AGP Executive Report

Puerto Rico Culture & Community: Puerto Rico en Oración kicks off a six-day, islandwide six-day prayer push (Sept. 21–26) with daily 12-hour sessions hosted by different churches, ending in San Juan’s Hato Rey. Arts & Education: Universidad del Sagrado Corazón becomes one of the first 14 U.S. and Puerto Rico institutions to earn a Carnegie sustainability classification, highlighting sustainability across classes, research, and community work. Local Lifestyle & Economy: Claro Puerto Rico launches “Tu Internet NO ES FIBRA,” promoting its fiber service with symmetrical speeds and a Claro Full bundle offering 1,000 Mbps up and down. Tourism & Pop Culture: The Puerto Rico Tourism Company says it submitted Senate-requested documents for the Miss Universe 2026 agreement as preparations continue for the November event. Community Health & Skills: Nurses and women in Puerto Rico are building financial futures through new training—sewing workshops and trade learning—after earlier support helped them get started. Culture Spotlight: A new installation by artist Adam Hernandez is set to bring community-inspired storytelling to the Dublin Branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library as part of America 250.

Puerto Rico Arts & Culture: Afro-Cuban/Afro-Caribbean singer Daymé Arocena brings “Alkemi” to The Wallis in Puerto Rico on Sept. 26, blending neo-soul, jazz, electronic sounds, and Caribbean traditions. Local Creators & Commerce: Planeta Boricua’s Digital Artisans Fair is now live 24/7, helping Puerto Rican makers sell year-round through QR codes and direct links. Fashion & Media: Adria Arjona, of Puerto Rican and Guatemalan heritage, will receive the 2026 WIF Max Mara Face of the Future Award in Milan. Community & Identity: New Era Young Lords launch a petition drive in East Harlem for honorary street namings honoring Dr. Johanna Fernández and Denise Oliver-Vélez. Hispanic Heritage Month: Montclair State marks the season with a campus flag-raising featuring Puerto Rican and other Latino student groups. Travel & Lifestyle: Miss Universe tickets for Puerto Rico events go on sale Sept. 25, kicking off the pageant’s 75th anniversary celebrations.

Puerto Rico Culture & Media: TelevisaUnivision is launching “Soy Univision,” a nationwide search for bilingual Spanish-English talent, with in-person casting calls including San Juan. Pageant Spotlight: The Miss Universe Organization starts selling tickets Friday for three Puerto Rico events marking its 75th anniversary (Nov. 21–24), with a National Costume Extravaganza, prelims, and the final competition. Language & Literature: Los Angeles Libros Festival brings free bilingual storytelling, music, and author talks, including a Puerto Rican recipes-and-stories segment. Local Culture & Community: St. Petersburg’s “Fiesta Somos St. Pete” (Oct. 4) spotlights Latin dance, live music, and Puerto Rican percussion, plus Latin-owned food vendors. Music Buzz: Bad Bunny’s “VeLDÁ” keeps breaking Spotify records, adding to his growing list of billion-stream songs. Puerto Rico Governance Watch: Puerto Rico Tourism is reviewing allegations tied to Miss Universe 2026 funds and contracts, with possible legal action still on the table. Language in the Dictionary: The Oxford English Dictionary adds Caribbean words, including terms used across the region.

Health & Home: A new guide warns that indoor air pollution can hit kids hard since many pollutants are higher indoors than outdoors, raising risks for colds, asthma flare-ups, and infections—urging families to cut sources, ventilate more, and rethink where children spend time. Travel & Identity: Americans can visit Puerto Rico and other U.S. territories in the Caribbean without a passport, making it easier to plan culture-rich trips beyond the 50 states. Tech, Money & Power: A report digs into MIT bitcoin pioneers’ links to Jeffrey Epstein and his secret crypto ties, raising fresh questions about influence in finance. Latino Media: Great American Media is partnering with Minivela to launch Pure Flix Familia, a Latino-focused streaming service starting in October with Spanish-first programming. Puerto Rico Demographics: New statistics show Puerto Rico’s population is aging fast, with the aging index up 41% from 2020 to 2025 as births drop and the working-age share shrinks. Culture & Community: HOLA marked its 20th anniversary with a Hispanic Heritage gala that mixes music, dance, and a scholarship fundraiser. Sports & Pride: Puerto Rico’s women’s team opened NORCECA’s Women’s Final Six against Cuba in a high-stakes start.

