House Speaker Carlos “Johnny” Méndez outlines key priorities for the new legislative session, including tax reform, water infrastructure, schools and housing. By THE STAR STAFF Reducing taxes, modernizing schools, building housing for the working class, rebuilding water infrastructure, and developing the former Roosevelt Roads naval base are among the priorities of Speaker of the House Carlos “Johnny” Méndez for the second legislative session of 2026, which begins this Monday

By THE STAR STAFF The Democratic National Committee (DNC) has formally rejected a congressional proposal that would eliminate automatic U.S. citizenship for children born in Puerto Rico and other U.S. territories, warning that the measure underscores the vulnerability of territorial residents under current federal law. The resolution, advanced by the Democratic Party of Puerto Rico and ratified during the DNC’s Summer Meeting in Austin, Texas, affirms statehood as the party’s

By THE STAR STAFF The president of the Corporation for the Defense of the Licensed Gun Owner of Puerto Rico (CODEPOLA), Ariel Torres Meléndez, rejected the Police Bureau’s intention to promote amendments to the Weapons Law to establish additional controls on the sale of ammunition. Torres Meléndez stated that the Police already have information on legal transactions of weapons and ammunition through the REAL System, where data such as the identity of the buyer, license number

By THE STAR STAFF The Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority (PRASA) announced operational changes to its Scheduled Interruption Plan for the Sergio Cuevas Filtration Plant, shifting two Carolina communities—Escorial and Jardines de Carolina—from Zone 2 to Zone 1 beginning Monday, August 17. The adjustment affects 3,081 customers, including 2,639 in Escorial and 442 in Jardines de Carolina, according to José A. Rivera Ortiz, director of AAA’s Metro Region. ASA officials sai

Governor González Colón announces $244.5 million in FEMA funds for critical infrastructure projects. By THE STAR STAFF Governor Jenniffer González Colón announced on Sunday the release of $244.5 million in federal funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to accelerate the reconstruction of essential infrastructure, including potable water, electric power, public housing, and municipal roads. According to the governor, the investment will help advance strategi

By THE STAR STAFF Monsignor Geraldo Ramírez Torres was ordained Saturday as the new bishop of the Diocese of Ponce during a ceremony held at the Sports and Cultural Complex of the Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico. The event was attended by Governor Jenniffer Aydin González Colón, former governors, Ponce Mayor Marlese Sifre Rodríguez, as well as mayors, legislators and religious and political leaders. In his first message as bishop, Ramírez Torres expressed gratit

By THE STAR STAFF As drought conditions continue to intensify across Puerto Rico, the Association of Public Servants of the Popular Democratic Party (PPD) renewed calls on Sunday for Gov. Jenniffer González to urgently request a major disaster declaration from the federal government. The appeal comes as the administration maintains that it must first complete ongoing damage assessments before petitioning Washington. Maritza Santaliz, president of the association, said the gro

By THE STAR STAFF Dozens of major energy companies are asking the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit to affirm the dismissal of a sweeping climate‑related lawsuit filed by nearly 40 Puerto Rico municipalities, arguing the case was brought years too late and relies on legal theories already rejected nationwide. In a joint response brief, filed in case 25-1961 on Aug. 11, companies including Exxon Mobil, Shell, Chevron, BP, ConocoPhillips, Motiva and the American Petro

Former Luquillo mayor José “Nelo” González Ortiz By THE STAR STAFF Speaker of the Puerto Rico House of Representatives Carlos “Johnny” Méndez Nuñez announced Thursday that former Luquillo mayor José “Nelo” González Ortiz has died. González, affiliated with the New Progressive Party (NPP), served as mayor in three consecutive four-year terms, from January 2001 to Dec. 31, 2012. “The news of the death of the former mayor of Luquillo, José González, who for 12 years led the dest

Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority Executive President Luis R. González Delgado By THE STAR STAFF Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority (PRASA) Executive President Luis R. González Delgado announced an initiative on Thursday involving an investment of $1,825,000 to hire private crews to address, more rapidly, the leaks causing potable water loss before and during the drought emergency. “At a time when Puerto Rico is facing drought conditions, it is necessary to step