AGP Executive Report

Puerto Rico Economy Watch: Puerto Rico’s economy has contracted for six straight months, signaling a recessionary phase as construction and manufacturing keep sliding, the labor market cools, and inflation plus higher energy costs squeeze consumption and confidence. Energy & Resilience: Mayagüez is moving ahead with 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. Healthcare Business: Provider Network Solutions named Gustavo Leon Jr. as President and Chief Strategy Officer, aiming to expand provider networks across Florida, Texas, Puerto Rico and beyond. Finance: Ponce Financial Group reported second-quarter 2026 results, including $8.2M net income available to common stockholders. Tech & Education: Six Ghanaian teams qualified for the 2026 World Robot Olympiad finals in Puerto Rico after winning national competitions. Aviation Safety Legacy: New reporting revisits the 1952 Pan Am Clipper Endeavor crash off Puerto Rico, where 69 survived the ditching but 52 later died.

Tourism & Hospitality: Puerto Rico Tourism Company projects hotel occupancy above 88% for the July 24-27 holiday weekend, with the Metropolitan area leading at 94.1% and Saturday, July 25 expected to peak around 93%. Energy & Resilience: Mayagüez is starting a $2.595M solar-plus-battery project at the José Antonio Figueroa Freyre Central American Stadium to cut electricity costs and keep stadium operations running during outages. Media & Advertising Market: Nielsen says it will discontinue Puerto Rico radio and TV audience measurement in December 2026, raising concerns for broadcasters that rely on ratings to sell ads. Local Industry & Food: A Puerto Rico-born Napa baker is turning “luck” into a business with multiflavored fortune cookies under Por Suerte Cookies. Maritime & Safety History: The wreckage of Pan Am’s 1952 Clipper Endeavor DC-4 off Puerto Rico has been found, with the crash credited for major aviation safety procedure changes. Public Health Data: A new report warns that data gaps from federal removals are creating “disease blind spots,” including impacts on health planning.

Energy & Resilience: Power was restored to most of Puerto Rico after a major blackout, with Luma Energy saying at least 1.25 million customers (85.6%) were back online by 10am and preliminary findings pointing to an underground cable fault; Gov. Pedro Pierluisi said FEMA support will continue and Washington approved a two-year extension for temporary generators through 2027. Renewables & Local Infrastructure: Mayagüez kicked off a $2.595 million solar-plus-battery project at the José Antonio Figueroa Freyre Central American Stadium to cut electricity costs and keep the facility running during outages. Tourism & Hospitality: Puerto Rico Tourism Company reported hotel occupancy projected above 88% for the July 24–27 holiday weekend, with the busiest day expected to be July 25 at about 93% average occupancy. Media & Advertising Market: Nielsen will discontinue radio and TV audience measurement in Puerto Rico in December 2026, raising concerns for broadcasters and advertisers that rely on ratings to buy and sell media. Tech & Identity: Apple Wallet digital IDs are accelerating, with the total now at 14 states plus Puerto Rico, as Utah and Virginia appear ready to join the rollout. Aviation Safety Legacy: The Pan Am Clipper Endeavor DC-4 wreck off Puerto Rico was located 74 years after the 1952 crash, a find tied to major changes in passenger safety procedures. Local Industry Spotlight: Puerto Rico-born Napa baker Veronica Licha Lopez is turning global flavors into fortune cookies through her Por Suerte Cookies brand. Sports & Culture: Bad Bunny’s Debí Tirar Más Fotos World Tour hit $467.5 million and 3.1 million tickets sold, marking his biggest tour to date.

Solar & Resilience: Mayagüez kicked off 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. Tourism Pulse: Puerto Rico Tourism Company projections show hotel occupancy above 88% for the July 24-27 holiday weekend, with the busiest day expected to be July 25 at about 93%. Aviation Watch: ASUR data shows Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport handled 3.46M passengers in the first half, down 3.5% year-over-year. Media Business: Nielsen will stop measuring Puerto Rico radio and TV audiences in December 2026, raising concerns for broadcasters and advertisers who rely on ratings. Local Industry & Food: A Puerto Rico-born Napa baker is turning “fortune cookies” into a multiregional flavor business, blending global inspirations into the classic treat. Energy & Community Links: UMass Amherst is connecting Puerto Rico and Western Massachusetts through a forum and ongoing work on energy resilience and climate justice. Fishing Under Pressure: A new PBS feature highlights how contamination and climate change are reshaping access to fishing in Vieques.

