Alcohol Policy: Alcohol Action Ireland is calling for alcohol excise duties to rise by at least 15% in Budget 2027, arguing levies have been frozen since 2014 and that cheaper drink is driving illness and wider social harm. Health & Care Access: New figures show some mildly disabled children are waiting nearly a decade for first occupational therapy assessments, with waits of 8–9 years reported in parts of Dublin and Meath. Education & Results: As Leaving Cert results land, the Irish Times Help Desk focuses on how CAO points may shift, with more applicants but fewer top grades expected after changes to enhanced grades. Road Safety & Youth: Reporting on the M9 wrong-way crash highlights how joyriding has escalated, including claims about prolific offenders and the role of social media in spreading dangerous driving. Culture & Community: Electric Picnic’s 2026 line-up preview spotlights major Irish and international acts, while a separate piece looks at Cork’s LGBTQ+ history exhibition opening with the original Rainbow flag. Lifestyle & Family Tech: A review of the Xplora X6 Play smartwatch weighs whether it can give kids independence without a full smartphone.