The Last Word with Matt Cooper

This episode examines an investigation by the Metropolitan Police into allegations of sexual offences involving David Walliams, exploring the power dynamics and historical context of such claims in the entertainment industry. The discussion also critiques the extreme commercialization of luxury advent calendars, specifically Kim Kardashian's Skims release. The episode further covers international politics, including President Zelensky's meeting with Donald Trump's envoys, alongside news regarding food safety concerns over smoky-flavored crisps and an incident involving pro-Putin music on a student radio station in Cork.

An analysis of the Irish rugby squad ahead of their November Nations League clash against Fiji at the Aviva Stadium. Featuring insights from Matt Williams, the discussion explores Andy Farrell's recent team selection strategy, which prioritizes a stacked, experienced lineup in preparation for upcoming high-stakes matches against South Africa and the next World Cup. The conversation covers the implications of player rotation, the emergence of electric speed in the back three, and the necessity of transitioning from a box-kicking game to an aggressive, short-passing attacking style to compete with top-tier nations like New Zealand and France.

In this interview on The Last Word, U2's Edge discusses the band's recent burst of productivity following a period of relative silence since 2017. He details the creation of their new album, Carnival de Luz, noting that the process involved writing material dating back to the lockdown and navigating the absence of drummer Larry Mullen Jr. during certain sessions. The conversation covers the band's creative philosophy, their approach to staying relevant in a changing musical landscape, and their recent collaborations with artists such as Martin Garrix and the late Dolly Parton. Edge also reflects on the challenges of songwriting with age, the influence of contemporary music like Fontaines D.C., and the band's upcoming touring plans. He touches upon the lyrical themes of their new work, including reflections on democracy and spirituality, and expresses a commitment to performing live in Ireland and beyond, aiming to provide a sense of empowerment and joy through their stadium shows.

Broadcaster John Creighton discusses his second memoir, 'This Boy's Voice', reflecting on his childhood in a seminary and growing up in Cork. He explores themes of resilience, the cultural shift in Ireland during the 1970s, and how music helped provide an escape from economic hardship. The episode also examines how economic instability led to a cultural openness toward international influences like American folk and British punk. Creighton reflects on his experiences working in pirate radio, the impact of global news via shortwave, and the role of radio in creating a sense of community.

In this episode of the Last Word on the Environment, John Gibbons discusses the intersection of global politics and the climate emergency during COP31 in Turkey. The conversation explores how geopolitical conflicts and domestic security issues in Dublin are overshadowing critical climate negotiations. Gibbons highlights the findings from the Climate Action Tracker, noting that current policies put the planet on a trajectory for 2.7 degrees of warming, far exceeding the 1.5-degree target. The discussion also covers the economic aspects of the energy transition, including the plummeting costs of solar and battery technology versus the political obstacles to implementation. Significant focus is placed on the role of data centres in Ireland's gas network and the criticism leveled by outgoing UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres against fossil fuel companies for what he describes as war profiteering. The episode concludes with reflections on the hypocrisy of private jet usage at international summits.

This podcast episode covers significant geopolitical developments regarding the war in Ukraine and European security architecture. The discussion features insights from correspondents Shona Murray and Siobhan O'Grady, focusing on Taoiseach Micheál Martin's address to the European Political Community, the complexities of European unity, and the potential for a seat at the negotiating table for Europeans following US envoy visits to Moscow. The report also highlights the critical importance of Starlink/Star Shield services for Ukrainian defense, the ongoing challenges of Russian drone attacks, and the potential for technological cooperation between Ukraine and other nations regarding drone technology. The episode concludes with brief mentions of upcoming Amazon Black Friday promotions.

In this episode of Tech Thursday, Andy O'Donoghue explores the evolving world of smart lunch technology and electronic food gadgets designed to upgrade the midday meal. The discussion covers a range of innovative products including steam-powered lunchboxes, app-controlled heating containers, and cordless meal warmers that aim to eliminate soggy sandwiches and lukewarm soups. Beyond lunchboxes, the segment features high-tech hydration solutions like UVC self-cleaning bottles and smart water bottles with LED reminders, as well as specialized items like temperature-controlled travel mugs and electric salt spoons that use microcurrents to enhance flavor without extra sodium.

