"Things are going to get uglier before they get any better"

We are all well used to getting scam calls and texts on our phones, but many listeners might be experiencing a lot calls from 00 44 numbers in the UK. What's behind this? And what should people do when they get these calls? Tom Butler of the Communications regulator ComReg joined the show to answer these questions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ireland is continuing to experience a surge in children presenting with flu-like symptoms. 11 sick children were waiting for beds across the three main children's hospitals today according to the INMO. Dr Ike Okafor, pediatric emergency medicine consultant and Clinical Director at Temple Street Hospital, told Cian about the current situation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US film director and actor Rob Reiner and his wife Michelle Singer Reiner were found dead at their home in Los Angeles yesterday. Los Angeles police are investigating this as an "apparent homicide". Cian was joined by LA-based reporter Steve Futterman.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Talks between US and Ukrainian officials on ending the war with Russia have resumed. The talks focus on frontline land concessions to Russia and security guarantees for Ukraine. RTÉ Europe Editor Tony Connelly gave Cian a detailed breakdown.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A trawler remains grounded on rocks outside Cuan an Daingin, Co Kerry. 14 fishermen were rescued yesterday, but now the focus is turning to pollution risks and the ship’s salvage. RTÉ Reporter Jenny O'Sullivan shared the latest developments with Cian.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

15 people were murdered in Sydney, including a 10-year-old girl, as they celebrated Hanukkah: the Jewish Festival of lights. Police continue to investigate and the Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says the two gunmen acted alone. Cian spoke to Chris Campey, a reporter with News 10 in Sydney, for the latest details on the massacre.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Uisce Éireann is seeking permission to bring water from the River Shannon to Dublin and nearby counties. It will be the state’s largest-ever water scheme and is projected to cost €6 billion. The planning application is due to be launched next week. To learn more, Rachel was joined by RTÉ Environment Correspondent George LeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Astronomers say conditions could make for an especially striking show of the Geminid meteor shower this weekend, if weather permits. The meteors will be visible all over the world, though the Northern Hemisphere will get the best views. Alan Giltinan, Centre Manager at Blackrock Castle Observatory, briefed Rachel on this rare celestial event.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The HSE is warning of high-strength MDMA in circulation this Christmas. MDMA is a synthetic drug also known as Ecstasy. Highly potent versions of the drug have been linked to several deaths. Rachel was joined by Professor Eamon Keenan, HSE National Clinical Lead for Addiction Services.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There have been further warnings today about the spread of flu. HSE figures show that last week there were 28 outbreaks in hospitals and 23 in nursing homes, with several nursing homes in the North advising families not to visit. To gauge the situation Rachel talked to Tadhg Daly, Chief Executive of Nursing Homes Ireland.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.