Highlights From The Pat Kenny Show

A woman has been appointed to the number one position in a Vatican office for the first time. Sister Simona Brambilla has been appointed to head the office that oversees religious orders for both men and women. We get the details from Elise Ann Allen, Senior Correspondent in Italy for The Crux.

Today on Green Scene we hear how birds are surviving the cold weather and how conservation really works. All to discuss with Dr Ruth Freeman Director of Science for Society at Science Foundation Ireland.

We get a roundup of weather impacts from our reporters across the country who have also been hearing from locals and frontline workers on the ground.Speaking to Pat this morning wasJamie O’Hara, Charleville on the Cork/Limerick Border, Stephanie Rohan in Kildare and surrounding areas. Also Barry Whyte inClonmel, Tipperary and surrounding areas and Henry McKean reported from how it is in Limerick.

Meta to abandon third party fact checking for users in the US. CEO Mark Zuckerberg made the announcement that Meta will be adopting a community notes. For more on this Pat spoke to Ciara O’Brien, Technology and Business Reporter with The Irish Times. 

Temperatures reached as low as almost -6C last night with hazardous commuting for many this morning. We get updates on the impact of the weather on the Water and Rail networks and also tips for safe driving in this weather.

As Justin Trudeau steps down as Prime Minister of Canada, we speak to one of his former government advisors about what is next for the country. Speaking to Pat this morning was Former Government Advisor for Trudeau and Public Policy Specialist.

We go to Las Vegas for the Consumer Electronics show where Jess Kelly has all the new tech including a  robot vacuum cleaner that has legs!

A winter storm is sweeping across Central and Eastern US States, bringing up to a foot of snowfall in places. The snowfall did not stop certification of Donald Trump’s election victory, with congress meeting for just 30 minutes to certify his victory. Lead Writer of Semafor’s Flagship Newsletter J.D. Capeluto brings us the latest.

Have you got any holiday plans for the New Year? January is traditionally a time for travel planning and airlines have already announced several new routes from Ireland. Pól Ó Conghaile, Irish Independent Travel Editor, Pól Ó Conghaile gives us some great travel suggestions.All with thanks to Ryanair.ie

As deadly Israeli attacks on Gaza continue, ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas Resume. We get the latest on what the situation is like on the ground in Gaza from the Director of communications for UNRWA Juliette Tuoma.

With a budget surplus and the Apple windfall tax. Economist Colm McCarthy warns why the incoming government needs to heed with caution regarding the public purse. 

We all know that lifestyle changes can help to improve your health, but what specific changes will help our heart health? Professor Professor Robert Kelly, Consultant Cardiologist, Lifestyle Medicine Physician and Health Habits coach, based in Beacon Hospital Dublin  joins us with suggestions.

Half of the vehicles tested failed the NCT last year, figures show. About 1,732,095 vehicles had an NCT in 2024, with 875,901 (50pc) of those failing on their full test, according to figures compiled by cartakeback.ie. Pat discusses these figures with Transport Consultant Conor Faughnan.

Clinical Psychotherapist Stephanie Regan talks us through January ‘tweaks’ instead of resolutions, and how to better yourself bit by bit this new year.

It’s time for our ‘Ask the Expert’ slot, and this week we are covering all things dental, but particularly, how to prevent that aging smile. Joining Pat this morning was general and cosmetic dentist aka The Tooth Fairy Bronagh Keane.

We take a look back at car sales in 2024 and what’s in store for the year ahead, with Motoring Editor of Sunday Independent Geraldine Herbert.

It’s back to work today for many including negotiators working on forming a government. We get the latest with Political Correspondent with The Irish Times Harry McGee.

The Seven Summits are the seven highest peaks across each of the seven continents. Derek Mahon spoke to us in December about his imminent climb of Mount Vinson in Antarctica, his seventh of the seven summits to make him the fifteenth, and oldest, Irishman to complete the feat. He joins us with his final success under his belt.

Liverpool draw with Man U and a surprising win at the Sentry. Colm Boohig from Off The Ball on all the weekend sports. 

Today marks the fourth anniversary of January 6th. The day that saw rioters ransack the Us Capitol with the aim of stopping the certification of Joe Biden's election.  To discuss the significance this event had, and still has within US political culture, especially as Donald Trump is set to re-enter the White House later this month, is Professor and Political Analyst, Clinton Institute, University College Dublin  Scott Lucas.