In this episode of Culture Club, Denise Chilo discusses her upcoming performances and the evolving nature of her creative work, sharing musical influences ranging from childhood discoveries to artists like Lauryn Hill and Kendrick Lamar. The conversation expands into various cultural works, including the film 'Sinners', the series 'Sense8', and the poetry of Sylvia Plath, exploring themes of identity and ancestral connections. The discussion concludes with a reflection on connecting with ancestral identity through Irish mythology and poetry. By referencing the legend of Amergin, the episode suggests looking to the poems of ancestors to understand true heritage beyond modern soundbites.

In this episode, Kate English, Chief Economist at Deloitte, discusses the significant challenges facing Ireland's goal to deliver 300,000 new homes by 2030. Analyzing data from the annual Crane Survey report, the discussion explores the widening gap between planning permissions and actual completions, driven by issues such as infrastructure servicing, zoning constraints, and construction viability. The conversation also touches upon the slowdown in commercial office development, the impact of inflation and rising interest rates on construction costs, and the critical role of labor shortages and inward migration in the national housing crisis.

Personal finance editor Charlie Weston discusses potential tax refunds for PAYE workers and the importance of self-assessment. The episode covers how hundreds of thousands of taxpayers may have overpaid their taxes due to unclaimed medical expenses, remote work credits, or flat-rate expenses, noting that individuals must proactively contact Revenue via myaccount.ie to claim these funds. The discussion also addresses more serious tax enforcement issues, including the role of the Revenue Sheriff in seizing goods and the recent wave of letters sent to taxpayers regarding unfiled self-assessed income. Additionally, Weston provides advice on identifying customs-related phishing scams and warns against clicking suspicious links in text messages.

This episode of The Last Word discusses the significant security and transport implications for Dublin during the upcoming EU summits. Jennifer Gilna, Head of Communications at the National Transport Authority, outlines expected traffic disruptions, road closures around the Convention Centre and National Gallery, and the impact on bus and rail services as heads of state arrive in the city. The discussion also covers the operational challenges facing Gardaí, including managing security cordons and mitigating threats such as drone incursions or bomb hoaxes during high-profile international meetings.

This episode examines several political and corporate controversies, including allegations regarding NVIDIA's CEO and the potential implications for Donald Trump. The discussion also covers the possible impeachment of Pete Hegseth and Stephen Miller's new role as Chief of Staff. Additionally, the hosts analyze Donald Trump's recent interview comments regarding immigration policy and his stated inability to forgive his political enemies. The conversation critiques Trump's stance from both theological and leadership perspectives.

This episode discusses the serious allegations of predatory sexual behavior and grooming involving comedian and children's author David Walliams. Featuring insights from LBC presenter Nick Ferrari, the discussion covers the lifting of a legal injunction that previously prevented the publication of these claims by outlets such as The Guardian and ITV. The conversation explores the impact of his celebrity status, his history of charitable work, and the parallels drawn to other high-profile cases in the entertainment industry.

Travel journalist Owen Corrie discusses new Ryanair regulations requiring passengers to check in bags at least 60 minutes before scheduled departure. The discussion explores the impact of airport automation on passenger processing times and the shift of labor from airline staff to customers. The episode also covers baggage handling risks during transfers, the complexities of customs requirements in different countries, and the increasing difficulty of navigating security queues at certain European airports.

The hosts examine the instability at Manchester United, debating Michael Carrick's future and criticizing the club's ownership and recruitment structure. The discussion also covers the Premier League title race, noting Arsenal's dominance, Manchester City's struggles amidst financial investigations, and Liverpool's difficulty in challenging for the top spot. The conversation further explores how Arsenal's increasingly defensive tactics and the prevalence of poor refereeing and VAR decisions are impacting the league. The episode concludes by discussing how international breaks and VAR-induced delays are disrupting football's rhythm, alongside a look ahead to Ireland's upcoming international fixtures.

