What could a December General Election mean for Brexit?
Could today be the day the Prime Minister finally gets the general election  he's been looking for?  The Scottish Nationalists and Lib Dems could give the PM the majority he needs to secure a December election. Jacob Rees-Mogg told the House of Commons that the government  would not bring its Withdrawal Agreement Bill  back to Parliament. So are we heading for a general election dominated by Br...
31m Oct 29, 2019
31m
‘We’re not rollover unionists’ – Doug Beattie backs Steve Aiken’s no pact plan
Doug Beattie hits out at criticism of Steve Aiken’s no unionist pact plan.
2m Oct 29, 2019
2m
Has the DUP softened their stance on an Irish language Act following Arlene Foster’s comments at DUP party conference?
The Irish language and unionism aren't incompatible. That's the view of the DUP leader Arlene Foster  At the DUP conference this weekend, Mrs Foster told delegates that it was time to "seek accommodation and legislate in a balanced way for language and culture, including for the Irish language"  Mrs Foster said that-politicians don't have all the answers.  So is this an olive branch to the Iris...
47m Oct 28, 2019
47m
80 year old with Parkinson’s made to wait more than an hour on airplane for wheelchair assistance at Belfast International Airport
A doctor from Ballymena has contacted us regarding the treatment he says he received at Belfast International Airport after a flight home. Denis Hopkins is in his 80s and has Parkinsons and needs to have special assistance when travelling. He and his wife were coming back from a holiday in Lanzarote on the 11th of October when things took a nose dive. Our reporter, Nicola Weir, went to speak to...
6m Oct 28, 2019
6m
‘Deep resentment across the unionist community if they endanger seat’ – Former DUP MLA Nelson McCausland hits out at Steve Aiken’s no pact plan
Former DUP MLA Nelson McCausland hits out at Steve Aiken’s no pact plan.
2m Oct 28, 2019
2m
Incoming UUP leader Steve Aiken accused of declaring war on fellow unionists after ruling out electoral pact with DUP
Battle stations ahead - in unionist waters.  The incoming leader of the UUP - former Royal Navy commander Steve Aiken - has told the Newsletter his party WILL NOT stand aside in any Westminster constituencies.  Past election pacts with the DUP meant the parties did not both run candidates - in some areas. On Sunday Politics Arlene Foster accused Steve Aiken of "handing seats to Sinn Fein" Vinny...
47m Oct 28, 2019
47m
Local school bans mobile phones to tackle bullying and stop disruption in classes
Belfast Royal Academy grammar school is enforcing a tough new mobile phone policy to tackle bullying and stop disruption in classes. They have banned the use of mobile phones on school grounds, school trips, and on the school bus.  The school warned that any phone seen or heard by staff will be confiscated. A fair move to focus young minds on education? Or out of step with tech - in 2019? Steph...
6m Oct 25, 2019
6m
Are we closer to a General Election as EU ambassadors meet to discuss potential #Brexit extension
EU ambassadors are to meet to discuss what length of Brexit extension to offer the UK, as MPs consider Boris Johnson's call for an early election. Most EU states are understood to favour a three-month delay, with an option to end earlier if a deal is ratified sooner than this by Parliament. But France has argued for a shorter extension to the 31 October deadline. Ahead of their conference this ...
8m Oct 25, 2019
8m
Sam McBride sheds light on the inner workings of Stormont during RHI scandal
It's the book that's shed even more light on what was going on at Stormont - and within the DUP  - during the RHI scandal.  'Burned' by the News Letter's political editor Sam McBride is giving us even more insight into the secret world of Stormont's special advisers - or SPADs.  It contains new revelations about perhaps the most influential of them all - the DUP's Timothy Johnston, an adviser t...
18m Oct 25, 2019
18m
MLAs paid almost £15M since the collapse of Stormont – Is it time to stop their money altogether?
It has been revealed that almost £15m has been paid to MLAs in salaries since the collapse of Stormont. North Down MP Lady Hermon has told the Commons it is "unsustainable and indefensible" that MLAs get their full salaries while "schools and hospitals are under so much pressure". Stephen spoke to Alan McQuilan, who was a former member of the panel that used to set MLA pay and former SPAD Brend...
