Puerto Rico

The U.S. Department of Commerce's National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) announced a $46.5 million funding opportunity for 14 new Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) centers. The centers aim to help small and medium-sized manufacturers adopt advanced manufacturing technologies such as robotics, artificial intelligence, automation, advanced materials, additive manufacturing, and biotechnology. Funding amounts vary by state and territory, with California receiving the largest share at $15.6 million, followed by Pennsylvania and Ohio at approximately $6.1 million each. Awards will be made annually for up to five years, subject to performance reviews and funding availability. Selected applicants must provide at least 50% in non-federal matching funds. The MEP national network includes about 1,400 advisors, 475 service locations, and over 2,100 partners. The program was created in 1988 under the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 10:11 AM UTC

Banco Popular, Puerto Rico's largest bank, announced CEO Javier Ferrer will retire on August 31, 2026, after just over a year in the role. Ferrer, who became CEO in June 2025, is succeeded by CFO Jorge García, a 21-year bank veteran. Lidio Soriano moves from chief risk officer to CFO, and Luis Sousa becomes chief risk officer. The leadership transition coincides with the bank's Q2 2026 earnings release, which showed a 32.4% profit increase year-over-year. The bank also raised its quarterly dividend to $0.90 per share and authorized up to $1 billion in stock repurchases. Board Chair Richard Carrión praised Ferrer's role in the bank's transformation program and expressed confidence in the new leadership team. Ferrer cited health and family priorities for his retirement decision.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 10:52 AM UTC

Public Storage has closed its $10.5 billion all-stock acquisition of National Storage Affiliates Trust (NSAT), one of the largest self-storage mergers on record. The deal, finalized on July 22, 2026, adds over 1,000 properties across 37 states and Puerto Rico, bringing Public Storage's total to more than 4,500 facilities and 327 million rentable square feet. NSAT shareholders received 0.14 Public Storage shares per NSAT share. The acquisition is expected to generate $110–130 million in annual synergies within four years, boosting earnings by $0.35–$0.50 per share. The deal accelerates Public Storage's expansion into the Sun Belt, where self-storage occupancy has consistently exceeded national averages. Goldman Sachs and Wells Fargo provided a $4 billion financing package. Public Storage's equity market cap now reaches $57 billion, solidifying its lead among self-storage REITs.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 06:04 AM UTC

Researchers have discovered the wreckage of a Pan Am plane that crashed off the coast of Puerto Rico in 1952, killing 52 people. The 'Clipper Endeavour' was located on June 2 using high-resolution sonar after years of searching by the Air/Sea Heritage Foundation and Warner Bros. Discovery. The aircraft took off from Puerto Rico on April 11, 1952, bound for New York, but suffered multiple engine failures shortly after takeoff, forcing an emergency landing at sea. All occupants initially survived the impact, but chaos ensued due to no safety briefing, language barriers, and lack of evacuation plan. The plane sank in less than three minutes. Twelve passengers and five crew members were rescued. The accident led to far-reaching aviation reforms, including mandatory pre-flight safety briefings.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 11:35 PM UTC

First BanCorp (NYSE:FBP) reported better-than-expected second-quarter 2026 results, with adjusted earnings per share of $0.62 surpassing the consensus estimate of $0.54. Revenue reached $264.86 million, slightly above the forecast of $264.13 million. Net income rose 24% year-over-year to $96.1 million, driven by higher net interest income and strong loan growth. Loan originations increased 21% to $1.7 billion, primarily from commercial lending in Puerto Rico. Net interest margin expanded to 4.87% from 4.56%. Credit quality remained resilient, with non-performing assets at 0.59% of total assets. Shares rose 1.23% in premarket trading following the earnings release.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 12:38 PM UTC

OFG Bancorp held its Q2 2026 earnings call on July 21, 2026. CEO José Fernández reported strong financial performance with earnings per share increasing 21% year-over-year on 4% growth in total core revenues. The results were driven by consistent loan growth, core deposit strength, stable credit quality, and effective balance sheet management. CFO Maritza Arizmendi and CRO Cesar Ortiz-Marcano also participated. The call included forward-looking statements and a presentation available on the company's website. Analysts from Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Piper Sandler, and Truist Securities participated in the Q&A session.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 04:44 PM UTC

