Ebola Frontline Strain: In eastern DRC, Ebola workers at treatment centres say they’re not being paid even as cases surge, with staff reporting stress, deaths among colleagues, and mounting pressure on already strained health systems. Maritime & Oil Risk: Reports say more tankers are “going dark” to evade attacks around the Strait of Hormuz, raising collision and oil spill risks; a Liberia-flagged vessel is linked to a spill reaching Iran’s Qeshm mangroves. Port & Trade Reform: Liberia moved to grant autonomy to seaports and inland ports to cut logistics costs and boost efficiency, while Monrovia’s port performance improved on turnaround times despite persistent handling charges and inland transport gaps. Agriculture Inputs Push: LUYCDE women farmers are asking for support to expand vegetable and rice production and produce organic fertilizers and pesticides locally to reduce reliance on costly imports. Education & Skills: Change Agent Network University has been transferred into Lofa County University as Annex I, while Tubman University approved new master’s programs in Educational Leadership, Construction Management, and Business Administration. Business & Manufacturing Link: Cellecor says it’s progressing plans to manufacture in Liberia’s Buchanan Special Economic Zone, aiming to turn the country into a West Africa gateway for consumer electronics. Maritime Training: The U.S. Coast Guard began a two-week Small Boat Operations course for the Liberian Coast Guard to strengthen safety and emergency response. Governance & Accountability: MFDP Deputy Minister Dehpue Y. Zuo urged tighter coordination with the UN Country Team so development funds translate into measurable results for Liberians. Higher Education Upgrades: University of Liberia outlined a three-phase renovation plan for its Capitol Hill campus and secured additional international PhD scholarships for faculty. Security & Justice: Liberia charged former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor in a major cocaine probe involving drug trafficking and money laundering.