Behind the Story

A bitter row has broken out over the last week between farmer organisations and the Chair of Bord Bia, but what's it all about? Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Correspondent Aengus Cox joins Fran to explain what's going on and why he believes both sides have become entrenched in their positions. 

Later, Editor of Travel Extra, Eoghan Corry discusses the proposed changes to the ESTA visa waiver scheme which could affect tourists and World Cup fans travelling to the US this summer. 

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The Slaney and Dodder rivers burst their banks and flooded surrounding areas following subtantial rainfall over the past few days. And while the clean up has begun, more rain in expected over the next 24 hours. Could the flooding have been predicted? and are there nature based solutions that could help prevent floods. 

Professor of Geography at TCD, Mary Bourke joins Fran and Karen to explain how nature could help prevent some of the worst flooding, she rules out the use of beavers, the aquatic animals being used in other countries! 

Later, Fran and Karen discuss the CCPC's new guidelines around tipping and technology! 

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Officials in US President Donald Trump's administration continue to defend the fatal shooting on Saturday of a man by immigration agents in Minneapolis, even as video evidence contradicts their version of events.

Alex Pretti, who worked as an intensive care nurse, is the second US citizen to be fatally shot by ICE this month in Minneapolis.

Niall Stanage, White House columnist with The Hill, joins Fran and Karen from Washington DC to discuss the official response to the shooting and the uncertainty, fear and stress the actions of ICE are having on communities across the US.

Later, Business and Technology correspondent Brian O’Donovan popped in to discuss the latest EU investigation into Grok.

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As the man who murdered Dublin woman Marilyn Rynn in December 1995 is released from prison, author and crime journalist Barry Cummins details the investigation into her murder and the role DNA played in helping Gardaí identify David Lawler as her killer.

Barry's been chatting to Fran and Karen about the case that gripped the country in the early days of 1996.

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As President Trump continues to make demands, newly minted Washington Correspondent, Jackie Fox joins Fran and Fiona to discuss the US President's extraordinary speech at Davos this afternoon. 

Later, the duo are joined by business correspondent Fergal O'Brien who sat in on the Ryanair press conference today. Michael O'Leary took aim at the world's richest man, Elon Musk [again] as he launched the Ryanair 'idiots seat sale, while thanking Musk for the publicity! 

This morning, at the health committee, the lack of services for people with eating disorders was discussed, Paula Crotty of Cared Ireland shared her experience of losing her adult daughter to anorexia. [Cared Ireland can be contacted at [email protected]] 

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As US President Donald Trump issued tariff threats on 8 European countries, Fran [yes, he's back] and Karen speak to Chief Economist with the Institute of European Affairs, Dan O'Brien. The tariff threats are retaliation for the countries disagreeing with Trump's demand to own Greenland. 

Dan explains the impact of the previous round of tariffs and says that there's comes a time when economics needs to take a backseat when the territorial integrity of a member state is at risk. 

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Earlier this week, it was reported that China's trade surplus has reached $1.9 trillion last year, a 20% increase on 2024. As China exports continue to grow, Agriculture and Consumer Affairs correspondent Aengus Cox joins Evelyn and Karen to discuss his recent trip to China and what it was like to be stopped by police in Shanghai. 

Later, reporter Julieanne Corr of the Sunday Times discusses the increasing use of ketamine in Ireland and the side effects of the drug. 

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Senior Gardaí appeared at the Oireachtas media committee today where they revealed they are investigated two hundred complaints about Grok AI and child abuse imagery. Work and Technology correspondent Brian O'Donovan joins Evelyn and Karen to discuss the committee hearing, which politicians are leaving X and if the authorities are playing catch up with AI developments. 

Later, retired architect, David O'Connor explains the history of the construction of Dublin City Council buildings and why he believes more needs to be done to examine staying on the site rather than vacating it for new offices. 

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Jessie Buckley won Best Actress at the Golden Globes for her performance in 'Hamnet', an adaptation of the best selling book of the same name by Coleraine born author Maggie O'Farrell. 

Evelyn O'Rourke and Maggie Doyle discuss the win, what it means for Irish acting talent and if this could be the start of even more awards for the actress from Killarney. 

Later, the duo are joined by Professor Fawaz Gerges of the London School of Economics to discuss Iran and the ongoing protests in the country. 

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A majority of EU States voted to pass the Mercosor trade deal with South American countries. Ireland, along with 4 other countries voted against the deal. Professor John O'Brennan of Maynooth University joins Evelyn O'Rourk to explain the deal, Ireland's position and why it's not over the line just yet. 

Later, Dara Tallon, producer of 'On The Beat' - the fly on the wall TV documentary following on duty Gardaí reveals the secrets of the production and what it's like to go on a drugs raid with the force. 

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