28m Oct 25, 2019
28m
Former Dep. Director of the National Crime Agency @RoyMcComb talks to @StephenNolan about the impact of people smuggling in UK
A huge international investigation is underway to track down the criminal gang behind the deaths of 39 people whose bodies were found in a lorry in Essex yesterday.  The driver of the refrigerated container truck - 25 year old Mo Robinson from County Armagh - remains in custody. He was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder.  Detectives in Essex are trying to identify the remains of those...
41m Oct 24, 2019
41m
Why won’t ‘Alexa’ play the Biggest Show in the Country?
A caller tells Stephen that their smart speaker won’t play The Biggest Show in the County.
4m Oct 24, 2019
4m
Local school faces backlash over a ‘Darkest Day’ display on a noticeboard
An "abhorrent disregard for the wider school community"  That's how an open letter from former pupils of a County Antrim school describes the appearance of a so-called "Darkest Day" display  on a school noticeboard.  A blacked out noticeboard with the hashtag #DarkestDay iappeared on the Instagram account of the Christian Union at Dalriada School. This followed the decriminalisation of abortion...
30m Oct 24, 2019
30m
MPs back Brexit deal for first time – What happens next?
They gave with one hand and took away with the other  MPs backed a Brexit Deal for the first time last night, but also voted to reject the government's timetable to get it signed off  Number 10 are floating the idea of a general election if the EU offers a long extension. So what happens next? Are we heading for a general election, and would that help get a resolution to a Brexit deal?  Stephen...
17m Oct 23, 2019
17m
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle speak out about the pressures of media scrutiny
Do you feel sorry for Prince Harry and Meghan after they spoke movingly of the pressures they're under? In a new documentary that was on ITV this week, the Duchess said she's "existing, not living".   Should they be left alone, or are we entitled to want to read about our Royals? Stephen spoke to former BBC royal correspondent Jenny Bond and commentator Fionola Meridith.
6m Oct 23, 2019
6m
Would you ditch your petrol car for electric if you got free parking and access to bus lanes ?
Drivers of electric cars could be given green number plates that allow them to use bus lanes and park for free. The department of transport is running a 12 week consultation in England  as the government hopes it will boost electric car sales, helping it achieve its 2050 target of net zero emissions. But is it fair that drivers of electric cars should get benefits that other wouldn't? 
36m Oct 23, 2019
36m
Abortion decriminalised and same-sex marriage legalised in NI overnight as attempt to get the Assembly up falls at first hurdle
Abortion has been decriminalised and same-sex marriage is to be legalised in Northern Ireland. Legislation making the changes - which was passed by MPs at Westminster - came into force at midnight despite last ditch attempts by the DUP to introduce a private members bill. The speaker, the DUPs Robin Newton, argued that there could be no business done with out the election of a new speaker which...
20m Oct 22, 2019
20m
Hundreds of Loyalists attended meeting in East Belfast to oppose the Government’s Brexit bill
Hundreds of Loyalists have attended a meeting in East Belfast to oppose the Government’s Brexit Bill to exit the European Union. The plan has been described as a betrayal act - which will treat Northern Ireland differently from the rest of the UK. After the meeting at the Constitutional Club on the Newtownards Road, the loyalist blogger Jamie Bryson said:  "The unionist and loyalist people have...
21m Oct 22, 2019
21m
Labour peer warns goods coming into N. Ireland from England, Scotland & Wales could face admin charge under Boris’ Brexit deal
Potentially big implications for Northern Ireland consumers from Boris Johnson's customs deal.  A Labour peer warns the customs border in the Irish Sea will feel like a 'real border' and that trade with the Republic will be easier than with the rest of the UK .
30m Oct 22, 2019
30m
Proposed ‘Calorie Cap’ could limit amount of calories in restaurant and fast food meals
Some of our favourite fast food meals could be off the menu  under the NHS's controversial new "calorie cap" plans. NHS authorities want to slash the size of restaurant and fast food meals to just 950 calories. Dame Sally Davies - the NHS's outgoing Chief Medical Officer - made the proposals in a bid to tackle the county's growing fat epidemic, which she says we are "nowhere near" to solving.
