Efficiency Coordinator Verónica Ferraiuoli Hornedo stressed the importance of effectively addressing the issues driving permitting delays. By THE STAR STAFF The Task Force for the Simplification of the Permitting System, created under Executive Order 2025-002, has presented its Final Report to Gov. Jenniffer González Colón, outlining a sweeping reform of the island’s permitting framework. The plan aims to modernize processes, reduce delays, and position Puerto Rico as a compe

The dedication of the 2026 San Sebastián Street Festival, announced Wednesday in San Juan, recognizes Jacobo Morales for his more than six decades of contributions to film, theater and television, as well as his impact on Puerto Rican culture. By THE STAR STAFF The 2026 San Sebastián Street Festival will be dedicated to filmmaker and Puerto Rican cultural icon Jacobo Morales, the Municipality of San Juan announced on Wednesday, presenting the program for the event, which will

Robert Mujica Jr., executive director of the Financial Oversight and Management Board for Puerto Rico By THE STAR STAFF The Financial Oversight and Management Board announced a significant milestone in Puerto Rico’s fiscal recovery on Wednesday: the start of a formal process to transfer budgetary control to the central government. The move marks the beginning of a co-leadership model between the oversight board and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) aimed at developing

Labor and Human Resources Secretary María del Pilar Vélez Casanova By THE STAR STAFF The island Department of Labor and Human Resources (DTRH by its initials in Spanish) received a total of 272 requests this year for full or partial exemption from paying the 2025 Christmas bonus. The figure represents 25 fewer requests than last year, when 297 employers sought exemptions. DTRH Secretary María del Pilar Vélez Casanova noted Thursday that the decrease in exemption requests refl

Monday’s funeral Mass for Rafael Ithier Natal, founder of El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, will be open to the public, while the salsa icon’s burial will be a private ceremony reserved for the family. (Wikipedia) By THE STAR STAFF The family of Rafael Ithier Natal and the El Gran Combo organization announced on Wednesday that the public funeral service in honor of the group’s founder will be held next Monday, Dec. 15, at 10:30 a.m. at the San Juan Bautista Minor Basilica Cathedr

Cafeteros of Yauco setter Kevin Rodríguez By THE STAR STAFF The Puerto Rican Volleyball Federation announced the Men’s All-Star Team for Week #7 of the 2025 Men’s Superior Volleyball League (LVSM by its initials in Spanish), highlighting the most outstanding players in each position. The undisputed star: Kevin Rodríguez (#55, Cafeteros of Yauco), who was named Player of the Week and Best Setter. Among the most lethal attackers were Pelegrín Vargas (#14, Caribes of San Sebasti

It felt fitting that the final season at the Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale -- and the last game of this first chapter of Messi in Miami -- ended with an MLS Cup trophy. It also felt appropriate that it was delivered by Lionel Messi’s brilliance. (Instagram via golazoamerica) By PAUL TENORIO / THE ATHLETIC It was nearly two hours after the final whistle sounded on Inter Miami’s first MLS Cup, but Lionel Messi still hadn’t taken off his pink cleats as he stood next to the o