This episode explores the vital role of clinical trials in modern oncology, featuring insights from Professor Geri Hanna, Vice Clinical Lead at Cancer Trials Ireland. The discussion covers how cancer trials aim to improve treatment efficacy, enhance safety, and reduce the burden on patients by optimizing treatment durations for various cancer types, including lung and breast cancer. The program also features a personal account from Phyllis O'Toole, who shares her experience navigating a dual diagnosis of small cell and non-small cell lung cancer. Her story highlights the impact of advanced radiotherapy and chemotherapy protocols on patient outcomes and the accessibility of these trials within both the public and private healthcare systems in Ireland.

This episode of The Last Word examines the recent sentencing of Russell Brand to ten and a half years imprisonment following convictions for rape and sexual assault. Analysts discuss the systemic failures within UK media organizations, including Channel 4 and the BBC, that allowed a culture of misconduct to persist through unaddressed informal complaints and the exploitation of profitable personalities. The conversation also covers the cancellation of Married at First Sight UK due to allegations of coercion and assault, exploring the potential economic impact of increased safeguarding costs on the reality television industry. The program concludes with television recommendations, including the heist drama 12 12 12 and the spy thriller Honey.

This episode discusses the significant logistical and security challenges facing Dublin due to upcoming road closures and a major international summit. Olivia Kelly, Dublin editor of the Irish Times, details how localized closures around the Convention Centre and National Gallery are expected to cause widespread traffic chaos, affecting both motorists and pedestrians during a week of high-profile events at the 3Arena. Euronews correspondent Shona Murray provides insight into the European Political Community meeting in Dublin, explaining the geopolitical significance of leaders from various nations gathering amidst tensions involving Russia, Belarus, and shifting relations with the United States and Canada. The discussion also touches upon broader security concerns, including hybrid threats, drone activity, and potential public sector industrial action that could further disrupt the city.

This episode explores the recent conviction of Russell Brand, examining how his progressive persona and use of 'progressive' themes allowed him to mask predatory behavior. The discussion delves into the broader cultural implications of internalized misogyny and the trend of accused figures pivoting to right-wing audiences to maintain relevance. The hosts also cover various celebrity controversies, including legal issues surrounding Meghan Markle's father and Martha Stewart's tone-deaf Halloween costume. The conversation concludes by analyzing the psychological impact of anonymous threats and how fear can be used politically to drive people toward authoritarianism.

A report from Today FM Courts correspondent Frank Graney detailing the trial of a 41-year-old woman and a 17-year-old girl accused of the murder of 28-year-old Scarlett Faulkner. The prosecution alleges the defendants hunted down Faulkner and her partner in Birdhill, County Tipperary, involving a vehicle pursuit and a violent assault with a metal pole. The episode covers eyewitness testimony from motorists and bystanders, as well as the efforts of first responders, including a bus driver, off-duty nurses, and emergency medical personnel, who attempted to stabilize Faulkner at the scene before her death.

An interview with Thomas Byrne, Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, regarding the recent evacuation of Marconi House following a bomb threat. The discussion covers the rise of hybrid threats across Europe, including incidents involving drones in Denmark, balloons in Lithuania, and attacks on refrigeration systems. The Minister addresses security preparations for the upcoming European Political Community Summit in Dublin, which will host 55 heads of state, and discusses the broader landscape of cyber attacks and disinformation campaigns targeting democratic institutions.

This episode explores the Unipub Irish Book Awards, highlighting shortlisted authors and their diverse works. The discussion covers the profound impact of online gambling on modern sport, the personal resilience required for memoir writing, and the complexities of navigating legal and ethical challenges when writing political biographies or investigating powerful corporations. The panel also discusses various book recommendations and provides information on how to participate in the awards voting process.

