Traffic & elections collide: Nationalist leader Alex Borg says Malta’s traffic has become an economic burden and a quality-of-life drag, accusing the government of plans that never land and warning costs are already at €770m, set to rise. He points to a proposed airport-to-Pembroke underground link as the “credible alternative.” Public spending scrutiny: A tap-water promotion campaign has reportedly cost taxpayers about €400,000 via direct orders, with media contractors and TV production firms among the beneficiaries. Construction skills push: Justice Minister Jonathan Attard inaugurated an advanced excavation simulator for operator training, part of wider reforms aimed at raising standards and safety. Local planning flashpoint: Pembroke residents are set to protest tomorrow over plans to transfer public land for a Valletta Football Club campus near a Natura 2000 area, with opponents warning of noise, light pollution and traffic. Culture & film: Malta Biennale 2026 welcomes Armenia’s debut pavilion in Fort St Elmo, while Cannes coverage continues to spotlight Sébastien Laudenbach’s family-friendly animated “Viva Carmen.” Travel & rights: A new LGBTQ+ travel ranking puts Malta among the safest destinations for 2026.