AGP Executive Report

AI in Education: Melania Trump hosted the first Presidential Artificial Intelligence Challenge National Champion Awards, highlighting K-12 projects from all 50 states plus Puerto Rico and Defense Department schools. Military Tech Modernization: Puerto Rico’s Mission Command Center of Excellence trained the 166th Regional Support Group to shift from legacy command post computing to the AI-enabled Maven Smart System, aiming to cut decision timelines from hours to seconds. Public Health & Clinical Training: PAHO, CDC, and the Puerto Rico Department of Health ran a workshop to boost ICU readiness for severe dengue and prevent deaths. STEM Robotics: Cheltenham Muscat held the World Robot Olympiad Oman National Qualifier, drawing 65+ teams and pushing “Robots Meet Culture” challenges. Biomedical Research Funding: UAMS received a $19.6M federal grant to extend its long-running Arkansas INBRE biomedical research network, which includes Puerto Rico in its NIH-supported footprint. Veterinary Sports Medicine: A Puerto Rico–origin vet, Dr. Gabriela Medrano, was selected as the first resident funded through the AKC/AKC Canine Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation program at Cornell. Climate Resilience Science: FIU research in Science Advances finds dead plant and animal remains can help ecosystems recover after extreme events—relevant for hurricane-prone regions.

AI in Classrooms: First Lady Melania Trump honored youth winners of the inaugural Presidential AI Challenge, with projects ranging from a “Homework Helper” to a bullying-prevention chatbot; the White House says 20,000 students (including Puerto Rico) submitted 2,500+ ideas. Health Research: NIH-backed ECHO research finds that parental infertility can be linked to small neurodevelopment differences in children, but reports no sign that IVF itself drives worse outcomes—pointing instead to underlying fertility biology. Rare Lung Disease Testing: UTHealth Houston researchers say a simple oral swab can detect hidden inflammatory patterns in primary ciliary dyskinesia, opening the door to more precise monitoring and treatment. Energy & Tech Policy: New York expands rooftop and community solar, including plug-in balcony solar under the SUNNY Act—aimed at faster, cheaper distributed clean power. Local Tech/Business: Batteries Plus highlights an “AI-ready” enterprise architecture push to support scalable AI adoption. Environment & Safety: A new analysis maps U.S. shark-encounter hotspots, noting risk is still extremely low but varies by water, ecosystems, and human activity.

AI in Education: First lady Melania Trump honored youth winners of the inaugural Presidential Artificial Intelligence Challenge at the White House, highlighting projects built by students from all 50 states plus Puerto Rico and international Defense Department schools. Earth Science Watch: A 6.1 earthquake off Cuba rattled parts of Florida, with USGS noting aftershocks can’t be predicted—useful context for Puerto Rico’s Caribbean seismic neighborhood. Public Health & Policy: Nineteen U.S. attorneys general, including Puerto Rico, urged Formula One and the FIA to expand bans on tobacco sponsorships to cover all tobacco and nicotine products, including nicotine pouches. Local Tech & Business: National Retail Solutions (NRS) and IDT marked major NYSE milestones, spotlighting digital tools like POS and credit card processing for small merchants, including expansion into Puerto Rico. STEM & Community: Puerto Rico’s child poverty rate hit its lowest level in 30+ years, dropping to 52% in 2024, according to the 2026 KIDS COUNT Data Book—an important backdrop for tech and education access.

Earthquake Aftermath: A 6.1 quake near Cuba sent tremors across Florida, with Sarasota residents among those reporting shaking and officials stressing there’s no tsunami threat. STEM & Environment: Two Newington High School students earned top spots in Connecticut’s energy-conservation eesmarts contest—one drawing on Puerto Rican heritage to argue for culture-and-environment protection, the other using a comic strip about ocean pollution. AI in Education & Policy: Manitoba students and educators weigh in on a proposed ban of social media and AI chatbots for kids under 16, with debate focused on safety versus age-appropriate limits. Health Research: Institut Pasteur’s ACT-CHIK project (EU-funded) aims to speed chikungunya vaccine clinical trials in Africa and set up regional manufacturing. Local Tech Business: National Retail Solutions (NRS) celebrated major milestones at the NYSE, highlighting its push to expand digital tools like POS and payments across Puerto Rico and beyond. Public Health Advocacy: Hawaiʻi AG Anne Lopez co-leads a multistate push urging Formula 1 to end tobacco and nicotine sponsorships, including nicotine pouches. Healthcare Ops: A new guide argues lighting retrofits in hospitals succeed or fail based on scheduling, logistics, and coordination—not just the fixtures.

