Puerto Rico State News

Biden ramps up Latino outreach with appeal to Puerto Rican voters in Florida

Wed, 16 Sep 2020 03:07:00 +0000

Joe Biden's plan to win over Hispanic voters includes microtargeted campaign ads and a new recovery plan for Puerto Rico.

A Crop of Kitchen Gardens From Chefs Around the Globe

Tue, 15 Sep 2020 19:12:50 +0000

Meet five participants in the Kitchen Farming Project, which provides a loose “recipe” for a garden conceived by the chef Dan Barber.

Coca-Cola to restructure workforce, sets voluntary job cuts

Fri, 28 Aug 2020 11:10:00 +0000

Coke's restructuring plan comes as the company streamlines its drink portfolio to focus on larger and more popular brands.

New Virus Hot Spots: U.S. Islands from Hawaii to Puerto Rico

Tue, 25 Aug 2020 21:46:47 +0000

U.S. islands in the Caribbean and the Pacific have growing cases of the coronavirus, which can spike even in places far removed from urban centers when controls are relaxed.

Louisiana Braces as Hurricane Marco Approaches With a Stronger Storm Right Behind It

Sun, 23 Aug 2020 17:49:23 +0000

The “one-two punch” of hurricanes has created a heightened sense of alarm along the Gulf Coast. Officials warned residents they might have to shelter in place for as long as 72 hours.

Tropical Storm Laura Causes Dangerous Floods in the Caribbean

Sun, 23 Aug 2020 15:59:04 +0000

The tropical storm, one of two storms churning through the Caribbean, caused severe rain and flooding in Puerto Rico, Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

Could the US and Caribbean be heading for their worst hurricane season?

Sat, 22 Aug 2020 09:00:22 +0000

Experts say they are concerned as two potential hurricanes head north – and coronavirus is complicating matters

Two potential hurricanes are heading towards the northern Caribbean and mainland United States – with a third building in the Atlantic – in apparent confirmation of meteorologists’ predictions that the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season will become one of the worst on record.

A Rip in the Fabric of Interstellar Dreams

Fri, 21 Aug 2020 15:28:16 +0000

The iconic Arecibo radio telescope is temporarily crippled by an accident.

Tropical Storm Josephine Forms in the Atlantic

Thu, 13 Aug 2020 21:08:16 +0000

The 10th named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, Josephine is not expected to hit the Caribbean islands or the mainland United States, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Botched Primary Election Creates New Crisis in Puerto Rico: ‘This Is a Travesty’

Mon, 10 Aug 2020 17:55:49 +0000

Puerto Ricans lost confidence in their electoral system after ballots failed to reach polling places, forcing officials to partially suspend a primary.

Puerto Ricans demand answers after lack of ballots forces primary delay

Mon, 10 Aug 2020 15:27:20 +0000

Hundreds of voters turned away from shuttered centers that received ballots several hours late or never received them at all

Puerto Ricans demanded answers on Monday after botched primaries forced officials to reschedule voting at centers lacking ballots, an unprecedented decision being called a blow to the US territory’s democracy.

Puerto Ricans, upset at botched primary, demand answers

Mon, 10 Aug 2020 10:12:00 +0000

Hundreds of voters were turned away from shuttered centers that for unknown reasons received ballots several hours late or never received them at all.

4.8-Magnitude Earthquake Rattles Puerto Rico

Fri, 07 Aug 2020 12:52:09 +0000

The island has been shaken by a series of earthquakes and aftershocks since late last year.

Walter Mercado después del amor

Fri, 24 Jul 2020 09:00:20 +0000

Un documental rinde tributo a una figura tan compleja y contradictoria como los valores de la sociedad latinoamericana que lo idolatró y que encontró en sus horóscopos una fuente de esperanza. Pero también es una carta de amor a la nostalgia compartida de toda una región.

Playboy's Bad Bunny cover is a welcome sign that masculinity is transforming | Priya Elan

Tue, 14 Jul 2020 07:30:44 +0000

The Puerto Rican pop star has embraced a gender-fluid and queer aesthetic - and his fans love it. Playboy is changing, too

Playboy has relaunched as a digital magazine and done so with a bang. The cover features the Puerto Rican singer and rapper Bad Bunny. Excluding the Playboy founder, Hugh Hefner, Bad Bunny is the first man to appear solo on the cover in the magazine’s history.

