Tom Schultz, the U.S. Forest Service chief, testifies during House Federal Lands subcommittee hearing in Washington, on Sept. 9, 2025. Schultz said at a recent congressional hearing that entrance fees at El Yunque National Forest would be consistent with practices implemented in other recreational areas managed by the National Forest System and that there are similar precedents in other jurisdictions. (Valerie Plesch/The New York Times) By THE STAR STAFF The U.S. Forest Servi

Gov. Jenniffer González Colón By THE STAR STAFF Gov. Jenniffer González Colón on Monday enacted four new laws aimed at improving access to health services, protecting minors from sexual abuse, modernizing digital identity rights, and reinforcing safeguards against sexual harassment in Puerto Rico’s sports sector. The measures, signed at La Fortaleza, reflect a broad policy push touching on patient rights, emerging technologies, child welfare, and accountability within athleti

As a new school year is set to begin this Thursday, the government has insisted that the expiration of non‑recurring federal funds will not affect hiring or essential services at the start of the school year, but the Puerto Rico Teachers Association says on-the-ground verification is indispensable. By THE STAR STAFF Leaders of the Puerto Rico Teachers Association (AMPR by its initials in Spanish) announced Monday they will closely monitor the impact of an estimated $1.2 billi

Almost 110,000 LUMA Energy customers were without electrical service as of 2:35 p.m. Monday, following the grid operator’s announcement that load shedding -- caused by generation shortfalls and the sudden shutdown of the San Juan 6 unit operated by Genera Puerto Rico -- was ongoing. (generapr.com) By THE STAR STAFF A total of 109,992 LUMA Energy customers were without electrical service as of 2:35 p.m. Monday, following the company’s announcement that load shedding -- caused

Gov. Jenniffer González Colón said the government is readying a plan for water rationing if necessary in the coming days. She said the intention is to notify residents several days in advance and to coordinate service distribution by sector in collaboration with municipalities. By THE STAR STAFF Gov. Jenniffer González Colón announced on Monday that the government is preparing to implement a plan for scheduled water service interruptions if drought conditions persist over the

By THE STAR STAFF School Transport Providers Federation President José Rosado announced that the protest originally scheduled for Monday was postponed to allow for a meeting with Education Secretary Eliezer Ramos Parés regarding a $17 million debt owed drivers dating back to 2021. “We have decided to give dialogue a chance and hear what solutions the secretary proposes,” Rosado stated in a written release. “However, we can no longer live on promises alone. Between one promise

Puerto Rico Police Superintendent Joseph González Falcón (Facebook via Dept de Justicia de Puerto Rico) By THE STAR STAFF The FBI has assumed jurisdiction in the homicide investigation involving Tyler Wilken, a 35‑year‑old Ohio native whose body was found three weeks ago at a beach in Luquillo, Puerto Rico Police Superintendent Joseph González Falcón confirmed on Monday. González said federal agents are assisting with the technical analysis of evidence, including data extract

In a resolution, the island’s energy regulator confirmed that the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority and Yabucoa Energy LLC had “substantially complied” with the changes required in an order related to an energy storage services agreement for a proposed 100‑megawatt battery project in Yabucoa. Orders final corrections before signing By THE STAR STAFF The Puerto Rico Energy Bureau (PREB) has approved the revised energy storage services agreement for a proposed 100‑megawatt b

The Financial Oversight and Management Board warned Gov. Jenniffer González Colón that several measures awaiting her signature, spanning pensions, energy regulation and municipal revenue distribution, could undermine Puerto Rico’s post‑bankruptcy recovery. By THE STAR STAFF The Financial Oversight and Management Board issued a trio of sharply worded letters late last week warning Gov. Jenniffer González Colón that several measures awaiting her signature, spanning pensions, en

Gov. Jenniffer González Colón By THE STAR STAFF Gov. Jenniffer González Colón enacted a wide-ranging set of laws and joint resolutions on Sunday aimed at modernizing government property management, strengthening environmental protection, expanding accommodations for residents with sensory conditions, and supporting community and municipal development across Puerto Rico. The most significant of the new measures is Law 158-2026, which creates the Special Law to Standardize the