Diplomacy Shock: The Dominican Republic expelled nine Cuban diplomats and their families, giving them seven days to leave, while Cuba called it submission to U.S. policy and linked it to the “Shield of the Americas.” Legislative Agenda: Congress opens its Second Ordinary Legislature on Aug. 16, with pending bills still stuck in committees, including water, labor reform, cybersecurity, a new Civil Code, and energy efficiency. Telecom Modernization: Indotel presented a proposed General Law on Telecommunications, Digital Infrastructure and Connectivity, aiming for a single concession system, faster infrastructure deployment, stronger competition, and cybersecurity rules. Public Works & Mobility: MOPC will close the Ozama River floating bridge for two hours this Saturday to let two vessels pass, urging drivers to use alternate bridges. Construction Permits Surge: MIVHED hit a record month with 201 construction permits in July, up 85% year-on-year, citing modernization of the permitting system. Security & Trade Controls: Customs destroyed 8.29 million cigarettes seized for evading about RD$53.3 million in taxes, as part of joint anti-smuggling operations. Local Business & Jobs: Tourism push continues as the RD Road Show adds Philadelphia and Charlotte; meanwhile, UFHEC begins construction of a new campus in San Juan with programs tied to regional needs. Industry & Investment: Unigold updated its Candelones gold project mineral resource estimate in the Dominican Republic, supporting feasibility work. Crime Watch: Two separate robberies targeted construction payrolls, with suspects armed and cash stolen.