Jillian
@jillianmelero.bsky.social
Journalist • Editor • Founder @ Connect Puerto Rico
https://connect-puerto-rico.beehiiv.com/subscribe
2nd gen NuYorican. NJ & FL raised. Chi-based.
1st gen college grad. MSJ '19
Honest. Restless. Difficult.
https://connect-puerto-rico.beehiiv.com/subscribe
2nd gen NuYorican. NJ & FL raised. Chi-based.
1st gen college grad. MSJ '19
Honest. Restless. Difficult.
Reposted by Jillian
Our November issue is live!
This month:
– Canary Media on FEMA pulling back rooftop-solar funding
– IEEFA on Puerto Rico contracting more centralized power than needed
– New reporting on New Fortress Energy’s financial problems and what that means for Genera
Read the issue:
buff.ly/uMJoQNt
This month:
– Canary Media on FEMA pulling back rooftop-solar funding
– IEEFA on Puerto Rico contracting more centralized power than needed
– New reporting on New Fortress Energy’s financial problems and what that means for Genera
Read the issue:
buff.ly/uMJoQNt
November 25, 2025 at 10:04 PM
Our November issue is live!
This month:
– Canary Media on FEMA pulling back rooftop-solar funding
– IEEFA on Puerto Rico contracting more centralized power than needed
– New reporting on New Fortress Energy’s financial problems and what that means for Genera
Read the issue:
buff.ly/uMJoQNt
This month:
– Canary Media on FEMA pulling back rooftop-solar funding
– IEEFA on Puerto Rico contracting more centralized power than needed
– New reporting on New Fortress Energy’s financial problems and what that means for Genera
Read the issue:
buff.ly/uMJoQNt
Reposted by Jillian
August: Puerto Rico’s Financial Oversight and Management Board (mostly) dismissed.
September: lawsuit filed, PREPA debt deal collapses, grid recovery still stalled, municipal climate lawsuit dismissed, and the climate change committee left powerless.
Read the September issue: buff.ly/jMFHAbK
September: lawsuit filed, PREPA debt deal collapses, grid recovery still stalled, municipal climate lawsuit dismissed, and the climate change committee left powerless.
Read the September issue: buff.ly/jMFHAbK
Puerto Rico Fiscal Board Dismissal Triggers Legal, Financial Fallout
Plus: PREPA’s collapsed debt deal, LUMA’s stalled grid recovery, municipalities’ climate lawsuit dismissed, and Puerto Rico’s climate committee left powerless.
connect-puerto-rico.beehiiv.com
September 30, 2025 at 4:31 PM
August: Puerto Rico’s Financial Oversight and Management Board (mostly) dismissed.
September: lawsuit filed, PREPA debt deal collapses, grid recovery still stalled, municipal climate lawsuit dismissed, and the climate change committee left powerless.
Read the September issue: buff.ly/jMFHAbK
September: lawsuit filed, PREPA debt deal collapses, grid recovery still stalled, municipal climate lawsuit dismissed, and the climate change committee left powerless.
Read the September issue: buff.ly/jMFHAbK
Reposted by Jillian
8 years since Maria. 1 year of Connect Puerto Rico.
Our special anniversary issue is live connect-puerto-rico.beehiiv.com/p/hurricane-...
#PuertoRico #EnergyDevelopment #HurricaneMaria
Our special anniversary issue is live connect-puerto-rico.beehiiv.com/p/hurricane-...
#PuertoRico #EnergyDevelopment #HurricaneMaria
Eight Years Since Hurricane Maria. One Year of Connect Puerto Rico.
The storm left Puerto Rico in the dark. Connect Puerto Rico is building a community to shape the energy solutions people need most.
connect-puerto-rico.beehiiv.com
September 21, 2025 at 2:23 PM
8 years since Maria. 1 year of Connect Puerto Rico.
Our special anniversary issue is live connect-puerto-rico.beehiiv.com/p/hurricane-...
#PuertoRico #EnergyDevelopment #HurricaneMaria
Our special anniversary issue is live connect-puerto-rico.beehiiv.com/p/hurricane-...
