Podcast Summary: Noticias con Calle – October 3, 2025
Main Theme
In this episode, Jay Fonseca delivers his daily summary of the most pressing news in Puerto Rico and the United States, blending national headlines with vivid local commentary. The episode covers the intensification of U.S. military presence in the Caribbean, political and economic gridlock in Washington, updated incidents of violence in San Juan, critical local infrastructure stories, ongoing struggles in the energy and waste management sectors, and the churn of Puerto Rican political life.
Key Topics & Discussion Points
1. Tensions in the Caribbean & U.S. Politics
- U.S. Military Escalation: Donald Trump claims the U.S. is now "at war" in the Caribbean, specifically targeting drug cartels. Official communication has been sent to Congress about increased military activity.
- Quote: “Trump está diciendo que está en conflicto armado y que va a aumentar... que va a militarizar todavía más el Caribe.” (49:30)
- Senate Budget Deadlock: The Senate faces a standoff over Medicaid funds and the federal budget extension. Democrats demand restoration of Medicaid funding in exchange for their support.
- Quote: “Los demócratas dicen... tú quieres que yo te apruebe presupuesto, necesitas 7 votos demócratas en el Senado Federal... te los doy si tú me das chavos de Medicaid.” (03:50)
- Importance of filibuster rule (60 votes needed) and the end of bipartisan negotiation era.
- Puerto Rico as a Gas Hub: Trump’s plan is to turn Puerto Rico into a distribution hub for U.S. gas in the Caribbean. This plan dates back to initiatives from 2018-19.
- (32:30)
2. Local Crime & Public Safety
- Choliseo Shooting Incident: Reports of a shooting near the Choliseo in San Juan stir rumors, particularly given a history of violence during reggaetón and trap concerts. Although the area was closed off, police haven’t confirmed any connection to past incidents.
- Quote: “He preguntado a diversas fuentes... hasta ahora pues no hay, no hay información de nuevo sobre eso.” (13:50)
- Public Advisory: Jay warns listeners to avoid the northern coast due to powerful waves over 15 feet.
3. Energy Crisis & Infrastructure
- Gas Supply Dispute: Ongoing conflict between New Fortress and tugboat providers prevents gas delivery, forcing Puerto Rico’s plants to use more expensive diesel. Crowley offers a solution, highlighting market competition and compliance with the Jones Act.
- Quote: “La gente de Crowley, viendo esto, le dijo al gobierno de Puerto Rico, yo tengo remolcadores, yo puedo llevarte el gas...” (27:10)
- Quote on cost: “El diésel es mucho más caro, tres veces más caro que el gas, a veces cuatro veces más caro...” (28:50)
- Role of the Jones Act: Puerto Rico can only import U.S. gas via Jones Act-compliant ships, leading to recollections of a French vessel being nationalized for this purpose.
4. Waste Management & Environmental Challenges
- Landfill Crisis: Puerto Rico’s landfills are largely non-compliant federally. Authorities attempt to extend landfill life via biological waste shredding, but lack of proper liners (“Pamper”) is causing environmental contamination.
- Quote: “Pusimos un vertedero donde había oro, o sea, para no contaminar, no sacamos el oro, propusimos un vertedero sin Pamper.” (37:55)
5. Local Government & Accountability
- Arecibo Erosion & Blame Game: The mayor of Arecibo blames the former mayor for delays in constructing a protective breakwater. Jay highlights the cycle of attributing problems to previous administrations.
- Quote: “Es que siempre la culpa es de la administración anterior, nunca es de ellos.” (41:00)
- Cavernas de Camuy Turmoil: Popular Party mayors upset over management decisions transferring the Cavernas de Camuy to Camuy’s PNP mayor. Tourism at this second-busiest site remains stalled.
- Political Messaging: Discussion of PNP’s strategic campaign moves, with Jennifer González raising the profile of potential opponent Juan Dalmau.
6. Political Pulse & Internal Party Dynamics
- PNP Convention & Emerging Tensions: Reports of internal dissent within the New Progressive Party (PNP), with Jennifer González launching targeted ads and a notable number of members expressing discontent.
- Quote: “...la cantidad de gente que está indignada o molesta con Jennifer González que son PNP y que se están desafiliando del PNP...” (59:30)
- Return of Ricardo Roselló: Roselló’s appearance at the PNP convention draws attention, as does political posturing by González, Pierluisi, and Fortuño.
7. Media & Public Communication
- Humorous Media Moment: Jay flags a “media training” blunder by the Economic Development Secretary, who responds to a question about Ruby Rhodes factory trouble with “normalidad,” which Jay lampoons as meaning “nada pasa.”
- Quote: “La próxima tiene que coger un media training, ¿Cómo se le ocurre a alguien decir... eso sigue con normalidad... Pues si, la normalidad que no ha pasado absolutamente nada.” (56:00)
8. Education Spotlight
- Naturopathic Sciences at EDP University: Highlight on EDP as the sole Puerto Rican university offering a Master’s in Naturopathic Sciences.
Memorable Quotes & Timestamps
- On U.S. Military in the Caribbean:
- “Trump está diciendo que está en conflicto armado y que va a aumentar... va a militarizar todavía más el Caribe.” — Jay Fonseca (49:30)
- On Senate Medicaid Standoff:
- “Los demócratas dicen... te doy mis votos si tú me das chavos de Medicaid.” — Jay Fonseca (03:50)
- On Landfill Decision:
- “Para no contaminar, no sacamos el oro, propusimos un vertedero sin Pamper.” — Jay Fonseca (37:55)
- On Political Blame Shifting:
- “Siempre la culpa es de la administración anterior, nunca es de ellos.” — Jay Fonseca (41:00)
- On Media Training Flubs:
- “Normalidad es que no pasa nada. Tremendo el mensaje del secretario de Desarrollo Económico... la próxima tiene que coger un media training...” — Jay Fonseca (56:00)
Notable Segments & Timestamps
- Opening and Major Headlines (00:00-06:00)
- Federal Shutdown and Medicaid Stand-off (03:00-11:00)
- Choliseo Shooting Rumors (11:00-15:30)
- Gas Crisis, Crowley & Jones Act Details (25:00-32:30)
- Landfill, Gold, and Environmental Issues (36:00-40:00)
- Arecibo and Cavernas de Camuy Controversies (41:00-47:00)
- U.S. Military Expansion in Caribbean (49:00-52:00)
- Energy Price Hike and Local Politics (53:00-58:00)
- Political Messaging Analysis (58:00-01:01:30)
- PNP Convention & Party Discontent (01:01:30-01:03:30)
Tone and Style
Jay Fonseca’s delivery is direct, impassioned, and irreverently humorous. He intersperses personal anecdotes with pointed criticism, particularly when highlighting bureaucratic stasis, misplaced blame, or political strategy, often using sarcasm and vivid imagery to engage the audience.
Summary
This October 3, 2025, episode of Noticias con Calle immerses listeners in Puerto Rico’s day-to-day—combining national tension (U.S. militarization, budget crises) with local drama (energy, crime, political friction, and environmental missteps). Jay Fonseca’s distinctive voice not only informs but provokes critical thought about how both distant decisions and parochial missteps shape Puerto Rican life.