This week on Welcome to Friday, Sam is MIA, Juan and Charlie calmly dissect the state of the USA, negotiate peace in the Middle East, and conduct a forensic analysis of Twisted Tea and hen-pecked husbands at Disney World — all before turning to the Isle of Man’s own diplomatic crisis: graffiti outside a Lord’s residence. WTF is Manx.News satirical, occasionally accurate, always entertaining review of the week’s news, generously seasoned with unsolicited opinions.

With Juan off discussing the finer points of renaissance art with Donald Duck and Goofy, Sam and Charlie seize the silence to dive into the Budget.

They chew over the new £17k tax threshold, MHK salaries, spiralling Manx Care funding, the eye‑watering welfare bill, pensions and the future of the human race.

There’s a spin through housing and poverty with Douglas Council leader Devon Watson, bus drivers heading for strike action and a detour into the Winter Olympics, as Charlie pitches herself as a future luge star.

To restore faith in something, they celebrate a string of Manx sporting successes from dressage and marathons to rally entries and cyclists and ask why we’re not investing far more in the island’s athletes.

The Isle of Man Budget 2026 is here — and this is the full audio edition of our one‑hour Manx.News panel special.

Host Charlie Morrey brings together senior political leaders and key industry figures to break down the biggest Budget of the year: the tax changes, the £45m boost for the NHS, the £90m capital programme, and the long‑term financial plan that will shape the Island’s future.

Featuring: • Chris Thomas MHK — Treasury Minister • Alfred Cannan MHK — Chief Minister • Devon Watson — Leader of Douglas City Council • Brian Butler — Construction Isle of Man • Chris Corlett - Chamber of Commerce.

In this episode: • What the tax and NI changes mean for households • Where the major spending increases will go • How the capital programme affects infrastructure and construction • The pressures facing local authorities • The five‑year plan to reduce reliance on reserves • What Budget 2026 means for the Island’s economy

Whether you’re looking for political insight, economic context or a clear breakdown of the numbers, this audio special gives you the complete picture.

Listen now for the full Budget 2026 analysis.