Speaker of the Puerto Rico House of Representatives Carlos “Johnny” Méndez Nuñez By THE STAR STAFF Speaker of the Puerto Rico House of Representatives Carlos “Johnny” Méndez Nuñez announced on Tuesday that the Puerto Rico Energy Bureau (PREB) filed Regulation No. 9774, better known as the “Regulation for the Authorization, Supervision and Regulation of Municipal Participation in Public Lighting Connected to the Electrical System.” The regulation was filed with the island Depa

La Fortaleza Public Affairs Secretary Jean Peña Payano By THE STAR STAFF La Fortaleza Public Affairs Secretary Jean Peña Payano denied on Tuesday that Gov. Jenniffer González Colón is hiding from the press due to the absence of a recent news conference regarding the controversy between La Fortaleza Chief of Staff Francisco Domenech Fernández and former Economic Development and Commerce (DDEC by its acronym in Spanish) Secretary Sebastián Negrón Reichard. “Governor Jenniffer G

Urges responsible caretaking of beaches as summer season ratchets up By THE STAR STAFF To protect and safeguard the lives of residents and tourists participating in the traditional “Noche de San Juan” (St. John’s Eve) celebration, Rep. Axel “Chino” Roque Gracia, who chairs the Tourism Committee in the island House of Representatives, urged the public on Tuesday to enjoy the festivities responsibly and mindfully, while respecting life and natural resources. “The message is cle

LUMA Energy has asked the San Juan Court of First Instance to consolidate two related lawsuits filed against it, arguing that both cases involve nearly identical facts and legal questions. The company argues that allowing the cases to proceed separately would duplicate legal work, increase costs and risk inconsistent rulings. By THE STAR STAFF LUMA Energy appeared Tuesday in Puerto Rico’s Court of First Instance with a high-profile legal team that includes two former Puerto R

Rep. Edgar Robles Rivera By THE STAR STAFF District 14 (Arecibo and Hatillo) Rep. Edgar Robles Rivera, chairman of the Consumer Affairs Committee in the Puerto Rico House of Representatives, announced Monday the filing of House Resolution (HR) 719 to investigate the participation of certain entities in the resale of motor vehicles and the holding of car shows, “given the possibility that these activities are not subject to the same regulatory requirements that the law require

Puerto Rican Independence Party Rep. Adriana Gutiérrez Colón By THE STAR STAFF The island House of Representatives approved legislation Monday that would dismantle the independent Minimum Wage Evaluation Commission and return full authority over minimum wage policy to the elected Legislature, marking a significant reversal of the framework established in 2021. The measure, House Bill 1115, keeps the current $10.50 hourly minimum wage intact but places all future revisions squ

Rep. Eddie Charbonier Chinea, chairman of the House Finance Committee By THE STAR STAFF Speaker of the Puerto Rico House of Representatives Carlos “Johnny” Méndez Nuñez, along with House Finance Committee Chairman Eddie Charbonier Chinea, announced on Monday the approval of bills 1261 and 1262, which lay the foundation for unprecedented fiscal responsibility in the island government. “This package of measures that we approved is aimed at creating an unprecedented infrastructu

During a hearing before the Senate Committee on Innovation, Reform and Appointments on Monday, Carlos Ríos Pierluisi outlined his professional background, economic vision and priorities for the Department of Economic Development and Commerce. By THE STAR STAFF The island Senate on Monday confirmed attorney Carlos Ríos Pierluisi as secretary of the Department of Economic Development and Commerce (DDEC by its acronym in Spanish). The voice vote followed a hearing before the Sen

By THE STAR STAFF The island House of Representatives approved by voice vote on Monday a $13.18 billion General Fund budget for fiscal year 2027, advancing a spending plan that outlines operating funds for the executive branch, the Legislature and the judicial branch. The measure, House Resolution 356, assigns $13,180,532,000 from the General Fund. The resolution, introduced by House Speaker Carlos “Johnny” Méndez Núñez and more than 30 representatives, details agency‑by‑agen

Rep. José Pérez Cordero By THE STAR STAFF Faced with the possibility of an acute drought that forces a water rationing program, Rep. José “Che” Pérez Cordero announced on Monday the filing of a measure that seeks to investigate the possibility of installing water collection and storage systems from rainfall at residences. “Rainwater harvesting offers multiple environmental, economic and social benefits,” said Pérez Cordero, who chairs the Judiciary Committee in the lower cha