10m Oct 21, 2019
10m
Some MLAs attempt to resurrect Stormont government ahead of NI abortion law reform deadline
Some of Stormont's MLAs will return to the chamber today  for the first time in nearly three years, after a petition  triggered a recall.  The move was proposed in an attempt to stop the reform  of Northern Ireland's abortion law. Laws on abortion and same-sex marriage will change unless devolution is restored by midnight.  Alliance leader Naomi Long has called it a stunt and joined Vinny Hurre...
35m Oct 21, 2019
35m
@nweir1 finds out how the Mobile Library in Belfast helps school children connect with literature
This week is Book Week Northern Ireland - a celebration of books and reading. It a joint initiative between Libraries NI and BBC Northern Ireland and our reporter, Nicola Weir, has been finding out how the Mobile Library in Belfast helps school children connect with literature by joining Paul Callaghan out on his Thursday run.
6m Oct 18, 2019
6m
Phil Coulter has released his memoirs "Bruised, Never Broken"
His career as a creator and solo recording artist, has spanned 5 decades. He's worked with the likes of Van Morrison, Sinead O'Connor and Cliff Richard. And now he's released his memoirs - 'bruised, never broken'. Phil Coulter spoke to Stephen this morning.
12m Oct 18, 2019
12m
Boris Johnson does a deal and is accused of humiliating the DUP and betraying Unionism
"He is a unionist through and through" - that was Nigel Dodd's assessment of Boris Johnson just two weeks ago. The Prime Minister was given a hero's welcome at a DUP drinks reception at the Tory party conference. Nigel Dodds went on to tell the Newsletter that Mr Johnson had sent out a "very strong message of solidarity in terms of the unionist position across the United Kingdom". But yesterday...
39m Oct 18, 2019
39m
The Boris DUP love-in is over. Have a listen to how that once blossoming romance turned sour...
The Boris DUP love-in is over. Have a listen to how that once blossoming romance turned sour...
6m Oct 18, 2019
6m
New school transgender guidelines are published in NI - with focus on uniforms, naming and the use of toilets and changing rooms.
School uniforms, naming - he / she / they, use of toilets and changing rooms, access to sports and admissions to single-sex schools -  that's just some of the issues covered in new guidelines for schools in Northern Ireland on how to support transgender pupils. The guidance is from the Education Authority - the body responsible for schools here. The EA says it reflects best practice in supporti...
20m Oct 17, 2019
20m
The DUP say No. Arlene Foster's party reject Prime Minister Boris Johnson's revised #Brexit plan for Northern Ireland.
The DUP says no. The party has said that it "could not support" Prime Minister Boris Johnson's revised Brexit plan for Northern Ireland. In a statement released early this morning they stated "As things stand we could not support what is being suggested on customs and consent issues and there is a lack of clarity on VAT." Stephen spoke to Alliance Party leader Naomi Long, UUP MLA Steve Aiken an...
30m Oct 17, 2019
30m
Could Boris Johnson's fate be in the hands of Arlene Foster? And if the DUP do scupper an agreement how will history judge them in the blame game of a no deal #Brexit?
"When would any other country ever give up part of its territory as part of trade talks? This would "completely undermine Northern Ireland's status as an integral part of the UK. We must not go down this route." - the stark concerns from the former Secretary of State Owen Patterson. And as a Tory he is sending his warnings to the government. The DUP has said they will not tolerate staying in th...
35m Oct 16, 2019
35m
Scotland becomes the first part of the UK to ban smacking by parents.
Scotland has become the first part of the UK to ban smacking by parents. A bill was passed in the Scottish Parliament recently making it a criminal offence for a parent or carer to use physical force to discipline children. It means Scottish kids now have the same protection from assault as adults. Wales is also close to an outright ban and Ireland banned smacking four years ago. Is it ever OK ...
6m Oct 15, 2019
6m
Translink chief says £3 billion needed for public transport over the next ten years.
