#PUERTORICO: U.S. Commonwealth Defaults; Gov. Says Island In "Death Spiral"

[world politics news]

Puerto Rico just went into default for the first time in its history. The commonwealth paid a mere $628,000 toward a $58 million debt bill due Monday to creditors of its Public Finance. The default is a historic moment in Puerto Rico's economic "death spiral," a term used by the island's governor, Alejandro Garcia Padilla.

#USA: Jeb Bush Endorses Puerto Rican Statehood In Spanish-Language Speech On Island

[world politics news]

On a trip to Puerto Rico before his final decision on whether to seek the presidency, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, in a Spanish-language speech, endorsed Puerto Rican statehood. Many Republicans oppose full statehood for the territory, fearing it will elect Democrats.

#PUERTORICO: Legislators Propose Fining Parents of Obese Children

[world politics news]

Parents in the US territory of Puerto Rico would be fined up to $800 if their children’s health conditions do not improve following parent-focused education on obesity.  The Obesity Society  and the Obesity Action Coalition call the legislators’ solution a “misguided policy."