AGP Executive Report

Pope Meets Bad Bunny (Madrid): The Vatican confirmed Pope Leo XIV held a brief private audience with Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny at the Bernabéu on June 8, with no public photos expected—sparking online political backlash and debate over faith, celebrity, and attention. Puerto Rico Health Alert: The Health Department confirmed an infant botulism case, saying treatment with BabyBIG was coordinated quickly after symptoms were reported. Local Water Fight: Coamo Mayor Juan Carlos García Padilla urged PRASA to reject connecting the Jacaranda housing development to the Toa Vaca system, warning it could strain water service for nearby communities. Senate Oversight: Puerto Rico’s Senate requested details on tax incentives and government communications tied to the Opus Miramar luxury project in San Juan’s Convention Center District. Consumer Pressure: A new MIDA study says Puerto Ricans are spending less and many are considering leaving the island, with some respondents reporting use of weight-loss (GLP-1) medications. Sports (Puerto Rico in the Mix): Venezuela beat the Dominican Republic in the U18 AmeriCup, and Puerto Rico is set to face Venezuela next.

Puerto Rico Economy & Taxes: The Puerto Rico Treasury reported a $15 million drop in corporate tax collections for fiscal year 2025, pointing to the end of COVID-era economic stimulus measures and timing shifts tied to new filing rules. Federal Aid & Recovery: Resident Commissioner Pablo José Hernández announced more than $13 million in FEMA funds for reconstruction and recovery projects across Puerto Rico, including road, bridge, and PREPA emergency protection work. Energy Policy: A new Trump administration push announced $850 million for coal plant modernization and two new plants, a move critics call a subsidy while supporters say it strengthens grid reliability. Culture & Faith: Pope Leo XIV met Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny privately at Madrid’s Bernabéu stadium; the Vatican said no official photos are expected. Local Sports & Community: Puerto Rico’s 14U team advanced to the medal round after strong showings in the PONY Baseball Caribbean and Latin American Zone Championships in the Bahamas. Education & Tech: Puerto Rico was among the places represented in the inaugural Presidential AI Challenge, where students and educators were recognized for AI projects aimed at real community problems.

Lottery Watch: Powerball kept the jackpot rolling after no one matched all numbers in Monday’s drawing; the prize is now set to top $230M, with Wednesday’s next draw at 10:59 p.m. Caribbean Spotlight: A private Gulfstream G200 jet en route to pick up former MLB star Yadier Molina and his family crashed during an emergency landing in the Dominican Republic, killing two U.S. pilots; Molina said the flight was bound for Texas and linked to plans involving Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico Media Expansion: “La Tendencia de Molusco” is getting a U.S. syndication push through a strategic partnership between Sigma Audio Networks and WAPA Media, aiming to expand the show’s reach and advertising across the mainland. Sports & Culture: Ponce’s tourism momentum continues, with growth tied to expanded air access and cruise ship arrivals, including major stops like Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas. Local Entertainment: Bad Bunny’s Madrid crowd made headlines for a quiet, emotional gesture when he hugged a fan who brought flowers instead of filming.

Puerto Rico Culture & Identity: A Newington High School student won statewide recognition for a poem tying Puerto Rican heritage to environmental action, while another earned top honors for a comic strip warning about ocean pollution. TV & Entertainment: Telemundo set a July 7 premiere date for the final season of El Señor de los Cielos, ending Aurelio Casillas’ saga. Local Policy Watch: Puerto Rico approved a lameness exam for all imported racing-age horses, with advocates warning loopholes could weaken the rule. Sports & Community Ties: A private jet crash in the Dominican Republic killed two U.S. pilots while en route to pick up former MLB star Yadier Molina and his family for a trip that included Puerto Rico. Business & Tourism: Henderson Park completed its acquisition of the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve in Río Grande, Puerto Rico, in a deal pairing the resort with Pyramid Global Hospitality to run the property. Music: Álvaro Díaz announced his fall OMAKASE TOUR dates, including stops in Chicago, New York, Miami, and more.

