Porn laws need 'urgent' overhaul, says new Victims' Commissioner
The new UK Victim's Commissioner, Dame Vera Baird, has urged the government to classify revenge porn, and other offences of this nature, as sexual offences. "Revenge Porn" is the sharing of private sexual photos or videos of another person without their consent and with the purpose of causing embarrassment or distress. Is this a good idea? Vinny spoke to commentator Emma Woolf and Luke Gittos f...
7m Jul 11, 2019
7m
The Environment Agency and action over tyres on bonfires - are the civil servants asleep at the wheel?
Thousands of tyres have been removed from East Belfast bonfires this week in the run up to the Eleventh Night celebrations. Contractors acting on behalf of Belfast City Council removed 1800 tyres from a site in Lismore Street last Sunday. Then bonfire builders in East voluntarily took tyres off sites at Connswater and Avoniel. It's illegal to dump or burn tyres - under the law, retailers are su...
19m Jul 11, 2019
19m
No-deal #Brexit 'could put 40,000 jobs at risk' in NI
A no-deal Brexit could put 40,000 jobs at risk in Northern Ireland, according to new analysis from Stormont's Department for the Economy. The report says many jobs could "disappear almost overnight, especially in industries such as agri-food and haulage". It also warns of "immediate and severe consequences" for NI competitiveness. Vinny was joined by businessman and NI Conservative member Irwin...
28m Jul 11, 2019
28m
CCTV footage of 'relay' theft of car from caller Raymond's driveway.
Caller Raymond was victim of car theft recently when his Range Rover was stolen from his drive way. This was a different kind of car theft though. Thieves used technology to bypass entry systems on keyless cars. CCTV footage of shows the 'relay' theft of the car from caller Raymond's driveway. He told Vinny what happened and we heard from Head of Roads Policy at the AA - Jack Cousens.
10m Jul 10, 2019
10m
Abortion and same-sex marriage moves for NI backed by MPs
MPs have backed amendments which require the government to liberalise abortion and introduce equal marriage to Northern Ireland if devolution is not restored. It was part of a Commons debate aimed at keeping Northern Ireland running in the absence of devolved government. Its main purpose was to extend the government's legal power to delay a fresh Stormont election. Vinny got the views of DUP ML...
50m Jul 10, 2019
50m
Therapy dogs - would you like to see animals in the workplace or schools if it helps people relieve stress?
Research from the US has found that stressed out students gain greatly from spending time with animals, even preventing some from dropping out. Patricia Pendry, from Washington State University, said her study showed "soothing" sessions with dogs could lessen the negative impact of stress. Should we be using more dogs to help combat stress in students? Maybe we should bring them into workplaces...
13m Jul 09, 2019
13m
NI Executive Formation Bill debated by MPs.
MPs will today decide whether to use an emergency act of direct rule to liberalise Northern Ireland's abortion laws and introduce equal marriage. The Northern Ireland Executive Formation Bill is designed to keep government in Northern Ireland ticking over while the devolved executive remains absent. It also allows amendments to be put forward. Vinny spoke to BBC NI political correspondent Enda ...
14m Jul 09, 2019
14m
Heartbroken father hits out at Belfast City Council over Dundonald Cemetery "mess"
A heartbroken father says he's disappointed and angry about the state of Dundonald Graveyard. Charles Moffett's daughter, Samantha Jane, died two years ago and is buried there, close to Belfast city centre. However, Mr Moffett says it is now is a state of disrepair - and says its only a matter of time before someone is hurt tending to their loved ones graves. Our reporter, Nicola Weir, went to ...
5m Jul 09, 2019
5m
Cash for a different ash - questions over who's making money from the bonfire tyres.
At the weekend contractors working for Belfast City Council removed over 1800 tyres from a bonfire at Lismore Street. There was the usual concern over the toxicity of burning tyres, the danger to human health both in the short and the long term. But there's also another issue, where do the tyres come from? If you're a car owner, you'll be familiar with the routine of going to a tyre company, pa...
31m Jul 09, 2019
31m
His race is run - the legend that was John McCrirrick in one of his final interviews with Stephen Nolan
Racing pundit, John McCririck,  has died at the age of 79.  He was regarded as the face of British horse racing for many years - known for his eccentric style and dress sense.  He reached new audiences in recent years  with appearances on shows like Celebrity Big Brother.  John was a friend of this programme -  speaking to us many times about his racing insights and enjoying getting stuck into ...
