Electricity Relief & Grid Security: Cabinet doubled the GST exemption on residential power bills from $100 to $200 (effective Sept. 1), benefiting about 91,000 households, while also approving an emergency declaration to let BEL procure extra generation capacity for a projected 2027 shortfall and expanding the Social Rate from 60 kWh to 80 kWh. Belize Revenue Authority: The Ministry of Finance defended the proposed Belize Revenue Authority, saying it will be semi-autonomous for better tax administration and staffing, but won’t create or impose taxes. U.S.-Belize Diplomacy: New U.S. Ambassador André Bauer arrived and pledged a hands-on approach focused on safety, security, youth opportunities, immigration, and drugs; he also addressed Belize’s Taiwan ties and said he needs more briefing on the safe third country arrangement. Crime & Courts: A Belize City man was remanded after a sexual assault charge was upgraded to rape of a child; the Court of Appeal struck down 2020 Southside states of emergency as unconstitutional, awarding detainees $22K each. Fisheries Crackdown: Fisheries officers seized hundreds of pounds of illegally imported seafood, with a Corozal businessman fined over $94,000 as investigators look for the wider network. Weather: Met Service reports mainly fair, warm conditions with isolated showers and no tropical cyclone formation expected nearby. Community & Health: Suicide Prevention Month activities continue with a push to break mental health stigma.