Aviation Tragedy: A US-registered Gulfstream G200 crashed during an emergency landing attempt at La Romana International Airport in the Dominican Republic, killing two American pilots. The jet was reportedly headed to Austin, Texas to pick up Yadier Molina and his family before returning to Puerto Rico; Dominican aviation authorities say an investigation is underway. Puerto Rico in Sports: At the FIBA U18 AmeriCup in León, Mexico, Puerto Rico finished fourth after Brazil beat Puerto Rico 83–77 in the third-place game; Canada won gold over the U.S. 67–65, with Puerto Rican Felipe Quiñones named to the All-Star Five. Community & Culture: Milwaukee’s Fiesta Puerto Rico Parade & Festival drew thousands on Oklahoma Avenue and Humboldt Park, with Puerto Rican/Hispanic Day celebrations continuing across the city. Local Safety: Authorities are investigating the death of a minor after an incident at a swimming pool at Hacienda San Miguel in Salinas, where she was reportedly filming a music video. Health Watch: Medicare Fraud Prevention Week highlights steps for beneficiaries in Puerto Rico and across the U.S. to spot scams and report suspicious billing or calls.

Puerto Rico in the spotlight abroad: Pope Leo XIV’s Spain visit is drawing massive crowds, and he even joked that many young people would choose Puerto Rican pop star Bad Bunny over the papacy—while his own events still pull hundreds of thousands in Madrid. Sports & youth development: Puerto Rico’s U18 basketball team was eliminated by Canada in the FIBA U18 AmeriCup semifinals, setting up a Canada–USA final after both teams advanced undefeated. Weather and football: Saudi Arabia beat Puerto Rico 3-0 in a World Cup warm-up friendly that was paused nearly two hours due to thunderstorms and lightning. Community & culture: The Fiesta Puerto Rico Parade & Festival rolled through Milwaukee’s south side, celebrating Puerto Rican heritage and a 250-years-of-service theme. Local service and readiness: A Puerto Rico Air National Guard visit focused on mission conversions and operational challenges, with leaders saying firsthand observations guide funding decisions.

World Cup Warm-Up: Saudi Arabia beat Puerto Rico 3-0 in a weather-interrupted friendly at Q2 Stadium in Austin, with play halted for nearly two hours due to thunderstorms and lightning; Saudi scored before halftime, added a second in the 50th minute, and finished in the 88th. Papal Visit & Puerto Rican Pop Culture: Pope Leo XIV kicked off his Spain tour and joked that many young people would choose a Bad Bunny concert over seeing him, highlighting the Puerto Rican star’s Madrid draw. Sports Spotlight: Canada routed Puerto Rico 115-49 to reach the FIBA U18 AmeriCup 2026 final, setting up a Canada vs. USA title showdown. Travel & Business: Southwest launched new nonstop service from Indianapolis to San Juan and added another route from Columbus, boosting Puerto Rico’s air connections. Local Economy: A new BC Outlet liquidation store opened in Guaynabo, aiming to sell discounted name-brand goods. Food Safety Alert: Federal regulators and retailers issued urgent Salmonella-related recalls tied to products reaching Puerto Rico via mainland supply chains.

Sports & Community: Puerto Rico is set to host the Borinquen Smoke Out, a major showcase for professional women’s softball, featuring the Puerto Rico National Softball Team (ranked No. 3 worldwide) against the Atlanta Smoke, co-owned by Brandon Phillips and WWE’s Jade Cargill, with the island also slated to host the first official Professional Softball League series there when Atlanta faces the Kansas City Diamonds. World Cup Build-Up: Saudi Arabia beat Puerto Rico 3–0 in a World Cup warm-up in Austin, but the match was delayed nearly two hours by thunderstorms and lightning. Local Economy & Travel: Southwest Airlines expands in Puerto Rico with a new route from Indianapolis and ticket sales opening for new service from Columbus, Ohio, boosting connectivity and expected passenger arrivals. Politics & Aid: Resident Commissioner Pablo José Hernández says the U.S. House approved FY 2027 funding that protects PAN and includes community and agricultural projects in Puerto Rico. Culture & Faith: Pope Leo XIV began a landmark Spain visit calling for an end to polarization, while acknowledging he’s competing for attention in Madrid with Puerto Rican star Bad Bunny.

