Puerto Rico says it will not make bond payments due on Monday. The US territory is struggling with spiraling debt.
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An explosion at Puerto Rico's main power substation has left thousands of people without electricity and taken two other power units offline. The US territory is still reeling from the last year's Hurricane Maria.
While inland towns that depend on tourism are struggling mightily, things are getting better in San Juan as cruise ships are once again docking. Tourists are invited to help the island get back on its feet.
For those who took part in the referendum, the backing for Puerto Rico to become a US state was overwhelming. But only 23 percent of the island's 2.2 million voters turned out.
Hurricane Maria, the second megastorm to hit the Caribbean this month, has caused widespread damage in Puerto Rico after pummeling the islands of Dominica and Guadeloupe. Thousands are without power.