Madagascar Development

Major companies with ties to the National Rifle Association  suddenly shed ties to the pro-gun-rights interest group  amid intense scrutiny over the Parkland, Fla., school shooting. The breakups were swift amid a billowing cloud of scrutiny on  social media , where countless users threatened to boycott companies that maintained a relationship with the NRA. Most of the businesses had offered discounted products and services to NRA's several million members. Critics said the deals served as an attractive element of NRA membership. The NRA blasted the companies that severed ties for "a shameful display of political and civic cowardice."  "Let it be absolutely clear. The loss of a discount will neither scare nor distract one single NRA member from our mission to stand and defend the individual freedoms that have always made America the greatest nation in the world," the group said in a statement. Under pressure to end discounts through the NRA Business Al...

Following the  deadly shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School  in Parkland, Florida on Feb. 14, many students have come together for press conferences and televisions appearances in the fight against gun violence. One of those prominent voices for the student-led movement is  David Hogg , who has an idea for a spring break destination that can make a difference. The high school senior pleaded that students nationwide who are planning to travel for their weeklong vacation boycott Florida, a popular spring break spot, and go elsewhere unless legislation to prevent gun violence is passed. “Let’s make a deal DO NOT come to Florida for spring break unless gun legislation is passed,” he tweeted. “These [politicians] won’t listen to us so maybe [they’ll] listen to the billion dollar tourism industry in FL. #neveragain.” David Hogg ✔ @davidhogg111 Let's make a deal DO NOT come to Florida for spring break unless gun legislation is passed. These p...

But the GOP tax bill could be devastating for some Americans: those living in Puerto Rico. “The tax bill ... could be as damaging to Puerto Rico’s economy as Hurricane Maria was,” wrote Armando Valdés Prieto, a lawyer and political consultant in San Juan, in  an op-ed for the Washington Post . “One of the stated aims of the GOP tax bill is to bring jobs and investment back from foreign jurisdictions. And therein lies the problem,” Prieto said. The “problem” is that the US tax code treats Puerto Rico as a foreign jurisdiction on tax issues. Prieto says he’s worried that could push Puerto Rico’s pharmaceuticals and medical devices industries overseas, devastating the island’s already-struggling economy. For more on why Puerto Rico is considered a foreign jurisdiction on tax issues and what that means for the island listen to an interview with Prieto by listening to the audio, above.  One more thing… PRI takes a global approach to the ne...

Saturday evening was lively in Old San Juan. Restaurants in its narrow alleys were packed with locals listening to salsa. The main square was a mix of tourists and families. The silhouettes of dozens of kites against the sunset flew over the lawn in front of El Morro, San Juan's famous fort. On the beach, the upscale Vanderbilt Condado hotel was hosting a holiday party, its second in as many nights, and people stayed at Isla Verde's beach late into the afternoon. Mi Pequeno San Juan in the Old City has no power and can only accept cash.  Photo Credit: Johanna Jainchill To people who know San Juan, this will seem like a normal weekend. But the Puerto Rico that was devastated by Hurricane Maria in September is far from normal. The island is coming back slowly and, in many cases, painfully. Only 65% of the island has power restored and many residents have left in a mass exodus to the mainland United States. For the average tourist, however, visiting Puerto Rico will fee...