WEATHER ALERT
Oversight board says it will help speed up projects to fix Puerto Rico's electric grid
Read full article: Oversight board says it will help speed up projects to fix Puerto Rico's electric gridA federal control board that oversees Puerto Rico’s finances says it will step in to help speed up projects to fix the island’s crumbling power grid as widespread outages persist.
Tens of thousands remain without power in Puerto Rico, a week after tropical storm swiped the island
Read full article: Tens of thousands remain without power in Puerto Rico, a week after tropical storm swiped the islandTens of thousands of customers are still without power across Puerto Rico, a week after Ernesto swiped the U.S. territory as a tropical storm.
A strengthening Ernesto is poised to become a hurricane after brushing past Puerto Rico
Read full article: A strengthening Ernesto is poised to become a hurricane after brushing past Puerto RicoTropical Storm Ernesto is poised to become a hurricane after brushing past Puerto Rico as officials closed schools, opened shelters and moved dozens of the U.S. territory’s endangered parrots into hurricane-proof rooms.
Federal control board sues Puerto Rico's governor over net metering law
Read full article: Federal control board sues Puerto Rico's governor over net metering lawA federal control board overseeing Puerto Rico’s finances has filed a lawsuit challenging amendments to the island’s net metering law, triggering a backlash.
US announces $325 million in funding to boost Puerto Rico solar projects as power outages persist
Read full article: US announces $325 million in funding to boost Puerto Rico solar projects as power outages persistThe U.S. government says $325 million in federal funds will be available for solar and battery storage installations across Puerto Rico as the U.S. territory struggles with chronic power outages.
Widespread outage hits Puerto Rico as customers demand ouster of private electric company
Read full article: Widespread outage hits Puerto Rico as customers demand ouster of private electric companyA widespread power outage has hit Puerto Rico and left more than 340,000 customers without electricity after two of the U.S. territory’s power plants shut down.
Extended power outage that hit Puerto Rico angers and worries many during heat advisories
Read full article: Extended power outage that hit Puerto Rico angers and worries many during heat advisoriesTowns in central and southern Puerto Rico are struggling to emerge from a prolonged power outage that has forced authorities in the U.S. territory to activate an emergency response team.
Puerto Rico Gov. Pedro Pierluisi concedes defeat in surprise primary upset by Jenniffer González
Read full article: Puerto Rico Gov. Pedro Pierluisi concedes defeat in surprise primary upset by Jenniffer GonzálezPuerto Rico congressional representative Jenniffer González has defeated Gov. Pedro Pierluisi in a surprise upset during a primary election held by their pro-statehood party.
Dredging of Puerto Rico's biggest port begins despite warnings it may harm turtles and corals
Read full article: Dredging of Puerto Rico's biggest port begins despite warnings it may harm turtles and coralsA $62 million project to dredge Puerto Rico’s biggest and most important seaport has started amid fierce opposition from environmentalists and a pending lawsuit.
Kamala Harris marks first visit to Puerto Rico as vice president, riling some in the US territory
Read full article: Kamala Harris marks first visit to Puerto Rico as vice president, riling some in the US territoryU.S. Vice President Kamala Harris has visited Puerto Rico as part of a whirlwind trip to tout the federal aid the U.S. territory has received following deadly hurricanes and attend a Democratic fundraiser.
Puerto Rico's public schools clamor for air conditioning to get relief from record-breaking heat
Read full article: Puerto Rico's public schools clamor for air conditioning to get relief from record-breaking heatStudents and teachers are sweltering in public schools across Puerto Rico and demanding that the government install air conditioners as the U.S. Caribbean territory bakes under record heat this year.
Crews will rebuild a critical dam in Puerto Rico that was battered by Hurricane Maria
Read full article: Crews will rebuild a critical dam in Puerto Rico that was battered by Hurricane MariaOfficials say a key dam in Puerto Rico that was severely damaged by Hurricane Maria will be rebuilt and improved.
Puerto Rico pushes for private power generation amid secrecy
Read full article: Puerto Rico pushes for private power generation amid secrecyThe governing board of Puerto Rico’s power company says it has approved a plan to privatize electric generation in the U.S. territory after meeting for nearly two hours behind closed doors.
