Agriculture & Public Services: The Ministry of Finance, Economic Affairs, and the Primary Sector opened a public tender for four 36-month service contracts to strengthen Santa Rosa (DLVV), covering repairs, irrigation installation, plumbing and electricity, plus expanded daily livestock and farm support. Education: Aruba will keep the preschool-to-secondary class-size cap at 24 students for the 2026-2027 school year, aiming to ease teacher workload and improve individual attention. Justice & Infrastructure: Work is underway at the Aruba Correctional Institute (KIA) to address deteriorating infrastructure, including new wall construction in sections deemed at risk. Governance & Accountability: A fresh debate continues over Aruba’s debt refinancing pressure from the Netherlands, with calls for transparency around the HOFA document and stronger defense of Aruba’s autonomy. Tourism & Environment: Aruba was recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve—covering the island in full—boosting the island’s conservation and low-impact tourism credentials. Public Life: Prime Minister Mike Eman backed a Bernhardstraat home-painting volunteer initiative in San Nicolas. Legal Fallout: Former MP Alan Howell was sentenced on appeal to 23 months in prison (six suspended) for embezzlement and forgery. Military: Five Aruban servicemen were sworn in for ARUMIL, marking new steps in Aruba’s defense capacity.