Rike Tubes Demolition: Tbilisi City Hall has issued a permit to demolish the long-abandoned “Rike Tubes” complex, with officials citing a 2025 decree that the site will be redeveloped, potentially including a hotel project—sparking fresh political heat as Mikheil Saakashvili calls it a public asset being taken away. Courtroom Clash in “Sabotage” Case: Lelo–Strong Georgia figures Badri Japaridze and Irakli Kupradze attacked “Neutral Georgia” and allied opposition witnesses, arguing they oppose Article 78 and Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic path. West vs. Georgia Narrative: Maria Zakharova said the West is ready to use “all levers” to force a government change in Georgia, while the Atlantic Council’s Freedom and Prosperity Index reports improving prosperity but declining freedom. Energy & Connectivity: Transelectrica says the Romania–Georgia Black Sea submarine electricity cable is entering technical preparation after a memorandum with Georgia’s GSE; separately, BTC pipeline operatorship shifts from BP to SOCAR Midstream Operations from July 1. Aviation Boost: China Eastern Airlines launched direct Shanghai–Tbilisi flights (three times weekly), and Georgia’s economy minister highlighted strong demand. Regional Diplomacy: Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov arrived for high-level talks with President Kavelashvili and Prime Minister Kobakhidze. Sports & Culture: FIBA Europe Cup draw placed BC Batumi 2010 in Group A; NEXT unveiled a “Heritage Series” plan to revive Tbilisi’s historic Cinema pavilion area.