It was something many people noticed on Monday: the internet was slow to load, maybe your banking app was acting up, or you weren’t able to complete your daily DuoLingo. You check your WiFi, but the problem isn't in your house. It’s actually a problem with the internet itself. But how? Is it so fragile that business-as-usual is constantly one bad line of code away from collapsing? We're joined by tech journalist and co-host of the For Tech's Sake podcast Elaine Burke. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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23:16
After the ceasefire, what now for the people of Gaza?
After months of intense conflict, genocide, and a devastating humanitarian crisis, what seemed at times impossible has been achieved: a ceasefire in Gaza. The news is a welcome relief, but tempered by concerns over whether it will last. There are also significant questions hanging over the fine print of what the plan will actually involve. We're joined by Dr Brendan Ciarán Browne, associate professor in Conflict Resolution and a fellow of Trinity College Dublin, to examine the chances for a lasting resolution to the conflict. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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How did a Budget with billions in spending leave people unhappy?
It's the political paradox of Budget 2026: a multi-billion euro package that seems to have left almost everyone underwhelmed. The government has announced major spending on housing, infrastructure, and social welfare, but from farmers to homeless charities, many are calling it a 'missed opportunity' that fails to tackle Ireland's big issues. We're joined by Dr Emma Howard, economist at TU Dublin, to explain what the headline figures really mean, who the winners and losers are, and whether this Budget is putting Ireland on a risky path. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Is the government's childcare funding scheme falling apart?
The government’s Core Funding scheme was designed to keep childcare affordable by giving providers government funding in exchange for them agreeing to freeze their fees, meaning they wouldn’t increase costs for parents. However, childcare providers are abandoning the scheme in droves. A new investigation by The Journal Investigates has found that more than 50 providers around the country pulled out in recent years, including 25 that exited the scheme this year alone. We’re joined today by Conor O’Carroll, the reporter behind this report. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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How could the killing of Charlie Kirk reshape the American right?
The murder of Charlie Kirk sent shockwaves through an already deeply divided America, and the fallout has become emblematic of the country's dangerously high tensions. As the US heads towards midterm elections, could this killing become a rallying cry to galvanise the Republican base? What does this moment reveal about the deep, at times seemingly irreconcilable, fractures in American society? We're joined by Larry Donnelly, a law lecturer at the University of Galway and a political commentator with The Journal, to explain what happens now and how Kirk's death could reshape American politics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Explainer is a weekly podcast from The Journal that takes a deeper look at one big news story you need to know about. What's the background? Why is this in the news? Get the facts behind the story from Ireland's biggest news website. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ireland