In The News

In a major military operation that began in September, the US administration continues to put pressure on Venezuela with navy warships massing in the Caribbean Sea.US president Donald Trump claims the air strikes on boats in the region are not acts of aggression but enforcement operations to prevent alleged drug trafficking.To date it is estimated that 83 people have been killed but it has not been made clear by the administration the intelligence that led up the attacks proving the boats were indeed carrying drugs.So is this a “war on drugs” or is it part of a broader plan to oust Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro?And with Trump now saying the country’s air space should be shut down, is a ground offensive on the horizon?I speak to professor of Latin American history and migration studies at Vassar College, Daniel Mendiola.Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by John Casey and Andrew McNair.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New figures from the Residential Tenancies Board are stark: the number of eviction notices issued by landlords in the third quarter of this year increased by 35 per cent on the same period last year.This at a time when rents have never been higher.The reason given most frequently by landlords is that they are selling up. Why?New rent regulations which improve the rights of long-term tenants are set be introduced in March 2026. Could this be the reason landlords are getting out of the market?And why are small landlords more likely to want to exit the market than big institutional investors who dominate the private rental sector?Irish Times housing reporter Niamh Towey has talked to landlords and estate agents to get a clearer picture.Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Declan Conlon and Andrew McNair. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Conor Lally, Crime and Security Editor at The Irish Times, dives deep into Gerry 'The Monk' Hutch's ambitious bid for a Dáil seat. They discuss Hutch's plans to register new voters and boost his base from last year's near-success. Lally analyzes the implications of Hutch's hefty €800,000 tax bill and compliance rules that could affect his candidacy. They also touch on the local perception of Hutch compared to drug dealers, the notorious Kinahan-Hutch feud, and the ongoing legal challenges he faces, making this a captivating exploration of crime meeting politics.

Denis Staunton, Beijing correspondent for The Irish Times, brings his extensive experience to discuss the devastating apartment fire in Hong Kong. He highlights the rapid spread of flames fueled by renovation materials and scaffolding. Denis draws striking parallels to the Grenfell Tower disaster, exploring the ignored warnings from residents. He delves into the challenges faced during evacuation and the tragic living conditions of those affected. The conversation wraps around the broader political context, shedding light on the implications for Hong Kong's future.

Ronan McGreevy, an Irish Times journalist and historian, joins to discuss the proposed renaming of Dublin Airport after Seán Lemass, a pivotal figure in modern Irish history. McGreevy highlights Lemass's contributions, from founding Aer Lingus to championing transatlantic aviation, and examines the hesitance to honor leaders who lived for Ireland rather than those who died. The conversation touches on past proposals, potential political support, and the unique challenges of naming infrastructure after individuals. McGreevy also shares insights on his upcoming book about Lemass.

Shirley Ingram, a cardiac nurse and heart attack survivor, shares her alarming journey with spontaneous coronary artery dissection, urging women to trust their instincts and seek care. Dr. Sharon O'Donnell highlights the overlooked symptoms of heart disease in women, particularly as menopause increases risks. Dr. Deirdre Daly connects pregnancy complications to long-term cardiovascular health. Together, they discuss gender disparities in research and the importance of women's health advocacy, reinforcing that lifestyle changes can significantly impact heart health.

Conor Pope, a consumer affairs correspondent for the Irish Times, dives deep into the world of Black Friday shopping scams. With Irish shoppers spending around €329 each, the online frenzy creates fertile ground for scammers. Conor details common scams like fake websites and counterfeit goods and offers tips for safe shopping. He emphasizes the importance of understanding timing for genuine discounts and highlights consumer rights. Tune in for essential advice to navigate the chaotic sales season safely and wisely.

Cliff Taylor, an economy writer for the Irish Times, critiques the government's short-term budgeting approach, highlighting dangers in relying on corporation tax. He discusses the challenges facing the new finance minister over spending control. Olivia Kelly, Dublin editor at the Irish Times, reports on a legal challenge from Ranelagh residents to halt the Metrolink project, citing flaws in heritage assessments, which could lead to project delays. They also touch on the renaming of Dublin Airport and its potential implications.

Naomi O'Leary, an Irish Times correspondent specializing in European politics and migration, dives into Denmark's strict immigration policies and their potential ripple effects on Ireland. She highlights key features like the controversial 'jewellery law' and restrictive family reunification policies. O'Leary also discusses Denmark's emphasis on self-deportation and its appeal as a model for other EU nations. With the UK looking to Denmark for inspiration, O'Leary illuminates the implications for Ireland amidst an evolving immigration landscape.

Eoin Burke-Kennedy, an insightful economics correspondent at the Irish Times, delves into how Eli Lilly's weight-loss drug Mounjaro is propelling Ireland's economy to astonishing growth. He highlights a staggering 153% export increase to the US, driven by the pharmaceutical sector. Eoin also warns about the risks of relying heavily on multinational corporations amidst potential tariff threats. The discussion covers Ireland's vulnerable fiscal position, the impact of the rapidly changing pharma landscape, and what the future holds for this economic boom.