#PuertoRico #EnergyDevelopment #HurricaneMaria
Reposted by Jillian
Puerto Rico’s overlapping challenges are colliding:
⚡ Trump WH dismissed most of the fiscal board
📑 A $20B LNG project stalled
🏠 Residents are suing LUMA over blackout damages
🚱 Water shortages forced a state of emergency
🌧️ Hurricane Erin added flooding to the mix
Read more
buff.ly/8yMUaaV
⚡ Trump WH dismissed most of the fiscal board
📑 A $20B LNG project stalled
🏠 Residents are suing LUMA over blackout damages
🚱 Water shortages forced a state of emergency
🌧️ Hurricane Erin added flooding to the mix
Read more
buff.ly/8yMUaaV
August 19, 2025 at 6:30 PM
Puerto Rico’s overlapping challenges are colliding:
⚡ Trump WH dismissed most of the fiscal board
📑 A $20B LNG project stalled
🏠 Residents are suing LUMA over blackout damages
🚱 Water shortages forced a state of emergency
🌧️ Hurricane Erin added flooding to the mix
Read more
buff.ly/8yMUaaV
⚡ Trump WH dismissed most of the fiscal board
📑 A $20B LNG project stalled
🏠 Residents are suing LUMA over blackout damages
🚱 Water shortages forced a state of emergency
🌧️ Hurricane Erin added flooding to the mix
Read more
buff.ly/8yMUaaV
Puerto Rico’s clean energy timeline just got tighter, pulling federal support when most needed.
Plus:
📍 DHS shows up at a Puerto Rican museum in Chicago
🔌 PREB investigates backup power failures
🧭 Diaspora Dispatch — your stories, your hometowns
📬 Subscribe to take our survey:
buff.ly/5CL05Mv
Plus:
📍 DHS shows up at a Puerto Rican museum in Chicago
🔌 PREB investigates backup power failures
🧭 Diaspora Dispatch — your stories, your hometowns
📬 Subscribe to take our survey:
buff.ly/5CL05Mv
July 24, 2025 at 5:03 PM
Puerto Rico’s clean energy timeline just got tighter, pulling federal support when most needed.
Plus:
📍 DHS shows up at a Puerto Rican museum in Chicago
🔌 PREB investigates backup power failures
🧭 Diaspora Dispatch — your stories, your hometowns
📬 Subscribe to take our survey:
buff.ly/5CL05Mv
Plus:
📍 DHS shows up at a Puerto Rican museum in Chicago
🔌 PREB investigates backup power failures
🧭 Diaspora Dispatch — your stories, your hometowns
📬 Subscribe to take our survey:
buff.ly/5CL05Mv
Reposted by Jillian
Connect Puerto Rico subscribers — we want your take.
We’re running a quick survey (under 5 min) to learn what you need, what’s missing, and how we can build a stronger platform for information, connection, and action.
Survey link (subscribers only):
We’re running a quick survey (under 5 min) to learn what you need, what’s missing, and how we can build a stronger platform for information, connection, and action.
Survey link (subscribers only):
What Do You Need From Connect Puerto Rico?
Your input will shape how this newsletter evolves — and how it supports your work, priorities, and community.
connect-puerto-rico.beehiiv.com
July 17, 2025 at 4:15 PM
Connect Puerto Rico subscribers — we want your take.
We’re running a quick survey (under 5 min) to learn what you need, what’s missing, and how we can build a stronger platform for information, connection, and action.
Survey link (subscribers only):
We’re running a quick survey (under 5 min) to learn what you need, what’s missing, and how we can build a stronger platform for information, connection, and action.
Survey link (subscribers only):
Reposted by Jillian
NEWS NIGHT -- June 5 @ 7 pm.
June 1, 2025 at 5:44 PM
NEWS NIGHT -- June 5 @ 7 pm.
Reposted by Jillian
Puerto Rico’s solar rollout is stalled.
FEMA isn’t ready for storm season.
Frontline communities are still waiting.
This issue covers:
🔹 Solar delays
🔹 A leaked FEMA memo
🔹 A dropped climate case
🔹 A federal emergency order
Read and share → connect-puerto-rico.beehiiv.com/p/puerto-ric...
FEMA isn’t ready for storm season.