Local Tech & Finance: National Retail Solutions (NRS) and IDT rang the NYSE opening bell, highlighting its push to expand POS and digital tools for small businesses across the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. University Governance: Puerto Rico’s oversight board certified its own revised 2021 fiscal plan for the University of Puerto Rico after rejecting the government’s proposal under PROMESA, with tuition increases and other revenue moves aimed at avoiding major deficits. Smart Mobility in Caguas: The Muévete Libre transportation app earned two international recognitions, including a Latin American prize for urban development, as the municipality touts real-time vehicle tracking and trip planning. Public Health Research: Institut Pasteur launched ACT-CHIK, a €15.3M EU-funded project to accelerate chikungunya vaccine clinical trials in Africa and prepare regional manufacturing. Clinical Oncology (PR-linked trial): New Lancet Oncology data report aglatimagene besadenovec plus valacyclovir extends disease-free survival in localized prostate cancer, from a phase 3 trial that included sites in Puerto Rico. Health Policy & Tobacco: Multistate attorneys general led by Hawaiʻi’s Anne Lopez urged Formula 1 to end tobacco and nicotine sponsorships, including nicotine pouches. Disaster Monitoring: Tropical Storm Cristina formed in the Eastern Pacific, with tracking maps and rainfall risk guidance. Science & Devices: Hexiris Ophthalmics marked milestones toward commercial glaucoma care, including a hands-on dry lab at the COS annual meeting in Montreal.

Cardiometabolic Research: Amgen shared new real-world Phase 3 VESALIUS-CV subgroup results showing Repatha® cut the risk of major cardiovascular events by 29% in high-risk diabetes patients, with LDL-C dropping far more than placebo. Obesity & Women’s Health: Eli Lilly presented ATTAIN-1/ATTAIN-2 analyses where women taking Foundayo saw significant weight loss across every menopause stage, including meaningful waist reductions. Local Tech & Workforce: A Puerto Rico job-market report highlights both opportunities and new challenges as AI reshapes hiring and roles. Public Health & Policy: A Medicare Advantage explainer breaks down 2026 premiums, out-of-pocket limits, supplemental benefits, and prior authorization—plus how plan rebates fund extra coverage. Community & Culture: State Rep. Sylvia Ortiz-Velez was named grand marshal for the 2026 Fiesta Puerto Rico Parade, spotlighting local leadership and community priorities. Environment & Safety: Puerto Rico Tourism launched SwimSafe P.R. 2.0 to strengthen water safety across the island.

Water Safety Tech: Puerto Rico Tourism Company rolled out SwimSafe P.R. 2.0, adding new technology and expanded real-time info to help residents and visitors make safer choices at beaches, rivers, and other waterways. Health & Data Privacy: The FTC finalized a modified order against education tech firm Illuminate Education, after a breach exposed data for 10.1 million students—highlighting how weak security and delayed breach notifications can trigger federal enforcement. AI & Society: Pope Leo XIV opened his Spain visit urging leaders to reject polarization and warned that digital tech can magnify prejudices and weaken critical thinking. STEM & Robotics: Grant County 4-H teams earned top-five finishes at the International SeaPerch Challenge, building remotely operated underwater vehicles and navigating obstacle courses. Local Economy & Work: A Puerto Rico job-market report points to opportunities alongside new challenges driven by AI.

Water Safety Tech: Puerto Rico Tourism Company rolls out SwimSafe P.R. 2.0, adding new technology and real-time beach-and-waterway safety info to help residents and visitors make safer choices. AI & Privacy Enforcement: The FTC finalizes a modified order against Illuminate Education after a breach exposed 10.1 million student records, underscoring how weak security and delayed notifications can trigger federal obligations. Invasive Species Response: Maui residents spent 80 gallons of citric acid solution over two nights to kill coqui frogs, highlighting how fast infestations can outpace local response. STEM Robotics: Grant County 4-H teams shine at the International SeaPerch Challenge, with Deep Water Vanguard taking second in the high school stock class. Weather & Sports Risk: A World Cup warm-up between Saudi Arabia and Puerto Rico in Texas was delayed nearly two hours by lightning, as host cities plan for heat and storms. Local Jobs & AI: Puerto Rico’s job market shows opportunity alongside new challenges driven by AI.

