AGP Executive Report

Tourism & Hotels: 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 be the busiest day at about 93% average occupancy. Home Care Tech: MK Care rolled out new digital tools in Puerto Rico for families managing home care, including real-time monitoring, structured care reports, and shared access for multiple relatives on one platform. Media Market Shakeup: Nielsen will stop measuring Puerto Rico radio and TV audiences in December 2026, raising concerns for broadcasters that rely on ratings to sell advertising. Restaurant Expansion: La Pachanga launched its first franchise program for entrepreneurs, offering five initial franchise opportunities and support from site selection to opening, with a $30,000 fee and estimated $140,000-$450,000 investment. Energy Resilience: A UMass Amherst initiative is connecting Puerto Rico and Western Massachusetts to share lessons on building more resilient, equitable energy systems after Hurricane Maria. Sports & Culture Spotlight: Baseball Hall of Fame weekend put Puerto Rico front and center as Carlos Beltrán was inducted in Cooperstown, with fans rallying behind the island and Beltrán even quoting Bad Bunny during his remarks.

Power & Infrastructure: Luma Energy says power has been restored to most of Puerto Rico after a major blackout, with supply back to at least 1.25 million customers (85.6%) by 10am, and preliminary findings pointing to a fault in an underground cable; the governor is pressing for continued FEMA support and a generator extension through 2027. Tourism & Hospitality: The Puerto Rico Tourism Company projects hotel occupancy above 88% for the July 24–27 holiday weekend, with Saturday (Commonwealth anniversary) expected as the busiest day at about 93% average. Digital Economy & Services: DoorDash is changing how it calculates delivery and service fees, aiming for more transparent, distance- and effort-based pricing that can raise or lower costs depending on the order. Home Care Tech: MK Care rolled out new monitoring and shared family access tools for home care in Puerto Rico, designed to centralize caregiving records and reduce coordination gaps. Media & Advertising Market: Nielsen will discontinue radio and TV audience measurement in Puerto Rico in December 2026, threatening the island’s broadcast media pricing and buying ecosystem. Local Business Spotlight: La Pachanga launches a franchise program as a Puerto Rico restaurant chain marks its fifth anniversary. Consumer & Lifestyle: Bad Bunny’s “Debí Tirar Más Fotos” tour hit $467.5M and 3.1M tickets sold, reinforcing the global pull of Puerto Rican music.

Tourism Pulse: Puerto Rico Tourism Company projects hotel occupancy above 88% for the July 24-27 holiday stretch, with Porta Capital leading at 94.1% and Saturday (Commonwealth anniversary) expected to peak around 93%. Home Care Tech: MK Care rolled out new digital tools in Puerto Rico to help families coordinate elder and chronic-care from one platform, including real-time monitoring and shared access for multiple relatives. Restaurant Growth: La Pachanga launched its first franchise program as it marks five years, offering five initial franchise spots with a $30,000 fee and estimated $140,000-$450,000 investment. Media & Advertising: Nielsen will discontinue radio and TV audience measurement in Puerto Rico in December 2026, raising concerns for broadcasters that rely on ratings to sell ads. Local Business: Urbanica Furniture introduced customizable office “workspace bundles” to simplify desk-and-chair purchasing for individuals and companies. Energy Resilience: UMass Amherst is connecting Puerto Rico and Western Massachusetts through a diaspora energy-resilience project focused on community-led, more equitable power systems. Policy Watch: A new bill targeting birthright citizenship in U.S. territories drew pushback from Guam and CNMI leaders, who warn it could create stateless outcomes.

Tourism Pulse: Puerto Rico Tourism Company says hotels endorsed by the agency are projecting 88%+ occupancy for the July 24-27 holiday weekend, with Porta Capital (Metropolitan) leading at 94.1% and Commonwealth anniversary day (July 25) expected around 93%. Telecom & Connectivity: Claro Puerto Rico is investing $35M to land the AMX-1 submarine cable in Ponce, adding a redundant international route outside the northern corridor to boost resilience and capacity. Local Business Expansion: La Pachanga, a Puerto Rico restaurant chain, launched its first franchise program for entrepreneurs, with $30,000 fees and an estimated $140,000-$450,000 investment, targeting markets like Caguas, Ponce and Mayagüez. Banking & Payments: Arival Bank (Puerto Rico-licensed) rolled out USDC stablecoin payment and treasury tools across Base, Polygon, Solana and Ethereum, with conversion fees starting at 0.05% for eligible business clients. Media Industry: Nielsen will discontinue Puerto Rico radio and TV ratings in December 2026, raising concerns about how broadcasters sell advertising. Labor Watch: A union watchdog says SEIU-UHW has spent dues on luxury resort travel, fueling criticism of union spending priorities. E-commerce Fees: DoorDash is changing how it calculates delivery and service fees, aiming for more transparent, distance-based pricing.