Frontline communities are still waiting.
This issue covers:
🔹 Solar delays
🔹 A leaked FEMA memo
🔹 A dropped climate case
🔹 A federal emergency order
Read and share → connect-puerto-rico.beehiiv.com/p/puerto-ric...
May 20, 2025 at 4:03 PM
Puerto Rico’s solar rollout is stalled.
FEMA isn’t ready for storm season.
Frontline communities are still waiting.
This issue covers:
🔹 Solar delays
🔹 A leaked FEMA memo
🔹 A dropped climate case
🔹 A federal emergency order
Read and share → connect-puerto-rico.beehiiv.com/p/puerto-ric...
FEMA isn’t ready for storm season.
Frontline communities are still waiting.
This issue covers:
🔹 Solar delays
🔹 A leaked FEMA memo
🔹 A dropped climate case
🔹 A federal emergency order
Read and share → connect-puerto-rico.beehiiv.com/p/puerto-ric...
I’m joining News Night this Thursday — a casual event where local reporters share what they’re working on. No panels. Just real talk.
I’ll talk about @connect-puertorico.bsky.social, the newsletter I founded on how U.S. policy, business, and science shape Puerto Rico’s energy — and why it matters.
I’ll talk about @connect-puertorico.bsky.social, the newsletter I founded on how U.S. policy, business, and science shape Puerto Rico’s energy — and why it matters.
May 6, 2025 at 12:34 PM
I’m joining News Night this Thursday — a casual event where local reporters share what they’re working on. No panels. Just real talk.
I’ll talk about @connect-puertorico.bsky.social, the newsletter I founded on how U.S. policy, business, and science shape Puerto Rico’s energy — and why it matters.
I’ll talk about @connect-puertorico.bsky.social, the newsletter I founded on how U.S. policy, business, and science shape Puerto Rico’s energy — and why it matters.
Reposted by Jillian
In our April issue:
⚡ Blackout fallout from a major transmission failure
🏥 Hospitals call for faster resilience funding ahead of hurricane season
🌍 Loss of $3M in climate funds after FEMA cancels BRIC
🔋 New bill sets renewable energy targets
👉 connect-puerto-rico.beehiiv.com/p/blackout-p...
⚡ Blackout fallout from a major transmission failure
🏥 Hospitals call for faster resilience funding ahead of hurricane season
🌍 Loss of $3M in climate funds after FEMA cancels BRIC
🔋 New bill sets renewable energy targets
👉 connect-puerto-rico.beehiiv.com/p/blackout-p...
Puerto Rico’s Blackouts Demand Immediate Energy Action
After the second island-wide blackout in four months, Puerto Rico faces energy resilience gaps, with delayed projects and funding cuts weakening the power grid.
connect-puerto-rico.beehiiv.com
April 22, 2025 at 2:31 PM
In our April issue:
⚡ Blackout fallout from a major transmission failure
🏥 Hospitals call for faster resilience funding ahead of hurricane season
🌍 Loss of $3M in climate funds after FEMA cancels BRIC
🔋 New bill sets renewable energy targets
👉 connect-puerto-rico.beehiiv.com/p/blackout-p...
⚡ Blackout fallout from a major transmission failure
🏥 Hospitals call for faster resilience funding ahead of hurricane season
🌍 Loss of $3M in climate funds after FEMA cancels BRIC
🔋 New bill sets renewable energy targets
👉 connect-puerto-rico.beehiiv.com/p/blackout-p...
Reposted by Jillian
In our latest issue:
• A Puerto Rican pro-independence group is lobbying Trump officials.
• Homeland Security chief visits after immigration raids rattle communities.
• The First U.S.-sourced LNG shipment to Puerto Rico is on the way.
Read, share:
• A Puerto Rican pro-independence group is lobbying Trump officials.
• Homeland Security chief visits after immigration raids rattle communities.
• The First U.S.-sourced LNG shipment to Puerto Rico is on the way.
Read, share:
Independence or Austerity? The Push to Cut Puerto Rico Loose
Independence, immigration enforcement, and fossil fuel investments collide in Puerto Rico.
connect-puerto-rico.beehiiv.com
March 26, 2025 at 3:00 PM
In our latest issue:
• A Puerto Rican pro-independence group is lobbying Trump officials.
