Critical Minerals Deal: The Dominican Republic and the U.S. signed a cooperation framework to develop critical minerals and rare earths, aiming to strengthen supply chains and attract investment, with Foreign Minister Víctor-Ito Bisonó and U.S. Ambassador Leah F. Campos signing alongside the energy and mines minister. Tech & Industry Push: President Luis Abinader backed PUCMM’s first university microchip and endorsed a shared semiconductor lab among Dominican universities, while AWS announced 50,000 free AI and cloud scholarships through 2028. Business Climate: The government unveiled “Empresas en 24 Horas,” a digital platform to incorporate companies in a single day by linking ONAPI, the Chamber/mercantile registry, and DGII. Urban Development: A bill was submitted to create CITELF, a state-backed real estate corporation to transform Ensanche La Fe via a public-private partnership, including a new MLB-standard stadium. Security & Justice: DNCD seized 42 suspected cocaine packages at Caucedo Port, arresting a port employee. Diplomatic Rift: Nicaragua confirmed it will close its embassy in Santo Domingo amid escalating bilateral tensions. Politics Watch: Historian Bernardo Vega says the 2028 presidential election may require a runoff due to low first-round odds for the PRM. Public Health/Weather: Indomet warned of showers and thunderstorms with gusty winds, while noting no hurricane formation expected.