UASD Rector Vote Count: The Central Electoral Commission of UASD has started receiving and validating minutes from rector and academic authority elections, with official results expected this Thursday after all provinces’ records are consolidated. Anti-Crisis Plan Tax Changes: The Senate approved an urgent Anti-Crisis Plan revision, cutting lottery and betting taxes—25% only on winnings above RD$600,000, 15% on RD$200,000–RD$600,000, and full exemption below RD$200,000—plus lowering the annual tax for lottery booths to RD$85,000. Fiscal Bill Focus: Finance Minister Magín Díaz told lawmakers over 90% of expected revenue would come from the wealthiest 1%, aiming to raise RD$40–RD$50 billion without raising ITBIS or adding burdens on small businesses. US-DR Nuclear Deal: The U.S. and the Dominican Republic signed a Nuclear Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding to expand peaceful civil nuclear ties, energy security, and medical isotope cooperation. Visa-Free Schengen Progress: Foreign Minister Roberto Álvarez said DR is moving toward Schengen visa-free access for short stays, but document fraud remains the main hurdle. Tourism Push: DR reported 5.64 million visitors in the first five months of 2026, up 8%, with hotel occupancy above 79% (Jan–Apr) and 93% of tourists saying they’d return. Sovereignty Warning: Instituto Duartiano chief Wilson Gómez Ramírez urged authorities to defend national sovereignty in any UN migration discussions. Regional Trade & Fisheries: EU-CARIFORUM ministers meet in Santo Domingo to advance the Economic Partnership Agreement, while 15 countries—including DR—signed the Mombasa Declaration to fight illegal fishing and boost transparency.