As 2025 comes to a close, Puerto Rico Report looks back at the stories that most captured readers’ attention this year. From citizenship and status to hurricanes and drinking water, readers consistently sought clear information about how U.S. law and policy affect Puerto Rico.
1. Homepage
The main Puerto Rico Report home page once again drew the largest number of visits, reflecting strong, continuing interest in up‑to‑date coverage of Puerto Rico’s relationship with the United States. Readers came looking for analysis of news developments, background explainers, and resources on topics ranging from citizenship to disaster aid.
2. Trump on Birthright Citizenship: How Will Puerto Ricans Be Impacted?
In 2025, one of the most‑visited pieces examined an executive order by President Trump seeking to change the definition of birthright citizenship. We explored possible implications for people born in Puerto Rico. Constitutional protections, statutory provisions, and territorial status intersect when federal leaders talk about changing who is entitled to citizenship at birth.
3. Puerto Rico and Federal Income Tax
Questions about federal income tax obligations for Puerto Rico residents remained near the top of the list in 2025. This frequently consulted article explains why most island residents generally do not pay federal income tax on locally sourced income while still contributing to the U.S. Treasury through other federal taxes. It also clarifies when individuals and businesses with Puerto Rico connections may have federal filing responsibilities, a topic of growing interest as more people relocate between the states and the territory.
4. The Map of Puerto Rico
A reference piece on the basics of Puerto Rico geography attracted significant attention this year. The article outlines Puerto Rico’s geography and political subdivisions, highlighting municipalities, nearby islands, and key regional distinctions. For many readers, especially those following debates over status, the map serves as a starting point for understanding how demographic patterns, economic development, and local governance vary across the territory.
5. Do the People of Puerto Rico Want Independence?
Independence is one of the viable status options for Puerto Rico, even though it has never been very popular. Yet recent headlines have suggested that there is a new groundswell for independence for Puerto Rico. Is that true? We look at the data to get the answer.
6. Constitutional vs. Statutory Citizenship in Puerto Rico
People born in the fifty states receive citizenship protected directly by the Fourteenth Amendment, while those born in Puerto Rico receive U.S. citizenship by federal statute. Why does this distinction matter? And what could happen to citizenship if the Island’s status changes?
7. Hurricane Melissa Intensifies, On Track to Miss Puerto Rico
Extreme weather and disaster preparedness remained top‑of‑mind for readers when Hurricane Melissa formed in the Atlantic in 2025. This article followed the storm as it intensified and moved on a projected track that would spare Puerto Rico a direct hit.
8. Puerto Rico: Democratic or Republican?
Puerto Rico’s political parties don’t map neatly onto U.S. national parties, but Puerto Ricans will be able to vote in presidential elections as well as elections for senators and members of Congress if the territory becomes a state. Many people make guesses about which national party Puerto Rico would support, but there is evidence in Puerto Rico’s voting patterns that suggest how the territory’s votes might align with the mainland parties .
9. How Safe is Drinking Water in Puerto Rico?
Puerto Rico is subject to the same standards as the rest of the United States, but the safety of the drinking water is not equivalent to that in most states. Check out the data from the Environmental Protection Agency and the efforts being made to improve the situation.
10. The ‘Perfect Human’ Is a Puerto Rican Woman
A scientific blog post hit major news sources when it used a clickbait headline claiming that the perfect human is a Puerto Rican woman. What did the science actually say — and how did careless journalism mislead readers? The main point is not actually how awesome Puerto Rican women are (though they are) but how easily misinformation can spread. We see the consequences of ignorance about Puerto Rico every day.
We look forward to bringing you all the news about Puerto Rico status in 2026!