• Homeland Security chief visits after immigration raids rattle communities.
• The First U.S.-sourced LNG shipment to Puerto Rico is on the way.
Read, share:
• A Puerto Rican pro-independence group is lobbying Trump officials.
• Homeland Security chief visits after immigration raids rattle communities.
• The First U.S.-sourced LNG shipment to Puerto Rico is on the way.
Read, share:
Reposted by Jillian
It’s #SunshineWeek, and my contribution is a thread of must-know public records tools and resources for #FOIAFest! Whether you’re new to FOIA or just looking to sharpen your skills, these tips will help you get the records you need. Let’s dig in… 🧵1/9
March 22, 2025 at 2:05 PM
It’s #SunshineWeek, and my contribution is a thread of must-know public records tools and resources for #FOIAFest! Whether you’re new to FOIA or just looking to sharpen your skills, these tips will help you get the records you need. Let’s dig in… 🧵1/9
Journalism should do more than just report the news — it should help people make sense of it.
Had a great conversation about why I started @connect-puertorico.bsky.social and how journalism can bridge the gap between policy, investment, and community needs.
Had a great conversation about why I started @connect-puertorico.bsky.social and how journalism can bridge the gap between policy, investment, and community needs.
Journalism that makes sense: Jillian Melero on finding needs and driving change @jillianmelero.bsky.social open.substack.com/pub/amyboyle...
A journalism that makes sense: Jillian Melero on finding needs and driving change
Jillian Melero had worked multiple jobs when she saw Anthony Bourdain on TV and decided to do what he was doing: travel, experience new cultures, challenge one’s perceptions about the world and help t...
open.substack.com
March 13, 2025 at 4:11 PM
Journalism should do more than just report the news — it should help people make sense of it.
Had a great conversation about why I started @connect-puertorico.bsky.social and how journalism can bridge the gap between policy, investment, and community needs.
Had a great conversation about why I started @connect-puertorico.bsky.social and how journalism can bridge the gap between policy, investment, and community needs.
Reposted by Jillian
In the February issue of Connect Puerto Rico:
💰 PREPA’s $9B debt battle — who pays, and what’s next?
🏭 Gov. González pushes to extend coal — critics warn of health & climate risks.
🔌 Luma’s plan for 9 grid interconnections — will it stabilize the system?
📢 Subscribe & share! →
💰 PREPA’s $9B debt battle — who pays, and what’s next?
🏭 Gov. González pushes to extend coal — critics warn of health & climate risks.
🔌 Luma’s plan for 9 grid interconnections — will it stabilize the system?
📢 Subscribe & share! →
Funding Cuts, Debt, and the Fight for Renewables
A federal funding freeze, a $9B debt crisis, and political moves to extend coal use — what’s next for Puerto Rico’s energy development?
buff.ly
February 25, 2025 at 3:10 PM
In the February issue of Connect Puerto Rico:
💰 PREPA’s $9B debt battle — who pays, and what’s next?
🏭 Gov. González pushes to extend coal — critics warn of health & climate risks.
🔌 Luma’s plan for 9 grid interconnections — will it stabilize the system?
📢 Subscribe & share! →
💰 PREPA’s $9B debt battle — who pays, and what’s next?
🏭 Gov. González pushes to extend coal — critics warn of health & climate risks.
🔌 Luma’s plan for 9 grid interconnections — will it stabilize the system?
📢 Subscribe & share! →
Taking applications for news revolutionaries ✨
must love:
• community power
• information equity
• collaborative vibes
• actual change
Find your people: www.newsfutures.org
#NewsFutures
must love:
• community power
• information equity
• collaborative vibes
• actual change
Find your people: www.newsfutures.org
#NewsFutures
News Futures
Since 2018, News Futures has been a collective of people, ideas, and spaces focused on building a participatory and networked future for local news. As we evolve, we invite you to join us in shaping t...
www.newsfutures.org
February 10, 2025 at 5:33 PM
Taking applications for news revolutionaries ✨
must love:
• community power
• information equity
• collaborative vibes
• actual change
Find your people: www.newsfutures.org
#NewsFutures
must love:
• community power
• information equity
• collaborative vibes
• actual change
Find your people: www.newsfutures.org
#NewsFutures
🎟️ Tickets for FOIA Fest 2025 are now on sale!
