Tax and jobs: Albania’s government revenue rose to 557.6 billion lek in Jan–Aug, up 11.7%, with VAT receipts up 24.2% as public spending also climbed. Construction wages: In construction, gross wages jumped 23% in June, declared workers rose by 2,200 to 65,241, and employment tax payments surged as authorities tightened checks. Customs update: Albania’s customs will now factor in a car’s mileage when valuing some imported vehicles if purchase price can’t be used. Justice pay talks: PM Edi Rama called justice institutions to discuss a new judges’ and prosecutors’ salary system after weeks of dispute. Court boycott: Albania’s anti-corruption court fined 10+ defence lawyers 50,000 lek each for continuing a boycott over new courtroom phone rules. Crime: Police questioned about 20 people after a motorbike shooting in Saranda killed a 44-year-old and injured a passer-by. Drugs bust: Spanish customs seized a yacht carrying 2.1 tons of cocaine; crew included an Albanian. EU accession pressure: An EU lawmaker raised concerns over Belinda Balluku’s immunity and urged concrete results as Albania pushes chapters 23/24. Tourism and economy: Albania’s international postal traffic fell 52% after last year’s online shopping surge; tourism growth elsewhere in the Mediterranean saw Albania among the faster risers. Heritage dispute: Azerbaijani officials and religious leaders renewed claims about “Caucasian Albania” heritage, rejecting Armenian “Armenianise” narratives.