‘I’m committed to this island,’ Biden says during speech in Puerto Rico
Read full article: ‘I’m committed to this island,’ Biden says during speech in Puerto RicoPresident Joe Biden promises to “rebuild it all” after visiting Puerto Rico on Monday to survey damage from Hurricane Fiona, as tens of thousands of people remain without power two weeks after the storm hit.
Puerto Rico seeks U.S. waiver as diesel dwindles after storm
Read full article: Puerto Rico seeks U.S. waiver as diesel dwindles after stormPuerto Rico’s governor requested that the U.S. government waive a federal law to allow for more fuel shipments to the island amid concerns over a dwindling supply of diesel in the wake of Hurricane Fiona.
Puerto Ricans seething over lack of power days after Fiona
Read full article: Puerto Ricans seething over lack of power days after FionaHalf of Puerto Rico is without power more than five days after Hurricane Fiona struck the U.S. territory — including an entire town where not a single work crew has arrived.
Post-Fiona fuel disruptions spark fear in Puerto Rico
Read full article: Post-Fiona fuel disruptions spark fear in Puerto RicoA growing number of businesses including grocery stores and gas stations are temporarily closing across Puerto Rico as power outages caused by Hurricane Fiona drag on in the U.S. territory, sparking concern about the availability of fuel and basic goods.
Fiona swipes Turks and Caicos, Puerto Rico faces big cleanup
Read full article: Fiona swipes Turks and Caicos, Puerto Rico faces big cleanupHurricane Fiona is blasting the Turks and Caicos Islands as a Category 3 storm after devastating Puerto Rico, where most people remain without electricity or running water.
South Florida reaching out to help Puerto Rico as Fiona brings devastation
Read full article: South Florida reaching out to help Puerto Rico as Fiona brings devastationHurricane Fiona unleashed more rain on Puerto Rico on Monday, a day after the storm knocked out power and water to most of the island, and National Guard troops rescued hundreds of people who got stranded.
Company pledges to reduce Puerto Rico outages amid anger
Read full article: Company pledges to reduce Puerto Rico outages amid angerPersistent power outages and threats from Puerto Rico’s government have prompted a company that operates the island’s transmission and distribution system to announce that it would dedicate more resources and crews to improve service.
Ex Puerto Rico Gov. Wanda Vázquez charged with bribery
Read full article: Ex Puerto Rico Gov. Wanda Vázquez charged with briberyFormer Puerto Rico Gov. Wanda Vázquez has been arrested on bribery charges related to the financing of her 2020 campaign, the latest hit to an island with a long history of corruption that brought fresh political upheaval to the U.S. territory.
Clarification: Puerto Rico-Statehood story
Read full article: Clarification: Puerto Rico-Statehood storyIn a story published May 19, 2022, The Associated Press reported that a group of Democratic congress members on Thursday proposed a binding plebiscite to decide whether Puerto Rico should become a state or gain some sort of independence.
Builders hurt protected areas in climate-weary Puerto Rico
Read full article: Builders hurt protected areas in climate-weary Puerto RicoPuerto Rico's Justice Department has launched a criminal investigation into destruction in an ecological reserve that protects one of the island’s most extensive mangrove forests.
Puerto Rico exits bankruptcy after grueling debt negotiation
Read full article: Puerto Rico exits bankruptcy after grueling debt negotiationPuerto Rico’s government is formally exiting bankruptcy after completing the largest public debt restructuring in U.S. history after announcing nearly seven years ago that it was unable to pay its more than $70 billion debt.
Puerto Rico battles COVID-19 surge, imposes new measures
Read full article: Puerto Rico battles COVID-19 surge, imposes new measuresPuerto Rico is imposing new measures to fight a surge in COVID-19 cases that has overwhelmed medical staff in the U.S. territory and led to temporary shortages of testing kits.
The Latest: South Korea has 100th day of 1,000-plus cases
Read full article: The Latest: South Korea has 100th day of 1,000-plus casesSouth Korea has reported more than 1,000 new coronavirus infections for the 100th consecutive day as a delta-driven outbreak continues to spread in the greater capital area.