🗓️ Join the Chicago Headline Club on March 22 at Medill’s downtown newsroom for a day of workshops, networking, and FOIA expertise.
✨ Programming details coming soon!
headlineclub.org/2025/01/22/f...
#FOIAFest2025 #Transparency #Journalism
🗓️ Join the Chicago Headline Club on March 22 at Medill’s downtown newsroom for a day of workshops, networking, and FOIA expertise.
✨ Programming details coming soon!
headlineclub.org/2025/01/22/f...
#FOIAFest2025 #Transparency #Journalism
FOIA Fest 2025 tickets now on sale - Chicago Headline Club
Accountability reporting is a critical function of journalism — particularly as Chicago governmental bodies are less cooperative and as the Trump Administration, which has proven to be hostile towards...
headlineclub.org
January 22, 2025 at 4:25 PM
🎟️ Tickets for FOIA Fest 2025 are now on sale!
🗓️ Join the Chicago Headline Club on March 22 at Medill’s downtown newsroom for a day of workshops, networking, and FOIA expertise.
✨ Programming details coming soon!
headlineclub.org/2025/01/22/f...
#FOIAFest2025 #Transparency #Journalism
🗓️ Join the Chicago Headline Club on March 22 at Medill’s downtown newsroom for a day of workshops, networking, and FOIA expertise.
✨ Programming details coming soon!
headlineclub.org/2025/01/22/f...
#FOIAFest2025 #Transparency #Journalism
🎄🕎 Holiday downtime? Not quite.
The latest Connect Puerto Rico is here with updates on funding, accountability, and community planning.
💡Recharge with a read that sparks ideas for the year ahead.
The latest Connect Puerto Rico is here with updates on funding, accountability, and community planning.
💡Recharge with a read that sparks ideas for the year ahead.
🎁 The December issue of Connect Puerto Rico is unwrapping:
🔋 $365M in federal funding for solar & battery projects
⚡ LUMA Energy’s Smart Meter Rollout
⚖️ New Fortress Energy Under Scrutiny
🌄 Castaner’s Resilience Plan
👩🏼🏫 New Energy Education Partnership
https://buff.ly/3ZJ4Rta
🔋 $365M in federal funding for solar & battery projects
⚡ LUMA Energy’s Smart Meter Rollout
⚖️ New Fortress Energy Under Scrutiny
🌄 Castaner’s Resilience Plan
👩🏼🏫 New Energy Education Partnership
https://buff.ly/3ZJ4Rta
December 25, 2024 at 4:52 PM
🎄🕎 Holiday downtime? Not quite.
The latest Connect Puerto Rico is here with updates on funding, accountability, and community planning.
💡Recharge with a read that sparks ideas for the year ahead.
The latest Connect Puerto Rico is here with updates on funding, accountability, and community planning.
💡Recharge with a read that sparks ideas for the year ahead.
Reposted by Jillian
⚡ Have you seen Connect Puerto Rico’s website?
It’s your one-stop hub for staying up to date on Puerto Rico’s renewable energy transition. 🌱
🔗 Subscribe to our newsletter.
👥 Meet the team driving our mission.
💡 Get involved and be part of the change.
✨ Explore now → https://buff.ly/3BmzYTv
It’s your one-stop hub for staying up to date on Puerto Rico’s renewable energy transition. 🌱
🔗 Subscribe to our newsletter.
👥 Meet the team driving our mission.
💡 Get involved and be part of the change.
✨ Explore now → https://buff.ly/3BmzYTv
Connect Puerto Rico
Stay informed with Connect Puerto Rico, a monthly newsletter delivering curated insights on U.S. policy, business, and technology shaping Puerto Rico's renewable energy future. Join our community to…
buff.ly
December 17, 2024 at 8:15 PM
⚡ Have you seen Connect Puerto Rico’s website?
