By THE STAR STAFF Gov. Jenniffer González Colón appointed attorney Pedro César de Jesús Román on Monday as deputy chief of staff at La Fortaleza, a position he assumed immediately. Since Jan. 11, 2025, de Jesús Román had been serving as a senior executive adviser to the Fiscal Agency and Financial Advisory Authority, the Office of the Chief of Staff, and the Public-Private Partnerships Authority. According to La Fortaleza, the attorney has over 20 years of experience in publi

Ernesto Rodríguez, director of the National Weather Service in San Juan, estimated that areas linked to the Carraízo reservoir are facing rainfall deficits of between eight and 10 inches, while deficits in the La Plata basin range from around two to 10 inches, depending on the sector. (Facebook via Jenniffer González Colón) By THE STAR STAFF Gov. Jenniffer González Colón ruled out implementing a rationing plan this week for customers relying on the La Plata reservoir, noting

Aguirre Power Plant in Salinas (Facebook via Zar de Energia) By THE STAR STAFF Power Expectations LLC issued a forceful public statement Monday rejecting what it called “false, malicious and illegal” allegations surrounding its participation in Puerto Rico’s 400‑megawatt (MW) temporary generation project at the Aguirre Power Plant in Salinas. The remarks by the energy firm’s CEO came days after the Financial Oversight and Management Board revoked approval of the contract and

By THE STAR STAFF First Gentleman José Yovín Vargas began the delivery of water tanks to public housing complexes, starting in the Las Casas complex, as part of an initiative aimed at strengthening the water storage capacity of families in the face of possible service interruptions. During the project launch, Yovín was accompanied by the Secretary of the Department of Housing, Luis Augusto Martínez Román, and the Public Housing Administrator, Juan A. Rosario Hernández. In thi

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