Power & Infrastructure: Georgia suffered its third nationwide blackout in two weeks, with restoration taking about an hour; authorities blamed “planned testing” at the Enguri HPP, while critics questioned why the public wasn’t warned. Rail Connectivity: Georgian Railways cut the Tbilisi–Batumi travel time to 4 hours after track and infrastructure capital works, with station renovations expanding. Construction Costs: Geostat reported June 2026 Construction Cost Index up 0.9% month-on-month and 3.9% year-on-year, driven mainly by higher construction wages and transport/fuel/electricity costs. Urban Projects & Safety: Tbilisi City Hall said a rehabilitation-related dump-truck overturn on Rustaveli Avenue caused no injuries, but GWP said a minor child was inside and that the contractor will face legal action. Tourism Demand: Georgia welcomed 145,513 GCC visits in 2025 (+3.4%); the GNTA links growth to short-haul access, visa ease, and strong value. Media & Regulation: Georgia’s Communications Commission fined pro-government TV channel “PosTV” for breaching impartiality and accuracy rules. Security & Economy: The State Security Service launched a sabotage probe over social media claims about mistreatment of Russian tourists, saying it aims to harm Georgia’s economic interests. Business & Trade Links: Georgia–Turkmenistan business talks in Tbilisi focused on Middle Corridor cargo flows and industrial cooperation under a new MoU. Regional Finance/Industry: Armenia selected Malta-based Random Systems International to oversee gambling regulation, citing the firm’s Georgia experience and a requirement to implement an electronic monitoring system within six months.