Highlights From The Pat Kenny Show

European leaders show support for Greenland as U.S. increases its takeover overtures. We get the latest with Suzanne Lynch, Brussels Bureau Chief, Bloomberg.

The Taoiseach has described reports of the Grok artificial intelligence tool being used to create sexually explicit images of adults and children on social media as "shocking" and "unacceptable". Yet Irish authorities have refrained from tackling Elon Musk on this. We ask why with Adrian Weckler, Technology Editor at the Irish and Sunday Independent.

Today marks the third day of Taoiseach Michael Martin’s official visit to China.  Trade remains high on the agenda as well international relations following Donald Trump’s comments on possible military action in Greenland. He met with the Kerry Group along with WuXi Biologics, who employ about 700 people in Dundalk, and Trip.com, as this market could be very strong for Irish tourism.We get the latest from China with Newstalk Report Emily Keegan, Newstalk Reporter.

Finally we might have a way to stop nearly all microplastics from our laundry before they enter the environment. Thanks to a new fish-inspired filter that removes over 99 % of these tiny plastic fibres from washing machine wastewater. Scientists are now arguing that microbes underpin almost every ecosystem on the planet, from fertile soils to healthy oceans.All to discuss on this week's Green Scene with Dr Ruth Freeman Director of Research for Society For Research Ireland.All with thanks to Repak.

Government ministers are to return for their first Cabinet meeting after the winter recess. Issues such as immigration, data centres and the triple lock are all on the agenda today, and here to tell us more about it Pat was joined by Sean Defoe, Newstalk political correspondent and host of the Let Me Explain podcast.

Autonomous driving technology is expected to dominate the CES trade show in Las Vegas this week as investors bet that artificial intelligence will invigorate an industry beset by slow progress, high costs, safety incidents and regulatory scrutiny. For more on this Pat was joined by Jess Kelly Newstalk's Technology Correspondent.All with thanks to Renault.

No bottled water in school meal scheme would save €10 million. Ten million euros is what the state would save if they scrapped bottled water in the school meal scheme. That’s according to a review by the Irish Government Economic and evaluation service. We discuss this further with Joe Neville, Fine Gael TD Kildare North.

A new year brings a new world of travel possibilities. So what new flights are available from Ireland, and what travel trends that will shape how we holiday? Pól O Conghaile, Travel Editor with The Irish Independent bring us all the travel trends for 2026.All with thanks to Ryanair.

Deposed Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores were arraigned in a New York courtroom yesterday. The pair pled not guilty to drugs and weapons charges with maduro striking a defiant tone, stating he was the President of Venezuela and had been kidnapped.We get the latest on this with Sam Kiley, World Affairs Editor, The Independent and also Terry Sheridan, Senior Director of News at WSHU Public Radio.

A warning about the dangers of unlicensed Botox procedures. Getting botox or filler from an unlicensed practitioner can have “devastating consequences”, a doctor has warned. Dr Caitríona Kieran, vice-president of the Irish College of Aesthetic Medicine (ICAM), said some people view getting aesthetic procedures “in the same way as popping in to get your hair done for Christmas, or a facial”. Pat discusses this further with Professor Caitriona Ryan Consultant Dermatologist with the Institute of Dermatology. 

Following his military intervention in Venezuela, US President Donald Trump has turned his sights to other potential targets – one of which has previously come onto his radar: Greenland. The Danish territory is home to a US Space Force base but Trump has restated his desire to now fully take the country. Pat discusses this and more with Mogens Lykketoft, Former Foreign Minister for Denmark. 

Do you often find yourself battling with others to turn the heating up or down? Or maybe people in your workplace are feeling colder than you despite sitting under the same air conditioning. Well, what does that actually mean and what makes women feel the cold more than men? All to chat about with Leona Donaghy, PhD researcher in the Belfast School of Architecture and the Built Environment at Ulster University.

Today marks the second day of Taoiseach Michael Martin’s official visit to China and trade was high on the agenda.  However Martin’s meeting with the Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing was mired with questions surrounding the ousting of Nicolas Maduro from Venezuela.Pat spoke to Emily Keegan, Newstalk Reporter who is reporting for us in China.

As the fallout from Maduro’s ousting continues, as it's estimated that a dozen oil tankers are trying to escape a US naval blockade of Venezuela country and one was 250 miles off the coast of Ireland. Pat discusses this further with Conor Gallagher, Security Correspondent with the Irish Times.

Jessie Buckley won Best Actress at last night's Golden Globes. Henry McKean visited Jessie's old school Ursuline Secondary SchoolThurles, Co -Tipperary and met the students and the drama teacher. 

As the new year is here and many are starting a set of new resolutions. Stephanie Regan looks at the 9-science backed small steps to feeling better in 2026. Some of these include to stop striving for perfection, practice self-compassion and invest in better friendships. 

Stromness whaling station, where Shackleton crafted the rescue mission of his men from Elephant Island, is now under restoration.  At the brink of collapse, Shackleton's South Georgia base has indelible ties to Ireland.  

Employment Law Expert and Chief Business Officer at Arachas Julie Galbraith answers listeners employment-related questions and what to do if the cold spell affects your work.

As Nicolas Maduro is set to face appear in court a New York City today after his capture by the us military for drug and weapons charges. But back in Venezuela, the country continues to revel in the disgraced leader’s ousting as neighbouring countries in Latin America raise concerns about any attempt at US governmental control of natural resources.  Pat discusses this further with Alan McPherson, Freaney Professor of History and Director of the Center for the Study of Force and Diplomacy at Temple University.

This week on our motoring slot, Geraldine Herbert discusses the danger of a maxed out M50,the Dublin traffic plan and how Tesla loses ev pole position.