AGP Executive Report

Puerto Rico Statehood in US Politics: Kamala Harris, speaking at the National Urban League in Nashville, floated a 2028-style agenda that includes “revisiting” the Electoral College, expanding the Supreme Court to 13, and supporting statehood for Puerto Rico and D.C.—a notable shift from her 2024 campaign positions. Local Development Under Fire: Puerto Rico authorized the $2 billion Esencia luxury project in Cabo Rojo, covering 2,000 acres with hotels, residences, golf, and a school; environmentalists say the approval lacked enough public scrutiny and could strain resources and wildlife. Immigration Messaging With Puerto Rican Pop Culture: A White House deportation video used Bad Bunny’s “LA MuDANZA,” triggering debate online given the artist’s prior criticism of ICE. Environment Watch: Seaweed (sargassum) is blanketing Caribbean and Gulf coastlines, with scientists warning it’s an unusual, large-scale bloom that can harm marine life and tourism—an issue Puerto Rico communities will be watching closely. Sports/Community Angle: Puerto Rico’s Isaiah Piñeiro was added to Strong Group Athletics for the William Jones Cup, while Puerto Rico’s Esencia and statehood debates keep the island’s political and policy stakes in the spotlight.

Puerto Rico Water Crisis: The Puerto Rico National Guard hit 505,000+ gallons distributed under “Mission Clear Source,” as drought and rationing worsen and the governor prepares a drought emergency order. Local Governance & Federal Coordination: Connecticut lawmakers say they’re ready to discuss help for Puerto Rico, including a possible National Guard role, as the island’s aqueduct problems keep dragging on. Statehood Debate in U.S. Politics: Kamala Harris floated revisiting Electoral College rules, Supreme Court expansion, and explicitly mentioned statehood for Puerto Rico and D.C. while stopping short of committing to a 2028 run. Housing & Oversight: A new ombudsman complaint alleges anomalies in the Socoteco 11-Ignite Power deal, keeping pressure on how energy contracts are handled. Environment & Development: Puerto Rico authorized a $2B luxury development in Cabo Rojo, drawing backlash from environmentalists over resource strain and wildlife impacts. Public Safety & Courts: A Youngstown man was sentenced for trying to distribute cocaine mailed from Puerto Rico, underscoring how island-linked trafficking cases keep landing in federal court.

PREPA Legal Battle: PREPA bondholders pressed their case before the U.S. 1st Circuit, arguing Puerto Rico’s central government actions unlawfully reduced bond recoveries, with judges appearing at least partly receptive to the idea that the dispute may fall outside bankruptcy-code limits. Local Public Safety: A Puerto Rico beach homicide in Luquillo—Ohio man Tyler Wilkin found shot execution-style—has sparked renewed calls for answers as investigators have not named suspects. Federal Immigration Politics: DHS counsel James Percival escalated criticism of federal district judges, accusing a small group of blocking deportations and TPS rollbacks in “open defiance” of Supreme Court rulings. Citizenship Advocacy: Student advocates and Puerto Rico participants urged Congress to advance the Dream and Promise Act, warning that TPS protections are being rolled back for more than a million people. Puerto Rico Economy Watch: The Planning Board’s July summary points to mixed signals—slower activity and weaker retail sales alongside continued construction and cruise tourism growth. Military Storytelling: A Puerto Rican National Guard public affairs specialist highlighted how culture and community shape military communications in Europe. Aviation History: Searchers found wreckage of a 1952 Pan Am crash off Puerto Rico, a discovery tied to the safety briefings now given before flights.

Puerto Rico Statehood Push: The U.S. House passed the Puerto Rico Status Act (233-191), setting up a binding referendum on statehood or independence, though Senate passage still faces the 60-vote filibuster hurdle. PREPA Legal Fight: PREPA bondholders urged the First Circuit to let them sue Puerto Rico’s central government over alleged actions that reduced bond recoveries; judges appeared receptive to parts of the argument about “separate acts.” Local Economy Watch: The Planning Board’s July Monthly Economic Summary shows mixed signals—slower economic activity and weaker retail sales, but continued construction momentum and growth in cruise tourism. Public Safety & Community: A Puerto Rican Festival in Rochester rolled out an enhanced safety plan, including street shutdowns and an emergency order limiting overnight outdoor gatherings. Municipal Governance: Dorado inaugurated a new $6.3M Head Start/Early Head Start center with classrooms and family services, expanding early childhood access. Aviation Development: A new FBO is planned for Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, aimed at easing aircraft shelter shortages when it opens in late 2028. Crime & Accountability: A Luquillo beach homicide involving an Ohio expat has left the expat community demanding answers as investigators have not publicly named suspects.