Translink has said it needs £3 billion over the next 10 years to pursue a zero emissions agenda after being underfunded for decades. Last year the company reported a 3% rise in journeys to 84.5 million across bus and rail services and in its first year, the Glider had 10 million passenger journeys. Should more public money be invested in rail and bus services? Stephen got the views of commentat...
11m Oct 15, 2019
11m
Tribunal rules that people born in NI are automatically British
If you're born in Northern Ireland - you are British even if you identify as Irish. That was the finding of tribunal judges yesterday. In 2017, NI woman Emma De Souza applied for a residence card for her US-born husband making the application under her Irish passport. However, the Home Office rejected the application as it deemed Mrs De Souza was British, even though she says that she never hel...
36m Oct 15, 2019
36m
True North: "The Dementia- Friendly Barber"
Tonight's True North is entitled the "Dementia-Friendly Barber" and follows Bangor barber Lenny White as he cuts the hair of men with dementia and offers them his unique form of therapy. Stephen spoke to Lenny.
7m Oct 14, 2019
7m
Belfast City Council launches investigation after footage emerges showing a loyalist marching band parading inside City Hall on Saturday night
Belfast City Council has started an investigation after footage emerged of a loyalist flute band parading inside City Hall. Videos shared on social media show uniformed members of the Glasgow band the Govan Protestant Boys performing in corridors and the reception. They were attending a centenary dinner in the building for the George Telford Memorial Orange Lodge. Stephen got reaction from form...
5m Oct 14, 2019
5m
Has Boris Johnson thrown away another promise to NI in his proposal?
Has Boris Johnston thrown away another promise to Northern Ireland in his Brexit propsal? The BBC understands the UK has dropped a demand that the Brexit deal include a veto for the Stormont Assembly to prevent the arrangements for Northern Ireland ever coming into force. Government sources insist they're still a seeking a mechanism to give the people of Northern Ireland a greater say. This Sto...
23m Oct 14, 2019
23m
Sinn Fein opposition to extradition of John Downey - hypocritical, or legitimate concern about the state's handling of legacy cases?
Sinn Fein stand accused of hypocrisy over the party's opposition to the extradition of John Downey. Michelle O'Neill has called it "an attempt to overturn due process". Sinn Fein National Chairperson Declan Kearney tweeted the hashtag "#ReleaseHimNow". But is this hypocritical, or legitimate concern about the state's handling of legacy cases? Stephen spoke to News Letter's deputy editor Ben Low...
13m Oct 14, 2019
13m
"Before I Was An Orphan" - @AlexKane221b documentary
Alex Kane is a regular on the show and many of you will have heard the story of Alex growing up. It is the topic of this weeks Stories In Sound on BBC Radio Ulster - titled Before I Was An Orphan.
6m Oct 11, 2019
6m
Ian Pailsey MP reads from notification he received from Joe Bamford on Wrightbus deal
"I have agreed terms on a deal in principle with the Wright family" - Ian Pailsey MP reads from notification he received from Joe Bamford on Wrightbus deal
5m Oct 11, 2019
5m
Is a possible Brexit deal about to happen? Leo Varadkar and Boris Johnson say they can see a pathway to a possible agreement.
Could a Brexit agreement be about to happen? Yesterday Boris Johnson and Leo Varadkar both said that they could "see a pathway to a possible deal". Last night, the Secretary of State Julian Smith told BBC's The View programme that it gave him great heart that the UK and the Republic were trying to find what he called "an accommodation".  And he addressed one criticism levelled at Mr Johnson's p...
44m Oct 11, 2019
44m
If there were any type of customs checks in NI after Brexit - would Sinn Fein refuse to go in to an assembly?
If there were any type of customs checks in NI after Brexit - would Sinn Fein refuse to go in to an assembly? Ben Lowry and Allison Morris discuss.
21m Oct 10, 2019
21m
If Sinn Fein gets an Irish language act, will it come back to Stormont?
It is a simple question. What will it take for Sinn Fein to bring government to Northern Ireland? If they get an Irish language act - is that enough - or is there a shopping list of red lines?  Stephen spoke to News Letter deputy editor Ben Lowry and Allison Morris from the Irish News.
