Maritime Security: A Liberia-flagged bulk carrier, Minyuan Pioneer (reported also as Minoan Pioneer), was struck by an unidentified projectile near Oman while transiting the Strait of Hormuz; the crew abandoned ship, one seafarer is missing, and a fire was reported in the engine room/accommodation area. Energy Regulation: LIBENERGY has appealed LERC’s new electricity tariff, arguing the August 1 rates cut its operating revenue and meter-related contributions, threatening service delivery in southeastern Liberia. Industrial Expansion: LSEZA signed a US$32M, 25-year deal with Softcare Liberia to build a Monrovia Free Zone special economic zone producing hygiene and household consumer products, targeting 150+ direct jobs. Governance & Transparency: LTA Chairman Clarence Massaquoi declined to disclose last year’s revenue totals, renewing calls for clearer public reporting on the regulator’s finances. Land & Housing: Allegations of fraud and abuse have hit the National Housing Authority after a complaint claims officials resold land already bought and occupied by an elderly widow, using armed police to remove her. Banking Milestone: The Central Bank of Liberia licensed First Atlantic Bank Liberia, bringing commercial banks to ten. Agribusiness: LACRA and IITA distributed 700,000 Coffee Liberica seedlings to revive Liberia’s coffee industry. Consumer Protection: FAL destroyed 76,000+ expired energy drink cans and says it uncovered a scheme to alter expiration dates and return unsafe products to market. Health Infrastructure: Government broke ground on a US$700K Bong County Health Team headquarters to strengthen county healthcare administration. Digital Growth: A MoU links Blue Cloud Softech’s Liberia National Digital Infrastructure Project to a PPP model for data and cybersecurity resilience. Finance for Forests: A loan scheme tied to Salayea Community Forest is helping women’s groups earn income while reducing illegal farming/mining inside the forest.