Telecom Investment: Claro Puerto Rico is putting $35 million into extending the AMX-1 submarine cable to Ponce, adding a redundant southern international connection to diversify routes and help keep service stable during storms and power disruptions. Air Travel & Tourism: ASUR data shows Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport handled 3.46M passengers in the first half, down 3.5% year over year, a softer start after several years of growth. Regional Connectivity: Contour Airlines will launch twice-weekly San Juan–Trinidad and Tobago service on Oct. 5, aiming to boost business and tourism ties. Banking & Payments: Arival Bank, a Puerto Rico-licensed digital bank, rolled out USDC stablecoin payment and treasury tools across Base, Polygon, Solana and Ethereum, targeting global SMEs and cross-border needs. Retail Expansion: Ross Stores is on track to open about 110 new discount stores in 2026, including new Ross Dress for Less locations in Puerto Rico. Business Growth: La Pachanga, marking its fifth anniversary, launched a franchise program with five initial opportunities and an estimated $140,000–$450,000 investment per site. Energy Resilience: UMass Amherst is connecting Puerto Rico and Holyoke through a project focused on community-led energy resilience after Hurricane Maria. Policy & Rights: A new bill would limit birthright citizenship in U.S. territories like Puerto Rico, reigniting debate over PROMESA’s 10-year impact and the island’s political status.

Retail & Consumer Habits: A new Consumer Radiography 2026 study says online grocery buying in Puerto Rico keeps climbing, rising from 16% of shoppers in 2025 to 19% in 2026, with Millennials leading and convenience driving most purchases. Banking & Leadership: Banco Popular announced CEO Javier Ferrer will retire at the end of August, with CFO Jorge Garcia stepping in on Sept. 1 and Chief Risk Officer Lidio Soriano taking over as CFO. Manufacturing & Industry Support: NIST issued a funding opportunity to create 14 new Manufacturing Extension Partnership centers, including support for small and medium manufacturers in Puerto Rico. Sports & Tourism: Cataño will host the 2026 Caribbean World Series with 120+ youth teams, positioning the event as a boost for local sports, visitors, and the economy. Local Business & Community: Puerto Rican Festival plans are set for Rochester, N.Y., with organizers saying the return of Puerto Rico’s culture and vendors will bring a major downtown draw next week. Media & Business: Spanish Broadcasting System promoted Fernando Bauermeister to VP/General Manager for its Puerto Rico operations.

Banking Leadership: Banco Popular CEO Javier Ferrer will retire at the end of August, with CFO Jorge Garcia stepping in as CEO on Sept. 1 and Chief Risk Officer Lidio Soriano taking over as CFO—an important governance shift for Puerto Rico’s largest bank. Manufacturing & Jobs: The U.S. NIST opened a funding competition to create 14 new Manufacturing Extension Partnership centers, including one in Puerto Rico, aimed at helping small and medium manufacturers adopt advanced production tech and build a skilled workforce. Tourism Demand: Puerto Rico hotel occupancy is surging for the July holiday weekend, with preliminary rates reaching 94.1% in the San Juan metro area and an islandwide push expected to keep weekend demand near 93%. Sports & Local Economy: Cataño is set to host the 2026 Caribbean World Series with 120+ youth baseball teams across the region, boosting tourism and spending across Cataño and nearby municipalities. Labor & Wages: US Foods warehouse workers in Cleveland ratified a first Teamsters contract with a 17% wage increase and fully employer-paid health care—another sign of momentum in U.S. logistics labor negotiations. Wildlife Trade Watch: A new study flags illegal sawfish teeth trading tied to cockfighting across Latin America, including Puerto Rico, calling for stronger enforcement and action against hidden wildlife commerce.

Puerto Rico & U.S. Courts: A 22-year-old man from Gurabo, Humberty Jesús Carrillo-García, was charged in federal court for TikTok and X threats to bomb the White House, attack American soldiers and Jewish people, and target banks and post offices. Immigration & Labor: A Puerto Rico man, Jesus Hernandez Ortiz, pleaded guilty in Vermont to conspiracy and illegal smuggling across the Canada-U.S. border, taking 12 people—including two children—for $400 each. Aviation & History: Search teams say they found the wreck of Pan Am Flight 526A (the “Good Friday Tragedy”) off Puerto Rico, ending a 74-year mystery and highlighting how the crash reshaped preflight safety briefings. Business & Travel: Visa says FIFA World Cup 2026 created “pop-up economies,” boosting cross-border spending in host cities, including Puerto Rico-linked travelers. Local Housing Demand: Hialeah opened Section 8 applications, drawing heavy demand—an affordability pressure point that echoes across the region. Cybersecurity: Brinks Home disclosed unauthorized access to part of its IT systems and is investigating potential customer impact.

