Tourism & Culture: Santo Domingo’s Colonial City kicks off “Turizoneando 2026” summer edition with 100+ free and ticketed events—concerts, theater, comedy, artisan markets, kids’ activities, and museum late hours—running until Aug. 30. Public Service & Digital Governance: The UN Public Service Awards will recognize a Dominican Republic project that adds real-time monitoring to the country’s Public Procurement Electronic System, alongside initiatives from other countries focused on inclusion, transparency, and better service delivery. Health & Advocacy: The CÚRAME foundation is urging Dominican health authorities to speed up reliable, continuous access to Spinal Muscular Atrophy treatments, warning that every week without care can mean permanent loss of motor skills. Safety & Violence Prevention: Interior and Police Minister Faride Raful says 59% of Dominican homicides stem from social conflicts, with brawls and gender-based violence among key drivers, as authorities push coexistence and non-violent conflict resolution. Community & Giving: Café el Cibaeño pledges 5% of sales to support children’s care for serious and/or fatal diseases, directing funds to hospitals and nonprofits focused on access to treatment and research. International Spotlight: The Ministry of Tourism announces an invitation-only black-tie gala in Miami to introduce Miches as a new luxury destination. Human Rights in the Spotlight: A public health researcher and HIV/AIDS activist, Ellen Levy Koenig, dies, leaving a legacy of early epidemic research and support for vulnerable patients.