Colonial City Mobility Upgrade: OMSA is rolling out a 100% electric bus corridor in Santo Domingo’s Colonial City, with five buses on a 12.5-kilometer route, accessible stops, new shelters, and women drivers as part of an employment inclusion push. Architecture & Heritage Loss: Renowned Dominican architect Cuqui Batista, credited with major landmarks like the Palace of Fine Arts, has died at 100, leaving a lasting mark on the country’s cultural identity. Immigration & Residency Numbers: The DR granted 60,306 residency permits to Haitian citizens from 2018 to 2026, even as deportations of undocumented Haitians continue at high levels. Public Health Push: The National Hemocenter is seeking to grow voluntary blood donors from about 62,000 to 200,000 to close supply gaps for emergencies and surgeries. Community & Faith: A new “Hearts and Hard Hats” fundraiser backs the Building Bridges of Hope mission house construction, supporting volunteer groups working on the Haiti–DR border. Civic Mood: Hundreds held peaceful pot-banging protests across Greater Santo Domingo, citing social and economic frustrations and alleged police abuses. Culture & Sports Anthem: “Corazón de Fiesta,” performed by Ilegales, was released as the official song for the Santo Domingo 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games. Local Governance: The Council of Ministers approved the 2027 Annual Budget Policy under Meta RD 2036, prioritizing human capital, infrastructure, productivity, and institutional strengthening.