Forced-Labor Trade Pressure: A U.S. watchdog says forced labor persists in Dominican sugarcane supply chains, renewing scrutiny after Washington lifted a prior import ban; Sen. Ron Wyden is demanding answers from U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Central Bank Continuity: President Luis Abinader reappointed Héctor Valdez Albizu as governor of the Central Bank and confirmed Clarissa de la Rocha as vice governor via Decree 575-26. Telecom Shake-Up: Indotel awarded radio spectrum to Viettel and Claro Dominicana, aiming to boost competition and service quality as Viettel prepares to enter the market. Nautical Tourism Standoff: Senators Rafael Barón Duluc and Ginnette Bournigal pushed again for legislation to incentivize recreational nautical tourism, arguing the DR is losing billions without clear rules for private vessels. Public Works for 2026-27: MINERD says Santo Domingo Este’s Cancino Adentro I Basic School is over 95% complete, adding 25 classrooms for the next school year. Diplomacy Fallout: The DR’s expulsion of Cuban diplomats continues to spark geopolitical backlash, with Cuba welcoming the expelled officials and blaming U.S. pressure. Security & Justice: A Dominican man wanted for murder in Santiago was arrested abroad, and police also detained suspects tied to violent crimes in Jamaica. Education Leadership: Dinorah García Romero was sworn in as rector of ISFODOSU, tasked with teacher-training and education-system transformation.