Judicial Pay Showdown: Albania’s Economy Committee approved a draft pay formula for judges and prosecutors, lifting the reference coefficient to 38% of the President’s salary, but the move deepens the ongoing conflict after Parliament missed a July deadline and the Finance Ministry refused to execute earlier decisions. SPAK & Security: SPAK ordered a search at Bradashesh detention facility in the case of AKSHI-linked businessman Ergys Agasi, seizing alcohol and wireless devices for forensic checks. Drugs at Durrës Port: Police seized 41.35 kg of suspected cocaine hidden in a chicken-meat container from Brazil, worth about €2m, as investigators trace origin and destination. Energy Costs: Oil prices rose toward $108 a barrel amid Strait of Hormuz supply fears, pushing pressure for fuel prices in Albania to top 220 lek per liter. Local Governance: B40 mayors urged Albania’s Supreme Court to consider alternatives to jail in the Sept. 15 review of Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj’s 19-month detention. UAE Ties: President Bajram Begaj met UAE leaders in Abu Dhabi, discussing trade, renewables, infrastructure and water cooperation. Tourism Payments: The Hotel and Tourism Association says POS fees are still too high and is pushing to cut them to around 1% to boost card use. EU/Defense Cyber: The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation University wrapped a cyber defense advising engagement supporting Albania’s defense cyber capabilities. Migrants Watch: Reports highlight nearly 5,000 migrants “going missing” in the UK before asylum claims are processed, underscoring wider asylum system strain.