US legislators probing Puerto Rico power outages demand data
Read full article: US legislators probing Puerto Rico power outages demand dataA U.S. House committee is demanding that the company in charge of the transmission and distribution of power in Puerto Rico release key data amid widespread outages in the U.S. territory that have outraged and frustrated many.
Puerto Ricans fume as outages threaten health, work, school
Read full article: Puerto Ricans fume as outages threaten health, work, schoolNot a single hurricane has hit Puerto Rico this year, but hundreds of thousands of people in the U.S. territory feel like they’re living in the aftermath of a major storm: Students do homework by the light of dying cellphones.
Puerto Rico to limit alcohol sales, gatherings amid pandemic
Read full article: Puerto Rico to limit alcohol sales, gatherings amid pandemicPuerto Rico’s governor has announced new restrictions to fight a rise in COVID-19 cases, including the closure of certain private businesses and banning alcohol sales after midnight.
Power outages hit Dominican Republic as TS Fred weakens
Read full article: Power outages hit Dominican Republic as TS Fred weakensTropical Storm Fred has weakened to a tropical depression while sweeping over the Dominican Republic and dumping heavy rains that forecasters warn could cause dangerous flooding and mudslides there and in neighboring Haiti.
The Latest: US health officials to release new COVID-19 data
Read full article: The Latest: US health officials to release new COVID-19 dataU.S. health officials are expected to release new data about the spread of COVID-19 on Friday that led to their decision to recommend that vaccinated people wear masks in some situations, a reversal of previous guidance.
Puerto Rico to receive nearly $4B in US pandemic funds
Read full article: Puerto Rico to receive nearly $4B in US pandemic fundsU.S. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona says Puerto Rico will receive nearly $4 billion in federal education pandemic relief funds to help boost the U.S. territory’s fight against COVID-19.
Private company takes over Puerto Rico power utility service
Read full article: Private company takes over Puerto Rico power utility serviceA private company has taken over the transmission and distribution operations of Puerto Rico’s power authority, which has been struggling with blackouts and bankruptcy and a history of corruption and mismanagement.
The Latest: US 7th Fleet: 14,000 personnel fully vaccinated
Read full article: The Latest: US 7th Fleet: 14,000 personnel fully vaccinatedThe U.S. 7th Fleet that operates throughout the Indo-Pacific says more than 14,000 of its service members have received their full doses of the coronavirus vaccine, which it began administering on January 5.
Puerto Rico reopens public schools amid COVID-19 fears
Read full article: Puerto Rico reopens public schools amid COVID-19 fearsStudents arrive at the Ramon Marin Sola primary school for the first time in nearly a year amid the COVID-19 pandemic as some public schools reopen in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Wednesday, March 10, 2021. (AP Photo/Danica Coto)SAN JUAN – Parents across Puerto Rico knelt down on Wednesday to adjust their children's face masks and backpacks as public schools reopened for the first time in nearly a year despite the pandemic, with officials reporting scarce attendance amid COVID-19 concerns. Among them was the Ramón Marín Solá primary school in Guaynabo, where parents checked their children’s face masks before hugging them goodbye. AdFor now, only kindergarteners, special education students and children in first, second, third and 12th grades are allowed to return to school. Union leaders and some parents and teachers have called on Pierluisi’s administration to wait until August to reopen schools, noting the U.S. territory has not seen a significant decrease in COVID-19 cases.
The Latest: Mexico sees near-record daily coronavirus deaths
Read full article: The Latest: Mexico sees near-record daily coronavirus deaths(AP Photo/Marco Ugarte)MEXICO CITY — Mexico reported a near-record 1,707 confirmed coronavirus deaths Wednesday, as the country runs out of vaccines. Ad___THE VIRUS OUTBREAK:Spain surpasses 60,000 confirmed virus deaths. British officials say Oxford study backs up their decision to delay second vaccine shot for up to 12 weeks. Ad___OKLAHOMA CITY -- About 11,500 doses of the coronavirus vaccine will be shipped to pharmacies across Oklahoma next week, state health officials said. ___MANAGUA, Nicaragua — Nicaragua’s government says it has approved Russia’s Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine for emergency use.