In the cover shoot photos, Bad Bunny (real name Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio) is channeling Aphrodite’s Erotes with a crown of golden laurels, bare-chested and draped in a Versace toga. In other photos he’s posing with massive chains, showing off luxurious golden nail art and some embedded lip art (tiny Playboy bunnies).

@badbunnypr for PLAYBOY “He has powers because he thinks differently and has a vision of the future beyond what others see.” Introducing our first digital cover. Visit the link in bio for the full story by @er_pulgar ✨ Photography by @stillz

Priya Elan is the Guardian’s deputy fashion editor

Puerto Rico Presidential Democratic Primary Election Results 2020

Sun, 12 Jul 2020 18:22:22 +0000

Which countries are open for summer travel? Here's the list

Fri, 12 Jun 2020 06:55:00 +0000

Countries around the world are opening their borders to international travelers this summer. Here's where you can go now and what's scheduled to open before August.

Australian company Promedical fined $63,000 for false claims about Covid-19 test kits

Thu, 07 May 2020 05:01:12 +0000

The Queensland firm has been linked to a series of collapsed deals to supply large quantities of rapid Covid-19 test kits

Health authorities have fined a Queensland company run by a convicted rapist $63,000 for making false claims that its coronavirus test kits had been approved or endorsed by Australian and US authorities.

Promedical Equipment Pty Ltd has been linked to a series of collapsed deals to supply large quantities of its rapid Covid-19 test kits – including to the governments of Australia and Puerto Rico.

From Brisbane to Puerto Rico: how a $38m Covid-19 test kit deal turned sour

Wed, 06 May 2020 17:30:12 +0000

The obscure Australian company Promedical said it could supply kits desperately needed by the US territory. But its claims did not stand up to scrutiny

Halfway across the world, Puerto Rican scientist Daniel Colón-Ramos watched Australian breakfast television with a growing sense of dread.

The host of Channel Nine’s Today Show, Karl Stefanovic, was interviewing a doctor from a small Brisbane company, Promedical Equipment, who was making extraordinary claims about its ability to supply millions of Covid-19 antibody tests to Australia each week.

After lengthy investigation and due diligence, I have decided to distance myself from Promedical

Promedical also said it sent sample kits to us (it even sent us a tracking number), but we never received any kits

They were preying on the most vulnerable time in our history to make a dime

Australian firm under TGA investigation says it is making coronavirus tests, despite having no approval or expertise

Mon, 04 May 2020 08:00:41 +0000

Exclusive: Promedical Equipment, led by convicted rapist Neran de Silva, compares its actions to other businesses trying to assist in pandemic response

A tiny Brisbane company linked to coronavirus test scandals in Australia, Puerto Rico and the mainland United States says it is now attempting to fill international orders by manufacturing its own antibody tests, despite having no previous diagnostic experience and the tests being unsanctioned and unproven.

Promedical Equipment Pty Ltd – a company run by convicted rapist Neran de Silva – made a series of promises to deliver huge quantities of Covid-19 tests to governments across the world, initially on the basis that it was able to re-sell equipment from a reputable Chinese manufacturer.

'Remember us': could Trump lose Florida because of hurricane refugees?

Tue, 10 Mar 2020 10:00:29 +0000

Many Puerto Ricans fleeing to Florida felt sidelined by Trump after the federal government’s insufficient response to Hurricane Maria

Marta Rivera was an avid voter in Puerto Rico – one who enjoyed researching political candidates each election cycle in the US territory. Then, in 2017, Hurricane Maria swept through the island, destroying homes, killing thousands of people, and leaving millions of others stranded. Rivera became one of the tens of thousands of storm refugees who moved to Florida in the following months to try to build a new life.

Now Rivera and the other hurricane refugees have become a vital voting bloc coveted by both the Democratic and Republican parties in the swing state, where elections are often won by just tens of thousands of votes. While the last census data counted about 50,000 in the group, later estimates say there could now be more than 130,000 people who have resettled in Florida.

Puerto Ricans protest as anger rises over unused emergency aid

Fri, 24 Jan 2020 02:40:19 +0000

Some have called for the governor’s resignation and protesters marched a guillotine to the residence where Vázquez lives

Hundreds protested in Puerto Rico on Thursday in a demonstration reminiscent of those that ousted the island’s former governor last year, as anger grows over emergency aid that until recently sat unused in a warehouse amid ongoing earthquakes.

Demonstrators gathered under the heavy rain at the governor’s mansion as they waved flags, banged on pots, with even a guillotine carried aloft, although it appeared to be purely symbolic.

