AGP Executive Report

Nicaragua Temple Opens to the Public: Nicaragua’s first Latter-day Saints temple in Managua begins its public open-house today (Sept. 10–Sept. 26, excluding Sundays), with media tours and invited-guest visits already underway, ahead of an Oct. 18 dedication. Beauty & Culture Spotlight: Jasmine Chola was crowned Miss Universe Nicaragua 2026 and will represent the country at the Nov. pageant in Puerto Rico. Food & Community: A Nicaraguan family-run grill, Tres Bro’s, is drawing attention with its home-recipe menu and Nicaraguan-style fritanga, bringing Managua flavors to a wider audience. Nicaragua in the News (Human Rights): A former Nicaraguan paramilitary detained by U.S. immigration authorities faces deportation or statelessness after losing Nicaraguan citizenship, raising fresh concerns for exiles. Immigration Pressure in the U.S.: ICE arrested nearly 50 immigrant construction workers in central Pennsylvania, including workers from Nicaragua, amid workplace raid claims by advocates.

Nicaragua Politics: Nicaragua’s Army is set to shape what comes after Ortega, after backing constitutional reforms that dissolve the electoral basis of civilian authority—raising the question of who governs once Ortega and Rosario Murillo are gone. Immigration & Rights: A former Nicaraguan paramilitary detained by U.S. immigration authorities faces deportation to the country where he says he was imprisoned and tortured, or possible statelessness, as his case heads to an immigration judge. Culture & Faith: Nicaragua’s first Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints temple opens to the public in Managua after media tours, with a dedication planned for Oct. 18. Human Rights Watch: UN High Commissioner Volker Türk warned at the Human Rights Council that wars, polarization, climate chaos, and inequality are straining the global human-rights system. Activism Anniversary: “Ulm5” Gaza-related activists mark one year in German pretrial detention after an action at Elbit Systems’ headquarters. Lifestyle Spotlight: A family-run Nicaraguan grill, Tres Bro’s, shares its roots through recipes, bright decor, and a signature “Fritanga” built for community.

Managua Community & Faith: Nicaragua’s first Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints temple opens to the public during an open-house stretch from Sept. 10–26 (excluding Sundays), after Sept. 7 media day and Sept. 8–9 invited tours; the Managua Nicaragua Temple is set for dedication Oct. 18. Culture & Religion: A new international documentary, “Mother Teresa – Prophet of Compassion,” premiered on her feast day in Kolkata, spotlighting lesser-known parts of her life and the Missionaries of Charity. Local Lifestyle: A Springfield family’s 50-year-old night-blooming cereus—believed to have roots in Nicaragua—may bloom only once a year, with one bud opening tonight. Labor & Community Solidarity: Vermont hospital workers are pushing their employer to join Milk with Dignity, linking fair farm labor standards to healthcare workers’ own contract demands. Indigenous Voices & Climate: On Kenya’s Mt. Elgon, Indigenous-language community radio is helping residents translate climate science into local action for their ancestral land. Nicaragua in the Wider World: Germany asks the ICJ to dismiss Nicaragua’s Israel arms case, arguing Nicaragua didn’t follow proper notification steps. Immigration Policy Watch: The U.S. published DV-2026 Green Card Lottery selection figures and lists of barred countries, including Nigeria.

Green Card Lottery (DV-2026): The U.S. State Department says 20.8 million qualified entries competed, with 129,516 selectees chosen—winners must finish immigrant visa steps by a 2026 deadline. Immigration Rules (DV-2026 eligibility): The U.S. also published the 19 countries barred from the lottery; Nigeria is the only African country excluded. Nicaragua & the U.S. spotlight: A new report alleges a Cuban regime-linked woman in Florida gave false information during a visa process, raising questions about consular and residency paperwork. Hispanic Heritage & culture: Happy Valley Latin Festival returns to kick off Hispanic Heritage Month with free music, dance, food, and a children’s flag parade. Education & early childhood: An NYU researcher’s early-learning study—covering Nicaragua among other countries—wins the Khalifa International Award for Early Education, focusing on home-visiting quality improvements. Local arts: A new Dallas Latino Film Festival debuts with screenings, workshops, and filmmaker talks. Human rights (UN): The UN Human Rights Council’s autumn session begins Sept. 7 in Geneva, with major dialogues on crises and rights issues.

