Miss Universe Dominican Republic: The 35-candidate preliminary raised the stakes ahead of the grand finale, with runway and judge poise deciding key points, plus performances by Mery tu loba, Lemar, and Patty Mol. Central American & Caribbean Games kickoff: Santo Domingo’s July 24 opening ceremony is set, with the day’s agenda also including a major book launch at Foro Pedro Mir and a Thanksgiving Mass for the National Health Service anniversary. Salsa spotlight: Sexappeal marks 25 years with a renewed team, a new album planned for Oct–Nov, and fresh national/international collaborations as he pushes Dominican salsa further. Sports tourism logistics: Sky High Dominicana says it will move 1,435+ athletes and delegations to Santo Domingo 2026, adding capacity and support for equipment. Baseball culture moment: NBA star Jaylen Brown was spotted in Santo Domingo filming and playing ball, showing off the Dominican love for the sport. Migration & enforcement: DGM launches an internal probe after a viral video showed a Haitian migrant transported on a motorcycle by immigration agents in San Juan de la Maguana. Arts & culture beyond DR: A Dominican-descended Cardi B shared that her kids are vacationing in the countryside, leaning into roots and simpler life experiences.