Highlights from Newstalk Breakfast

Users of WhatsApp may have noticed in recent days a prompt appearing within the app to register a username. This is a new feature that could replace phone numbers. Or be yet another gateway for scammers. Newstalk's Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly explains all.

Andrew and Tristan Tate have been arrested in the US on a UK extradition request over new rape and sex trafficking charges. The brothers deny all allegations and remain involved in separate legal proceedings in Romania We get the latest on this with London based Journalist and Broadcaster, Enda Brady.

Minister Jack Chambers says the Government plans to fast-track major infrastructure projects. This would be done through new critical infrastructure legislation that would reduce planning delays and narrow climate-related grounds for legal challenges. Speaking to Jonathan this morning was one of the Directors of Friends of the Irish Environment, Tony Lowes and President of the Irish Planning Institute, Gavin Lawlor.

The leaders of Ireland's political parties will meet Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly to discuss an outright ban on e-scooters. It comes as Amazon and other major retailers have begun pulling illegally fast e-scooters from sale in Ireland. Speaking to Jonathan was Niall Hodgins, President of the Garda Representative Association.

Is it okay to have a favourite child or should it always stay unsaid? Speaking to Jonathan was Psychotherapist specialising in Parenting Support, Bethan O Riordan.

In between victory for Spain and sorrow for Argentina last night, we saw the World Cup's first ever half-time show, featuring Madonna, Justin Bieber and the Muppets among many other music stars. But did the half-time show deliver, or should the World Cup leave such entertainment to the Super Bowl? Dave Fanning, Broadcaster and music journalist gave his reaction to the show.

We take a closer look at some of the stories you may have missed in the news this morning. Joining Jonathan this morning was Charlie Weston, Personal Finance Editor, Irish Independent.

Three people have been taken to hospital after a car was driven into a group several times in Skerries in north Dublin. A man has been arrested in connection with the incident and remains in custody. Speaking to Jonathan with reaction was Lorraine Clifford Lee, Fianna Fáil Senator in Skerries and Conor Lally, Irish Times Crime and Security Editor.

Ireland's warm, sunny spell is set to continue this week, but it has fallen just short of matching the country's longest-ever recorded heatwave. So what's in store this week? To tell us was Alan O Reilly of Carlow Weather.

Christopher Nolan's movie ‘The Odyssey' is released today. The film, based on the Greek epic, has received great reviews across the board and is expected to be movie lovers' highlight of the year Joining Jonathan now to discuss how it was made, and how important it will be is Bethany Minelle, an Arts and Entertainment Reporter with Sky.

E-scooter risks have dominated conversation this week, after Taoiseach Micheál Martin said he is “leaning towards” a complete ban. Also withTánaiste Simon Harris said that he would keep an “open mind” on an outright ban on e-scooters. But is an outright ban our only option left? To discuss further with Jonathan was Shane O'Donoghue, Editor of Completecar.ie and Sadhbh O'Neill.

Yesterday Aer Lingus announced that up to five hundred jobs could be cut at the airline. Speaking to Jonathan with reaction to this news was Terry Gill is the SIPTU Organiser for the Aviation Sector at Dublin Airport.

According to figures released by the Department of Social Proetction to Aontú Leader Peadar Tóibín. There are nearly 6500 people on Jobseeker's Allowance for a decade or more. This has cost an estimated €800m to the Irish taxpayer. How long is too long to spend on the dole? We get reaction to these figures with Peadar Tóibín.

We take a closer look at some of the stories you may have missed in the news this morning. Joining Jonathan this morning was Chris Luke, Columnist, Host of The Irish Medical Lives Podcast and Retired Consultant in Emergency Medicine.

Andy Burnham is set to be crowned Labour leader after securing backing from the majority of the party's MPs and trade unions. The former Greater Manchester Mayor expected to become Prime Minister next week. Speaking to Jonathan was Lucy Fisher, Whitehall Editor of the Financial Times.

Aer Lingus has said that up to 500 jobs could be cut at the airline due to a planned 6% reduction in its flight capacity. Speaking to Jonathan this morning was Global aviation and tourism adviser Anita Mendiratta.

U.S. President Donald Trump in a prime time address last night in which he announced the release of unclassified files claiming significant election interference by China in the 2020 election Speaking to Jonathan with reaction was David Smith, Washington Bureau Chief of The Guardian.

IBEC's Economic Outlook reports that the impact of AI on the labour market is still not clear. But early signs show significant effects on trade and investment. It also suggests domestic demand growth of 3.3% for 2026, while inflation is expected to land around 3.5% for the year. Joe Lynam discusses this further with Gerard Brady, Chief Economist and Head of National Policy of IBEC.

New research suggest that Gen Z women are leaving the handbags at home for nights out. Instead putting their phones and IDs in their bras. We get reaction from Cathy O'Connor, a stylist and the founder of Women Unbranded.

More and more people are drinking raw milk, claiming it contains health benefits not found in typical milk. Raw milk, which is unpasteurised, does carry health risks.Joining Jonathan to explain why we should widen raw milk's availability is Barry Heneghan, TD for Dublin Bay North. Barry.