Nicaragua Politics: Nicaragua’s National Assembly approved a constitutional reform that bars opposition figures from elections and extends Daniel Ortega’s and Rosario Murillo’s grip, with new powers for electoral authorities to dissolve parties and sanction candidates—raising fears of a one-party system. US Immigration & Family Life: A new report highlights how deportation pressure is leaving immigrants “adrift,” while other coverage details how TPS protections are being lost for many people and what comes next for those facing separation. Green Card Lottery (DV-2026): The U.S. State Department published the official DV-2026 lists—showing 19 countries barred from participating, including Nigeria as the only African country excluded. Human Rights Calendar: The UN Human Rights Council’s autumn session is set to begin Sept. 7 in Geneva, with major dialogues on Belarus, Russia, Iran, Ukraine, Palestine, and more. Culture & Learning: A Costa Rican music collective, Sonidero Barrio Fátima, won ACAM’s Album of the Year, while an early-education research project tied to Nicaragua was recognized with the Khalifa International Award.

Nicaragua Politics: Nicaragua’s National Assembly unanimously approved a constitutional reform that bars opposition figures labeled “traitors to the homeland” from elections and extends Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo’s terms, tightening the FSLN grip and raising fears of a one-party future. Human Rights & Culture: A book review highlights Sergio Ramírez’s Nicaragua-set novel Margarita, How Beautiful the Sea, where poetry, dictatorship, and memory braid together across decades. Early Childhood Development: NYU professor Florencia Lopez Boo won the Khalifa International Award for Early Education for research tied to home-visiting programs that reached children in Nicaragua and six other Latin American countries. Health & Lifestyle: A cross-border report spotlights Mesoamerican nephropathy, a kidney crisis affecting Central Americans working in hot, hard labor, with cases showing up in the U.S. too. Community & Arts: Costa Rica’s Sonidero Barrio Fátima won ACAM’s Album of the Year for SBF vol. 3, celebrating community-rooted cumbia. Immigration Reality Check: U.S. coverage claims the illegal immigrant population fell by about 2.3 million since January 2025, alongside broader TPS uncertainty for people facing loss of protection.

Nicaragua Politics: Nicaragua approved a constitutional reform that bars the opposition from elections and extends Daniel Ortega’s rule, tightening the FSLN’s grip and raising alarms about a one-party future. Human Rights & Culture: A book review spotlights Sergio Ramírez’s “Margarita, How Beautiful the Sea,” set in Nicaragua and weaving poetry, power, memory, and dictatorship into one layered story. Early Childhood Development: NYU professor Florencia Lopez Boo’s Khalifa International Award for Early Education highlights home-visiting programs that reached thousands of children across Nicaragua and other Latin American countries, focusing on quality care and learning. Community & Faith: A Nazarene Missions International regional congress in Guatemala City brought together delegates from Nicaragua and across Mesoamerica to train for discipleship and mobilize local churches. Lifestyle & Food: “The Black Rabbit” restaurant story celebrates a Nicaragua-inspired menu blending Mexican favorites with Nicaraguan touches like fried mojarra. Arts & Events: Hispanic Heritage Month programming and cultural celebrations are rolling out across schools and communities, with Nicaragua’s independence date included in the regional calendar.

Nicaragua Politics: Nicaragua’s National Assembly approved constitutional reforms that bar opposition figures from elections and extend Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo’s terms, tightening the regime’s grip and drawing sharp condemnation from the U.S. Early Childhood & Education: NYU professor Florencia Lopez Boo won the Khalifa International Award for Early Education, citing research that helped shape early childhood policy reforms across Nicaragua and other Latin American countries. Culture & Books: A new English translation review of Sergio Ramírez’s Margarita, How Beautiful the Sea highlights how Nicaragua’s poetry and dictatorship-era history intertwine across decades. Community & Faith: A Mesoamerica regional Nazarene missions congress in Guatemala City drew 300+ participants from Nicaragua and neighboring countries for workshops on discipleship and mobilizing local churches. Lifestyle & Local Flavor: A Nicaragua-inspired menu is spotlighted at The Black Rabbit by MJ, where tacos and birria sit alongside a nod to the owner’s home country. Immigration & Work: Costa Rica launched a legal status pathway for thousands of people, including certain citizens of Nicaragua, offering a chance at work rights after long refugee delays. Human Rights Context: A week of coverage also points to enforced disappearances and institutionalized repression as a global pattern, with Nicaragua’s political crackdown part of the broader picture.

