Puerto Rico Morning BriefFriday, July 24, 2026

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. In other news, a suspect in a Condado restaurant double murder has been found guilty.

Santiago Apolinar Rondón was convicted of murdering two brothers. Meanwhile, two individuals have been charged in connection with a massacre in Las Marías, facing first-degree murder and other charges. Additionally, 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.