AGP Executive Report

Puerto Rico Water Crisis: Puerto Rico’s water emergency worsened as the National Guard was activated to help distribute water while PRASA works to restore service after a rupture in the Superaqueduct line; officials say more than 120,000 customers are still affected, with repairs progressing but sudden pressure changes risking new breaks. Puerto Rico Politics: A new political crisis is roiling Gov. Jenniffer González’s administration, with allegations of public corruption and interference tied to chief of staff Francisco Domenech and the fallout from the resignation of economic development chief Sebastián Negrón. Puerto Rico in the U.S. Spotlight: Former Knicks guard Jose Alvarado, a Puerto Rican, spoke about the team’s 53-year title run and how it felt to put “my island” on the biggest platform. MLB Draft Fight (Puerto Rico angle): MLB owners proposed major changes to amateur rules, including cutting the domestic draft to 12 rounds and creating an international draft that would cover players outside the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico—moves the union has rejected. Health & Safety: A travel-related dengue case was reported involving an Oʻahu visitor; officials say local transmission risk is low and urge residents to remove standing water.

MLB Draft Shake-Up: MLB owners proposed a sweeping CBA change that would cut the U.S./Canada/Puerto Rico amateur draft from 20 to 12 rounds starting in 2027, eliminate high school players from domestic draft eligibility, and shift eligibility to after a college sophomore year; MLB also floated an international draft for players outside the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico, with 12 rounds and a $200 million bonus pool—while the MLBPA says the plan would cost players billions. Hurricane Readiness: MS Amlin warned the U.S. still faces a meaningful hurricane risk in 2026, estimating a 27% chance of a Category 4 or 5 landfall, even if forecasts point to a quieter season. Puerto Rico Energy Oversight: A report says the U.S. government is pushing to divert Puerto Rico solar funds to a bankrupt utility, raising concerns about local energy modernization. Local Fuel Supply Planning: Puerto Rico’s consumer affairs agency met with other agencies and the National Guard to coordinate hurricane-season steps to keep gasoline flowing, including debris-clearing priorities and price freezes during emergencies. Puerto Rico in the News Cycle: A Puerto Rico-related health item highlighted a travel-linked dengue case reported by the DOH. Powerball Update: No one won the June 17 Powerball jackpot; the next drawing is estimated at $302 million.

Puerto Rico Pride in NYC: The 69th Annual National Puerto Rican Day Parade drew major crowds in Manhattan, with Mayor Zohran Mamdani joining festivities and highlighting the Puerto Rican community’s long impact on New York’s culture and civic life. Water Crisis Impact: Puerto Rico’s water shortage is hitting hotels and restaurants hard, with the Puerto Rico Hotel and Tourism Association saying some properties have spent hundreds of thousands of dollars just to secure water and a handful have had to suspend operations. Health Watch: Hawai‘i health officials reported a new travel-related dengue case on Oʻahu tied to a visitor; officials say local transmission risk is low but urge residents to eliminate standing water. Housing Investment: Elevance Health announced $640 million in affordable housing investment over five years, including support for projects in Puerto Rico. Sports Spotlight: New York’s Knicks are set for their first-ever ticker-tape parade after winning the NBA Finals, with Jose Alvarado signaling openness to a possible White House visit if the team goes.

Water Crisis Impact: Puerto Rico’s water shortage is now hitting the economy hard, with hotels and businesses reporting major losses and some small hotels forced to shut after failing to secure water delivery from San Juan or the Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority. Federal Health Funding: Resident Commissioner Pablo José Hernández announced $1.9 million in HHS grants to boost maternal and child health, newborn screening, mental health research, and HIV-related services, including $732,380 for Grupo Nexos’ Healthy Start. Tourism & Culture: Ponce is set to inaugurate La Bóveda on June 19, a new sensory tasting experience tied to the La Ciudad project, funded through hospitality recovery resources. Health System Support: The Resident Commissioner’s grants also include support for the University of Puerto Rico’s Medical Sciences Campus to strengthen newborn screening. Community & Sports: Puerto Rican Day Parade weekend in New York continues to draw large crowds and high-profile Boricua celebrations, including Knicks-related festivities.

Energy & Health: A new report says Puerto Rico’s drinking water crisis is hitting residents alongside drought across the U.S., with San Juan logging thousands of water-emergency cases and relying on tanker trucks to keep communities supplied. Local Governance: The same coverage points to leaders blaming more than climate—citing administrative failures and political responsibility for prolonged service interruptions. Courts & Rights: A federal appeals ruling in Puerto Rico affirms dismissal of a data-breach lawsuit over lack of standing, saying the alleged fraudulent cellphone account wasn’t plausibly tied to the breach. Public Safety: A Delta flight from San Juan made a precautionary landing at JFK after a tire alert; officials say the plane was cleared and no injuries were reported. Culture & Community: New York’s 69th Puerto Rican Day Parade drew large crowds, filling Manhattan with music, floats, and pride. Sports: A Puerto Rico boxer’s scheduled world title fight was canceled due to visa issues, with a late replacement stepping in.