28m Oct 10, 2019
28m
UK ticket holder scoops a record £170 million Euro lottery prize.
A UK ticket-holder has won the full £170m Euromillions jackpot, in the UK's biggest ever lottery win. The National Lottery operator Camelot says it's not yet known if it's been won by a single person, a family or a syndicate. A single ticket matched all 7 numbers on last night's Euromillions to win. The previous record holders were Colin and Chris Weir, from North Ayrshire, who won £161 million...
5m Oct 09, 2019
5m
New government legislation for a Troubles pension means paramilitaries injured by their own hand won't be eligible
The government will not refer to the current definition of a victim when it comes to drafting legislation for a Troubles pension, BBC NI understands. Applicants to the pension will be asked to set out how they meet any future scheme's eligibility criteria, as opposed to whether they fit the definition of a victim. This could mean that paramilitaries who were convicted of an offence in relation ...
6m Oct 09, 2019
6m
A #Brexit deal essentially impossible - that's what Number 10 says.
It will be "very difficult" for the UK and the EU to reach a Brexit agreement before the 31 October deadline, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said. He told RTE "big gaps" remained between the two sides. He also suggested the language around the discussions had turned toxic "in some quarters". His comments came after a No 10 source claimed that Germany was now making it "essentially impossible" for t...
31m Oct 09, 2019
31m
Government publishes guidance for healthcare professionals on abortion law in Northern Ireland
No criminal charges brought against those who have an abortion, or against health care professionals who provide and assist in an abortion. Abortions in cases of fatal fetal abnormality will be allowed. Just some of the guidance, from the government for healthcare professionals on abortion law in Northern Ireland. It sets out what will happen following changes to the law here after 21 October, ...
22m Oct 08, 2019
22m
New PSNI @ChiefConPSNI Simon Byrne taking your calls on the Nolan Show
New PSNI Chief Constable Simon Byrne taking your calls on the Nolan Show
30m Oct 08, 2019
30m
New PSNI @ChiefConPSNI Simon Byrne joins @StephenNolan in studio to talk policing, Brexit and paramilitaries
New PSNI Chief Constable Simon Byrne joins Nolan in studio to talk policing, Brexit and paramilitaries
27m Oct 08, 2019
27m
Aoibhinn has been on diabetic pump waiting list for 5 years - she tells @StephenNolan what accessing the device could do for her health
Aoibhinn is 24 years old and lives with type 1 diabetes. She has been on waiting lists for nearly 5 years waiting on a diabetic pump which she believes will improve her quality of life.
6m Oct 07, 2019
6m
Charlotte - mum of Harry Dunn - in heartfelt plea to US diplomat's wife who was involved in the traffic collision that killed their son
The mother of a teenager killed when his motorbike collided with a car driven by the wife of a US diplomat is appealing for the woman to return to the UK for questioning. Charlotte Charles has urged her "as a mum" to come back, and speak to the police. 19 year old Harry Dunn died in August near RAF Croughton in Northamptonshire. Although the driver of the car told police she had no plans to lea...
24m Oct 07, 2019
24m
Boris Johnson's Brexit deal is threat to peace in NI - that's the warning from former MP Tony Blair
Boris Johnson's Brexit deal is threat to peace in Northern Ireland - that's the comments from former Prime Minister Tony Blair. Writing for the Guardian Mr Blair said that the Good Friday Agreement would never have been signed without a commitment to an open border between Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic. Stephen got reaction from former DUP MLA Nelson McCausland and commentator Brendan...
8m Oct 07, 2019
8m
War of words erupts in unionism as UUP launches a highly critical attack on the DUP
A war of words has broken out between the UUP and the DUP after Lord Empey said it was hard  to understand how any unionist could advocate Arlene Foster`s ghastly deal. He has even dubbed the DUP leader Arlene "two borders" Foster. However, DUP MP Sir Jeffrey Donaldson accused his former party colleague of "bitterness" and said the DUP had worked with Boris Johnson to secure "a reasonable offer...
33m Oct 07, 2019
33m