Puerto Rico Recovery Watch: The U.S. government is set to extend the execution period for federal disaster-recovery projects through 2035, giving Puerto Rico’s construction industry a clearer path to finish roads, bridges, schools, ports, the electrical grid, and water systems—17,863 projects are currently underway with $20.3B in investment. Culture & Identity: A new public-art push highlights “dignidad,” a Spanish-language sculpture traveling through Dallas cultural spaces, spotlighting how Latino communities claim visibility through art. Community Support: A faith-based food pantry in Brookneal, Virginia, expands “client-choice” help with fresh produce and added community services—an example of local support models that resonate with Puerto Rico’s culture of mutual aid. Health & Access: A multistate push urges eligible consumers to file claims tied to generic drug price collusion settlements, underscoring how everyday costs hit families hardest. Arts & Heritage: “Flamboyants!” connects Creole traditions across Louisiana, Réunion Island, and Puerto Rico through documentary theater and music.

FEMA Recovery Update: Gov. Jenniffer González-Colón announced FEMA funding obligations totaling $23.33M for 10 Puerto Rico recovery and reconstruction projects, including fire pump system design at the Aguirre Generation Complex and upgrades tied to schools and municipal roads. Arts & Heritage: The Armory Show spotlights the Caribbean across its fair layout and programming, putting regional and diaspora galleries front and center (Sept. 24–27). Ballet & Community Loss: The ballet world mourns María Elena Llorente, principal dancer and longtime coach at Cuba’s National Ballet, who died at 80. Culture Through Music: Davido says his upcoming three-night Afrobeats residency in Lagos is meant to prove Africa can host major multi-night music events at home—pointing to Puerto Rico’s tourism impact from big residencies. Local Lifestyle: USPS Operation Santa is now accepting letters from Puerto Rico (postmarked by Dec. 5). Sports & Identity: Volleyball coverage notes Puerto Rico’s Decelise Champion leading Wisconsin in a key win, while flag football highlights Nina Agdal’s Puerto Rico team, Las Guerreras. Economy Watch: Consumer confidence in Puerto Rico ticked up in August but remains low, with households still cautious.

Puerto Rico Culture & Institutions: The National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture in Chicago’s Humboldt Park just earned top-tier American Alliance of Museums accreditation, the only accredited Puerto Rican museum in the continental U.S., with reviewers praising bilingual education and accessibility. Education & Opportunity: Ana G. Mendez University’s Tampa Bay campus keeps expanding—now serving about 9,000 students—with bilingual and flexible learning options for immigrant and Spanish-speaking communities. Community & Heritage: La Fiesta del Pueblo returned with music, dance, and a Unity Walk featuring Puerto Rican and wider Latin American food vendors, plus cultural groups and community services. Sports & Pride: Puerto Rico advanced undefeated in the Women’s Pan-American Volleyball Cup group stage, setting up semifinal action. Lifestyle Spotlight: Walt Disney World marked Hispanic & Latin American Heritage Month with Puerto Rican star Luis Fonsi, bringing “magia” to EPCOT experiences. Local Life (Puerto Rico-related): CBP and Puerto Rico police intercepted an alleged smuggling trip near Culebra involving a family of three Indian nationals.

Puerto Rican culture in the spotlight: Chicago’s National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture in Humboldt Park just earned top accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums—making it the only accredited Puerto Rican museum in the continental U.S. and a major boost for its bilingual education and accessibility plans. Community & identity through art: Bloomington’s FAR Center wrapped up “Fuerza: Hispanic Heritage Month Exhibition,” spotlighting 10 Latinx artists and celebrating Latino creativity through an artist market and community gathering. Holiday giving, Puerto Rico included: USPS Operation Santa is now accepting letters from children and families across the continental U.S., Hawaii, and Puerto Rico, with postmarks due Dec. 5 and adoption registration starting Nov. 2. Culture beyond the island: Walt Disney World kicked off Hispanic & Latin American Heritage Month with Puerto Rican star Luis Fonsi joining EPCOT celebrations. Local life & culture abroad: In Akron, the sixth-annual Latin Festival filled Lock 3 with food, music, vendors, and family-friendly performances.

