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.