Driver’s License Overhaul: President Luis Abinader issued Decree No. 675-26 to standardize Dominican driver’s license validity at four years, with expiration on the holder’s birthday, after a Constitutional Court ruling said age alone can’t shorten or deny licenses; driving aptitude will be assessed through physical, theoretical, and practical exams by INTRANT. Crime & Public Safety Push: Abinader reaffirmed the Citizen Security Plan and police reform, saying most homicide suspects already have arrest warrants, while new patrol models and added police departments expand coverage and use tech to track patrols and crime patterns. Adolescent Pregnancy Alarm: Preliminary ONE data using Ministry of Public Health records shows 311 girls under 15 became mothers in the first half of 2026, alongside 6,813 pregnancies among ages 15–19. Health System Focus: PAHO highlighted primary health care transformation efforts, including experiences from the Dominican Republic, as a pathway to reduce inequities and strengthen health security. Maternal & Infectious Disease Signals: Coverage also notes maternal deaths fell 20% and reports 338 dengue and 137 malaria cases so far in 2026. Dementia Awareness: A local piece urges neurological evaluation when memory loss affects daily life, citing estimates that over 100,000 people in the Dominican Republic may live with dementia. Maritime Rescue: Dominican Navy and U.S. Coast Guard continued searching near Mona Island after rescuing 26 people; authorities say their health is good but the vessel’s full passenger count isn’t confirmed.