Puerto Rico Municipal Finance: San Juan is set to debut as a standalone issuer in the muni bond market, planning $122.2M in bonds (including $112.6M triple tax-exempt and $9.6M federally taxable but Puerto Rico tax-exempt), backed by local property taxes and rated Baa3/BBB+ with RBC Capital Markets as underwriter. Water Emergency Relief: Puerto Rico’s DDEC launched “Economic Recovery” grants of up to $5,000 for small and medium businesses hit by the potable water emergency in 15 municipalities, aiming to cover extraordinary costs since June 1. Congressional Politics: DSA-backed candidate Claire Valdez says she wants Puerto Rico’s public debt canceled and the PROMESA oversight board abolished, arguing the current setup isn’t real democracy and that Puerto Rico shouldn’t be used as a military staging ground. Community & Culture: Rochester’s 56th annual Puerto Rican Festival returns with a push to reach younger Latinos, teach kids Latino culture, and bridge generational gaps. Military & PR Presence: Air National Guard public affairs training brought Airmen from Puerto Rico and other states/territories together for storytelling and readiness-focused media skills.

Puerto Rico Debt & PROMESA Debate: DSA-backed Democratic nominee Claire Valdez says Puerto Rico’s fiscal oversight board should be abolished and the island’s public debt canceled, arguing the current setup blocks “true democracy” and keeps Puerto Rico in a colonial status. Hospital Bankruptcy Update: El Maestro Hospital’s sale and reorganization moved forward after a federal bankruptcy judge found the plan meets Chapter 11 requirements; the buyer’s closing deadline was extended to Sept. 1, 2026, with added funding obligations during the gap. Generic Drug Tariffs Watch: A new analysis warns U.S. generic-drug tariffs could sharply raise medication costs in Puerto Rico, where imports make up a large share of pharmaceutical supply. Military Education Support: Fort Buchanan launched a survey to identify and support Puerto Rico military families running home education, citing the lack of a comprehensive island registry. Local Legal/Workplace Spotlight: A Puerto Rican former Walgreens employee filed a discrimination lawsuit in federal court alleging racial/ethnic, national origin, sex discrimination, retaliation, and a hostile work environment. Sports & Community: Puerto Rican baseball associates visited San Quentin’s program, highlighting how the sport and education academies tied to Puerto Rico can change lives. Culture in the Diaspora: Rochester’s Puerto Rican Festival is set to draw thousands, with organizers emphasizing youth programming and safety measures off-site.

Military & Education: Fort Buchanan launched a survey to identify and support Puerto Rico military families doing home education, citing no official registry and noting home-schooling rates are higher among military households. Defense & Health: Kentucky’s 123rd Medical Group won Air National Guard Medical Unit of the Year, with two officers honored for biomedical and advanced practice nursing excellence. Trade & Health Costs: Puerto Rico imported about $3.254B in pharma and generics in 2025, and could face federal tariffs up to 200% under Trump’s new trade policy—raising concerns for drug prices on the island. PROMESA & Representation Debate: New York’s 7th District candidate Claire Valdez called Puerto Rico a “colony,” backing debt cancellation and ending the oversight board created under PROMESA. Local Governance & Public Safety: A police union warned a property-tax constitutional amendment could cut funding for essential public safety services without a permanent replacement. Civil Justice & Courts: A D.C. Circuit ruling struck down the NLRB “successor bar” doctrine, reshaping labor-law risk for buyers of unionized businesses. Old San Juan Tourism: Marriott’s Autograph Collection added a 56-room boutique hotel, Alma San Juan, in a restored historic building on Calle de San Francisco. U.S. Citizenship Politics: The Trump administration missed the Supreme Court deadline to seek rehearing of the birthright citizenship decision.

Judicial & Election Integrity: Senate Republicans are privately telling lawmakers to downplay the SAVE America Act, saying they “don’t have the votes” and urging pushback on ending the filibuster—while Trump pressures the chamber to act before the August recess. Public Safety Funding: A police union is warning against a proposed constitutional amendment that would cut or eliminate local property tax revenue without a permanent replacement, arguing it could weaken police and emergency services. Territorial Courts & Procedure: A federal court upheld a Puerto Rico-related wire fraud conspiracy conviction, focusing on intent and participation standards for conspiracy cases. Civil Justice & Discovery: Puerto Rico is moving toward adoption of the Uniform Interstate Depositions and Discovery Act (UIDDA), with the territory’s Senate approving legislation that would update civil procedure for interstate subpoenas. Environmental Policy: Puerto Rico’s single-use plastics law remains in effect while a working committee finalizes recommendations under Law 47-2025, after earlier delays tied to education and implementation. Military & Local Impact: USGS detected a major “experimental explosion” off Florida tied to Navy shock trials, with the blast location near prior events connected to ship certification. Regional Connectivity: Fly the Whale announced new daily San Juan–St. Thomas service starting Aug. 3, adding another fast option between the islands.

