Tourism & Air Connectivity: Strong US and Canadian demand helped the DR hit record 2026 tourism numbers, with 5.64M visitors in Jan–May (+8%), and Arajet added a new non-stop Punta Cana–Rosario route (Argentina now a top source market). Public Safety & Crime: Interior Minister Faride Raful said 59% of homicides are driven by social conflicts, as Abinader’s security meeting pushed for better community coexistence and peaceful dispute resolution. Infrastructure: Public Works Minister Eduardo Estrella said Santo Domingo’s Plaza de la Bandera traffic-flow solution will be finished in “weeks,” with safety measures for tunnels and overpasses. Health & Rights: Human rights groups delivered 1,000+ signatures urging an end to immigration checks in public hospitals, warning it deters undocumented patients from seeking care. Regional Leadership: The DR will chair the Caribbean Trade Development Committee for 2026–2027, and CAF pledged $10B to boost regional integration across Latin America and the Caribbean. HIV Response: Health Minister Víctor Atallah highlighted Dominican progress and gaps in HIV prevention and care at a UN meeting. Business/Travel Fees: Debate continues over Dominicans still being charged the tourist card fee automatically, despite a legal ruling ordering its elimination. Public Service Tech: A UN Public Service Awards program recognized a Dominican initiative using real-time monitoring in the Public Procurement Electronic System. Disaster Watch: A deadly resort fire abroad dominated coverage, with reports of 1 death and nearly 1,700 evacuations.