8m Jul 08, 2019
8m
Golf writer says marching bands event during the Open is "horrendously embarrassing"
It's not often the Guardian writes about the finer aspects of Orange bands  especially in its golf pages but journalist Ewan Murray - has written a biting condemnation of a marching bands event to be held in Portrush during the Open in less than two weeks' time. He describes the juxtaposition of the two events as horrendously embarrassing." Vinny spoke to PUP Cllr Russell Watton, Newton Emerson...
10m Jul 08, 2019
10m
A leisure centre forced to close, residents told to leave their homes and toxic tyres ready to burn - some of the controversy around some 11th night bonfires.
After a quiet build-up to the twelfth, the weekend brought the return of all-too familiar headlines. From intimidation forcing the closure of a Belfast leisure centre -where a bonfire has been built in the car park, to residents in Portadown being advised to move out of their homes due-to-the-proximity and height of a bonfire. Vinny was joined by Jamie Bryson, former Belfast City Councillor Chr...
41m Jul 08, 2019
41m
Is it legal to refuse someone a job because they're a smoker?
Apparently it is quite legal for an employer to refuse someone a job because they're a smoker. Vinny talked about that and other employment issues now  with big bad company boss  Irwin Armstrong  and former trade union official  Bumper Graham.  
15m Jul 05, 2019
15m
Woman orphaned by driving collision hits out at 14 month sentencing of 20 year old driver
A woman whose parents were killed in a crash caused by a 20-year-old who has been jailed for 14 months says 'justice has not been done'. Dean and Sandra Weir, both 52,  were killed in a crash in Ballywalter two years ago.  Their car was struck by one driven by Charles Hugh Macartney who lost control of his car while taking a bend in the road at almost 90mph.
9m Jul 05, 2019
9m
Is it the end of the UK as we know it? Fears from dept. PM that #Brexit is breaking Britain
"The Union is under greater strain than I've seen in my lifetime." That's the view of de-facto deputy Prime Minister David Lidington.  So is the union under greater strain than ever before or is there a bit of politicking going on here?  Vinny was joined by the commentators Nelson McCausland and Andree Murphy 
26m Jul 05, 2019
26m
No operation on the NHS until you quit smoking? Would that be fair?
Yesterday we reported that according to the Cancer Research UK charity -  obesity now causes more cases of 4 common cancers in the UK than smoking!  Well - a 25 year old woman in England was refused an operation recently because she is a smoker.  Mum of 2, Bethany Glass, was told by doctors at the Spire Hospital in East Yorkshire that she needed to be smoke free for six months in order to have ...
18m Jul 04, 2019
18m
Would you support the Tory government legislating on abortion and gay marriage in NI?
The women and equalities minister, Penny Mordaunt, has set her sights on changing what she has described as the “appalling” abortion laws here in Northern Ireland.  Vinny spoke to Susan McKay, John O'Doherty from the Rainbow Project and DUP MLA Jim Wells.
41m Jul 04, 2019
41m
Womens' football soars in popularity with World Cup – but disappointment for England as Lionesses crash out at the semis
Off the pitch, the reach of women's football has increased hugely, in part thanks to this World Cup. So what now for the women's game? Have you become a fan? Are you ditching the men's game, and watching the women's from now on?
13m Jul 03, 2019
13m
Is it ever ok to wear your pajamas outside the house?
Is it ever ok to wear you pajamas outside the house? Well apparently more and more of us are doing it - with 49% admitting to wearing their pyjamas out and about, including to the shops, dog walking and even in the office.  The study by reading charity - BookTrust also flagged up 17% of those questioned - who don't wear pajamas ever and prefer to sleep in the nip! Vinny was joined by Ant Miller...
11m Jul 03, 2019
11m
Obesity nearly as deadly as smoking so what's wrong with a doctor telling someone they're too fat?
Obesity now causes more cases of four common cancers in the UK than smoking!  That's according to the Cancer Research UK charity.  They say bowel, kidney, ovarian and liver cancers are more likely to have been caused by being overweight than by smoking tobacco. Cancer Research UK's new billboard campaign, which highlights the obesity-cancer risk, has been criticised for fat-shaming. 
