By THE STAR STAFF The Puerto Rico Child Support Administration (ASUME) is maintaining its opposition to proposed changes in how overtime income is calculated when determining child support payments, as lawmakers consider legislation that would establish new criteria for determining whether additional income is recurring. The debate centered on House Bill 1412, introduced in late August by Rep. Ensol Rodríguez Torres. The measure would establish 13 consecutive months as the mi

Sen. Ángel A. Toledo López presents legislation seeking official recognition of Puerto Rican Sign Language. By THE STAR STAFF Sen. Ángel A. Toledo López has introduced legislation for the third time seeking official recognition of Puerto Rican Sign Language (LSP) as the natural and culturally and linguistically legitimate language of Puerto Rico’s Deaf community. Senate Bill 1463 would establish respect for linguistic rights as public policy, promote the preservation of regio

Officials announced the reopening of a ranger station at Maricao State Forest, expanding surveillance and visitor services in the area. After nine years without a permanent ranger presence, the Maricao State Forest is set to reopen a dedicated station for the Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DRNA) Ranger Corps, officials announced. House Speaker Carlos “Johnny” Méndez, Rep. Omayra Martínez, Maricao Mayor Wilfredo “Juny” Ruiz, and DRNA Secretary W

A new study finds Puerto Rico’s hospice industry contributes significantly to the island’s economy while supporting patients and families with end-of-life care. By THE STAR STAFF A new analysis by Estudios Técnicos, Inc. (ETI) reveals that Puerto Rico’s hospice industry is not only improving end‑of‑life care for patients with chronic and terminal illnesses but also delivering a significant $142 million economic boost to the island’s economy. The study, conducted in partnershi

More than 500 hospitality professionals will gather in Puerto Rico to discuss industry trends, business opportunities, and the sector’s continued growth. By THE STAR STAFF Puerto Rico’s independent hospitality sector—once considered a complementary segment of the lodging market—has become one of the island’s most dynamic engines of tourism growth. Reflecting that momentum, more than 500 professionals will gather on September 29 at the Puerto Rico Convention Center for Rebook

By THE STAR STAFF The Association of Head Start Directors of Puerto Rico is raising alarms over a series of proposed federal regulatory changes that they say could undermine the quality and stability of services provided to more than 21,300 children and their families across the island. Javier Negrón, president of the association, said the coalition supports efforts to streamline federal bureaucracy but cautioned that several proposed revisions go beyond administrative relief

By THE STAR STAFF Puerto Rico’s Office of the Special Independent Prosecutor Panel (FEI) has broadened its ongoing investigation into alleged irregularities at the Permits Management Office (OGPe), now extending the scope to examine potential criminal liability involving Roberto Lefranc Fortuño, deputy secretary of the Department of Economic Development and Commerce (DDEC). The expansion was approved in a resolution issued Thursday morning, responding to a request from indepe

Clinical laboratory representatives are working to strengthen Puerto Rico’s role in federal health policy and advocate for long-term reforms to Medicaid funding and laboratory reimbursement. By THE STAR STAFF Former House Speaker José Aponte called on New Fortress Energy (NFE) to immediately reimburse Puerto Rico for the diesel fuel that power plants have been forced to burn over the past week amid a stalled delivery of liquefied natural gas (LNG). The switch to diesel — sig

ACLU urged Gov. Jenniffer González Colón to order the immediate return of all Puerto Rico personnel, arguing that no real emergency exists to warrant their presence in the nation’s capital (Puerto Rico National Guard.) By THE STAR STAFF More than 150 members of the Puerto Rico National Guard continue patrolling neighborhoods in Washington, D.C., a deployment the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Puerto Rico denounced this week as unjustified and politically motivated.

Clinical laboratory representatives are working to strengthen Puerto Rico’s role in federal health policy and advocate for long-term reforms to Medicaid funding and laboratory reimbursement. By THE STAR STAFF The Puerto Rico Clinical Laboratories Association (ALCPR) is moving to elevate the island’s presence in federal health‑policy debates, announcing its affiliation with the American Clinical Laboratory Association (ACLA) as part of a broader push to safeguard Medicaid fund