W Journal PR

SANTO DOMINGO — The Dominican Republic government responded to the implementation of a new 12.5% tariff imposed by the United States by issuing a decree that prohibits the importation of goods produced wholly or partially with forced labor. President Luis Abinader signed Decree 502-26 on July 23, just hours before the U.S. tariff took effect on a portion of Dominican exports.

Home care technology company MK Care has launched new digital features designed to help families monitor, document, and coordinate the care of older adults and individuals with chronic health conditions from a single online platform.

The Municipality of Mayagüez has begun work on a $2.595 million renewable energy project at the José Antonio Figueroa Freyre Central American Stadium, aiming to reduce electricity costs, improve energy resilience and modernize one of the city's main sports facilities. Mayor Jorge L.

Popular Inc. reported net income of $278.2 million during the second quarter of 2026, equivalent to $4.35 per diluted share, up 13% from $245.7 million in the prior quarter and up 32% from $210.4 million in the same period a year ago. Regarding total deposits, these amounted to $70,233 million in the second quarter of 2026, an increase compared to $67,611 million in the first quarter of 2026, and $67,217 million registered in the same period of 2025.

Although consumers in Puerto Rico continue to visit the local supermarket to make their purchases, online sales through the platforms of these establishments continue to gain ground in the industry. According to the Consumer Radiography 2026 study, commissioned by the Chamber of Food Marketing, Industry and Distribution (MIDA), the use of these channels increased from 16% in 2025 to 19% in 2026, from a sample of 1,600 respondents.

The Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company (PRTC), Willianette Robles Cancel, reported that hotels endorsed by the corporation project an occupancy rate exceeding 88% for the weekend of July 24-27. These figures are based on preliminary statistics compiled by the agency and, as is typical, could increase with last-minute reservations in the days leading up to the holiday period.

When guests arrive for the rescheduled White House Correspondents’ Association dinner on Friday at Washington's Waldorf Astoria hotel, security will be much tighter, the guest list smaller, the partying pared down. That much, the correspondents’ association can control. What remains out of its control — and perhaps the biggest question — is what the dinner’s most prominent guest, President Donald Trump, will bring to the table.

The United States government has imposed new sanctions on Cuban oil, financial, port, and medical companies in a move aimed at limiting the Cuban government's access to foreign currency and disrupting two strategic pillars of its economy: the energy sector and the export of medical services.

Puerto Rico restaurant chain La Pachanga has launched its first franchise program as it celebrates five years in business, opening the door for entrepreneurs to expand the brand across the island. Founded by Miguel Rodríguez, Christian Ortiz and Ricardo Ortiz, La Pachanga said it plans to offer five franchise opportunities during the initial phase of the program, with potential markets including Caguas, Ponce and Mayagüez.

Contour Airlines will expand its Caribbean network this fall with the launch of twice-weekly service between San Juan and Trinidad and Tobago, the airline announced Tuesday. The new route will begin Oct. 5 and will connect Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) in San Juan with Piarco International Airport (POS) in Trinidad and Tobago. The flights will include a same-aircraft stop, allowing passengers to continue their journey without changing planes.