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☆ Global trade and immigration on the line in Panama’s presidential vote
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-03 | by ( David Shortell | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

Achieving Goals presidential candidate José Raúl Mulino speaks with reporters after meeting with members of the Electoral Observation Mission, in Panama City, Wednesday, May 1, 2024. The case of former President Ricardo Martinelli, who was disqualified from running by the courts because of a past corruption conviction, stands out. Once the favorite to win this year’s presidential race, Martinelli was disqualified from running by Panama’s electoral court in March because of the conviction and sentence. There are seven other presidential candidates, including current Vice-President José Gabriel Carrizo, former President Martín Torrijos, and Rómulo Roux, another former minister under Martinelli. Martinelli has thrown his support behind Mulino, even releasing campaign videos from inside the Nicaraguan embassy.

Persons: Daniel Zovatto, El Nino, Fitch, ”, José Raúl, José Raúl Mulino, Matias Delacroix, Mulino, Panama that’s, Ricardo Martinelli, Martinelli, José Gabriel Carrizo, Martín Torrijos, Rómulo Roux, “ Organizations: CNN, Central, Latin America, Wilson, Americas Society, Panamanian, Gallup, Nicaraguan Locations: Panama, Central American, Panama City, United States, Venezuela, Panamanian, Colombia, Mulino, Americas, Nicaragua’s, Nicaraguan

☆ His Book Was Repeatedly Banned. Fighting For It Shaped His Life.
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-01 | by ( Brian Raftery | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

In the 50 years since it came out, “The Chocolate War” has become one of the country’s most challenged books. But the tensest battle over the novel may have been fought in Panama City, Fla., in the mid-1980s. That’s when an attempt to ban “The Chocolate War” divided the town, leading to arson and death threats against middle-school teachers. The Mowat teachers endured all sorts of harassment because of their stand. It featured the words “YOU ALL SHALL DIE” in letters cut out from magazines, and mentioned several teachers by name — including Alyne Farrell.

Persons: Robert Cormier’s “, Mowat, Pranksters, Alyne Farrell Organizations: Mowat Middle School Locations: Panama City, Fla

☆ A $50 million private island that's a 10-minute boat ride off the coast of Florida just hit the market. Take a look.
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-24 | by ( Kelsey Vlamis | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

A 7-acre private island off Florida's coast is on sale for $50 million. AdvertisementIf owning a private island is a personal dream for you, you're in luck — a 7-acre private island located just 3 miles off the coast of Florida just hit the market and could be all yours for $50 million. Jon Kohler & AssociatesFrom the dock on the mainland, the Panama City Beach International Airport is an hour-and-twenty-minute drive away. Jon Kohler & AssociatesJon Kohler & AssociatesIn this scenario, Weldon said the setup would be similar to a condo homeowners' association. Jon Kohler & AssociatesThe bungalows, which were first built in 2009, were remodeled when Seymour bought the island in 2018.

Persons: —, Saint Joseph Bay, Joe, Samuel, Black Sam, Bellamy, Jon Kohler, Lori Bembry Weldon, Weldon, Scott Seymour, Associates Jon Kohler, Seymour Organizations: Service, Associates, Panama City Beach, Jon Kohler & Associates, Business Locations: Florida, Saint Joseph, Port St, Florida's, Black's, Panama, Atlanta

☆ Airlines That Offer 'Stopover' Programs, Some With Free Hotels
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-21 | by ( Taylor Rains | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +12 min

Airlines capitalize on this trend with "stopover" programs, some even offering free hotels and food. Airlines have jumped on this growing trend with built-in "stopover" programs, which can come with free or discounted hotels, excursions, transportation, and food at the layover destination. Essentially, you can't intentionally book a longer layover to quality for the free stopover hotel. Massimo Insabato/Archivio Massimo Insabato/Mondadori Portfolio via Getty ImagesSingapore Airlines' stopover program is available via the multi-city tool, similar to other carriers, where travelers can add hotels, transfers, and activities. Urbanandsport/NurPhoto via Getty ImagesTurkish Airlines' stopover program gives economy travelers a one-night free hotel stay and business flyers a two-night free stay if the period between their connecting flights in Istanbul exceeds 20 hours.

