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Water Cuts, Power Bills, and a Tax Break for Tacos · 787daily — Puerto Rico Every Morning

• 0:00
  This is 787daily, your Puerto Rico briefing for Monday, October 26.
• 0:04
  Let's get you up to speed, starting with the tap.
• 0:06
  The Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority, the AAA, says it will halt the Fajardo filter plant today, starting at nine a.m., for a pipe inspection.
• 0:14
  The catch: that could mean water cuts in three towns.
• 0:17
  So if you're in the area, think ahead, and maybe fill a pot or two.
• 0:21
  Water's one utility.
• 0:22
  Let's talk about the other one, because your light bill has opinions.
• 0:25
  The residential electric rate has climbed to 33.86 cents per kilowatt-hour since October 1, the highest at least since 2020.
• 0:32
  Now La Fortaleza is criticizing the LUMA president over a video message about the increase.
• 0:36
  So the governor's office is not exactly nodding along.
• 0:39
  All of that hits the household budget, so here's a story about stretching it.
• 0:43
  The Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce and the Restaurant Association both back a request by the governor for a two-month sales tax exemption on restaurant food.
• 0:50
  Two months of dining out with a little less tax on top.
• 0:54
  Your favorite fritters just got more interesting.
• 0:56
  Now, a story where your voice can literally count.
• 0:58
  Groups are urging people to submit public comments on a Census Bureau rule they say would undercount and erase Puerto Ricans.
• 1:05
  The bureau proposed it on September 10.
• 1:07
  It would verify residency by legal presence between January 3 and April 1, using records like tax documents instead of field work.
• 1:13
  The groups' concern is about who gets counted, and the public comment period is how you can weigh in.
• 1:18
  On to public safety.
• 1:19
  The Puerto Rico Mayors' Federation is welcoming a Senate bill that would let retired state police officers join municipal police forces without suspending their pensions.
• 1:27
  For towns looking to build up their forces, that's a possible way to bring in experienced officers.
• 1:31
  And finally, a business story with a more serious tone.
• 1:34
  S&P Global Ratings has downgraded Liberty Communications of Puerto Rico's issuer rating from CCC plus to CCC, with a negative outlook.
• 1:40
  S&P says a default or a debt exchange is inevitable within six months.
• 1:44
  That's the agency's assessment, and it's one to keep an eye on.
• 1:47
  That's your 787daily for today.
• 1:50
  You can read every story in full at 787daily.com.
• 1:54
  Thanks for starting your Monday with us.
• 1:56
  And before you go, your Puerto Rico fun fact for today: El Morro fortress guarded San Juan's harbor for centuries, with walls up to 18 feet thick.