Water Safety Tech: Puerto Rico Tourism Company rolls out SwimSafe P.R. 2.0, adding new technology and expanded real-time beach and waterway safety info islandwide. AI & Work: A new report says Puerto Rico’s job market still offers opportunities, but AI is creating fresh challenges for workers. Cybersecurity & Privacy: The FTC finalizes an enforcement action against education tech firm Illuminate over weak protections for sensitive student data, including a breach affecting 10.1 million people. Public Health Planning: World Cup organizers and local health departments ramp up preparations for mass gatherings, with weather and crowd health as key risks. Extreme Weather Disruptions: A World Cup warm-up in Texas was delayed nearly two hours by lightning, underscoring how storms can disrupt major events. Robotics Education: Grant County 4-H teams place among the top five at the International SeaPerch Challenge, showing strong STEM momentum.

Water Safety Tech: Puerto Rico Tourism Company rolled out SwimSafe P.R. 2.0, adding new technology and expanded real-time water-safety info for beaches, rivers, and other waterways across the island. Public Health & Climate Risk: NOAA forecast a below-normal 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, with 8–14 named storms and 3–6 expected to become hurricanes, as El Niño and weaker trade winds shape conditions. Marine Policy Clash: A snapper season fight tied to efforts to loosen fishing rules has halted what would’ve been the longest red snapper season in years, after NOAA’s Magnuson-Stevens changes were blocked by a federal judge. AI-Driven Fraud Warning: Medicare Fraud Prevention Week highlights a surge in reported losses and a fast-growing scam using AI voice cloning to impersonate family members and push victims for Medicare details. Pharma Workforce Spotlight: Puerto Rico chemical engineer Yilda M. Acevedo was recognized for leadership in pharmaceutical manufacturing and regulatory compliance through PharmPR, emphasizing operational excellence and women in science. Military Rehab Tech: Fort Buchanan’s Rodriguez Army Health Clinic expanded Sword Thrive, using motion-tracking, AI-guided exercises, and remote clinician oversight to deliver personalized rehab.

Water Safety Tech: Puerto Rico Tourism Company rolled out SwimSafe P.R. 2.0, adding new technology and wider access to real-time water-safety info for beaches, rivers, and other waterways. Public Health & Fraud: Medicare Fraud Prevention Week spotlights a fast-growing 2026 scam trend—phone calls using AI voice cloning that mimic a loved one to push victims for Medicare details. STEM in Pharma: Yilda M. Acevedo, founder of PharmPR Inc., was recognized for operational excellence and regulatory compliance in Puerto Rico’s pharmaceutical manufacturing ecosystem, with a clear push for more women in science and engineering. Military Rehab Tech: Fort Buchanan’s Rodriguez Army Health Clinic expands Sword Thrive, using motion-tracking tech, AI guidance, and remote therapist oversight to deliver personalized physical therapy on service members’ schedules. Local Business Tech: Liberty Business says it’s expanding beyond connectivity into cloud, cybersecurity, IoT, and AI solutions for Puerto Rico companies. Coastal Energy & Design: A corrosion-focused design framework for coastal PV and BESS highlights why salt air and humidity can shorten equipment life—pushing Puerto Rico-style planners to design for harsher environments.

Energy & Resilience: A corrosion-design framework is being detailed to extend the life of coastal PV and BESS systems, calling out salt air, humidity, wind-driven rain, and UV as design variables beyond standard screening. Defense Tech in PR: Fort Buchanan’s Rodriguez Army Health Clinic is rolling out Sword Thrive, using motion-tracking tech, AI-guided home exercises, and remote therapist oversight to speed rehab and keep service members mission-ready. AI Governance: Michigan lawmakers are advancing a pilot to study how state agencies use generative AI, aiming for oversight as Puerto Rico and other U.S. territories push AI legislation. Local Digital Transformation: Liberty Business says it’s expanding beyond connectivity with cloud services, cybersecurity, IoT, and AI for Puerto Rico businesses via customizable “infrastructure” offerings. Health Tech & Equity: Reports highlight higher misdiagnosis and medical-debt burdens for Black and Latina women, while Chicago’s Pride parade will be led by the Puerto Rican Cultural Center’s Vida/SIDA HIV testing and wraparound care. Streaming for Puerto Ricans: Hemisphere Media Group expands WAPA+ (Puerto Rico’s FAST channel) onto Amazon Prime Video to reach Puerto Ricans on the U.S. mainland. STEM Education: UPR Medical Sciences Campus graduated 134 specialists/subspecialists and swore in 96 new physicians and six scientists in the Class of 2026.