OFG Bancorp (NYSE:OFG) reported a strong second quarter for 2026, with earnings per share rising 21% year over year to $1.39 and core revenue increasing 4% to $190 million. The company highlighted improved profitability metrics, including a return on average assets of 1.93% and return on tangible common equity of nearly 18%. Loan and deposit growth remained healthy, supported by Puerto Rico's resilient economy, with new loan production up 24% quarter over quarter to $750 million. Management raised its net interest margin outlook to 5.25%-5.35% for the second half of 2026. Credit quality improved, with non-performing loans falling to 0.81% of average loans and provision expense declining. The company ended the quarter with a CET1 ratio of 14.07%. CEO José Rafael Fernández emphasized the company's shift toward a digital banking strategy with a human touch. A $5.8 million operational charge was described as non-recurring and related to corrected operational errors.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 03:07 PM UTC

This article explains what microgrids are, how they function, and why they are becoming increasingly important. It traces the modern microgrid movement to Casa Pueblo in Puerto Rico, which kept power during the 2017 Hurricane Maria blackout. The piece details the four types of microgrids (campus, community, remote, resilience) and their core components: distributed energy resources, energy storage, a controller, and a point of common coupling. It highlights that AI data centers are now the fastest-growing driver of microgrid demand, with fuel cell deals exceeding $7.65 billion in early 2026. Real-world examples include UC San Diego's 92% self-powered campus and Marine Corps Air Station Miramar's resilient base microgrid. The article concludes that extreme weather, rising electricity costs, and an aging grid are pushing microgrids from a niche technology to a mainstream energy solution.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 18, 09:00 PM UTC

This article is a weekly legal roundup from the Institute for Justice, summarizing nine notable rulings from U.S. federal courts of appeal. Key cases include: the D.C. Circuit ruling that challenges to USPS service changes must go through the Postal Regulatory Commission; the First Circuit striking down Rhode Island's extraterritorial dealership law under the Dormant Commerce Clause; the First Circuit affirming suppression of evidence from a wrong phone seized under a warrant; the First Circuit largely denying preliminary injunctions in a religious school funding case; the Second Circuit ordering temporary release for a Jamaican man needing kidney dialysis; the Second Circuit upholding New York City's congestion pricing toll; the Second Circuit upholding a ban on broker fees charged to tenants; the Second Circuit reversing exclusion of expert testimony in a prenatal acetaminophen lawsuit; and the Third Circuit addressing a doctor's critique of affirmative action policies.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 07:30 PM UTC

This weekly legal roundup from the Institute for Justice covers notable federal appeals court rulings. Cases include: the D.C. Circuit ruling that challenges to USPS service changes must go through the Postal Regulatory Commission; the First Circuit striking down Rhode Island's extraterritorial dealership law under the Dormant Commerce Clause; the First Circuit affirming suppression of evidence from a wrongly searched iPhone; the First Circuit largely denying preliminary injunctions in Maine religious school tuition cases; the Second Circuit ordering temporary release for a deportee needing kidney dialysis; the Second Circuit upholding New York City's congestion toll; the Second Circuit upholding NYC's broker fee ordinance; the Second Circuit reversing exclusion of expert testimony in acetaminophen/autism lawsuit; and a Third Circuit case about a doctor criticizing affirmative action policies.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 07:30 PM UTC

This week's edition of Short Circuit, a weekly feature from the Institute for Justice, summarizes nine notable rulings from U.S. federal courts of appeal. Cases include: the D.C. Circuit ruling that challenges to USPS service changes must go through the Postal Regulatory Commission; the First Circuit striking down Rhode Island's extraterritorial dealership law under the Dormant Commerce Clause; the First Circuit affirming suppression of evidence from a wrong phone seized under a warrant; the First Circuit largely denying preliminary injunctions in a religious school funding case; the Second Circuit ordering temporary release for a dialysis-needing deportee; the Second Circuit upholding New York City's congestion pricing toll; the Second Circuit upholding NYC's ban on broker fees from tenants; the Second Circuit reversing exclusion of expert witnesses in a prenatal acetaminophen lawsuit; and the Third Circuit addressing a doctor's critique of affirmative action.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 07:30 PM UTC

Amanda Serrano will defend her WBA and WBO featherweight world titles against Argentina's Lucrecia Manzur on August 21 at Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, California. The fight, promoted by Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), marks the first-ever championship boxing event broadcast live on TikTok. It will also be the first unified women's world championship contested over 12 two-minute rounds. Serrano, aiming to break the all-time women's knockout record, recently stopped Cheyenne Hanson in the second round for her 32nd professional KO. Manzur, the WBO's No. 2 contender, holds a 14-4 record with seven knockouts. The card also includes bouts featuring US Olympian Jahmal Harvey and Brazil's Jully Poca. MVP co-founders Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian highlighted the partnership with TikTok as a way to reach Gen Z and Gen Alpha audiences.

