The euro has fallen to its lowest annual levels in the Albanian currency market, reversing a recent rise. On Friday, the euro was exchanged at 102.87 lek, marking a significant drop for the second consecutive day. This decline follows a brief surge to 104.63 lek earlier in the week, which was not sustained. The drop in the euro has also affected other currencies, with the US dollar and British pound also experiencing declines. The volatility in the Albanian currency market is attributed to its small size and susceptibility to panic, but the situation has stabilized quickly.

Strawberry farmers in Kafaraj, Fier, Albania, have formed a cooperative to enhance product quality and secure market access and state subsidies. This initiative, seen as overdue by the farmers, aims to inspire the formation of similar cooperatives among other agricultural producers. Legal improvements and certification of Albanian agricultural brands are necessary for further progress.

Blerina Bala has been voted to lead the Municipality of Himara with 16 votes in favor. The other candidate, Pervin Gjikuria, withdrew during the voting process. The meeting to appoint the new leader was held behind closed doors due to tensions, especially when Vangjel Tavo and Blendi Klosi entered the council hall. Bala expressed gratitude for the trust placed in her and emphasized the importance of cooperation to achieve the municipality's objectives, particularly in relation to the upcoming tourist season.

The Tirana police have disrupted a case of cannabis sativa drug trafficking from the USA to Albania using postal services, arresting two individuals, Skënder Vata and Jurgest Luzi. The operation, codenamed 'California,' resulted in the seizure of 3.2 kg of high-THC cannabis, cash, and mobile phones. The procedural materials have been forwarded to the Prosecutor's Office at the Court of First Instance of General Jurisdiction in Tirana for further actions.

On Friday, Albania will continue to experience stable atmospheric conditions and warm southern air masses. The weather is expected to be sunny with moderate clouds in the afternoon. Winds will blow from the southeast to northwest at speeds of 1-5m/s, increasing to 8-10m/s along the coast and valleys, causing waves in the Adriatic and Ionian seas to reach force 1-2. Temperatures are forecasted to range from 8 to 21 degrees Celsius in mountainous areas, 9 to 27 degrees Celsius in lowland areas, and 12 to 28 degrees Celsius in coastal areas.

The parents of 3-year-old Brian Spahiu, who died following a dental procedure, have requested the exclusion of prosecutor Alma Felaj from the investigation into the actions of dentist Roland Xhaxho. During a meeting with the head of the Prosecutor's Office of Tirana, they presented documents alleging that the clinic was not licensed to provide medical and dental services at the time of the surgery.

Dritan Mezini, a renowned expert in employment and information technology, has unexpectedly passed away. His death is a loss not only to his family and acquaintances but also to the academic world, public opinion, and the country's economy, where he was an innovator and a brave initiator of significant projects. Prime Minister Edi Rama expressed his condolences. Mezini had over 27 years of experience and contributed to digital transformation, e-commerce, project management, and human resources. He advised the private and public sectors, led the association of information and communication technology, founded the startup duapune.com, and was involved in EU working groups for modern technology. Mezini was also a public speaker and distinguished trainer in using technology for successful business, both domestically and internationally. He held degrees in Computer Science from the University of Tirana and two Master's degrees from Western Illinois University and Keller Graduate School of Management at DeVry University in Chicago, USA.

On the peak of Mount Tomor, the harsh winter temperatures and snowfall have created a true artistic masterpiece. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared stunning images of the Abaz Aliu sculpture, which, covered in snow, surprises the eye with its whiteness and wind-carved shapes. Rama expressed admiration for the winter's sculpting work on Mount Tomor.

The Albanian government has decided to grant a special pension to 15 prominent figures in the fields of art and sports. This decision, published in the Official Gazette, awards a special state pension to individuals such as actor Muharrem Hoxha, singer Frederik Ndoci, and actress Eva Alikaj, among others. The pension is set at ten times the social pension, with a cap at twelve times the social pension. The decision is effective immediately.

A tragic incident occurred in Durrës where a 41-year-old woman, Bedrie Loka, ended her life by consuming poison, allegedly due to depression caused by bullying on TikTok. The victim had reported a year earlier that unknown individuals had created a fake TikTok account using her identity to bully her, which she suspected was done by her colleagues. The police have started an investigation and are questioning the personnel at her workplace to identify the perpetrators. The case has been forwarded to the Prosecutor's Office of Durrës for further investigation.