CPL Kickoff: The Antigua & Barbuda Falcons have completed camp and flown out for their CPL opener on Aug 7 in Kingstown against the new Jamaica Kingsmen at Arnos Vale. Carnival Culture & Tourism: Minister Michael Freeland and soca star Machel Montano discussed how to lift Antigua Carnival’s global profile—leaning on the island’s two days of mas’, bigger celebrity pull, and stronger international marketing. Local Voices on Carnival 2027: Residents praised safety and cleanliness but want better traffic management, parking, and shuttle plans as Carnival 2027 is already set for a longer run. Pageant Pride: Zaine Frederick made history as the first Antiguan to win Miss Caribbean Culture Queen 2026, celebrating faith, resilience, and hard work. Child Protection Push: The Ministry of Social and Urban Transformation will host a National Child Protection Town Hall on Aug 25 to rally parents, schools, churches, and communities around safer childhoods. Marine Safety Call: A fisherman is urging tougher follow-through on marine safety rules, saying enforcement gaps have left vessel losses repeating. Good Deeds Day: Hopeful Hearts Foundation has been named Antigua and Barbuda’s National Leader for Good Deeds Day, coordinating nationwide volunteer action. EU/CBI & Visas: The EU has set a 2028 deadline for Antigua and other Eastern Caribbean states to phase out citizenship-by-investment schemes or risk losing Schengen visa-free access, while the US is also moving to make visa bonds permanent—both raising fresh travel and mobility concerns. Travel Disruption Watch: Americans are being warned about possible disruptions from Guatemala’s Fuego volcano activity and Japan’s Typhoon Dolphin.