AGP Executive Report

Water Crisis in Puerto Rico: Thousands of residents are dealing with severe water shortages, including in San Juan, where the governor activated the National Guard and emergency responders field daily calls; officials haven’t pinned down a clear cause, but residents say outages have worsened for more than a year and are hitting the elderly and disabled hardest. Disaster Recovery Pressure: U.S. Democratic lawmakers say they’ll push to speed Puerto Rico’s hurricane and earthquake recovery after hearing complaints from mayors about delays in reimbursements and approvals tied to DHS rules—some later rescinded, but problems remain. Public Health Watch: A new study presented in Chicago reports type 1 diabetes among Puerto Rican teens more than doubled from 2009 to 2021 and stayed elevated through 2024, underscoring a growing concern for Hispanic/Latino adolescents. Security & Migration: U.S. authorities intercepted an overloaded vessel near Desecheo Island, apprehending 40 migrants headed toward Puerto Rico. Infrastructure Contract: AECOM won a DHS nationwide infrastructure modernization contract that includes Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Puerto Rican Culture Abroad: Chicago’s Puerto Rican People’s Parade marked 60 years since the Division Street riots, drawing large crowds to Humboldt Park.

Water Crisis in Puerto Rico: Thousands of residents are facing severe water shortages across the island, including San Juan, with the governor activating the National Guard as officials field daily emergency calls and residents buy potable water or haul buckets for basic needs. Federal Push for Recovery: U.S. Democratic lawmakers met with Puerto Rico mayors and pledged to speed up hurricane and earthquake recovery, citing delays in reimbursements and project approvals that depend on federal funding. Local Governance & Utilities: The shortages have sparked lawsuits, including a mayor suing PR’s Water and Sewer Authority, as community leaders say the situation is harming health—especially for the elderly and disabled. Education & Partnerships: The University of Louisiana Monroe and the University of Puerto Rico signed an MOU in San Juan to expand academic cooperation, research, and student/faculty exchanges. Puerto Rican Heritage in NYC: A Puerto Rican Heritage reception at Gracie Mansion turned into a political flashpoint after organizers said it was initially canceled, while weekend festivities ramp up ahead of the National Puerto Rican Day Parade with major street closures. Tech Policy: Broadcasters, including groups representing Puerto Rico, backed the NO FAKES Act to curb AI deepfakes of voices and likenesses.

Disaster Recovery Push: U.S. Democratic lawmakers pledged to speed Puerto Rico’s hurricane and earthquake recovery, citing delays in reimbursements and project approvals that hinge on federal funding. Drug Trafficking Links: A Martinsburg man tied to Mexico’s Sinaloa cartel was sentenced to 24 months in federal court after pleading guilty in a cocaine conspiracy that included imports from Puerto Rico via the U.S. Postal Service. Public Safety & Courts: A child was found in Puerto Rico after a father allegedly took him from Pennsylvania and stopped communicating; the boy is in the island’s child services system while authorities work to reunite him with his mother. Infrastructure Funding: Puerto Rico’s Fiscal Control Board approved $7.3 million for permanent improvement projects across 17 municipalities, targeting infrastructure, economic development, health, and public safety. Organized Crime Crackdown: Albania launched a major anti-drug operation targeting an alleged cocaine network that prosecutors say trafficked drugs from Puerto Rico into Europe and laundered proceeds through construction and real estate. Local Governance: San Juan is set to allocate $5 million to encourage business growth.

Water Crisis: Thousands of Puerto Ricans are facing severe water shortages, with the governor activating the National Guard as residents in places like San Juan struggle to get potable water, some forced to buy it or rely on water trucks. San Juan Economic Push: The municipality will allocate $5 million to help create new businesses and expand existing ones in priority sectors, with permits and incentives support through its Business Concierge. Business & Exports: The DDEC and the Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce launched a new Puerto Rico Export Manual to help local companies internationalize and grow. Connectivity Win: Claro Puerto Rico says it topped Opensignal awards for best mobile coverage experience and first place in 5G video experience. Public Safety/Justice: A Chester man is on trial for murder after a workplace shooting killed two coworkers; prosecutors say he intended to kill more. Culture & Community: Delaware officially designated June 11 as “Puerto Rico Day,” highlighting Puerto Rican heritage and Latino representation. Sports: Puerto Rico’s Ethan Vergara was among those facing Connor Mirasola in U23 Pan-American wrestling, where Mirasola won gold. Culture in NYC: Organizers say a dispute with the mayor’s office led to a venue change for a NYC Puerto Rican Heritage Reception.

