Budget & Tax Policy: The Bahamas government unveiled a 2026/27 budget projecting a US$223.1m surplus, with revenue of $4.4b against expenditure of $4.1b and a debt-to-GDP target of 59.9%, plus expanded VAT exemptions for first-time homeowners (including duplexes to fourplexes), higher property tax exemption thresholds, and duty cuts on select household and health items. Healthcare & Accountability: Nurses Union President Muriel Lightbourne backed the $11.6m healthcare upgrade plan as a start, but warned delays and contractor accountability remain major concerns, citing clinics still in disrepair. Public Safety & Family Islands: Marsh Harbour Township Chairman Roscoe Thompson questioned promised new fire trucks, saying communities have heard similar assurances before and still rely on donations. Crime/Integrity Question: Finance Minister Michael Halkitis denied any ownership stake in “Top Notch Builders” tied to Eric “Player” Gardiner, saying he resigned directorships in 2021 after corporate governance work. Search & Cooperation: The U.S. Coast Guard has been granted permission to send divers to unsearched areas in the search for missing Michigan woman Lynette Hooker after new GPS data prompted a renewed effort. Regional Governance & Economy: The Caribbean Development Bank will examine how geopolitical shocks are hitting Caribbean development prospects at its annual meeting in Nassau. Ebola Border Measures: The Bahamas announced a 30-day entry ban for people who recently visited Ebola high-risk African nations, with authorities reporting low public risk and no confirmed cases. Aviation Leadership: Bahamas aviation stakeholders met new Energy, Utilities and Aviation Minister JoBeth Coleby-Davis for an early sector reset. Postal Resilience: Deputy Prime Minister led Bahamas participation in regional postal meetings as the Caribbean Postal Union conference runs in Nassau. Hurricane Outlook: A climatologist warned the 2026 season may be quieter but “erratic,” with fewer storms yet higher risks of intense rainfall, flooding, and heat. Banking Deal: Butterfield Bank agreed to acquire CIBC Caribbean in a US$1.8b transaction, expanding its regional footprint.