Podcast Summary: Las Noticias con Calle – March 18, 2026

Host: Jay Fonseca
Date: March 18, 2026
Main Theme:
A comprehensive analysis of the day’s most significant news in Puerto Rico and around the globe, with a focus on political controversies, economic updates, government accountability, and community issues.

Episode Overview

In this episode, Jay Fonseca dives into pressing issues affecting Puerto Rico, ranging from the volatile prices of oil and their impact on local and US politics to fierce political confrontations within the island’s leading parties. The show also uncovers government controversies, new regulatory measures, and key international events. Fonseca’s trademark style combines sharp critique, investigative questioning, and an accessible conversational tone.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Oil Prices, Gasoline, and Economic Ramifications

[00:01–04:30]

• The price of oil dropped to $95 per barrel, a “stabilized” figure but still representing a 30% increase compared to previous rates.
• Gas prices in the US have risen from $3.00 to $3.79 per gallon. Some states face prices up to $5.00 per gallon.
• Implication:
  Fonseca warns that sustained high fuel prices could drastically influence the US midterm elections, lowering Republican chances:
  "La verdad que va a estar bien difícil si este número se sostiene del precio del petróleo." [00:02:00]
• The Federal Reserve is set to discuss potential changes to US interest rates amid the economic instability caused by war and fuel hikes.
• The host also notes that while natural gas prices in the US remain stable, Europe is seeing dramatic increases.

2. International Context: War & Geopolitics

[00:04:30–05:30]

• Ongoing war between Iran and Israel with key leaders killed and multiple casualties, highlighting continued instability in the region.
• The US is strategizing to reduce dependence on China for rare earth minerals—reinforcing actions to challenge China’s global influence, while noticing that China preemptively stockpiled oil.

3. Puerto Rican Political Battles: Rivera Schatz vs. Jennifer González

[00:05:30–11:00]

• Tomás Rivera Schatz continues to publicly criticize Jennifer González, alleging economic favoritism toward Francisco Domenech and his affiliates.
  • "Rivera Chat sigue diciendo por ahí para abajo que Jennifer González... está haciendo, hacerle billetes a Francisco Domenech y a sus aliados y sus socios..." [00:07:30]
• Legislative infighting is delaying key reforms and projects, while mutual accusations over contract privileges and personal interests intensify.
• The Senate appears to be concluding its investigation into Antonio Zagardía’s compliance with government contracts after recent documentation.

4. Government Contract Controversies: COR3 & Eduardo Soria

[00:11:00–17:00]

• COR3 (Central Office for Recovery, Reconstruction & Resiliency) director Eduardo Soria faces scrutiny over alleged conflicts of interest.
  • Soria reportedly divested from companies seeking government contracts and established a blind trust, but questions remain about residual financial benefits.
  • Jay addresses accusations of “fake news” by Soria and insists on transparency, challenging Soria to a public discussion:
    • "¿Le deben chavitos a Soria?... Yo le creo, pruébemelo, yo tengo el documento y usted no, usted no ha contestado." [00:16:00]
  • The Office of Government Ethics is involved; documents will be published on Fonseca’s premium channels and open media.

5. Public Policy & Judicial Power Struggles

[00:17:00–22:00]

• Judicial Administration Debate: The President of the Senate, Rivera Schatz, proposes shifting administrative power from the Chief Justice to the full Supreme Court, facing staunch opposition from the Office of Court Administration.
• Legislative Status: Rivera Schatz claims all legislative projects are progressing; critics argue infighting delays meaningful work.
• Regulation of Estheticians: Newly proposed legislation would restrict estheticians’ activities, prompting backlash. Jay questions whether doctors focusing on aesthetics should continue to benefit from favorable tax rates intended for traditional medical practice:
  • "Te di un 4% para que atendieras médico, para que atendieras cosas médicas, no para que atendieras cosas estéticas." [00:21:30]

6. Additional Noteworthy Stories

[00:22:00–29:00]

• Wanda Vázquez’s Security Detail: Discussion on shifting legal opinions within the government regarding the continued provision of a security detail to former governor Wanda Vázquez, and courts’ involvement in releasing related documentation.
• Bayamón Job Fair: Over 1,000 participants attended a job fair, highlighting ongoing employment needs.
• Population Loss: Puerto Rico is projected to lose up to 20% of its population in coming years due to migration and demographic trends.
• LUMA and Utility Rate Hikes: LUMA Energy requests rate increases due to global conflicts, while New Fortress Energy successfully restructures debt, stabilizing its financial situation.
• Riley Green Baseball Controversy: MLB player Riley Green, eligible for Puerto Rican representation, opts out, citing lack of personal ties:
  • "Ni él ni su mamá conocen mucho de sus raíces de Puerto Rico y quería ir a los campos de entrenamiento para tener un proceso más de desarrollo." [00:24:30]
• Elderly Neglect: Inspections reveal alarming numbers of abandoned elderly in public housing.

7. Community Updates & Closing

[00:29:00–End]

• MLB TV T-Mobile Offer: T-Mobile offers free MLB TV subscription ($149.99 value) for customers; Jay highlights process and deadline (March 24–31).
• Public Polling: Jay’s channel releases new polling data on political match-ups within the PNP, reflecting ongoing political tensions.
• Jay closes with a reminder to take advantage of MLB TV offer and wishes listeners a productive day.

Memorable Quotes

• "La reorganización del PNP va bien, todo nuestro liderato lo sabe, como también saben que yo no cambio a mi partido ni a mi ideal por el ABC que aquí les he desglosado." – Tomás Rivera Schatz (quoted by Jay Fonseca) [00:07:00]
• "Si usted va a decir que yo miento, yo espero que usted tenga la capacidad de defender el que dice que nosotros mentimos verdad y cuál es la mentira?" – Jay Fonseca challenging Eduardo Soria [00:16:45]
• "Estamos más que disponible a escuchar su versión de este asunto, pero si usted va a decir que yo miento... dígame cuál es la mentira." – Jay Fonseca [00:16:55]

Important Timestamps

• 00:01–04:30: Economic analysis – oil and gasoline prices, Federal Reserve updates
• 04:30–05:30: Iran-Israel war, rare earth minerals, US-China geopolitics
• 05:30–11:00: Rivera Schatz vs. Jennifer González feud, legislative infighting
• 11:00–17:00: COR3/Eduardo Soria conflict of interest controversy
• 17:00–22:00: Judicial administrative power debate, esthetician regulation
• 22:00–29:00: Job fair, LUMA Energy, Riley Green, elderly neglect
• 29:00–End: MLB TV/T-Mobile offer, new polling releases, community close

Tone & Style

Jay Fonseca maintains a critical yet engaging and sometimes humorous tone, dissecting governmental inconsistencies, political feuds, and pushing for transparency. He blends investigative journalism with colloquial commentary, ensuring complex issues remain accessible to listeners.

Summary Value

This episode is essential for anyone wanting a concise yet thorough understanding of March 18th’s most important news in Puerto Rico—covering local politics, economic shifts, global events, community impact, and public accountability, all seasoned with Jay Fonseca’s incisive questioning and relatable delivery.