Rep. José Aponte Hernández (Facebook via José Aponte Hernández) By THE STAR STAFF Rep. José Aponte Hernández on Sunday denounced a move by shipping company Tote Puerto Rico to impose another price increase on consumers during the Christmas season by significantly raising the container rate from $425 to $485. The increase, set to take effect on Dec. 8, will impact over 80% of the products entering the island, the veteran lawmaker said. “I have been consistent on this issue. To

The Puerto Rico Agricultural Biotechnology Industry Association estimates that 85% of seeds in the global supply chain pass through the island at some stage. Critics argue that the local government prioritizes incentives for ag-tech corporations over support for local farmers. (Facebook via Bayer Crop Science Puerto Rico) By THE STAR STAFF More than one-third of the world’s corn supply originates in America’s Corn Belt, a vast agricultural region stretching from Nebraska to O

By THE STAR STAFF The Infrastructure Financing Authority (AFI) announced on Sunday the beginning of mitigation and controlled demolition work on abandoned structures at Piers 11, 12 and 13 in Puerta de Tierra. The initiative marks a significant step forward in modernizing the facilities and ensuring they meet environmental compliance standards under the Ports Authority’s jurisdiction, the AFI said. Demolition of the first structure is set to begin today, following the complet

Ringneck parakeets, notable for their striking colors, come mainly from India, as well as some countries in southwest Africa. (northernparrots.com) By THE STAR STAFF Criminal charges were filed last week against an individual for violating articles 1 and 6 of Law 241-1999, better known as the “New Wildlife Law of Puerto Rico,” for illegal possession of 116 ringneck parakeets on a farm in the Santana neighborhood of Sabana Grande. Natural and Environmental Resources (DNER) Sec

“Puerto Rico responded with immense generosity,” Secretary of State Rosachely Rivera Santana said when announcing the departure of the humanitarian aid collected as part of the Puerto Rico Embraces Jamaica initiative. By THE STAR STAFF Secretary of State Rosachely Rivera Santana announced Sunday that humanitarian aid collected at the five distribution centers established around the island departed in the morning for Jamaica in 14 fully loaded 40-foot shipping containers as pa

The Puerto Rico Ports Authority revealed it granted the U.S. military the use of the airport inside the once shuttered U.S. Naval Station Roosevelt Roads in Ceiba for $5 million. (Wikipedia) By THE STAR STAFF The U.S. Naval Station Roosevelt Roads in Ceiba that was closed more than 20 years ago is now back in operation as the United States builds up forces in the Caribbean ahead of an expected military intervention in Venezuela. The information was confirmed by several U.S. m

Scott Hempling, the hearing examiner in the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority’s rate case (LinkedIn) By THE STAR STAFF The Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority’s (PREPA) ongoing rate case has taken an unexpected turn, with the utility moving to strike all discussion of legacy debt from the proceedings. The motion, filed last Monday evening, was accompanied by a document from the Financial Oversight and Management Board, signaling a coordinated effort to narrow the scope of

Manufacturing activity surged past the expansion threshold this year, but that and other gains were overshadowed by setbacks in critical areas. (industrialespr.org) By THE STAR STAFF The first 10 months of Gov. Jenniffer González Colón’s administration have been marked by weak performance, according to the latest Government Progress Index (GPI) published by Birling Capital. The index, which measures economic, social and operational progress through more than 20 official data