On today’s Early Edition:

• The US seizure of a Russian-flagged tanker en route from Venezuela in the North Atlantic yesterday.

• Minister for Higher Education James Lawless on how the shortage of skilled labour will impact housing - and why he believes ministers should leave social media platform X.

• New figures released by MyHome.ie show signs that house price inflation stabilised towards the end of last year.

• And how Belfast’s TV and film industries are booming.

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US spy planes were permitted into Irish airspace during the seizure of a Russian flagged oil tanker in the Atlantic.

A government minister tells The Irish Times that his colleagues should leave the social media platform, X.

And how is a booming TV and film industry in Belfast changing the fortunes of Northern Ireland's most creative talent?

Presented by Andrew McNair.

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On today’s Early Edition podcast:

• Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro appeared in a New York Court yesterday. Meanwhile his former vice president is taking control in Caracas.

• Archbishop Eamon Martin wrote to Taoiseach Micheál Martin last September about the case of republican activist Denis Donaldson, who was murdered in 2006.

• New figures show the number of asylum seekers who returned to their country of origin increased last year. But there is no evidence that greater financial inducements on offer were a factor.

• And a warning about the dangers of unlicensed Botox procedures. 

Four of today's top stories from irishtimes.com.

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How Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien intervened in the debate over Dublin Airport’s passenger cap.

Abuse, privilege and enjoyment: TDs who were first elected in 2024 reflect on a year in their roles.

“Working from home” has been under attack from US business leaders and rules have been tightened in many Irish workplaces. But is the practice really in decline?

And 2025 marked an increase in workplace-related deaths, with one group of workers particularly vulnerable. 

Mark Hennessy shares four of today's top stories from irishtimes.com

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On this day in 1926 2RN, the radio station which became RTE, was launched for the first time.

Dozens of devices could be dropped into the waters off Ireland’s coast to track Russian submarines in Irish sovereign waters.

And in a New Year interview with The Irish Times, Sinn Fein leader, Mary Lou McDonald rejects charges that a stronger line by the party on immigration means it isn’t a left wing party. 

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The father of an autistic boy who cannot get a place at school speaks of the challenges with everyday life. 

The Head of Dublin City University hits back at claims it is overcharging for student accommodation. 

And An Garda Síochána pleads for people not to drink and drive, as the number of road deaths in 2025 nears 200. 

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Ukraine has denied carrying out a drone attack on one of Putin’s official residences. The allegation and denial came after US president Donald Trump claimed a peace deal was nearly complete.

The number of organ transplants from donors in Ireland fell sharply this year.

A threat to the delivery of new homes in key parts of Dublin because of electricity constraints led the government to demand urgent action from the state-owned grid operator and power supplier. 

And in an interview for today’s Irish Times, the actor James Nesbitt reflects on his identity as an actor and that Ballymena accent. 

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A founding member of the Irish pop-rock band The Script is the landlord of a mould-ridden, unregistered rented studio described by the tenant living there as “uninhabitable”.

Donald Trump’s “baby bonds” involve opening an investment account, like a pension, but can be managed from birth. The programme for government proposes a similar idea.

Calf’s head, pressed beef and hare meat are Christmas recipe ideas featured in The Irish Times archives. Úna McCaffrey has been trawling through them and found some other tips for women hosting the festive

dinner.

Forget the streaming services’ mediocre Christmas TV offerings and relive the golden era of linear TV’s “Christmas special”. From Father Ted to Alan Partridge, Lauren Murphy has been ranking the ten best festive episodes of iconic TV sitcoms.

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