AGP Executive Report

Pageant Spotlight: Puerto Rico’s Vicky Carbonell finished among Miss Grand International’s fifth runners-up and won the Grand Talent award. Tanzania’s Jihan Dimachk took the crown; Angelica Lopez’s bid for a third straight title ended outside the Top 11. Healthcare: San Juan Capestrano Hospital received a national Press Ganey award, ranking among the top 5% of providers for quality and patient experience. Home Backup: Tesla says new Model 3 and Model Y buyers in Puerto Rico can use their cars to power a home during outages—but the setup requires a Powerwall 3 and compatible charger. Power and Pensions: PREPA retirees warn their pensions are at risk amid a possible overhaul, while the Oversight Board cautioned agencies that budget-office approval alone does not authorize contracts. Weather: A new tropical wave brought renewed concern after recent island-wide flash-flood warnings; scattered rains have also eased drought conditions slightly.

Pageant Spotlight: Puerto Rico’s Vicky Carbonel advanced to the Miss Grand International semifinals and won the Grand Talent award; Tanzania’s Jihan Mohin Dimachk took the crown. Miss Universe contestants have also arrived in Puerto Rico ahead of the 2026 pageant. Energy & Oversight: The island’s procurement monitor referred New Fortress Energy to federal authorities over its refusal to supply gas to PREPA, citing possible legal violations but making no finding of wrongdoing. The Oversight Board also warned agencies that budget-office approval alone does not authorize contracts. Household Pressures: A study says food insecurity affects nearly half of Puerto Rico adults, while electricity-sector retirees fear for their pensions. Bankruptcy filings rose as accumulated debt reached $865.4 million. Public Safety: Authorities seized more than 560 pounds of cocaine near Aguadilla, and a Nodus Bank co-owner was sentenced in Miami for multimillion-dollar fraud. Jobs: Manatí will host a job fair and economic development convention on Oct. 14.

Energy Dispute: Puerto Rico’s procurement office referred New Fortress Energy to federal authorities over its refusal to supply natural gas to the San Juan power plant, citing potential violations of six federal statutes. NFE says it will not resume deliveries without payment guarantees. Miss Universe: Contestants arrived in Puerto Rico for the 2026 pageant, with some visiting local landmarks and meeting Gov. Jenniffer González. Public Finances: Puerto Rico bankruptcy filings rose as accumulated debt reached $865.4 million; meanwhile, the Oversight Board warned agencies that budget-office authorization does not itself approve a contract. Business & Jobs: Seven Puerto Rican companies joined a trade mission to Texas, and local manufacturers reported a fourth consecutive month of expansion. Banking Fraud: The former chairman and co-owner of Puerto Rican-based Nodus International Bank was sentenced to 62 months in prison for a wire-fraud scheme that cost the bank more than $23.6 million. Island’s Status: A new bilingual website aims to explain Puerto Rico’s colonial relationship with the United States and the impact of federal decisions.

Surfing and Tourism: Arecibo’s La Marginal Surfing Pro opens with more than 390 athletes from 25 countries; organizers expect the event to draw 50,000 visitors and generate up to $3 million. San Juan is also set to host the 2026 Miss Universe pageant. Business Growth: Seven Puerto Rican companies joined a trade mission to Austin to pursue U.S. customers, while manufacturers plan a summit on the island’s industrial future. Economic Pressures: A new study says nearly half of Puerto Rico’s adults face food insecurity. Retired PREPA workers, meanwhile, fear their pensions could be cut as the utility’s debt restructuring advances. Energy and Oversight: The Oversight Board warned agencies that budget-office authorization does not equal approval for a contract. A proposed desalination project for San Juan and Palo Seco is on hold. Public Safety: Authorities seized more than 560 pounds of cocaine near Aguadilla. Local Rules: Twenty-five municipalities now regulate short-term rentals as the sector grows.

