By CHRIS CAMERON Vice President JD Vance, the highest-ranking Catholic in the federal government, said in an interview on Fox News on Monday that the pope should stay out of American affairs. Vance, a convert to Catholicism who is about to publish a book detailing his turn to the faith, brushed off a backlash among Christians across the political spectrum to President Donald Trump’s attacks against Pope Leo XIV. He said “that in some cases it would be best for the Vatican to

Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas) speaks during a hearing at the Cannon House Office Building in Washington, Feb. 10, 2026. Gonzales, who is accused of a coercive sexual relationship with a staff member who later killed herself, announced that he would resign from Congress amid growing bipartisan outcry from House members. (Eric Lee/The New York Times) By J. DAVID GOODMAN Rep. Tony Gonzales, a Texas Republican accused of having a coercive sexual relationship with a staff member wh

A measure filed in the island Legislature proposes ordering the Puerto Rico Tourism Company to develop a strategic plan for the development, marketing and promotion of the southwestern fishing village of Joyuda and the surrounding area. (Wikipedia/Jerjes Medina Albino) By THE STAR STAFF District IV (Mayagüez-Aguadilla) Sen. Jeison Rosa Ramos filed Senate Bill 1177 earlier this week, a measure aimed at creating and officially establishing the “Joyuda, Sabor Costero” tourist an

The legislative action arises from a growing concern about the permanence of systems that, although they were installed as temporary solutions after the passage of Hurricane Maria in 2017, today continue to operate without a permanent solution, posing constant risks for the population. By THE STAR STAFF District 14 (Arecibo and Hatillo) Rep. Edgar Robles Rivera, who chairs the Consumer Affairs Committee in the island House of Representatives, filed a measure on Tuesday to ord

The event, titled “Magical Stories that Illuminate Little Hearts,” included games, a services fair, and storytelling sessions, promoting physical activity, emotional well-being, and access to services in a safe and family-friendly environment. By THE STAR STAFF Aguas Buenas Mayor Karina Nieves Serrano held an event Tuesday dedicated to the well-being, development and enjoyment of children, as part of Children’s Week, reaffirming her administration’s commitment to the protecti

Palo Seco Power Plant in Toa Baja By THE STAR STAFF The Financial Oversight and Management Board for Puerto Rico has approved, with observations, a proposed $47 million work order between the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for major infrastructure work related to the Freedom Connection Project, which includes a major natural gas pipeline. In a letter dated April 9 and addressed to PREPA General Counsel Alexis G. Rivera Medin

Guayama Mayor O’brain Vázquez Molina, left, and Aguada Mayor Christian Cortés Feliciano, who highlighted concerns over provisions in the permitting reform measure drafted by La Fortaleza that would limit the role of territorial land use plans. (Facebook via Asoc. de Alcaldes de PR) By THE STAR STAFF Members of the Puerto Rico Mayors Association met Tuesday morning to discuss House Bill 1183, a measure proposed by La Fortaleza aimed at reforming the island’s permitting system.

By THE STAR STAFF The president of the General Student Council at the University of Puerto Rico’s Mayagüez Campus (UPR-RUM), Tainary Delgado, announced that the council has approved an indefinite strike calling for the removal of UPR President Zayira Jordán Conde and RUM Interim Chancellor Miguel Muñoz Muñoz. Although Delgado insisted that the action being taken is not technically a strike, the student leader urged the university community not to cross picket lines establishe

The Office of the Ombudsman for the Citizen emphasized that citizens should take the time to review all available alternatives for traffic fine amnesty offered on the CESCO Digital platform, and make an informed decision about which option is most convenient and financially beneficial. By THE STAR STAFF Drivers seeking to benefit from the maximum discount available under the traffic fine amnesty established by the Department of Transportation and Public Works must pay close a