Tourism & Hospitality: 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 peak around 93% across affiliated hotels. Media & Advertising: Nielsen will discontinue Puerto Rico radio and TV audience measurement in December 2026, raising concerns for broadcasters that rely on ratings to sell ads. Energy Resilience: UMass Amherst’s Puerto Rican Power initiative is connecting Puerto Rico and Holyoke, MA, to share lessons from Hurricane Maria and build more resilient, community-led energy systems. Public Health Data: A new report warns that federal data gaps are creating “disease blind spots,” after large-scale removal of CDC and other agency webpages and datasets. Logistics & Consumer Costs: DoorDash is changing how it calculates delivery and service fees, aiming for more transparent pricing tied to distance and effort. Aviation & Safety History: The Pan Am Clipper Endeavor DC-4 wreck off Puerto Rico was located again after 74 years, a find tied to major safety procedure changes. Air Travel Demand: San Juan’s Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport saw passenger traffic slip 3.5% in the first half of the year, handling 3.46M passengers. Food Safety: CDC says the multistate Salmonella outbreak linked to imported moringa leaf powder is over, but warns some recalled bottles may still be in homes.

Energy Resilience & Community Networks: UMass Amherst is linking Puerto Rico and Western Massachusetts through “Puerto Rican Power,” a diaspora forum series focused on building more resilient, equitable energy systems after Hurricane Maria exposed grid fragility. Public Health Data & Access: A new report highlights how major CDC data and webpages were removed in 2025, creating gaps that can slow disease tracking and planning. Aviation & Tourism Demand: ASUR data shows Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport handled 3.46M passengers in the first half of 2026, down 3.5% year over year, signaling a softer start for Puerto Rico’s main air gateway. Food & Retail Safety: CDC says the moringa leaf powder Salmonella outbreak is officially over after 131 illnesses across 38 states, with Puerto Rico among affected distribution areas—an important reminder for supplement supply-chain risk. Business & Finance: Banco Popular’s Javier Ferrer is set to step aside as profits rose in Q2, with loan growth in Puerto Rico led by commerce, construction, credit cards and mortgages. Manufacturing/Infrastructure Angle: A separate report on water reuse points to manufacturing gains amid scarcity in Puerto Rico. Culture & Industry Spillover: Bad Bunny’s DTMF world tour closed with $467.5M gross and 3.1M tickets sold, underscoring how major entertainment cycles keep feeding local and regional service demand.

Online Retail & Groceries: A new Consumer Radiography 2026 study says Puerto Rico shoppers are steadily shifting online—use of supermarket platforms rose from 16% (2025) to 19% (2026), led by Millennials (31%) and Gen Z (27%), with convenience driving 65% of respondents. Tourism & Hospitality: Puerto Rico Tourism Company-backed hotels are reporting strong July 24–27 demand, with San Juan-area occupancy preliminarily at 94.1% and Saturday expected to peak around 93% across endorsed properties. Broadcast Infrastructure: LTN says it has completed 3,000+ satellite-to-IP migrations for broadcasters and MVPDs, citing FCC Upper C-Band spectrum auction rules as the next push for IP distribution—its managed IP reach includes Puerto Rico stations. Manufacturing Support: NIST launched a funding opportunity for 14 new Manufacturing Extension Partnership centers, including Puerto Rico, aimed at helping small and medium manufacturers adopt advanced production tech and strengthen supply chains. Energy Efficiency at Home: An energy program upgraded 103 Puerto Rico homes, cutting costs for vulnerable families. Local Media Leadership: Spanish Broadcasting System (SBS) named Fernando Bauermeister to lead Puerto Rico radio chains serving San Juan, Ponce, and Mayagüez, adding Puerto Rico duties to his Orlando/Tampa role.

