AGP Executive Report

Pageant News: Puerto Rico’s Vicky Carbonell finished among the fifth runners-up at Miss Grand International in Bangkok and won the Grand Talent award; Tanzania took the crown. Healthcare: San Juan Capestrano says it is the only Puerto Rico institution to receive Press Ganey’s national quality award, recognizing top-five-percent performance. Energy and Pensions: Retired PREPA workers warn their pensions are at risk amid a possible overhaul, while the Oversight Board cautions agencies that budget approval does not equal contract approval. Food Security: A new study says nearly half of Puerto Rico adults face food insecurity. Public Safety: Border Patrol and Puerto Rico police seized more than 560 pounds of cocaine near Aguadilla. Tourism and Resilience: Miss Universe contestants have arrived ahead of the 2026 pageant in Puerto Rico, and Tesla says new Model 3 and Model Y buyers on the island can use their cars for home backup—with compatible equipment.

Pageant: Puerto Rico’s representative advanced to the Top 11 at Miss Grand International 2026, after winning the competition’s Grand Talent award. Power Supply: Puerto Rico’s procurement office referred New Fortress Energy subsidiary NFEnergia to federal authorities over its refusal to supply gas for San Juan power plant units. The referral flags possible legal violations but makes no finding of wrongdoing. Food Security: A study warns that nearly half of Puerto Rico’s adults face food insecurity, underscoring the strain on household budgets and the island’s food system. Jobs & Business: A job fair and economic development convention is set for Manatí on Oct. 14, connecting job seekers with employers and training. The SBA has also opened nominations for its 2027 small-business awards, including recognition for Puerto Rico entrepreneurs. Public Finances: Puerto Rico electricity-sector retirees are warning that their pensions could be at risk amid a possible overhaul.

Energy Dispute: Puerto Rico’s procurement office referred New Fortress Energy to federal authorities, saying its refusal to supply natural gas may implicate six statutes; officials stressed they were making no legal conclusions. Colonial Status: A new bilingual website aims to explain Puerto Rico’s relationship with the United States and federal decisions affecting the archipelago. Banking Fraud: A former co-owner of Puerto Rican bank Nodus was sentenced to 62 months in prison for a scheme that cost the bank more than $23.6 million. Household Strain: A study found food insecurity affects nearly half of Puerto Rico’s adults, while retired power-utility workers warn their pensions are at risk. Local Rules: Twenty-five municipalities now regulate short-term rentals, as communities seek greater control over the fast-growing market.

Arecibo Surfing: La Marginal Surfing Pro brings more than 390 surfers from 25 countries to Arecibo through Oct. 18. Organizers expect 50,000 visitors and a $2 million to $3 million boost for the region. Business & Manufacturing: Seven Puerto Rican companies joined a DDEC trade mission to Texas to pursue export deals. Manufacturers are also planning investments in infrastructure, technology and workforce development for the next decade. Food Security: A new islandwide study finds 40.8% of adults face food insecurity; nearly half of respondents said their household ran out of food last year without money to buy more. Pension Concerns: PREPA retirees fear a debt restructuring could lead to benefit cuts or dismantle their pension system. Contract Oversight: The Fiscal Oversight Board warned agencies that OMB approval does not replace its review of contracts worth $10 million or more. Public Safety: Border Patrol and Puerto Rico police seized about 562 pounds of cocaine near Aguadilla and arrested two people. Island Trends: More than 40% of municipalities have lost over 15% of their population in 25 years, while San Juan’s airport handled more than 810,000 passengers in September.

Coastal Security: Border Patrol and Puerto Rico police seized about 562 pounds of suspected cocaine near Aguadilla and arrested two U.S. citizens; the DEA is investigating. Energy Costs: The Manufacturers’ Association warned that canceling LUMA’s contract could further undermine investor confidence, while business groups are seeking relief from high electricity bills. Water and Weather: Recent scattered rains have eased drought slightly, but a proposed desalination project for San Juan and Palo Seco power plants is stalled after regulators found its justification inadequate. Population: Puerto Rico’s municipalities lost more than 40% of their residents under 20 between 2000 and 2025, with especially steep declines in some towns. Coastlines: Environmental officials and mayors are exploring new ways to manage sargassum and protect beaches. Consumer Relief: Puerto Rico joined a multistate coalition seeking compensation for people who overpaid for certain generic drugs; eligible consumers can check the settlement claims process.

