#TBT: June 19, 2025
Fighter plane contrails mark the sky over Task Force 58, during the "Great Marianas Turkey Shoot" phase of the battle on June 19, 1944, west of the Northern Mariana Islands. These were photographed from on board USS Birmingham during the Battle of the Philippine Sea...
The voting controversy over American Samoans in Alaska, in context
Tensions between the US government and a small group of people of American Samoan descent have broken out in Alaska in recent weeks, raising questions about the future of birthright citizenship in America. About ten months after Tupe Smith, a mother and resident of...
Kristi Noem unclear on disbursing FEMA funds to Puerto Rico as hurricane season begins
United States Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem recently spoke on President Trump’s fiscal year 2026 budget, specifically on the proposed budget increase for the US Department of Homeland Security. This change brings concerns surrounding significant cuts to...
Northern Mariana Islands move forward with comprehensive waste management plan
The Northern Mariana Islands is making notable progress toward improving its approach to waste management through the Comprehensive Integrated Solid Waste Management Plan (CISWMP). A public hearing took place on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm at the...
Weekly Action Checklist: June 13, 2025
This week’s top 3 actions are urgent, high-impact, and take less than 15 minutes to complete: Action 1: Urge congressional oversight of ICE facilities.Oversight saves lives. Ask your lawmakers to personally inspect local detention centers. Action 2: Limit executive...
#TBT: June 12, 2025
Mount ʻAlava is the second-highest mountain on Tutuila Island in American Sāmoa. Its summit has an elevation of 1,610 ft. It has developed into a notable tourist attraction thanks to an observation platform that provides sweeping views of the island, as seen in this...
University of the Virgin Islands takes over aquaponics facility at Bethlehem site
The University of the Virgin Islands will assume control of the Island Fresh Aquaponics facility in St. Croix, following a formal transfer from nonprofit Fresh Ministries. The facility, located at the historic Bethlehem Sugar Factory site, is expected to expand the...
#TBT: June 5, 2025
The Eliza James-McBean Clocktower and Boardwalk in the US Virgin Islands is named for one of the longest living Crucians who contributed to the islands' culture and tradition. In May 2003, the local legislature honored her posthumously, two years after she died at age...
A dozen years of the context of islands
Twelve years ago today, Pasquines began with a mission: to make sense of the United States territories through contextual, nuanced journalism. Since then, we’ve chronicled the moments that have shaped the past, reflected the present, and hinted at the future for...
Puerto Rico resident commissioner calls for federal oversight in power procurement for the territory
Puerto Rico Resident Commissioner Pablo José Hernández (PPD, D) delivered remarks on the floor of the United States House of Representatives on June 3, calling for federal oversight and transparency following the withdrawal of a proposed emergency power barge plan in...
