Dr. Elba Caraballo Rivera, deputy director of the Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Puerto Rico ( cccupr.org ) By THE STAR STAFF The University of Puerto Rico (UPR) Comprehensive Cancer Center has renewed its call for early colorectal cancer screening amid data showing an alarming rise in diagnoses among younger adults on the island. According to the latest report from the Puerto Rico Central Cancer Registry, colorectal cancer accounted for 11.1% of all cancer

Scott Hempling, the hearing examiner for the Puerto Rico Energy Bureau in its basic utility rates review process (LinkedIn) By THE STAR STAFF A hearing examiner for the Puerto Rico Energy Bureau (PREB) ordered LUMA Energy on Thursday to correct or confirm key financial filings after consultants identified inconsistencies in the company’s proposed annual revenue requirement -- an essential element of the PREB’s ongoing effort to revise basic utility rates on the island. The PR

By THE STAR STAFF The professional experience of LUMA Energy’s new CEO, Janisse Quiñones, has not been untouched by controversy. Quiñones, born and raised in Caguas and a mechanical engineering graduate from the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez, has worked for several energy and water companies that have been in the public eye for various reasons. The recent controversies revolve around her role as executive director and lead engineer for the Los Angeles Department of Wa

By THE STAR STAFF Treasury Secretary Ángel Pantoja Rodríguez announced Thursday the disbursement of $133,031,527 in a new round of refunds corresponding to 58,783 tax returns, bringing the total amount paid out in the current tax cycle to over $1.1 billion. “With the new payroll approved, $1,100,318,009 has been disbursed to approximately 491,378 taxpayers,” Pantoja Rodríguez in a written statement. “This is a record number, but we remain focused on continuing the excellent w

José Luis Rivera, director of the Department of Economic Development and Commerce’s Office of Strategy and Business Intelligence By THE STAR STAFF Puerto Rico’s exports grew 3.6% in 2025, a surge that government officials say underscores the island’s expanding role in global supply chains and its strengthened economic footing. The update was delivered by La Fortaleza Public Affairs Secretary Jean Peña Payano alongside senior officials from the Department of Economic Developme

By THE STAR STAFF Puerto Rico Secretary of State Rosachely Rivera Santana announced Thursday that the federal government has implemented a new online payment system for passport applications submitted at acceptance centers on the island. The new directive eliminates the use of money orders and personal checks and requires applicants to pay federal fees through the pay.gov platform before visiting the center to complete the process. “This method simplifies the process for cit

Rep. Víctor Parés Otero By THE STAR STAFF Rep. Víctor Parés Otero has filed House Resolution 607, which seeks to conduct a study on the actions of the company operating the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, Aerostar Holdings LLC, to accommodate the use of Advanced Air Mobility Vehicles (AAMs), better known as “electric air taxis.” The measure, introduced last month, is part of a package of legislation that the San Juan District 4 lawmaker filed after participating in th

By THE STAR STAFF A 62-year-old man was killed Wednesday morning inside an ambulance, after armed individuals forced their way into the emergency vehicle and shot him a second time, according to police. The victim, Ramón Ramos Nicole, had been released from prison in January after serving a 25-year sentence for rape and robbery. He had recently returned to live at the Las Margaritas public housing complex in Santurce, where the attack occurred. The initial shooting was report

Gov. Jenniffer González Colón By THE STAR STAFF Puerto Rico’s accelerated push toward renewable energy advanced this week as the Puerto Rico Energy Bureau (PREB) issued new directives, granted confidential treatment to multiple filings and extended negotiation deadlines amid ongoing disputes between the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA) and several proponents of renewable energy project developers. The actions are part of a broader effort following Executive Order

Gov. Jenniffer González Colón made a half-dozen new appointments this week to fill Assistant Prosecutor I and II positions. (X via x.com/Justicia_PR ) By THE STAR STAFF Gov. Jenniffer González Colón has submitted six new appointments to the Puerto Rico Senate for evaluation, according to records filed this week with the Senate Secretariat. She also issued two additional appointments to an examining board whose members assume their roles immediately, as they do not require leg