Household Finances: Puerto Rico recorded 551 bankruptcy filings in September, up 5.8% from a year earlier. The island is on pace for about 6,263 cases in 2026, its highest total since 2019. Energy Costs: Retailers are seeking a six-month pause in the “crudita” fuel tax as higher electricity rates squeeze businesses. An industry analysis estimates the latest rate increase could add $218 million in costs across the island this quarter. Education and Business: The government is offering $2 million in scholarships for high-demand fields, while Hecho en Puerto Rico has expanded training and mentoring for local entrepreneurs. Tourism: San Juan’s airport welcomed more than 810,000 passengers in September, and Puerto Rico is preparing to host the 2026 Miss Universe pageant.

Energy Costs: Puerto Rico’s retailers are urging a six-month “crudita” fuel-tax pause as a 5.28-cent-per-kilowatt-hour rate hike is expected to add about $218 million in costs this quarter; a typical small business could see its power bill rise 17%. New Fortress Energy says it will withhold natural gas until the utility guarantees payment or the Energy Bureau reverses its order. University Labor: UPR workers protested across all 11 campuses, pressing for a signed labor agreement and long-delayed pay-classification plan after approving a strike vote. Jobs and Enterprise: A military-footwear factory planned for Lares could create up to 300 jobs, while a program in the mountain region is training rural women to build small businesses. Travel: San Juan’s airport handled 810,085 passengers in September, up 3.1% from a year earlier and reversing summer declines. Bank Fraud: A former Nodus International Bank chair received more than five years in federal prison for a scheme that stole nearly $24 million from the failed Puerto Rico bank.

Power and Oversight: Puerto Rico’s energy debate is intensifying: the Financial Oversight and Management Board is defending its handling of a power contract projected to cost $5.887 billion, while New Fortress Energy says an Energy Bureau order is blocking gas deliveries. Healthcare Funding: Governor Jenniffer González-Colón has called for more federal Medicaid funding and system improvements as the island’s healthcare system faces mounting pressure. Population Decline: New demographic data show 33 municipalities—42% of the total—have lost more than 15% of their population in 25 years; every municipality has lost more than half its children ages 0 to 9. Education: Vimenti won $1.03 million in federal funding to expand STEM labs and libraries at four schools, while educators oppose plans to impose English in Head Start centers serving about 25,000 children. Tourism: Nobu plans to open its first Puerto Rico hotel and restaurant in San Juan in 2028, adding to investment in the island’s visitor economy.

Puerto Rico Sports & Youth Events: The 2026/2027 IHF Youth Men’s Handball Championship is underway at the Puerto Rico Olympic Training Centre in Toa Baja, with Trinidad and Tobago’s U-18 team opening with a 17-62 loss to Canada and set to face Mexico next. Puerto Rico Culture & Tourism: Cirque du Soleil is bringing “Le Lo Lai,” an original production inspired by Puerto Rican culture, for a limited 30-show run at the Coca-Cola Music Hall in Distrito T-Mobile. Local Community & Public Safety: Fort Buchanan marked Domestic Violence Awareness Month with a ceremony promoting prevention, early intervention, and confidential victim support. Health & Consumer Safety: More frozen organic berries sold at Walmart and Trader Joe’s—including products shipped to Puerto Rico—were recalled over possible E. coli contamination, with FDA urging consumers not to eat affected items. Energy & Business: Becton Dickinson says it will invest $19 billion in U.S. manufacturing, including operations in Añasco, as part of a deal tied to tariff relief. Puerto Rico in the News Beyond the Island: A Puerto Rican firefighter in Central Florida overcame a language barrier to reach his dream of serving as a firefighter.

