By THE STAR STAFF Ruth Concepción, the president of the Association of Providers of Services Under Provisional Remedies, warned Tuesday that recent actions by the Puerto Rico Department of Education (DE) could sharply restrict access to therapy services for students in special education, raising alarm among parents who rely on the court‑ordered mechanism. Concepción said the provisional remedy system was created precisely because the DE lacked the capacity to provide essentia

Gabriel Rodríguez Velázquez will compete in the 2026 Miss Universe Puerto Rico pageant. (Facebook via Kings of A&R) By THE STAR STAFF Miss Universe Puerto Rico has announced that Gabriel Rodríguez Velázquez will compete in its 2026 national pageant, marking the second time an openly trans woman has entered the competition. Rodríguez Velázquez follows Daniela Arroyo González, who broke ground in 2023 as the first trans contestant in the island’s Miss Universe franchise. Pagean

Reps. Héctor Ferrer Santiago and Domingo Torres García By THE STAR STAFF Rep. Héctor Ferrer Santiago, the Popular Democratic Party (PDP) minority leader in the lower chamber of the island Legislature, joined by Rep. Domingo Torres García, the alternate minority leader, on Monday questioned the true intentions of the New Progressive Party (NPP) legislative majority regarding their decision to hold an executive session concerning House Bill (HB) 1115, a measure that they said w

Loíza’s first territorial plan strengthens the commercial corridor along highway PR-187, promotes a compact, mixed-use urban center, and stipulates that urban growth must be harmonized with the protection of the natural and cultural resources that distinguish the northeastern coastal municipality. By THE STAR STAFF Gov. Jenniffer González Colón on Monday signed the Municipality of Loíza’s first territorial development plan alongside Mayor Julia Nazario Fuentes. “This Plan all

Annette Martínez Orabona, executive director of the ACLU of Puerto Rico (LinkedIn) By THE STAR STAFF The American Civil Liberties Union of Puerto Rico filed a writ of mandamus on Monday on behalf of journalist Carlos Berríos Polanco, demanding that the Puerto Rico Police Bureau release public information regarding Operation Stonegarden. “We are talking about information concerning the use of public funds, coordination with federal agencies, equipment acquisition, and civil ri

Senate President Thomas Rivera Schatz By THE STAR STAFF Senate President Thomas Rivera Schatz said Monday that he is prepared to go “to the fullest extent” to obtain the information requested by the Committee of the Whole from the La Fortaleza Chief of Staff Francisco Domenech Fernández and Treasury Secretary Ángel Pantoja Rodríguez. Domenech had until midnight Monday to provide data from the Lobbyist Registry and information on government contracts, while the Treasury Depart

Speaker of the Puerto Rico House of Representatives Carlos “Johnny” Méndez Nuñez By THE STAR STAFF The island House of Representatives has unanimously approved (46-0) a measure introduced by Speaker Carlos “Johnny” Méndez Nuñez that promotes the development of the local film industry, particularly series, reality shows, game shows, comedy programs and programs aimed at children, thus eliminating the requirement that they have to be scheduled or distributed outside the island

By THE STAR STAFF The House Committee on Recreation and Sports, chaired by Rep. Luis “Josean” Jiménez, on Monday began its evaluation of House Bill 1158, aimed at establishing the “Act for the Protection and Accompaniment of Minors at Sporting Events.” The bill seeks to mandate that any organizer of a sporting event involving a minor must allow free admission for one responsible adult for every participating minor, provided the event takes place at a public facility. During

By THE STAR STAFF A mid a legal dispute between the Medical Services Administration (ASEM) and the company managing the multi-story parking garage at the Puerto Rico Medical Center in Río Piedras, which holds a 40-year contract expiring in two years, questions have arisen about whether the company accurately reports the service’s revenue. ASEM’s executive director, Regino Colón Alsina, stated that the issue came to light after both parties went to court over the construction

Capt. Ariana G. Linse Savino was one of six Air Force members who died on March 12 in an aircraft accident in Iran. (Instagram via prfaadc) By THE STAR STAFF Gov. Jenniffer González Colón on Saturday awarded the Governor’s Medal to Capt. Ariana G. Linse Savino, one of six Air Force members who died on March 12 in an aircraft accident in Iran. The governor also presented the flag of Puerto Rico to the fallen service member’s family. “Today is a sad day; today is a painful day.