In this episode of The Last Word, environmental advocate John Gibbons discusses several pressing ecological and infrastructural issues in Ireland. The conversation begins with 'climate creep,' examining how changing weather patterns have forced Kellogg's to reformulate Rice Krispies and Cocoa Pops due to rice supply disruptions. The discussion then shifts to a critical look at the Environmental Protection Agency's report on wastewater treatment failures, highlighting significant raw sewage discharges into Irish waterways. Gibbons also addresses Ireland's energy transition, critiquing the slow pace of emissions reductions compared to the EU and discussing the government's push toward an 'electrostated' society. The episode concludes with a critique of the ESB's recent 25% price hike for electric vehicle charging and the lack of investment in high-powered charging infrastructure across the country.

This episode of The Last Word covers the significant legal verdict regarding comedian and actor Russell Brand, who has been found guilty of rape and sexual assault in a London court. Featuring insights from LBC presenter Nick Ferrari, the discussion explores the details of the trial, the historical context of Brand's career, and the ongoing investigations by the Metropolitan Police into further allegations. The program also provides updates on European flight bomb scares, upcoming trade union rallies in Ireland, and local traffic reports.

In this episode of Tech Thursday, Andy O'Donoghue discusses how to upgrade a home office setup by focusing on peripherals rather than expensive new computers. He highlights that many people are still using outdated equipment from the 2020 era and suggests that upgrading accessories like keyboards, mice, webcams, and microphones can significantly improve productivity and professional appearance. The discussion covers several specific high-end and practical gadgets, including the Corsair Galleon 100 keyboard with built-in Stream Deck functionality, various innovative mice from Keychron and Logitech, and advanced webcams like the Insta360 Link to Pro. Andy also explores solutions for managing multiple devices using USB switches and portable hubs for mobile workstations.

An analysis of the current political instability within Fine Gael, featuring Daniel McConnell, editor of the Business Post. The discussion explores declining poll ratings for the party and leader Simon Harris, following a period of internal controversy and a lack of electoral bounce from recent budgetary measures. The conversation delves into the party's identity crisis, the potential for a shift toward more conservative, centre-right policies, and the impact of ministerial controversies involving Patrick O'Donovan. McConnell examines the long-term strains of Fine Gael's extended time in government since 2011 and evaluates potential leadership challengers like Jennifer Carroll MacNeill. The episode also touches upon the political landscape involving Fianna Fáil leaders Micheál Martin and Jim O'Callaghan, as well as the broader implications of internal party briefings and the emergence of new right-wing political forces.

In this episode of The Last Word, novelist Sarah Maria Griffin discusses her new book, 'Strange is the Light', and her transition from writing young adult fiction to adult Gothic novels. The conversation explores her diverse cultural influences, ranging from the high-energy pop of ABBA and Chappell Roan to the cinematic worlds of David Lynch and Hayao Miyazaki. Griffin also shares how literature, television, and video games have shaped her perspective as a writer. The episode concludes with various media recommendations, including the sci-fi thriller 'Three Body Problem' and the immersive video game 'Blueprints'.

This episode analyzes the aftermath of the US midterm elections, examining why Republican candidates faced significant losses due to voter concerns regarding inflation and political cruelty. The discussion explores Donald Trump's reaction to the results and the potential for Democratic overreach. The conversation also addresses calls for investigations into political corruption and alleged self-enrichment by figures close to Donald Trump, such as Jared Kushner. Additionally, the speakers debate foreign policy strategies, specifically advocating for a containment policy regarding Iran.

A report on the court verdict of Robert O'Connor, who has been found guilty of the manslaughter of his parents, Mark and Louise, and his brother, Ivan, in County Leitrim. The trial focused on whether O'Connor's schizophrenia and recent cocaine use met the legal criteria for a special verdict of insanity or if they constituted diminished responsibility. The proceedings detail the jury's rejection of the insanity defence in favour of manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility. The discussion covers the complexities of the evidence regarding drug use, the legal distinction between intoxication and mental disorder, and the upcoming sentencing hearing scheduled for December 14th.