Nicaragua Politics: Nicaragua’s National Assembly approved constitutional reforms that bar opposition figures from elections and extend Daniel Ortega’s and other officials’ terms, tightening the regime’s grip ahead of a 2028 vote; the U.S. urged allies to end “business as usual” with Managua. Human Rights & Culture: A new English translation of Sergio Ramírez’s Nicaragua-set novel Margarita, How Beautiful the Sea spotlights how poetry, power, and memory collide across decades. Community & Faith: Over 300 delegates from 10 countries attended the Mesoamerica Region Nazarene Missions International Congress in Guatemala City, including participants from Nicaragua, focused on discipleship and mobilizing churches. Lifestyle & Food: The Black Rabbit (MJ) highlights Nicaraguan flavors in a U.S. menu mix, from tacos and birria to a fried “mojarra” dish. Arts & Heritage: Latino cultural events keep rolling—this week’s Latin Heritage Parade returns in Nevada, and Boise’s Latino Fest celebrates representation for communities including Nicaraguans.

Nicaragua Politics: Nicaragua’s National Assembly approved a constitutional reform barring opposition figures from elections and extending presidential and other terms, a move the U.S. says confirms the end of free and fair voting and urges partners to stop “business as usual” with Managua. Faith & Rights: Exiled Nicaraguan Bishop Silvio Báez warned that authoritarian regimes misuse Christianity—especially the cross—to justify permanent political control, echoing long-running criticism of the Ortega-Murillo government. Culture & Community: A new Costa Rica legal status path is opening for thousands of people, including certain citizens of Nicaragua, after rejected or pending refugee cases—an immigration story with real day-to-day lifestyle stakes for families. Regional Culture: Central American student sports are set to bring a 502-member El Salvador delegation to Tegucigalpa for the Codicader games, with Nicaragua among participating countries. Lifestyle Spotlight: In the U.S., a Nicaraguan chef’s “Black Rabbit by MJ” highlights home flavors—tacos, birria, and a whole fried mojarra—blending family roots with a casual dining vibe.

Constitutional Crackdown: Nicaragua’s National Assembly unanimously approved constitutional reforms barring opposition figures labeled “traitors to the homeland” from elections and extending presidential and other terms from six to seven years, with a second vote due in January—prompting sharp condemnation from human rights groups and the U.S., including calls to end “business as usual” with Managua. Human Rights & Civic Space: A rights organization said the changes amount to a “formalization of the usurpation of power,” while broader coverage highlights how repression follows activists across borders and into exile. Faith vs. Power: Exiled Managua auxiliary bishop Silvio Báez warned that “worn-out dictatorships” misuse Jesus to legitimize authoritarian control while “never speak of the cross,” echoing his long criticism of Ortega-Murillo. Culture & Community: Hispanic Heritage Month events are set to kick off at Penn State with a “La unidad es nuestra fuerza” theme, and Latino Fest in Boise returns with music, dance, food, and a family zone celebrating roots that include Nicaragua. Immigration Ripple Effects: Costa Rica began a new legal status path for thousands of foreigners, including eligible Nicaraguans, after rejected or pending refugee cases. Lifestyle Note: A weekend “Stuff to Do” guide and local event listings round out the week’s culture calendar.

Nicaragua Politics: The National Assembly voted to bar opposition parties from future elections and extend presidential and other terms, a move U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the final collapse of Nicaragua’s democratic pretenses, with Washington urging allies to stop “business as usual” with Managua while a second constitutional vote is set to begin Jan. 18. Human Rights & Religion: Exiled Managua auxiliary bishop Silvio Báez warned that “worn-out dictatorships” misuse Jesus to justify permanent rule, saying they “never speak of the cross,” echoing his long criticism of the Ortega-Murillo government. Diaspora & Identity: A Nicaraguan man in Taiwan says passport renewal has been left indefinitely “on hold” after Nicaragua severed ties with Taiwan in 2021, raising fears of de facto statelessness for Nicas abroad. U.S. Immigration (Nicaragua-linked): A U.S. court order ended a pause on immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries, including Nicaragua, after USCIS said it will comply while further legal review continues. Culture & Community: Latino Fest returns to Boise with music, dance, food, and cultural exhibits, explicitly welcoming communities from across Latin America, including Nicaragua.

