Aviation & Tourism: ITA Airways is launching a new direct Rome–Santo Domingo route, starting Nov. 30 with one weekly flight (Mondays) and expanding to two weekly flights from Dec. 14 through March 2027, using Airbus A330neo aircraft—another boost for European travel and business links. Culture at UNESCO: Dominican Culture Minister Roberto Ángel Salcedo kicked off Latin America and Caribbean Week 2026 at UNESCO in Paris, spotlighting Dominican traditions like merengue, bachata, and UNESCO-listed heritage. Education & Credentials: The Dominican Republic tightened rules for certifying foreign healthcare degrees, especially for medical specialties and programs completed via virtual or hybrid learning, aiming to protect patient safety. International Partnerships: Suriname and the Dominican Republic pushed deeper cooperation, including renewable energy, tourism, and a parliamentary exchange, plus visa-free tourism entry for Dominicans with ordinary passports (with a valid US or Schengen visa). Community & Solidarity: Rayjon Share Care marks 40 years with a June 18 open-house celebration, highlighting decades of education, literacy, small loans for women entrepreneurs, and vision support across Haiti and the DR. Public Safety: Authorities transferred key suspects in Operation XL526 to the Santiago Palace of Justice and a correction center after raids tied to alleged extortion and blackmail targeting victims in the U.S. Local Events: Jarabacoa’s Festival de las Flores runs June 4–7, with international cultural exchange and activities at Parque de la Confluencia.