1 reports · 1 sources

A USA Today investigation linked Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Edwin Diaz and Kentucky Derby jockeys Jose and Irad Ortiz Jr. to illegal cockfighting in Puerto Rico. Evidence includes social media posts showing the athletes promoting events or attending venues like Club Gallistico de Naguabo. Although federal law bans cockfighting in U.S. territories, the practice persists culturally. Animal welfare groups are demanding disciplinary action from MLB and horse racing authorities. The athletes have not publicly commented, and sports organizations currently claim limited jurisdiction over conduct occurring in Puerto Rico.

7 reports · 3 sources · Updated May 16, 01:46 PM UTC

Top jockey brothers Jose Ortiz and Irad Ortiz Jr. are facing intense scrutiny just days before the Preakness Stakes due to allegations linking them to illegal cockfighting events in Puerto Rico. Reports indicate that photos and videos surfaced on social media, allegedly showing the brothers inside cockfighting arenas, holding roosters, and collecting money from bettors at the Club Gallistico de Naguabo. One advertisement reportedly promoted them as participants in the 'Gran Campeón Caribeño' tournament. Cockfighting has been federally banned in Puerto Rico since 2019. The controversy also extends to Major League Baseball pitcher Edwin Díaz, who is reportedly tied to similar events through social media promotions and public appearances. These allegations emerge shortly after the Ortiz brothers competed against each other in the Kentucky Derby, raising questions about their conduct as they prepare for the next leg of the Triple Crown. The story, originally broken by The Blast and reported by Yahoo Sports, highlights the legal and reputational risks facing these high-profile athletes amidst growing public and regulatory attention.

1 reports · 1 sources

Multiple financial institutions have raised their price targets for O’Reilly Automotive, Inc. (NASDAQ:ORLY) following the company's robust first-quarter performance in 2026. On May 8, Mizuho increased its price target from $105 to $110, maintaining an Outperform rating. Similarly, Roth Capital raised its target to $109 from $108, citing strong same-store sales trends in both professional and DIY segments. Morgan Stanley also lifted its target to $112 from $108, noting that full-year expectations remain conservatively positioned despite the upside. These adjustments follow O’Reilly’s April 30 earnings report, which revealed a Q1 EPS of $0.72, surpassing the consensus estimate of $0.69, and revenue of $4.56 billion against an expected $4.46 billion. CEO Brad Beckham highlighted an 8.1% rise in comparable store sales and a 16% growth in diluted EPS. The company attributed its success to disciplined expense management and stable industry demand, with double-digit growth observed in the professional segment. O’Reilly continues to expand its market share across the United States, Puerto Rico, Mexico, and Canada, reinforcing investor confidence in its operational strategy and future growth potential for the remainder of 2026.

1 reports · 1 sources

Former Vice President Kamala Harris has sparked significant controversy and online backlash after suggesting Democrats consider radical structural changes to the US political system. During a livestream on the "Win with Black Women" podcast, Harris advocated for a "No Bad Idea Brainstorm" to expand the Democratic playbook ahead of the 2026 Midterm elections. Her proposals included abolishing the Electoral College, expanding the Supreme Court, granting statehood to Puerto Rico and Washington D.C., and implementing multi-member districts to counter Republican redistricting efforts. Harris argued that Democrats must "fight fire with fire" to neutralize perceived cheating by red states. These remarks drew sharp criticism from Republicans and conservative commentators. New York City Councilwoman Vickie Paladino accused Harris of using the "language of civil war" and attempting to delegitimize the electoral process. Senator Mike Lee and Judicial Watch president Tom Fitton also condemned the ideas as threats to the constitutional republic. The incident highlights ongoing tensions within US politics as Harris potentially eyes a 2028 presidential run, with critics arguing her rhetoric undermines democratic norms while she frames it as necessary strategic adaptation.

