Puerto Rico Economy & Jobs: DDEC is backing eight Puerto Rican food and beverage firms at the Americas Food & Beverage Show in Miami Beach to push new export deals, with companies including Campo Caribe, Dulzura Borincana, Pan Pepín, Papa Pedro Rum and others. Retail & Inflation Watch: Puerto Rico retail sales rose 1.2% in fiscal 2026 to $52.156B, but the Retail Trade Association says it’s effectively flat once inflation (about 3%) is factored in. Energy & Governance: La Fortaleza rejected LUMA’s proposed rate hike and demanded executive pay and benefits be disclosed, arguing the increase should be tied to transparent costs. Defense Supply Chain: Warmkraft Puerto Rico will invest over $16M in Mayagüez to treat military uniforms, creating about 65 jobs and aiming to expand Puerto Rico’s role in the U.S. defense manufacturing supply chain. Real Estate: RioBlanco Capital is developing “The Legacy,” a $45M, 44-home residential project in Guaynabo’s Garden Hills/San Patricio area. Consumer Protection: The Puerto Rico Senate will investigate social-media property raffles after complaints about missing disclosures and potential tax surprises for winners. Corporate/Capital Markets: Schall, Brown & Schwartz reminded Flotek Industries investors of a securities fraud class action tied to statements about a PREPA power-generation project, with an Oct. 26 lead plaintiff deadline. Labor Trend: A new report highlights self-employment growth in Puerto Rico, reaching about 211,000 active workers annually by early 2026, driven by flexibility and post-pandemic business opportunities.