Migration & cost of living debate: Prime Minister Robert Abela says Malta’s Labour Migration Policy is working, pointing to the second-lowest net balance of foreign workers since 2017, while Nationalist MP Alex Borg hits back that Abela is “disconnected” from families struggling to stretch wages to month-end. Housing affordability pressure: Rising residential property prices continue, but critics warn growth is not translating into real affordability for first-time buyers and renters. Workers’ pay protection: The GWU is calling for COLA to be paid twice a year, arguing the current system lags behind today’s household spending. LGBTIQ rights: Malta Gay Rights Movement says Pride is still necessary for safety and advocacy, noting legal equality hasn’t yet become lived equality. Culture & heritage: A Valletta feast statue was damaged days before the Carmelite celebrations, with organisers blaming film production activity. Arts spotlight: Nominations are open for Il-Premju għall-Arti 2026, celebrating Malta’s creative sector. Gozo lifestyle infrastructure: Gozo’s new electric bus fleet is praised for cleaner air and quieter roads, but a separate report questions whether reliable electricity supply is keeping up. Science with a local angle: A University of Malta AI project is training on millions of radio images to help astronomers spot what matters faster. Book & language: A new anthology explores art and Malta through human stories, while a study of Maltese language pioneers highlights efforts to keep the language alive.