Puerto Rico Water Crisis: Drought and aging infrastructure are driving rationing and disruptions across the island, with advocates pointing to long-standing accountability and transparency gaps. Local Economy & Work: Puerto Rico’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate climbed to 6.1% in August, up from 6% in July, even as employment and labor force participation rose year-over-year. Culture & Heritage: The FAR Center for Contemporary Art closed its “Fuerza: Hispanic Heritage Month Exhibition,” spotlighting Latinx artists and community through an artist market and cultural programming. Arts & Community: Strong National Museum of Play marked Hispanic Heritage Month with traditional food tastings and cultural connections, including a Puerto Rican drink. Sports & Identity: In a Puerto Rico–linked boxing matchup, Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz (Mexico) faces Nestor Bravo, who hails from Puerto Rico, in the next Mexico vs. Puerto Rico chapter. Holiday Traditions: USPS Operation Santa is now accepting letters from children and families in Puerto Rico and across the U.S.

Puerto Rico Water Crisis: Drought plus aging infrastructure is driving rationing and service disruptions, and advocates say the real issue is the long-standing accountability gap between residents and the institutions running essential services. Puerto Rico Jobs Watch: The island’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose to 6.1% in August, with employment and labor force participation up year-over-year. Latino Arts & Heritage: Bloomington’s FAR Center wrapped its “Fuerza: Hispanic Heritage Month Exhibition,” spotlighting Latinx artists and immigrant-rooted stories through ceramics, collage, and community events. Hispanic Heritage Month for Families: A kids’ guide highlights Latine icons and classroom-friendly heroes to teach history, activism, and culture during Hispanic Heritage Month. Diaspora Culture: In Central Florida, the Escuela de Bomba y Plena Tata Cepeda is keeping Puerto Rican Bomba alive through classes that teach both rhythm and history. Sports Culture: MLB marked Roberto Clemente Day with a Puerto Rico-linked jersey-number tribute, including Detroit’s Riley Greene wearing No. 21. Community Events: Geneva’s Latino Festival returns for its 15th anniversary, with music, food, and performances drawing more than 1,000 people.

Water Crisis & Civic Gap: Puerto Rico’s drought and aging infrastructure are driving rationing and disruptions, with advocates pointing to a long-standing accountability and transparency gap. Unemployment Watch: The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate climbed to 6.1% in August, with labor force participation and employment up year-over-year. Local Economy & Jobs: MassMutual Puerto Rico opened new offices to support advisors and strengthen client services, signaling continued investment in the island’s financial sector. Culture & Heritage: Bomba and Plena keep traveling—an Escuela de Bomba y Plena Tata Cepeda program is teaching Puerto Rican history and rhythm in Central Florida. Diaspora Pride in Music: Embrace Massó Festival drew thousands in Boston, celebrating Latino culture and honoring community voices through awards and performances. Art & Race History: A new piece on Agostino Brunias’ “Free Women of Color…” reads colonial-era fashion as a map of race, status, and servitude. Sports & Identity: Detroit’s Riley Greene wore Roberto Clemente’s No. 21 patch on Clemente Day, tying Puerto Rican heritage to MLB’s tribute. Community Safety: Allentown police are investigating anti-immigrant and anti-Puerto Rican flyers near Dieruff High School. Immigration Enforcement: CBP and Puerto Rico police intercepted a suspected human smuggling event near Culebra, detaining a family unit. Voting & Policy: Early voting is underway as campaigns focus on prices and the economy, with Puerto Rico included in a “most favored nation” Medicaid drug-pricing push. Music Roundup: New Music Friday spotlights major Latin releases, including Maluma & Shakira’s “AGUA.”

Puerto Rico & U.S. Border News: U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Puerto Rico police stopped a suspected human smuggling operation near Culebra, detaining three people and charging the vessel operator with alien smuggling. Healthcare & Community Aid: Direct Relief reports shipping 9.8 million daily doses of medication to U.S. states and territories and 22 countries, while the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints delivered mammography and clinic upgrades in Guatemala to expand early detection for thousands of women. Culture & Film: “Once Upon a Time in Harlem” won the Library of Congress Lavine/Ken Burns Prize for Film, taking home $200,000 for its Harlem Renaissance reunion story. Hispanic Heritage in Sports: Inter Miami’s Nu Stadium will host Hispanic Heritage Night presented by Modelo on Sept. 20 with giveaways and cultural performances. Puerto Rico Lifestyle & Economy: A new report says self-employment in Puerto Rico keeps growing, driven by flexibility and home-based opportunities. Local Arts & Identity: “Flamboyants!” brings Creole culture from Reunion Island to New Orleans and Puerto Rico on tour.