Jones Act Pressure on Puerto Rico: The Washington Post argues Puerto Rico should get a permanent exemption from the Jones Act after temporary relief coincided with a surge in propane purchases—warning the law forces the island to buy from U.S. markets that lack compliant LPG ships. Media Industry: Nielsen says it will stop Puerto Rico radio/TV audience ratings by end of 2026, raising fears of losing the common measurement advertisers rely on. Citizenship Fight: A new push targets birthright citizenship in U.S. territories like Puerto Rico, tying the effort to the Insular Cases and a proposed federal bill that would limit automatic citizenship for children born after Jan. 1, 2027. Tourism Strategy: Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic are moving from a multi-destination agreement to Spanish-market campaigns with tour-operator outreach to boost air connectivity and joint travel. Consular News: Jamaica appointed Oliver Mair as consul general in New York, with concurrent accreditation that includes Puerto Rico. Local Culture & Events: Venezuelan comedian Angelo Colina will return to Puerto Rico for a new Teatro Tapia stand-up special on Aug. 7, recorded for a comedy release. Sports/Community: Menudo announced a 50th anniversary tour with stops including San Juan this fall.

Jones Act Pressure on Puerto Rico: The Washington Post argues Puerto Rico should get a permanent exemption from the Jones Act, saying the law forces the island to buy pricier propane from foreign markets because no compliant LPG ships exist. Citizenship Fight in U.S. Territories: MAGA allies are pushing a new bid to end birthright citizenship in Puerto Rico and other territories, reviving the “Insular Cases” debate after a Supreme Court setback. Election Law Challenge: A judge ruled Arizona can bundle multiple election changes into one ballot measure, including voter ID rules and limits on foreign spending—an approach opponents say blocks voters from weighing items separately. Labor Law Update: The D.C. Circuit struck down the NLRB “successor bar” rule, a decision tied to a Puerto Rico hospital case and aimed at protecting majority-rule bargaining. Puerto Rico Media Shakeup: Nielsen plans to stop its Puerto Rico audience-ratings service by end of 2026, raising concerns about the island’s ad market “common currency.” Bank Leadership Change: Banco Popular announced CEO Javier Ferrer will retire Aug. 31, triggering a top-executive reshuffle. SNAP Push Including Puerto Rico: Mayors backed a letter urging Congress to protect SNAP and to transition Puerto Rico from NAP to SNAP. Procurement Tech for ASG: Glass launched an AI procurement master catalog in partnership with Puerto Rico’s ASG to standardize how government purchases are classified and tracked.

Puerto Rico Relief & Hunger Drive: A Charlotte parish’s 24th annual Monsignor McSweeney World Hunger Drive is sending aid to communities in Puerto Rico (along with Venezuela, Haiti and India), aiming to raise $400,000+ and pack 300,000 meals, with Puerto Rico named a growing poverty focus. Disaster Preparedness: A new emergency guide urges Puerto Ricans and others to build both a “go-kit” and a longer “stay-at-home kit,” shifting planning from 72 hours toward up to two weeks. Puerto Rico in the Global Spotlight: Caribbean leaders met Church of England clergy while pushing slavery reparations and decolonization talks that include British, French, Dutch and U.S. territories. Local Economy/Finance: Ponce Financial Group reported second-quarter 2026 results, including $8.2M net income to common stockholders and quarterly net interest income of $30.1M. Healthcare Business Move: Provider Network Solutions appointed Gustavo Leon Jr. as President and Chief Strategy Officer, with growth plans spanning Florida, Texas and Puerto Rico. Sports & Culture: Puerto Rico-linked international moments included Puerto Rico’s Miss Universe presence and Puerto Rico athletes competing abroad, while baseball’s Hall of Fame enshrined Carlos Beltrán (Puerto Rico) in Cooperstown.

Tourism & Economy: Puerto Rico Tourism Company says hotel occupancy is projected above 88% for the July 24-27 weekend, with Saturday (Commonwealth anniversary) expected to peak around 93%, led by the Metro region at 94.1%. Local Infrastructure & Resilience: Mayagüez broke ground on a $2.595M solar-plus-battery project at the José Antonio Figueroa Freyre Central American Stadium to cut electricity costs and keep operations running during outages. Government & Media: Nielsen plans to stop Puerto Rico radio/TV audience measurement in December 2026, raising concerns that broadcasters and advertisers will lose a key pricing tool. Energy & Community Links: UMass Amherst is connecting Puerto Rico and Western Massachusetts through a diaspora energy-resilience effort after Hurricane Maria, including a bilingual forum in Holyoke. Historical Reckoning: A new docuseries episode revisits Puerto Rico’s 1937 eugenics-era sterilization campaign and its long shadow on families. Sports & Identity: Cooperstown welcomed Carlos Beltrán (Puerto Rico), Andruw Jones (Curaçao) and Jeff Kent, underscoring baseball’s international reach.

