Electricity Upgrade: ESCOM has launched a US$6.3m (about K11bn) project to replace ageing wooden transmission poles with prestressed concrete on key 66kV and 132kV lines, aiming to cut outages, maintenance costs and vandalism risks. Power Market Reform: Malawi’s regulator Mera has approved the transfer of the Single Buyer Licence from EScom to Power Market Limited (PML), separating buying from transmission/distribution to boost transparency and efficiency. Counterfeit Fertiliser Crackdown: Police arrested Agrizone/ETG-linked CEO Matius Bonongwe over 670 bags of suspected fake NPK fertilizer, with samples sent to the Malawi Bureau of Standards for lab analysis. Agri Input Fraud Warning: Farmers in Thyolo report fake fertiliser and pesticide mixes sold by unscrupulous vendors, urging buyers to verify inputs. Roads & Jobs: M’mbelwa District unveiled a K670m grader procured via the Development Fund for Local Authorities to restart regular road maintenance. Banknote Damage Cost: The Reserve Bank of Malawi says damaged banknotes will cost K69.8bn this year, driven largely by poor handling of lower denominations. Land & Food Security Tension: In Chikwawa, communities reject a “fake” letter tied to KAMA’s sugarcane land grab, demanding consultation before any land is touched. Forest Protection vs Charcoal: In Thyolo, villagers allege sacred graveyards are being stripped for charcoal and timber, calling for the destruction to stop. Plane Crash Inquiry: Widows of June 10 crash victims told Malawi’s parliamentary inquiry they were not officially notified and raised new questions about the circumstances of the crash. South Africa Migration Fallout (Regional): As June 30 anti-immigrant protests near, thousands of Malawians and other nationals are rushing repatriation efforts; Malawi-linked support and repatriation logistics are in focus.