NEED TO CATCH up? The Journal brings you a round-up of today’s news.

IRELAND

Bambie Thug taking part in last year's contest in Sweden. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

• Ireland won’t be in Eurovision 2026 if Israel is allowed to enter, RTÉ has told the EBU. It follows similar steps from Slovenia and Spain. 
• Micheál Martin has jumped to Jim Gavin’s defence after Sinn Féin criticised him for saying that Israel’s “military objectives” have “probably been reached”. 
• Conor McGregor, who was found liable for sexually assaulting Nikita Hand in a 2024 civil case, is amongst 14 hopefuls making their pitch to be the next president to Dublin City Council next week. 
• Micheál Martin has confirmed there will be some form of two-tiered child benefit system or an “equivalent” in the next budget. 
• An investigation is underway after a media organisation flew a drone over there Donabate search site where Gardaí are looking for a little boy who is believed to be dead, and who was last seen years ago. 
• An infant child is one of three people to have been hospitalised following a collision in Sligo. 

INTERNATIONAL

Well-wishers pay their respects at a makeshift memorial at the national headquarters of Turning Point USA after the shooting death of Charlie Kirk. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

#CHARLIE KIRK SHOOTING: the FBI has released images of a suspect and is offering big money for information. 

#PETER MANDELSON has said that he “deeply regrets” the circumstances surrounding his getting fired from his role as British Ambassador to the US on the basis of his links to Jeffrey Epstein. 

#MEPS have passed a resolution urging the EU to “combat famine” in Gaza. 

PARTING SHOT

These 26 Dublin city streets will temporarily close to traffic so kids can play later this month

Launching the Play Streets Initiative at Harold's Road are Vivien Lennon, Ide Shanagher Hoewer, Aria O'Connell, Eve Heffernan and Isla O'Connell. Peter Houlihan : Fennell Photography Peter Houlihan : Fennell Photography

Dublin city council has announced that 26 city streets will close on Sunday 21 September so children can play outside to celebrate the anniversary of ‘Car Free Day’.

The ‘play streets’ in neighbourhoods across the city will be closed to traffic between 1pm and 4 pm.

Lord Mayor of Dublin Ray McAdam said that this initiative will offer Dubliners a chance to “reclaim their streets for play and community”.

The council said that the concept behind the day aims to “revive the childhood experience of street play as a central part of growing up in Ireland”.