Um, the people of Puerto Rico are carrying a guillotine to the Governor’s mansion right now. pic.twitter.com/uAeH1WoLcN

Puerto Rico earthquakes are just the latest in a string of shocks for US island

Sun, 12 Jan 2020 11:00:33 +0000

First there was Hurricane Maria. Then, government upset. Now, Puerto Rico is facing the effects of devastating earthquakes

A colourful and boisterous place in normal times, Guánica today presents a ghostly and deserted air, the sea breeze whistling through the ruins of the collapsed buildings that dot its streets.

The signs of life are a few: stray cats and dogs and a handful of families furtively piling their belongings into vehicles as they evacuate their homes.

Puerto Rico: more power outages after magnitude 6.0 earthquake

Sat, 11 Jan 2020 15:33:20 +0000

Southern coast hit early on Saturday
Many remain in shelters or sleeping on streets

A magnitude 6.0 earthquake shook Puerto Rico on Saturday, causing further damage on the island’s southern coast, where recent quakes have toppled homes and schools.

The US Geological Survey said the 8.54am quake hit eight miles south of Indios at a shallow depth of six miles.

Puerto Rico counts cost of worst earthquake in a century – in pictures

Wed, 08 Jan 2020 19:08:49 +0000

Homes collapsed, power was knocked out and at least one person died after Tuesday’s 6.4-magnitude quake and powerful aftershocks. The south of the island was worst hit

Much of Puerto Rico still without power after worst earthquake in a century

Wed, 08 Jan 2020 15:27:46 +0000

One dead as many sleep outdoors fearing aftershocks
Schools remain closed and public employees stay home

Many Puerto Ricans woke up on Wednesday to a second day without electricity after the island’s worst earthquake in a century knocked out power, collapsed homes and killed at least one person.

Puerto Rico in state of emergency after most powerful quake in over 100 years

Tue, 07 Jan 2020 22:39:44 +0000

Island rocked by hundreds of earthquakes in recent weeks, killing at least one person and prompting power and water outages

Puerto Rico’s governor, Wanda Vázquez, declared a state of emergency and activated the national guard on Tuesday after a series of earthquakes including one of magnitude 6.4 that was the most powerful to strike the Caribbean island in 102 years.

The quakes killed at least one person, provoked a protective power outage across the entire island and cut off drinking water to 300,000 customers, Vázquez told a news conference.

6.4 magnitude earthquake strikes Puerto Rico, injuring eight people

Tue, 07 Jan 2020 12:41:53 +0000

Strong quake followed by an aftershock measuring 6.0
Heavy damage in some areas

A 6.4 magnitude earthquake struck Puerto Rico before dawn on Tuesday and was followed three hours later by an aftershock measuring 6.0. They were the largest in a series of quakes that have struck the US territory in recent days and caused heavy damage in some areas.

Eight people were injured in the city of Ponce, near the epicenter of the quake, Mayor Mayita Meléndez told WAPA television.

Police violence against Dominicans in Puerto Rico suggests systemic problem

Thu, 10 Oct 2019 06:00:14 +0000

Activists say Dominican immigrants are subject to police profiling and brutality, and are also being targeted for deportation

Karina Gross Polanco is still haunted by the moment she arrived on the scene after her brother, Anewki, had been shot dead by a member of the Puerto Rico police department.

“It was full of cops and closed off with yellow tape,” said Gross Polanco. “When I saw him bleeding out on the floor and I asked what had happened and that we needed to call an ambulance, but they said it was an instant death by gunshot, there was no point.”

'They believe we're criminals': black Puerto Ricans say they're a police target

Wed, 09 Oct 2019 06:00:59 +0000

Activists say police racially profile black communities, despite Puerto Rico’s image as a melting pot without racial problems

When Nina Figueroa, 25, protested with fellow Puerto Ricans this summer to oust the then governor, Ricardo Rosselló, she believed she stood out to police. Figueroa, a college student studying comparative literature, had been arrested multiple times while in the streets and was starting to notice a pattern.

“I have been arrested in protests three times and all three times I was doing nothing,” says Figueroa. “I asked myself: ‘Why do the police arrest me so much?’ And obviously it wasn’t until I understood that I’m an easy target for the police because I’m a black woman.”