It’s your one-stop hub for staying up to date on Puerto Rico’s renewable energy transition. 🌱
🔗 Subscribe to our newsletter.
👥 Meet the team driving our mission.
💡 Get involved and be part of the change.
✨ Explore now → https://buff.ly/3BmzYTv
It’s your one-stop hub for staying up to date on Puerto Rico’s renewable energy transition. 🌱
🔗 Subscribe to our newsletter.
👥 Meet the team driving our mission.
💡 Get involved and be part of the change.
✨ Explore now → https://buff.ly/3BmzYTv
This #GivingTuesday, I’m supporting Connect Puerto Rico, a project I founded to drive renewable energy progress. We're building journalism that connects leaders and communities to solutions. Donations are tax-deductible—join me: buff.ly/3Z6sawQ
#RenewableEnergy #PuertoRico
This #GivingTuesday, support Connect Puerto Rico!
Your donation or in-kind contribution helps us build networks, amplify voices, and drive renewable energy solutions.
💡 Donate: https://buff.ly/3Z6sawQ
🤝 For in-kind contributions, email: Contact@Connect-PuertoRico.com w/ the subj: In-Kind
Your donation or in-kind contribution helps us build networks, amplify voices, and drive renewable energy solutions.
💡 Donate: https://buff.ly/3Z6sawQ
🤝 For in-kind contributions, email: Contact@Connect-PuertoRico.com w/ the subj: In-Kind
December 3, 2024 at 3:58 PM
This #GivingTuesday, I’m supporting Connect Puerto Rico, a project I founded to drive renewable energy progress. We're building journalism that connects leaders and communities to solutions. Donations are tax-deductible—join me: buff.ly/3Z6sawQ
#RenewableEnergy #PuertoRico
Reposted by Jillian
A big thank you to all our Connect Puerto Rico readers! 💚
Your support keeps us going as we dive into Puerto Rico’s energy transformation.
Subscribe for the latest on renewable energy and what’s next for Puerto Rico.
🔗 Subscribe: https://buff.ly/3COKWS2
🎁Donate: https://buff.ly/3Z6sawQ
Your support keeps us going as we dive into Puerto Rico’s energy transformation.
Subscribe for the latest on renewable energy and what’s next for Puerto Rico.
🔗 Subscribe: https://buff.ly/3COKWS2
🎁Donate: https://buff.ly/3Z6sawQ
November 28, 2024 at 9:30 PM
A big thank you to all our Connect Puerto Rico readers! 💚
Your support keeps us going as we dive into Puerto Rico’s energy transformation.
Subscribe for the latest on renewable energy and what’s next for Puerto Rico.
🔗 Subscribe: https://buff.ly/3COKWS2
🎁Donate: https://buff.ly/3Z6sawQ
Your support keeps us going as we dive into Puerto Rico’s energy transformation.
Subscribe for the latest on renewable energy and what’s next for Puerto Rico.
🔗 Subscribe: https://buff.ly/3COKWS2
🎁Donate: https://buff.ly/3Z6sawQ
Puerto Rico is at a turning point. From energy to statehood, the recent elections are shaping its future.
We’re unpacking how new leadership and the U.S. elections will impact Puerto Rico’s energy and status.
Join the conversation—subscribe now!
📩 connect-puerto-rico.beehiiv.com/p/puerto-ric...
What do the 2024 election results mean for energy, infrastructure, and the island’s future?
🔸 A Republican governor
🔸 Another status referendum
🔸 A second Trump term
Connect Puerto Rico breaks it down.
➡️ Read more: https://buff.ly/3V7FL5Q
📩 Subscribe for monthly analysis.
🔸 A Republican governor
🔸 Another status referendum
🔸 A second Trump term
Connect Puerto Rico breaks it down.
➡️ Read more: https://buff.ly/3V7FL5Q
📩 Subscribe for monthly analysis.
November 26, 2024 at 4:41 PM
Puerto Rico is at a turning point. From energy to statehood, the recent elections are shaping its future.
We’re unpacking how new leadership and the U.S. elections will impact Puerto Rico’s energy and status.
Join the conversation—subscribe now!
📩 connect-puerto-rico.beehiiv.com/p/puerto-ric...