Midlands Today with Will Faulkner

Questions are being raised about how society supports young men following the M9 tragedy, with calls for greater focus on early intervention, youth work, mentoring and tackling the factors that can lead to dangerous behaviour.
Leaving Cert students across the Midlands receive their results, as attention turns to CAO offers and the next steps for the Class of 2026.
The Government is facing pressure to postpone upcoming fuel and carbon tax increases amid concerns motorists and households could face further rises in petrol, diesel and home-heating costs.

CJ Sheeran Group announces a €6 million expansion at its Mountrath headquarters, creating 15 new jobs and significantly increasing its logistics and pallet production capacity.
A Midlands community is rallying behind Abi Markey, with three local men taking on the gruelling Kerry Way Ultra to help fund specialist treatment for her rare genetic dental condition.
Calls are growing for intentionally driving the wrong way on a motorway to be treated as a serious criminal offence following the fatal M9 crash, as communities continue to support those injured in the tragedy.

Westmeath Rose Caoilfhinn Ní Choiligh celebrates being crowned the 2026 International Rose of Tralee after making a powerful impression by removing her wig on stage and speaking openly about living with alopecia.
Universities are criticising the handling of visa applications for Palestinian students from Gaza, after more than half of a group awarded scholarships to study in Ireland were refused entry.
Irish shoppers could face additional charges on goods bought from outside the EU, while new EU packaging regulations are also raising concerns about the potential costs for small businesses.

Tullamore Credit Union are launching their first student bursary, where 5 students will get €1,000 each to help them in their third level journey. Tullamore Credit Union are also offering reduced rate loan specifically for education. Head of Loans, Olive Jordan and Member Engagement Controller, Catriona Lawlor, joined Will Faulkner on Midlands Today to give our listerners more information on their initiatives.

The Teachers’ Union of Ireland warns that retaining teachers is becoming as difficult as recruiting them, with growing administrative workloads, burnout and staff shortages affecting schools.
Garda representatives are calling for greater pursuit training and legal protections following the fatal M9 crash, as the Justice Minister pledges additional resources to tackle dangerous driving.
A critically endangered bee has been discovered in Offaly for the first time, with the Silver-sided Nomad Bee recorded in Ireland for the first time in 26 years.