Power Restoration in Puerto Rico: Luma Energy says electricity was restored to at least 1.25 million customers (85.6%) by 10am after a major blackout, with preliminary findings pointing to a fault in an underground cable; Gov. Pedro Pierluisi says he’s pressed for continued FEMA support and that temporary generators will keep running through 2027. Local Energy Resilience: Mayagüez has started a $2.595M solar-plus-battery project at the José Antonio Figueroa Freyre Central American Stadium to cut costs and provide backup during outages. Tourism Snapshot: The Puerto Rico Tourism Company projects hotel occupancy above 88% for the July 24–27 weekend, with an expected busiest day on July 25 (Commonwealth anniversary) at about 93% average occupancy. Digital ID Rollout: Apple Wallet digital IDs are moving forward as Utah and Virginia show backend signals for launch, with Puerto Rico already included in the broader push. Sports & Culture: Bad Bunny’s “Debí Tirar Más Fotos” tour hit $467.5M and 3.1M tickets sold, while the Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony airs Sunday at 1:30pm ET on MLB Network.

Puerto Rico Tourism: The Puerto Rico Tourism Company projects hotel occupancy above 88% for the July 24–27 weekend, with Porta Capital (Metropolitan) leading at 94.1% and Commonwealth Day (July 25) expected to peak around 93% across affiliated hotels. Local Government & Accountability: In Stockton, California, city council members will review new rules to force more transparency about political consultants after a civil grand jury criticized the city’s response to intimidation concerns tied to a consultant-linked social media page. Citizenship Fight in U.S. Territories: Guam and CNMI leaders urged Rep. Morgan Griffith to withdraw his bill limiting birthright citizenship, warning it could create stateless children and arguing territorial compacts can’t be changed unilaterally. Energy & Resilience in Puerto Rico: Mayagüez has started a $2.595M solar-plus-battery project at the José Antonio Figueroa Freyre Central American Stadium to cut electricity costs and keep operations running during outages. Media Market Impact: Nielsen says it will stop measuring Puerto Rico radio and TV audiences in December 2026, raising concerns for broadcasters and advertisers who rely on ratings. Corrections Program: Puerto Rico’s Department of Corrections highlighted Caribbean Thoroughbred Aftercare’s “Paso a Paso” equine-assisted learning program inside facilities.

Tourism Watch: Puerto Rico Tourism Company projects hotel occupancy above 88% for the July 24-27 holiday weekend, with Porta Capital (Metropolitan) leading at 94.1% and Saturday, July 25 expected to hit about 93% statewide. Media & Business: Nielsen says it will discontinue radio and TV audience measurement in Puerto Rico in December 2026, raising alarms that broadcasters and advertisers could lose a key market “currency.” Telecom Infrastructure: Claro Puerto Rico is investing $35 million to land the AMX-1 submarine cable in Ponce, adding a redundant international route outside the island’s northern corridor to improve resilience during storms and outages. PROMESA/Birthright Citizenship Fight: A new federal push would limit birthright citizenship in U.S. territories like Puerto Rico, as critics tie the effort to the island’s unresolved political status and the 10-year legacy of PROMESA. Reproductive Justice History: A new documentary episode revisits Puerto Rico’s 1937-era eugenics sterilization campaign and its long shadow on families. Corrections Program: Puerto Rico’s Department of Corrections highlights “Paso a Paso,” an equine-assisted learning initiative now operating inside correctional facilities. Military Community: Fort Buchanan marked 61 years of Army Community Service, spotlighting volunteer support for service members and families.

Birthright Citizenship Fight: Rep. Morgan Griffith’s “End Birthright Citizenship for the Territories Act” is drawing sharper pushback after reporting says he did not consult Guam or other territories before drafting the bill, which would strip automatic citizenship for children born after Jan. 1, 2027 in Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and CNMI. PROMESA & Governance: Puerto Rico’s 10-year PROMESA anniversary is being used by critics to argue the control-board model has worsened austerity and failed to fix corruption and inefficiency. Telecom Resilience: Claro Puerto Rico is investing $35M to land the AMX-1 submarine cable in Ponce, adding a redundant southern international internet route to better withstand storms and outages. Regional Air Connectivity: Contour Airlines announced twice-weekly San Juan–Trinidad and Tobago service starting Oct. 5, aiming to boost tourism and business travel. Public Safety & Courts: A high-profile Puerto Rico murder case continues as Elvia Cabrera Rivera was found guilty of first-degree murder in the Gabriela Nicole Pratts case, with the legal process still ongoing for the accused daughter. Military Community: Fort Buchanan marked 61 years of Army Community Service, highlighting volunteer support for service members and families across Puerto Rico.