1 reports · 1 sources

Aiden Ruiz, a standout shortstop from the Stony Brook School and committed Vanderbilt player, is generating significant attention ahead of the 2026 MLB Draft. Currently ranked as the 38th prospect by Major League Baseball, the 19-year-old has demonstrated exceptional talent, including winning gold with Team USA and earning All-World shortstop honors in 2025. Ruiz’s journey is deeply rooted in family tradition; his father played minor league baseball, and his late grandfather was a pivotal influence on his passion for the game. He has trained with New York Mets star Francisco Lindor and maintains a competitive friendship with Jayden Stroman, son of pitcher Marcus Stroman. While Ruiz aims to be drafted in July 2026, he remains prepared to play college baseball if necessary. His family, particularly his grandmother, serves as a major source of motivation as they anticipate this potential career milestone. The article highlights his technical skills, mental confidence, and the strong familial support system that has shaped his development into a elite prospect.

1 reports · 1 sources

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Edwin Díaz and prominent horse racing jockeys Jose and Irad Ortiz have been allegedly linked to illegal cockfighting activities in Puerto Rico, according to a USA Today report. The allegations stem from social media posts by the Club Gallistico de Puerto Rico, which advertised cockfighting tournaments featuring images of Díaz in his uniform and listed the Ortiz brothers as participants in a 2025 event. Although cockfighting was banned federally in U.S. territories in 2019, it remains a contentious cultural tradition in Puerto Rico, where local laws attempt to regulate internal activities despite federal prohibitions. Díaz was quoted in a local newspaper defending the practice as a childhood pastime. In response to the reports, Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming launched an investigation into the Ortiz brothers' involvement. Representatives for the athletes did not immediately comment. This controversy arises shortly after the Ortiz brothers finished first and second in the Kentucky Derby and while Díaz recovers from elbow surgery.

1 reports · 1 sources

Prominent athletes, including Kentucky Derby-winning jockeys Jose Ortiz and Irad Ortiz Jr., and Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Edwin Diaz, have been linked to illegal cockfighting activities in Puerto Rico. USA TODAY Sports uncovered photos and videos on social media appearing to show the Ortiz brothers participating in and advertising cockfighting tournaments, despite a federal ban on the practice in U.S. territories since 2019. The allegations emerge just as the Ortiz brothers prepare to compete in the upcoming Preakness Stakes. Similarly, Diaz was featured in advertisements for cockfighting events and quoted defending the tradition as a legal pastime in Puerto Rico, although it remains federally prohibited. Participants face up to five years in prison, while spectators can receive up to one year. Neither the Ortiz brothers nor Diaz responded to requests for comment. The controversy highlights the tension between local cultural traditions and federal law, potentially bringing scrutiny to the athletes' careers during major sporting events. The evidence includes images of the athletes in cockfighting pits and promotional materials identifying them as participants or honorees in these illegal gatherings.

1 reports · 1 sources

The Pew Charitable Trusts has released a new report titled the 'DER Policy Playbook,' designed to assist US state regulators and policymakers in expanding distributed energy resources (DERs). Co-chaired by Pat Wood III, the initiative focuses on practical, real-world examples rather than theoretical frameworks, aiming to provide actionable paths for states with varying market structures, from competitive markets like Texas to regulated ones like Alabama. The report highlights that while DER capacity is projected to reach significant levels by 2028, over 80% of existing systems are not enrolled in virtual power plant (VPP) programs, limiting their grid service potential. Key recommendations include integrating DERs into state grid planning, aligning utility financial incentives with distributed deployment, and automating permitting processes to reduce barriers. The playbook emphasizes aggregating DERs into VPPs to enhance grid reliability, citing successful implementations in Texas and Puerto Rico. By addressing regulatory complexities and promoting administrative improvements, the report seeks to accelerate DER adoption amidst growing electrification trends and grid capacity constraints.

1 reports · 1 sources

Prominent athletes, including Kentucky Derby-winning jockeys Jose Ortiz and Irad Ortiz Jr., and Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Edwin Diaz, have been linked to illegal cockfighting activities in Puerto Rico. USA TODAY Sports uncovered photos and videos on social media appearing to show the Ortiz brothers at a cockfighting club in Naguabo, with one video depicting them collecting money from bettors. This scrutiny arises just days before the brothers are scheduled to compete in the Preakness Stakes. Similarly, Edwin Diaz was identified in promotional materials for cockfighting tournaments and photographed inside an arena, despite a federal ban on the practice in U.S. territories since 2019. While Diaz previously defended the activity as a legal cultural pastime in Puerto Rico, participants now face potential criminal penalties, including prison time and fines. Neither the Ortiz brothers nor Diaz responded to requests for comment regarding these allegations. The reports highlight the ongoing tension between local cultural traditions and federal law enforcement efforts to eradicate animal fighting rings in the region.

