Midlands Today with Will Faulkner

Courtroom shock and drug-crime fallout — a Birr primary school teacher admits faking two births to fraudulently claim maternity leave and benefit, while the father of murdered four-year-old Tadhg Farrell awaits sentencing in a major heroin case that exposes the deep roots of drugs and organised crime in the Midlands. Safety, systems and public trust — experts warn faded road markings are causing learners to fail driving tests; the Government faces renewed scrutiny over unpaid Revenue liabilities by ministers; and housing starts plunge to their lowest level since 2016, reigniting fears over delivery and affordability. Health, childhood pressure and modern risks — Sonya Quinn weighs in on “duvet days” and children’s mental health; surgeons warn nearly half of e-scooter crash victims end up in ICU; AI-generated explicit images spark urgent political action; and the Friday Panel tackles everything from rising pint prices to climate anxiety and digital habits.

Courts, controversy and free speech limits — Enoch Burke is released from Mountjoy Prison despite not purging his contempt, in a dramatic High Court ruling that sparks fresh legal wrangling, courtroom clashes and renewed focus on the long-running Wilson’s Hospital School case. Health, healing and human resilience — Portlaoise man Mark Condon shares his powerful 5½-stone weight-loss journey after Covid pressures, while psychotherapist Rory Hafford tackles jealousy, loneliness and emotional overload in Headaches and Heartaches. Global tension and local life — security analyst Declan Power explains why Denmark has boosted its military presence in Greenland amid escalating US pressure; Tolü Makay tops the Dancing with the Stars leaderboard; Guinness drinkers brace for higher prices; and communities rally around youth awards, dental-care warnings and the return of the Portlaoise Jazz Festival.

Health, legacy and community determination — retired Portlaoise Hospital consultant Peter Naughton reflects on the hard-fought creation of Laois’ pioneering cancer support services in a new book, as the region edges closer to long-promised hospice care. Crime, grief and justice in focus — the father of murdered four-year-old Tadhg Farrell asks to be sentenced in a major drugs case as Gardaí continue investigating the deadly Edenderry petrol-bomb attack, keeping organised crime firmly in the spotlight. Community action, hope and connection — Tullamore Tidy Towns vows to name and shame litter offenders; Killeshin GAA’s Paul Brennan and Miriam O’Callaghan promote a Pieta fundraiser built on resilience and support; and grassroots groups from Edenderry to Offaly U3A showcase the power of local connection.

Local democracy, pay and pressure — Offaly councillors defend significant salary increases following the Moorhead Report, as the AILG highlights rising workloads, online abuse and the need to strengthen local democracy through reform. Mental health, money and life planning — Clareen-based Off the Pitch expands its anonymous counselling service across GAA clubs nationwide; new research shows many workers expect to work until 70 due to retirement affordability concerns; and listeners seek clarity on health, medication and wellbeing in Health Matters. Young brilliance and rural realities — Midlands students shine at the Stripe Young Scientist Exhibition with major national awards, while farmers debate falling factory prices, Mercosur fears and the future of Irish beef amid tight cattle supplies.

Manufacturing boost for the Midlands — Westmeath-based Irish Manufacturing Research secures €5.7 million in EU and Enterprise Ireland funding for FactoryXChange 2.0, aimed at protecting and future-proofing manufacturing jobs through digital, green and human-centric innovation. People, purpose and creative resilience — award-winning Moate photographer Ken Byrne reflects on international recognition, survival and storytelling after a life-saving kidney transplant, while Offaly Libraries launch a new wellbeing-focused programme encouraging creativity, mindfulness and connection. Trade pressure, culture and public life — attention turns to the Mercosur protest in Athlone, Séamus Boland discusses poverty, AI and migration following a Vatican meeting with Pope Leo XIV, and Laois-shot thriller The Stones of Dunamase Castle prepares for international film festival screenings.