There's a great line-up of performers and events.
The Leaves Festival of Writing and Music kicks off in Laois today.
John Sheahan from The Dubliners, photographer John Minihan and writer Joseph O'Connor are just some of the names taking part in the event.
The festival will highlight the art of conversation - and the appreciation of film and live theatre will be celebrated until November 10th.
Writer Dermot Bolger is curator and says there is something special about the festival:
Problem Gambling Needs Tackling Head On - Laois Support Group
The first national study investigating gambling and suicide was released this week.
Offaly Business To Aid Woman Who Lost Her Home To Storm Éowyn
The company will assist with materials needed for repairs.
Public Urged To Make To Most Of HAS For Alternative Accommodation
The scheme will compensate people looking for alternative accommodation while still out of power at home.
Public Asked To Respect ESB Crews Working To Fully Restore Power
It's after some incidents of abuse have been reported.
Calls For More Lighting At A Laois Historical Site
The move could improve both tourism and safety.
Over 260 People In The Midlands In Emergency Accommodation In December
More than 14,000 people nationally accessed emergency accommodation at Christmas.
Gardaí At The Scene Of Lorry Crash In Laois
The road has been blocked after one lorry involved lost its load.
Fundraiser In Offaly For Food Security Project In Kenya
This will be the eighth year of the event.
Laois Towns Set To Benefit From New TFI Local Link Bus Improvement
The increase in runs is part of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan.
Offaly Business Backs Alex Dunne For F1
The Clonbullogue racer impressed testing F2 machinery at the end of last year.
Department Of Education Aiding Schools With Damage Caused During Storm
The schools are able to remain open while works are being done.
Gardaí Appeal For Witnesses Following Offaly Burglaries
Two burglaries occurred yesterday evening in Birr yesterday evening.
Laois Councillor Calls For Derelict Properties Committee
Only 6 starts were made on vacant and derelict properties last year.
Midlands MEP Raises Concerns On Impact Of Mercosur Deal
The deal poses potential loss of €55m per year for Ireland.
Drennan Family "Disgusted" At Sentence For Man Who Killed Laois Student In Hit And Run
Kieran Fogarty has been handed down two sentences which will run concurrently.
Westmeath Man Says Washington DC Plane Crash Was Visible To Many
Roscrea's Mark Kirwan is a former member of the Metropolitan Police Harbour Patrol in Washington.
Tax Payers Need Value For Money From OPW Projects - Longford-Westmeath TD
Kevin 'Boxer' Moran has been appointed as Minister of State with responsibility for the OPW.
Two Motorists In Laois See Vehicles Seized By Gardaí
Court proceedings have begun in both cases.
Storm Éowyn Causes Extensive Damage To Westmeath Mushroom Farm
Equipment and covers have been left unusable.
Westmeath Senators To Learn Re-Election Fate After Golfgate
A number of politicians involved in Golfgate four years ago have been appointed Junior Ministers.
