Energy Strategy: Energy Minister Joel Santos opened Energyear Caribe 2026, laying out a long-term plan to expand generation, modernize transmission and distribution, and improve rural electrification to meet rising demand through the 2030s. Tourism & Heritage: Santo Domingo’s Colonial City got a boost as the restored Alcázar de Colón Museum reopened with over RD$100M in upgrades, alongside an RD$86M public lighting project to improve safety and visitor experience. Tourism Jobs & Local Economy: The Punta Bergantín project study for Villa Montellano projects 7,000–11,000 direct jobs annually from 2025–2030 and highlights spillovers into retail, services, logistics, real estate, and agro-industrial supply chains. Macroeconomic Outlook: JP Morgan raised the Dominican Republic’s growth forecast to 4.3%, citing stronger-than-expected fundamentals and tourism momentum. Climate Risk: Saharan dust is expected to push temperatures to 37–38°C and a heat index up to 45°C, with guidance to hydrate and protect outdoor workers. Trade & Incentives: A new EY-backed report says Dominican free trade zones can generate up to seven times the value of tax incentives, supporting industries from medical devices to textiles and services. Regional Energy Pressure: ECLAC warns higher oil prices will keep weighing on Central America and the Dominican Republic via inflation, weaker purchasing power, and pressure on trade balances. Aviation Connectivity: Frontier Airlines adds eight Caribbean/LATAM routes, including a daily San Juan–Punta Cana service, expanding access to the country’s top tourism corridor. Agribusiness & Training: ITESIL and the Dominican Agrarian Institute launched an agro-industrial initiative to turn 900+ tareas of state land in Montecristi into a research, innovation, production, and training hub across the value chain. Sports & Public Institutions: UASD beat Passports 25-6 to advance to the semifinals of the IX Government Softball Tournament, reinforcing public-sector sports integration.