Puerto Rico in the spotlight: A new round of climate and energy grants from the Helen Frankenthaler Foundation will send $4.5 million to 83 visual arts groups across the U.S. and Puerto Rico, backing projects tied to energy efficiency, clean energy, emissions cuts and climate resilience. Local reconstruction: In Guánica, Mayor Ismael “Titi” Rodríguez Ramos and the Housing Department’s Luis Augusto Martínez Román broke ground on the $3.975 million rebuild of the Manuel Jiménez Mesa Public Square, with new lighting, sidewalks, landscaping, green areas and a children’s splash pad. Water crisis: San Juan residents continue facing the daily toll of no running water, underscoring how the island’s infrastructure strain is hitting households day after day. Governance shake-up: Gov. Jenniffer González named Carlos Ríos Pierluisi as DDEC secretary amid trust challenges after Sebastián Negrón Reichard’s resignation. Public safety & health: Puerto Rico also saw reports of a surge in adolescent type 1 diabetes and ongoing efforts to expand emergency response to the water crisis.

First Circuit Ruling: Puerto Rico’s bankruptcy restructuring won’t shield officials from personal civil-rights lawsuits, a decision that keeps accountability on the table for alleged violations. Puerto Rican Day Parade Violence: In Brooklyn’s Bushwick, police investigated multiple stabbings around the Knickerbocker Avenue Puerto Rican Day Parade, injuring six people, mostly teens; authorities also reported a separate slashing near the route. Sunset Park Shooting: Another incident during the Puerto Rican festivities left two young men shot near 45th Street and Fifth Avenue; police said both were expected to survive and sought a suspect. Health & Environment: A new study of 752 pregnant women in Puerto Rico linked higher glyphosate exposure to hormone changes tied to pregnancy and fetal development, raising calls for more research. Local Culture in the U.S.: The National Puerto Rican Day Parade drew major honorees and NYC leadership, with the Knicks’ championship celebrations spilling into parade weekend. Sports Spotlight: WWE’s Damian Priest and Lola Vice appeared at the Puerto Rican Day Parade, underscoring how Puerto Rican pride continues to show up across entertainment and sports.

Puerto Rican Pride in NYC: AOC and Toñita’s Puerto Rican Day Parade float rolled up Fifth Avenue as more than a million people packed the streets, with reggaetón and salsa powering a moving tribute to Boricua New York. Local Community & Safety: In Sunset Park, gunfire erupted near the Puerto Rican celebration, injuring two men; police are searching for a suspect last seen in black with a backpack. Puerto Rico Economy & Schools: Analysts say more Puerto Rican teens are finishing senior year early through modular or accelerated programs to work, as high living costs push families to rely on youth income. San Juan Infrastructure: The city is expanding emergency response amid a water crisis, while Gov. Hochul also announced broader regulatory reforms in New York. Military Readiness at Fort Buchanan: More than 120 service members and community participants competed in an Elite Endurance Challenge focused on joint teamwork and readiness. Business Watch: West Marine filed for Chapter 11 and plans to close 59 stores nationwide, including Puerto Rico locations.

Puerto Rican Pride in NYC: The 69th National Puerto Rican Day Parade filled Manhattan with music, color, and major honorees, including Daddy Yankee as grand marshal, as tens of thousands watched along Fifth Avenue. Community Safety: In Brooklyn’s Puerto Rican Day Parade in Bushwick, police said a suspect was in custody after a slashing near the parade route left a man with a leg wound; investigators noted a similar stabbing last year. Sports & Identity: Knicks guard José Alvarado—Puerto Rican descent and a Brooklyn native—appeared on the parade route after the Knicks’ championship win, turning the celebration into a broader Caribbean-American moment. Puerto Rico in Sports News: Mexico’s Aislin Tamez recorded a rare triple-double in the FIBA U18 Women’s AmeriCup, leading Mexico to a win over Puerto Rico. Local Culture Event: Mano Negra Brewing Co. in Lubbock hosted “Puerto Rican Fest and Friends,” spotlighting Puerto Rican music, food, and community gathering.

Puerto Rican Pride in NYC: New York’s 69th National Puerto Rican Day Parade rolled down Fifth Avenue with pulsing music, vibrant colors, and major honorees, as Gov. Kathy Hochul and Mayor Zohran Mamdani marched and organizers pushed the theme “Somos Más Que 100x35.” Public Safety During Celebrations: As Knicks fans and World Cup crowds kept the city buzzing, NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the department made 63 arrests, responded to a shooting, and handled four stabbings during Knicks championship celebrations. Health Watch in Puerto Rico: A new study presented at ENDO 2026 reports type 1 diabetes among Puerto Rican teens more than doubled from 2009 to 2021 and stayed elevated through 2024. Earthquake Update: Three light earthquakes were recorded off Puerto Rico’s northeast coast near Culebra, with minor shaking reported and no injuries or damage. Tourism Milestone: Puerto Rico’s cruise sector hit a record 1,827,010 cruise visitors through May 2026, surpassing the prior high set in 2019.

Tourism Boom: Puerto Rico’s cruise industry hit a new high, welcoming 1,827,010 cruise visitors by the end of May 2026—topping the prior record of 1,814,157 set in 2019. Public Safety & Migration: U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Coast Guard intercepted a small boat near Desecheo Island carrying 40 migrants, after the vessel appeared disabled and then tried to flee. Health Watch: A new study presented in Chicago found type 1 diabetes among Puerto Rican teens more than doubled from 2009 to 2021 and stayed elevated through 2024. Community & Culture: The 2026 Puerto Rican Day Parade is set for Sunday in Midtown Manhattan, with Daddy Yankee as grand marshal and Dayanara Torres and Anthony Ramos as queen and king. Local Life: Puerto Rico’s PRASA and water crisis response continues to draw political attention, including calls for clearer roles and faster recovery.

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.