In The News

Convicted criminal Jonathan Dowdall is about to lose his name, his identity and his home. The former Sinn Fein councillor and successful businessman has dramatically turned state witness in the upcoming Regency Hotel murder trial and will enter the Irish Witness Protection Programme. What exactly was Dowdall’s involvement in Regency shooting and how will his relocation be managed? Crime Correspondent Conor Gallagher reports. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last week the major pipeline bringing gas from Russia into the EU was sabotaged with explosions recorded at at least four different points along the line deep under the Baltic Sea. Flows of gas seeped into the sea, posing a serious threat to vessels in the area, damaging delicate eco-systems and further ratcheting the tension between Russia and all its neighbours to the west. The perpetrators are unknown, or at least there is no hard evidence to say who did it. Irish Times Europe Correspondent Naomi O’Leary talks to Conor Pope about the sabotage and what might be coming down the tracks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Sunday, Brazilians will vote in a presidential election that pits former president Lula against incumbent Jair Bolsonaro. Bolsonaro is behind in the polls and, continuing his record of Trump-inspired politics, has claimed a loss could only mean voter fraud. But could he really hang on to power? From Sao Paolo, Tom Hennigan has the story of an election that could have global consequences. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One off lump sums, a 25% reduction in childcare costs and an increase in welfare payments. Those are some of the notable measures announced in yesterday’s €11bn budget, aimed at helping offset the cost-of-living crisis. That’s a big number, but what exactly does it represent for you and your finances? To understand the picture for households, In The News speaks to:Consumer affairs correspondent, Conor PopePolitical correspondent Jennifer BrayPolitical reporter Jack Horgan-JonesSocial affairs correspondent Kitty Holland andEconomics correspondent Eoin Burke-Kennedy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a controversial launch earlier this year, a breakaway professional golf league, backed by Saudi Arabia's investment fund, is still going, having survived criticism from players like Rory McIlroy and being called an exercise in sportswashing to improve Saudi Arabia's brutal image. But is anyone watching? Conor Pope asks Irish Times sports writer Malachy Clerkin. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Russian president Vladimir Putin tried to reclaim the initiative in his invasion of Ukraine by announcing a "partial mobilisation" of the population. Will the move dent Ukrainian confidence that the Russians can be repelled?Daniel McLaughlin reports from Zaporizhzhia in southern Ukraine. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Parents in Ireland today are facing some of the highest childcare costs in the world. What relief can be expected for parents in the upcoming budget and what can be done to reform the sector?  Features writer Jennifer O’Connell reports. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last week, the body of 28-year-old Tony Dempsey was discovered at a flat in Dublin’s north inner city. It’s believed his remains lay there for up to a week before the alarm was raised, with people coming and going from the premises during that time. How did this happen in a busy apartment complex and what were the circumstances that led to this tragedy? Security and Crime editor Conor Lally reports. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The finances of the British monarchy remain, in part, a mystery. Royal wills are never made public, so it’s not quite clear what wealth is passed down to the next generation. So, where does the money come from and how is it managed? In this episode, Laura Clancy, author of ‘'Running the Family Firm: how the monarchy manages its image and our money’ tells Conor Pope how the royals operate more like a corporation than a family unit. She also examines what the future of the ‘firm’ might hold after the death of Queen Elizabeth II. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

While it may not be dominating the conversation like it did last year, Covid is still here and numbers are on the rise. Health Editor Paul Cullen speaks to Conor Pope about how prepared we should be as we face into a third winter, living alongside the virus. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.