Daphne Caruana Galizia Trial Fallout: Malta is in uproar after Yorgen Fenech was acquitted of masterminding the 2017 car-bomb murder of investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, with the jury clearing him by an 8–1 vote; her family says “justice denied” while press-freedom groups warn the verdict sets a dangerous precedent for Europe. Politics & Governance: Prime Minister Robert Abela says Parliament will meet urgently on Friday to discuss the aftermath, while urging comments be made “with sympathy, prudence and caution” so any appeal or further proceedings aren’t prejudiced; he also pushed back on Joseph Muscat’s criticism by pointing to responsibility for the public inquiry. Business & Consumer Watch: The Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority reminded restaurants and catering businesses that any service charge must be clearly shown before customers order. Water Infrastructure: The Water Services Corporation launched an EU-funded tender for a new Pembroke reverse-osmosis plant, boosting capacity by about 20% to strengthen Malta’s desalination network. Tourism Investment: Hard Rock Hotel Malta officially opened in St George’s Bay after a €350m investment, bringing 397 rooms, 11 pools and a large Rock Spa. Finance Policy: A public consultation opened on Malta’s 2026–2031 National Strategy for Financial Capacity, alongside a new debt advice service, Flusi Malta.