AGP Executive Report

Puerto Rico Energy & Power: A securities lawsuit says Flotek misled investors about a 10-year, 400-megawatt natural gas project for PREPA—an effort tied to the island’s ongoing energy crisis. Water & Drought: Coverage highlights how Puerto Rico’s drought situation has shifted quickly, with reports that conditions have eased after earlier extreme levels. Local Politics & Policy: Puerto Rico lawmakers are pushing desalination as a future water source amid drought planning. Sports (Puerto Rico on the world stage): Puerto Rico’s senior national team shows up in U.S. college volleyball, with 16-year-old Decelise Champion making her Wisconsin debut after starring for Puerto Rico. Culture & Community: Puerto Rican Festival of Wisconsin returns Saturday, Sept. 12, expanding from its early bridge-era roots to a bigger lakefront stage in Milwaukee. Food Safety: The FDA updated a Walmart berries recall, now listing distribution to Puerto Rico for potentially E. coli-contaminated Great Value Organic Triple Berry Blend.

Water Security Watch: Puerto Rico lawmakers are pushing desalination as a backup water source as drought risk grows, with hearings focused on adding redundancy without replacing reservoir work and leak reduction. Emergency Readiness: ODSEC is investing $24.7 million to build a network of 36 Resilient Centers across the island, adding kitchens, laundry, accessible bathrooms, cisterns, and backup power for emergencies and year-round community use. Local Governance & Water Crisis Context: The push comes as coverage highlights how the island’s water situation has worsened and then eased, keeping pressure on long-term solutions. Sports (Puerto Rico on the World Stage): Team USA advanced in the FIBA Women’s World Cup, and Puerto Rico’s own presence is noted in the tournament bracket as the knockout stage approaches. Business & Expansion: Newtopia Cyder announced an exclusive distribution partnership that includes Puerto Rico, marking a major expansion beyond its West Coast base. Tech for Puerto Rico: iPhone 18 Pro pre-orders start today, with Puerto Rico listed for an 8:00 a.m. AST start. Remembering 9/11: Fort Buchanan and Puerto Rico’s Senate held 25th-anniversary remembrance events, linking the island’s service members to the national response.

Puerto Rico Water & Resilience: The ODSEC announced a $24.7M push to build 36 Resilient Centers across the island, with kitchens, laundry, accessible bathrooms, cisterns, and backup power—meant to support communities during emergencies and keep services running year-round. Local Emergency Coordination: Fort Buchanan and Bayamón city leaders met to strengthen emergency management ties, aiming to improve communication and joint response before the next crisis. Public Health: The FDA says the multi-state Cyclospora outbreak is over, though it’s still investigating infections; Puerto Rico is listed among the states where recalled iceberg lettuce was distributed. Opportunity Zones: New tax rules starting Jan. 1, 2027 will change how investors can defer gains and step up bases, giving advisors a new planning tool for clients with big gains. Culture & Community: Interamerican University teams won Enactus Puerto Rico 2026, earning spots to represent the island at the Enactus World Cup in São Paulo. Puerto Rico in Music: Grupo Frontera released a new take on Ricky Martin’s “Tu Recuerdo” for his ReVivo EP, blending cumbia norteña with Puerto Rican pop legacy.

Water Crisis: Puerto Rico’s drought is deepening fast, with reservoir levels dropping below thresholds for regular service and forcing the Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority to ration supplies—leaving residents dealing with reduced pressure, interruptions, and uncertainty about when water will return. Drought Snapshot: A new look at the U.S. Drought Monitor shows Puerto Rico going from no drought to widespread extreme drought in just months as rainfall failed to arrive through late August. Aviation Safety: The NTSB says an Amazon cargo Boeing 767-33A that overran Miami’s runway touched down at nearly 300 kmph despite warnings, and investigators are using recovered cockpit and flight data to understand why the plane couldn’t slow in time. Travel & Connectivity: American Airlines is boosting Miami-to-Caribbean routes, including up to eight daily flights to San Juan starting Oct. 5. Culture & Community: Puerto Rico’s bartenders can enter a mezcal cocktail competition for a chance to win a trip to Oaxaca, Mexico. Sports: Puerto Rico’s women’s basketball team faces a quarterfinal matchup after a World Cup scare, while the Opals’ tournament ends in Berlin after injuries and illness.