20m Jul 03, 2019
20m
BBC’s top talent wage bill rises by £10m – Are the star presenters worth it?
The BBC's spend on top talent has risen by around £10 million to £159 million. Claudia Winkleman, Zoe Ball and Vanessa Feltz have all moved up the BBC's star-salaries-list after the corporation's efforts to tackle an equal pay problem.  Here Stephen Nolan's pay has fallen by around £75,000.   This is all in the wake of the announcement that there will be no free TV licences for over 75s. Should...
31m Jul 03, 2019
31m
Singer Brian Kennedy reveals that he is now cancer free
There was a huge reaction when Brian Kennedy appeared on Nolan Live back in March discussing his diagnoses and treatment of rectal cancer and showed off "the twins," his colostomy and urostomy bags on live TV. His honesty and positivity affected many viewers. Well, Brian broke the good news over the weekend that he is now cancer free and joined Vinny Hurrell on the programme this morning to tal...
19m Jul 02, 2019
19m
Tory leadership candidates Boris Johnson & Jeremy Hunt come to NI to win over local party members’ support
Tory leader and Prime Ministerial hopefuls  Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt  will be holding official hustings in NI today.  Local Conservative members will get a chance to ask questions of both men.  Brexit and the border are expected to dominate proceedings.
11m Jul 02, 2019
11m
Northern Ireland's new Chief Constable rules out a return to 50:50 police recruitment
Reintroducing the 50:50 police recruitment policy - would be 'premature' - that's according to the new chief constable - Simon Byrne who was sworn into the top job yesterday. It was one of the topics up for discussion when he spoke to the BBC's Home Affairs Correspondent  Julian O'Neill
12m Jul 02, 2019
12m
Belfast City Council passes motion to take legal action over flags being put up in parts of the city
Belfast City Council has passed a motion to take legal action over flags being put up in parts of the city. The Sinn Féin motion suggested the Department for Infrastructure be brought to court over its refusal to remove paramilitary flags and banners from lamp posts. This morning the Department say that although they 'have the power to prosecute, that doesn't solve the underlying issues and tha...
26m Jul 02, 2019
26m
Tears of joy for @kylieminogue as she finally plays #Glastonbury
Glastonbury delivered another stunning lineup over the weekend including headliners Stormzy, The Killers and The Cure. The legends slot in the afternoon was a very emotional Kylie Minogue - she blinked back tears as she finally got to play Glastonbury's Pyramid Stage, 14 years after cancer forced her to cancel a headline slot. Vinny got reaction from showbiz reporter Paul Martin.
4m Jul 01, 2019
4m
UVF flags are put up again in a shared housing estate in east Belfast where four Catholic families fled their homes two years ago.
Another summer, another incident of paramilitary flags being erected in a shared housing area. Several flags featuring UVF emblems were hung from lampposts in Cantrell Close in south Belfast over the weekend - the latest in a series of controversial incidents in the area in recent years. The housing development just off the Ravenhill Road, was designed to be a flagship-cross community developme...
20m Jul 01, 2019
20m
Travel writer takes aim at crowdfunding once in a lifetime sponsored events.
Lots of people are raising money these days for charity by completing various challenges. People are completing fun runs, marathons and cycles, or getting their chests waxed - and asking people to sponsor them for a special cause. Then there are those more adventurous people who plan once in a lifetime sponsored events like hiking the Great Wall of China, Climbing Kilimanjaro or trekking throug...
16m Jul 01, 2019
16m
RHI claimants got a "raw deal" MPs say
Changes to Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme payments meant a "raw deal" for participants, a committee of MPs has said. The Northern Ireland Affairs Committee said the Department for the Economy should "revisit" deep cuts in payments. It comes after businesses said the cuts had left them struggling. The DUP MP Ian Paisley is on the committee. He told Vinny claimants were being treated unfai...
17m Jul 01, 2019
17m
Pro-life group is accused of traumatising women who've suffered miscarriages with graphic anti-abortion images in Belfast City Centre
A Belfast City councillor has sought legal advice on the display of abortion imagery by some pro-life groups in Belfast City Centre. Alliance councillor Michelle Kelly said that although she supports people's right to protest, concerns had been raised over images used. Vinny spoke to Michelle Kelly and Marion Woods from campaign group Both Lives Matter.