ICE raids and immigrant fear: New Bedford residents and advocates say recent ICE actions are chilling foot traffic for immigrant-owned businesses, even for people who are documented. Puerto Rico education & culture: Dr. Miguel A. Cardona told VIDA students their Puerto Rican roots and struggles are strengths as they pursue careers. Local innovation: Peñuelas seventh-grader Wileidy Feliciano-Rivera turned plantain peels into biodegradable mulch, cutting weed growth by up to 53% in a school experiment. Energy business: Emera and Canadian Utilities announced a $72B all-stock merger, with Puerto Rico listed among its jurisdictions. Water affordability: A new report says U.S. households pay 62% more for drinking water than a decade ago, with Puerto Rico among the regions where bills are unaffordable. Milk update: Puerto Rico’s milk production rose 13% despite drought and fewer dairy farmers. Tourism/luxury: Four Seasons Resort and Residences Puerto Rico earned a MICHELIN Key. Time change: Daylight saving time is set to end Nov. 1, 2026, but Congress is still stuck on making it permanent.

Road Funding: Gov. Jenniffer González-Colón announced $114.4 million for road resurfacing in 42 municipalities, including major projects on PR-111 in Utuado, the Panoramic Route, PR-2 in Arecibo, PR-3 in Humacao and PR-177 in Guaynabo. Public Health Preparedness: The Puerto Rico Public Health Institute won an Excel Award for its “Neighbor, Are You Ready? Plan Today, Act Tomorrow” campaign, aimed at helping communities prepare for emergencies like extreme heat. Water Security: A new Water Security Act proposal targets protecting watersheds to help Puerto Rico recharge water sources and better withstand future droughts. Healthcare Funding Pressure: The governor presented the final multisectoral Medicaid report, warning that Puerto Rico needs Medicaid funding and improvements before FY2028 to avoid major service impacts. Local Economy & Jobs: A new military footwear factory will move into Eagle Industries facilities in Lares and expand to San Sebastián, backed by up to $2.4 million in incentives and up to 300 jobs over three years. Travel & Business: A new Hampton by Hilton San Juan is taking reservations near the convention center, with a shuttle to Old San Juan and Escambrón Beach. Sports & Identity: Haiti-Dominican tensions flared after a soccer match comment, with Dominican authorities moving to bar Haiti from playing in the country. Mail Updates: USPS lengthened delivery expectations for Puerto Rico under Ground Advantage, effective Oct. 1, with service now listed as 10+ days.

Medicaid Deadline Looms: Federal funding for Puerto Rico’s Medicaid program is set to expire Sept. 30, 2027, with hospitals already losing money and doctors leaving—raising fears for care for 3.2 million residents. Electricity Costs & Grid Strain: Puerto Rico is facing record power rates as demand and costs rise, while a technical impasse is keeping two completed renewable projects offline and a separate LNG delivery dispute leaves payments uncertain. PREPA Bus Operators Owed $9M: The Education Department’s debt to school bus providers has sparked renewed street protests from drivers demanding payment for services already delivered. Tourism Push: Discover Puerto Rico is rolling out AI agents to match travelers and meeting planners with vetted local businesses, and Hilton’s trends report points to growth in wellness, local experiences, and short “micro-trips.” Local Economy & Culture: Ponce opened La Guancha Food Park after a $2 million ARPA-funded investment, and USPS reminded residents of 2026 holiday shipping deadlines—Puerto Rico included. Food Safety Alert: A frozen berries recall tied to possible E. coli contamination has expanded to Walmart and Trader Joe’s products distributed in Puerto Rico. Cybersecurity: A Dutch suspect tied to the KillSec ransomware group was arrested in the UK, with Puerto Rico prosecutors describing intrusions and extortion attempts.

