Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority Executive President Luis González Delgado By THE STAR STAFF The Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority (PRASA) is weighing the implementation of fines for improper water use as the island faces worsening drought conditions, the agency’s top official confirmed on Tuesday. PRASA Executive President Luis González Delgado said in a radio interview that penalties are “an alternative” under evaluation, similar to measures adopted during th

The solar battery distribution was carried out alongside municipal staff and Federal Affairs Program Director Iliana Aponte, following an evaluation process and verification that established requirements had been met. By THE STAR STAFF Aguas Buenas Mayor Karina Nieves Serrano on Tuesday distributed dozens of solar batteries to more than 60 residents with urgent health conditions and those who are bedridden, as part of a coordinated and continuous response to ongoing energy ne

Ranger Corps personnel assigned to the Salinas Maritime Unit have begun patrolling the area of Salinas Bay known as “Mar Negro” (Black Sea), a manatee habitat, to prevent the prohibited use of personal watercraft (jet skis). By THE STAR STAFF Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DNER) Ranger Corps members have begun patrolling the area known as “Mar Negro” (Black Sea) in Salinas Bay to ensure compliance with Administrative Order 2026-05, which prohibits the use

Public Affairs Secretary Jean Peña Payano Appointee to be announced ‘at the appropriate time’ By THE STAR STAFF Gov. Jenniffer González Colón has already chosen the next chief of staff at La Fortaleza and will announce the appointment once the administration completes its transition process, Public Affairs Secretary Jean Peña Payano said Tuesday. Speaking to reporters, Peña Payano confirmed that the governor has made her selection but intends to reveal the name at the approp

Municipal bond analyst Cate Long (LinkedIn) By THE STAR STAFF Municipal bond analyst Cate Long warned Monday on social media that Puerto Rico could face heightened federal scrutiny and higher reconstruction costs if municipalities continue imposing construction taxes on projects financed with federal recovery funds. Long, who heads the research service Puerto Rico Clearinghouse, said this week that the implementation of Law 215‑2024 has opened the door for the island’s 78 mun

School Bus Contractors Federation President José Rosado stressed that companies need the full $12.5 million owed them in order to operate safely and reliably at the beginning of the semester. By THE STAR STAFF School Bus Contractors Federation President José Rosado warned this week that the sector will take to the streets next Monday, Aug. 3 if the island Education Department does not pay the full $12.5 million owed to school transportation companies by this Friday. Rosado is

Gov. Jenniffer González Colón By THE STAR STAFF Gov. Jenniffer González Colón announced on Monday the expansion of the “Quiero Mi Escuela” (I Love My School) initiative, under which every Puerto Rico government agency will be responsible for adopting two public schools. “‘Quiero Mi Escuela’ has demonstrated that when the entire government works together, we can achieve concrete results for our students,” the governor said in a written statement. “We began by assigning one sch

By THE STAR STAFF Nielsen will stop measuring television and radio audiences in Puerto Rico at the end of the year, a move that will leave the island’s broadcast industry without a unified ratings service and disrupt how local advertising is bought and sold. The decision, first reported by Inside Radio, affects more than 3 million media consumers and ends Nielsen’s 15‑year presence in the Puerto Rico market. In a statement, the company said the change reflects a broader reass

By THE STAR STAFF A course on designing a system for harvesting rainwater is to be offered by architect Fernando Abruña, FAIA, at a time when the island is facing a potential drought that threatens the water supply. The course, titled “¡YA!, ¡YA MISMO LLUEVE!: Diseño de Sistemas de Cosecha de Aguas de Lluvia” (It’s Time! Rain Is Coming Now: Rainwater Harvesting System Design) will take place on Thursday, Aug. 13 at 6 p.m. at the headquarters of the Puerto Rico Architects and

A union leader said staff at Pavía Hospital have been forced to work amid an overpowering stench of feces and contaminated water that emerges whenever faucets are opened. By THE STAR STAFF Employees at Pavía Hospital in Hato Rey are denouncing a severe sanitary crisis after more than a week of black, foul‑smelling wastewater reportedly flowing from the facility’s pipes, prompting union leaders to demand the immediate closure of the mental‑health institution, a halt to new adm