Newstalk Breakfast

ChatGPT will become the first AI chatbot that has to comply with the EU’s Digital Services Act. This comes after new research that the number of times AI lies, ignores instructions and pursues goals in harmful ways almost doubled in July.  To explain this further was Adrian Wreckler, Technology Editor, Irish Independent.

One person is dead and fifteen are missing after flash floods swept through the Grand Canyon in the US. In Nepal, thousands are still missing and the death toll continues to rise since the deadly flash floods last week. But how are these flash floods happening and what is the reason?   Anton asked Karyn Morrissey, Professor in Environment and Marine Economics at the University of Galway.

Siptu members in the public service have voted overwhelmingly in favour of industrial action. This comes in an escalating row over a a new pay deal.  Speaking to Anton this morning was Adrian Kane, Siptu Deputy General Secretary. 

Why are US republicans throwing the word ‘vegan’ around as if it’s an insult? We’ve seen Donald Trump say to Democratic Texas senatorial candidate James Talarico “He’s a vegan,”. While his opponent, Ken Paxton, is trying to get the nickname him “Tofu Talarico”.   We get reaction to this with the Owner of Happy Food at Home, Ciara Brennan.

We take a closer look at some of the stories you may have missed in the news this morning. Joining Anton this morning was Derek Mooney, former Fianna Fail Advisor and Public Affairs Consultant.

Met Éireann, in partnership with the National Meteorological Services of the UK and the Netherlands, has launched the new list of names for the 2026/27 storm ‘season’. The season runs until 31st August 2027.  Joining Anton was Evelyn Cusack, Former Head of forecasting at Met Eireann .  

Dublin City Council are investigating new options for bike-sharing services. This comes as the contract with its current providers is ending in 2027.  Speaking to Anton with more on this was Ray Cunningham, Green Party Councillor for Ballyfermot-Drimnagh, Dublin City Council.

After having a full-blown heart attack and 19 stents inserted Mark Sherry backing a new Irish Heart Foundation campaign.  Mark Sherry explained his health journey and gave details on the new Irish Heart Foundation campaign.

US President Donald Trump has vowed a retaliation to Iran's strikes on US bases in Jordan. It comes after the US and Iran trade blows for the first time in a month, calling into question when a true peace deal will come in.  Anton discusses this further with Paul Rogers, Emeritus Professor of Peace Studies at Bradford University. 

Watch out Microsoft Teams users. Hackers are spreading a dangerous new phishing scam. Newstalk's Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly brought us the details.

From today, the threshold for the Income-Assessed subsidies through the National Childcare Scheme has expanded to include families on higher incomes.  The Department of Children has said this will benefit a further 47,000 children in Ireland access childcare.  Elaine Dunne, Chair of the Federation of Early Childhood Providers spoke to Anton this morning. 

Up to 1,000 children have been classed as "prolific offenders" as the Government plans more youth diversion projects. Some Fianna Fáil TDs say parents should be financially penalised for their children’s crimes.  Speaking to Anton this morning was Seámus McGrath, Fianna Fáil TD for Cork South-Central. 

New personal investment accounts will be announced today by Simon Harris. It will let savers invest in shares, bonds and ETFs without deemed disposal tax, aiming to unlock some of the €157bn held in low-interest deposits.  Anton got the details with Patricia Callan, Financial Services Ireland Director. 

We take a closer look at some of the stories you may have missed in the news this morning. Joining Anton this morning was Harry Browne Media Lecturer in TUD and Host of the Ditch podcast.

Electric Picnic boss Melvin Benn has strongly defended the festival’s organisation and crowd safety provisions following a crowd collapse at a too-small venue on Friday night.  One festival goer who was there told The Journal it was “like a silent bomb blast, the most terrifying thing ever”. Speaking to Anton was Valerie Flynn, Journalist with the Journal.ie.  

Pressure is growing on the Government to stop wealthy investors from exploiting inheritance tax rules. Which they buy large areas of farmland and passing them on to their children with little or no tax to pay.  With more on this Anton spoke to Francie Gorman, President of the Irish Farmers Association.

The newly released show “Adults” which has been described as the Gen Z version of Friends. But unlike Friends with 24 episodes per season, Adults has 8 episodes which took about 18 months to make.  Why are TV shows shorter but seem to take longer to make? Anton asked Brian Lloyd, Entertainment Journalist. 

Iceland has voted against resuming talks on joining the European Union 13 years after they were broken off.  With more on this Anton spoke to Ray Bassett, Former Senior Irish Diplomat.

At least eight people are dead, with 17 still missing and 237 rescued after a passenger vessel capsized off northern Cyprus.   We get the latest on this with Borzou Daragahi, Journalist and Founder of Badlands Newsletter. 

Bring your tents, bring your friends and bring your wellies! People with early access to Electric Picnic yesterday were met with torrential rain, but will it clear up over the weekend?  Alan O'Reilly from Carlow Weather brings us a weather update for the Electric Picnic. 

Treachery, backstabbing and bare-faced lies are all back on our TVs this weekend. The Traitors Ireland returns for its second season.  With Anton discuss what might lie ahead is Vanessa Ogbonna, Presenter and the winner of season 1.

Most of the town of Killarney in Co Kerry was hit by the" worst flooding in a lifetime" last night, according to its mayor.   We get an update on the situation there with Mayor of Killarney Councillor John O'Donoghue.

Women applying to work for An Garda Síochána have a consistently higher failure rate in the physical competency test they have to pass before joining the force.  That’s according to information obtained by the Irish Examiner. Speaking to Anton to discuss these finding was , Irish Examiner Reporter Neil Michael.

A Border poll on a united Ireland is “off the table”, Andy Burnham has said on his first visit to Northern Ireland as UK prime minister.  With reaction to this Anton spoke to DUP MP Gregory Campbell and also John Finucane, Sinn Féin MP for North Belfast.

Electric Picnic returns to Stradbally Hall in Co Laois from Friday 28 to Sunday 30 August, with 80,000 festival-goers expected to attend.  More than 800 performances are planned across 50 stages, with Lewis Capaldi, Gorillaz and Fontaines D.C. taking the headline slots on the Main Stage. Dave Fanning told Anton what is looking forward to seeing on stage this weekend.