Behind the Story

As wildfires rage in Spain, several countries have issued heatwave warnings for the next few days. New research from Oxford University indicates that it may be time for governments to adopt specific measures to help people cope in extreme heat. Shiv Yucel joins Fran to discuss how heat is impacting people's daily lives. 

Later, RTÉ's Conor McCauley outlines the background to the Moygashel bonfire and where those pallets come from! 

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It's just over a week since solicitors walked out and refused to handle legal aid cases in a row over a new payment scheme. Reporter Dyane Connor joins Paul from the district court in Dublin and shares stories from today's sittings where in some cases, people are representing themselves or being sent back to jail as they have no legal representation.  

Later, reporter Tania Reut discusses how many years of salary buys a home in Ireland versus Europe. 

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Twenty three year old Kelly Marie Lynch was found dead near Horseshow Bridge in Monaghan on St Patrick's Day 2024. While an initial post mortem report concluded that Kelly had died by drowning, subsequent reviews by other pathologists disagreed with this conclusion. The Lynch family are seeking answers regarding what really happened their daughter that weekend. 

Documentary maker, Alan Bradley has made a documentary 'The Girl in the Water' about the case and he joins Paul Cunningham to discuss the case. 

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The 250th anniversary of American Independence is celebrated this weekend and millions of people are taking part in events around the country. But first, global superstar Taylor Swift is marrying NFL Star Travis Kelce in a 'intimate' ceremony in Madison Square Garden! 

US Correspondent Jackie Fox joins host Eamon Horan to discuss the celebrations. Later, broadcaster Cormac Ó hEadhra chats about a new documentary focusing on the pivotal role Irish people played in the American Revolution. 

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As Ireland's takes over the Presidency of the EU, Paul Cunningham and Juilette Gash go inside Dublin Castle to see what's happening at the opening ceremony. RTÉ's Europe Editor, Tony Connelly and Irish Times Europe correspondent Jack Power discuss the speeches and what hosting the Presidency means. 

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Cuts in excise on diesel and petrol are due to expire at the end of July, however the Government will decide over the next twenty hours what the timeline will be to gradually phase out the reductions. Political Correspondant Michéal Lehane joins host Adam Maguire to discuss the decision facing Ministers. 

Later, Deirdre Malone, Employment Law Head at EY Law Ireland explains the changes to the retirement age that are coming into effect today. 

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It was this day 30 years ago that saw one of the most shocking killings in the history of the Irish state - the murder of crime journalist Veronica Guerin.

Fran is joined by the Irish Independent's Paul Williams to mark the anniversary.

Paul discusses the day itself, its aftermath and the legacy that lives through to today in how the state tackles gangland crime. He also discusses his own experiences being a crime journalist at the time and the threats made to his life.

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The Joint Committee on Drugs Use has recommended the decriminalisation of possession of all drugs for personal use - Fran and Paul discuss exactly what is in the report and whether it will even come to pass.

Later, Lisbon-based journalist Alison Roberts joins the pod to outline the experience from Portugal - which became the first country to adopt the measure in 2001.

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As Keir Starmer announces his resignation as UK Prime Minister, Andy Burnham looks set to be the man to take over for him but what will his premiership look like?

Fran is joined by one man who co-wrote a book with Burnham - the Liverpool Echo's Political Editor Liam Thorp.

Later, Aengus Cox explains how new customs charges could make online shopping a lot more expensive.

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Prime Time's Jack McCarron joins Fran and Eamon to discuss whether a Peter Thiel backed conference could land in Ireland.

Fran and Eamon also discuss why Andy Burnham's emphatic win in Makerfield could crown him Prime Minister.

Plus there's the biggest storylines from week one of the World Cup and a chat on the strangest places the lads have broadcast from.

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