Armenian Church vs State: A new judge has accepted the criminal case against Catholicos Karekin II and six bishops, with a court session set for Aug. 28, as Armenia’s long-running dispute with the Armenian Apostolic Church keeps escalating. Parliament & Politics: Reports from inside the National Assembly highlight “lunch politics,” with ruling and opposition deputies following different routines during breaks. Railway Tensions: Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan signaled he won’t unilaterally scrap the Russian Railways management contract, walking back earlier threats while Moscow warns of major costs. Genocide Recognition Debate: An Armenian lawmaker says genocide recognition is no longer a priority and argues it shouldn’t be negotiated as a political bargaining chip. Education Rights in Turkey: Turkish inspectors reportedly began targeting Armenian schools in Istanbul, with claims that Armenian citizens may be barred from enrollment. Economy & Services: Armenia’s service sector growth accelerated to 11.0% in H1 2026, driven by information/communications, finance, and a rebound in transportation. Energy Links with Georgia: Armenia approved steps to boost electricity exchange capacity with Georgia toward 1,050 MW under a KfW-backed transmission project. Regional Diplomacy: Armenia and Rwanda held first political consultations in Kigali, focusing on digital tech, education, healthcare, and multilateral cooperation.