Mining & Land Rights: A company tied to Liberia’s 2013 land-grabbing scandal has rebranded and is now pushing mineral sands extraction along Sri Lanka’s Thirukkovil coast, with locals alleging the same pattern of intimidation and warning that key approvals and environmental clearance are still missing. Energy & Rural Electrification: Liberia’s Rural and Renewable Energy Agency says solar systems have been installed in 121 health and education facilities across 13 counties, aiming to power vaccines, refrigeration, medical equipment and digital learning. Water & Sanitation: Liberia’s NWASHC reports about 34% of the population still practices open defecation, citing weak coordination and pushing a Presidential WASH Compact to reach an open-defecation-free target by 2030. Macroeconomy: The IMF projects Liberia’s growth at 5.5% for 2026, driven by iron ore, manufacturing and construction, with inflation contained around 5.3%. Trade & Investment: Liberia and Maryland (U.S.) sign a landmark MoU covering trade, investment, agriculture, renewable energy, transport, cybersecurity and AI. Ports & Logistics: Lawmakers move to suspend GLS Menzies and EHS at Roberts International Airport amid the US$19.2m cocaine probe, while a Port Autonomy Bill dispute between House and Senate leaders adds uncertainty for maritime governance. Mining Pipeline: Mansa Resources and Orion Resource Partners discuss major investment plans for Liberia’s Dugbe Gold Project, with figures pointing to large-scale local procurement and jobs. Youth & Governance: Kvinna till Kvinna launches PEACEGEN Liberia to boost youth and women’s participation in peacebuilding and decision-making.