Midlands Today with Will Faulkner

Immigration and emergency calls — Offaly TD Carol Nolan demands the Government declare a state of emergency on immigration following major UK asylum reforms, warning of “collapse” in Ireland’s system unless radical action is taken.

Resilience, recovery and responsibility — the Conway family share uplifting news as young Joey celebrates his final post-op visit in Chicago; learner drivers face stricter rules from 2026; and the CCPC reveals how influencers and mistrust shape Black Friday spending.

Health, nature and community voice — GPs warn enhanced flu vaccines for over-65s are too costly to roll out despite a surge in cases; prostate-cancer survivor John Tiernan urges men to get checked; Offaly farmers raise new flood-risk concerns over a proposed windfarm; and Turn2Me encourages an alcohol-free Christmas for better wellbeing.

Farmers fight back in Europe — Midlands-North-West MEP Ciaran Mullooly takes on Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels, demanding real funding for rural Ireland and warning against EU “pigs in a poke.”

Justice and security — a young mother tells a Mullingar court she fears her violent husband will “come back and kill her,” and Gardaí probe Sinn Féin links in a far-right terror investigation.

Sport and spirit — Ireland stuns Portugal with Troy Parrott’s double, Mountmellick prepares for flood defences, and the Friday Panel debates AI scams, housing, and the year’s happiest sights.

Justice and awareness in focus — Ruth Lawrence found guilty of a double murder on Lough Sheelin, while Laois woman Samantha Vaughan shares her powerful story in Ireland’s first White Ribbon lung cancer campaign.

Farmers, flares and fairness — Westmeath’s Sean McNamara leads a protest against the Mercosur trade deal, and the Midlands Astronomy Club explains how solar storms are lighting Irish skies with the Northern Lights.

Community and connection — a new Laois support network empowers neurodivergent families, Offaly’s Teen Dating Violence seminar tackles youth safety, and local leaders push for progress across the region.

Laois voices and lung cancer awareness — Samantha Vaughan shares her story at Leinster House as Ireland launches its first White Ribbon campaign to widen understanding of lung cancer beyond smoking stigma.

Rents, remembrance and resilience — economist Ronan Lyons breaks down the Daft.ie report showing rent costs up a third since the pandemic, while tributes pour in for Portarlington Garda hero Jim Cannon.

Community and culture — Tony Lyons brings Mullingar memories to life in Cabbage Street, Laois approves a record €132 million budget for 2026, and I’m A Celeb reveals its jungle lineup.

Farewell to Michael D Higgins — historian Ida Milne reflects on the activism, achievements and controversies of Ireland’s ninth president as his 14-year tenure comes to an end.

Politics, protection and prevention — Joe Flaherty on Fianna Fáil’s review turmoil, IT expert Cian Prendergast warns of AI scam tactics targeting retirees, and Westmeath’s Luke Loughlin shares his recovery story with powerful honesty.

Creativity and community — Moate filmmaker Adam Mura unveils his dark comedy Midlands Mayhem, the region’s hospitality stars are honoured, and Laois celebrates wellbeing with Anna May McHugh.

Street brawl shocker in Athlone — three neighbours face violent disorder charges after a fight involving a sledgehammer, hurley and steel bar erupts in a housing estate.

Money matters and rising loans — Tullamore Credit Union CEO Paul Shaw on record-high personal lending for cars, home improvements and green upgrades, plus Dermot Goode warns consumers to review costly health insurance plans.

Justice, science and community — Athlone councillor Paul Hogan hails a landmark IPAS court ruling, Midlands Science preps for Discovery Day, and local franchise owners demand fairness in the Fastway fallout.

Justice long delayed — a Westmeath family finally secures a hospital apology 16 years after a missed cervical cancer diagnosis, while Mountrath’s Sarah Drennan reacts to an increased sentence for her brother Joe’s killer.

Health, safety, and change — new RSA rules target serial learner-permit holders, the Irish Cancer Society calls for dignity and better facilities for men facing incontinence, and Turn2Me offers stress-busting advice for National Stress Awareness Week.

Friday reflection and debate — Carol Nolan calls for tougher e-scooter laws, Lough Boora’s Santa Dash gets festive runners moving, and the Friday Panel tackles everything from worker rights to the politics of politeness.

EPA report under fire — Longford–Westmeath Senator Joe Flaherty says the Environmental Protection Agency’s new peat extraction report is “riddled with errors” and damaging local confidence.

Faith, housing and community care — Fr Paddy Byrne on the struggle to support Ireland’s ageing priests, while Cllrs Caroline Dwane Stanley and Mick Dollard call for better housing options and motorhome facilities for the Midlands.

Tax, therapy and refunds — IFAC’s James Farrell explains why over 300,000 PAYE workers could be due tax back before Christmas, and psychotherapist Rory Hafford talks heartaches, headaches and healing.

Christmas crunch coming — Offaly budgeting blogger Caz Mooney breaks down why this could be Ireland’s most expensive Christmas yet, with festive costs climbing over 16% since last year.

Fitness, fossils and finds — personal trainers from Clara’s Unit Gym discuss the growing benefits of strength training at any age, while Gas Networks Ireland reveals medieval discoveries during pipeline works in Westmeath.

Community focus — from local leadership with Offaly Cathaoirleach John Leahy to this week’s latest in-home fixes with Mr. Fix It, the Midlands spirit stays strong.

DJ Carey jailed for cancer fraud — the former Kilkenny hurler is sentenced to five and a half years for deceiving friends and supporters out of nearly €400,000 in one of Ireland’s most shocking scams.

Tax and transparency troubles — revelations that taxpayers will cover millions in underpaid taxes for ministers and civil servants spark anger, as John McCann of MCM Accounting breaks it down.

Housing, travel and insurance headlines — Kinnegad’s major housing project faces appeal delays, Eoghan Corry tackles the rise of “seat squatting” on flights, and homeowners are urged to check rebuild costs amid rising construction prices.