AGP Executive Report

Miss Universe spotlight: Mia Dio was crowned Miss Universe Cuba 2026 after a facial paralysis ordeal, and she’ll represent Cuba at the Nov. 24 Miss Universe in San Juan. Pageant buzz: Miss Universe Mexico 2026 wraps up Saturday in Los Cabos with 32 finalists, and the finale streams live on YouTube. Local connection: Miss USA 2026 winner Justus Kelley made history as the first mom and married woman to take the crown. Fashion & runway: Lu Sierra says Jamaican models bring “hunger” that goes beyond beauty—an attitude she credits for success on global stages. Arts & media: The Miami Herald and WLRN won top honors at Florida’s Sunshine State Awards for their Brightline investigative series “Killer Train.” Tropics watch: Tropical Storm Dolly has dissipated into an open tropical wave, but heavy rain could still hit Puerto Rico and nearby islands. Food in the diaspora: NoriFish and Okiboru opened at Ponce City Market, bringing sushi and ramen back to the food hall.

Movie Buzz: Jason Momoa cheered on Adria Arjona at her Los Angeles premiere for the A24 action-horror “Onslaught,” riding the hype with proud boyfriend energy. Dining in PR-adjacent headlines: Sushi spot NoriFish and ramen/tsukemen favorite Okiboru just opened at Ponce City Market, taking over former stalls—good news for anyone craving Japanese comfort food. Pageant History: Justus Kelley made Miss USA 2026 history as the first mother to win the crown, after the organization changed eligibility rules in 2023. Tropical Weather Watch: Tropical Storm Dolly’s remnants are still being tracked as they head toward the Caribbean, with heavy rain possible for the Leeward Islands, Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. Music & Culture: Juanes and Alejandro Sanz are among the stars launching “Marea Viva” to help rebuild Colombia’s Chocó after the earthquake. Local Talent Spotlight: Ryan Velazquez is back with the New Jersey Jackals and already turning heads on the mound.

Bad Bunny Business: The Puerto Rican superstar’s empire keeps growing—estimated net worth around $100M, with real estate in California and a San Juan home, plus co-ownership of the Santurce basketball team Los Cangrejeros. Meta Youth Safety: Oklahoma (with Puerto Rico included in the claims) announced a massive $17.1B multistate settlement over alleged addictive design and mental-health harms to kids on Facebook and Instagram, with major platform changes and funding tied to youth protection. Volleyball Spotlight: Canada swept Puerto Rico 3-0 in the NORCECA women’s Olympic qualifier opener in Santo Domingo, setting up a chance to clinch the berth Saturday. Horror Returns: House of Horror Haunted Carnival marks 25 years at Tropical Park with brand-new haunted attractions, expanded scare zones, and a dark roller coaster debut starting Sept. 24. Tropical Storm Dolly Watch: Dolly has weakened into an open tropical wave, but its remnants could still bring heavy rain and possible flash flooding to the Leeward Islands, with impacts later reaching the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and Hispaniola. Coast Guard Update: The Coast Guard repatriated 16 Dominicans intercepted in the Mona Passage near Puerto Rico. New Music Friday: Fresh releases from Puerto Rican artists like Clarent & Omar Courtz (“Ojos Brujos”) and Villano Antillano (“Crack”) are fueling this week’s playlist.

Meta Youth Safety Settlement: Meta agreed to pay up to $18B and tighten Facebook/Instagram rules for teens, including two-hour daily limits and no use from midnight to 6 a.m. without parental consent—plus stronger protections against age-restricted content. Puerto Rico Tech & Media: Otto Webmaster launched Otto MCP, bringing its website/SEO analytics and management tools into AI workspaces for teams using Claude, ChatGPT and other Model Context Protocol clients. Pageantry Spotlight: Miss Virginia Justus Kelley made history as the first mother and first married woman to win Miss USA 2026, with the title now sending her to Miss Universe 2026 in San Juan. Storm Watch (Dolly): Tropical Storm Dolly has weakened into an open tropical wave, but heavy rain could still hit the Leeward Islands and later move toward the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and Hispaniola. Puerto Rican Arts in Chicago: Photographer Carlos Flores’ “Chicagorican” exhibit opens, spotlighting Puerto Rican diaspora life, memory and resistance through decades of community documentation.

