Aviation Tax Challenge for the Kingdom: The Dutch Council of State is questioning whether the Netherlands can legally tax Caribbean destinations differently under a new distance-based Flight Tax Differentiation Act—highlighting how Curaçao/Aruba/Sint Maarten could get the lowest rate while nearby islands face higher categories due to their legal status. Aruba Tourism Planning: Minister Wendrick Cicilia met with Aruba Tourism Authority leadership to map the 2027 budget and projects, focusing on how Aruba’s tourism policy and corporate planning will be implemented. De Meza’s Ministerial Path Clears: After nearly two years, the Public Prosecutor’s Office dropped the criminal case against Mike de Meza via a settlement, but he says he still needs time to decide whether to enter government. Rehabilitation Care Push: Jacco Vroegop (HOH) argues Aruba needs a full multidisciplinary rehabilitation facility to reduce reliance on treatment abroad. Crime Trends Briefing: Aruba Police Force presented updated crime patterns to the Ministry of Justice, stressing cross-agency coordination for prevention and investigations. Fuel Prices Up: Aruba confirmed higher retail gasoline and diesel prices starting Aug. 12, adding pressure to household budgets. Curaçao Waste Oversight: Curaçao lawmakers pressed for answers on whether Malpais can handle more cruise-ship waste safely and what safeguards prevent hazardous material entering the waste stream. Colonial Archives Restitution: The Netherlands is moving toward a new policy and independent expert review that could lead to returning colonial-era archives, with Curaçao among the first applicants.