This episode explores the complex landscape of the US midterm elections, examining the impact of unprecedented campaign spending and the reliability of political polling. The discussion addresses concerns regarding election integrity and the influence of billionaires on the democratic process. The hosts also analyze Donald Trump's recent rhetoric, specifically his focus on trivial matters over pressing economic issues like inflation. Additionally, the episode provides an analysis of upcoming midterm races in Texas and South Carolina, weighing the controversial backgrounds of key candidates.

This episode explores the financial strain on Irish schools caused by government underfunding, specifically focusing on the phenomenon of voluntary contributions from parents. Featuring Owen Kenny, Labour Party TD and education spokesperson, and Seamus Mulconroy, General Secretary of the Catholic Primary School Management Association, the discussion examines how 116 million euros has been paid by parents over the last five years to cover essential day-to-day costs like heating and lighting. The conversation highlights the widening gap between state funding and the rising operational costs of schools, driven by inflation and energy crises, and addresses the pressure placed on families during a cost-of-living crisis.

An analysis of the escalating industrial relations dispute between Irish trade unions and the government regarding a new public sector pay deal. The discussion focuses on the potential for strike action scheduled to coincide with a major EU summit in Dublin, which could bring significant international media attention to the domestic labor unrest. Featuring former Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission, Ciarán Mulvey, the episode explores the complexities of negotiating with 19 different trade unions. Key topics include inflation-adjusted pay increases, local bargaining clauses, the impact of new technologies like artificial intelligence on public sector roles, and the role of political leadership in finalizing multi-year agreements.

This episode of The Last Word features athletics journalist Cahill Dennehy discussing the life and legacy of Ciara McGeehan, a prominent Irish 1500m runner who recently passed away at age 34 following a battle with bowel cancer. The conversation explores the duality of her persona: the ruthlessly driven European champion athlete and the compassionate, authentic individual loved by the public. The discussion covers her professional achievements, including her Olympic appearances in Rio, Tokyo, and Paris, as well as the significant impact of injuries on her career. Additionally, the program reflects on her bravery during her health journey, specifically referencing her participation in the TV programme Uncharted and her book, My Greatest Race, highlighting her profound influence on the Irish sporting community.

Basketball commentator Timmy McCarthy discusses the origins of his catchphrase 'boom shakalaka' and reflects on the golden era of Irish basketball in the 1980s. He also shares his personal journey of battling an aggressive form of prostate cancer and how he used mental discipline to cope with the diagnosis. He details the physical and emotional toll of multiple cancer recurrences and intensive treatments, reflecting on a period of extreme vulnerability in intensive care. McCarthy contrasts this profound hardship with his eventual recovery and professional triumphs.

This episode of The Last Word features a deep dive into the current state of the Premier League, focusing on Manchester City's recent struggles and the psychological impact of their ongoing legal findings. The discussion explores whether the club is entering a 'zombie season' amidst mounting pressure and potential points deductions. The conversation also covers Brighton's impressive tactical performance against top opposition, the controversial refereeing decisions involving VAR at Anfield, and the defensive vulnerabilities currently plaguing Manchester United. The analysts debate the complexities of modern handball rules and the lack of long-term structural planning within the Manchester United squad.

In this episode of The Last Word, hosts Elaine Burke and Joe O'Shea discuss a variety of recent developments in television, film, and streaming. The discussion begins with an analysis of a Channel 4 game show experiment designed to highlight the manipulative 'dark patterns' used by the gambling industry. The hosts also cover news regarding a feature film adaptation of Aaron Rogan's book about Paddy Power, a tribute to the late actor Patrick Stewart, and the upcoming season of I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! featuring Wayne Rooney. The episode concludes with reflections on the high viewership of the Celebrity Traitors finale and personal recommendations for the week. Joe highlights the RTÉ series Busted, which examines major drug seizures in Ireland, while Elaine recommends the Netflix documentary SCTV, exploring the legacy of the influential Canadian comedy troupe.

