Construction is underway for the staging of a UFC fight on the front lawn of the White House to mark President Trump's 80th birthday in June. Numerous other events and projects are also in the pipeline to celebrate the 250th anniversary of American Independence in July. 

Niall Stanage, Associate Editor with The Hill joins Fran and Sharon to discuss the plans and where the money is coming from to pay for the celebrations. 

Construction is underway for the staging of a UFC fight on the front lawn of the White House to mark President Trump's 80th birthday in June. Numerous other events and projects are also in the pipeline to celebrate the 250th anniversary of American Independence in July.&nbsp;Niall Stanage, Associate Editor with The Hill joins Fran and Sharon to discuss the plans and where the money is coming from to pay for the celebrations.&nbsp;

Tune in for insightful and informed conversation as Fran McNulty, Paul Cunningham and some of RTÉ's top journalists digest the news stories of the day. Expect deep dives, analysis, interesting guests, and maybe even some laughs along the way.

Email: behindthestory@rte.ie

New episodes every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Tune in for insightful and informed conversation as Fran McNulty, Paul Cunningham and some of RTÉ's top journalists digest the news stories of the day. Expect deep dives, analysis, interesting guests, and maybe even some laughs along the way.Email: <a class="relay-http-link" href="mailto:behindthestory@rte.ie">behindthestory@rte.ie</a>New episodes every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Behind the Story

Trump's birthday plans and celebrating Freedom 250! 

Minister for Transport, Darragh O'Brien is set to introduce a new €10million pilot scrappage scheme to encourage drivers to switch to electric cars. Paul and Fran discussed the proposed scheme and how it is designed to favour people living in rural Ireland. 

Later, the duo are joined by journalist Vincent McAviney who explains the background to the riots in Southampton on Tuesday night. Bodycam footage released by the police showed Henry handcuffed and struggling to breathe after being stabbed. Instead of assisting the dying teenager, police were reading him his rights. 

Minister for Transport, Darragh O'Brien is set to introduce a new €10million pilot scrappage scheme to encourage drivers to switch to electric cars. Paul and Fran discussed the proposed scheme and how it is designed to favour people living in rural Ireland.&nbsp;Later, the duo are joined by journalist Vincent McAviney who explains the background to the riots in Southampton on Tuesday night. Bodycam footage released by the police showed Henry handcuffed and struggling to breathe after being stabbed. Instead of assisting the dying teenager, police were reading him his rights.&nbsp;

A new scrappage scheme and how the murder of Henry Nowak sparked riots

With just 10 days to go to the World Cup, Fran is joined by Sky Sports correspondent Rob Harris for a chat about the tournament. The duo discuss tickets, travel costs and with Iran switching it's training base to Mexico, it is possible to host the games without politics getting in the way?! 

With just 10 days to go to the World Cup, Fran is joined by Sky Sports correspondent Rob Harris for a chat about the tournament. The duo discuss tickets, travel costs and with Iran switching it's training base to Mexico, it is possible to host the games without politics getting in the way?!&nbsp;

Looking ahead to the World Cup

Peter Murrell, estranged husband of former First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon pled guilty this week to embezzlling £400k from the Scottish National Party. Over a 12 years period, Mr Murrell spent money from the party on luxury items. Ms Sturgeon, has denied all knowledge of his behaviour. Veteran reporter Brian Taylor joins Fiona and Paul to discuss the case and the fallout to it. 

Later, Fiona and Paul tease out the latest suggestion from President Trump that countries like Saudi Arabia and Turkey should sign the Abrahams Accords as part of the US-Iran peace deal. Fiona explains why this is problematic! 

Peter Murrell, estranged husband of former First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon pled guilty this week to embezzlling £400k from the Scottish National Party. Over a 12 years period, Mr Murrell spent money from the party on luxury items. Ms Sturgeon, has denied all knowledge of his behaviour. Veteran reporter Brian Taylor joins Fiona and Paul to discuss the case and the fallout to it.&nbsp;Later, Fiona and Paul tease out the latest suggestion from President Trump that countries like Saudi Arabia and Turkey should sign the Abrahams Accords as part of the US-Iran peace deal. Fiona explains why this is problematic!&nbsp;

Trump's birthday plans and celebrating Freedom 250!

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