Mine Safety: Turkish authorities reported five deaths after a mine collapse in Soma, Manisa, with seven workers trapped and prosecutors launching an investigation. Municipal Corruption: Police detained Eyüpsultan Mayor Mithat Bülent Özmen and 27 others in a graft probe, following similar raids in Mersin. Capital Markets Shock: Turkey’s fund scandal is widening, with SPK ordering liquidation of 131 funds and critics warning of broader confidence damage. Media Crackdown: Turkey blocked the independent outlet T24 and targeted social media accounts tied to “LGBTQ propaganda,” as journalists face renewed pressure. Regional Security: Turkey said it would not automatically use force under the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement if Saudi Arabia is attacked, while Pakistan and Saudi Arabia plan an emergency pact meeting over Houthi attacks. Eastern Mediterranean Energy: Turkey issued a NAVTEX for the Oruç Reis research vessel to survey a planned gas pipeline to northern Cyprus, as Greece presses ahead with the Greece-Cyprus electricity cable dispute. Public Health: Istanbul tobacco control teams reached 20,000 people since April, steering smokers to cessation services and the Alo 171 hotline. Tech & Society: TurkStat says generative AI use nearly doubled to 37.6% of individuals in 2026, with lack of expertise still the main barrier.