U.S.-Cuba Tensions: The U.S. announced sanctions against Cuba’s state oil and gas company Cupet, accusing it of diverting energy resources and weaponizing shortages—raising fears of more strain between Washington and Havana. Puerto Rico & the Economy: A new report warns Puerto Rico’s recovery taxes are drawing scrutiny from the oversight board and taxpayer advocates, adding pressure to the island’s fiscal outlook. Local Governance & Utilities: LUMA has asked PREB to pause a pair of determinations, citing legal and operational risks, as Puerto Rico continues to wrestle with power-sector decisions. Public Safety & Health: The Health Department confirmed an infant botulism case, while Puerto Rico also strengthened technical capacity for severe dengue care in intensive care units. Community & Culture: “Dominant Animals,” a Puerto Rican family drama, returns to Teatro LATEA for Hispanic Heritage Month runs Oct. 2–4. Travel & Tourism: Royal Caribbean added La Romana, Dominican Republic, to select 2026 Rhapsody of the Seas sailings from San Juan, replacing a sea day.

Commonwealth Status Push: Resident Commissioner Pablo José Hernández Rivera introduced a “Puerto Rico Democratic Self-Determination Act” that would let voters choose statehood, independence, sovereignty in free association, or improved commonwealth status—and would end PROMESA’s role within two years if the commonwealth option wins. Energy & Water Oversight: LUMA asked the Puerto Rico Energy Bureau to pause key determinations tied to PREPA’s bankruptcy, including a $750-per-hour legal counsel cap and denial of FY2026 Title III cost recovery; meanwhile, San Juan Mayor Miguel Romero Lugo pushed back on PRASA’s chief after PRASA questioned an engineer’s role in the water crisis response. Tourism Boost: Puerto Rico set a new cruise passenger record in May, reaching 1,827,010 visitors and projecting about 100,000 more than the prior high for the fiscal year. Cybersecurity Training: The Comptroller’s Office trained 300+ auditors to tackle cyber threats, fraud, and new financial risks. Sports: Puerto Rico opened the Davis Cup Americas Group III with a 3-0 win over Costa Rica, and Venezuela beat Puerto Rico 84-65 in the U18 women’s AmeriCup. Culture & Spotlight: Pope Leo XIV met Bad Bunny in Madrid, confirming a brief Vatican encounter.

Puerto Rico Recovery Taxes Under Scrutiny: Puerto Rico’s tax rules tied to disaster recovery work are drawing fire from the oversight board and taxpayer advocates, after concerns that a 2024 law (Act 215) could raise costs and slow the island’s long-delayed power grid rebuild. Church Meets Pop Culture: Pope Leo XIV met Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny privately at Madrid’s Bernabéu, with the Vatican saying no photos were expected; the meeting followed the pope’s joke that many young people would choose Bad Bunny over him. Aviation and Migration: The U.S. Coast Guard repatriated 32 migrants to the Dominican Republic after intercepting an overloaded boat near Desecheo Island west of Puerto Rico. Local Public Safety: A hit-and-run crash in Toa Alta left a motorcyclist decapitated; investigators say a handbag strap may have snagged as the driver fled. Travel and Connectivity: Southwest announced new and returning routes that include service to San Juan, Puerto Rico, as it expands Caribbean and Florida options for 2027. Sports Spotlight: Yankees prospect Elmer Rodríguez, a Puerto Rico native, helped power a Triple-A win with a strong start.

Local Health: The Puerto Rico Department of Health confirmed an infant botulism case and says treatment with BabyBIG began within 48 hours, after CDC testing detected botulinum toxin type A. Water & Housing: Coamo Mayor Juan Carlos García Padilla urged PRASA to reject connecting the Jacaranda housing development to the Toa Vaca water system, warning it could strain supplies for communities that rely on it. Government Oversight: The Senate requested details on the Opus Miramar luxury project in San Juan’s Convention Center District, including any tax incentives and communications with developers, as part of an investigation. Economy & Consumer Mood: A MIDA study found Puerto Ricans cut spending, with many considering leaving the island, and reported some use of weight-loss (GLP-1) medications. Public Safety/Immigration Debate: A viral post suggesting calling ICE over an “illegal Puerto Rican server” sparked backlash and renewed discussion about Puerto Rico’s U.S. citizenship status. Culture & Faith: The Vatican confirmed Pope Leo XIV held a brief private meeting with Puerto Rican star Bad Bunny in Madrid, with no photos expected.

