San Germán (above) led Airbnb reservation growth in 2025 with nearly 60%, followed by Coamo and Barranquitas. (Wikipedia/Frederic Gleach) By THE STAR STAFF As more Puerto Ricans look beyond traditional coastal hotspots, new data from Airbnb points to a growing wave of local tourism that is reshaping commerce and revitalizing communities across the island. The company’s latest findings show that travelers who book through the platform are spending more in the towns where they

Puerto Rico Agriculture Secretary Irving Rodríguez Torres Implements 120-day quarantines, other measures By THE STAR STAFF Agriculture Secretary Irving Rodríguez Torres announced on Tuesday the implementation of 120-day quarantines, along with biosecurity, epidemiological surveillance and sanitary control measures, after several birds in the municipalities of Cabo Rojo and Lajas tested positive for avian influenza, or bird flu. “From the very beginning, we have acted proact

The liquefied natural gas tanker Amur River entered San Juan Bay on Tuesday morning, in preparation to restore a critical supply of fuel for Puerto Rico’s San Juan power complex after nearly a month of delays, weather setbacks and escalating regulatory disputes. By THE STAR STAFF The liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker Amur River entered San Juan Bay on Tuesday morning, restoring a critical supply of fuel for Puerto Rico’s San Juan power complex after nearly a month of delays,

U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-Fla.) (Wikipedia/U.S. House of Representatives) By THE STAR STAFF A bipartisan group of lawmakers has introduced new legislation aimed at correcting long‑standing Medicare Advantage payment disparities that have left Puerto Rico at a significant disadvantage compared with the rest of the United States. The Puerto Rico Medicare Advantage Fairness Act, filed by Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R‑Fla.), Rep. Raul Ruiz, M.D. (D‑Calif.), Rep. Darren Soto (D‑Fla.) and

By THE STAR STAFF Secretary of Public Affairs Jean Peña Payano said Tuesday that the government is evaluating mechanisms to recover the additional costs incurred from using diesel in Units 5 and 6 of the San Juan Power Plant while awaiting the arrival of the Amur River natural gas tanker vessel. “Consumption was nearly three or four times higher than what it would have cost had the barge arrived on time,” Peña Payano stated during the En Récord press briefing. He said that fo

Pro-statehood attorney Gregorio Igartúa (Instagram via julioroldanpr) By THE STAR STAFF Puerto Rico attorney Gregorio Igartúa has asked members of Congress to formally incorporate Puerto Rico as a U.S. territory “in transit to statehood,” arguing that 3.2 million American citizens on the island have lived under federal governance without democratic consent since 1898. In a letter sent to all congressional offices, Igartúa asserts that Puerto Rico residents remain subject to f

By THE STAR STAFF The Puerto Rico Restaurants Association (ASORE by its acronym in Spanish) will center its annual ASORE Restaurant Show on the economic and creative potential of local products, highlighting their role as a catalyst for innovation and new business opportunities across the island’s foodservice industry. The event will take place Oct. 30-31 at the Puerto Rico Convention Center, bringing together restaurant owners, operators, suppliers and culinary professionals

Mosquito Bay in Vieques (Wikipedia/USDA, DRNA PR) By THE STAR STAFF The Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DNER) has initiated a technical assessment regarding a possible reduction in bioluminescence levels at Puerto Mosquito Bay in Vieques, agency secretary Waldemar Quiles Pérez announced on Monday. “This is a matter of great importance to the agency, and we will address it with the necessary urgency,” Quiles stated in a written release. The assessment is be

Manuel “Nolo” Morales public beach in Dorado (Facebook via Tíratepr) By THE STAR STAFF House Speaker Carlos “Johnny” Méndez Nuñez and District 11 Rep. Elinette González Aguayo announced plans Monday to establish a formal path toward rehabilitating the Manuel “Nolo” Morales public beach in Dorado, one of the northern coast’s most visited recreational areas. The lawmakers said the effort will focus on restoring and upgrading key facilities at the site, while also addressing coa

Coamo Mayor Juan Carlos García Padilla Cites strong party support By THE STAR STAFF Coamo Mayor Juan Carlos “Tato” García Padilla signaled Monday that he is weighing a run for a Senate at‑large seat in the 2028 elections, acknowledging that the strong support he received during the Popular Democratic Party’s (PDP) General Assembly has prompted him to consider the move. García Padilla, who secured 5,375 votes, which was the highest total among the five newly elected members of