Malta Tourism & Hospitality: Hard Rock Hotel Malta officially opened in St George’s Bay after a €350 million investment, bringing 397 rooms, multiple dining and entertainment venues, and a major wellness offering—another big signal that the island’s tourism push is still accelerating. Valletta Heritage & Community: Residents and an NGO protested plans for an outdoor catering area opposite Ta’ Ġieżu church, warning Valletta could be “hollowed out from within” as noise, odours and street access issues threaten a UNESCO setting. Daphne Caruana Galizia Aftermath: Political fallout continued after the Daphne Caruana Galizia trial verdict, with renewed calls to implement the public inquiry recommendations and fresh criticism of ministers’ remarks about journalists’ safety and the link between the murder and her work. Culture & Faith: The BOV Foundation backed restoration of an 18th-century painting at Maria Reġina Parish Church in Marsa, helping preserve Malta’s Late Baroque religious heritage. Population & Family Life: The State of the Nation address focused on Malta’s low fertility rate, noting IVF’s growing share of births and urging action to support couples and address reluctance among younger people. Tech & Education: ChipMango’s $1.9m seed round includes a planned Malta design centre, aiming to expand chip-design learning and workforce development across Africa, Europe and the US.