Tourism & Hospitality: Puerto Rico Tourism Company reports strong July 24–27 hotel demand, with preliminary occupancy hitting 94.1% in the San Juan metro area and Saturday expected to be the busiest day. Manufacturing Support: NIST opened a funding competition for 14 new Manufacturing Extension Partnership centers, including a Puerto Rico target, to help small and medium manufacturers adopt advanced production tech. Aviation Connectivity: A public survey in Rochester, New York is gauging demand for a nonstop route to Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan. Infrastructure & Energy Efficiency: An energy efficiency program upgraded 103 Puerto Rico homes, aiming to cut costs for vulnerable families. Water & Industry: Coverage highlights how water reuse is boosting Puerto Rico’s manufacturing activity amid scarcity. Labor/Logistics: Teamsters report contract ratifications tied to Penske in the Southcentral and Southeastern regions, including wage and benefits gains. Aviation Safety/Heritage: New reporting says the wreckage of Pan Am Flight 526A was found off Puerto Rico’s coast 74 years later, underscoring long-running aviation safety reforms.

Airport Operations & Labor: The IAM union says Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport is facing chronic ARFF staffing shortages, with vacancies lasting so long that certified firefighters are forced into shifts up to 18 hours, raising fatigue and burnout risks. Pharma Antitrust: Attorney General Brown announced a $29.6 million settlement with Glenmark over allegations of generic drug price inflation and reduced competition, with states preparing for a first trial expected late 2026. Aviation Safety & Heritage: Researchers report the wreckage of Pan Am Flight 526A (“Clipper Endeavor”) was found off Puerto Rico 74 years after the crash, a discovery tied to major post-disaster safety reforms. Streaming & Local Content: Disney+ Mexico named Telemundo executive Juan Ponce as VP of original content, aiming to expand local production for the Mexican market. Energy Efficiency: A Puerto Rico program upgraded 103 homes to cut costs for vulnerable families, signaling continued momentum in residential efficiency efforts. Manufacturing & Water: Coverage highlights how water reuse is boosting Puerto Rico’s manufacturing amid scarcity. Trade & Security Simulation: A U.S. House simulation tested AI-backed cyberattacks on ports, freight rail and airports—Puerto Rico’s Resident Commissioner Pablo José Hernández participated. Franchise Growth (Business Model): Batteries Plus says it signed 15 franchise agreements for 30 units and opened 12 stores in the first half of 2026, citing commercial-first demand.

Pharma Antitrust: Utah AG Derek Brown joined a coalition of 48 states and territories in announcing a $29.6 million Glenmark settlement over alleged generic-drug price inflation and trade restraints, with internal reforms and a path for consumers to seek compensation. Airport Operations: The IAM union says Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport is facing chronic ARFF staffing shortages, forcing certified firefighters into shifts up to 18 hours due to long hiring and training timelines. Water & Manufacturing: Puerto Rico’s industrial sector is pushing water reuse and recycling as a survival strategy amid the island’s crisis, citing factories already recycling 70%+ of water to protect production continuity. Local Infrastructure Careers: Fort Buchanan honored a long-serving public works leader, Juan A. González-Rosa, for 24 years supporting roads, grounds, and emergency readiness. Manufacturing Support: NIST announced funding to expand Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) centers, including one in Puerto Rico, aimed at helping small and medium manufacturers adopt advanced technologies. Aviation Safety Legacy: Researchers report the Pan Am “Clipper Endeavour” wreck off Puerto Rico has been found 74 years after the 1952 crash that killed 52 people.

