Congress considers ending Puerto Rico’s colonial status, but Puerto Ricans want to be the ones who determine their destiny.
Puerto Rico
Posted inEnergy and the Environment
Puerto Rico’s Electric Grid Is On-Again, Off-Again
At the peak of the 2022 hurricane season, power outages plague the island five years after a historic storm.
Posted inMoney, Politics, and Power
Pete’s Puerto Rico Problem
Buttigieg’s corrected list of fundraisers includes a top executive at one of the vulture fund holders of Puerto Rican debt.
Posted inMoney, Politics, and Power
Hurricane Dorian Spares Puerto Rico, but Trump Does Not
The president unleashes a tweetstorm against the mayor of San Juan and anything else associated with the island except, of course, his own failed leadership.
Posted inEconomic Policy
Hedge Fund Cash Flows to Presidential Candidates—at Puerto Rico’s Expense
Of the Democratic field, only Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren have returned the money.
Posted inMoney, Politics, and Power
Ricky Se Fue—Y Ahora Qué? A Mobilized Puerto Rico Battles Increased Federal Control
The fight to oust Puerto Rico’s governor electrified and unified an island normally splintered by politics. But can Puerto Ricans stay united to defend what’s left of the island’s autonomy?
Posted inMoney, Politics, and Power
Tom Perez Traded a Puerto Rico Statehood Endorsement for DNC Chair Votes
The revelation from a new book says that pro-statehood politicians quietly took over Puerto Rico’s Democratic Party, then made a deal with Perez for their votes.
Posted inEconomic Policy
With Hurricane Season Looming, Billions in Disaster Recovery for Puerto Rico Remain Unspent
Congress approved $20 billion last year to help Puerto Rico recover from Hurricane Maria in 2017. Less than $14,000 has been spent on the island.
Posted inEconomic Policy
Trump to Puerto Ricans: Go Hungry
The administration opposes extending food stamp funding for the islanders.
Posted inEconomic Policy
Hedge Funds Win, Puerto Ricans Lose in First Debt Restructuring Deal
A federal court this week approved a plan that will grant predatory vulture funds a huge payday while consigning the island’s citizens to 40 years of high sales taxes.