Health Diplomacy: Vice President Raquel Peña and Health Minister Víctor Atallah met U.S. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to expand cooperation on prevention, lab capacity, digital health, mental health, and essential medicines supply chains. Mental Health Expansion: The National Health Service (SNS) says it’s pushing mental health care toward 500 crisis beds by end-2026, adding specialized teams and building new psychosocial centers in Higüey and Moca. Electoral Identity Clarity: The JCE’s Román Jáquez Liranzo defended the coat of arms on the new ID card, saying it was validated by patriotic institutions and approved before rollout. Penal Code Push in Congress: Chamber of Deputies President Alfredo Pacheco scheduled a Thursday plenary to review the bicameral commission’s Penal Code reform report, with a possible Friday follow-up. Local Governance: Santo Domingo Mayor Carolina Mejía expanded the sidewalk recovery program, reclaiming obstructed public space into linear parks and setting up the next stretch in Villa Consuelo. Transport Sector Legal Fight: CNTT leader Juan Marte announced a lawsuit against Intrant director Milton Morrison over alleged diversion of 5 million gallons of subsidized diesel. Regional Integration: COMISCA’s rotating health presidency shifted from the DR to Belize, with both sides emphasizing resilient health systems and regional coordination. Trade & Investment: The DR Trade & Investment Road Show 2026 promoted industrial parks and free zones to U.S. investors across Houston, Columbus, and Raleigh.