Puerto Rico in the spotlight: A new Puerto Rican film, Esta Isla, is now available on VOD, and it’s already making waves for its coming-of-age road-trip story and its Independent Spirit Awards win. Pageantry + PR ties: Miss USA 2026 crowned Miss Virginia Justus Kelley in Miami, and she’ll head to San Juan in November to compete for Miss Universe. Storm watch: Tropical Storm Dolly has formed in the Atlantic and could bring heavy rain and flash-flood risk to the Leeward Islands, with Puerto Rico and nearby areas potentially affected Sunday into Monday. Big entertainment energy: Disney Cruise Line revealed Fall 2027 and Spring 2028 itineraries, including more sailings from San Juan and a return to New York with the Disney Wish. Local arts: Newark Arts Alliance is hosting “Born in Spirit: Painted in Light,” a portrait acrylic exhibit by Puerto Rican artist Angelica Leonor Vidro through Sept. 17.

Meta Youth-Safety Settlement: Meta has agreed to a landmark multistate deal worth up to $17.1B, with Puerto Rico included, forcing new limits on teen Instagram and Facebook use (including daily time caps, “productive pauses,” and nighttime blocks) plus stronger age checks and safer content controls. Water Crisis Relief: New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced emergency drinking-water pallets with the Afya Foundation to support Puerto Rico amid severe shortages. Drought Disaster: The U.S. declared drought disaster status for 26 Puerto Rico municipalities, unlocking emergency loans for farmers. Tropical Storm Dolly Watch: Tropical Storm Dolly formed in the Atlantic and could bring heavy rain to the Leeward Islands, with possible impacts for Puerto Rico later this weekend into early next week. Puerto Rico Crime Crackdown: DOJ announced indictments of 81 alleged members of the Los Baja Deo gang after a major drug and firearms takedown across western Puerto Rico. Tech Expansion: Colombian firm Muto Studio says it’s expanding U.S. software development and AI automation services, citing work that also includes Puerto Rico. Music & Pop Culture: Bruno Mars announced “The Romantic Tour” dates in the Philippines for May 2027, while Salma Hayek renewed her Hollywood sexism criticism at Cannes.

Water Crisis & Travel Tips: Puerto Rico’s drought and aging infrastructure have triggered water rationing in San Juan, with 180,000+ households affected—tourism may feel less impact, but visitors are urged to conserve. Big Tech & Youth Safety: Meta will pay up to $18B in a landmark settlement and impose default teen limits on Facebook/Instagram (two hours daily, overnight blocks, muted school notifications) plus stronger safeguards. Puerto Rico Culture Spotlight: Caguas is being pitched as the island’s “Heart and Center,” with tours that mix local food, history, and art. Sports Update: Australia’s Opals face a major blow at the FIBA Women’s World Cup as Sami Whitcomb is ruled out with a knee injury. Music & Charts: Jay Wheeler’s “De Lejitos” climbs to No. 1 on Billboard’s Latin Airplay. Reality TV Buzz: “Survivor 51” reveals 21 new castaways for the show’s “open era,” premiering Sept. 23. Cruise News: Disney Cruise Line shares fall 2027 and spring 2028 itineraries, including more sailings from San Juan.

Meta Settlement: Facebook and Instagram parent Meta will pay up to $17.1B (some reports say up to $18B) in a sweeping multistate deal over claims its platforms were designed to be addictive and harmful to kids. The terms include teen “nighttime blocks” (midnight–6 a.m.), a combined 2-hour daily limit with mandatory pauses, tighter age-assurance and parental controls, and stronger protections around bullying and harmful content—while Meta denies wrongdoing. Puerto Rico Included: The settlement covers U.S. territories including Puerto Rico, with local officials among the coalition pushing for changes. Local Entertainment: Don Omar marked 25 years of Fast & Furious, celebrating his 2009 role as Rico Santos and the music he brought to the franchise. Music Radar: Billboard Latin’s “On Our Radar” spotlights emerging Panamanian artist Carlos Vallarino, praising his guitar-led songwriting and new album Rumba Para La Tristeza. Collectibles Buzz: In Puerto Rico, Pokémon cards and Hot Wheels are driving renewed collectible hype, fueled by nostalgia and rarity.

