Philippines Politics: Leni Robredo denied claims from a social media troll that she was secretly making frequent Manila trips, saying the account is tied to a local politician and has shifted targets depending on rivals. Malaysia State Election Watch: Negeri Sembilan’s Aug. 1 vote is in full swing after nomination day, with PH pushing “administrative continuity” and new faces, while BN and PN stress seat-by-seat arrangements to avoid vote-splitting; leaders also toured nomination centres with deputy ministers and party chiefs. Hawaii Governance: Hawaii officials and the task force in Washington gave conflicting descriptions of what Hawaii National Guard troops are doing in D.C. for the Freedom 250 events. Education Policy: Hawaii created a panel to study public school realignment and closures, after Gov. Josh Green initially flagged duplication concerns. Ghana Security & Democracy: A political science lecturer argued EOCO’s arrest of NPP aide Dennis Miracles Aboagye was meant to send a political message, not just investigate alleged procurement irregularities. Transnistria Prisoner Releases: Two prisoners were released from Tiraspol after years of illegal detention, with Chisinau urged to support reintegration. UK Power Shift: Andy Burnham’s early agenda is framed around cost of living and filling a defence funding gap as he remakes Britain’s centralized state. India Protest Crackdown: Police moved Sonam Wangchuk from Jantar Mantar to hospital after his hunger strike deteriorated, triggering fresh political backlash. Data Centers & Politics: Opposition to data centres is growing over land, power and water use, with protests and lawsuits spreading beyond local planning fights.