AI for local politics: Illinois governor candidate Darren Bailey’s campaign is using AI-generated images and videos to boost social media engagement, while the opposing campaign says it has a policy against AI in public-facing content. Connectivity upgrade: Cable Bahamas begins FY2026/27 work to migrate customers from its REV hybrid network to ALIV Fibr, targeting faster speeds and better smart-home performance first on Abaco and New Providence. Queen conch conservation: Florida Atlantic University’s solar-powered mobile lab on Eleuthera has produced its first queen conch, with hundreds of juveniles progressing after successful hatch milestones. Coral resilience research: A new AI-based study estimates about 64,000 square miles of coral reefs worldwide could resist climate change by 2050, with the Bahamas included among key resilient regions. Health system upgrades: Princess Margaret Hospital operating theatre renovations are temporarily disrupting elective surgeries, though emergency services remain operating. Energy regulation: URCA fined Bahamas Power & Light nearly $30,000 for late major outage reporting on Abaco and Crooked Island, with enforcement suspended for 12 months. Workforce & skills: The Bahamas Chamber flags “cautious optimism” in labour data but warns of a persistent skills mismatch; meanwhile, education budget plans include expanded breakfast programs and pilots for laptops/tablets. AI skills push: A one-day AI Vibathon in Nassau (July 9) aims to help Bahamians build their own AI solutions, aligned with the government’s push for AI literacy and a national AI committee.