Nicaragua-US Pressure: The U.S. urged partners to stop “business as usual” with Nicaragua after Ortega-Murillo lawmakers gutted remaining democratic space, including banning opposition parties from elections and extending presidential terms. Human Rights & Disappearance: Washington demanded Nicaragua release relatives of Indigenous leader Brooklyn Rivera, who died in prison; relatives were arrested after trying to claim his body, with their whereabouts still unknown. Exile Church Voices: Exiled Nicaraguan Bishop Silvio Báez warned against “worn-out dictatorships” that invoke Jesus while avoiding the cross—remarks that land squarely in Nicaragua’s political-religious crackdown. Journalism in Exile (Region): In Guatemala, RSF and NGOs pressed for real guarantees for journalists forced into exile, calling for safe return and protections against renewed persecution. Catholic Community Care (Honduras): A Catholic singer-songwriter is helping spotlight Hogar Nazareth, a safe home in Honduras for children and adults with disabilities who’ve faced abandonment or abuse. Culture & Youth Sports (Central America): El Salvador handed over its flag for the Codicader student games in Tegucigalpa, with Nicaragua among participating countries. Lifestyle/Community: A Vermont hospital workers’ union backs “Milk with Dignity,” linking fair dairy labor standards to farmworker rights.

Nicaragua-US Human Rights: The U.S. demanded Nicaragua release relatives of Indigenous leader Brooklyn Rivera, who died in prison in May after being detained since 2023; relatives were arrested when they tried to claim his body, and their whereabouts remain unknown. Faith & Politics: Exiled Managua auxiliary bishop Silvio Báez said “worn-out dictatorships” profane Jesus by invoking religion to justify power while “never speak[ing] of the cross,” a pointed jab at the Ortega-Murillo regime. Immigration & Community Impact: USCIS said it will comply with a court order to restart thousands of suspended immigration processes, including for Cubans, after it had stalled cases tied to nationals of 39 countries. Visa Rules Shift: The U.S. lifted a pause on immigrant visa issuance for citizens of 75 countries after a federal judge ruled the policy exceeded authority, with interviews continuing under normal requirements. Culture & Identity: A new exhibit in NYC spotlights Nicaragua-born painter Lola Sandino Stanton’s portraits exploring LGBTQ+ identity, memory, and dignity.

Nicaragua-US Relations: The U.S. demanded Nicaragua release relatives of Indigenous leader Brooklyn Rivera, who died in prison in May after being detained since 2023; rights groups say relatives were arrested and their whereabouts remain unknown. Immigration & Community Impact: USCIS said it will comply with a court order to restart suspended immigration processes for nationals of 39 countries, including Cuba, even as it disputes the ruling. Lifestyle & Faith: St. Francis International School welcomed students back with prayer and breakfast, including staff support for a crying first-day student. Culture & Identity: A new exhibit in NYC spotlights Nicaragua-born painter Lola Sandino Stanton’s portraits exploring LGBTQ+ identity, memory, and self-expression. Travel & Nature: A Costa Rica getaway story from Bijagua near Tenorio Volcano highlights rainforest life and the slow, joyful pace of small-town travel. Public Health: A stroke-care awareness project uses doctor-led simulation and art-inspired learning to teach warning signs and response. Sports & Justice: A jury deadlocked on a Sun Prairie homicide case involving a pregnant Nicaraguan immigrant, leading to a mistrial on key charges.

Immigration & Human Rights: The U.S. expanded “third-country” deportations, sending more than 100 people—including Afghans, Cubans, and Nicaraguans—to eight African countries, with advocates warning many had no criminal record and were sent far from any ties. Deportation Fallout: A separate report says an Afghan man protected by a U.S. judge from deportation to Afghanistan was still removed to the Central African Republic, raising fresh legal and safety concerns. LGBTQ+ & Community Life: Nicaragua-born, NYC-based painter Lola Sandino Stanton is set to show LGBTQ+ identity and memory in “Many Ways of Being” at Hudson Guild Gallery (Sept. 10–Nov. 5). Local Culture & Pride: Worcester’s Pride season returns with a Sept. 12 festival and a Sept. 18 Queer AF Art & Fashion Show, framed as both celebration and protest amid rising anti-LGBTQ rhetoric. Health & Climate: One hot day can trigger long-term harm, with a case of heatstroke leading to lasting dehydration and fatigue—another reminder of extreme heat risks.