1 reports · 1 sources

Hedayat Membini, Secretary General of the Football Federation, announced that the Iranian national football team will play a match against Puerto Rico behind closed doors as part of their preparations for the upcoming World Cup. Speaking on the sidelines of a government ceremony in Tehran, Membini confirmed that a game against Gambia is also certain. The federation is currently negotiating with one or two additional teams to arrange two official matches during the team's training camp in Turkey. This announcement comes amidst reports from Fars News, an outlet affiliated with the IRGC, stating that the national team requires immediate financial resources to fund its preparation program in Turkey, citing previously promised funds that have yet to be delivered. While unrelated text regarding a technology sponsorship involving Google Gemini and other national teams appears in the source material, the core news focuses on the Iranian team's logistical and financial challenges. The closed-door nature of the Puerto Rico match suggests specific strategic or security considerations by the federation as they finalize their pre-tournament schedule and address funding gaps to ensure adequate preparation.

1 reports · 1 sources

The Federal Reserve Bank of New York successfully defeated an appeal by Banco San Juan Internacional (BSJI), a Puerto Rican lender, regarding the termination of its access to the U.S. central banking system. In a unanimous 3-0 decision, the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan ruled that the Federal Reserve Act does not entitle non-member banks to a master account. The court affirmed that regional Federal Reserve banks possess the discretion to deny such access to promote financial stability and manage risks associated with sanctions and anti-money laundering compliance. BSJI had sued in 2023 after its eleven-year-old account was closed due to concerns over links to Venezuela and potential violations of U.S. sanctions. The bank argued it was targeted as part of a broader campaign against disfavored banking models. However, Circuit Judge Denny Chin stated that while Reserve Banks have precise powers for member banks, they may use the blunt instrument of denying access for non-members. The court found no evidence of discriminatory animus based on the bank's ownership by a Venezuelan national.

1 reports · 1 sources

International Boxing Federation (IBF) minimumweight champion Pedro Taduran has indicated that he is likely to compete on the undercard of the highly anticipated rematch between boxing legends Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather. Speaking to media in Cebu, Taduran clarified that this appearance is contingent upon the successful negotiation of his primary goal: a unification bout against World Boxing Organization (WBO) champion Oscar Collazo. While negotiations with Collazo are ongoing, Taduran remains prepared to face his mandatory challenger, Chinese boxer DianXing Zhu, if the unification fight does not materialize. Zhu recently secured his position as the mandatory challenger by defeating Filipino Abne via unanimous decision at the 'Fist of Fury 10' event. Promoters Chao Sy International and FISTCO Boxing have expressed readiness to organize the potential bout with Zhu in Cebu. However, Taduran emphasized his strong preference for fighting Collazo to unify the titles. The situation remains fluid as stakeholders determine Taduran's next opponent, balancing his dream fight against mandatory obligations within the context of the upcoming major boxing card.

1 reports · 1 sources

With only one month remaining until the World Cup, Iran's national football team is grappling with significant logistical and political hurdles. Due to the country's political isolation, several planned preparatory matches against teams from Macedonia, Angola, Spain, and Puerto Rico were cancelled, forcing the squad to play intra-team scrimmages in Tehran. Currently, only a friendly against Gambia has been confirmed. A major concern for the technical staff is securing US visas for players and staff, some of whom face potential rejection due to alleged ties with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The team is traveling to Türkiye to process these visa applications. Compounding these issues is a financial crisis; the Football Federation requires immediate funds to support preparation programs in Türkiye. Manaf Hashemi, the Deputy Minister of Sports, stated that necessary funds are expected to be released by Saturday. These combined challenges threaten to disrupt the team's readiness for the upcoming global tournament.

1 reports · 1 sources

This news roundup highlights significant developments in US battery energy storage systems (BESS). In Texas, Spearmint Energy secured $250 million in financing for its Tierra Seca and Seven Flags projects, supplemented by an equity investment from Japan’s Kyuden International, marking the utility's first US BESS venture. In Puerto Rico, Polaris Renewable Energy received approval from the Financial Oversight and Management Board for a 71.4MW BESS under the Standard Offer agreement. This project, part of the Accelerated Storage Addition Programme, aims to enhance grid reliability with a 20-year term involving fixed and performance-based payments from PREPA. Meanwhile, in Utah, Clearway Energy Group officially commissioned the 320MW/1,280MWh Honeycomb Energy Centre. Representing a $600 million investment, the facility was inaugurated with Senator John Curtis attending the ribbon-cutting ceremony. These updates illustrate continued expansion and financial structuring activities in the American energy storage sector, involving key independent power producers and international investors across multiple states and territories.