Business & Jobs: Sobao opened its fifth restaurant in Guaynabo, investing more than $300,000 and creating 25 direct jobs, with the new 2,000-square-foot spot on Roosevelt Avenue outside Plaza Caparra. Tourism & Development: La Concha Resort broke ground on LUXE AZUL, a new beach club in Condado backed by a $6.5 million investment, aiming to add 20 direct and 100 indirect jobs. Health at Home: Alivia Health launched a specialized nursing network to strengthen Alivia Infusion Services, expanding intravenous therapies and specialized medication delivery at home in Puerto Rico. Sports (PR on the field): Saudi Arabia beat Puerto Rico 3-0 in a weather-delayed friendly at Q2 Stadium, earning their first win under coach Georgios Donis. Legal (PR courts): The Puerto Rico Supreme Court clarified that non-compete and exclusivity provisions in independent contractor agreements can remain enforceable after a valid contract assignment. Culture & Pride: Made in Puerto Rico named Pedro Rosaly as its new president and CEO, pushing expansion, training, and international growth while tackling inflation pressures.

Water Safety Push: The Puerto Rico Tourism Company rolled out SwimSafe P.R. 2.0 with new tech and real-time info to help prevent drownings at beaches, rivers, and other waterways. Consumer Watch: DACO said it’s still monitoring supermarket complaints about allegedly altered or removed expiration dates, saying recent inspections found no irregularities. Sports—Puerto Rico on the Pitch: Puerto Rico will face Saudi Arabia in a friendly at Austin’s Q2 Stadium as part of World Cup warm-ups. Travel Connectivity: Winair and Contour Airlines launched an interline partnership to make it easier to book through St. Maarten, improving access to San Juan. Local Pride, New Tension: In New York, Puerto Rican and Latino leaders criticized City Hall after changes to a Gracie Mansion reception tied to the National Puerto Rican Day Parade. FIBA Pathway: The U.S. and Canada qualified for the FIBA U19 World Cup 2027; Puerto Rico’s U19 spot is set via quarterfinals after beating Brazil in the U18 AmeriCup. Puerto Rico Achievement: A Napa-area climber, Nicole Santiago, became the first woman from Puerto Rico to summit Mount Everest.

World Cup Health Prep: Public health officials across U.S. host cities say they’re ready for the June 11–mid-July FIFA 2026 crowds, with heat and behavior risks top of mind as federal support shrinks. Puerto Rico Reconstruction Funds: Resident Commissioner Pablo José Hernández Rivera pressed DHS on why billions in FEMA reconstruction money for Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria still sit undisbursed, citing delays and technical-assistance failures. Hotel Deal in Río Grande: Henderson Park says it has completed its acquisition of Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve in Puerto Rico, with planned capital investments and expanded management presence. Air Travel Boost: Southwest announced new Columbus-to-San Juan nonstop service starting Feb. 13, 2027, giving Central Ohio travelers a direct route. Sports—Puerto Rico Basketball: Canada closed the FIBA U18 AmeriCup group phase with a record 101–48 win over Puerto Rico, setting tournament rebound marks. Pride Leadership: The Puerto Rican Cultural Center will lead Chicago’s Pride Parade, highlighting its long-running LGBTQ+ health work. Concert Update: Rosalía postponed three Florida shows due to a family emergency, with fans told to hold onto tickets.

Puerto Rico Conservation: The Detroit Zoo sent 6,855 critically endangered Puerto Rican crested toad tadpoles to Río Encantado in Manatí to boost the species’ recovery, part of a long-running amphibian reintroduction effort. Puerto Rico Health & Military Readiness: Fort Buchanan’s Rodriguez Army Health Clinic is rolling out the Sword Thrive program, using motion-tracking tech and AI-guided home exercises with remote therapist oversight to speed rehab while keeping service members mission-ready. Puerto Rico Power Crisis: PREPA bondholders have appealed a federal court order that blocked their push to appoint a receiver or dismiss the bankruptcy, escalating the fight over who controls the utility’s next steps. Puerto Rico Business & Tech: Liberty Business says it’s expanding beyond connectivity with cloud, cybersecurity, IoT, and AI solutions tailored for Puerto Rico companies. Puerto Rico Culture & Pride: Chicago’s Pride Parade will be led by the Puerto Rican Cultural Center, highlighting its long-running HIV testing and support services.

