A worker with a non-profit helps a woman, not shown, to enroll in health insurance coverage under the Affordable Care Act in New Berlin, Wis., on Jan. 8, 2024. President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans have effectively cut subsidies for the Affordable Care Act’s marketplaces, making it harder for people who do not receive insurance through work to afford a plan. (Jamie Kelter Davis/The New York Times) By THE EDITORIAL BOARD One of the federal government’s great ach

President Donald Trump arrives at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland following spending the weekend at his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey, on Sunday, August 16, 2026. In a social media post, the president scolded South Korea for not helping denuclearize Iran, and also praised North Korea and its leader. (Al Drago/The New York Times) By HELENE COOPER President Donald Trump said on Sunday that he had instructed the Pentagon to reduce joint military exercises with South Korea,

Workers assess a fallen tree on busy Kanoelehua Avenue as Hurricane Lala pummels with high winds and heavy rain in Hilo, Hawaii, on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026. (Bruce Omori/The New York Times) By CHRISTINA MORALES and JUDSON JONES Hawaii residents faced extensive power outages, submerged bridges and roads, and damaged homes after Hurricane Lala brushed along the islands. Hurricane Lala, which was a Category 1 hurricane, did not make landfall but moved close enough to wash out hi

Ana Teresa Brotóns Gómez, assistant professor at the University of Puerto Rico-Río Piedras Campus and founder of the market research and strategic consulting firm CoMark By THE STAR STAFF A new study from the University of Puerto Rico (UPR) suggests that skepticism toward artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming a defining factor in how consumers interpret branded content online. According to the research, one out of every three consumers doubts the authenticity of AI-genera

Estudios Técnicos Inc. reported that its Consumer Financial Fragility Index rose to 42.2 points on a 0-100 scale, remaining within the moderate fragility band but reversing the improvement seen earlier in the year. By THE STAR STAFF Puerto Rico households experienced noticeable tightening in their financial conditions during the second quarter of 2026, according to new figures released by Estudios Técnicos Inc. (ETI). The firm reported that its Consumer Financial Fragility In

By THE STAR STAFF Gov. Jenniffer González Colón appointed attorney Pedro César de Jesús Román on Monday as deputy chief of staff at La Fortaleza, a position he assumed immediately. Since Jan. 11, 2025, de Jesús Román had been serving as a senior executive adviser to the Fiscal Agency and Financial Advisory Authority, the Office of the Chief of Staff, and the Public-Private Partnerships Authority. According to La Fortaleza, the attorney has over 20 years of experience in publi

Ernesto Rodríguez, director of the National Weather Service in San Juan, estimated that areas linked to the Carraízo reservoir are facing rainfall deficits of between eight and 10 inches, while deficits in the La Plata basin range from around two to 10 inches, depending on the sector. (Facebook via Jenniffer González Colón) By THE STAR STAFF Gov. Jenniffer González Colón ruled out implementing a rationing plan this week for customers relying on the La Plata reservoir, noting

Aguirre Power Plant in Salinas (Facebook via Zar de Energia) By THE STAR STAFF Power Expectations LLC issued a forceful public statement Monday rejecting what it called “false, malicious and illegal” allegations surrounding its participation in Puerto Rico’s 400‑megawatt (MW) temporary generation project at the Aguirre Power Plant in Salinas. The remarks by the energy firm’s CEO came days after the Financial Oversight and Management Board revoked approval of the contract and