Citizenship Fight: Del. James Moylan said he “strongly opposes” H.R. 9724, the “End Birthright Citizenship for Territories Act,” arguing it would revisit automatic citizenship for babies born in Puerto Rico and other U.S. territories—setting a “dangerous precedent.” Construction & Materials: Puerto Rico cement dispatches in June rose 1% year over year to 58,110 tons, while domestic production climbed 2.2% to 31,516 tons, signaling a modest lift for the building supply chain. Workplace Compliance: Puerto Rico’s Office of the Women’s Advocate issued a detailed lactation-room compliance guide under Act 87-2025, pushing employers to update policies, procedures, training, and accommodations for remote and off-site staff. STEM & Energy Tech: The University of Puerto Rico won a $9 million NSF grant to expand AI-based STEM research and resilient energy systems across multiple campuses, including Mayagüez and Río Piedras. Audio Industry: SoundTube added Nelson Lugo as design engineer to expand its audio system design services for integrators and end users. Sports Media Rights: Joe Hand Promotions secured exclusive commercial rights for the Spence vs. Tszyu bout, with availability for Puerto Rico venues via major business TV providers.

Antitrust & Pharma: Nevada’s AG Aaron Ford announced a $29.6M multistate settlement with Glenmark over alleged generic-drug price-fixing and competition-limiting conduct, with potential payouts for affected buyers and promised internal reforms. Energy & Grid Services: Fortress Power is partnering with Flip Energy to expand virtual power plant access for battery owners across the U.S. and Puerto Rico, including participation in LUMA’s Clean Energy Program. Puerto Rico Infrastructure & Water: A new critique argues Puerto Rico’s water crisis has been met with oversized infrastructure plans and privatization that failed to address root causes, pointing to recurring maintenance and planning gaps. Solar Policy: Nonprofits are suing in federal court to recover canceled EPA “Solar for All” rooftop solar grants, including planned use of funds in Puerto Rico. Aviation & Discovery: Deep Sea Vision and partners located the Pan Am “Clipper Endeavor” wreck off Puerto Rico, nearly 75 years after the 1952 crash, using autonomous underwater search and sonar. Retail & Local Economy: West Marine filed for Chapter 11 and plans to close 59 stores, including Puerto Rico locations, as it restructures debt and reshapes its footprint. Tech & Telecom: First Orion launched Mobile Originated Branded Calling with T-Mobile for business customers, enabling authenticated branded calls from mobile devices. Auto Market: Tesla introduced the Model Y L long-wheelbase three-row variant, with deliveries planned for the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Labor & Health: A nurses’ union fight at UnityPoint Health centers on whether the company will certify an NLRB election after objections, with staffing and pay at stake.

STEM Funding Boost: The University of Puerto Rico won a $9 million NSF grant to strengthen AI-based sustainable STEM research and resilient energy systems across multiple campuses, including RUM and sites in Bayamón, Ponce, and others. Workplace Compliance: Puerto Rico’s Office of the Women’s Advocate issued a detailed roadmap for lactation rooms and accommodations under Act 87-2025, pushing employers to update policies, procedures, and support for remote and off-site staff. Energy & Grid Tech: Puerto Rico upgrades remote microgrid capabilities with clean hydrogen, signaling continued investment in resilient power infrastructure. Construction Materials Watch: Puerto Rican cement deliveries in June rose 1% year-over-year, while domestic cement production climbed 2.2%, though first-half dispatches still slipped 2.4%. Telecom for Business: First Orion launched Mobile Originated Branded Calling with T-Mobile, letting business customers place authenticated branded calls from mobile devices—relevant for Puerto Rico’s customer-facing industries. Health Sector Move: SoundTube expanded its design services team by adding Nelson Lugo as a design engineer, strengthening audio system support for integrators and end users. Local Policy Fight: A Puerto Rico delegate strongly opposes a U.S. bill targeting birthright citizenship for territories, warning it could revisit citizenship for people born in Puerto Rico.