Head Start Watch: Puerto Rico’s Federal Affairs Administration (PRFAA) says the proposed federal Head Start rule is just that—a proposal—with a public comment period running through Oct. 6, while noting the island received $320.3M in Head Start funding in FY2025. 9/11 Remembrance: Gov. Jenniffer González-Colón and the Secretary of State invite Puerto Ricans to observe Patriot Day marking the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks. Housing & Care: New federal guidance and changing housing rules are driving more demand for emotional support animals, with PR-focused clarification on what ESA owners need to request accommodations. Local Economy: New vehicle sales in Puerto Rico fell 7.9% in August 2026, though electrified vehicles (hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and EVs) grew 37% year-to-date. Business & Jobs: Littler expanded in Puerto Rico by hiring eight former Jackson Lewis attorneys in San Juan. Environment & Policy: Groups including Puerto Rico are urging the CNMI governor to oppose a proposed deep-sea mining lease sale near the Marianas.

Energy & Power Updates: LUMA Energy, PREPA, and Energiza filed a verified status report saying the 528 MW Energiza generation project is still at 0% physical construction, with financing targeted for Dec. 31 and construction set to start May 1, 2027. Public Safety & Justice: A man has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of nurse Jennifer Marie Torres Castro in Caguas, with prosecutors alleging mechanical asphyxiation and severe trauma. Water & Climate: A former member of Puerto Rico’s Drought Committee says cloud-seeding “didn’t work,” warning the tactic can’t reliably target rainfall where it’s needed. Business & Jobs: Slim Chickens opens its first Puerto Rico location today in Guaynabo’s San Patricio Village, aiming to create 50+ jobs. Local Economy: The Economic Development Bank approved a $360,000 loan to VIP Food Dorado LLC for a new Ichiban Japanese Steak House in Dorado, expected to add 25 direct jobs. Tourism: Discover Puerto Rico held a Central-South tourism gathering in Cayey to connect local businesses with visitor trends and resources.

FIBA World Cup (Women’s Basketball): Puerto Rico’s run hit a tough wall as China beat the team 75-72, sending Puerto Rico out of the quarterfinal picture and setting up China vs. France. Disaster Recovery (FEMA): Gov. González-Colón announced $21.3 million in FEMA funding for 13 reconstruction, recovery, mitigation and resilience projects across Puerto Rico, including work led by PRASA, PREPA and municipalities. Energy & Governance: Fort Buchanan brought together federal agencies, local economic groups and businesses to help small contractors compete for federal work tied to Army readiness. Local Business & Infrastructure: Puerto Rico’s small-business ecosystem got a boost through Fort Buchanan’s roundtable, focused on breaking down barriers to federal contracts. Aviation & Accountability (Miami crash): A wrongful death lawsuit was filed by the wife of one of the Amazon cargo plane crash victims, naming Amazon and the pilots, as the NTSB investigation continues. Aviation (Puerto Rico air travel): Passenger traffic at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport fell again in August, extending a year-long decline. Sports (Puerto Rico connection): Puerto Rico also appears in World Cup coverage as the next opponent in the quarterfinal bracket discussion.

Aviation Tragedy: Investigators say the Amazon Prime Air Boeing 767 that crashed at Miami International Airport after overrunning the runway was carrying contact lenses from Puerto Rico, and that the five people killed were in a cleaning company van struck by the aircraft; NTSB data suggests the pilots considered a late go-around after touchdown, but speed brakes or thrust reversers were not deployed. Local Environment & Jobs: Salinas highlighted a new recycling facility run by Recicladora del Norte, which processes about 72 million pounds of recyclables and operates an Eco Outlet store. Puerto Rico Politics & Water: Senate President Thomas Rivera Schatz warned that a House plan to let PRASA expropriate land tied to community aqueduct systems is unlikely to gain Senate support. Labor: The University of Puerto Rico Workers’ Union says its strike will continue indefinitely after talks failed and an arbitration award was not followed. Healthcare: Gov. Jenniffer González Colón announced new pediatric surgery and renal service units at the Puerto Rico Medical Center, and ASEM is moving toward a new Trauma Hospital. Pet Health: A rabies vaccination and deworming fair is set for Friday in Naranjito.

