North Carolina’s Equal-Opportunity Voter Suppression

2024 Election

Members of the armed forces have been pummeled with disrespect over the past several months. Veterans nationwide have had their health care snatched away, their jobs abolished, and their careers sideswiped. The latest indignity comes courtesy of North Carolina, where active-duty members who are state residents now find themselves facing an incomprehensible threat: disenfranchisement. “They…

‘What am I doing?’: Michelle Obama Weighs In On Divorce Rumors

US & Canada

Former First Lady Michelle Obama weighed in on those divorce rumors about her and former President Barack Obama following her noticeable absence at his side for several major political appearances. Advertisement Speaking to Sophia Bush on the “Work In Progress” podcast, Michelle shut down speculation about their 30-year-plus marriage following the former president’s solo appearance for…

Boricua Tech Drives Recovery: Pacífico Group Launches AI Platform to Transform Use of Federal Funds

Technology

In an effort to tackle bureaucratic inefficiencies and improve the management of federal recovery funds in Puerto Rico and the mainland United States, Puerto Rican firm Pacífico Group has unveiled its latest innovation: Pacifico.AI, an artificial intelligence platform poised to revolutionize how recovery-funded projects are executed and reimbursed.Developed with cutting-edge machine learning technology, Pacifico.AI represents a major step forward in how municipalities, state agencies, and nonprofit organizations manage federally funded projects. Its core mission is to address one of the most persistent challenges in Puerto Rico’s post-disaster recovery efforts: ensuring technical and administrative compliance with complex federal regulations.“Pacifico.AI was born from the urgent need to simplify processes that, for years, have been synonymous with delays and frustration,” said Brian Díaz, CEO of Pacífico Group. “This tool turns complexity into manageability, and bureaucracy into efficiency—ensuring compliance and agility from day one.”From Bureaucracy to EfficiencyThe platform is designed to serve as a smart guide for subrecipients of federal funding, including those participating in FEMA’s Public Assistance (PA) program. Powered by an automated engine, Pacifico.AI continuously analyzes applicable regulations in real-time, flags potential issues, and assists users in preparing the documentation required for successful, legally compliant reimbursements.Beyond documentation, the platform integrates every phase of a project’s lifecycle—from planning and evidence collection to execution and reimbursement—within a secure, user-friendly interface. This centralized, structured approach minimizes human error and dramatically speeds up traditionally slow processes.Tangible Results: Speed and SavingsAmong Pacifico.AI’s most striking benefits is its ability to accelerate project execution by up to 5.5 times compared to traditional methods. This operational efficiency also brings significant financial savings: up to 85% in administrative costs, according to company data.By automating repetitive tasks, eliminating manual validations, and greatly reducing the need for technical staff and external consultants, the platform presents a clear opportunity for public sector cost-cutting. In post-disaster scenarios—where every dollar counts—this optimization becomes even more critical.“We are committed to democratizing access to high-level technology tools for all municipalities in Puerto Rico,” added Díaz. “Pacifico.AI is not just a product—it’s an investment in transparency, speed, and responsible use of public funds.”A Fully Integrated, Traceable SolutionPacifico.AI isn’t a standalone product. It has been designed to seamlessly integrate with other platforms within the Pacífico Group technology ecosystem, including Pacífico DR (for disaster management), Pacífico RMS (for fund administration), and Procure.pr (for procurement processes). This interoperability ensures full traceability at every step and delivers a comprehensive solution that enhances governance, reduces risks, and improves accountability.A Scalable ModelAlthough Pacifico.AI was created with Puerto Rico’s specific needs in mind, its applications go beyond the island. The platform is already available to entities in the continental United States and is designed to comply with federal standards, making it a scalable model for other jurisdictions facing similar challenges in public fund management.At a time when recovery and reconstruction efforts following hurricanes and other emergencies remain a central topic in public discourse, Pacifico.AI provides a data-driven, tech-powered alternative that ensures funds are used effectively—and reach their destinations in record time.Digital Transformation with Local RootsWith this launch, Pacífico Group solidifies its position as a leader in developing technological solutions for the public good. Founded in Puerto Rico, the company has emerged as a pioneer in tools that combine regulatory compliance, artificial intelligence, and operational efficiency.Pacifico.AI aims not only to streamline processes but to promote a digital transformation of government operations from the inside out—a transformation led by local talent and built by those who understand the system’s challenges firsthand. Instead of relying on imported solutions, Pacifico.AI delivers homegrown innovation with the power to transform public sector efficiency across Puerto Rico and beyond.