The US and Iran are continuing a fifth day of strikes, with Washington saying its latest attacks are aimed at weakening Iran's ability to target commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.We get the latest on the Middle East with the Middle East Correspondent for Sky News, Adam Parsons.

As the Dáil goes into recess, there are plenty of issues that will generate some controversy throughout the summer and beyond. To discuss with Jonathan was Pat Leahy, Political Editor of The Irish Times.

A spell of hot weather is continuing across Ireland, with temperatures expected to climb into the high twenties. There is also heat warning in place for much of the country Speaking to Jonathan with an update on what we can expect was Alan O Reilly of Carlow Weather.

The Federation Against Copyright Theft and Sky have issued legal warnings to 10 suspected illegal IPTV resellers. They are warning they could face court action or referral to Gardaí if they continue selling illegal streaming subscriptions. We get the latest on this crack down with FACT Investigation Manager Nick Sumner.

The political party Aontú are calling for VAT for sunscreen to be removed. Calling it an essential and not a luxury. Jonathan discusses this further with Consultant Dermatologist at Institute of Dermatologists, Clinical Professor at UCD.

We take a closer look at some of the stories you may have missed in the news this morning. Joining Jonathan this morning was Ralph Riegel the Southern Correspondent at the Irish Independent.

Temperatures could reach up to 30 degrees in parts of Ireland today amidst the current yellow heat warning. Is Ireland is prepared if this heat becomes a more regular event. Jonathan asked Keith Leonard the Head of National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management.

England and Argentina went head to head with Argentina last night. Argentina booked their place in Sunday's final with a 92nd minute winner.Enda Brady, a UK-based journalist spoke to Jonathan on the reaction to England loss.

Astronomers have discovered a new type of sugar drifting through deep space. A discovery that could reveal new clues about how life began on Earth. To explain the new discovery was Astronomer and Science Writer, Dr David Whitehouse.

A complaint has been made to the International Olympic Committee. The complaint is accusing FIFA President Gianni Infantino of breaching political neutrality rules over his dealings with US President Donald Trump. Has the world cup being over politicised? Speaking to Anton was Fianna Fail MEP, Barry Andrews.

With the heatwave showing no sign of easing, how are farmers coping? Is this the start of a prolonged drought, or simply an unusually sunny spell that's putting pressure on crops and livestock? Anton discussed all with President of the Irish Farmers Association, Francie Gorman.

Tusla received 106,000 child safety and welfare referrals last year, a ten percent increase compared to 2024 and the first time the Agency has received more than 100,000 referrals in a single year. That's according to their Annual Report for 2025 being launched later this morning, and speaking to Anton was the Chief Social Worker for Tusla, Ger Brophy.

The U.S. has carried out more strikes overnight in Iran with Donald Trump now also threatening an expansion of attacks to bridges and power plants next week. We get the latest on the war in the Middle East with Paul Rogers, Emeritus Professor of Peace Studies, Bradford University.

Today, the Oireachtas Committee on Public Petitions will be considering a proposal to make the theft of pets its own individual crime. For more on this Anton spoke to Lisa O'Connor, founder of Missing and Stolen Animals Ireland and is the author behind the petition.

Cabinet has approved plans to introduce five days paid leave to anyone who suffers a pregnancy loss before 23 weeks. This will also include women who have a termination in the case of fatal foetal abnormality or those who have an abortion up to 12 weeks. Speaking to Anton to discuss this and more was Enterprise Minister and Fine Gael TD for Longford-Westmeath Peter Burke.

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 at TU Dublin and Host of The Ditch Podcast.

The aviation regulator has proposed cutting the charges airlines pay to use Dublin Airport by 15 per cent from 2027. Airlines have welcomed the move, while DAA says it needs higher charges to fund expansion. Travel Journalist Eoghan Corry discussed this further with Anton.

Everyone is feeling the pinch with regard to the cost of living and housing crisis. One group of people not often discussed is divorcees. Who are finding themselves borrowing money from their parents to over financial costs. Joining Anton discuss this further is Michelle Brown, a Legal Mediator and Author.

Ireland is experiencing its third round of unusually hot temperatures in just six weeks. Is this summer heat going to become the new normal, and is Ireland prepared for that? Anton discusses this further with Darren Clarke, Assistant Professor in Climate in DCU.

New research from the Irish League of Credit Unions shows school costs are weighing heavily on families. With 59% of parents saying covering back to school costs is a financial burden.Anton discusses this further with David Malone, the CEO of the Irish League of Credit Unions.

You might have noticed in recent weeks more bees dead on footpaths and struggling in the summer heat. To explain all was Eanna Ní Lamhna, Biologist, Environmentalist, Broadcaster and Irish Times contributor.

The Government is considering a generational smoking ban which would eventually lead to the purchase of cigarettes being illegal for young people. To discuss this further with Anton was Professor Des Cox, Consultant in Paediatric Respiratory Medicine at CHI Crumlin and Representative of RCPI Advisory Group on Tobacco and Vaping.