Behind the Story

A woman has been arrested as part of the investigation into the disappearance and murder of Kyran Durnin. Crime correspondent Paul Reynolds joins Fran with the latest. 

Later, Liz Carolan of The Briefing.ie and Dr Eoghan Cunningham of UCD discuss new research into chatbots in the recent Dublin Central and Galway West by elections and examine how political messaging on social media is changing. 

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Fourteen Irish citizens are en route back to Ireland following their deportation by Israel.  They were part of the Global Sumud Flotilla along with hundreds of other activists. The government and EU leaders have expressed dismay at the actions of the Israeli authorites. So, has the political mood changed as a result? 

Later, Fran and Eamon are joined by former Olympic swimmer Nick O'Hare to discuss the inaugural Enhanced Games dubbed the 'steroid olympics' that take place in Las Vegas this weekend. Controversy surrounds the event, as drugs, normally banned in sport, are allowed at these games. 

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The scale of possible job losses announced by Meta today, came as a surprise to many, up to 350 people could be made redundant in the coming months. Brian O'Donovan joins Fran and Paul to outline the situation and later, Tara McIndoe-Calder of the ESRI discusses AI and it's impact on future work. 

Fran and Paul also discuss the latest appearance by RTÉ management at the media committee. 

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Supermarkets are increasingly using information about customer shopping habits to develop new pricing structures and influence how you shop. Consumer journalist Caitriona Redmond joins Fran for a chat about dynamic pricing, robots and AI shopping trolleys. 

Later, Environment correspondent, George Lee speak to Fran about a new flood prediction app that uses publicly available information to predict where flooding will occur. 

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RTÉ published a revised list of the top 10 highest earners for 2024 which included Derek Mooney after it said it had 'reconsidered what constitutes a presenter'. Mr Mooney was previously not included as he was treated as a producer in the accounts. The media Minister is not happy and will meet RTÉ management next week. 

Fran and Adam discuss who knew, what and when and what this means for the broadcaster. Later Adam talks through the billionaires businessmen that accompanied Trump to China. And it's Eurovision weekend, Evelyn joins the pod from Vienna to talk voting, favourites and what happens if Australia wins! 

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Former taoiseach Bertie Ahern was recorded without his knowledge on a canvas for the bye-election in Dublin Central. His comments on immigration and second generation Muslims have sparked a storm of criticism. Mr Ahern later walked back his remarks. Political correspondent Barry Lenihan joins Fran and Paul to explain how the video came to light and the response to it. 

Later, Digital Marketing consultant, Muriel Foley talks about the rise in online shopping scams and how to avoid getting caught out! 

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Over the weekend, a huge fire broke out in the Tycor area of Waterford. Dozens of businesses have been destroyed and government is promising an emergency aid package for those affected. Damien Tiernan joins Fran and Sharon, he describes the importance of the premises and why it will take months to rebuild/relocate companies. 

Later, Associate Professor of Politics at Keele University, Dr Kathryn Simpson discusses UK PM Keir Starmer's speech and whether he has done enough to halt the calls for him to resign following Labour's local election loses. 

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As restrictions around the number of car parking spaces allowed in new developments increasingly come into play, rows are breaking out between householders over parking. With limited or no public transport in some areas, people are parking cars in other estates. 

Dr Lorraine D'arcy of TU Dublin joins Fran and Eamon to discuss parking and why parents are struggling to get kids to matches and training. Lorraine also reveals a little known fact about bus shelters!! 

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An independent review into the death of Katie Simpson found 'institutional misogyny' at the centre of failings by the PSNI to investigate her murder. In August 2020, the 21 year old showjumper was admitted to hospital, police initially treated her death as  suicide however, seven months later, her sister's partner, Jonathan Creswell was arrested on suspicion of murder. He later took his own life, one day after his trial began. 

Journalist, Tanya Fowles knew Katie, she had previously encountered Creswell through her court reporting. She flagged his background of assault to the police but it fell on deaf ears. Tanya joins Fran and Paul to discuss the case and why she believes there is more to uncover in this case. 

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Many people enjoy trekking hills and mountains on bank holiday weekends but the majority of the country's uplands are in very poor state. A recent report revealed that 90% of our protected habitats are in an 'unfavourable' condition. 

Ecologist Pádraic Fogarty joins Fran for a conversation about what can be done to improve nature on the country's hillsides and he shares his favourite spots in the country for a hike. 

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