Podcast Summary: Noticias con Calle

Host: Jay Fonseca

Episode: PODCAST LAS NOTICIAS CON CALLE DE 5 FEBRERO DE 2026

Date: February 5, 2026

Overview

In this episode, Jay Fonseca offers his daily roundup of the most significant news in Puerto Rico and the region, delving into international tensions, the state of energy projects, political investigations, public health developments, and societal issues impacting the island. The episode features Jay's signature blend of frank commentary, practical advice, and contextual analysis, along with some memorable moments and notable quotes.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Regional Tensions and U.S. Military Operations

Timestamps: 01:00 – 10:00

• U.S. Military Expansions in Puerto Rico:
  • The U.S. Army is extending operations in Puerto Rico, investing further in Ceiba and Aguadilla, raising questions about its strategic interest related to Haiti, Cuba, and the wider Caribbean.
  • Speculation surrounds U.S. involvement following a fuel tanker’s mysterious reroute away from Cuba and the arrival of a Russian plane in the Dominican Republic before heading to Cuba.
• Cuban 'Cold Snap' and Florida Weather:
  • Record low temperatures in Cuba and Florida are noted, with more rain expected over the coming weekend.
• China's Moves in the Americas:
  • China is threatening Panama after the Panamanian Supreme Court declared agreements with Chinese firms illegal, raising regional security concerns.
  • Recent military maneuvers relate to historic U.S. interests in the Panama Canal and Puerto Rico’s strategic role.
  • China is upset over U.S. arms sales to Taiwan and retaliating diplomatically.

“El futuro de nosotros en gran medida siempre ha estado atado al futuro de Cuba.”
— Jay Fonseca [03:30]

2. Puerto Rico’s Energy Crisis and Leadership Void

Timestamps: 10:00 – 22:30

• Stalled Renewable Energy Projects:
  • Delays in energy projects are attributed to the lack of a board (junta) at the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA/AEE).
  • After Tomás Torres Placa’s resignation, Jay emphasizes the dire need for a qualified, specialized board to navigate the global energy transition.

“No había quórum porque la Junta de Directores de la Autoridad no había sido nombrada... requiriéramos una junta especializada en temas de mix energético.”
— Jay Fonseca [15:20]

• Leadership Advice:
  • Jay underscores the importance of self-initiative, promoting studying and professional growth, especially in business administration and management.

3. Economic Updates: Crypto, Commodities, Tax Relief

Timestamps: 22:30 – 28:00

• Bitcoin and Markets:
  • Bitcoin has experienced a significant drop, nearly halving in value to $70,000.
  • Silver prices have dropped sharply, but copper remains at record highs.
• Income Tax Relief:
  • The fiscal oversight board (JCF/JSF) demands justifications for the proposed taxpayer relief (“cheque de alivio contributivo”) due to Medicaid funding gaps and changing physician billing preferences.

“Muchos médicos ahora prefieren Medicaid… eso va a tener un aumento entonces significativo en el uso de Medicaid.”
— Jay Fonseca [26:03]

4. Current Investigations and Legal Issues

Timestamps: 28:00 – 36:00

• Department of the Family & Land Disputes:
  • New investigations are underway regarding complaints against a Jewish-owned business allegedly acquiring lands inappropriately.
• Wanda Vázquez, Ex-Governor:
  • The Supreme Court is seeking explanations from Vázquez as to why her law license should not be revoked post guilty plea; she has nine days to reply.

5. Energy Contract Controversy: Aguirre Temporary Plant

Timestamps: 36:00 – 41:15

• JCF halts the 400MW contract for Power Expectations at Aguirre due to alleged irregularities.
  • The contract’s size is compared to EcoEléctrica, Puerto Rico’s largest private plant (500MW).
  • Debate continues between contractor Osvaldo Carlos Linares and the JCF over fiscal authority.

“La Junta está extralimitándose, o actuando de forma ultravioleta…”
— Jay Fonseca, quoting Osvaldo Carlos Linares [39:50]

6. Societal Highlights and Welfare Cases

Timestamps: 41:15 – 52:00

• Child Welfare:
  • Jay details the case of a mother who left her children at a police station in Caguas, commending her for seeking help instead of risking harm to the children.
  • Discussion on Puerto Rico’s adoption law and rising reports (but not necessarily cases) of child abuse.

“Prefiero que los dejen en el cuartel de la policía… a que hagan como otra gente hace, que los maltrata...”
— Jay Fonseca [46:10]

• Lote 23 Closure:
  • The popular food venue Lote 23 is closing to likely become a hotel.

7. Legislative and Regulatory Updates: Car Tariffs, Public Health

Timestamps: 52:00 – 58:00

• Car Tax Reform:
  • Due to the rise in hybrids and plug-in vehicles, discussions focus on replacing the “arbitrios” (import tariffs) with a value-added tax (IVU/IBU), which could alter the cost structure for buyers.
• Lilly Pharmaceutical Profits:
  • Dramatic increases in the sale of diabetes and weight-loss drugs (like Munjaro), making Lilly the largest pharmaceutical company in the world.

8. Permits Reform and Public Administration

Timestamps: 58:00 – 62:00

• Exclusion of Builders:

  • Builders lament not being part of permit reform discussions, despite their importance.

• Police Disarmament Stats:

  • 78% of police officers who are disarmed (due to complaints, psychological issues, etc.) continue on the force in administrative roles.

9. Other News Highlights

Timestamps: 62:00 – End

• Team Rubio Baseball:
  • The Team Rubio roster is announced after uncertainty. Jay promotes his interview with player Fernando Cruz.
• Local Political and Social Issues:
  • The Puerto Rican Independence Party calls for an emergency declaration over violence against children.
  • Notable church incident: Audrey Nix pleads guilty and apologizes after threatening the governor during a service.
• Donald Trump & U.S. Electoral Integrity Theory:
  • Jay introduces his theory on why the U.S. feds are investigating Puerto Rico’s voting machines (Dominion), tying it to Trump’s obsession with alleged voter fraud and attempts to federalize elections.

“Donald Trump quiere probar y sigue... planteó federalizar las elecciones, lo cual en EEUU no se puede hacer.”
— Jay Fonseca [Final Segment, ~67:00]

- Jay connects this theory to the 2020 and 2024 elections, and errors in Puerto Rico’s plebiscite vote count.

Notable Quotes

• “El futuro de nosotros en gran medida siempre ha estado atado al futuro de Cuba.” [03:30]
• “No había quórum porque la Junta de Directores de la Autoridad no había sido nombrada...” [15:20]
• “Prefiero que los dejen en el cuartel de la policía… a que hagan como otra gente hace, que los maltrata...” [46:10]
• “La Junta está extralimitándose, o actuando de forma ultravioleta…” [39:50]
• “Donald Trump quiere probar y sigue... planteó federalizar las elecciones, lo cual en EEUU no se puede hacer.” [~67:00]

Memorable Moments

• Mother’s Decision: Jay’s empathetic commentary on a mother abandoning her children at a police station for their safety.
• Food Nostalgia: Jay’s lament about Lote 23’s croquetas as the venue closes.
• Theory Reveal: Jay’s “theory” regarding Dominion machines and Trump’s interest in Puerto Rico’s election results.

Conclusion

Jay Fonseca’s February 5, 2026 episode blends hard news with incisive analysis and real-world advice, wrapping pressing current affairs—regional geopolitics, Puerto Rican energy, tax reform, social welfare, law enforcement dynamics—into an accessible, streetwise package. His parting message: rely on yourself and keep studying—“pase lo que pase, nadie viene a tu rescate, te toca a ti.”