Persons: —, Robert Smith, Markus Mainka, Liang Xu, Nicolas Economou, Thomas Mukoya, Suparat, Finnair, Shutterstock Icelandair, Marcio Rodrigo Machado, Bauer, Griffin, Alexi Rosenfeld, CHARLY TRIBALLEAU, Massimo Insabato, It's, Matheus Organizations: Service, Airlines, Travelers, An Air Canada Boeing, Getty Images Air, Air France, KLM Air France, KLM, Air, China Southern Airlines, China Southern Airlines Airbus, Getty Images China Southern Airlines, Copa Airlines AP Copa Airlines, Copa, Emirates, Emirates Airbus, Getty Images Emirates, Dubai Connect, Ethiopian Airlines Ethiopian Airlines, Reuters Ethiopian Airlines, Etihad Airways, Etihad Airways Airbus, Shutterstock.com Etihad Airways, Fiji Airways Fiji Airways, Shutterstock Fiji Airways, Iberia Airbus, Japan, Japan Airlines Boeing, Japan Airlines, Latam Airlines Boeing, Latam Airlines, Hotels, An Oman Air, Getty Images Oman Air, Qantas, Getty, JAL, Oneworld, Qatar Airways, Qatar Airways Boeing, Getty Images Qatar Airways, Royal Jordanian Airlines Royal Jordanian Airlines Boeing, Getty Images Royal Jordanian Airlines, Air Lines, Swiss International Air Lines Airbus, Getty Images Swiss, Singapore Airlines, Airbus, Getty Images Singapore Airlines, Portugal, TAP Air Portugal Airbus, TAP Air Portugal, Turkish Airlines, Turkish Airlines Airbus, Getty Images Turkish Airlines Locations: Getty Images Air Canada, Canada, Air France, Xinhua, Panama, Panama City, Emirates, Dubai, UAE, Addis Ababa, Abu Dhabi, Fiji, Australia, New Zealand, Pacific, Helsinki, Iberia, Iberia Airbus Iberia, Madrid, Icelandair, Reykjavik, Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, São Paulo, Brasilia, Fortaleza, Recife, Manaus, Curitiba, Belem, Oman, Muscat, layover, Bangkok, San Francisco, AFP, Switzerland, Singapore, Lisbon, Porto, Portuguese, Azores, Madeira, Istanbul

☆ A boomer who moved to Panama after years as a bartender in the Hamptons and New Mexico outlines the pros and cons of living in Central America
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-13 | by ( Noah Sheidlower | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

George Stumpp, a retired bartender, lives comfortably in Panama after moving from New Mexico. He said Panama has robust infrastructure, a lower cost of living, and many of the same stores as the US. AdvertisementGeorge Stumpp, 65, worked as a bartender and bar supervisor in Long Island and New Mexico for decades. He's enjoying retirement in a country with a lower cost of living and high-quality healthcare, and he said he's enjoyed adapting to Panamanian culture. As his kids got older, he started to vacation in Central America, traveling to Costa Rica, Belize, and Panama.

Persons: George Stumpp, —, he's, we've, Stumpp, it's, Long, there's Organizations: Service, Panama City, Central, Business, Hamptons, Sante Locations: Panama, New Mexico, Long Island, Panamanian, Colombia, Thailand, St, Maarten, Long, Sante Fe, Santa Fe, Central America, Costa Rica, Belize, Ontario, Canada

☆ Families of the Columbia crew members keep their memories alive
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-12 | by ( Ashley Strickland | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +12 min

Editor’s Note: The CNN Original Series “Space Shuttle Columbia: The Final Flight” uncovers the events that ultimately led to disaster. After work, the crew members and their families would gather for cookouts and laser tag at one another’s homes. The STS-107 mission crew included five men and two women of diverse backgrounds, religions, interests and hobbies. They were the Columbia crew. Jonathan Clark met his future wife, Mission Specialist Laurel B. Clark, at US Navy diving school in 1989.

