Family Secretary Suzanne Roig Fuertes By THE STAR STAFF Family Secretary Suzanne Roig Fuertes denied on Monday that the proposed budget for fiscal year (FY) 2026-2027 includes an increase in trust positions or in the payroll for those positions. “The Proposed Budget for FY2027 for the Secretariat of the Department of the Family does not include an increase in the number of trust positions, nor a net increase in their payroll,” Roig Fuertes stated in written remarks. The offi

Norberto Almodóvar Vélez, former deputy director of the Office of Permits Management By THE STAR STAFF The former deputy director of Puerto Rico’s Office of Permits Management (OGPe by its acronym in Spanish), Norberto Almodóvar Vélez, has been referred to the Department of Justice, the Office of the Comptroller, the Government Ethics Office (OEG) and the Human Resources Office of the Department of Economic Development and Commerce (DDEC) after an internal investigation found

By THE STAR STAFF The Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration (PRFAA) announced a bipartisan agreement on Monday related to infrastructure funding. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-Mo.) and ranking minority member Rick Larsen (D-Wash.) agreed to advance legislation to fund various infrastructure programs nationwide for five years. The programs include roads, bridges, public transportation, rail, and road safety. The Building Unrivale

The Natural and Environmental Resources secretary said the agency is working to improve the recreational fishing ramps “under its jurisdiction ... in the Cerrillos [pictured], Lucchetti, La Plata and Guajataca reservoirs,” among others. (Wikipedia) By THE STAR STAFF Natural and Environmental Resources (DNER) Secretary Waldemar Quiles Pérez said Monday that the agency is working to improve the infrastructure of recreational fishing ramps under its jurisdiction. “At this time,

The Barcelona gate at the University of Puerto Rico Mayagüez Campus on April 15 By THE STAR STAFF University of Puerto Rico (UPR) Mayagüez Campus Interim Chancellor Miguel Muñoz Muñoz said Monday that protesters once again blocked access to the campus, following efforts to keep the gates open in accordance with court orders. “During the efforts at the Physics gate, students confronted members of the University Police while they were attempting to comply with the court orders

Natural and Environmental Resources Secretary Waldemar Quiles Pérez, center, testified in support of several objectives in Senate Bill 1183 on permitting reform, including uniformity, administrative coordination and technological modernization. By THE STAR STAFF The Senate Committee on Innovation, Reform, and Appointments, chaired by Senate President Thomas Rivera Schatz, held its fifth public hearing Monday as lawmakers continued evaluating two competing proposals to overhau

Certified Public Accountants Association President David Rodríguez By THE STAR STAFF With the purpose of analyzing the current landscape, as well as the challenges and opportunities of the insurance industry in Puerto Rico, the Certified Public Accountants Association (CCPA by its initials in Spanish) will hold the XXVII Annual Insurance Industry Forum this Thursday from 8:45 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. at the Caribe Hilton. The event will bring together insurance professionals and lea

Since last February, the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources has been making preparations for the 2026 sargassum season. By THE STAR STAFF Natural and Environmental Resources (DNER) Secretary Waldemar Quiles Pérez announced Sunday that he has dispatched technical personnel from the Specialized Sargassum Unit -- attached to the Assistant Secretariat for Conservation and Research -- to the Las Croabas area in Fajardo following sightings of a significant sargassum

At least two horses suffered burns Saturday night after a fire broke out in two stables at Camarero Racetrack in Canóvanas. Authorities are investigating. By THE STAR STAFF The administration of Camarero Racetrack in Canóvanas confirmed on Sunday that at least two horses suffered burns Saturday night after a fire broke out in two of its stables. Two other horses showed symptoms consistent with dehydration, according to a statement shared in social media. “Camarero Racetrack i

Treasury Secretary Ángel Pantoja Rodríguez By THE STAR STAFF Treasury Secretary Ángel Pantoja Rodríguez announced Sunday that sales of certain items and equipment intended for hurricane season preparation, which begins on June 1, will be exempt from the sales and use tax (IVU by its initials in Spanish) from this Friday through the following Monday. “The sales exempt from the IVU payment for hurricane season preparation will begin at midnight on Friday, May 22, and will exten