Fire & Safety Probe (Salini): Investigators are still tracing what sparked the Monday explosion at the Ta’ Lourdes fireworks factory near Salini. Police forensics, the Armed Forces explosives unit, and a magisterial inquiry are underway, with teams reviewing nearby security footage, resident damage reports, and 3D mapping. A chemist told TVM the long, thick black smoke suggests burning of low-oxygen materials (like plastics or charcoal-based substances) before the main blast, with experts now focused on identifying the fire source first. Food Chain Risk Checks (Magħtab/Mosta): Malta’s Food Safety and Security Authority says it has launched precautionary measures after the fireworks-factory explosion, starting inspections, sampling, and risk assessments to check whether debris or residues could affect food, feed, and agricultural produce. AI in Writing (Granta): A Commonwealth Short Story Prize controversy is raising questions about AI use and the limits of AI-detection tools after claims that winning entries show signs of machine-generated text. Tech Industry Move (Chips): GlobalFoundries says it has completed its acquisition of Synopsys’ ARC Processor IP Solutions business, positioning the combined offering for “Physical AI.” Workplace Tech (EU HR): EU pay transparency rules kick in this June, forcing employers to share pay ranges and respond to pay inquiries, with reporting timelines for gender pay gaps. Malta as a Tech Hub (Fintech/AI): OKX says it will incorporate AI proficiency into staff performance reviews, and notes Malta as its Europe regional hub.