US Virgin Islands exempted from proposed maritime fees on Chinese-built vessels
The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has issued a final determination exempting the US Virgin Islands from proposed federal maritime fees that would have significantly raised shipping costs for Chinese-built vessels operating in American ports....
Applications open for CENTRO’s 2025–2026 community microgrant program
The Center for Puerto Rican Studies (CENTRO) at Hunter College has opened applications for its 2025–2026 Rooted + Relational Community Microgrant Program. The initiative will award up to 12 microgrants of up to $5,000 each to individuals and grassroots groups working...
Pete Hegseth’s Guam visit met with mixed reception
As part of his Indo-Pacific tour, United States Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth recently visited Guam on March 27. He met with several civilian and military leaders, most notably Guam Governor Lou Leon Guerrero (D) and Northern Mariana Islands Governor Arnold...
American Samoa Medicaid summit focuses on healthcare access and equity
Leaders from government, healthcare, and the community convened in American Samoa from March 24 to 26 for the territory’s annual Medicaid Health Summit. Organized by the American Samoa Medicaid State Agency, the event focused on expanding access to care and...
#TBT: April 17, 2025
On April 17, 1976, The New York Times published Jose Cabranes' "Annexation of the Marianas, a ‘Dismal Story’," an article criticizing the establishment of the Northern Mariana Islands as an unincorporated territory as a product of military influence, political apathy,...
How FEMA’s dissolution could impact the US territories
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), established in 1979 under the United States Department of Homeland Security, plays a crucial role in responding to natural disasters across the nation. The agency leads and coordinates federal response efforts by...
New report says overturning Insular Cases would not trigger new taxes
A new report released by Right to Democracy, a nonprofit advocating for equity and self-determination in the islands and other United States territories, argues that overturning the Insular Cases would not automatically result in new or increased federal taxation for...
González-Colón administration highlights Puerto Rico federal funding efforts in first 100 days
Officials from the Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration (PRFAA), the Puerto Rico Department of Education, and the Puerto Rico Public Housing Administration outlined what they described as key accomplishments during the first 100 days of Governor Jenniffer...
Weekly Action Checklist: April 11, 2025
The AoC Checklist features clear, well-researched actions for Americans who value democracy, equality, voting, and decency. We are a big tent for all people who want a kinder, flourishing nation. This Week’s First 3 Actions Action 1: TODAY (April 11, 2025) ONLY |...
#TBT: April 10, 2025
On April 17, 1900 the United States flag was officially raised on Sogelau Hill in Fagatogo, Tutuila Island, American Samoa, the day of the Deed of Cession marking the declaration of American sovereignty over the islands.
