Puerto Rico Morning Brief Friday, July 24, 2026
The news worth knowing, and the morning's conditions.
Conditions on July 24
- San Juan / CondadoESE wind 10 kt
- Vieques / EsperanzaENE wind 10 kt
- Regular$3.86–$4.01/gal ($1.02–$1.06/L)
- Premium$4.28–$4.62/gal ($1.13–$1.22/L)
- Diesel$4.13–$4.35/gal ($1.09–$1.15/L)
Morning Brief · from today’s top stories
A tropical system is currently active in the Atlantic, with Potential Tropical Cyclone Bertha having sustained winds of 35 mph. The storm is located approximately 2037 miles from San Juan and is moving west at 14 mph.
A suspect in a Condado restaurant double murder has been found guilty. Santiago Apolinar Rondón was convicted of murdering two brothers. Two individuals have been charged in connection with a massacre in Las Marías, facing first-degree murder and other charges. Scams targeting bank accounts are on the rise in Puerto Rico, mainly affecting older adults, with scammers using various tactics to empty accounts quickly.
The Washington Post and Cato Institute have criticized cabotage rules in light of a Puerto Rico case, noting that a temporary exemption to the Jones Act’s cabotage rules has allowed the island to purchase more US propane in four months than in the previous 22 years. On a separate note, residents are being advised on earthquake preparedness, including identifying safe zones in homes, such as under a table or desk.
Today's highlights
Homicide
Suspect in Condado Restaurant Double Murder Found GuiltySantiago Apolinar Rondón found guilty of murdering two brothers
Las Marías Massacre
Two Charged in Massacre in Las MaríasTwo individuals charged with first-degree murder and other crimes in connection with a massacre in Las Marías
Bank Account Scams
The Trick Used by Scammers to Empty Bank Accounts in MinutesScams are on the rise in Puerto Rico, mainly affecting older adults
Politics
The Washington Post and Cato Institute Criticize Cabotage Rules in Light of Puerto Rico CaseThe temporary exemption to the Jones Act’s cabotage rules has allowed Puerto Rico to purchase more US propane in four months than in the previous 22 years.
Community
Learn What to Do Before, During, and After an EarthquakeIdentify safe zones in your home, such as under a table or desk
Worth a visit
Photo credits
- Casa de la Masacre de Ponce: “Casa Alcaldía de Ponce, Puerto Rico” by TravelingOtter, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
- Casa Cautiño Museum: “Casa Cautiño Guayama PR” by Jose Oquendo from Freeport, NY, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0