AGP Executive Report

Puerto Rico Real Estate: Puerto Rico saw fewer home and property sales in the first half of 2026, with 13,733 transactions from January to June—about 7% down from the same period in 2025—while average prices jumped about 12.6% to $259,555, and most activity stayed in the $300,000-or-less range (Local Economy). Menudo Reunion: The Puerto Rico-born boy band Menudo is reuniting for a six-day 50th anniversary run, with the tour starting Oct. 10 in Los Angeles and ending Dec. 12 in San Juan (Culture & Entertainment). FIBA Women’s World Cup (Puerto Rico in the mix): The 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup tips off Friday in Berlin, and Puerto Rico is listed in Group C alongside Australia, Belgium and Turkey (Sports). U.S.-Cuba Tensions: Cuba’s government accused the U.S. of preparing military aggression, pointing to U.S. activity in the Caribbean and referencing Puerto Rico in the dispute (Regional Security). Puerto Rico in the spotlight: Avelo is expanding spring travel options that include Aguadilla and San Juan, with bookings available through April 2027 (Travel).

Puerto Rico Oversight Fight: The U.S. DOJ says it doesn’t oppose turning a 2025 court ruling into a permanent injunction blocking President Trump’s attempted removal of three Puerto Rico Financial Oversight and Management Board members, while also saying future removals could still happen if they follow the law. Water & Growth in Cabo Rojo: At a Senate hearing, the Esencia project’s team said a proposed Cabo Rojo development would rely on private wells, reverse osmosis, reuse, and rainwater harvesting—without connecting to PRASA—while citing aquifer capacity estimates. Government Compliance: The Puerto Rico Institute of Statistics warns 31 municipalities and 16 executive agencies they could face fines or legal action for not naming representatives to the Statistical Coordination Committee. Federal Funding Stability: PRFAA reports Congress approved a stopgap funding bill to keep the federal government running through Dec. 11, helping protect programs and jobs tied to Puerto Rico. Culture & Heritage: Puerto Rican conservator-restorer Héctor J. Berdía Hernández, 31, was elected a fellow of the International Institute for the Conservation of Historical and Artistic Works, becoming the youngest fellow and only the second Puerto Rican to earn the honor. Sports (Puerto Rico in the mix): Royhil Seals won silver in a San Juan water polo tournament, and Puerto Rican volleyball player Kamila Colon (Caguas) helped Mercy University beat Pace 3-0.

Water Crisis Response: Puerto Rico’s National Guard says it has distributed more than 1 million gallons of water and purified 298,151 gallons through its Water Sentinels drought mission, supporting communities across the San Juan–Canóvanas area. Infrastructure & Accountability: A new report revisits how Puerto Rico’s water shortages have lingered for a decade after PROMESA and “La Junta” oversight, arguing that austerity and stalled infrastructure work have worsened the crisis. Puerto Rico in the News Cycle: Banesco USA appointed Teresa Stinson to its board, highlighting her Puerto Rican roots and banking experience. Shipping & Trade: Ports America and Trailer Bridge signed a 10-year deal to support the Jacksonville–San Juan Jones Act operation, with Dockworks terminal technology rolling out for customer visibility in 2027. Local Culture & Community: SITE Classic 2026 wrapped in Puerto Rico with more than $276,000 raised for the SITE Foundation, funding scholarships and industry projects. Sports (Puerto Rico Mentioned): Uruguay beat Puerto Rico in NORCECA Olympic qualifier coverage, while Team USA’s FIBA World Cup plans face roster changes due to A’ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum health-related withdrawals.

Labor & Tech Upgrade: Puerto Rico’s Department of Labor and Human Resources is rolling out Desempleo Digital on Sept. 1, replacing decades-old systems so jobless claimants and employers can manage claims, documents, and transactions online via trabajo.pr.gov. Fiscal Oversight: The Financial Oversight and Management Board approved a one-time extension for FY2026 obligations through Oct. 31, but warned about delays and reporting gaps tied to the ÍntegraPR rollout. Water Update: Gov. Jenniffer González Colón says water rationing stays the same for now, with drought pressure still affecting about 10% to 13% of residents and no plan to expand rationing beyond current reservoirs. Workforce Training: The governor signed an executive order creating the Workforce Pell Grant Program to fund short-term training tied to in-demand jobs. Disaster Funding: FEMA approved over $100M for Puerto Rico recovery and hazard mitigation, including repairs tied to Hurricanes Maria and Fiona and upgrades for power and water systems. Climate & Drought: A new study links the Caribbean’s early wet-season dry spell to human-caused climate change, citing reduced rainfall in Puerto Rico and Jamaica. Sports: USA Basketball says A’ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum will miss the FIBA Women’s World Cup for health reasons, replaced by Kiki Iriafen and Sonia Citron.

