EVERY WEEKDAY EVENING, TheJournal.ie brings you the five stories you need to know before you hit the road.

1. #IRAQ: US forces have begun air strikes against Islamic State militants in Iraq.

2. #OUTBACK: A 25-year-old Irish woman has been charged with concealing the death of a newborn baby in Australia.

3. #SHATTER: The barrister who authored the report that led to Alan Shatter’s resignation is being taken to court by the former minister, but the Government are to pay his legal fees.

4. #PISTORIUS: The judge in the Oscar Pistorius murder trial will deliver her verdict on 11 September after final statements concluded today.

5. #SMOKING KILLS: A 62-year-old man has died in the UK after his e-cigarette which had been charging in his bedroom exploded.

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The 5 at 5 5 minutes, 5 stories, 5 o’clock…

Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.