Through guided tours, the “Routes of My History” project “explores the history, diversity, and traditions” of Río Piedras, “as well as its importance in the social, economic, political, cultural, and educational development of Puerto Rico,” COSIANI Executive President De’Marie Valentín noted. (Wikipedia) By THE STAR STAFF The Integrated Services Cooperative for Children (COSIANI) has announced the launch of two innovative projects designed to strengthen community identity and

Pharos Solutions CEO David Sturt (LinkedIn) By THE STAR STAFF Technology company Pharos Solutions Inc. will make a multimillion-dollar investment in technology, infrastructure and local talent as part of a major expansion, officials announced Monday. With support from the Department of Economic Development and Commerce (DDEC by its acronym in Spanish), the company’s expansion is expected to generate 118 highly skilled jobs and an estimated payroll of $13 million, strengthenin

Andrés Vélez León By THE STAR STAFF Businessman and professor Andrés Vélez León has announced his official candidacy to lead the Popular Democratic Party (PDP) municipal committee in Juana Díaz, following the resignation of longtime mayor Ramón Hernández Torres. Hernández stepped down after a distinguished career in public service. “Today I have officially filed my candidacy for the presidency of the Popular Democratic Party of Juana Díaz with joy, hope, and a deep commitment

By THE STAR STAFF International affairs expert Lajos Szászdi León-Borja warned Monday that the recent US-Israeli military strikes against Iran could have worldwide economic consequences, including higher gasoline prices in Puerto Rico and increased costs for goods imported from China. “The rise in oil prices for China will be seen if it has to purchase oil from other places such as Canada or the United States at market prices,” Szászdi said in a radio interview. “If they no l

Rep. José Aponte Hernández By THE STAR STAFF As part of his effort to improve the quality of life for Puerto Rican veterans, Rep. José Aponte Hernández began visiting members of Congress on Monday to promote equal benefits, including health and housing, for the some 100,000 military veterans residing on the island. The visit is also part of the Equality and Statehood Summit, which is being held for the second year in Washington, D.C. Accompanying Aponte is a group of young pe

By THE STAR STAFF District 28 Rep. Axel “Chino” Roque Gracia announced on Monday the release of more than $35.3 million in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funds earmarked for permanent reconstruction projects in the municipalities of Naranjito, Corozal, Comerío and Barranquitas, marking a historic step for the recovery of the island’s mountain region. “These funds, authorized under Section 406 of the Robert T. Stafford Act, will allow us to address damage caused by

Gov. Jenniffer González Colón (Facebook via Jenniffer González Colón) By THE STAR STAFF Gov. Jenniffer González Colón reiterated on Monday that ATVs must have license plates, registration stickers and mandatory insurance, after the Senate issued a negative report on Senate Bill 916, which proposed a digital registration and authorization system for such vehicles. “Now, I do believe that these vehicles need license plates and registration stickers, so they are covered by insur

Puerto Rico Energy Bureau Chairman Edison Avilés Deliz By THE STAR STAFF The Puerto Rico Energy Bureau (PREB) has denied the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority’s (PREPA) request to postpone key requirements around the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Accelerated Award Strategy (FAASt), affirming the necessity of regulatory oversight to protect ratepayers and ensure responsible use of federal funds. The PREB, however, granted PREPA a brief extension to finalize a r