Persons: ”, Michael P, Anderson, David M, Brown, Kalpana Chawla, Laurel B, Clark, Rick D, William C, Willie ” McCool, Ilan Ramon, Laura Husband, Rick Husband, “, ” Laura, Rick, Laurel, Rosalind Hobgood, Jonathan Clark, Jonathan, Jonathan said, ” Laurel, Iain Clark, ” Jonathan, “ It’s, ” Jonathan Clark, Iain, Jonathan Clark “, “ God, Evelyn, Matthew, Laura, Evelyn Husband, Faith, ” Evelyn, it’s, Evelyn Husband “, Tal Ramon, Tal Organizations: CNN, Shuttle Columbia, Sunday, Columbia, NASA, Israeli Space Agency, US Navy, Training, Johnson Space Center, Texas Tech University, Dallas Cowboys, ” Locations: Wyoming, Columbia, Texas, Panama City , Florida, Laurel, Houston, Amarillo , Texas

☆ Latino immigrant workers died on the Baltimore bridge. More will likely rebuild it
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-04 | by ( Ramishah Maruf | Gloria Pazmino | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +12 min

More than two-thirds of Hispanic construction workers in America are foreign born. Working without a safety netFor the workers paid to rebuild the bridge, the job will be grueling — and dangerous. CNNWork-related deaths among foreign-born Hispanic or Latino workers rose to their highest level in 2021, according to the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Fourteen percent of all work-related fatalities in 2021 were foreign-born Hispanic or Latino workers, and most of them worked in construction. The agency’s reports also “consistently show” that Latino and/or immigrant workers are less likely to report employer health and safety violations.

Persons: Francis Scott Key, We’re, It’s, Reinaldo Quintero, “, Carlos Hernández, Miguel Luna, Yassir Suazo Sandoval, Jose Mynor Lopez, Dorlian Castillo Cabrera, ”, Saket Soni, Alejandro Hernandez Fuentes, Soni, ” Quintero, ’ ”, Sean McGarvey, Ligia Guallpa, Quintero, Hurricane Michael, Reinaldo Quintero “, ” Guallpa, Guallpa, Hurricane, Dave Einsel, ” Soni, Ron DeSantis ’, Fort Organizations: New, New York CNN, Bureau of Labor Statistics, CNN, Key, CNN Construction, Resilience Force, Force, of Labor Statistics, New York Committee, Occupational Safety, Health, York, New York State Department of Labor, Workers, North, Unions, Worker’s, Hurricane, Panama City, Safety, Health Administration, Historic New, New York Times, Gov Locations: New York, America, Louisiana, Hurricane, Florida, Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, United States, New York City, North America’s, Canada, Venezuela, Panama, Baltimore, New Orleans, Texas, North Carolina, Historic New Orleans, Fort Meyers

The steel frame of the Francis Scott Key Bridge sits on top of the container ship Dali after the bridge collapsed on Tuesday. After the 1980 collision, he argued, more substantial dolphins or a fendering system should have been added to the Key Bridge. “You knock out one of the support posts, the entire bridge collapses.”The Key Bridge is hardly unique among large bridges in its age. Some other bridges that cross major shipping routes are designed with more extensive protections than the Key Bridge’s. In the wake of the Key Bridge collapse and with the rise of larger container ships, some experts said that engineers should reassess necessary bridge safety features.

Persons: Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key, It’s, Dali, Francis Scott Key, Jim Watson, ”, Rick Geddes, Wes Moore, That’s, Jean, Paul Rodrigue, Martin Bernetti, “, Mark Wilson, Hussam Mahmoud, Rod Sullivan, Arthur Ravenel Jr, Savannah’s Talmadge, Los Angeles ’ Vincent Thomas Bridge, ” Geddes, Barzin Mobasher, Mobasher, ” CNN’s Daniel Medina, Majlie, Puy, Yahya Abou, Ghazala Organizations: CNN, Getty, Cornell University’s Program, National Research, Evening Sun, Coast Guard, Sun, Maryland Gov, Texas, M University, Galveston, National Research Council, Maryland Transportation Authority, Francis Scott Key Bridge, Colorado State University, Sunshine Skyway, Tampa Tribune, New, Bridge, Arizona State University Locations: Bridges, Baltimore, AFP, Nagoya, Dali, Panama, United States, Panama City, Baltimore , Maryland, Tampa, Florida, Charleston , South Carolina, Los Angeles

