Public Health: The U.S. Senate confirmed Erica Schwartz as CDC director, restoring the agency’s sign-off on vaccine recommendations that shape commercial coverage and the Vaccines for Children program. Maui Relief: Gov. Green’s One ʻOhana Fund has now offered the full $175 million to Maui wildfire claimants, with most death claims paid and injury offers still being finalized (acceptance deadline Aug. 15). Local Housing/Planning: A Maui Council panel paused hotel rezoning measures after hours of testimony, delaying steps that would shift thousands of apartment-zoned units toward hotel zoning. State Politics: Hawaii’s lieutenant governor corruption case casts a shadow over Saturday’s primary as nine candidates vie to replace Sylvia Luke. Marine Economy: Hawaii enacted S.B. 2907 to create an Office of Marine Affairs and a governing board, aiming to boost marine tourism, boating access, and coastal resilience. Oʻahu Corrections: A report highlights how severely ill prisoners granted compassionate release can still get stuck when long-term care facilities won’t accept them. Health Care Access: The American Diabetes Association praised Hawaii’s move to expand access to continuous glucose monitors. Culture & Community: A viral monk seal story from Molokaʻi is shifting local conversation, while OHA trustees launched a nationwide search for the next CEO.