The Briefing - Your Wednesday morning news catch up

Welcome to your Wednesday morning briefing. Let us ensure you’re up to speed on what’s happening and are prepared for the day ahead.

Wed, 29 Oct, 2014 - 00:00

Greg Murphy

BRIEFING TOP STORY

ABORTION ACTIVISTS WANT YES OR NO REFERENDUM

Pro-choice campaigners have called for a straightforward ‘yes or no’ referendum on abortion next spring after throwing down the gauntlet to officials by illegally bringing abortion pills over the border.

IRISH NEWS

WAVE OF PROTESTS AGAINST WATER CHARGES

A mass wave of water protests will be staged across the country this weekend as public anger over the controversial charges continues.

BUS, RAIL AND LUAS FARES TO RISE FROM WEEKEND

The National Transport Authority has approved public transport fare increases across Bus Éireann, Iarnród Éireann, Dublin Bus, and Luas services.

WORLD NEWS

NASA ROCKET EXPLODES AFTER LIFT OFF IN VIRGINIA

A US commercial supply ship bound for the International Space Station has exploded moments after liftoff.

SLEEPING WITH LOTS OF WOMEN WARDS OFF PROSTATE CANCER

Sleeping with numerous women protects a man from prostate cancer, a study has found.

SPORT

SUAREZ OMITTED FROM BALLON D'OR FOR HIS SINS

Luis Suarez’s controversial on-field antics appear to have counted strongly against him when an expert panel drew up a 23-man shortlist for the 2014 Fifa Ballon d’Or award.

MURPHY FACING ANOTHER POSSIBLE CLUB VERSUS COUNTRY CLASH

Ireland International Rules captain Michael Murphy said it would be wrong of him to consider a club versus country clash ahead of Glenswilly’s Donegal final against St Eunan’s on Sunday.

BUSINESS

TESCO EYES TURNAROUND AS SALES DECLINE EASES

Tesco is showing early signs of a recovery in the Irish market, with new figures showing a third consecutive quarter of an easing in its sales declines.

VIEWPOINTS

OUR DOUBLE-THINK ON IMMIGRATION NEEDS TO BE URGENTLY RE-EXAMINED

TWO THINGS I pleasurably waste a lot of time on are property supplements and travel websites.

EXAMVIRAL

CLASSIC PICS IS THE TWITTER ACCOUNT YOU NEED IN YOUR LIFE

If you’re a history buff, a fan of photography or just simply someone who likes looking at pictures of the past then Classic Pics is the Twitter account you should follow.

SHOWBIZ