Hurricane Dorian: Florida braces for what may be biggest storm on east coast since 1992

Fri, 30 Aug 2019 14:02:13 +0000

Storm potentially threatens winds in excess of 130mph, though experts emphasize it’s too early to predict exact path or timing

Florida is bracing for what could be the biggest hurricane to hit the state’s east coast in more than a quarter of a century, as Hurricane Dorian threatened to make landfall at the weekend with winds potentially in excess of 130mph.

Florida governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for every Florida county. Donald Trump issued a video Thursday warning that the storm “could be an absolute monster”.

There's an increasing chance for #Dorian to bring a triple-threat of dangers to the Florida east coast...

life-threatening storm surge
️devastating hurricane-force winds
️heavy rains

The onset of tropical storm force winds could be as soon as Saturday evening.
Prepare NOW. pic.twitter.com/Moes49tcyu

Hurricane Dorian spares Puerto Rico and heads for eastern coast of Florida

Thu, 29 Aug 2019 06:13:57 +0000

Power outages and flooding were reported in the Virgin Islands and the Puerto Rican islands, but no damages

Hurricane Dorian caused limited damage in the northern Caribbean as it left the region and gathered strength late Wednesday, setting its sights on the US mainland as it threatened to grow into a Category 3 storm.

Puerto Rico, which had braced for the worst, seemed to be spared any heavy wind and rain, a huge relief to many on an island where blue tarps still cover some 30,000 homes nearly two years after Hurricane Maria. The island’s 3.2 million inhabitants also depend on an unstable power grid that remains prone to outages since it was destroyed by Maria.

We are tracking closely tropical storm Dorian as it heads, as usual, to Puerto Rico. FEMA and all others are ready, and will do a great job. When they do, let them know it, and give them a big Thank You - Not like last time. That includes from the incompetent Mayor of San Juan!

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand drops out of 2020 presidential race – as it happened

Thu, 29 Aug 2019 00:09:53 +0000

Gillibrand announced Wednesday she will withdraw after failing to qualify for next month’s Democratic debate

1.09am BST

Here’s what’s happened:

12.47am BST

Republican senator Jonny Isakson’s retirement announcement gives Georgia democrats a new opening. After Stacy Abrams reiterated that she (still) won’t be running for Senate, the position remains open to a new democratic front runner.

The November 2020 ballot in Georgia will now include a special election for the remaining two years of Isakson’s term in addition to Perdue’s race for another six-year term.

It’s a doubly tantalizing target for Democrats who increasingly believe that Georgia, which has become less rural and less white in recent decades, stands on the verge of becoming a swing state after roughly two decades of leaning solidly Republican.

“Georgia is going to be a major decision maker in the reelection of Donald Trump and control of the U.S. Senate now,” said Brian Robinson, a Republican political adviser in Georgia who served as communications director under former Gov. Nathan Deal.

12.07am BST

Florida’s governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency, as hurricane Dorian strengthens along a path toward the US mainland.

As Hurricane #Dorian approaches, I’ve declared a state of emergency to ensure local governments and emergency management agencies have ample time, resources and flexibility to get prepared. Please continue to follow local reports and @FLSERT for updates. https://t.co/FyQM6wd8er

11.39pm BST

And here’s Donald Trump’s response to news the Gillibrand, who, in her first major speech as a presidential candidate stood outside the Trump hotel and called him a coward, is dropping out of the presidential race.

A sad day for the Democrats, Kirsten Gillibrand has dropped out of the Presidential Primary. I’m glad they never found out that she was the one I was really afraid of!

11.23pm BST

Several of the remaining democratic presidential candidates have responded to Gillibrand’s news, praising the New York senator’s record on women’s rights.

Thank you for being part of this race, @SenGillibrand, and for your unwavering commitment to fighting for women—from reproductive rights to paid leave. Your voice has been strong and clear, and your determination is always on display. I'm proud to keep fighting alongside you.

My friend @SenGillibrand is a brave voice on some of the most critical issues facing our country today — from childcare to sexual assault. She is a champion and I know she’s not done fighting for women and families everywhere.

Kirsten, you are my sister and one of the most righteous fighters I know. I'll miss our run-ins on the trail, but women, New Yorkers, and all Americans are lucky to have you resolutely at their sides. @SenGillibrand pic.twitter.com/qpitlqdTqi

Thank you, @SenGillibrand, for bringing your voice and values to this race.

You have been a staunch advocate for women’s rights and gender equality, and your leadership in the Senate will continue to inspire people across our country.

