Critical Minerals Deal: The Dominican Republic and the U.S. signed a framework cooperation agreement to boost security and resilience in critical minerals and rare earth supply chains, with both sides flagging joint projects and financing opportunities. Tourism Jobs & Retention: A new report highlights that tourism-linked companies in the DR see lower employee turnover (about 25%–30%) than the broader labor market, where informality remains high. Tourism Tax Surge: Tourism-linked tax revenue has tripled over the past decade to over RD$45 billion, reflecting stronger sector-linked spending and knock-on effects across commerce, manufacturing, construction and transport. AI Skills Push: President Abinader launched “RD Inteligente,” aiming to train 1 million Dominicans in AI and productivity skills, with paths from basic learning to advanced specializations and international certifications. Real Estate Prices: A new ONE report shows apartment prices can triple across the Santo Domingo metro area, with Paraíso and Piantini among the priciest sectors. Education Pressure: Global PISA 2025 results point to falling reading and math performance, adding pressure on DR education outcomes as policymakers look for fixes. Public Safety Case: The Public Ministry detailed how an alleged iPhone scam on Facebook Marketplace ended in the death of Emmanuel Contreras Medina after a confrontation. Trade Access for Beef: Canada regained access to the Dominican beef market after DR audits confirmed Canada’s inspection and animal-health controls.