Podcast Summary: Noticias con Calle – September 19, 2025

Host: Jay Fonseca
Episode Title: LAS NOTICIAS CON CALLE DE 19 DE SEPTIEMBRE DE 2025
Date: September 19, 2025

Overview

In this episode, Jay Fonseca delves into the most pressing news stories of the day in Puerto Rico, providing critical analysis and his signature blend of insight and opinion. He discusses the escalating political battle involving the President of the Senate, Tomás Rivera Schatz, federal investigations, controversies over government contracts in the energy sector, challenges to free speech in the U.S., the influence of pro-Trump organizations, developments in the media landscape, and local public concerns such as reconstruction, crime, and health trends. Jay seeks to inform his audience about not only what is happening but also the deeper forces at play and potential impacts on the island and beyond.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Senate President Rivera Schatz Calls for Federal Investigation

• [00:00–01:45]
  Jay opens with the “scandalous” call from Senate President Tomás Rivera Schatz for federal authorities to investigate Governor Jennifer González’s administration—including the Secretary of the Gobernación, Francisco Domenech.
  • Jay frames this as part of a long-standing political war, particularly among lobbyists (“esto para mí sigue siendo una guerra de cabilderos”).
  • González claims Rivera Schatz is responsible, but Rivera Schatz denies this.
  • Jay emphasizes the recurring cycle of shifting blame and the lack of substantive accountability.

2. The Heritage Foundation’s Role and Energy Contracts

• [01:45–06:00]
  • Major development: The Heritage Foundation, identified as a close Trump ally, publicly praises Governor González for finalizing a lucrative contract with New Fortress Energy.
    • “Heritage Foundation applauds deal between Puerto Rico and New Fortress Energy.”
  • The Fiscal Oversight Board (Junta de Supervisión Fiscal) previously opposed the contract, calling it “malísimo y extremadamente costoso para Puerto Rico”.
  • Jay underscores the influence of mainland conservative think tanks:
    • “Ahí usted ve quién realmente manda en Puerto Rico.”
  • A new contract extension with Energiza (distinct from Genera) for a San Juan plant increases gas output, but requires buying gas from New Fortress Energy.

3. Fiscal Oversight Board Lawsuit

• [00:45–01:45 & 07:00–08:00]
  • The Fiscal Oversight Board is suing over the firing of ex-members, arguing Trump had no legal authority to dismiss them.
  • This ongoing conflict directly impacts Puerto Rico’s debt negotiations.

4. International and Tech News Tidbits

• [07:00–10:00]
  • Maduro deploys military in communities to increase arms training in Venezuela.
  • Amazon announces free technology training programs in Puerto Rico.
  • Jay notes a “best photo ever” moment with a CrossFit friend, adding a light, personal tone.

5. Legislative Proposal: Payment Plans for Utilities

• [10:30–12:45]
  • There’s a legislative effort to mandate payment plans for customers with overdue bills to agencies like LUMA and the Aqueduct and Sewer Authority.
  • Jay warns this could harm utility cash flows, as similar policies contributed to PREPA’s bankruptcy:
    • “Así es como se quiebran los monopolios, metiéndole un montón de costos que no puede recobrar.”

6. The Drug Business and the Rise of ‘El Mencho’

• [13:00–14:00]
  • US cocaine consumption is surging again; a new Mexican cartel leader, ‘El Mencho,’ is identified as the world's top drug kingpin by the Wall Street Journal.
  • Jay briefly references US demand driving this illicit economy.