☆ Boomers fed up with Florida are moving to southern Appalachia, fueling a population spike in longtime rural communities
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-24 | by ( John L. Dorman | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Boomers who once flocked to Florida are increasingly ditching the state for southern Appalachia. NEW LOOK Sign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. AdvertisementFor decades, Florida has remained a top destination for retirees looking to settle down roots as they enjoy their golden years. Many boomers moving into southern Appalachia have also bypassed Florida altogether. But some new residents fear Dawson County will simply become a northern outpost of the vast Atlanta metropolitan region, known for its suburban sprawl.

Persons: Boomers, —, Ed Helms, Johnnie, Billy Thurmond Organizations: Service, Street Journal, Northeast Locations: Florida, Appalachia, Midwest, Southwest Virginia, North Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Tennessee, Appalachian, Dawson County , Georgia, Dawsonville, Atlanta, Dawson, Pickens, Panama City Beach , Florida, Dawson County

☆ Gold and sacrificial victims found in tomb of ancient leader, archaeologists say
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-13 | by ( Taylor Nicioli | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

Researchers found the ancient tomb in El Caño Archaeological Park, a site in Coclé province known as a hotbed for pre-Columbian discoveries, particularly lavish burial chambers. The civilization of the region surrounding El Caño at the time treated the site as sacred and worshipped their “ancestors,” referring to those remembered for having done important things. The grave is the ninth tomb excavated by researchers at the El Caño Archaeological Park, which is known for its richness in archaeological discoveries and lavish burial chambers. Ancient burial practicesThe archaeologists found the body of the supposed religious leader buried face down and on top of the body of a woman, the release stated. There have been two attempts — the most recent in 2021 — to figure out whom the various tombs found at the El Caño site once belonged to, Mayo said.

Persons: Julia Mayo, ” Mayo, Fundación El, Mayo, El Caño, ”, Nicole Smith, Smith, Guzmán, Ana María Navas Méndez, Caño, Gúzman, —, ” Navas Méndez Organizations: CNN, Panama’s Ministry of Culture, El Caño Foundation, El, Smithsonian Tropical Research, Sierra, Illinois State University Locations: Panama, El, Coclé, Panama City, America, Quimbaya, Colombia, South America, ” City

CNN —Miami Beach may be breaking up with spring break, but spring break isn’t moving on just yet. Video Ad Feedback Miami Beach wants to break up with spring break 00:50 - Source: CNN“This isn’t working anymore,” a young actor says in a viral YouTube video announcing the “breaking up” campaign. So you become hopeful again.”‘We hope it’s an amicable separation’On a visit to Miami Beach on Tuesday, the Republican governor stood with Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner to announce the deployment of state troopers to enhance security. In 2022, the City of Miami Beach similarly imposed a midnight curfew after two spring break shootings left five people injured on Ocean Drive. The area seemed tame, she said, compared to previous “crazy” spring break stays in Fort Lauderdale, about 35 miles north.

Persons: Ron DeSantis, ”, David Wallack, ” Wallack, Miami Beach’s, Wallack, Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner, ” DeSantis, “, “ We’ve, ” Meiner, Wayne Jones, ” Jones, Jones, Black Floridians, weren’t, Katie Ryan, Marta Lavandier, ’ ” Ryan, Avery Caimes, marveled, Mark Evenson, it’s Organizations: CNN, Miami, Florida Gov, Sunshine State, Miami Beach, Republican, Miami Beach Mayor, Miami City Commission, Miami Beach Police Department, Miami Beach police, Black Locations: Florida, Miami Beach, Miami, South Beach, Panama City, Daytona Beach, Fort Lauderdale, City of Miami Beach, South Florida, City, Biscayne Bay, Connecticut, Minnesota