Puerto Rico Economy & Jobs: Gov. Jenniffer González-Colón announced Pentaq Manufacturing’s expansion in Sabana Grande, adding a new PRIDCO industrial property that supports production of Army physical-training uniform components and bringing 50 new jobs. Puerto Rico Infrastructure & Trade: Ports America and Trailer Bridge inked a 10-year deal to back Trailer Bridge’s Jones Act barge service between Jacksonville and San Juan, with Dockworks terminal tech rolling out to customers in 2027. Local Military Spotlight: Brig. Gen. Raúl Rodriguez retired after 39 years of U.S. Army Reserve service, honored at Fort Buchanan in a ceremony attended by family and senior commanders. Sports (Puerto Rico Connection): Puerto Rico’s basketball presence continues to show up in U.S. coverage, including Caitlin Clark’s World Cup run and roster changes for Team USA. Hurricane Watch (Regional): Forecasters are tracking Gulf system Potential Tropical Cyclone Five (expected to become Tropical Storm Edouard) and lingering Dolly moisture that could boost rain chances across the region. Entertainment: ROA revealed his first-ever U.S. tour dates, kicking off Oct. 8 in Miami and running through Dec. 12 in Pennsylvania.

Energy & Power Outages: LUMA reported 175,352 customers without service as of Sunday 3 p.m., about 11.9% of the system, after unexpected outages at Costa Sur’s Units 5 and 6. Water Supply Watch: PRASA says the La Plata reservoir has entered an operational adjustment phase, but it does not expect scheduled interruptions while it monitors drought conditions and possible rain. Procurement Reform: Lawmakers are considering changes to Regulation 8815 to let the Puerto Rico Energy Bureau directly adjudicate temporary generation contracts, potentially removing 3PPO and reshaping how the island secures the needed 800 MW. Governance & Oversight: The fight over Trump’s attempt to remove three PROMESA board members returns to federal district court, after a Supreme Court ruling on presidential removal authority. Public Safety in Prisons: Arecibo Sen. Brenda Pérez Soto is pushing a measure to force the Police Bureau and Corrections and Rehabilitation to follow a long-standing joint protocol for investigating crimes inside correctional facilities. Sports: Puerto Rico lost to Cuba in straight sets in the Women’s NORCECA Olympic Qualifier finale, while Mexico beat host PR in five sets for men’s bronze in Ponce. Culture & Local Growth: The Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra kicks off its 68th classical season Sept. 5 with music director Maximiliano Valdés returning for his 19th year. Jobs & Industry: Gov. Jenniffer González Colón announced Pentaq’s Sabana Grande expansion, adding 50 jobs to produce U.S. Army training uniform components.

Puerto Rico Retirement Reality Check: A new explainer says Act 60 only shields Puerto Rico-sourced income, while mainland pensions, Social Security, and 401(k)s stay federally taxable; it also warns Medicare Part B isn’t automatic and missing the enrollment window can mean a permanent lifetime premium, making the “sunshine-and-tax-breaks” retirement math far more expensive than brochures suggest. Tropical Weather Watch: The remnants of Tropical Storm Dolly are still affecting Puerto Rico and nearby islands with showers and locally heavy rain, while forecasters say redevelopment is unlikely in the next couple of days as the system moves west toward the Caribbean and the Gulf. Local Energy & Defense: A Native-led joint venture won a $45M U.S. Army Corps of Engineers contract to build a Fort Buchanan microgrid in Puerto Rico designed to keep operations running for up to 14 days during grid outages. Public Safety: The U.S. Coast Guard interdicted a suspected drug smuggling vessel about 50 miles south of Puerto Rico, seizing about 7,250 pounds of cocaine and detaining five suspects. Drought Response: Puerto Rico’s National Guard surpassed one million gallons of water distributed as part of the island’s drought emergency response.