Puerto Rico Tourism & Luxury Hospitality: Nobu is set to open Nobu Hotel and Restaurant San Juan in 2028, bringing a 50-room luxury property with a signature restaurant, rooftop lounge, and city views to the island. Public Utilities & Water Access: Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority (PRASA) is granting credits to thousands of customers affected by drinking-water problems, with the key question now being whether the process is fair and orderly. Healthcare System Watch: The Puerto Rico Hospital Association says hospitals face mounting pressure from financing gaps, workforce shortages, demographic change, and shifting Medicare/Medicaid realities, warning decisions in Puerto Rico and Washington will shape care capacity. Food Safety: A frozen-berry recall tied to possible E. coli contamination has expanded, including Trader Joe’s Organic Mixed Berry Blend and Walmart’s Great Value frozen organic berries, with Puerto Rico listed among affected areas. Local Culture & Arts: Giovanni Hidalgo, the Puerto Rican conga master, received the 2026 National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellowship, honoring a lifetime of traditional arts and Afro-Caribbean rhythm. Sports (PR on the field): The Golden Jaguars return to action in the CONCACAF Nations League against Dominica in Mayagüez, with Puerto Rico sitting close behind in Group A standings.

Puerto Rico Water Relief: PRASA is granting credits to thousands of customers hit by drinking-water problems, a move that could bring real relief if handled fairly and on time. Public Health Watch: The FDA expanded a frozen-berry recall tied to possible E. coli contamination, including Great Value and Trader Joe’s products sold in Puerto Rico—consumers are urged to check freezers and return affected items. Healthcare Pressure Points: Puerto Rico hospitals are warning of financing strain, workforce shortages, and shifting demographics as Medicare/Medicaid decisions and new care models loom. Local Recognition: Furtivo Speakeasy in Puerto Rico made USA TODAY’s “Best Speakeasy” nominees list. Immigration Tragedy Update: Families in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic are still searching for missing people after a Mona Passage shipwreck left about 10 Dominicans unaccounted for. Tourism & Business: Nobu announced plans for a Nobu Hotel and Restaurant San Juan opening in 2028, signaling another major luxury push for the island. Housing Market: Centro Casas Subastas will auction 60+ residential properties across Puerto Rico on Oct. 9, with mandatory inspections and registration through Oct. 7.

Food Safety: The FDA expanded a frozen-berry recall tied to possible E. coli, adding Great Value frozen organic blueberries and triple berry blend plus Trader Joe’s frozen organic mixed berry blend; the Great Value products were sold in Walmart stores across 30 states and Puerto Rico, with best-buy dates extending into 2028—don’t eat them and return for a refund. Migrant Search: Dominican officials say about 10 Dominicans remain missing after a Mona Passage shipwreck that left 62 migrants aboard a yola; families in the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico are still searching. Local Real Estate: Centro Casas Subastas will auction more than 60 residential properties across Puerto Rico on Oct. 9 in Condado, with registration open through Oct. 7 and a mandatory property inspection for bidders. Travel & Economy: Southwest announced a new nonstop Kansas City–San Juan route starting summer 2027, expected to add 1,575 seats and about $1.3 million in economic impact. Culture & Entertainment: Bruno Mars’ “The Romantic Tour” drew sold-out crowds at SoFi Stadium, with performances spotlighting his Puerto Rican roots.

Tourism & Air Travel: Southwest Airlines will launch a new nonstop Kansas City–San Juan route in summer 2027, starting with Saturday service June–August and adding about 1,575 seats, with an estimated $1.3 million economic boost. Public Health: A frozen berry recall tied to an E. coli outbreak has expanded again, adding more Great Value and Trader Joe’s berry products shipped to stores including Puerto Rico; shoppers are urged to check freezers for affected lots and “best-if-used-by” dates. Local Economy & Energy: Puerto Rico is facing a record electric rate as demand and costs rise, with LUMA and government officials pointing to liquidity and rate-impact pressures. Housing & Community: Centro Casas Subastas will hold a live auction Oct. 9 offering 60+ residential properties across 26 municipalities, with mandatory inspections and registration open through Oct. 7. Culture & Entertainment: Natalia Lafourcade is set to bring her “Cancionera Tour 2026” to Puerto Rico Oct. 3 at Coca-Cola Music Hall. Sports: The PBA’s Governors’ Cup is entering its final stretch as teams adjust imports to tighten the race for quarterfinal spots.