Municipal Reform Protests: Prime Minister Edi Rama says Socialist Party members are free to oppose a plan to cut Albania’s municipalities from 61 to 46, after protests and card burnings in areas losing municipal status; the draft stays open for 60-day public consultation before a parliamentary vote. Road Safety Tech: Interior Minister Besfort Lamallari says a new road-monitoring system under a “Smart City” project will soon go live, building on existing radar, drones and camera-equipped vehicles. U.S. Defense Deal: President Bajram Begaj signed into law a $302 million U.S.-backed military financing agreement, clearing the final legal step after parliament approval on July 27. Anti-Drug Operation: Police arrested two men in Dibër after destroying 1,121 cannabis plants found on public land during a large operation. Corruption Case Abroad: SPAK-linked efforts in France target businessman Ermal Beqiri, with prosecutors seeking to freeze a €2.6m château and over €2m in assets tied to alleged rigged tenders. Tourism Rules: Construction is suspended in coastal tourist zones and historic areas until September 15 to curb noise and environmental disruption during peak season. Heat Warning: Meteorologists warn of extreme August temperatures, with highs up to 41°C in parts of the country. Cost of Living: Eurostat data shows 53% of Albanian households can’t afford a one-week holiday, the highest in the region after Romania. Justice Update: Former health minister Ilir Beqaj says his pretrial detention was unjustified after a court replaced prison with house arrest.