Puerto Rico Water & Heat Watch: Puerto Rico is still in the broader storm-and-heat pattern as Tropical Storm Dolly has weakened into an open tropical wave, but its moisture is expected to bring rain to the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and nearby islands over the next couple of days, with heavy downpours and possible flash flooding in higher terrain. Weather: Forecasters are also flagging hot, humid conditions—heat indices can push above 100°F in the region—so hydration and local alerts matter. Sports (Puerto Rico ties): Canada booked an LA28 Olympic berth by beating the Dominican Republic 3-1 in the NORCECA qualifier, while Puerto Rico’s women’s team previously faced Canada in the qualifier opener. Local interest: A reminder that Puerto Rico’s presence in major international events continues to show up across coverage, including pageant and sports schedules tied to San Juan. Media: The Miami Herald and WLRN won top honors at Florida’s Sunshine State Awards for their Brightline investigative series “Killer Train.”

Tropical Weather: The National Hurricane Center is tracking two low-probability systems: the remnants of Tropical Storm Dolly east of the Leeward Islands (redevelopment unlikely, but heavy rain and gusty conditions could reach Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands) and a weak Gulf disturbance near the Florida panhandle (slow development possible, but still low chances). Water & Drought: Puerto Rico’s drought emergency response continues as local agencies push for conservation and temporary measures while officials cite worsening dry conditions. Local Culture & Community: A Puerto Rican photo from Humacao was featured as Caribbean Photo of the Week, highlighting life across the island. Sports: Puerto Rican point guard Jose Alvarado is back with the New Jersey Jackals and continues his role with Puerto Rico’s national team as the FIBA World Cup 2027 race heats up. Business & Food: NoriFish and Okiboru opened at Ponce City Market, bringing Japanese hand rolls and ramen/tsukemen to the food hall.

Meta Child-Safety Settlement: Meta agreed to pay $17.1 billion in a multistate deal over Instagram/Facebook addiction claims, with Puerto Rico included and major changes required to protect children and teens. Tropical Weather Watch: The National Hurricane Center is tracking the remnants of Tropical Storm Dolly as a tropical wave; heavy rain and gusty conditions could affect the Leeward Islands, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico over the next several days. NORCECA Volleyball: Canada swept Puerto Rico 3-0 in the women’s qualifier opener in Santo Domingo, putting Canada on track for an Olympic berth. Local Governance & Security: Puerto Rico House Speaker Carlos Méndez Núñez met El Salvador’s assembly leadership to compare legislative approaches to public safety. Drought & Daily Life: Puerto Rico continues facing water scarcity pressures, with residents urged to conserve and plan around limited supplies. Sports Spotlight: Bad Bunny’s wealth and business moves keep making headlines, from real estate to sports ownership.

Miss USA in Miami: Miss Virginia Justus Kelley, 31, made history as the first mother and first married woman to win Miss USA 2026 after rule changes opened eligibility; she’ll represent the U.S. at Miss Universe 2026 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Tropical Weather Watch: Tropical Storm Dolly has weakened into an open tropical wave, but its moisture is still expected to bring heavy rain and possible flash flooding to the Leeward Islands late Saturday into Sunday, then spread to the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and Hispaniola Sunday and Monday. Public Safety & Justice: U.S. DOJ announced federal gun and drug charges tied to Puerto Rico gang “Los Baja Deo,” saying the DHS-led effort led to seizures of firearms and large quantities of fentanyl and cocaine. Local Life & Community: Puerto Rico’s drought crisis remains in focus as officials and partners push water support and conservation guidance while residents brace for any rain that could help but also flood. Sports (PR on the court): Argentina beat Puerto Rico 89-75 in FIBA World Cup 2027 Americas Qualifiers, with Puerto Rico featuring NBA players Jose Alvarado and Ethan Thompson.

Drought Crisis: The U.S. government declared a drought disaster in 26 Puerto Rico municipalities, unlocking emergency loans as extreme dryness spreads—over 33% of the island is in extreme drought and rotating water rationing leaves many households without water for up to 48 hours. Emergency Funding: The Fiscal Oversight and Management Board approved a 21-day extension to keep Puerto Rico’s Emergency Reserve accessible for drought response through Sept. 10. Storm Watch: Tropical Storm Dolly formed in the central Atlantic and, even if it weakens, could bring heavy rain and flash flooding to the Lesser Antilles, with impacts possible for the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and Hispaniola Sunday into Monday. Local Accountability: In a Senate hearing, water and power officials told lawmakers they can’t meet the demand for the proposed Esencia luxury development in Cabo Rojo, raising questions about how the project’s permitting cleared. Public Safety & Justice: The DOJ announced federal charges tied to a major Puerto Rico drug case involving Los Baja Deo, with 81 people indicted and arrests already underway. Labor Update: UPR workers ratified a strike vote, with a walkout set to begin Tuesday if no deal is reached on the medical plan for physical plant employees.