Aviation Tragedy: Investigators are still probing the Amazon Air cargo crash at Miami International Airport that killed five people on the ground and injured five others after a Boeing 767 overran Runway 30; authorities say all fatalities were in a van used to shuttle airline cleaning crews, and the NTSB is examining the landing, speed, braking, and runway safety measures. Local Business & Jobs: A Puerto Rican-developed sports platform, Time To Sport, launched Sept. 5, letting athletes, fans, teams, and event organizers find events, buy tickets, and manage bookings in one app. Energy & Finance: A securities lawsuit was filed against Flotek Industries tied to a 10-year PREPA power-generation agreement, with investors alleging misleading statements about the project’s partners and financial prospects. Culture & Pride: Rauw Alejandro’s recent New York performances highlighted Puerto Rican pride and cultural advocacy, echoing broader Latino conversations about identity. Sports (Puerto Rico in focus): Puerto Rico’s women’s team is set to face China in World Cup qualification to quarterfinals after advancing in the tournament’s next stage.

Aviation Tragedy: Investigators recovered the flight data and cockpit voice recorders from an Amazon Prime Air Boeing 767 crash at Miami International Airport that killed five people and injured five others; NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy said the priority is still reuniting families, calling the scene “utter devastation,” and noted the plane arrived from San Juan, Puerto Rico, on its third flight of the day before overrunning the runway and striking a van carrying seven cleaning workers and a Toyota SUV. Local Business & Jobs: Win Systems says it’s selling its gaming division to Primero Games, bringing Win’s slots and Gold Club electronic roulettes across Latin America and the Caribbean—including Puerto Rico—into Primero’s expanding international platform. Tourism Watch: Puerto Rico’s tourism industry says the island’s water crisis hasn’t significantly hurt visitor flow or hotel occupancy, pointing to steady summer travel patterns. Sports: Puerto Rico’s women’s basketball team is set to face China in the FIBA World Cup quarterfinal race after group-stage results reshuffled matchups.

Aviation Tragedy: An Amazon Prime Air Boeing 767 operated by 21 Air overran Runway 30 at Miami International Airport after arriving from San Juan, Puerto Rico, striking vehicles and bursting into flames; officials report 5 dead and 5 injured, with three in critical condition, while the NTSB investigates why the crew didn’t abort the landing. Airport Safety Scrutiny: The FAA said Miami lacked an Engineered Material Arresting System (EMAS) that can help stop aircraft after runway overruns, adding pressure on airport safety standards. Local Impact: The crash triggered a ground stop and major travel disruptions, with runways/taxiways closed and hundreds of flights delayed or canceled. Puerto Rico Rights: The U.S. First Circuit ruled Puerto Rico can allow only binary gender marker changes on birth certificates (M/F) while denying non-binary applicants an “X” marker. Puerto Rico Economy Snapshot: A BLS study found Juncos leads Puerto Rico in average weekly wages (Q1 2026) while Las Marías has the lowest. Sports (Puerto Rico Connection): Puerto Rico’s women’s basketball team advanced after eliminating Turkey at the FIBA World Cup, while the U.S. escaped a tough win over Italy.

Aviation Tragedy: An Amazon Prime Air Boeing 767-300 cargo jet overran a runway at Miami International Airport after arriving from San Juan, Puerto Rico, killing at least five people and injuring five others; officials say victims were trapped in vehicles hit by the crash, and federal investigators (FAA/NTSB) are now probing what went wrong. Local Accountability & Safety: The crash has reignited scrutiny of airport safety systems and emergency response, with crews dealing with a complex fire and a fuel leak hours after impact. Puerto Rico Economy: A new analysis says Puerto Rico paid $919.7 million in tariffs in 2025—nearly four times 2024—after sweeping U.S. trade actions reshaped import costs. Municipal Partnerships: Isabela signed an MOU with Chicago to boost cooperation in tourism, security, and recycling. Sports & Community: Arecibo hosted the “Shaping Future Baseball Players” clinic, and Toa Baja plans to send six athletes to the World Road Running Championships in Copenhagen while promoting its 2030 hosting bid.