19m Jul 01, 2019
19m
PSNI could be hit for millions more in another court action - this time over pension payments
The Fire Brigades Union in GB has secured a victory in its long-running dispute with the Government over changes made to firefighters' pensions in 2015. The Supreme Court has refused the government's application for permission to appeal the Court of Appeal ruling which it lost in December. This is the last legal hurdle in the dispute, leaving the Government with no further avenue to exhaust. Th...
11m Jun 28, 2019
11m
How would you feel about a 50 mph motorway speed limit to tackle pollution?
Should we be limited to 50 mph in our cars, in an attempt to reduce air pollution? The limit was reduced on the motorway and on stretches of A-road in December in Wales - and now the Welsh Government has now confirmed the restrictions will stay permanently. Should we be forced to slow down to improve the air we breathe? Stephen got the views of writer Tim Hedgley and commentator Dave Atherton.
13m Jun 28, 2019
13m
Former patient of Dr Watt - one of 3,500 neurology patients recalled amid concerns over possible misdiagnosis - says 'we deserve answers' one year on
It is now over a year since the recall of nearly 3,500 neurology patients for a case review amid concerns over possible misdiagnosis. The doctor at the centre of it - Dr Michael Watt - has since been temporarily suspended from practice. Yesterday we reported how a planned update into the recall  has been postponed. The update was to be given to politicIans and charities. However, in a letter se...
9m Jun 28, 2019
9m
Plans to set up support group for LGBT teachers & education staff delayed after concerns raised by board member of the Education Authority
Plans to set up a support group for LGBT teachers and education staff have been delayed after concerns were raised by a board member of the Education Authority. The Authority - which employs 40,000 staff including teachers and administrators - asked its board to approve the establishment of an LGBT Staff Network. Similar groups operate within the civil service, police and health service in Nort...
32m Jun 28, 2019
32m
Department of Health say "unforeseen circumstances" means a planned update of a 3,500 neurology patient recall is postponed
"Unforeseen circumstances" mean a planned update into one of the biggest recalls of patients in NI here has been postponed. SDLP MLA Nicola Mallon says “The outcome and scale of over-diagnosis and misdiagnosis is a matter of patient and public interest. Patients and the public deserve openness and transparency. They deserve to know why this information cannot be released.”
4m Jun 27, 2019
4m
Chief Constable says his biggest regret is on legacy and the 'unanswered questions for victims'
PSNI Chief Constable Sir George Hamilton says his biggest regret is on legacy and the 'unanswered questions for victims'. Stephen got reaction from Irish News journalist Allison Morris, commentator Andree Murphy, victims campaigner Kenny Donaldson and Newsletter journalist Ben Lowry.
14m Jun 27, 2019
14m
After 34 years in policing Sir George Hamilton retires as @ChiefConPSNI
He joined the RUC as a teenager at the height of the Troubles, and rose through the ranks to the top job. This weekend, after 34 years as a policeman, George Hamilton will retire as Chief Constable of the PSNI. He joined Stephen in studio this morning.
15m Jun 27, 2019
15m
Should you be forced to register to watch pornography?
Should you be forced to register to watch pornography? The government has delayed bringing in a legal requirement to prove your age, if any of you are watching pornography online. It is designed to protect under 18 year olds from the dangers of porn. But there are lots of issues in this. Everybody having to register will mean if you are 30, or in your 40's or 50's, the government may be able to...
38m Jun 27, 2019
38m
'He took huge risks when it was important to do it' - Colum Eastwood on Ivan Cooper
The veteran civil rights leader Ivan Cooper has died. Mr Cooper was one of the organisers of the first civil rights march at Duke Street in Derry on the 5th of October, 1968. He also organised the anti-internment march which led to the events of Bloody Sunday in 1972. Gerry Bradley looks back at his life, and Stephen talks to SDLP leader Colum Eastwood.
11m Jun 26, 2019
11m
Boris Johnson would 'throw unionism under a bus if it suits him' - Peter Hain
Boris Johnston would 'throw unionism under a bus if it suits him'. That's from former Northern Ireland Secretary of State Peter Hain, writing in the Belfast Telegraph today. He joined Stephen this morning.