Military Tech in Puerto Rico: Fort Buchanan’s Rodriguez Army Health Clinic is rolling out the Sword Thrive program, using motion-tracking tech, AI guidance, and remote therapist oversight to deliver personalized rehab on Soldiers’ own schedules. Digital Transformation for Local Businesses: Liberty Business says it’s expanding in Puerto Rico with cloud services, cybersecurity, IoT, and AI—plus “Liberty Business in a Box” bundling connectivity and security for companies of all sizes. Health & Training Pipeline: The University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus graduated 134 specialists and subspecialists and swore in 96 new physicians and six scientists, with most staying on the island for further training. Streaming Distribution: Hemisphere Media Group is bringing its WAPA+ FAST channel to Amazon Prime Video, aiming to reach Puerto Ricans on the U.S. mainland with 24/7 news and entertainment. Energy Access Innovation: NASA alum Nicole Gonzalez, after Hurricane Maria, co-founded Raya Power to make solar more accessible via modular systems for renters and outage-prone communities.

Streaming for Puerto Rico: Hemisphere Media Group expanded WAPA+ (its 24/7 FAST channel from WAPA-TV) onto Amazon Prime Video, aiming to reach Puerto Ricans on the U.S. mainland with news, entertainment, and culture. Public Records & Accountability: The Center for Investigative Journalism in Puerto Rico says it has repeatedly gone to court to obtain information on missing people, including cases tied to Hurricane Maria. Local Tech/Health Education: Jefferson University won the contract to run Delaware’s first medical school, with an initial rural-focused model and accreditation steps underway. STEM Infrastructure: Stamford’s Westhill High School project is moving forward with plans for nearly 100 classrooms, four STEM labs, and a ~$446M build supported largely by the state. Environment & Planning: DRNA reported nearly $950,000 to rehabilitate the Piñones State Forest kiosks, moving through design-proposal evaluation.

Workplace Stress: A new report ties rising financial insecurity to lower focus, productivity, and more time spent on personal money matters during the workday. Public Records Fight: Puerto Rico’s Center for Investigative Journalism says it has had to sue repeatedly to access government files, including on missing persons and deaths. Immigration Funding Pushback: The Congressional Hispanic Caucus and Latino groups are urging lawmakers to reject a Senate package that would fund ICE and Border Patrol for three years, citing harm to Puerto Rico and other communities. Tourism & Cruise Tech: Norwegian Cruise Line is canceling Norwegian Viva departures from Puerto Rico for 2027–2028, with local estimates of about $17M in economic losses. Coastal Infrastructure: DRNA reports nearly $950,000 approved to rehabilitate the Piñones kiosks, moving through final design-proposal evaluation. Digital Payments: Checkout.com and Fireblocks say they’re scaling stablecoin settlement for U.S. merchants, aiming for 24/7/365 access to funds. Local Tech/Design: GreenRow partners with the New York Botanical Garden to launch a sustainable home textiles and décor collection.

Puerto Rico Tourism & Shipping: Norwegian Cruise Line is canceling Norwegian Viva departures from Puerto Rico for the 2027–2028 season, citing lack of port availability and shifting excursions to Miami—local estimates peg the economic hit at about $17M for fiscal year 2028, with total losses rising to roughly $40M when combined with other schedule changes. Cancer Research (US + Puerto Rico): A multicenter phase 3 trial published in The Lancet Oncology found that adding adenoviral immunotherapy CAN-2409 (aglatimagene besadenovec) to standard radiation improved disease-free survival for intermediate- to high-risk localized prostate cancer; the study enrolled 745 men across 51 sites in the US and Puerto Rico. Broadband Funding (BEAD): A new analysis says internet service providers plan to contribute nearly $11.4B in private cash toward BEAD projects—over 37% of total costs—while noting Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands had no eligible locations under the program due to other deployment commitments. Water & Climate Risk: A new report warns the planet is drying fast, using NASA GRACE satellite data to show water loss accelerating since 2002, with major implications for future food and water security. Local Tech/AI Finance: Guaynabo-based AngelAi says its financial AI can automate income calculations for mortgage underwriting in minutes, aiming to reduce delays and bias in loan decisions. Research Infrastructure: Western North Carolina’s long-term national forest research sites are expected to be spared from a US Forest Service reorganization that could close 57 similar facilities nationwide.