☆ U.S. Warns Spring Breakers Headed to Mexico, Jamaica or the Bahamas
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-05 | by ( Vjosa Isai | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Ms. Moore, 75, has always felt safe during her stays in Jamaica, where she’s returning for the fourth time on Wednesday. But this year, while she’s still happy to take a trip, a travel advisory for Jamaica, reissued in January by the U.S. State Department, has elevated her concerns. “I’m sure there are parts, just like the United States, that you can go into that are not recommended,” said Ms. Moore. In recent weeks, the State Department and U.S. Embassies have issued new and updated advisories urging travelers to Mexico, Jamaica and the Bahamas — some of the busiest international spring break destinations — to exercise extra caution after recent violent events, some in tourist areas. Security experts suggest that the advice is largely consistent with advisories of previous years.

Persons: Ginger Moore, Moore, she’s, “, ” Organizations: U.S . State Department, State Department, U.S, Embassies Locations: Panama City, Fla, Caribbean, Jamaica, United States, Mexico, Bahamas

☆ Panama Bans Ex-Leader Martinelli From Presidential Election
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-05 | by ( Leila Miller | Mary Triny Zea | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: 1 min

Panama’s electoral tribunal disqualified former President Ricardo Martinelli from running in the May presidential election in light of a 10-year sentence he received for money laundering. The body, which oversees the country’s electoral process, reached the decision on Monday night after 10 hours of debate. In a statement, it said his disqualification was the result of his having been sentenced to more than five years in prison for an intentional crime. Panama’s Supreme Court last month denied Mr. Martinelli’s appeal of the money laundering conviction in a case in which prosecutors said funds were obtained from government contractors for the 2010 purchase of a publishing house. A few days after the court ruling, Mr. Martinelli, 71, a conservative businessman who led Panama from 2009 to 2014, was granted asylum by Nicaragua and fled to its embassy in Panama City, the capital.

Persons: Ricardo Martinelli, Martinelli Locations: Panama, Nicaragua, Panama City

☆ My daughter is young enough to fly for free. Here's why I buy a seat for her anyway.
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-24 | by ( Elianna Perez | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

My daughter and I were in the window seat, my husband was in the middle, and a stranger was in the aisle. He ended up trading seats with our 8-year-old nephew, who was also on the flight and took a window seat a few rows in front of us. The stranger in the aisle seat gave us a few looks but was kind enough not to say anything. That's why I started buying my daughter her own seat every time we travel. I buy my toddler a seat nowAs for our trip to Panama, I purchased my daughter a seat for our return flight as soon as we landed.

Persons: we've Organizations: FAA, Alaska Airlines Boeing, Forbes, American Medical Association Locations: Miami, Panama City, Panama

☆ Crises in Ecuador, Haiti Could Fuel Migration in 2024, Report Says
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-14 | by ( Feb. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +2 min

By Kylie MadryMEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Thousands more people could be forced to leave Ecuador and Haiti in 2024 due to humanitarian crises such as intensifying violence, climate impacts and deepening poverty, the International Rescue Committee said in a report on Wednesday. "Multiple factors...will deteriorate living conditions for millions of people in Ecuador and Haiti, potentially forcing thousands to seek safety elsewhere," the IRC said. "The crises in Haiti and Ecuador are creating a ripple effect across the entire region," said IRC regional head Julio Rank Wright in a statement. "Without a functioning political system, the government will struggle to address violence and meet growing needs," the IRC said in the report. Food insecurity will likely also deepen in Haiti in 2024, the IRC said.

