The Last Word with Matt Cooper

1 week ago | todayfm.com | Ben Finnegan

White Smoke In Rome As New Pope ElectedCardinals have elected a new Pope. The decision was confirmed just after 5pm Irish time as white smoke appeared from the Chimney of the Sistine Chapel. It came on the second day of the conclave, with 133 cardinals voting over the last two days. The decision was met with cheers from the thousands of people waiting in St Peter's Square to witness history.

2 weeks ago | todayfm.com | Ben Finnegan

Last Month Was The Second Warmest April EverLast month was the second warmest April globally - only behind last year. The EU climate change monitoring service has issued its regular update. The figures show last month was 0.6 degrees above the average temperatures for April. The Copurnicus figures show temperatures remain more than 1.5 degrees above the pre-industrial era - which is the above the target to limit the worst effects of climate change.

2 weeks ago | todayfm.com | Caoimhseach Connolly

81% of Ireland's beaches have an 'excellent' bathing water quality. The latest report from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for 2024, shows 96% of beaches are of 'sufficient' quality to swim at, with 145 of 151 meeting or exceeding the minimum standard, which is an increase of two since 2023. However, two beaches, Lady's Bay in Buncrana in Co. Donegal and Sandymount Strand Dublin failed to meet the minimum water standard. Five beaches were found to have poor bathing water quality in 2023.

2 weeks ago | todayfm.com | Caoimhseach Connolly

Nine in ten teenage girls are silently struggling with anxiety and worry. A survey of 1,000 12 to 19 year-olds found 89% of teenage girls carry anxiety or worry that nobody knows about. The research by The Shona Project, shows widespread anxiety, pressure, and personal safety concerns. The study, of young women and non-binary teenagers found almost four in five sometimes feel "no good at all", while 61% struggle with negative body image.

2 weeks ago | todayfm.com | Ben Finnegan

By Ben Finnegan Penneys Introducing Charge For Paper BagPenneys will begin charging for paper bags from Monday. The company says it's looking for ways to reduce single-use waste across the business. It's introducing a charge of 15 cent per bag, regardless what size. Penneys is urging customers to bring their own re-usable bags. You might like