US Territories’ August 26-September 2, 2018 news week in tweets
Puerto Rico Raises Official Death Toll
Hurricane Maria caused 2,975 deaths in Puerto Rico, new study estimates: https://t.co/vHLVpxSfqZ pic.twitter.com/T2MzBFAQXw
— CNN Health (@cnnhealth) September 1, 2018
The Puerto Rican government raised the official death toll of Hurricane Maria from 64 to 2,975. This new number is an estimate from George Washington University’s study.
American Public Power Association Earns Award for Work in US Virgin Islands
Congratulations to @publicpowerorg on their 2018 #PowerofA Gold Award for providing mutual aid to restore power to the US Virgin Islands after hurricanes Irma and Maria – Read more: https://t.co/43FUVsS9bj pic.twitter.com/O3pVSAHBoi
— The Power of A (@Power_of_A) August 29, 2018
The American Public Power Association earned a 2018 ASAE Power of A Gold Award for providing aid to restore power in the US Virgin Islands. While partnering with the Department of Energy and the Federal Emergency Management, the group restore the power grid that was badly damaged.
Federal Government Fights Against Chamorro Trust Land Act
The Chamorro Land Trust Act is “unquestionably race-based,” according to attorneys for the federal government, who on Friday filed a motion in their legal challenge to the Guam law, which allows only Chamorus to lease public land for homes or farming. https://t.co/GpCx5JXqFd
— Guam PDN (@GuamPDN) August 31, 2018
Attorneys for the federal government are challenging the Chamorro Trust Land Act, which allows only Chamorros to lease public land. The federal government argues that the law violates the Fair Housing Act, stating that the Trust Land Act is “unquestionably race-based.”
CNMI Board of Education Fears Marijuana Will Jeopardize Federal Funding
The CNMI Board of Education fears that legalizing the medicinal and recreational use of cannabis on the islands could lead to a loss in its annual federal funding since marijuana remains illegal in the federal government’s eyes. https://t.co/BGjBEvew4V
— Saipan Tribune (@saipantribune01) August 31, 2018
A bill legalizing marijuana has passed the Senate and was sent to be signed into law. The bill states that marijuana on school campuses is not allowed unless a physician has recommended its usage to the person. The Board of Education argued that marijuana should not be allowed on school campuses, as they may be in violation of federal grants.
American Samoa Team Returns to World Cup Qualifying Competition
American Samoa women's coach Larry Mana'o – "I am privileged and honored to have my three daughters and a niece as part of this team" https://t.co/1FmxGr3fLZ
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) August 28, 2018
The American Samoa team is competing with three others in the Oceania Women’s Nation’s Cup in Fiji. The team has a special familial bond, as three of the coach’s daughters and his niece are on the roster.