Water Crisis Response: Gov. Kathy Hochul announced a joint emergency water relief effort with the Afya Foundation to deliver 26 pallets of drinking water to Puerto Rico, targeting San Juan and nearby municipalities after the drought and aging infrastructure left nearly 500,000 residents short. Tropical Weather Watch: Tropical Storm Dolly formed in the central Atlantic and is moving west toward the Leeward Islands; forecasters warn heavy rain could reach the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and Hispaniola late Sunday into Monday, with flash flooding possible in higher terrain. Anti-Gang Crackdown: U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche announced indictments tied to the violent Mayagüez-area gang Los Baja Deo, alleging trafficking of fentanyl, cocaine and other drugs plus firearms violations; prosecutors say the operation led to arrests of 70 and charges against 81. Maritime Drug Interdiction: The Coast Guard seized a suspected smuggling vessel about 50 miles south of Puerto Rico carrying roughly 7,250 pounds of cocaine worth about $54.5 million; five suspects were detained and the vessel was destroyed as a navigation hazard. Big Tech Youth Safety: Puerto Rico is included in a sweeping $17.1B multistate Meta settlement requiring new protections for minors on Instagram and Facebook, including daily time limits and nighttime blocks.

Water Crisis & Travel: Puerto Rico’s drought-driven water rationing and infrastructure problems have hit residents hard, with San Juan and nearby areas seeing 48-hour shutoffs affecting 180,000+ households—tourism may feel less impact, but visitors are being urged to conserve. Big Tech & Youth Safety: Meta reached a landmark multistate deal worth up to $18B to settle claims over Instagram/Facebook teen addiction, with default daily time limits (two hours) and overnight blocks unless a parent opts in, plus added safeguards. NORCECA Volleyball: Puerto Rico punched its ticket to the 2027 Women’s World Cup by beating Mexico for fifth place in the NORCECA Continental Championship, keeping the Olympic qualifier race alive in Santo Domingo. Local Culture & Tourism: A travel spotlight highlights Caguas as the island’s “Heart and Center,” pitching it as an easy, authentic stop for food, culture, and heritage. Sports Note: Australia’s Opals World Cup plans took a hit as veteran Sami Whitcomb was ruled out with a knee injury.

Big Tech Accountability: Meta agreed to a landmark multistate settlement over teen social media addiction, with payments totaling up to about $17.1B and sweeping new child-safety rules for Instagram and Facebook, including tighter daily limits, “productive pauses,” nighttime access blocks, and stronger parental controls and age verification; Puerto Rico in the mix: the deal also covers U.S. territories including Puerto Rico, with the settlement requiring court approval and pushing Meta to set industry standards that other platforms like TikTok and YouTube may need to match; Local Business & Investment: Gov. Jenniffer González-Colón used the NYSE opening ceremony to pitch Puerto Rico as an investment destination, highlighting the extension of Act 60 tax benefits and a competitive tax framework; Sports & Culture: Survivor 51’s cast was revealed for the Sept. 23 premiere in Fiji, and Puerto Rico’s NORCECA run continued with a win over Canada; Collectibles Boom: Puerto Rico’s collectibles market is heating up, with Pokémon cards and Hot Wheels drawing buyers who see potential long-term value.

Puerto Rico Water Crisis Response: The Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce says it has pulled the private sector into the island’s water emergency coordination, acting as a liaison to PRASA, the Drought Committee, and agencies like DDEC and the Tourism Company so businesses can flag problems and help execute solutions. Local Journalism: Open Campus reporter Víctor Luis Rodríguez won two Overseas Press Club of Puerto Rico awards, including Best In-Depth Interview and Best Breaking News Story, for reporting on federal cuts hitting Hispanic-Serving Institutions and minority-focused university programs. Culture & Film: Puerto Rican filmmaker Michelle Malley Campos’ “Extranjera” drew sold-out audiences at the Puerto Rico Film Festival and heads to theaters across the island on Sept. 10. Music: Bad Bunny wrapped his “DeBÍ TiRAR MÁS FOToS” world tour with two sold-out shows at Estadio Hiram Bithorn in San Juan, bringing 70,000 fans over Aug. 22-23. Sports: Cayman’s men’s team confirmed Nations League dates, including two matches in Mayagüez against Puerto Rico in early October.