Municipal Reform Debate: Prime Minister Edi Rama says Socialist Party members are free to oppose the plan to cut Albania’s municipalities from 61 to 46, with a 60-day public consultation before parliament votes and protests erupting in affected areas. Road Safety Push: The interior minister says a new road-monitoring “Smart City” system is set to start operating soon, building on existing radar, drones and camera-equipped vehicles. Tourism & Housing Pressure: New data shows record demand for short-term rentals, with tourists booking 284,300 apartment nights in one month (+23% year-on-year) as supply grows more slowly, pushing occupancy and prices up. Anti-Drug Operations: Police arrested two men in Dibër after destroying 1,121 cannabis plants found on public land during a major operation. Public Safety in Tirana: Eight minors are under investigation after an assault on an Italian tourist near the Palace of Culture, with proceedings ongoing. Defense Deal Signed: President Bajram Begaj signed into law a $302m U.S.-backed military financing agreement under the FMF program. Corruption Case Moves Abroad: SPAK seeks to freeze €2.6m in France tied to businessman Ermal Beqiri over alleged rigged tenders and related assets. Tourist Season Rules: Construction work in protected tourist zones and historic areas is suspended until September 15 to reduce noise and environmental disruption. Wildfire Response: Firefighters battled multiple wildfires across Mallakastër, Vlora, and Fushë-Arrëz, with investigations into possible causes underway.