Camuy Mayor Gabriel Hernández Rodríguez By THE STAR STAFF Camuy Mayor Gabriel Hernández Rodríguez announced on Sunday the approval of an ordinance banning the consumption of alcoholic beverages at any time at all gas stations and their immediate surroundings -- including commercial establishments operating on those properties. The measure establishes fines ranging from $3,000 to $5,000 for individuals who violate the rule. Ordinance 8, Series 2026-2027, approved by the Munici

The University of Puerto Rico in Carolina’s decision to halt promotions illustrates how systemwide pressures now affect faculty advancement at the campus level. (Universidad de Puerto Rico) By THE STAR STAFF The University of Puerto Rico in Carolina has suspended all faculty promotions for the 2026-2027 academic year after receiving a reduction of $710,384 in its operating budget, a decision that reflects the broader financial strain affecting the entire UPR system. In an off

By THE STAR STAFF The Puerto Rico Energy Bureau (PREB) has ordered LUMA Energy and Genera PR to appear at a virtual technical conference on Sept. 28 to explain the sharp increase proposed for electricity rates in the upcoming quarter. The recent directive comes as regulators seek detailed clarification on what is driving a six‑cent hike in the Fuel Cost Adjustment (FCA), Purchased Power Cost Adjustment (PPCA), and other rate components for October through December. In the Res

The new Ford Transit van, the Cidra Center of Eternal Spring’s first of this kind, seats eight passengers and features a ramp to facilitate access for participants with limited mobility. By THE STAR STAFF The Municipal Government of Cidra, with the support of the Office of the Ombudsman for the Elderly (OPPEA by its initials in Spanish), has bolstered the free services offered by the Cidra Center of Eternal Spring (Centro Cidreño de la Eterna Primavera) for people with Alzhei

Osvaldo Carlo Linares, president of Regulatory Compliance Services, which administers the Independent Procurement Office By THE STAR STAFF Gothams Energy has sent a cease-and-desist letter to attorney Osvaldo Carlo Linares following testimony he delivered during a Government Committee hearing in the Puerto Rico House of Representatives examining the procurement process behind temporary power generation contracts intended to bolster the island’s electrical grid. As previously

Sen. Héctor Joaquín Sánchez By THE STAR STAFF Sen. Héctor Joaquín Sánchez said Thursday that the Puerto Rico Senate will open an investigation into companies that promote property raffles on social media, a practice that has expanded rapidly amid growing concerns about consumer protection. In a radio interview, the senator noted that while some businesses comply with regulations from the Department of Consumer Affairs (DACO by its acronym in Spanish), others appear to be oper

As strong storms impacted large parts of Puerto Rico on Thursday, the National Weather Service in San Juan issued a warning about wind gusts of up to 30 miles per hour, heavy rain and frequent lightning. Meanwhile, the U.S. Drought Monitor released its latest data for the island, which indicated that 68% of Puerto Rico is experiencing some level of drought, while 37.1% of the territory is classified as being in extreme drought. The numbers for the most part showed the continu

The 75th edition of the Miss Universe pageant is scheduled to take place on Nov. 24 at José Miguel Agrelot Coliseum in Hato Rey. (Wikipedia/Mtmelendez) By THE STAR STAFF Representatives of Thai businessman Nawat Itsaragrisil, owner of the Miss Universe Thailand franchise, have alleged that the Puerto Rico government deposited funds intended for the Miss Universe organization into bank accounts that do not belong to the pageant organization. The claims were presented before th

Public Affairs Secretary Jean Peña Payano LUMA says proposed increase reflects higher generation costs, not company revenue By THE STAR STAFF Jean Peña Payano, La Fortaleza’s secretary of public affairs, rejected a proposed electricity bill increase from LUMA Energy on Thursday and demanded that the company disclose the salaries and other benefits received by its executives. “Naturally, we do not want energy costs to rise,” Peña Payano said at a press conference. The official

The Financial Oversight and Management Board said it shares concerns that Act 215-2024 could raise costs for critical infrastructure and reconstruction projects, particularly those financed with federal disaster assistance. Warns federal recovery funds could be jeopardized By THE STAR STAFF The Financial Oversight and Management Board for Puerto Rico has reaffirmed its opposition to the implementation of Act 215-2024, saying the measure could increase the cost of federally fu