition to any takeover. Additionally, he assesses the potential impact on NATO and European security, suggesting this may lead to greater autonomy for Greenland.

Ken Early, an Irish Times football columnist, dives into the rocky tenure of Ruben Amorim at Manchester United. He highlights the early warning signs of a poor fit and Amorim's damaging public critiques of players. The discussion touches on structural tensions between managers and coaches, and the political savviness required to survive in modern football. Early critiques Amorim's rigid tactics, explores strained player relations, and discusses potential replacements while affirming that Manchester United remains a prestigious role despite its challenges.

Tom Hennigan, a South America reporter for The Irish Times, discusses the recent court appearance of Nicolás Maduro on drug and weapons charges. He clarifies the implications of Trump's claim that the US 'runs Venezuela', emphasizing the lack of direct US control. Hennigan highlights mixed public reactions in Venezuela, the strategic moves by Delcy Rodríguez, and the renewed fears in the region about US influence. He also points to future signs to watch, such as potential agreements with Washington and how the opposition may react.

Joined by Gordon Manning, a sports writer for the Irish Times, the discussion dives into the world of Hyrox—a hybrid cardio-strength fitness race that took Dublin by storm. Manning recounts his daring challenge with little preparation and explores the unique format of Hyrox, including its grueling stations and the exhilarating atmosphere of race day. He reflects on the intense physical demands, the community spirit that drives participants, and shares insights on whether Hyrox is here to stay in the fitness landscape.