Persons: Kylie Madry, Julio Rank Wright, Jovenel Moise, Ariel Henry, Eli Moreno, Ros Russell Organizations: Kylie Madry MEXICO CITY, International, El, Global, Transnational, Global Initiative Locations: Kylie Madry MEXICO, Ecuador, Haiti, Colombia, Panama, Darien, Caribbean, Kenya, Mexico City, Panama City

☆ Panama's Top Court Rejects Ex-President Martinelli's Appeal to Annul Prison Sentence
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-02 | by ( Feb. | At A.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: 1 min

PANAMA CITY (Reuters) - Panama's top court rejected former president and current presidential candidate Ricardo Martinelli's appeal to annul a 10-year prison sentence, a court official said on Friday, casting doubt on Martinelli's ability to run in the May election. Martinelli was sentenced to a 128-month prison term last year for money laundering for his role in a case known as "New Business," which alleges public funds were used to buy a media conglomerate and give him a majority stake. Authorities have not issued a statement on his candidacy, but Panama's constitution bars from the presidency anyone condemned to a prison sentence of five years or more. Martinelli, a multimillionaire supermarket magnate, held office from 2009 to 2014. (Reporting by Elida Moreno and Valentine Hilaire; Editing by Sarah Morland)

Persons: Ricardo Martinelli's, Martinelli, Elida Moreno, Valentine Hilaire, Sarah Morland Organizations: PANAMA CITY, Authorities Locations: PANAMA

☆ Panama Canal Drought Slows Cargo Traffic
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-26 | by ( Mira Rojanasakul | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +8 min

PANAMA CANAL Colón Atlantic Ocean Lake Alajuela Gatún Lake Panama City PANAMA Ship traffic Pacific Ocean PANAMA CANAL Colón Lake Alajuela Atlantic Ocean Gatún Lake Panama City PANAMA Pacific Ocean Ship traffic PANAMA CANAL Colón Lake Alajuela Atlantic Ocean Gatún Lake Panama City PANAMA Pacific Ocean Ship traffic PANAMA CANAL Atlantic Ocean Colón Lake Alajuela Gatún Lake Panama City PANAMA Ship traffic Pacific Ocean PANAMA CANAL Atlantic Ocean Colón Lake Alajuela Gatún Lake Panama City PANAMA Pacific Ocean Ship traffic PANAMA CANAL Atlantic Ocean Colón Lake Alajuela Gatún Lake Panama City PANAMA Pacific Ocean Ship traffic Source: MariTrace Ship movements from Jan. 19 to Jan. 21, 2024. Panama Canal Drought Slows Cargo TrafficThe lake that allows the Panama Canal to function recorded the lowest water level ever for the start of a dry season this year, which means that vastly fewer ships can pass through the canal. The Panama Canal Authority has reduced daily traffic through the narrow corridor by nearly 40 percent compared with last year. “The fact that the Panama Canal operates on freshwater is a major disadvantage compared to other water routes,” said Ricaurte Vásquez Morales, the administrator of the Panama Canal Authority, in a video address last month. But it may not be enough to meet the pressing demand for cargo traffic through the Panama Canal.

Persons: El, Jan, ”, Ricaurte Vásquez Morales, Gatún, Joshua Tewksbury, Gloria Arrocha Paz, Arrocha Paz Organizations: PANAMA Ship, Panama Canal Authority, Maersk, Panama Canal, Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Demand, Times, Smithsonian Tropical Research Locations: PANAMA, Lake Panama, Panama City PANAMA, Lake Panama City PANAMA, Panama, East Coast, United States, Northeast Asia, South America, Tewksbury, Indio, Gatún, Panama City, Panama Canal Authority, What’s

☆ Fire in Panama's Largest Landfill Blows Toxic Smoke Over Capital
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-19 | by ( Jan. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +2 min

(Reuters) - A large blaze at a garbage dump outside Panama City blew a toxic smoke in the country's capital on Friday, forcing evacuations as firefighters battled to put out the flames that authorities said were likely caused by arson the night before. "Everything points to the fire being started deliberately," firefighter chief Ernesto de Leon told a press conference. Health Minister Luis Francisco Sucre told reporters evacuations were being effected to protect residents from the flames and toxic gases. Videos on social media showed a helicopter flying above the thick gray smoke spraying down water as birds scatter overhead. Since 6 a.m. some 7,360 gallons (around 28,000 liters) of water have been sprayed over the area, authorities told reporters, saying some 60% of the blaze was controlled and this could reach 90% by Saturday.

