Food Security & Agriculture: Malawi’s Admarc maize purchase funding is under fire after government released only K5 billion against a K60 billion allocation, raising fears farmers could be squeezed by vendors offering far below the official price. Food Buffer Policy: In a separate move, government raised the onion procurement price by 24% under the buffer stock scheme, aiming to protect farmers’ returns while stabilising retail prices. Governance & Public Services: Blantyre Water Board workers say a CEO–board standoff is damaging operations and morale, warning of further action if authorities don’t resolve the leadership wrangle. Economy & Recovery Planning: Treasury is seeking stakeholder views for a National Economic Recovery Plan to 2030, as analysts warn past policy failures could derail implementation. IMF Politics: UTM leader Dalitso Kabambe cautioned that an IMF programme should be treated as a discipline test, not a political win. Transport & Trade: Government is negotiating with National Bank of Malawi to partner on Lake Malawi shipping services, alongside broader transport sector upgrades. Health & Regulation: PAC warned alleged diversion of embalming chemicals into fish preservation could become a serious public health threat. Regional Justice & Tourism: SADC justice ministers meet in Victoria Falls to advance the proposed SADC Tourism UNIVISA for easier regional travel. Crime & Security: South Africa intercepted a truck carrying 713kg of methaqualone (ABBA) worth nearly R1 billion, with two Malawians and a Zambian arrested. Digital Finance: PayPal expanded its PYUSD stablecoin to 26 African countries including Malawi, pitching faster cross-border payments.