Heat & health: Malta is bracing for a major hot spell, with temperatures around 38°C rising to 41°C and “feel like” up to 43°C, plus heatwave alerts and cooling centres activated for vulnerable people. Protected countryside under pressure: Malta’s planning system faces fresh scrutiny after ERA and the Cultural Heritage Superintendence reversed course on a Buskett proposal to turn protected ruins into “farmer’s quarters,” sending it back toward the Planning Commission despite earlier objections. Transport & air quality: ADPD says public transport is being sidelined as buses stay overcrowded in traffic, arguing for bus rapid transit and safer cycling infrastructure instead of road-widening. Carbon pricing debate: Malta secured concessions in the EU ETS overhaul, but the Malta Business Bureau warns the reform still won’t shield island states from decarbonisation costs. Clean bathing waters: Bulgaria ranks among Europe’s cleanest for bathing water quality, while Albania lags—highlighting how sewage overflows and runoff can quickly affect beach safety. Local nature & heritage: Marsaxlokk’s restored “firilla” boat (Lion) is back in service for education, tourism and research, reviving traditional boatbuilding skills. Energy reliability: The PN blasts ongoing summer electricity cuts and voltage problems, saying infrastructure planning has failed families.