Housing & Cost Pressures: Hialeah opened Section 8 (Housing Choice Voucher) applications at midnight, drawing about 1,000 requests per hour and underscoring how fast affordable housing demand is outpacing supply. Public Finance: Volusia County (Florida) set preliminary property tax rates after a 6-1 vote, warning some residents could see higher bills as budget pressures and possible statewide homestead changes loom. Cybersecurity & Smart Home: Brinks Home said it found unauthorized access to part of its IT systems and is working with outside cybersecurity experts, noting it doesn’t believe the incident involves its products or services. Health & Consumer Tech: MISTR launched “MISTR Magic,” a dissolvable ED option (sildenafil/tadalafil) alongside its existing online sexual health services. Aviation Safety Legacy (Puerto Rico): A deep-sea search located the Pan Am Clipper Endeavor wreck off Puerto Rico, 74 years after the 1952 crash that killed 52 and helped drive modern pre-flight safety briefings. Business & Trade (Puerto Rico ties): Visa said the World Cup boosted cross-border payments around match sites, highlighting “pop-up” spending surges that can lift local retail and dining. Media & Sports Business: MLBPA pushed to preserve the current domestic draft system, countering owners’ proposal to cut rounds and reduce signing bonuses.

Puerto Rico Politics & Governance: Gov. Jenniffer González announced that embattled chief of staff Francisco Domenech and deputy chief of staff Itza García will step down next month, as an independent state agency investigates corruption allegations tied to irregularities at the Office of Permit Management. Energy & Housing Costs: The Institute for Building Technology and Safety (IBTS) completed Puerto Rico’s Weatherization Assistance Program, upgrading 103 low-income homes to cut energy costs and improve safety, exceeding its 100-home goal in about six weeks. Business & Telecom: First Orion launched Mobile Originated Branded Calling with T-Mobile, letting business customers place authenticated branded calls from mobile devices with verified business names, logos and call context. Aviation & Safety Legacy: After 74 years, explorers found the wreckage of Pan Am’s Clipper Endeavor off Puerto Rico’s coast, a crash that helped drive today’s mandatory pre-flight passenger safety briefings. Travel Disruption: Smoke from Canadian wildfires and storms have caused widespread flight delays and cancellations affecting SJU operations, with thousands of passengers impacted across the U.S. Real Estate & Growth: eXp Realty will hold its first Spanish-language eXpcon in Latin America in Medellín (April 6–8, 2027), highlighting growing cross-border demand that includes Puerto Rico among its CALA markets.

Puerto Rico Governance: Gov. Jenniffer González announced that chief of staff Francisco Domenech and deputy chief of staff Itza García will step down next month amid corruption allegations tied to the Office of Permit Management, with denials from both officials and an independent state investigation underway. Energy & Business: Fortress Power is partnering with Flip Energy to expand virtual power plant access for battery owners across the U.S. and Puerto Rico, building on existing participation in programs like LUMA’s Clean Energy Program. Telecom for Companies: First Orion launched Mobile Originated Branded Calling with T-Mobile, letting business customers place authenticated branded calls from mobile devices with verified business name, logo, and call context. Antitrust & Pharma Costs: Attorney General Jeff Jackson announced a $29.6 million settlement with Glenmark over alleged generic-drug price-fixing and reduced competition, part of a broader multistate effort. Aviation History: Search teams found the wreck of the 1952 Pan Am “Clipper Endeavor” off Puerto Rico, ending a 74-year mystery and highlighting how the crash helped drive modern pre-flight safety briefings. Retirement Planning: A SmartAsset piece argues Puerto Rico is the only Caribbean option that “pencils” for many retirees because U.S. territory status keeps Medicare and Social Security working locally.

Puerto Rico Construction & Industry: Cement dispatches in Puerto Rico inched up 1% year-over-year in June to 58,110 tons, while domestic production rose 2.2% to 31,516 tons; still, first-half dispatches fell 2.4% to 328,157 tons, signaling a mixed demand picture. U.S. Housing Oversight: The U.S. suspended funding for the U.S. Virgin Islands’ housing authority after a HUD probe found widespread corruption and mismanagement, saying only $570,000 of $1.9 billion in disaster recovery funds was spent—an issue that could ripple across regional housing finance. Student Debt Pressure: In the U.S., student loan defaults hit record levels, with about 9.5 million borrowers (1 in 5) now in default after pandemic-era protections ended, raising the risk of wage and Social Security garnishment. Business & Telecom: First Orion launched Mobile Originated Branded Calling with T-Mobile, letting business customers place authenticated branded calls from mobile devices—aimed at boosting outbound engagement and trust. Local Corporate Governance: inGroup International completed a planned leadership succession, with Anthony Varvaro stepping in as co-manager alongside CEO Michael “Hutch” Hutchison.