Hispanic Heritage Month (Puerto Rican culture): A Puerto Rican defender just made history—Caitlin Cosme became the first boricua in England’s Women’s Super League with Crystal Palace, bringing fresh visibility to Boricua talent. Community & identity through art: In Atlanta, muralist Lisette Correa (Arrtaddict) dedicated a Beltline piece to Puerto Rican culture, using storytelling to unify communities during Hispanic Heritage Month. Latino arts spotlight: Chicago’s Latino creative scene gets a boost as Evanston’s Latino artists share how Puerto Rican heritage and vibrant storytelling shape their work. Sports as culture: Bacardí returns to the VMAs as spirits partner and brings back the Best Dance category, framing dance as a universal cultural connector. Human rights (Haiti): A Haiti human rights report details the Kenscoff massacre, pointing to security failures and institutional gaps as gangs carried out killings, kidnappings, and disappearances. Travel rules that hit families: TSA is cracking down on “squishy” gel toys at U.S. airports, with one family forced to ship a toy instead of bringing it on a trip to Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico in the news cycle: A Puerto Rico–linked sports moment also surfaced as the island’s teams keep advancing in regional competition.

Hispanic Heritage Month: A new PBS documentary, Joffrey Ballet: The Next Movement, spotlights emerging choreographers including Puerto Rico’s Jainil Mehta, turning personal stories into stage work ahead of its Sept. 18 premiere. Puerto Rico & climate activism: Local groups in Rincón are pushing back against a seaside bike/pedestrian path they say worsens erosion after Hurricane Maria, and they’re now looking beyond local fights toward global climate forums. Culture & identity: A Puerto Rican artist’s work is featured in a campus exhibit tied to invasive-ivy removal at the University of Maryland, linking environmental action with themes of gender-based violence and self-empowerment. Sports & community pride: Puerto Rico remains the top-ranked Caribbean team in the latest FIBA Women’s World Ranking update, moving up to No. 12. Food & everyday life: A Walmart recall list includes frozen berries sold in Puerto Rico, urging shoppers to check labels and return or discard affected items. Arts & storytelling: A Puerto Rican poetry project turns strangers’ stories into verse, continuing the island’s tradition of using language as community memory.

Puerto Rico Culture & Tourism: Bad Bunny’s “Debí tirar más fotos” is keeping Puerto Rico in the global spotlight, with a massive on-island residency, world tour momentum, and big questions about whether tourism growth will translate into lasting local benefits. Local Business & Identity: Alex Rodríguez’s RDZ Parfums—built on Puerto Rican culture and representation—plans to open its first Puerto Rico manufacturing facility and showroom in 2027, turning the brand into a “museum-like” experience. Community & Heritage Events: The Puerto Rican Festival of Wisconsin is spotlighting food, flags, and next-generation pride at Summerfest grounds, while Disney World’s Hispanic & Latin American Heritage Month celebration includes Puerto Rican singer Luis Fonsi and Latin music across the resort. Health & Safety Watch: FDA issued a recall for So Delicious Dairy Free Salted Caramel Cluster non-dairy frozen dessert pints in Puerto Rico due to possible “small stones and other hard objects.” Mobility & Daily Life: Puerto Rico’s vehicle count update shows a striking “fewer people, more cars” trend, reshaping how the island’s fleet is understood. Culture Through Sports: Puerto Rico advanced in the Women’s Pan-American Volleyball Cup, keeping momentum in the semifinals race.

Hispanic Heritage Month in Puerto Rico’s orbit: Disney World’s “Together We Are Magia” celebration runs Sept. 15–Oct. 15 with live Latin music, Encanto-themed experiences, and a special visit from Puerto Rican singer Luis Fonsi. Community & culture: A Puerto Rico women’s volleyball win over the Dominican Republic keeps the team undefeated and advances them to the Pan-American Cup semifinals. Food, health, and safety: The FDA issued a recall of salted caramel ice cream after reports of possible contamination with “small stones and other hard objects,” including sales noted in Puerto Rico. Local life & heritage: USPS Operation Santa opened for 2026, letting families in Puerto Rico send letters to Santa (postmarked by Dec. 5). STEM spotlight: Puerto Rico is among finalists in the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge, advancing to finals week in Washington, D.C. Public health concern: A new American Heart Association statement says cardiovascular disease is now the top killer of Hispanic adults, with heart failure diagnosed years earlier.