Coastal Security: Border Patrol and Puerto Rico police seized about 562 pounds of suspected cocaine near Aguadilla and arrested two people; the DEA is investigating. Energy and Water: The Puerto Rico Manufacturers’ Association warns that canceling LUMA’s contract could damage the island’s investment credibility. Separately, regulators rejected Genera PR’s proposed desalination project for the San Juan and Palo Seco power plants, citing inadequate justification. Demographics: Puerto Rico’s municipalities lost at least 40% of their residents under 20 from 2000 to 2025, with Guánica and Loíza nearing a 75% decline. Weather: Scattered rains have slightly eased drought, though a new tropical wave brought heavy rain and renewed flash-flood concerns. Government: Former ADSEF director Blanca Medina Díaz accused Gov. Jenniffer González of lying about her order to reinstate the agency’s deputy administrator; González said the official was needed to do the work. Miss Universe: San Juan is set to host the 2026 pageant, but the organization is disputing claims that Vietnam has been selected for 2027.

Housing and Household Finances: With affordable homes scarce, property auctions are emerging as another path to ownership. Bankruptcy filings rose 5.8% year over year in September, and Puerto Rico is on pace for its highest annual total since 2019. Business Costs: Retailers are seeking a six-month pause in the “crudita” fuel tax to offset higher electricity bills; a recent rate increase is expected to add $218 million in costs across the island this quarter. Jobs and Opportunity: Puerto Rico has opened applications for $2 million in scholarships for students pursuing high-demand degrees and technical programs. Hecho en Puerto Rico is also expanding business training for local entrepreneurs. Tourism and Connectivity: San Juan’s airport traffic rebounded, with more than 810,000 passengers in September, as Miss Universe contestants arrived ahead of the pageant. Economic Outlook: Manufacturing expanded for a fourth straight month, while 42% of municipalities have lost more than 15% of their population over the past 25 years.

Energy Costs: Puerto Rico’s retailers are urging a six-month pause in the “crudita” fuel tax as an approved electricity-rate increase threatens to add about $218 million in costs across the economy this quarter. Power Supply: New Fortress Energy says it will not resume LNG deliveries until the Energy Bureau reverses a payment directive or the Electric Power Authority provides a guarantee, raising fresh concerns about the island’s energy supply. University Labor: UPR workers staged coordinated actions across all 11 campuses, pressing administrators to honor their contract and implement a compensation plan. Travel: San Juan’s airport handled 810,085 passengers in September, up 3.1% from a year earlier and reversing summer declines. Public Safety: Border Patrol and Puerto Rico police seized 562 pounds of cocaine off Aguadilla and arrested two U.S. citizens. Rural Enterprise: A women’s business festival is offering training in marketing, online sales and other skills to entrepreneurs in western mountain communities, including Lares and Adjuntas.

Cost of Living: Puerto Rico faces the nation’s steepest water affordability burden: typical bills exceed 3.5% of household income, and some low-income households spend nearly 20%. Demographic Shift: Thirty-three municipalities have lost more than 15% of their population in 25 years; every municipality has also lost more than half its children ages 0 to 9, according to the Institute of Statistics. Education: Vimenti won $1.031 million in federal funding to build or upgrade STEM learning spaces at four schools, with resources for robotics, AI and other subjects. Power Contract: The Oversight Board is defending its handling of the Power Expectations contract as questions mount over its potential $5.887 billion cost. Tourism and Culture: Cirque du Soleil has revealed plans for “Le Lo Lai,” a Puerto Rico-inspired production, while a new San Juan Nobu hotel is planned for 2028.

