Local Government Crisis: A Palapye District Council leadership dispute has escalated into a High Court challenge, with Botswana Patriotic Front councillor David Ikanyeng asking the court to overturn a ministerial move that reinstated a UDC chairperson after a no-confidence removal. Mining and Jobs: In South Africa, Petra Diamonds workers at the Finsch mine downed tools over fears June salaries won’t be guaranteed during business rescue, while further retrenchment risks loom at Cullinan. Diamond Deal Watch: De Beers CEO Al Cook says the long-running sale process could be completed in “weeks rather than months,” with southern African governments including Botswana, Namibia and Angola among those seeking equity stakes. Media Governance: Botswana’s proposed media Ombudsman is back in focus as debate continues over how to handle complaints and protect editorial independence. Energy Regulation: BERA has shut six filling stations for safety and environmental compliance failures, including missing fire protection and leak monitoring systems. Regional Diplomacy: Botswana and Lesotho have launched a binational commission aimed at faster implementation across water, energy, trade, governance and defence. Botswana in the Spotlight: Puma Energy Botswana reaffirmed its support for the Air Access agenda, linking better aviation to tourism, jobs and trade. Sports & Culture: Libya’s chess team has departed for an African Championship hosted in Botswana, while Botswana’s music scene gets a boost as BOMU Awards nominations return.