11.17pm BST

In a memo, Gillibrand’s campaign announced that the senator announced that she will relaunch her Off the Sidelines PAC, with the goal of raising and investing at least $1 million to elect women in 2020.

But “regardless of who wins the Democratic nomination for president, Kirsten is 100% committed to doing what she can to beat Donald Trump,” her campaign said in a statement.

10.57pm BST

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services has issued a clarification, indicating that most military kids born overseas wouldn’t lose the right to automatic citizenship at birth.

It gets pretty technical, but basically, it seems that the new policy will not affect the kids of troops or government employees if one or both parents are US citizens with residency in the US.

10.38pm BST

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand of New York said she will withdraw from the democratic presidential race, after failing to qualify for the third debate next month.

Today, I am ending my campaign for president.

I am so proud of this team and all we've accomplished. But I think it’s important to know how you can best serve.

To our supporters: Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. Now, let's go beat Donald Trump and win back the Senate. pic.twitter.com/xM5NGfgFGT

Ms. Gillibrand said in an interview that she would endorse another candidate in the primary but had not yet picked a favorite. Though she stopped short of saying she would endorse a woman, Ms. Gillibrand, who has made electing women to Congress a personal cause, said the next president had to be capable of uniting the country and suggested that a woman might be best suited for the job.

“I think that women have a unique ability to bring people together and heal this country,” Ms. Gillibrand said, adding, “I think a woman nominee would be inspiring and exciting.”

10.26pm BST

The House judiciary committee announced that it will investigate Trump’s proposal to hold next year’s G7 summit at his Miami-area golf resort.

While attending this year’s Group of Seven meeting in Biarritz, France, the president suggested holding next year’s event at the Trump National Doral Miami. Trump’s critics pointed out that this would be a blatant conflict of interest and would allow him to profit off the presidency.

10.00pm BST

That’s it from me today. My west coast colleague, Maanvi Singh, will take over the blog for the next few hours.

Here’s where the day stands so far:

9.52pm BST

An NBC News reporter noted that the Trump administration’s new policy, which would keep the children of US service members born overseas from qualifying for automatic citizenship, would have affected a very famous senator.

So under such a rule, @SenJohnMcCain, son and grandson of Navy admirals, born in Panama 83 years ago tomorrow would not have been automatically a US citizen. https://t.co/SrFsK6OVml

Have to think this is going to have a pretty gnarly impact on retention... https://t.co/d1F3ztF37I

9.45pm BST

Democratic presidential candidate Beto O’Rourke condemned the move by the Trump administration to no longer allow children of US service members born overseas to qualify for automatic citizenship.

This is how President Trump honors the bravery and sacrifice of our service members. https://t.co/gnK8i0zKPS

The Trump Administration continues to reach a new low. This policy change is an insult to our service members. https://t.co/ET29l8gk5E

9.37pm BST

Children of US service members and government employees who are born overseas will no longer be considered for automatic citizenship, according to a policy alert from US Citizenship and Immigration Services.

The military-focused website Task & Purpose reports:

Previously, children born to U.S. citizen parents were considered to be ‘residing in the United States,’ and therefore would be automatically given citizenship under Immigration and Nationality Act 320. Now, children born to U.S. service members and government employees, such as those born in U.S. military hospitals or diplomatic facilities, will not be considered as residing in the U.S., changing the way that they potentially receive citizenship. ...

According to USCIS, previous legislation also explicitly said that spouses of service members who were living outside the U.S. because of their spouses were considered residing in the U.S., but ‘that no similar provision was included for children of U.S. armed forces members in the acquisition of citizenship context is significant.’

9.27pm BST

MSNBC host Lawrence O’Donnell apologized for sharing a thinly sourced story about the president’s finances on his show last night, promising to address the matter tonight.

Last night I made an error in judgment by reporting an item about the president’s finances that didn’t go through our rigorous verification and standards process. I shouldn’t have reported it and I was wrong to discuss it on the air. I will address the issue on my show tonight.

9.19pm BST

Representative Ilhan Omar shared an image on Twitter of a frighteningly specific death threat that the Minnesota Democrat received.

I hate that we live in a world where you have to be protected from fellow humans. I hated it as a child living through war and I hate it now.

But until deranged people like this stop threatening my life and the lives of others, I have to accept the reality of having security. https://t.co/EUkaaCzXZi pic.twitter.com/VDweQr6bHf

9.07pm BST

Democratic presidential candidate Beto O’Rourke’s campaign confirmed that it ejected a Breitbart News reporter from a South Carolina event at Benedict College, a historically black university.