Puerto Rico Tourism: Local small hotels say June and July are their busiest months, with most guests coming from within the island (often about 85%), and some properties targeting occupancy near 90% as summer ramps up. Education Policy: The Trump administration is pushing a new approach to TRIO college-access grants by letting states compete for long-running Talent Search funding—an idea that worries advocates could shift how programs are run. Streaming for Boricuas: Hemisphere Media Group expanded WAPA+ (Puerto Rico’s FAST channel) to Amazon Prime Video, aiming to bring more Puerto Rican news and entertainment to viewers on the U.S. mainland. Culture & AI Music: A Culture Bites segment spotlights viral AI-generated songs, including a “Puerto Rico Song” made with AI, and debates what it means for human craft and cultural representation. Aviation Disruption: A Frontier flight from San Juan to Chicago diverted to Miami after a passenger allegedly tried to open exit doors and assaulted an off-duty attendant.

Tourism & Hotels: Dorado signed an agreement to bring the Wyndham Garden brand to its beachfront hotel in Costa de Oro, a 53-room property opening slated for December 2026. Local Economy & Work: A new look at financial stress finds many workers lose focus and productivity when household money worries pile up. Finance: Puerto Rico’s credit unions held steady in Q1 2026, with improved loan quality and capitalization keeping stability levels unchanged. Public Records & Accountability: The Center for Investigative Journalism says it has repeatedly gone to court to obtain Puerto Rico government files, including missing-person data. Food Assistance: The Department of the Family reassured PAN participants that annual recertification is a federal requirement and benefits will continue. Aviation Safety: A Frontier flight from San Juan to Chicago was diverted to Miami after a passenger allegedly tried to open an emergency exit door and attacked an off-duty attendant; federal charges were filed. Sports: Amanda Serrano’s dominant second-round TKO tied her with Christy Martin for the women’s knockout record, and she says her farewell fight could be in Puerto Rico or New York.

Air Travel Safety: A Frontier Airlines flight from San Juan to Chicago was diverted to Miami after a passenger allegedly tried to open emergency exit doors mid-flight, then attempted to enter the cockpit and choked an off-duty flight attendant; passengers restrained him until landing, and authorities say the incident is under investigation. Cruise Industry: Norwegian Cruise Line is canceling months of sailings tied to Puerto Rico—first scrapping some Prima-class San Juan departures over port availability, and also canceling about three months of cruises on the Norwegian Viva that were set to homeport in San Juan, with affected travelers offered refunds and credits. Puerto Rico Economy: The Puerto Rico Institute of Statistics reports the island paid $919.7M in import tariffs in 2025, up sharply from 2024 and the highest in 15 years, with the effective tariff rate rising to 4.81%. Baseball (Boricua in Pro Sports): LG Twins signed Puerto Rican pitcher Yacksel Rios and released Yonny Chirinos, a move that reshapes the KBO pitching staff.

Mortgage Watch: Puerto Rico’s mortgage delinquency is at historic lows, with the 30-day rate at 3%, 60-day at 1%, and 90-day at 2% as of December 2025, according to OCIF data. Cruise Economy: Norwegian Viva is canceling San Juan departures for the 2027-2028 season due to port availability, and local tourism officials warn of about $17 million in economic impact. Trade & Energy: The Connecticut–Puerto Rico Trade Commission’s first meeting set subcommittees on economy, tourism, housing, education, and healthcare, and added energy assistance and efficiency after lawmakers flagged Puerto Rico’s power-outage challenges. Wildlife Conservation: The Detroit Zoo shipped 6,855 tadpoles to Puerto Rico to help restore the critically endangered Puerto Rican crested toad in Manatí’s Rio Encantado. Public Health/Research: A phase 3 trial reported improved disease-free survival for intermediate- to high-risk localized prostate cancer patients using an adenoviral immunotherapy plus radiation, with sites across the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Aviation Incident: A Frontier flight from San Juan to Chicago was diverted to Miami after a passenger tried to open a door mid-flight; the flight later continued.