Aviation Emergency: An Amazon Prime Air Boeing 767-300 cargo jet overran a runway at Miami International Airport after departing San Juan, Puerto Rico, triggering a full ground stop as the aircraft was disabled near the northwest end; officials say it struck multiple vehicles and firefighters responded to a blaze and heavy smoke while injuries were still being assessed. Puerto Rico Connection: The flight originated at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan, keeping Puerto Rico in the spotlight as U.S. investigators look into what went wrong. Pop Culture: Puerto Rican star Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show won seven Creative Arts Emmys, moving him halfway to EGOT status. Sports (Puerto Rico on the court): In FIBA Women’s World Cup action, Australia beat Türkiye 87-71 with Puerto Rico’s group-stage results still in the mix as the tournament continues. Migration Update: The U.S. Coast Guard intercepted an overloaded makeshift boat carrying 77 migrants near Puerto Rico and repatriated 75 to the Dominican Republic.

Puerto Rico Business & Innovation: Boricua Emprende Fest drew 2,275 people to the Puerto Rico Convention Center, with mentoring, panels, and a pitch competition awarding more than $20,000 in seed capital. Entertainment & Pride: Bad Bunny won his first Primetime Emmy for the Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show, racking up seven Emmy wins for the broadcast. Beauty Pageants: Miss World 2026 named Puerto Rico’s Suil Pagan in its Top 40, after Asia Rose Simpson secured an early placement for the Philippines. Sports (FIBA Women’s World Cup): Team USA opened with a 94-61 win over China and faces Italy on Sunday; Puerto Rico’s schedule includes a Group C matchup vs. Belgium in Berlin. Public Health Alert: Clorox Puerto Rico recalled 6.3 million bottles of scented Mistolin and Lestoil cleaners in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands due to possible Pseudomonas aeruginosa contamination, with higher risk for immunocompromised travelers.

Miss World 2026: Puerto Rico’s Suil Pagan is among the Top 40 finalists announced for the Sept. 7 finals in Vietnam, with fast-track spots going to challenge winners including Asia Rose Simpson (Philippines) and Joheirry Mola Dominguez (Dominican Republic). Puerto Rico & U.S. Border Security: CBP’s San Juan Field Office is reminding boaters that arrival reporting is mandatory, highlighting ROAM, a mobile app that can approve travel or require an in-person check at a port of entry. Sports (Puerto Rico connection): Toronto’s Blue Jays claimed catcher Shawn Ross off waivers; Ross is a native of Santurce, Puerto Rico. Tourism: Puerto Rico was named International Guest Destination of Honor for ANATO 2027, with officials saying it’s aimed at boosting visibility and new deals in Latin America and beyond. Economy/Travel impact: Visa analysis says Bad Bunny’s sold-out San Juan concerts drove nearly 11% higher transactions citywide versus last year. Drought: Reports say extreme drought is spreading across southern and eastern Puerto Rico.

Women’s Basketball World Cup: In Berlin, Japan set a new single-game three-point record in a 102-97 win over Mali, while the U.S. opened with a 94-61 rout of China behind Caitlin Clark’s 14 points and 11 assists. Puerto Rico in the spotlight: Australia beat Puerto Rico 70-54 in the Opals’ opener, with Puerto Rico’s Arella Guirantes leading scorers (14) and Australia’s Steph Talbot posting 19. Local policy: Gov. Jenniffer González-Colón announced legislation to enable “Trump Accounts” in Puerto Rico, aiming to expand tax-advantaged savings for minors. Energy and climate: UT researchers are studying how hurricanes and extreme weather are reshaping Puerto Rico’s communities through CCAN, focusing on risks like landslides and reservoir sediment. Workplace well-being: A TELUS Health index says Puerto Rico workers remain in a vulnerable mental-health zone, driven by financial stress and low emergency savings.