In The News

For this episode, In the News presenters Bernice Harrison and Sorcha Pollak take a listen back - to pick the podcasts that covered the biggest news stories and explained the stories behind the headlines.There were elections in Ireland, and across the globe to be explained; the housing crisis covered in all the ways it impacts on society - and why solving it will be harder than the easy answers promised at election time; Irish Times foreign correspondents and guest experts reported on the US, Gaza, Syria and Ukraine; and the persistent and worsening issue of women being killed or sexually abused by their partners or family members was documented. The two part mini-series on the murder of 21-year-old Katie Simpson by Jonathan Cresswell in Derry told a powerful story of control and violence with themes that echoed in so many other stories.A podcast with court reporting on the Conor McGregor trial told a powerful story.And of course other hot topics featured, including Taylor Swift in Dublin, the price of Oasis tickets, and consumer issues ranging from trends in online shopping to the backlash against EVs.Presented by Bernice Harrison and Sorcha Pollak. Produced by John Casey.

This episode was originally published in September 2024If you don't have young children in your life, you may be completely unaware of one of the world's biggest game platforms. Roblox is a digital playground where children can create block-like avatars, pay to accessorise them, use them to take part in role-playing games and talk to others. Therein lies the inherent danger. While it's mostly harmless fun, several terrifying cases of grooming, abuse, blackmail and even kidnapping have been highlighted in the US. In September, an Irish report found most primary school children who'd had upsetting experiences online had experienced them on YouTube or Roblox. Irish Times journalist Conor Capplis argues the platform is social media by stealth, and should be regulated as such to keep users safe.Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Aideen Finnegan.

This episode was originally published in September 2024A record 10,600 Irish people emigrated to Australia last year, according to the Central Statistics Office; the highest number since 2013. With its year-round sunshine, high wages and laid back lifestyle, it’s not hard to understand the attraction. Push factors in Ireland include the diminishing hopes of home ownership for many young people. But Australia’s economy is slowing down and property prices in Sydney are even higher than in Dublin. Irish Times columnist and returning emigrant, Brianna Parkins, outlines the Instagram V Reality of moving down under.Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Aideen Finnegan.

Carlo Acutis was just 15 when he died in 2006. British-born and living in Milan, the teenager became a devout Catholic and used his computer skills to develop a website detailing miracles. Just a few days after he launched his website, he fell ill and died.By 2013 he was on the way to sainthood having been named a “Servant of God”; in that same year a woman in Brazil claimed that praying to Acutis helped heal her son’s pancreatic illness. In 2020 Pope Francis authenticated the miracle and Acutis was beatified. Then, in 2024, a second miracle was recognised.The Pope approved Acutis’ canonisation in July, with an official ceremony set for 2025.Already relics of the “saint dressed in jeans, sneakers and a sweatshirt” are touring the world with a lock of his hair being stolen at this year’s National Ploughing Championships in Co Laois.Former Irish Times religious correspondent Patsy McGarry explains the path to sainthood and what the teenager’s elevation means.Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Suzanne Brennan.

One city in China produces 80 per cent of the world’s Christmas decorations.Yiwu International Trade City exports more than 20,000 types of Christmas products to more than 100 countries, with Europe and the Americas the most important markets for most producers. That’s a lot of plastic Christmas trees, wreaths, baubles, life-size elves, tinsel and flickering lights.When Irish Times Beijing correspondent Denis Staunton visited, he found manufacturers with a clear idea of just what westerners want and the emerging trends – there’s a new trend towards pastel coloured decorations, including trees.He tells In the News that although Communist Party members are forbidden from practising religion, Christian churches are allowed to operate under the supervision of the authorities. But some state schools have recently been discouraging children from marking western holidays such as Halloween and Christmas, urging them to celebrate Chinese traditions instead.Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Declan Conlon.

A French court on Thursday found Dominique Pelicot guilty and sentenced him to 20 years in prison for repeatedly drugging and raping his ex-wife Gisèle Pelicot over a nine-year period from 2011 and inviting dozens of men to rape her unconscious body in their home.The retired electrician and former estate agent was also found guilty of making sexual images of his daughter Caroline and the wives of his sons.The five judges also found the 50 other men on trial guilty. Some of their sentences were lower than those that had been suggested by the state prosecutor.In an act of immense bravery Gisèle waived her right to anonymity so that Dominique and the names of the 50 men accused of raping her could be made public.The case has gripped France, prompting discussion on misogyny, sexual abuse and the country’s laws around rape and it has made Gisèle a national hero, particularly among the thousands of women who turned up each day to the court to support her.Laura Gozzi was in court in Avignon every day reporting for the BBC and she tells In the News about the case and how the details unfolded in the court.Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Suzanne Brennan.If you have been affected by sexual violence, you can contact the 24-hour Rape Crisis Centre helpline at 1800 778888 for free, confidential and non-judgemental support

On Tuesday, gardaí and emergency services found the body of Anthony Maguire (36) in his Drogheda home, six days after he was arrested in connection with the disappearance of Kyran Durnin. He is believed to have had access to Kyran in the period before the last confirmed sighting of the boy as a six-year-old in the summer of 2022. He was a close associate of another suspect in the case. Gardaí had also been looking into whether he was involved in the presentation of a different child to Túsla, in an attempt to pass that boy as Kyran Durnin. Maguire's death is being treated as a suicide. Now as Conor Lally, Irish Times crime and security editor, explains Gardaí investigating the suspected murder of Kyran are working to determine if Maguire left behind any vital information on the disappearance of the child.Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Suzanne Brennan and Aideen Finnegan.

Israel’s move to close its embassy in Ireland means the diplomatic rift between our two countries is wider than ever, with potentially big implications for Ireland.Israel has called Taoiseach Simon Harris, as well as the entire country, anti-Semitic. He, however is holding firm, and insists Ireland will not end its criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza.President Michael D Higgins has also responded, saying it is “deep slander” to accuse the Irish people of being anti-Semitic because of criticisms of the Israeli government.Israel’s Ambassador to Ireland Dana Erlich has been at the forefront of her country’s criticism of Ireland and she spoke to Irish Times political editor Pat Leahy, who tells In the News what’s behind Israel’s move, why now – and how damaging it is – potentially – for Ireland.Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Declan Conlon.

Irish Times international correspondent Sally Hayden is the only journalist from any Irish media outlet to witness, first-hand, the dramatic scenes that have unfolded in Syria, in the days following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad. Hayden has spoken to ordinary citizens as well as members of the rebel alliance responsible for toppling the dictator on the 8th of December. The award-winning author has also visited the notorious Sednaya prison - dubbed 'the human slaughterhouse' - where she met families desperately searching for information on loved ones who were disappeared by Assad's secret police during his 24-year reign.Presented by Sorcha Pollak. Produced by Aideen Finnegan.