Energy Storage Deal: Puerto Rico’s Energy Bureau approved a 100 MW / 400 MWh battery project in Yabucoa by Yabucoa Energy LLC, tied to a 20-year services agreement with PREPA, with contract tweaks including keeping full discharge capacity throughout the term. Media Industry Watch: The Washington Post urged Puerto Rico to get a permanent relaxation of the Jones Act, arguing the law forces the island to buy costly propane from markets without compliant vessels. Public Procurement Tech: Glass launched an AI-powered “Master Catalog” for Puerto Rico’s ASG to standardize how government purchases are classified, aiming to improve budgeting and procurement oversight. Banking Leadership: Banco Popular announced CEO Javier Ferrer will retire Aug. 31, triggering a succession plan with Jorge García as CEO and other C-suite moves. Local Business & Growth: City Electric Supply (CES) reported strong North America results, noting Puerto Rico is part of its U.S. territory and highlighting continued branch expansion. Tourism Partnerships: Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic are pushing a multi-destination strategy in Spain, working with tour operators to market joint offerings. Regulatory/Compliance: New ICE Form I-9 guidance expands what counts as substantive violations, raising compliance stakes for employers. Local Economy: A report says Puerto Rico’s economy has entered a recessionary phase. Energy Resilience & Talent: A Puerto Rico-linked initiative highlights energy resilience connections, while other coverage points to agriculture education and workforce pipelines.