Energy Oversight: Puerto Rico’s Financial Oversight and Management Board says it pushed for changes before endorsing the Power Expectations contract, and later blamed the government for opposing its termination. Port LNG Update: New Fortress Energy says it has started steps for the LNG tanker Amur River to enter San Juan Bay, but says it still lacks authorization from executives in New York. Head Start Language Fight: Educators warn that requiring English-only instruction in Puerto Rico’s Head Start centers could create barriers for about 25,000 children. Power Cost What-If: Experts say the failed Power Expectations deal—up to $5,887 million—could have funded renewable generation, solar with batteries, and major grid upgrades. Public Health & Safety: A Delta flight from San Juan to Boston was diverted to Bermuda after a medical emergency, leaving passengers stranded for hours amid passport/customs issues. Food Recall: More frozen organic berries sold at Walmart and Trader Joe’s, including in Puerto Rico, are recalled over possible E. coli contamination. Local Culture & Tourism: Cirque du Soleil is bringing “Le Lo Lai,” inspired by Puerto Rico, for a limited run at the Coca-Cola Music Hall.

Drug Pricing Accountability: A multistate coalition led by Attorney General Nick Brown is seeking court approval for a $400 million settlement over alleged generic-drug price-fixing by Sandoz and Fougera, with potential compensation for consumers who bought certain generics from 2009 to 2019. Puerto Rico Energy & Costs: A new report highlights how water bills are rising fast nationwide, noting Puerto Rico is among the regions where water costs are unaffordable at median income levels. Local Innovation: A Puerto Rican seventh-grader, Wileidy Feliciano-Rivera, turned plantain peels into biodegradable mulch that cut weed growth by up to 53%, earning finalist status in a major science competition. Tourism & Hospitality: Four Seasons Resort and Residences Puerto Rico received a MICHELIN Key, adding an international luxury distinction as the property nears its first anniversary. Sports Spotlight: Nigeria named a 21-player squad for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, with Puerto Rico in Group B.

Puerto Rico Roads: Gov. Jenniffer González-Colón announced $114.4 million to resurface and improve safety on state roads across 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: The Puerto Rico Public Health Institute won an Excel Award for its “Neighbor, Are You Ready? Plan Today, Act Tomorrow” emergency-preparedness campaign aimed at extreme heat impacts on vulnerable communities. Water Security: A proposal is taking shape in Puerto Rico’s nonprofit sector to protect water recharge areas and better prepare for future droughts. Postal Update: USPS lengthened delivery expectations for packages to and from Puerto Rico under Ground Advantage, now set at 10+ days-plus. Business & Jobs: A new military footwear factory will move into Eagle Industries facilities in Lares and expand to San Sebastián, with up to $2.4 million in incentives and up to 300 jobs over three years. Travel & Tourism: Hilton is adding a new Hampton by Hilton San Juan near the convention center, with reservations starting Nov. 1.

Medicaid Funding Deadline: Gov. Jenniffer González-Colón released Puerto Rico’s final multisectoral Medicaid report, warning federal funding must be fixed in Congress before the Sept. 30, 2027 cliff to protect access for families, seniors, children, and people with disabilities. Electricity & Grid Updates: Lawmakers are set to hold a high-level meeting to resolve why two completed renewable projects (Guayama and Salinas) still can’t connect to LUMA’s grid, despite being ready. Energy Contract Dispute: New Fortress Energy says it won’t deliver LNG from the Amur River after a Puerto Rico Energy Bureau order created payment uncertainty with PREPA. Food Safety Recall: Frozen berry recalls expanded again for possible E. coli contamination, including Great Value Organic Triple Berry Blend and Blueberries (sold in Puerto Rico) plus a Trader Joe’s organic mixed berry blend. Local Economy: Ponce opened La Guancha Food Park after a $2 million ARPA-funded investment, offering 16 kiosks and rent/utility relief for merchants. Sports: Puerto Rico beat Cayman Islands 1-0 in CONCACAF Nations League action in Mayagüez, while Guyana routed Dominica 8-1. Agriculture Alert: USDA established a Mediterranean fruit fly quarantine in Old San Juan after medflies were detected in monitoring traps.

