Episodes

  • Week 7 - Friday

    Week 7 - Friday
    Feb 20 2026
    Domestic abuse calls surge in the Midlands — Longford-Westmeath TD Sorca Clarke calls for urgent Government action after figures show a 37% rise in domestic abuse calls across the region over four years. ‘Bóithrín na mBan’ to honour women in Mullingar — Matt Nolan’s long-standing tradition of planting oak trees in memory of women who died tragically is set to be formally recognised with a new road name in Westmeath. Taxi shortage row as rideshare ruled out — Offaly TD John Clendennen reacts after the Transport Minister confirms there are no plans to allow private rideshare drivers, despite watchdog warnings of a taxi supply crisis.
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    1 hr and 56 mins
  • Week 7 - Thursday

    Week 7 - Thursday
    Feb 19 2026
    Social media ban for under-16s debated — Birr psychotherapist Stella O’Malley weighs in on Government plans to restrict under-16s from social media, as Ireland follows Australia and other countries amid growing concern about mental health, cyberbullying and online safety. Michael English on health scare and tour return — The country star opens up about his recent mild heart attack, his recovery, and why he’s back on stage — including his upcoming show at the Shamrock Lodge Hotel in Athlone. Banned driver avoids jail — again — Courts reporter Liam Cosgrove details how a Westmeath man with 27 previous convictions, caught driving without insurance for the eighth time while disqualified, escaped prison and was handed community service instead.
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    1 hr and 53 mins
  • Week 7 - Wednesday

    Week 7 - Wednesday
    Feb 18 2026
    EU probes Shein under digital safety laws — Midlands North West MEP Ciaran Mullooly reacts as the European Commission launches a Digital Services Act investigation into Shein over alleged illegal products and addictive design features. SNA review paused after backlash — Senator Joe Flaherty welcomes the Government’s decision to pause changes to Special Needs Assistant allocations following widespread concern from parents and schools. TUS scientist earns top global honour — Athlone’s Prof Neil Rowan becomes the first academic in TUS history to receive a Higher Doctorate of Science, recognising three decades of world-leading research.
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    2 hrs and 1 min
  • Week 7 - Tuesday

    Week 7 - Tuesday
    Feb 17 2026
    Flood zoning concerns raised — Offaly Cathaoirleach John Leahy responds after new figures show hundreds of flood-prone sites were zoned for development nationwide, with warnings that climate-driven rainfall is increasing risks. SNA cuts spark parent anger — Ballybrittas mum Aisling Donoher says her six-year-old son Dan could lose his one-to-one SNA support, leaving him unable to attend school if the proposed reductions go ahead. Community funds and energy reform — Climate Minister Darragh O’Brien says he’s open to “meaningful reforms” of renewable energy community funds, amid claims the current system isn’t benefiting local people.
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    1 hr and 52 mins
  • Week 7 - Monday

    Week 7 - Monday
    Feb 16 2026
    Ireland reaches for the stars — The European Space Agency’s first Irish Phi-Lab opens in Mullingar, marking a major milestone for AI-driven space innovation, with €170 million committed over five years and the promise that future European missions may carry Midlands ingenuity onboard. Palliative care breakthrough and voices of survival — Agreement is reached to relocate four Level 2 hospice beds to Athlone’s new Heartlands Care Centre, securing the future of specialist palliative care in South Westmeath, while domestic violence survivor Kirsty Fitzpatrick shares her powerful story and helpline supports are highlighted. Mental health, money and modern life — The Inspector of Prisons raises “deep reservations” about the restraint of a mentally ill inmate before his death at Cloverhill; Finance Minister Simon Harris signals plans for new tax incentives to encourage savings and investment; Barack Obama clarifies his alien remarks; and Offaly students celebrate creativity through the Birr Schools Creative Cluster
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    1 hr and 59 mins
  • Week 6 - Friday

    Week 6 - Friday
    Feb 13 2026
    Court verdict and mental health focus — A jury returns a special verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity in the Ballyfin Demesne murder trial of Henry McGowan, with expert psychiatrists concluding he was experiencing a psychotic episode when he killed his father. Storm recovery, animal welfare and Arctic chill — Communities rally behind Maureen Folan after Storm Éowyn destroyed her Connemara home; Offaly TD Carol Nolan calls for a zero-tolerance crackdown on illegal sulky racing following the death of a pregnant horse; and Met Éireann issues a nationwide cold weather alert as temperatures plunge below freezing. AI, sport and Midlands ambition — Debate grows around AI’s impact on jobs and dating ahead of Valentine’s Day; Offaly GAA outlines new grassroots development plans; and Condron Concrete backs Clonbullogue’s Alex Dunne as he steps up to Formula 2 in his push toward Formula 1.
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    1 hr and 57 mins
  • Week 6 - Thursday

    Week 6 - Thursday
    Feb 12 2026
    AI on the march – and who pays the price? — Caricature artist Niall O’Loughlin warns that viral AI trends could threaten real livelihoods, while public bodies are told to brace for laptop shortages and rising costs as AI “gigafactories” disrupt global supply chains. Drugs strategy, school food and mental health failures — Minister Jennifer Murnane O’Connor unveils a draft National Drugs Strategy built on a health-led approach; Ali’s Kitchen questions the quality of State-provided school lunches; and Jacinta Graham speaks out about her son’s five years in uninterrupted psychiatric seclusion. Flood fears, online abuse and cultural loss — Councillor Aisling Moran says Laois residents are living in constant anxiety over river maintenance and worsening floods; Sinn Féin TD Sorca Clarke condemns AI “nudification” tools as digital abuse; and tributes pour in following the death of actor James Van Der Beek.
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    1 hr and 56 mins
  • Week 6 - Wednesday

    Week 6 - Wednesday
    Feb 11 2026
    Comedy, class and body politics — Ballymore comedian Alison Spittle opens up about illness, weight-loss medication, misogyny and working-class life as she tours her award-winning show Big, reflecting on dignity, stigma and why body neutrality matters more than body positivity. Climate law, commuting and public safety — former minister Eamon Ryan reacts to a landmark Supreme Court ruling on the Coolglass Wind Farm, putting public bodies on notice over climate obligations; Laois County Council reveals long daily commutes draining talent from the county; and a tribunal finds the long-used firefighter “beep test” discriminates against women and older recruits. Violence, justice and remembrance — the National Women’s Council calls for stronger protections to keep women and children in their homes amid domestic abuse; the jury hears disturbing details in the Ballyfin Demesne murder trial; road policing numbers fall sharply despite rising fatalities; and the Friends of Julia campaign pushes for the release of 1,304 names buried at St Loman’s Hospital.
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    1 hr and 56 mins