Puerto Rico to get billions for storm aid, reconstruction
Read full article: Puerto Rico to get billions for storm aid, reconstructionFILE - In this May 28, 2020 file photo, the home of 85-year-old Carmen Lacen, sits inhabitable after the passing of Hurricane Maria partially covered by a torn, blue tarp, in Loiza, Puerto Rico. The U.S. territory is slated to receive more than $6 billion in federal funds to help prepare for future hurricanes and other disasters, officials said Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2021. (AP Photo/Carlos Giusti, File)SAN JUAN – Puerto Rico is slated to receive more than $6 billion in federal funds to help prepare the U.S. territory for future hurricanes and other disasters, officials said Tuesday. In addition, Puerto Rico now has access to $3.2 billion to continue rebuilding from hurricanes Irma and Maria, said Pierluisi, who praised the administration of U.S. President Joe Biden for acting quickly. Congress had assigned $67 billion to help with reconstruction efforts after the hurricanes devastated the island in September 2017, but of the $43 billion obligated, Puerto Rico has only received $18 billion amid concerns over how the money would be spent.
Puerto Rico to reopen beaches, relax coronavirus curfew
Read full article: Puerto Rico to reopen beaches, relax coronavirus curfewPuerto Ricos new governor Pierluisi announced Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2021, that he will reopen beaches, marinas and pools, eliminate a Sunday lockdown and shorten a curfew that has been in place since the pandemic began to control the number of COVID-19 cases. (AP Photo/Carlos Giusti, File)SAN JUAN – Puerto Rico’s new governor announced Tuesday that he will reopen beaches, marinas and pools, eliminate a Sunday lockdown and shorten a curfew that has been in place since the pandemic began to control the number of COVID-19 cases. Meanwhile, the new curfew will run from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. and face masks remain mandatory. The announcement was cheered by many across Puerto Rico who have long sought to visit the U.S. territory’s beaches that had remained off limits to all except those doing exercise. Carlos Mellado, Puerto Rico's designated health secretary, said he expects 40,000 vaccine doses to arrive on the island every week.
New governor sworn in as a wary Puerto Rico demands changes
Read full article: New governor sworn in as a wary Puerto Rico demands changes(AP Photo/Carlos Giusti)SAN JUAN – Pedro Pierluisi vowed to achieve statehood for Puerto Rico and fight against poverty, corruption and COVID-19 after he was sworn in Saturday as the U.S. territory’s new governor. “I need everyone to battle our common enemies.”Saturday’s ceremony marked the end of a chaotic four-year period in which Puerto Rico had three governors, including Pierluisi himself briefly after former Gov. Congress created the board in 2016, a year after Puerto Rico declared its more than $70 billion public debt unpayable, an amount accumulated in part by previous administrations borrowing money to cover budget deficits. At the time she was the island’s justice secretary, but since there was no secretary of state at the time, Puerto Rico’s constitution dictated she assume the governorship. A new legislature also was sworn in on Saturday, marking the first time that the majority of Puerto Rico’s Senate is female.
Pedro Pierluisi wins gubernatorial race in Puerto Rico
Read full article: Pedro Pierluisi wins gubernatorial race in Puerto RicoPedro Pierluisi, gubernatorial candidate with the New Progressive Party (PNP), arrives at Vivo Beach Club to celebrate a slim lead of the pro-statehood party in the Puerto Rican general elections, in Carolina, Puerto Rico, Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2020. (AP Photo/Carlos Giusti)SAN JUAN – Pedro Pierluisi of Puerto Rico’s pro-statehood New Progressive Party won a majority of votes to become the U.S. territory’s next governor, according to official preliminary results released late Saturday. The results come four days after Puerto Rico held general elections, an unusual delay blamed on a record number of early and absentee votes that overwhelmed officials. It's also the first time that Puerto Rico's two main parties fail to reach 40% of votes. Other results released late Saturday included those of a tight race for the mayor of Puerto Rico's capital.
Puerto Ricans in unfamiliar territory as vote count delayed
Read full article: Puerto Ricans in unfamiliar territory as vote count delayedVoters across Puerto Rico are choosing new leaders they believe would help heal a U.S. territory wracked by corruption, hurricanes, earthquakes and the pandemic. “There’s still a lot at play.”Another hotly contested race is that for mayor of Puerto Rico’s capital. The elections commission has not certified any winners in those races or others. The president of Puerto Rico’s elections commission, Francisco Rosado, said he wasn’t satisfied with the job that the administrative board responsible for counting those votes is doing. “The elections commission was one of the few institutions that had credibility,” he said.
