In The News

As the conflict in Iran continues and spreads, global markets are down and oil prices are soaring. So what impact could the conflict have on the global economy and on energy costs here in Ireland? Irish Times economics columnist Cliff Taylor explains what we know. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mike Sheridan, filmmaker and former critic who made Amplified, explores how US culture-war rhetoric spread to Ireland. He traces historical roots, media amplification and social media’s role. The conversation examines how imported misinformation and high-profile commentators intensified unrest and how events in Dublin echo broader transnational divides.

Peter Cosgrove, managing director of FutureWise and recruitment expert, explains how AI now screens CVs, scrapes social media and runs automated video interviews. He discusses opaque algorithmic shortlists, bias risks and why graduates struggle. Practical talk on mirroring job specs, improving CVs, networking and the future move toward skills passports and greater transparency.

Within minutes of the war beginning on Saturday, allies Israel and the US had achieved a stated goal: Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed alongside his powerful inner circle. His death would, according to both US president Donald Trump and Israeli prime minister Binyamin Netanyahu, pave the way for regime change, allowing opposition forces in Tehran to rise up and take control. Iran retaliated with attacks on Israel, while Iranian drones have also hit countries across the Middle East. Hizbullah, an Iranian-backed militia, fired missiles into Israel in the early days of the war, and by Wednesday Israeli forces entered Lebanon. The death toll – notably in Iran – is mounting. And the rest of the world is feeling the impact with threats of economic instability, oil shortages and travel and trade chaos. But are the US and Israel on the same page when it comes to the war’s objectives? And are they equal partners in this or is this Israel’s war with the US providing military support? Irish Times contributor Mark Weiss in Jerusalem explains how the US and Israel are looking for different outcomes from this war. And Shashank Joshi, defence editor with The Economist Magazine, explores how the war might end – and when – and why the Kurds might be drawn in to war. Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Suzanne Brennan and Declan Conlon.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In late January, the Spanish government announced a mass legalisation scheme which will provide migrants with a one-year, renewable residency permit, allowing them to be hired legally.Opening for applications next month, it will benefit about half a million people.For socialist prime minister Pedro Sánchez, the move is about the Spanish values of dignity, community and justice. It also makes the country an outlier in Europe.So who are the migrants likely to benefit from the amnesty and why, at a time when its European neighbours are tightening the rules around undocumented arrivals, has Spain offered such a sweeping amnesty. How will it work and how have Sanchez’s political opponents reacted? And will any other country in the bloc be encouraged to copy the Sanchez plan.Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Suzanne Brennan.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bálint Dömötör, a Hungarian crime reporter, outlines the Budapest investigation into the death of Mackenzie Michalski. He recounts how they met, CCTV-led identification of the Irish suspect, and the discovery of the body. He also covers disturbing online searches, the bail application saga, court demeanour, and the next trial steps.

Keith Duggan, Washington correspondent for The Irish Times, gives on-the-ground analysis of U.S. politics and foreign policy. He breaks down the timing of the strikes and the surprise amid reported talks. He discusses claims about Iran's nuclear recovery, Republican praise versus dissent, Netanyahu's influence, legal questions, and the unclear U.S. plan going forward.

Ireland is to buy hundreds of new armoured vehicles and artillery pieces from France, a move that will significantly expand the capabilities of the Irish Army to conduct on-island defence.The deal is expected to be worth €600 million and is the biggest investment in Army equipment in the history of the State. It is one of several deals with French suppliers to provide a range of equipment and services with an estimated €2billion spend.The coming years will see Ireland work in closer co-operation with our European neighbours on security matters.Irish Times crime and security correspondent Conor Gallagher explains why Ireland has chosen France as its supplier of choice for the modernisation of our defence capabilities.Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by John Casey.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When gardaí raided the homes of 11 senior members of the Black Axe crime organisation this week they found more than they expected.As well as data-crammed mobile phones and laptops, they found merchandise emblazoned with the logo of the international fraud and money laundering gang.The caps and bags – the sort of memorabilia a golf club might offer – feature “Ireland” and also slogans such as “Ireland Zone, Stay Safe”.The gang has a significant operation in Ireland, having been linked to the theft and laundering of €94 million since 2020. Gardaí have arrested 636 people in relation to Black Axe activities, with 1,400 potential suspects. The gang originates in Nigeria.Also seized was something that will be of interest to law enforcement agencies around the world: a copy of the gang’s constitution. Security sources believe it is the first time the document has ever been found by a police force in a western country.Irish Times crime and security correspondent Conor Lally explains how the Black Axe gang operates in Ireland and the threat its growing membership poses.Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Suzanne Brennan and Andrew McNair. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Sunday, authorities in Mexico attempted to capture the notorious cartel boss known as “El Mencho”.They tracked Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes down to a cabin in the western state of Jalisco – his stronghold – and he was fatally wounded in the raid. The firefight also killed several of his heavily-armed accomplices, including his likely successor.He was head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), known for trafficking vast quantities of fentanyl and cocaine into the US.In 2025 it was designated a foreign terrorist organisation by Donald Trump‘s administration.His death prompted waves of violent retaliation as the cartel put on a show of strength in areas far beyond Jalisco and into tourist hotspots.The authorities have calmed the situation – for now – but fears are mounting that more violence will erupt as the cartel seeks to regroup after the death of its leader.And that has brought the soccer World Cup – just months away – into sharp focus with questions about the ability of the Mexican authorities to keep soccer fans safe.Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Declan Conlon.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.