“Beto for America believes in the right to a free press and works hard to ensure the campaign reflects that,” O’Rourke’s press secretary said in a statement.

8.50pm BST

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden harshly criticized Trump for mocking Puerto Rico and its officials as the island braces for the arrival of Tropical Storm Dorian, which has strengthened into a Category 1 hurricane.

What kind of leader taunts their own people as they prepare for a natural disaster?

Puerto Rico deserves the full support and aid of our government as Hurricane Dorian approaches. https://t.co/yrIIbhs0df

8.36pm BST

Trump has repeatedly claimed a wall along the US-Mexico border, the signature promise of his 2016 campaign, is already under construction.

But in reality, the president has fallen far short of his oft-repeated promise to “build the wall.” The Washington Post reports:

Trump has repeatedly promised to complete 500 miles of fencing by the time voters go to the polls in November 2020, stirring chants of ‘Finish the Wall!’ at his political rallies as he pushes for tighter border controls. But the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has completed just about 60 miles of ‘replacement’ barrier during the first 2½ years of Trump’s presidency, all of it in areas that previously had border infrastructure.

8.25pm BST

In his tweet denying that he has offered pardons to aides if they break the law to get the border wall built, Trump also resuscitated his claim that the Washington Post is serving as a lobbyist for Amazon.

Another totally Fake story in the Amazon Washington Post (lobbyist) which states that if my Aides broke the law to build the Wall (which is going up rapidly), I would give them a Pardon. This was made up by the Washington Post only in order to demean and disparage - FAKE NEWS!

8.17pm BST

Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris slammed Trump as a “lawless president” over the reports that he has promised to pardon aides who break the law to get his promised border wall built before Election Day.

Donald Trump is dangling pardons for subordinates who would break the law to build his vanity project on the southern border.

Let's be honest here: Trump is a lawless president.https://t.co/3awSuPusvv

8.12pm BST

Trump has sent a tweet denying that he offered pardons to aides if they broke the law to get his promised border wall built before Election Day, as the Washington Post reported.

The Wall is going up very fast despite total Obstruction by Democrats in Congress, and elsewhere! https://t.co/12tIW3aNQP pic.twitter.com/2nFIEFppho

8.02pm BST

David Valadao, a former Republican congressman, will once again seek his California seat after losing by just 862 votes last year.

Valadao said his dismay with the performance of Democratic representative TJ Cox, who narrowly won the seat in 2018, had compelled him to run again.

7.46pm BST

Nick Ayers, the former chief of staff to the vice president, issued a statement taking himself out of the running to replace Johnny Isakson in the Senate.

Former VP chief of staff and political adviser Nick Ayers rules our a run for Georgia senate: pic.twitter.com/4yiHUvdQdt

7.37pm BST

More Democratic presidential candidates are condemning Trump’s plan to redirect hundreds of millions of dollars from Fema’s Disaster Relief Fund to pay for immigrant detention space.

Reports of the administration’s move emerged as Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands prepared for the arrival of Tropical Storm Dorian, which has strengthened into a Category 1 hurricane.

I'm particularly concerned that Trump is pulling millions of dollars from FEMA to detain more immigrants and implement his administration’s inhumane immigration policies. This is a cruel, dangerous move—especially at the height of hurricane season. https://t.co/hcqUolpn5Y

President Trump is taking millions from FEMA disaster relief in the midst of hurricane season to further fuel the crisis at the border.

It makes about as much sense as nuking hurricanes.https://t.co/sAmCB3SKO6

Just yesterday this president gutted FEMA's disaster relief fund to bolster ICE family separation efforts. In one fell swoop, he's perpetuating one crisis while opening the door to another. pic.twitter.com/fL01uDKBzV

7.27pm BST

Mark Esper, the new secretary of defense, held a rare press briefing at the Pentagon. But Esper assured the (many) reporters gathered there that the Defense Department would resume regular press briefings.

NEW: Defense Sec. Mark Esper says he will conduct more Pentagon press briefings.

"Moving forward, I intend to do these briefings to maintain an open dialogue about the Department's activities." https://t.co/JsAo4rBy2e pic.twitter.com/kUJHEWGXB1

Many combat deployments are also about a year long.