Puerto Rico Music & Culture: Bad Bunny wrapped up his “DeBÍ TiRAR MÁS FOToS” world tour with two sold-out nights at Estadio Hiram Bithorn in San Juan (Aug. 22-23), bringing 70,000 fans and closing a 55-show run that sold 3.1 million tickets worldwide. Pageantry (San Juan): The Miss Universe countdown is on: the 75th edition is set for Nov. 24, 2026 in San Juan, with Pakistan’s Misbah Arshad and India’s Kaziah Liz Mejo named as their countries’ representatives. Film (Puerto Rico): Michelle Malley Campos’ “Extranjera” hit Puerto Rico Film Festival screenings in Mayagüez ahead of its Sept. 10 theatrical release, with both premiere showings selling out. TV (Streaming): Joel Edgerton returns for a second season of Apple TV’s “Dark Matter,” while HBO is developing a casino drama starring Riley Keough as professional gambler Gina Fiore. Sports (Puerto Rico connection): USA Wheelchair Rugby won gold at the 2026 World Championship, with Puerto Rico’s Alex Pabon named Best in Class (2.5).

Puerto Rico Music Buzz: Bad Bunny wrapped up his “DeBÍ Tirar Más Fotos” tour with two sold-out Hiram Bithorn Stadium shows in San Juan, pulling in 70,000 fans each night and 3.1 million tickets worldwide; he also delivered island-only moments like “Ser Bichote” and “Vuelve Candy B.” Tour & Tickets: Pablo Alborán announced his 2027 U.S. “Global Tour KM0” dates (including a Puerto Rico stop) after canceling a Spain show due to severe pneumonia. Local Arts & Culture: Poetry Out Loud registration is open for the 2026-2027 school year, with Puerto Rico included in the program and students advancing through school and state finals. Sports Spotlight: USA Wheelchair Rugby won gold at the 2026 WWR World Championship, with Puerto Rico’s Alex Pabon named Best in Class (2.5). Entertainment Business: A Puerto Rico Four Seasons beachfront residence hit the market for $5.6M.

Bad Bunny’s Puerto Rico finale: The “DeBÍ TiRAR MÁS FOToS” tour wrapped with two sold-out nights at Hiram Bithorn Stadium, drawing about 70,000 fans and 3.1 million tickets worldwide, plus surprise local cameos and special setlist moments. Water crisis message: During the concerts, Bad Bunny directly addressed Puerto Rico’s water and power problems, urging pride and resistance while calling out forces he says want the island “part by part.” Local music event: Elevation Rhythm announced a special Puerto Rico concert at Coca-Cola Music Hall in San Juan on Sunday, Nov. 22, 2026, tied to its “WASHED” project and upcoming “WASHED Tour.” Beauty & pageants: Tharina Botes, a South Africa-born contestant representing Bangkok, won Thailand’s Miss Universe crown in Puerto Rico on Nov. 24. New openings: Burger King Puerto Rico opened its 159th restaurant in Laderas de San Juan (Highway 1), investing over $2.5M and creating dozens of jobs. Sports crossover: Wisconsin volleyball recruit Decelise Champion is set to join the Badgers soon after starring for Puerto Rico.

Bad Bunny’s Puerto Rico homecoming: The superstar wrapped his Debí Tirar Más Fotos tour with two sold-out nights at San Juan’s Hiram Bithorn Stadium, telling fans he “couldn’t do a world tour” without including his “favorite place in the whole world,” with Puerto Rican act Chuwi opening. Local culture & music events: Puerto Rico-themed programming also made waves in the wider arts scene, from “The Puerto Rico Experiment” (a song cycle rooted in the island’s colonial history) to community music nights like Joliet’s Sounds on 66 and Dancing in the Square. Pageant spotlight heading to Puerto Rico: Miss Universe India 2026 winner Kaziah Liz Mejo (Kerala) was crowned in Jaipur and will represent India at Miss Universe in San Juan this November—keeping Puerto Rico front and center on the global fashion circuit. Celebrity buzz: Puerto Rican model Yillian Atkinson publicly accused Ozuna of alleged physical abuse, sharing photos and messages online. Sports & entertainment crossover: Boxing legend Roberto Durán says he was “robbed” in his classic Hagler fight, while Puerto Rico’s gaming industry gears up for GAT Expo Puerto Rico 2026 on Sept. 9 in San Juan.

