Government Finance: Premier Natalio Wheatley says the VI government’s investment portfolios grew by US$2.89M from 2021–2026, while addressing a US$2.4M Delta Capital Partners investment made without required ministerial approval. Public Accountability: Wheatley ordered investigations by the Financial Investigation Agency and Internal Audit, and says recovery efforts are underway if funds can be recovered. Port Costs: BVIPA’s temporary port fee reductions ended July 31; wharfage and container handling fees return to standard rates effective Aug. 1. Cost of Living Support: VI pensioners will receive a 2.57% COLA plus a $460.44 monthly Minimum Expenditure Basket allowance, with new payments starting Aug. 31 and arrears later. Safety & Crime: Acting Interim CoP Richard Ullger urged public help as police press to solve two 2026 murders, calling each death “one life too many.” Marine Jobs Pipeline: A marine workshop in Tortola urged students to start career pathways in high school to build experience for the charter and wider marine sector. Tourism Demand Signals: New CTO data points to strong cruise growth, with the USVI, Puerto Rico and the BVI among the fastest-growing destinations. Contraband Watch: Customs intercepted suspected cannabis at the Road Town Ferry Dock (about 80g reported), with no arrests announced yet. Local Politics: Opposition Leader Marlon Penn criticized East End delays and called for more equitable development through RDA reforms. Elections: Levor A.H. Lettsome entered the VI general election as an at-large candidate under the Virgin Islands Innovative Association. Marine Environment: Seaweed sargassum is smothering beaches across the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico, raising concerns for tourism and marine life.