American Samoa confronts food safety gaps
On June 16, Governor Pulaali’i Nokolao Pula (R) called an emergency meeting in Pago Pago, the capital of American Samoa, to address concerns regarding food and agricultural practices. This discussion was crucial in understanding the importance of food safety, and more...
Alpine and University Bound renew partnership to offer free SAT prep for Virgin Islands students
High school juniors and seniors in the United States Virgin Islands will soon have another chance to prepare for college success through Alpine’s free SAT Preparation Program. Offered in partnership with the University of the Virgin Islands’ University Bound...
Is violence in the schools of Puerto Rico the new norm?
Globally, one in four students faces school violence. In Puerto Rico, about 10% of public school students have reported bullying or violence. In the first two weeks of classes, three violent incidents shook Puerto Rico’s schools. From a brutal beating in San Juan to a...
#TBT: October 9, 2025
About a century ago, some St. Thomians in the US Virgin Islands lived in traditional thatch-roofed homes like this one.
Brain drain crisis in the US territories is a hidden threat to economic stability
In the last 20 years, US territories have faced a serious problem: the loss of population. For instance, from 2004 to 2018, Puerto Rico lost 632,000 people, reaching its lowest population since 1979 at 3.2 million. This “brain drain” crisis is hurting tax revenues,...
Puerto Ricans are devising the food system of tomorrow
Following a history of disinvestment and destructive climate disasters, communities across the archipelago are developing living blueprints of food sovereignty.
Losing a generation: Economic struggles drive migration from the Northern Mariana Islands
On Saipan, empty classrooms and quiet streets whisper a sobering truth: NMI is losing its youth. Between 2010 and 2020, the population plunged from around 53,883 to just 47,329—a drop driven largely by young people chasing stability and opportunity offshore. Former...
Guam advances measure to lock in $4 million for Cancer Trust Fund
A new bill in Guam hopes to secure financial support for cancer screening and treatment. Sponsored by Senator Telo T. Taitague (R) of Guam, Bill 1-38 aims to guarantee the Guam Cancer Trust Fund (GCTF) a minimum of $4 million for its annual budget. In 2010, Substitute...
Confusion at the ballots: American Samoans in Alaska face felony charges
On April 3, 2025, in Whittier, Alaska, 11 American Samoans faced felony charges for trying to vote. Within the United States, American Samoans are considered US nationals, not citizens. This means that they have US passports and military access, but they cannot vote...
#TBT: October 2, 2025
Richard Barrett Lowe was the governor (and fifth appointed civil governor) of American Samoa and the eighth American governor of Guam. From October 2-15, 1953, Lowe was the Governor of two territories simultaneously, the only time this has happened in the 20th century.
