Immigration Tensions: Former PM Ion Sturza hit Chisinau Mayor Ion Ceban after Ceban posted a video about Nepalese workers in university dorms, accusing him of stoking hatred instead of fixing capital problems. EU & Rule of Law: A shadow report on media freedom says Moldova made progress but still faces ownership concentration, political pressure on editorial independence, and rising intimidation of journalists. Energy & Water Crunch: Moldova is managing a diesel shortage and drought-linked low Dniester levels, including reduced reservoir discharges for two weeks and emergency steps to stabilize fuel supplies. EU Integration Boost: Bavaria’s Markus Söder told Maia Sandu Moldova “must have a place” in the EU, while the two sides agreed to set up an intergovernmental commission to deepen economic cooperation. Local Reform Deadline: Voluntary local amalgamation is underway, with leaders urging communities to finish by end of August to keep access to extra state resources. Public Services: CNAS started August pension and benefits payments (73 million lei total), and Moldova marked major growth in instant payments via MIA. Defense Tech Talks: Moldova and Turkey discussed expanding defense-industry and security-technology cooperation, including joint projects.