Disaster Recovery: Resident Commissioner Pablo José Hernández announced $13 million in FEMA funds for Puerto Rico reconstruction, including road, bridge, and PREPA emergency protection work after recent storms and earthquakes. Aviation Safety: A Frontier Airlines incident involving a passenger allegedly trying to open an emergency door has renewed debate about in-flight security and training for unruly behavior. Local Economy & Tourism: A new look at Puerto Rico’s tourism boom argues it’s not just recovery—it’s reshaping development through tax incentives that can turn projects into speculative financial assets. Culture & Faith: Pope Leo XIV met Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny privately at Madrid’s Bernabéu, with Vatican officials confirming the brief encounter and no official photos expected. Education & Tech: First Lady Melania Trump honored winners of the Presidential AI Challenge, with Puerto Rico included among participating schools. Health & Policy: A multistate push led by attorneys general raises concerns about tobacco and nicotine sponsorships in Formula 1, including Puerto Rico’s participation in the letter. Sports: Puerto Rico’s Angelis Sanchez earned first runner-up at Top Model of the World, continuing the island’s strong international pageant streak.

Puerto Rico & Caribbean Culture: Puerto Rico’s Angelis Sanchez earned first runner-up at the Top Model of the World contest in Egypt, extending Mutya ng Pilipinas’ international placement streak. Local Community & Public Safety: In Milwaukee, a street takeover after Fiesta Puerto Rico led to an arrest, nine tickets, and five vehicles towed, with neighbors and city leaders debating whether police response was adequate. Sports & Puerto Rico Connections: A World Cup travel story highlights Puerto Rican roots among fans arriving in Kansas City, showing the tournament’s pull despite troubling local headlines. Aviation & Puerto Rico Ties: A private Gulfstream jet crash in the Dominican Republic killed two U.S. pilots while reportedly en route to pick up former MLB star Yadier Molina and his family returning to Puerto Rico. Public Health & Policy: Hawaii AG Anne Lopez is co-leading a push to end Formula 1 sponsorships tied to tobacco and nicotine products, including nicotine pouches. Community Memory: Plans for a permanent Pulse memorial are drawing calls for stronger Hispanic representation as the 10th anniversary approaches.

Local Policy: Puerto Rico approved an import rule this month requiring a lameness exam for all racing-age horses, but an advocacy group says there are loopholes that could weaken enforcement. Regional Safety: A magnitude 6.1 earthquake near Cuba sent tremors across Florida; officials reported no tsunami threat for U.S. coasts, though many residents said they felt the shaking. Aviation Tragedy: A private Gulfstream G200 crash in the Dominican Republic killed two U.S. pilots during an emergency landing attempt; former MLB star Yadier Molina said the jet was headed to Austin to pick him up and then take the group to Puerto Rico. Business & Tourism: Henderson Park and a joint venture with Pyramid Global Hospitality completed a deal for the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve in Río Grande, Puerto Rico, adding a major resort to their portfolio. Community & Culture: Puerto Rico’s Day at the Ballpark returns for 2026, and the National Puerto Rican Day Parade in New York is set for this Sunday. Sports & Entertainment: Puerto Rican rapper Álvaro Díaz announced his fall “OMAKASE TOUR” dates, including stops in Chicago, New York, Miami, and more.

Basketball Spotlight: Puerto Rico’s U18 run at the FIBA AmeriCup ended with a bronze—Brazil beat the island 83–77 in the third-place game—while Canada captured gold by edging the U.S. 67–65; Puerto Rico’s Felipe Quiñones made the All-Star Five after a standout tournament. Aviation Tragedy: A US-registered Gulfstream G200 crashed during an emergency landing attempt at La Romana airport in the Dominican Republic, killing two American pilots; the jet was registered to Aibonito Aviation in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and was reportedly headed to Texas to pick up Yadier Molina and his family. Community & Culture: In Milwaukee, the 48th Annual Puerto Rican/Hispanic Day Parade drew thousands for music, dancing, and pride, while organizers announced State Rep. Sylvia Ortiz-Velez as grand marshal for the 2026 Fiesta Puerto Rico Parade. Public Health Watch: Medicare Fraud Prevention Week highlights how Puerto Rico residents with Medicare can spot scams—don’t share your Medicare number, review benefit notices, and report suspicious activity.

