Health Officials Failed to Detect Leptospirosis
Issue #47: An investigation into the groups lobbying to keep the Jones Act, highlights from the National Puerto Rican Day Parade and more...
→ A Deadly Bacteria Has Killed People in Puerto Rico and Health Officials Didn’t Detect it
The bacterial disease Leptospirosis spread wildly in Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria, but health officials’ negligence hampered their ability to detect the disease in the first place, according to an investigation. (Mc Nelly Torres / Centro de Periodismo Investigativo)
→ After Failing to “Shut Out” Puerto Rico, Trump Declares Himself its Savior
The disaster relief bill will send $19.1 billion to states and territories affected by natural disasters. $1.4 billion will be allocated to Puerto Rico. It’s a fraction of the funds the territory was promised. (Tina Nguyen / Vanity Fair)
→ The Special Interests Lobbying to Uphold the Century-Old Law Hampering Relief to Puerto Rico
The Jones Act, which requires that all goods transported between U.S. ports be carried on U.S. ships, unecessarily delayed the delivery of disaster relief items following Hurricane Maria. Open Secrets investigates the network of shipping interest groups that have lobbied to keep the law intact. (Camille Erickson / Open Secrets)
→ Some Progressives Worry Puerto Rico is Being Left Behind on 2020 Campaign Trail
"If presidential candidates want to court the prized Boricua vote, their platform must include specific policy issues to address Puerto Rico's recovery.” – Melissa Mark-Viverito, former speaker of the New York City Council (Camilo Montoya-Galvez / CBS News)
→ Mammoth Energy Stands By Its Work in Puerto Rico Following Investigation (Paywall)
The FBI and the inspector general at the Department of Homeland Security are investigating how a subsidary of an Oklahoma City-based utility company became the primary contractor for energy restoration on the island after Maria. (Allison Prang and Andrew Scurria / Wall Street Journal)
→ Ricardo Rosselló Wants 2020 Candidates Talking About Puerto Rico
The governor called statehood for Puerto Rico the “civil rights issue of our time.” (Lizzie O’Leary / The Atlantic)
→ Puerto Rico’s Governor Touts $120M Deal, OZs to Hotel Investors
Ricardo Rosselló told investors that Puerto Rico aims to double the number of its hotel rooms in 5 to 7 years, with an emphasis on luxury hotels and resorts. (Erin Hudson / The Real Deal)
→ National Puerto Rico Day Parade Brings Generations of Boricuas Together
Even AOC made it out to the parade. Click on the tweet below to watch a video of her. (Gwen Aviles / NBC News)