The Hard Shoulder

New health guidelines in Russia will see women who do not want to have children referred to psychologists. This is in an effort to address a systemic demographic crisis where Russia, like a lot of the world, is seeing the birth rate fall.Ali Hall, From Life Without Children decided from a young age that she did not want children, and joins Ciara to discuss.

The Irish Road Haulage Association has said that the threat of immediate protest action is now “off the table” following a meeting this morning with Minister Darragh O’Brien. President of the Association Ger Hyland said he was satisfied that substantial supports that are going to be announced in the next week. But, will this stem the significant rise in fuel prices we are seeing at the pumps? And what form will this intervention take?Darragh O’Brien, Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy and Minister for Transport joins Shane to discuss.

Demolition has started on an illegally built home in Meath after the council moved in to take control of the property yesterday.Joining Ciara with the latest updates is Barry Whyte, Newstalk’s Chief Reporter.

Queen’s University Belfast students are voting on reintroducing Irish-language dual signage in the university’s students’ union following its removal almost 30 years ago.For more on this, Shane is joined by Jay Basra, Chair of the Young Unionists Society at Queen’s & Eoghan Ó Conghaile, a member of An Cumann Gaelach, the Irish language Society at Queen’s.

Life can be full of confusing things, but no need to worry! Every Wednesday, Simon Tierney will be showing you ‘How to do Stuff’ - bringing his best tips for those things you might not think about.This week, Simon joins Ciara and Shane to discuss how to properly fold laundry!

An unapproved 'Epstein Files' float which appeared in three St Patrick's Day parades across Mayo and Galway yesterday has sparked outrage.The float contained performers portraying Donald Trump, Jeffrey Epstein, Stephen Hawking, and several women, all in varying degrees of undress.On the float, what appears to be a sexual assault was acted out on a mattress.Well, joining me now to discuss this is Rachel Morrogh, Chief Executive of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre.Rachel, what was your reaction when you saw this video?

Out from the shadows and onto the internet - Ireland's recovering addicts are taking to social media to share their stories. But are there downsides to vlogging daily life in rehab or is #recoverytok a treatment tool like any other?Newstalk's Sarah Madden reports.

A second outbreak of meningitis has hit a university in the UK. Canterbury Christ Church University confirmed that one of its students is now affected. Over the last few days there has been an outbreak at the University of Kent which has led to 20 cases and two deaths so far…Ciara is joined by Dr Brendan O’Shea, who is a Kildare GP and Assistant Adjuvant Professor in Public Health and Primary Care at Trinity College Dublin to explain how concerned we should be in Ireland about this outbreak, and what people can do to protect themselves.

Former Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams took the stand again today in the UK, where it is being alleged that he is liable for IRA bombs between 1973 and 1996. Three bombing victims from across the period allege that Adams was a leading member of the Provisional IRA at the times of the bombings and are seeking £1 in damages. Joining Shane to give the latest on the trial from today is Britain Editor at the Irish Times, Mark Hennessy.

A survey found that almost half of divorcees said that their partner's night-time snoring contributed to their break-up, with similar numbers saying it was a dealbreaker when dating. So, what is the solution?Joining Ciara and Shane to discuss is Frances Kelleher, Dating Expert and Life Coach.