U.S.-DR Relations & Geopolitics: U.S. Ambassador Leah Francis Campos said Washington wants to deepen ties with the Dominican Republic while warning about China’s growing regional footprint, and she referenced a U.S.-DR framework for managing irregular migrants from third countries. Energy & Courts: A Santo Domingo court sentenced businessman Javier Francisco Álvarez Valencia to two years (suspended) and ordered him to pay over RD$47.7 million for electricity fraud tied to illegal connections. Agriculture & Exports: TNR and Intabaco signed an agreement to modernize tobacco farming with pressurized irrigation, training, and support aimed at boosting yields and water efficiency. Regulation for Cigar Brand: The Dominican Republic created a Regulatory Council for the “Dominican Cigar” geographical indication to protect authenticity and enforce production standards. Health & Consumer Protection: DIGEMAPS stepped up inspections and seized adulterated, expired, unregistered, or improperly marketed medicines. Tourism & Investment: Lopesan opened three new Punta Cana resorts (over 1,000 rooms) after a combined investment above $350m. Jobs & Skills: PUCMM will host its “Invest in Yourself” 2026 job fair with about 30 companies and expected attendance over 3,000. Sustainability Finance: Banco Popular will manufacture gnial cards using plastic recovered from DR coasts, linking card activity to ocean conservation donations.