Puerto Rico awaits final result in tight gubernatorial race
Read full article: Puerto Rico awaits final result in tight gubernatorial race(AP Photo/Carlos Giusti)SAN JUAN – People across Puerto Rico awaited final results Wednesday of elections that saw long lines of voters and produced a tight gubernatorial race in the U.S. Caribbean territory. Meanwhile, Jenniffer González, Puerto Rico’s current representative in U.S. Congress and Pierluisi's running partner, easily won a second term. The race to become mayor of Puerto Rico's capital also was extremely tight, with only hundreds of votes separating two candidates, including one from a new party. Pierluisi briefly served as governor following last year’s protests and previously represented Puerto Rico in Congress for eight years. “Puerto Ricans have a short memory,” he said, adding that he remains hopeful a non-traditional party will eventually lead Puerto Rico.
Election Day: Puerto Ricans to vote on statehood
Read full article: Election Day: Puerto Ricans to vote on statehoodSAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Voters across Puerto Rico on Tuesday are choosing new leaders they hope can help heal a U.S. territory wracked by corruption, hurricanes, earthquakes and the coronavirus pandemic. “The situation in general here in Puerto Rico is chaotic,” he said. Supporters of President Donald Trump gather moments before leaving for the headquarters of the Republican party in support of his candidacy a few weeks before the presidential election next November, in Carolina, Puerto Rico, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2020. They will be asked one question: “Should Puerto Rico be admitted immediately into the union as a state?” The vote is advisory as Congress would have to approve that happening. “Puerto Rico’s public administration collapsed a long time ago.
Justice Secretary Wanda Vazquez sworn in as Puerto Rico's new governor
Read full article: Justice Secretary Wanda Vazquez sworn in as Puerto Rico's new governorAssociated PressSAN JUAN, Puerto Rico - Puerto Rico Justice Secretary Wanda Vazquez has been sworn in as the island's new governor, culminating weeks of political turmoil. Vazquez took the oath of office early Wednesday evening at the Puerto Rican Supreme Court, which earlier in the day ruled that Pedro Pierluisi's swearing in last week was unconstitutional. But they were also expected to unleash a new wave of demonstrations because many Puerto Ricans have said they don't want Vazquez as governor. Ricardo Rossello was forced to resign by anger over corruption, mismanagement of funds and a leaked obscenity-laced chat. Pierluisi was sworn in as governor Friday.
Puerto Rico's Supreme Court overturns swearing in of Pedro Pierluisi
Read full article: Puerto Rico's Supreme Court overturns swearing in of Pedro PierluisiAngel Valentin / Getty ImagesSAN JUAN, Puerto Rico - Puerto Rico's Supreme Court has overturned the swearing in of Pedro Pierluisi as the island's governor less than a week ago, clearing the way for Justice Secretary Wanda Vazquez to take up the post after weeks of turmoil. But it is expected to unleash new demonstrations because many Puerto Ricans have said they don't want her as governor. Pierluisi was then sworn in as governor Friday after Rossello formally resigned in response to angry street protests. Puerto Rico's Senate sued to challenge Pierluisi's legitimacy as governor, arguing that its approval was also necessary. The Supreme Court judges ruled in favor of the Senate.
Puerto Rico's Supreme Court has overturned the swearing in of Pedro Pierluisi
Read full article: Puerto Rico's Supreme Court has overturned the swearing in of Pedro PierluisiAngel Valentin / Getty ImagesSAN JUAN, Puerto Rico - Puerto Rico's Supreme Court has overturned the swearing in of Pedro Pierluisi as the island's governor less than a week ago, clearing the way for Justice Secretary Wanda Vazquez to take up the post after weeks of turmoil. But it is expected to unleash new demonstrations because many Puerto Ricans have said they don't want her as governor. Pierluisi was then sworn in as governor Friday after Rossello formally resigned in response to angry street protests. Puerto Rico's Senate sued to challenge Pierluisi's legitimacy as governor, arguing that its approval was also necessary. The Supreme Court judges ruled in favor of the Senate.