US Visa Bond Permanent: The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has launched fresh diplomatic moves after the U.S. State Department published a final rule making its visa bond programme permanent, with bonds up to US$20,000 for certain B1/B2 applicants; PM Gaston Browne has written to President Trump asking for a review of Antigua and Barbuda’s inclusion, while the embassy in Washington has sent a formal note to Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Emancipation Day Sovereignty Push: In his Emancipation Day address, Browne warned against “economic recolonization” and urged Antiguans to “stand firm” against bullying by powerful nations, while also renewing calls for reparations as justice, not charity. Local Crime Update: Police have made no arrests nearly two weeks after Leyandrew Hubbard was fatally shot in Potters; the roadside shed where the attack happened remains in place and card games have reportedly resumed. Public Safety & Health: The Evangelical Alliance will hold an islandwide Emancipation Day Prayer-cade today, with a key stop at Pot Works Dam to pray for rain amid drought concerns. Sports & Culture: Team Antigua and Barbuda heads to the World Athletics U20 Championships in Oregon; Caribbean Union Bank Hells Gate won the 2026 Panorama title, and cake artists Danielle George-John and Carlonar Gerald captured regional Caribbean Baking Awards. International Spotlight: Antigua and Barbuda was named among Investopedia’s best Caribbean retirement spots for Americans.