Midlands Today with Will Faulkner

Care, culture and serious safeguarding concerns — HIQA raises “significant” child-welfare and food-safety issues at Cedar Lodge, a disability centre in Offaly, including expired food, hygiene lapses and weak governance, prompting urgent scrutiny of care standards and oversight.

Midlands in the spotlight — from dance floors to diplomacy — Laois Rose Katelyn Cummins talks life on Dancing with the Stars, while Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Helen McEntee outlines a new France–Ireland strategic framework and confirms a €25m Irish contribution to support Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.

Weather warnings, closures and local legacy — Laois County Council issues fresh flood alerts as rivers reach capacity; Abbeyleix bids farewell to Eamonn Brackens Menswear after more than 40 years; historians revisit the life and legacy of St Brigid ahead of her feast day; and communities reflect on change, resilience and tradition across the region.

Jobs anxiety and education pressure — Ericsson confirms up to 29 voluntary redundancies at its Athlone base as part of a global cost-cutting drive, while Offaly TD Carol Nolan warns parents are facing an unprecedented crisis securing secondary school places, including for children with additional needs.

Farming fears and second chances — China suspends imports of Irish beef following confirmed cases of bluetongue virus, as Portlaoise boxer Michael O’Reilly opens up about his return to the ring after an Olympic drugs scandal ended his career nearly a decade ago.

Health, justice and human stories — a Laois mum says red tape is blocking her medically vulnerable child from attending a local school; a Carlow mother issues a stark warning after her daughter suffers anaphylaxis on a flight when nuts were eaten onboard; Emma Fogarty and Colin Farrell prepare for the premiere of The Slightest Touch; and a much-loved Abbeyleix hardware store announces its closure after 43 years.

Healthcare access under strain — Laois councillor Marie Tuohy raises serious patient-safety concerns around out-of-hours GP services after struggling to secure an appointment herself, as calls grow for clearer HSE protocols while Midlands hospitals urge patients to avoid emergency departments for non-urgent care.

Crime, drugs and devastating consequences — the father of four-year-old Tadhg Farrell is jailed for heroin dealing, with the judge linking his criminal activity to the wider culture of drugs and violence that has torn families and communities apart in Offaly.

Empathy, safety and the future of our cities — Barnardos renews its call to fund the Roots of Empathy programme in schools; a Carlow mother issues a stark warning after her daughter suffers anaphylaxis on a flight when nuts were eaten onboard; and Athlone’s ambitious Green City 2040 vision is unveiled, promising thousands of homes, jobs and a sustainable future.

Witnessing life under occupation — Tullamore-based retired teacher Mieke Scholte shares her powerful first-hand account of spending two months at the Tent of Nations in the West Bank, describing daily life surrounded by settlements, destroyed farmland and movement restrictions — and the non-violent philosophy of “We Refuse to Be Enemies.”

Crime, courts and community impact — the death in custody of convicted murderer Robert Corbet brings renewed reflection on the killing of Aoife Phelan; Storm Chandra batters the Midlands with dangerous winds; and a machete-wielding burglar who terrorised Athlone students is jailed for a violent raid.

Health, empathy and protecting the next generation — Barnardos calls for funding to expand the Roots of Empathy programme in primary schools; researchers warn children who gamble are far more likely to become problem gamblers as adults; and women are urged to take part in the CanWork study supporting a return to work after breast cancer.

Education inequality and absenteeism laid bare — new ESRI research shows more than a third of pupils in the most disadvantaged primary schools are missing 20+ days a year, with INTO’s Niamh Campion warning the post-Covid gap between DEIS and non-DEIS schools is deepening and risks long-term inequality.

Crime, courts and community fear — a machete-wielding burglar who led a terrifying raid on an Athlone student house is jailed, while concerns grow over violent crime, anti-social behaviour and public safety across the region.

Culture, costs and rural pressure points — Braveheart memorabilia used by Mel Gibson heads to auction in Meath; flight fares are tipped to rise despite fuel savings; farmers protest outside Bord Bia over Brazilian beef concerns; retail workers speak out during Kindness Week; and the Midlands prepares to host the International Pan Celtic Festival.