Border Security: President Luis Abinader unveiled a “Strong Border” plan to defend the DR against armed gangs in Haiti, adding 1,500 soldiers to the frontier and expanding the smart perimeter fence, drones, and real-time monitoring, alongside binational market upgrades and new vocational training. Regional Diplomacy: The DR chaired an extraordinary SICA foreign ministers meeting and will hand over the Pro Tempore Presidency to Belize at month’s end. Public Spending Debate: The 2026 budget sets aside RD$193.6 million for Parlacen participation, drawing criticism over whether the regional body delivers value. Cyber & AI Risks: A state AI workshop for journalists highlighted rising cyberattack threats as digital services expand, urging stronger protocols and investment. Health Innovation: Cedimat in Santo Domingo performed the first Allegra “Valve-in-Valve” aortic implant in Central America and the Caribbean. Tourism & Travel Costs: Travelers are noticing more “access fees” as overtourism drives new entry charges, including in the Dominican Republic. Aviation Safety: Dominican pilot leaders say the DR must keep control of the investigation into a fatal US-registered Gulfstream crash at La Romana. Governance & Rights: UNDP praised the DR as a regional model for democratic strengthening and poverty reduction. Local Protests: Tireo community leaders protested at the Presidential Palace over unfulfilled 2022 promises.