Puerto Rico Healthcare: The Puerto Rico Hospital Association says the island’s hospitals are facing mounting financing pressure, workforce shortages, demographic shifts, and the need to adapt to new care models, with decisions in San Juan and Washington affecting services. Water & Utilities: Editorial coverage backs PRASA’s plan to issue credits to customers hit by drinking-water problems, urging a fair, orderly process as the agency works to recover from last year’s troubles. Electricity Costs: Puerto Rico’s power rates are reported to have jumped to a record high, with the kilowatt-hour nearing 33.86 cents, as demand and costs rise. Food Safety: The FDA expanded an E. coli recall of frozen berries, including Great Value organic blueberries and triple berry blends sold at Walmart and Trader Joe’s organic mixed berry blend, with Puerto Rico listed among affected areas. Culture & Travel: Nobu is set to open a Nobu Hotel and Restaurant in San Juan in 2028, adding another major luxury hospitality draw to the island. Sports (PR in CONCACAF): Guyana’s Golden Jaguars return to action against Dominica in Nations League at Estadio Centroamericano in Mayagüez, with Puerto Rico positioned in the group standings.

Luxury Hospitality: Four Seasons Resort and Residences Puerto Rico is adding two new dining spots at Bahía Beach—Perla, an intimate seafood-and-steak supper club opening Oct. 19 with a Champagne and Caviar cart, and Ocean Terrace, a Mediterranean oceanfront restaurant launching in early November. Public Health: The FDA expanded a frozen-berry recall tied to possible E. coli contamination, adding more lots of Walmart’s Great Value organic berries and Trader Joe’s Organic Mixed Berry Blend; Puerto Rico is included, and shoppers are urged not to eat affected bags and to return them for refunds. Healthcare Watch: Puerto Rico hospitals are facing mounting pressure from financing gaps, workforce shortages, demographic change, and the need to adapt to new care models, according to leaders at the Puerto Rico Hospital Association’s 2026 convention. Local Culture & Community: Furtivo Speakeasy earned a spot among USA TODAY’s 10 Best nominees for “Best Speakeasy” in 2026. Infrastructure & Utilities: A call for PRASA to act on Puerto Rico’s aqueduct and sewer problems—especially as customers deal with ongoing water supply challenges. Travel & Business: Nobu Hotel and Restaurant San Juan is set to open in 2028, bringing a 50-room luxury property and a signature Nobu restaurant to the island.

Puerto Rico Healthcare: The Puerto Rico Hospital Association says the island’s hospitals are bracing for financing pressure, workforce shortages, demographic change, and new care models—while warning that Medicare and Medicaid decisions in Puerto Rico and Washington could reshape services. Food Safety: The FDA expanded a frozen-berry recall tied to possible E. coli, now including Great Value organic blueberries and triple berry blend plus Trader Joe’s organic mixed berry blend; the products were sold in Puerto Rico, and shoppers are told not to eat them and to return for a refund. Tourism & Air Travel: Southwest will add a new nonstop Kansas City–San Juan route starting summer 2027, aiming to boost seats and tourism spending. Real Estate: Centro Casas Subastas will auction more than 60 homes and apartments across Puerto Rico on Oct. 9, with registration open through Oct. 7. Culture & Community: A Puerto Rico plant science student turned plantain peels into bioplastic mulch that cut weed growth by up to 53% in a school experiment.

Air Travel: Southwest will launch a new nonstop Kansas City–San Juan route in summer 2027, adding about 1,575 seats and an estimated $1.3M economic boost for Puerto Rico’s tourism. Public Health: A frozen berry recall tied to an E. coli outbreak has expanded again, now including additional Walmart and Trader Joe’s products shipped to Puerto Rico; shoppers are urged to check freezers. Real Estate: Centro Casas Subastas will hold a live auction Oct. 9 with more than 60 homes and apartments across 26 Puerto Rico municipalities, with mandatory property inspections and registration open through Oct. 7. Energy Costs: Puerto Rico faces a record electricity rate as demand and costs rise, with the new rate taking effect after an 18% jump. Local Innovation: A Peñuelas student turned plantain peels into EcoMusa bioplastic mulch, cutting weed growth by up to 53% in a four-week test. Culture & Entertainment: Natalia Lafourcade’s “Cancionera Tour 2026” is set to stop in San Juan Oct. 3.