Puerto Rico in Sports Spotlight: Saudi Arabia beat Puerto Rico 3-0 in a World Cup warm-up friendly that was paused for nearly two hours due to thunderstorms and lightning, with play suspended when storms were detected within an 8-mile radius; Saudi scored before halftime and added two more goals after the restart, earning their first win under new coach Georgios Donis. Puerto Rican Culture Abroad: The 2026 Fiesta Puerto Rico Parade & Festival drew crowds in Milwaukee’s south side, celebrating Puerto Rican spirit and heritage with bomba, floats, and dancers along a mile-long route. Church and Pop Culture in Spain: Pope Leo XIV kicked off a weeklong Spain visit and joked that many young people would choose Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny over the pope, even as massive crowds turned out for his events. Local Military Visit: Brig. Gen. Jake “Baked” Hammons visited the Puerto Rico Air National Guard to see mission conversions firsthand and hear feedback from Airmen. Health and Policy Watch: A Medicare Advantage explainer breaks down how 2026 plans are funded and what benefits may look like for enrollees. Food Safety Alert: Reports flag urgent Salmonella-related grocery recalls, urging shoppers to check labels and batches.

World Cup Warm-Up: Saudi Arabia beat Puerto Rico 3-0 in a friendly at Q2 Stadium in Austin, but the match was delayed nearly two hours by thunderstorms and lightning. Play was suspended under U.S. safety rules, then restarted after repeated 30-minute delays. Sports & Puerto Rico: Saudi goals came from Sultan Mandash (just before halftime), Abdullah Al Hamdan (50th minute), and captain Salem Al Dawsari (88th). Local Softball Spotlight: Puerto Rico will host the Borinquen Smoke Out, a major pro women’s softball showcase featuring the Puerto Rico National Team (ranked No. 3) vs. the Atlanta Smoke, with an eye toward the island’s first official Professional Softball League series. Travel & Connectivity: Southwest launched new nonstop service from Indianapolis to San Juan and added another route from Columbus, Ohio—expected to boost arrivals and economic impact. Business & Economy: CUD criticized the sudden departure of DDEC secretary Sebastián Negrón Reichard, saying the private sector now faces uncertainty and a lack of continuity. Food Safety Alert: Federal regulators and retailers issued urgent Salmonella-related recalls, including Motor City Pizza Co. 5 Cheese Bread, urging shoppers to check packages.

Sports & Community: Puerto Rico will host the Borinquen Smoke Out, a major showcase for professional women’s softball, featuring the Puerto Rico National Softball Team (ranked No. 3) against the Atlanta Smoke, with the island also set to welcome the first official Professional Softball League series when Atlanta faces the Kansas City Diamonds. World Cup Prep: Saudi Arabia beat Puerto Rico 3-0 in a friendly at Q2 Stadium in Austin, but the match was paused for nearly two hours due to lightning and severe weather safety protocols. Local Economy & Funding: Puerto Rico’s Resident Commissioner says the U.S. House approved the FY 2027 appropriations bill that includes funding for PAN nutrition assistance, plus agriculture and community projects, including landfill remediation and expansion work in Hormigueros. Air Connectivity: Southwest Airlines announced new Puerto Rico routes, including service from Indianapolis and new ticket sales for Columbus, Ohio, boosting passenger arrivals and tourism impact. Culture & Global Spotlight: Pope Leo XIV began a Spain visit calling for an end to polarizing narratives, while openly acknowledging he’s competing for attention with Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny in Madrid.

Puerto Rico Business & Jobs: Made in Puerto Rico names Pedro Rosaly as its new president and CEO, aiming to turn the group into a broader “movement” for local entrepreneurs while expanding training, collaboration, and international growth. Puerto Rico Law & Courts: The Puerto Rico Supreme Court clarified how non-compete and exclusivity terms can be enforced in independent contractor relationships, including after a valid contract assignment, in MCG Therapy Group, LLC v. Maestre Rivera. Tourism & Development: La Concha Resort broke ground on LUXE AZUL, a new Condado beach club investment expected to create dozens of jobs and add a major entertainment and dining draw. Health Care at Home: Alivia Health launched a specialized nursing network under Alivia Infusion Services to expand intravenous therapy at home, aiming to reduce repeat ER visits while keeping care coordinated. Sports (Puerto Rico on the World Stage): Saudi Arabia beat Puerto Rico 3-0 in a weather-delayed friendly, the first win under new coach Georgios Donis, as Puerto Rico continues World Cup warm-up preparations. Culture & Belonging: A podcast segment spotlights how Puerto Ricans in Connecticut build community and belonging, including perspectives on assimilation and political power.