7. Freedom of Speech and US Media Consolidation

• [14:00–24:00]
  • Jay provides an in-depth analysis of recent efforts by major conservative groups and figures to gain control of major US media platforms—ABC, CBS, Twitter/X, and potentially TikTok.
  • He contextualizes the fallout involving Jimmy Kimmel, media mergers (Sinclair, Nextstar, Tegna), and the FCC’s role:
    • “Realmente no es Jimmy Kimmel, es cómo aprobar el que la derecha se pueda quedar con ABC, con CVS, que eso ya pasó... además TikTok y ya tienen Twitter. Eso es lo que hay, ese es el play que hay detrás de todo esto.” [21:01]
  • David Ellison (son of Oracle founder Larry Ellison) is acquiring Paramount/CBS, raising concerns about increasing right-wing influence.
  • Jay warns of serious threats to freedom of expression, citing Trump’s public threat to revoke media licenses.

Notable Quote:

“La derecha acaba de quedarse con CVS, muy probablemente ABC... y van a tener ahora TikTok… ya tienen Twitter X con Elon Musk… Esto es un plan bien organizado, bien orquestado y súper bien pensado.” — Jay Fonseca [21:40]

8. Local Crime and Social Issues

• [25:00–27:00]
  • Arrest of a man for kidnapping and sexual assault in Bayamón—$1 million bail.
  • Concerns with criminal justice and psychiatric/forensic evaluations returning people unsafely to the streets.
  • Jay urges investigation into the adequacy of psychological assessments.

9. Puerto Rico’s Ongoing Recovery Challenges

• [27:00–29:00]
  • Only 34% of public works (like road repairs) have been completed since hurricane recovery began.
  • An estimated 750 families still live under blue tarps, awaiting home repairs.
  • Jay expresses deep frustration at the slow pace:
    • “Es impresionante la cantidad de rezago que tenemos en la reconstrucción.”

10. Health Trends

• [29:00–30:00]
  • The latest findings highlight an increase in obesity-related cancer rates, especially among women, as reported by Metro.
  • Marked gender difference in seeking help for obesity.

11. Investigative Journalism & Closing

• [30:00–31:00]
  • Jay notes continuing coverage on legal disputes over the “casita de Bad Bunny”.
  • Promotes his YouTube coverage for deeper dives.

Memorable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• On Heritage Foundation’s Influence:

  “Se chotearon... ya ellos están diciendo quién realmente manda en Puerto Rico.”
  — Jay Fonseca [03:00]

• On Media and Freedom of Speech:

  “Esto es un plan bien organizado... La derecha acaba de quedarse con CVS, muy probablemente ABC... y van a tener ahora TikTok… ya tienen Twitter X con Elon Musk… Eso es lo que hay, ese es el play que hay detrás de todo esto.”
  — Jay Fonseca [21:40]

• Warning About Utility Payment Plans:

  “Así es como se quiebran los monopolios, metiéndole un montón de costos que no puede recobrar…”
  — Jay Fonseca [12:00]

• Political Cynicism:

  “Esto es todo una guerra de cabilderos, donde pues los míos que guisen aquí que no guisen los otros y así es esto…”
  — Jay Fonseca [16:20]

• On Reconstruction:

  “Es impresionante la cantidad de rezago que tenemos en la reconstrucción.”
  — Jay Fonseca [28:15]

Important Segments (Timestamps)

• Introduction and Rivera Schatz vs. González (00:00–01:45)
• Heritage Foundation–New Fortress Energy Deal (01:45–06:00)
• Fiscal Oversight Board Lawsuit (00:45–01:45; 07:00–08:00)
• Media Takeover/Freedom of Speech in US (14:00–24:00)
• Local Crime & Mental Health System Concerns (25:00–27:00)
• Puerto Rico’s Recovery Lag (27:00–29:00)
• Obesity and Cancer Trends (29:00–30:00)
• Bad Bunny’s Legal Case (30:00–31:00)

Final Notes

Jay Fonseca’s episode presents a tapestry of urgent political, social, and economic issues, calling attention to both local scandals and global maneuvers impacting Puerto Rico. Through his critical lens, he invites listeners to see behind the headlines—warning of deep political machinations, questionable contracts, and the looming threats to healthy democracy and free expression, both on the island and in the wider United States.