13m Jun 26, 2019
13m
School sports days - is it the winning or the taking part that takes count?
We're at the end of June now and for most children that will mean participating in their school sports day. The sack race, egg and spoon race, and the three-legged race make up what's meant to be a fun day of competition. But one writer in the Irish Times says the competitive element should be dropped. Jen Hogan suggests that "Nobody needs the humiliation that comes with being known as the boy ...
14m Jun 26, 2019
14m
School in drive to help find donor for 10 year old Thomas - @nweir1 reports
This month we featured the story of Sharon Whyte McCloskey - a mother of three little boys who is fighting for  her life against a highly aggressive form of blood cancer. She needs a stem cell transplant and appealed to the public to volunteer for genetic swabbing. Well her story hit a very emotional cord with the family of Thomas Miller - a 10 year old boy from Ballymena. He was diagnosed with...
7m Jun 26, 2019
7m
TUV leader @JimAllister accuses Sainsbury's of isolating Christians after the store fly a gay pride banner
You may have noticed some companies and organisations displaying rainbow colours recently - they're marking Pride Month by showing their support for the LGBT community. But the TUV leader Jim Allister isn't happy about it. The Belfast Telegraph reports this morning that he's complained to the supermarket chain Sainsbury's about the display of a rainbow banner outside its Ballymena store. The ba...
30m Jun 26, 2019
30m
No period of grace if your MOT runs out in the coming weeks - that's the warning from civil servants despite the current massive backlog for appointments.
The Belfast Telegraph is reporting that there will be no grace period for MOT delays despite the current testing backlog. That means anyone driving their vehicle without a valid certificate will be breaking the law, even if they cannot get a date before their MoT lapses. SDLP MLA Mark H Durkan had written to the Department for Infrastructure to request the the grace period - he spoke to Stephen...
12m Jun 25, 2019
12m
Northern Health Trust patients face 20 month wait for urgent appointment with consultant dermatologist - with over 1,600 people on the list.
Patients in the Northern Health Trust could face a wait of up to 20 months for an urgent appointment with a Consultant Dermatologist. There are currently 1672 people on that urgent waiting list. The Trust says the delay is down to demand on the service and "it has experienced a significant increase in referrals for suspected skin cancers." The figure has come to light after the parents of a sev...
10m Jun 25, 2019
10m
Boris Johnson ducks questions over 'row' with partner - should a politician's personal life matter?
So what about Boris Johnston - or high profile political figures in general. Should their personal lives matter, when it comes to being the right person - for the job? Is it any of our business? Stephen got the views of commentator Malachi O'Doherty and former Tory MP Edwina Currie.
15m Jun 25, 2019
15m
Former Conservative minister Sir Malcolm Rifkind on Boris 'row' silence
Tory leader and PM contender Boris Johnston has rarely been out of the headline recently. Among them - a widely reported row between himself and his partner Carrie Symonds. He has remained tight lipped, saying - "I do not talk about stuff involving my family, my loved ones." Stephen spoke to the former Conservative Defence and Foreign Secretary, Sir Malcolm Rifkind.
13m Jun 25, 2019
13m
Calls to take down a banner supporting former soldiers on the Lisburn Road.
There have been calls for the removal of a banner erected in South Belfast supporting British soldiers and linked to 'Soldier F'. But the PSNI say that there is no criminal offence in erecting banners - unless the property owners want to pursue a prosecution. The owner - the Department of Infrastructure - says it didn't give permission for a banner hung from lampposts on the Lisburn Road. They'...
27m Jun 25, 2019
27m
A mother's battle to stop a Cemetery Committee removing her beloved daughter's headstone
A heartbroken mother says she is being forced to remove her daughter's headstone after a Church Committee said it contravened the rules and regulations of the cemetery. Loretta Nolan's daughter, Emma Louise, died last year aged just 23 years old. She left behind a five year old son. Her little boy picked the design of a pink butterfly headstone to remember his mummy - but just a few weeks befor...
6m Jun 21, 2019
6m
Sammy Wilson MP reveals DUP boycott @StephenNolan show as it is the 'best way of hurting him'
Sammy Wilson MP reveals DUP boycott Nolan Show as it is the 'best way of hurting him'. Stephen got reaction from Irish News journalist Allison Morris.
5m Jun 21, 2019
5m