Municipal enforcement: Cabinet has approved the Municipal Police and Courts Bill, giving municipal police powers to arrest by-law offenders and setting up municipal courts to handle by-law offences, minor cases and traffic violations. Public health & courts: Chitungwiza residents have sued the local authority over a long-running sewage crisis, saying raw waste flows into homes and boreholes, breaching constitutional and public health obligations. Economy & finance: Zimbabwe’s gold exports rose 72.2% to US$3.1bn in the first half of 2026, with RBZ figures pointing to higher production and stronger bullion prices. Regional development finance: Zimbabwe’s admission to the BRICS New Development Bank (BRICS Bank) is framed as a new stage for African infrastructure-led growth. Health funding pressure: AIDS 2026 in Rio opens with warnings that global HIV funding has plunged, driven largely by US cuts, threatening progress. Agriculture resilience: A research-backed spineless cactus fodder project is boosting climate resilience for Mudzi women dairy farmers. Safety & transport: Five people died in a Harare–Nyamapanda Road traffic accident. Governance & security: NetOne CEO Raphael Mushanawani has been placed on forced leave amid reported internal and political power tensions. International travel: The US will end routine visa processing at 25 African posts from 1 August, including Harare, redirecting applicants to regional hubs.