So you could have deployed and returned since the last briefing, and all the while, the Pentagon felt it was unimportant to explain or defend why you were there in the first place.https://t.co/QO204NZETL

7.07pm BST

Jason Greenblatt, the Trump administration official who has been helping Jared Kushner try to negotiate an Israeli-Palestinian peace plan, confirmed that the proposal will not be released before Israel’s elections on 17 September.

We have decided that we will not be releasing the peace vision (or parts of it) prior to the Israeli election.

Hurricane Maria devastated the US territory. The death toll from the disaster is estimated at between 2,975 and 4,645, and survivors are still facing the lasting effects.

Puerto Rico After Maria – The Media & The Reality

Sun, 29 Oct 2017 22:18:29 +0000

Puerto Ricans came together to help residents of neighbor islands in the Caribbean who got hit by Hurricane Irma; as we were still lending a hand, Puerto Rico had a few days to prepare for the most devastating hurricane in a century. It’s been a month now since Maria hit, most likely you will not […]

The post Puerto Rico After Maria – The Media & The Reality appeared first on Puerto Rico.

Tourism in Puerto Rico After Hurricane Maria – A Month After

Wed, 18 Oct 2017 21:22:32 +0000

The post Tourism in Puerto Rico After Hurricane Maria – A Month After appeared first on Puerto Rico.

Puerto Rico Voted “The Best Caribbean Island”. Come & Find Out Why

Thu, 18 Dec 2014 15:26:42 +0000

We are so proud of our Puerto Rico, we tell you on this site how wonderful it is. Business Insider, a prestigious media outlet named Puerto Rico as “The Best Caribbean Island”. They did plenty of research and used the following criteria to come up with the best list. Accessibility Average cost of a hotel […]

The post Puerto Rico Voted “The Best Caribbean Island”. Come & Find Out Why appeared first on Puerto Rico.

Puerto Rico – Wow Destinations for 2015

Tue, 04 Nov 2014 21:03:35 +0000

Puerto Rico was included on the list for “Caribbean Savings” Tropical Escape An easy vacation option — it’s cheap to fly to Puerto Rico and a U.S. passport isn’t required. Increased air routes from JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines and United Airlines are making this island more accessible than ever before. Find respite at more than […]

The post Puerto Rico – Wow Destinations for 2015 appeared first on Puerto Rico.

Puerto Rico Voted Best Caribbean Island by 10Best – USA Today Travel

Sun, 12 Jan 2014 19:59:18 +0000

For those that have been to our beautiful island of Puerto Rico, it’s no surprise that it made it to the top spot of Best Caribbean Island. What makes this award great? 10Best Awards are picked by readers like you. Caribbean Island lovers picked Puerto Rico to be the very best. We invite you to […]

The post Puerto Rico Voted Best Caribbean Island by 10Best – USA Today Travel appeared first on Puerto Rico.

Puerto Rico – One of “7 Best Warm Weather Trips Without a Passport”

Sun, 17 Nov 2013 17:45:26 +0000

Puerto Rico is one of the best places to escape from the cold without a passport indeed. Travel here is convenient with so many affordable daily flights from the USA and you can experience world class attractions not found anywhere else in the world. Here a screenshot of the article by Fodor’s Travel. More information […]

The post Puerto Rico – One of “7 Best Warm Weather Trips Without a Passport” appeared first on Puerto Rico.

Jack Sparrow leaves Angelica at Palominito Island “Pirates of the Caribbean”

Thu, 31 Oct 2013 06:50:08 +0000

The post Jack Sparrow leaves Angelica at Palominito Island “Pirates of the Caribbean” appeared first on Puerto Rico.

“They are truly the sweetest people on earth” – Johnny Depp – The Rum Diaries

Thu, 31 Oct 2013 06:34:52 +0000

“I spent very little time in San Juan Puerto Rico prior to this film. But what amazed me was…just the kind of…this…this.. It’s very vivid, there’s a real celebration of life there… The people there are incredibly warm and very welcoming. They’re truly the sweetest people on earth.”

The post “They are truly the sweetest people on earth” – Johnny Depp – The Rum Diaries appeared first on Puerto Rico.

Encanto Pro 2013 – Isabela, Puerto Rico

Wed, 30 Oct 2013 16:50:24 +0000

The Encanto Pro bodyboarding contest sponsored by the Puerto Rican Tourism Company is being held on Jobos Beach in Isabela this week and will be featuring 200 competitors from 22 countries. The surfing conditions were pretty small this year