Malta & EU Education: New PISA results show a sharp education slump across Europe, with Malta’s reading score down 31 points since 2022 and Israel also hitting record lows—another warning sign for schools as digital learning rises. Energy & Cost of Living: A charted look at electricity generation highlights Malta’s heavy fossil-fuel dependence (84.6%), while Brent crude stays above $100 after Strait of Hormuz attacks—pushing up fuel and feeding into European inflation pressures. Shipping & Decarbonisation: Cyprus, Greece, Malta and Italy signed a joint declaration in Limassol to strengthen their push on EU shipping competitiveness and decarbonisation. Press Freedom: Malta’s Daphne Caruana Galizia case faces renewed anger after a jury acquitted Yorgen Fenech; prosecutors say they will appeal, while media freedom groups call it a setback. Health & Society: Eurostat reports Malta’s suicide mortality rate at 5.5 per 100,000 in 2023, among the lowest in the EU. Tourism & Tech: Valletta’s mayor says “smart tourism” can balance visitors and residents, using digital tools to improve access and planning. Local Malta Angle: Hard Rock Hotel Malta opens in St. George’s Bay, adding a major new hospitality draw.