This episode explores the growing threat of cyberattacks on critical food infrastructure, specifically focusing on recent breaches involving refrigeration management controllers in supermarkets across Ireland and Europe. Guests discuss how vulnerabilities in internet-connected devices, such as Danfoss controllers, allow hackers to remotely manipulate temperatures, leading to massive food waste and potential safety risks. The conversation extends to broader concerns regarding the automation of the food supply chain, including the potential for bad actors to compromise pasteurization processes, introduce allergens, or disrupt water and energy supplies. Additionally, the experts address the cybersecurity vulnerabilities present in modern smart homes and connected personal devices.

The hosts discuss the recent increase in tolls across Ireland's National Road Network and its impact on commuters during a cost-of-living crisis, alongside an initiative in Sardinia where restaurants are banning smartphones to encourage human connection. The episode also explores linguistic trends like '-maxing' and 'unk', Noah Wyle being named sexiest man alive, and Norway's clever marketing of scenic public toilets.

The hosts debate Rolling Stone's list of the 200 greatest rock songs of the century, critiquing the arbitrary definitions of 'rock' and the inclusion of pop artists like Taylor Swift and Harry Styles. They also discuss specific tracks such as 'The Rat' by The Walkmen and the cultural impact of songs like Muse's 'Supermassive Black Hole'.

In this episode of The Last Word, John Gibbons and Will discuss the escalating intersection of climate change and global health. Drawing from the Lancet Countdown report, the discussion highlights how rising global temperatures have led to a significant increase in heat-related deaths and why health professionals are calling for climate change to be reclassified as a global health emergency. The conversation also explores China's strategic pivot toward solar energy driven by energy security concerns despite continued coal usage. The episode further examines the ecological impact of domestic honeybees, which act as 'flying livestock' and inadvertently outcompete wild pollinators through interference competition. Finally, the segment addresses the lack of corporate responsibility within the pharmaceutical industry regarding the Cali Fund, noting a massive discrepancy between industry profits and contributions toward protecting the biodiversity from which they derive medicinal components.

In this episode of Tech Thursday, Willow Callan and Andy O'Donoghue discuss the recent legislative moves in New York aimed at protecting minors from AI chatbots that act as companions. The discussion covers the risks of AI reinforcement of negative body image or mental health issues, and the specific prohibitions on features that make chatbots appear human or encourage secrecy. The segment also provides a comprehensive guide to parental control tools, including Google Family Link, Apple's built-in Screen Time features, and paid cross-platform options like Qustodio. Additionally, they explore hardware alternatives for children, such as the Explorer X Go 3 smartwatch, the Yoro Mini audio player, and the importance of resources like Ireland's Webwise Parents Hub.

In this episode of The Culture Club, host interviews author Veronica Roth about her return to the world of Divergent with 'The Sixth Faction'. They discuss her creative process, the evolution of her writing perspective over 15 years, and share personal musical tastes ranging from Britney Spears to Evanescence. The conversation expands into a broader exploration of media influences, covering favorite films like Blade Runner and Clueless, as well as impactful literature by Kazuo Ishiguro and George Saunders. The hosts also discuss media consumption habits, the importance of reading outside one's genre for creativity, and the joy of connecting with fans during book tours.

Documentary filmmaker Sinead O'Shea discusses her latest feature, All About the Money, which explores the life of James Fergie Chambers. A former US heir with connections to significant wealth and political lineages, Chambers transitioned from a life of privilege to establishing a communist commune in Massachusetts and later investing heavily in a Tunisian football club. The film delves into his extreme political views, his conversion to Islam, and his controversial activities that have led to legal scrutiny and extradition requests by the United States. The conversation covers the complexities of filming such an extreme subject, the challenges of portraying Chambers's psychological landscape, and his recent presence in Ireland. O'Shea reflects on the difficulties of maintaining a duty of care to a subject who is currently incarcerated and the tension between journalistic integrity and the subject's desire to control his narrative.