Workplace Compliance: Puerto Rico’s Office of the Women’s Advocate issued a detailed lactation-room compliance roadmap under Act 87-2025, urging employers to update written policies, coordinators, training, procedures, and coverage for remote/hybrid staff. AI & Research Funding: The University of Puerto Rico won a $9M NSF grant to strengthen STEM research infrastructure across multiple campuses, targeting AI-based sustainable technologies and resilient energy systems. Industrial AV Talent: SoundTube expanded its Design Services by adding Puerto Rico-born design engineer Nelson Lugo, boosting customer support for audio system design and project specs. Healthcare Operations: Radiology Partners named Matt Peterson President of RP Clinical Services and promoted Krishna Nallamshetty, MD to full-time COO, reshaping clinical leadership as it searches for a permanent CMO. Retail/Construction: Tommy’s Express broke ground on its first Puerto Rico car wash in San Juan (PR-176), targeting a 2027 opening with a dual-belt tunnel and membership access. Food Safety Litigation: New lawsuits are targeting Taylor Farms over the “explosive diarrhea” Cyclospora outbreak, adding pressure to suppliers tied to bagged shredded lettuce. Co-op Lending: COSSEC reported Puerto Rico credit unions’ loan portfolio at $7.864B in Q1 2026, up 4.41% year-over-year, with personal, vehicle, and mortgage loans leading.

Industrial Automation & Warehousing: Hernando County commissioners approved raising building height limits to 85 feet for robotics-ready distribution centers near I-75, signaling more automation-driven industrial projects. Health Policy & Managed Care: Joe Glinka of Highmark Wholecare was elected to the Executive Committee of Medicaid Health Plans of America (MHPA). Citizenship Law Debate: A new U.S. bill would end birthright citizenship for babies born in U.S. territories starting Jan. 1, 2027, targeting Puerto Rico and other territories. Co-op Lending Growth: Puerto Rico’s credit unions reported a $7.864B loan portfolio at Q1 2026, up 4.41% year-over-year, with personal, vehicle, and mortgage loans leading. Tech & Nuclear Industry in San Juan: Alphacore will exhibit at IEEE’s NSREC 2026 in San Juan, highlighting sensing, imaging, and rad-hard capabilities. Digital Infrastructure Insurance: Aon expanded its Data Center Lifecycle Insurance Program capacity to $5B, pairing insurance with engineering and risk support. Food Sector Giving: MIDA and partners donated 24,774 pounds of food to Puerto Rico’s Food Bank, topping last year’s record. Puerto Rico Water Resilience: UT’s WaterHub project (opening 2028) is framed as a model for recycling campus water amid Puerto Rico’s recent reservoir-driven shortages. Renewables & Energy Tech: Puerto Rico’s cooperative and microgrid themes continue as the island looks to resilient power solutions. Historic Film Return: Cine Nuestro and Murphys Studios plan to recreate early Puerto Rican cinema title “Por la Hembra y por el Gallo” after recovering its original plot.

EV Charging Expansion: Pilot Flying J says it added 50 new publicly accessible DC fast charging sites (309 locations, 1,323 ports) after opening new travel centers in Chicopee, MA and Ponce de Leon, FL, boosting road-trip infrastructure for drivers heading through the region. Aviation Leasing: Griffin Global Asset Management delivered the first of six Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft on long-term lease to VietJet, underscoring continued fleet modernization and financing activity with a Puerto Rico-linked corporate presence. Renewables in Industry: Rosen Group completed a 2 MW solar installation at its Lingen, Germany site, using smart energy management to consume nearly all generated power on-site—an example of industrial self-sufficiency trends. Food Manufacturing & Local Sourcing: Pan Pepín and EntrePanas launched Pan de Pana Gluten-Free, Puerto Rico’s first fresh gluten-free bread made entirely on the island using locally grown breadfruit. Connectivity: Claro Puerto Rico won multiple Ookla Speedtest Awards for best fixed network and fastest fixed network, plus top mobile video experience. Water & Resilience: A UT WaterHub project highlights how communities can recycle and plan for future water stress, relevant as Puerto Rico faces ongoing reservoir deterioration and shortages. Logistics Costs: USPS changed how it prices under-one-pound shipments to Puerto Rico, setting a 15.99-ounce charge basis—potentially raising costs for small packages. Community Food Aid: MIDA and partners donated 24,774 pounds of food to the Food Bank, topping last year’s record and collected in just three days. Puerto Rico Culture on Screen: Cine Nuestro and Murphys Studios plan to recreate the 1916 Puerto Rican film “Por la Hembra y por el Gallo,” after researchers recovered the original plot.