Federal Oversight: The U.S. suspended funding for the U.S. Virgin Islands’ housing authority, citing widespread corruption and saying only $570,000 of $1.9 billion in disaster recovery money was spent—leaving about $1.3 billion short of what Congress intended. Puerto Rico Innovation: The University of Puerto Rico won a $9 million NSF grant to build AI and resilient STEM research capacity across multiple campuses, including Mayagüez and Río Piedras. Workplace Compliance: Puerto Rico’s Office of the Women’s Advocate released a lactation-room compliance roadmap under Act 87-2025, urging employers to update policies, procedures, and coverage for remote and off-site workers. Local Business & Jobs: inGroup International completed a planned leadership transition in Guaynabo, with Anthony Varvaro taking on co-manager duties alongside CEO Michael “Hutch” Hutchison. Sports & Media: Joe Hand Promotions secured commercial rights for the Spence Jr. vs. Tszyu fight, available in Puerto Rico via major TV and app partners. Energy Markets: A new “virtual power plant” model is paying homeowners for flexibility that can help data centers during peak demand.

Medicaid & Health Policy: Highmark Wholecare’s Joe Glinka was elected to the Executive Committee of Medicaid Health Plans of America (MHPA), as Medicaid programs face shifting regulatory and operational demands. Puerto Rico Finance: COSSEC reports Puerto Rico’s cooperative sector kept growing—credit union loan portfolios hit $7.864B in Q1 2026, up 4.41% year-over-year, led by personal, vehicle, and mortgage lending. Local Business & Travel: Aerostar says more than 15 flights were canceled at SJU due to adverse U.S. weather, with JetBlue hit hardest; passengers are urged to check airline updates. Energy & Infrastructure: Liberty Puerto Rico selected Aurora Networks for remote MACPHY deployment to modernize HFC network infrastructure. Aviation/Capital Markets: Griffin Global Asset Management delivered the first of six Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft on long-term lease to VietJet Group, expanding regional connectivity. Consumer & Retail: JCPenney is pushing a “one-stop” back-to-school strategy with savings and rewards. Sports Business: Carlos Beltran is reported as the Mets’ “first choice” for the next full-time manager, with the team expected to formalize plans after Andy Green’s interim stint.

Aviation Disruptions: More than 15 flights were canceled at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) after adverse weather hit the eastern U.S., with JetBlue the hardest affected, impacting roughly 3,248 travelers; Renewables & Energy Tech: Griffin Global Asset Management said it delivered the first of six Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft on long-term lease to VietJet, highlighting Puerto Rico’s growing footprint in global finance and aviation leasing; Local Business & Food Security: MIDA and the Food Bank of Puerto Rico set a new record with a 24,774-pound donation collected in three days, topping last year’s 17,593 pounds; Puerto Rico Entrepreneurship: Four Puerto Rican entrepreneurs launched Malamaña, a Caribbean-inspired golf apparel brand backed by a $60,000 investment; Culture & Heritage: Cine Nuestro and Murphys Studios will recreate “Por la Hembra y por el Gallo,” one of Puerto Rico’s earliest films, returning a lost 1916 story to the screen more than a century later.

Renewables & Energy Resilience: Rosen Group says it has completed a 2 MW solar installation at its Lingen, Germany site, using a smart system to consume 98.7% of generated power on-site—an example of how businesses are pushing self-sufficiency. Puerto Rico Food Industry: Pan Pepín and EntrePanas launched Puerto Rico’s first fresh gluten-free bread made entirely on the island, using locally grown breadfruit (pana), aiming at healthier eating while boosting local manufacturing. Connectivity: Claro Puerto Rico won multiple Ookla Speedtest Awards for best fixed network performance and fastest fixed speeds, plus top mobile video experience—useful for businesses and remote work. Shipping Costs: MSC introduced a Peak Season Surcharge on Northern Europe-to-U.S./Puerto Rico/Bahamas lanes starting Aug. 15, adding $600–$1,200 depending on container type. Local Business & Branding: Four Puerto Rican entrepreneurs debuted Malamaña, a Caribbean-inspired golf apparel brand built for a younger, lifestyle-driven market. Community & Food Security: MIDA and partners donated 24,774 pounds of food to the Food Bank, topping last year’s record. Culture & Heritage: 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. Energy Tech Explainer: A report on microgrids highlights how Puerto Rico’s community model helped shape broader adoption for campuses and data centers.