Will O'Callum and Charlie Weston discuss recent shifts in the Irish personal finance landscape, focusing on the impact of PRSI increases and rising mortgage rates. The conversation covers how the Pay Related Social Insurance increase from 4.2% to 4.35% affects monthly take-home pay despite recent budget tax cuts. They also examine the trend of mainstream lenders like PTSB increasing mortgage rates following moves by smaller lenders, and the growing number of consumers switching providers to lock in fixed rates. The episode further explores retirement planning, addressing a survey finding that many individuals believe they need approximately 825 euros per week to live comfortably in retirement. The hosts discuss the gap between state pension projections and personal financial needs, highlighting the importance of private pension contributions and the recent launch of the My Future Fund.

In this interview, Irish footballer James McLean discusses his new memoir, 'The Walls', touching on his upbringing in Derry and the challenges of his early life. He reflects on his football career, including playing for Northern Ireland's youth teams, the controversy surrounding not wearing a poppy, and his transition through different clubs and financial levels. The conversation also explores the complexities of managing significant wealth and how high earnings can change one's social circle. Additionally, McLean addresses controversies regarding comments made about therapy and discusses his professional situation involving medical disputes that have prevented him from playing for his club.

In this episode of The Last Word, journalist Vincent Brown discusses his new biography, Charles Haughey: Glory, Greed and Guns. Brown provides an in-depth examination of the life and political career of the former Taoiseach, addressing controversial episodes such as the arms trial, the split within Fianna Fáil, and his stance on the Anglo-Irish Agreement. The conversation explores the personal dimensions of Haughey's legacy, including his relationship with Terry Keane and his final years in isolation. Brown contrasts his research, which utilizes archives unavailable to previous biographers, with existing accounts of Haughey's tenure. The discussion covers the political dynamics of the era, the economic recovery under Ray McShayne, and the personal reflections Brown gathered from direct visits to Haughey during his final years.

Cal Thomas and Mary McKeown discuss the upcoming US midterm elections, focusing on potential Democratic gains in the House and Senate and the impact of political controversies. The discussion covers Trump's challenges to election results in Alaska, a major newspaper endorsement in Ohio following a controversial attack ad, and the political landscape in Texas. The conversation further explores criticisms of Ken Paxton's character and the potential rise of James Tallarico. Additionally, the speakers address legal charges against James Comey as a potential political hit job and discuss Melania Trump's alleged role in brokering a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine.

The presenters discuss recent station scheduling changes and new Airbnb regulations regarding cleaning fees and guest responsibilities. The episode also explores the band Fontaines' decision to ban AI usage in their music videos following a recent controversy. The conversation shifts to the economic challenges of living in Dublin, specifically focusing on housing affordability and its impact on quality of life. Finally, the hosts discuss the viral appeal of live-streaming mundane natural events, such as newborn puppies.

An analysis of the upcoming Israeli election, framed as a pivotal referendum on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's leadership following the October 7th attacks and the subsequent conflict in Gaza. Journalist Paul Kearns joins the program to discuss the political landscape in Tel Aviv, examining key issues such as the religious orthodox conscription debate, the potential role of Palestinian voters as kingmakers, and the demographic shifts within the Israeli electorate. The discussion covers the fragmentation of the Knesset, the rise of right-wing demographics among young voters, and the economic pressures including the housing crisis and cost of living.

In this episode of Tech Thursday, Andy O'Donoghue joins Frank Graney to discuss the growing vulnerabilities in our digital infrastructure and how to secure your personal technology. The discussion covers recent cyber threats involving PHP vulnerabilities identified by AI, as well as the ripple effects caused by service disruptions in cloud computing and fintech platforms like Revolut. Beyond global infrastructure, the conversation provides practical advice for a home digital security checkup. O'Donoghues offers guidance on securing IoT devices like smart cameras and baby monitors, the importance of robust backup strategies for irreplaceable family archives using cloud services or physical drives, and essential steps to take if you have accidentally clicked on a suspicious link.