1 reports · 1 sources

Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson publicly called for support of judicial independence during recent appearances at Southern Methodist University in Texas. Addressing growing political pressure on the judiciary, including former President Trump’s calls to impeach judges ruling against his administration, Jackson emphasized the need for public backing to counter intrusions on judicial autonomy. This marks a shift from her previous warnings delivered specifically to federal judges. Despite recent caustic exchanges in written opinions between Jackson and conservative justices Samuel Alito, Neil Gorsuch, and Clarence Thomas regarding Voting Rights Act rulings, Jackson insisted that interpersonal relationships among the justices remain friendly. She described the ability to compartmentalize professional disagreements from personal interactions as essential to their roles. While she declined to comment directly on specific contentious rulings, she shared insights into Supreme Court traditions and her personal journey. Some attendees expressed disappointment that she focused more on her memoir than on the Court's recent controversial decisions, such as the narrowing of the Voting Rights Act. The event highlights ongoing tensions between the judiciary and political forces while showcasing Jackson's efforts to maintain institutional dignity.

1 reports · 1 sources

Albuquerque boxer Abraham Perez has been scheduled to challenge Puerto Rican southpaw Jonathan González for the WBA interim flyweight title on June 14 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This opportunity arises after Perez was denied a shot at the WBO world flyweight title by champion Anthony Olascuaga, who opted to defend against Andy Dominguez instead. The upcoming bout, promoted by Salita Promotions and streamed on DAZN, represents a significant step for the undefeated Perez (14-0), who previously lost a year of his career following a near-drowning incident in July 2024. González (29-4-1), a former light flyweight world champion, won the interim title in January but recently suffered a first-round TKO loss to Olascuaga. A victory for Perez could position him as a logical candidate to challenge WBA world champion Ricardo Sandoval, who is set to defend his title in June. The article also briefly mentions Katherine Lindenmuth’s upcoming interim title fight in Denmark, highlighting the broader context of interim titles in boxing sanctioning bodies.

1 reports · 1 sources

Federal prosecutors in Puerto Rico were instructed to exclude election fraud charges from an indictment involving a prison gang's drugs-for-votes scheme, despite having solid evidence. Investigators discovered that leaders of the Los Tiburones gang distributed drugs to inmates in exchange for votes supporting Jenniffer González-Colón, a Republican ally of Donald Trump. The scheme involved threats of violence and complicity from corrections staff. Although agents gathered proof implicating inmates and staff, and sought to determine if González-Colón’s campaign was involved, supervisors at the U.S. Attorney’s Office ordered the removal of voting-related counts just days after the 2024 election. The final indictment charged 34 individuals with drug distribution and money laundering but omitted election fraud allegations. Following President Trump’s inauguration, lead prosecutor Jorge Matos was told to halt the investigation entirely. This directive contradicted the administration’s public stance on election integrity and eradicating drug trafficking. The case highlights alleged political interference in justice proceedings, raising concerns about accountability for vote-buying schemes within the Puerto Rican prison system during a critical electoral period.

1 reports · 1 sources

Following the Miss Universe Philippines 2026 coronation on May 2, 2026, two Cebu-based beauty queens have secured new national titles to represent the Philippines in international competitions. Nicole Borromeo of Cebu Province was crowned the inaugural Miss Worldwide Philippines 2026, while Apriel Smith of Cebu City earned the title of Miss Charm Philippines 2026. The announcement highlights a shift in the pageant structure, as no official runners-up were named; instead, multiple candidates received specific international franchise titles. Marian Arellano was appointed as the first Miss Tourism Worldwide Philippines, Allyson Hetland as Miss Supranational Philippines, Ysabella Ysmael as Miss Cosmo Philippines, and Jenrose Javier as Miss Eco International Philippines. Meanwhile, Bea Millan-Windorski of La Union, who was previously crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2026, is preparing to compete in the global Miss Universe pageant scheduled to take place in Puerto Rico later this year. This development underscores the Philippines' continued strong presence and strategic participation in various major global beauty pageants, showcasing diverse talent from different regions of the country.

1 reports · 1 sources