AGP Executive Report

AI Deepfake Protections: Broadcasters nationwide—including Puerto Rico—are backing the NO FAKES Act, urging Congress to create federal rights against unauthorized AI voice and image replicas while keeping First Amendment guardrails. Cybersecurity Watch: PRITS is telling people to monitor bank accounts and cards after Evertec reported a cybersecurity incident involving a third-party performance-monitoring platform that may have exposed payment card data and some personal details. University Collaboration: The University of Louisiana Monroe and the University of Puerto Rico signed an MOU to expand academic cooperation, research, and student/faculty exchanges. Local Business Growth: San Juan will allocate $5 million to help create and expand SMEs in priority sectors, with permits and incentives support through its Business Concierge. STEM & Research: UPR researchers are linked to a new study of a rare meteorite impact structure discovered during gold exploration in Western Australia. Tech in Action: Geotab says Atlanta could face match-day traffic strain during the World Cup, using vehicle data to flag potential safety hotspots.

Cybersecurity & Consumer Safety: PRITS urged Puerto Ricans to monitor bank accounts and cards after Evertec reported a cybersecurity incident, warning that payment card data and personal details may be exposed and recommending stronger account protections. Water Utility Management: Gov. Jenniffer González Colón is reportedly evaluating administrative changes at PRASA as the San Juan metro water crisis continues, with final decisions expected through the authority’s governing board. Local Business Growth: San Juan will allocate $5 million to help create and expand SMEs in priority sectors, using a “Business Concierge” to speed permits and incentives while also planning a modernization of its incentives code. STEM & AI in Schools: Parents and teachers are pushing pause on generative AI rollouts in New York City public schools, calling for tighter guardrails and a moratorium. Agriculture Research & Community: A Farm Bureau study on women in agriculture includes responses from Puerto Rico, highlighting roles across production, agribusiness, education, and advocacy. Health & Rare Disease Awareness: Oklahoma men are jet skiing about 1,300 miles to Puerto Rico to raise awareness for Progeria and support research efforts. Energy & Policy Watch: Renewable groups sued the U.S. Pentagon over frozen national security reviews for onshore wind projects, arguing it threatens major investment and jobs.

Economic Push for SMEs: San Juan will allocate $5 million to help create new businesses and expand existing ones in priority sectors, with permits and technical help routed through the city’s Business Concierge at Plaza Las Américas. Trade & Global Growth: Puerto Rico’s DDEC and the Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce teamed up to publish a new Puerto Rico Export Manual, aiming to lower barriers to exporting for local goods and services. Public-Funds Cyber Readiness: The Office of the Comptroller of Puerto Rico held a training for 300+ auditors focused on cyber risk, digital protection, forensic auditing, and stronger oversight of public spending. Clinical Research Milestone: The Puerto Rico Consortium for Clinical Investigation marks 10 years, citing 300+ clinical trial opportunities brought to the island and expanded research capacity across major therapeutic areas. Health Tech in Rare Lung Disease: UTHealth Houston researchers report that an oral swab can detect hidden systemic inflammation in primary ciliary dyskinesia, pointing toward more personalized monitoring and treatment. Animal Health Surveillance: A parasitologist warns the New World screwworm’s return could spread widely in the U.S., with USDA monitoring and early-warning signs still under study.

Cybersecurity & Public Funds: Puerto Rico’s Comptroller’s office ran a specialized training for 300+ auditors, focusing on cyber risk, digital system protection, forensic auditing, financial tools to spot irregularities, and legal coordination—aimed at keeping oversight current as tech and financial threats evolve. AI for Military Ops: The Mission Command Center of Excellence deployed a training team in Puerto Nuevo to help the 166th Regional Support Group shift from legacy command post systems to the AI-enabled Maven Smart System, cutting decision timelines from hours to seconds and reducing the physical footprint. Clinical Research Milestone: PRCCI marks 10 years of building Puerto Rico’s clinical trial capacity, citing 300+ trial opportunities brought to the island, 90+ research contracts supported, and 116+ physician/investigator collaborators across 20+ therapeutic areas. Health Tech Research: UTHealth Houston researchers report hidden systemic inflammation in primary ciliary dyskinesia and say an oral swab can detect inflammatory signals seen in blood—pointing toward easier monitoring and more personalized care. STEM Workforce Pipeline: A Florida International University student story highlights how biomedical engineering and research pathways can be shaped by hands-on lab experience and intensive biology training programs.

Cybersecurity & Public Finance: Puerto Rico’s Comptroller’s office trained 300+ auditors on rising cyberthreats and fraud risks, focusing on forensic auditing, digital security, financial analysis, and stress management to better protect public funds. Clinical Research Growth: The Puerto Rico Consortium for Clinical Investigation marks 10 years, saying it helped bring 300+ clinical trial opportunities to the island and supported 90+ research contracts across 25 member sites. Defense Tech Modernization: Puerto Nuevo hosted a training team as the 166th Regional Support Group transitions from legacy command post systems to the AI-enabled Maven Smart System, aiming to speed decisions and reduce the physical footprint. Public Health Watch: Researchers warn World Cup crowds could spread common infections like measles, dengue, respiratory viruses, and STIs, with measles highlighted as a top concern amid vaccination gaps. Medical Diagnostics Breakthrough: UTHealth Houston reports an oral swab can detect hidden systemic inflammation in primary ciliary dyskinesia, pointing to needle-free monitoring and more personalized care. Earthquake Aftershocks: Two quakes near Cuba (6.1 and 4.3) were felt in Southwest Florida, with aftershock chances noted by the USGS.

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.