Miss Universe Drama: The “west” faction of the Miss Universe Organization backed Fatima Bosch in her public word war with Nawat Itsaragrisil, framing it as a fight for women’s dignity. Pageant Spotlight: Kaziah Liz Mejo (19), a Kerala law student and model, was crowned Miss Universe India 2026 in Jaipur and will represent India at Miss Universe in Puerto Rico this November. Puerto Rico Energy Debate: Casa Pueblo pushed back hard on the energy czar’s claim that rooftop solar is destabilizing the grid, saying solar has added over 1,200 MW and helped shorten outages. Bad Bunny & Water Crisis: Bad Bunny faced backlash after telling fans he can’t bring water or electricity during Puerto Rico’s drought and rotating shutoffs, even as he urged pride and resilience. Local Safety (US): A 29-year-old died after a stabbing near the Beltline Kroger in Atlanta; police detained a suspect with a long arrest history. Film Festival Buzz: HollyShorts’ Oscar-qualifying short “Vultures” won top honors, including Grand Jury Prize for Best Short Film.

Puerto Rico Spotlight: Bad Bunny used his “Debí tirar más fotos” closing shows at Hiram Bithorn Stadium to speak directly to the island’s water and power crisis, telling fans he can’t “bring water” to those without it and urging Puerto Ricans to defend their homeland—though his remarks also sparked online backlash from people who felt he should do more. Pageants & Glam: Miss Universe India 2026 is in full swing in Jaipur ahead of tonight’s grand finale, with judges including Sushmita Sen, Celina Jaitly, Urvashi Rautela, and Rhea Sangha, plus committee voices like Pragya Kapoor and Celina Jaitly talking empowerment and confidence. Music Culture: A look back at Puerto Rican legend José Feliciano’s 1968 “California Dreamin’,” later revived for a new generation after Quentin Tarantino used it in “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.” Sports (PR-linked): Puerto Rico’s Serrano notched her 50th pro win with a split-decision over Lucrecia Manzur, keeping her on track for more history.

Bad Bunny & Puerto Rico Water Crisis: The “Cerramos en Casa” star addressed the island’s ongoing water shutoffs during his show, saying he can’t deliver water or electricity but wants to bring “joy” and hope—yet some fans still slammed him online for not doing more. Boxing Spotlight: Puerto Rico’s Amanda Serrano notched her 50th win with a split decision over Lucrecia Manzur in a TikTok main event, keeping her on track for more history. Latin Music Moments: Rosalía stopped by Monterrey to sing Bad Bunny’s “Safaera” and pour a tequila shot mid-performance—fans loved the impromptu vibe. Sports (Jamaica vs. Puerto Rico): Jamaica’s men’s lacrosse team beat Puerto Rico 13-6 to lock in a 2027 World Championship berth and a bronze-medal spot. Local Culture Watch: Fans are already gearing up for Bad Bunny’s closing Puerto Rico dates at Hiram Bithorn, with pre-show activities and big expectations for surprises.

Boxing Spotlight: Puerto Rico’s Amanda Serrano hit a major milestone, winning her 50th pro fight with a split decision over Lucrecia Manzur in a TikTok main event, keeping her WBO/WBA featherweight reign in Temecula. Latin Music & Culture: Bruno Mars brought the “Romantic Tour” to MetLife Stadium with a Puerto Rican-salsa moment that felt personal, plus a full set built around love and showmanship. Puerto Rico Business: A new CEO took over operations for the company that manages AutoExpreso in Puerto Rico, aiming to localize management and upgrade customer service. Sports (Puerto Rico in the Mix): Puerto Rico’s Bri Carrasquillo and the island’s lacrosse scene stayed in focus as teams battled in major Pan Am events. Latin Entertainment: Ricky Martin proved he still owns the stage in a Ravinia debut, leaning hard into Spanish hits and Latin pop legacy. Art & Events: Times Square Arts is getting a surreal September takeover with “Niñalandia,” a unicorn-cow-on-a-jet-ski style immersive billboard experience. Local Pride in Sports Business: MLB approved the record $3.9B sale of the San Diego Padres, with Puerto Rican José E. Feliciano leading the new ownership group.