Persons: Firefighers, Ernesto de Leon, Luis Francisco Sucre, Sucre, Angel Delgado, Laurentino Cortizo, Sarah Morland, Valentine Hilaire, Sandra Maler Organizations: Reuters, Panama City, Health, La Prensa, Saturday, La, Cerro Patacon Locations: Panama, Cerro

☆ A winter weather pattern change is about to bring a wild swing in temperatures to the US
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-19 | by ( Mary Gilbert | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

Mark Zaleski/The Tennessean/USA Today Network Snow falls on parked cars in Concord, New Hampshire, on January 16. Monday's caucuses were the coldest ever , with high temperatures below zero across much of the state. Dan Powers/USA Today Network Firefighters rescue a man after his car was stuck in a flooded area in Charlotte, North Carolina, on January 9. Gregg Pachkowski/USA Today Network Snow covers the trees around the Holy Hill Basilica and National Shrine of Mary in Hubertus, Wisconsin, on January 9. Tariq Zehawi/NorthJersey.com/USA Today Network Flooding is seen at an intersection in Spartanburg, South Carolina, on January 9.

Persons: Nature, Nikki Haley, Deb Cram, Andrew Kelly, Mark Zaleski, Snow, Will Lanzoni, Rogelio V . Solis, Amanda Andrade, Rhoades, Reuters Isaac Hammond, Geoff Stellfox, Brandon Bell, Christian Monterrosa, Daniel Cole, Dan Busey, Crews, RJ Sangosti, Jeffrey T, Barnes, Chip Somodevilla, Barbara J, Al Drago, Gary Hershorn, Brendan McDermid, Joseph Prezioso, Jim Vondruska, Andrew Harnik, Eric Seals, Rebecca Zimmerman, Antonio Perez, Zuma Snow, Erin Hooley, Drake, Sam Wolfe, Bryan Woolston, Kelly, Jo St, Aubin, Dan Powers, Peter Zay, Floyd Bennett Field, Spencer Platt, Scott Olson, County Sheriff Tommy Ford, Jaide Garcia, CNN Linda Cox, Gregg Pachkowski, of Mary, Mike De Sisti, Joe Raedle, Michael Gordon, Michael Gordon Workers Brian Henderson, Phil Murphy, Tariq Zehawi, Alex Hicks Jr Organizations: CNN, Omni Mount Washington, USA, Reuters, Mississippi State Capitol, Reuters Isaac Hammond braves, Austin, Bergstrom International Airport, Iowa State Capitol, Getty, Denver International Airport, MediaNews, Denver Post, NFL, Buffalo Bills, Pittsburgh Steelers, AP, Columbus Dispatch, Bloomberg, Corbis, Reuters Storm, AP Vehicles, Chicago Tribune, TNS, Storm Bros, Network Firefighters, County Sheriff, National, of, Milwaukee Journal, People, Michael, Michael Gordon Workers, New, New Jersey Gov, Spartanburg Herald, Chicago, Minneapolis Locations: Bretton Woods , New Hampshire, New, New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, Nashville , Tennessee, Concord , New Hampshire, Jackson, Wheeling , Illinois, Washington ,, Malcolm , Iowa, Austin , Texas, Des Moines, AFP, Florence , Alabama, Orchard Park , New York, Williamsburg , Iowa, Worthington , Ohio, Atlantic , Iowa, Hudson, Jersey City , New Jersey, Winthrop , Massachusetts, Ankeny , Iowa, Iowa, Northwestern, Farmington Hills , Michigan, Oak Park , Illinois, Chicago, Bamberg , South Carolina, Annapolis , Maryland, Kaukauna , Wisconsin, Charlotte , North Carolina, Anadolu, Brooklyn , New York, Iowa City , Iowa, Panama City Beach , Florida, Florida's Bay County, County, Myrtle Grove , Florida, Hubertus , Wisconsin, Bay County , Florida, Florida , Alabama, Georgia, Totowa , New Jersey, New Jersey, Spartanburg , South Carolina, Canada, Midwest, Des Moines , Iowa, Minneapolis, Indianapolis, Cleveland, New York City

PANAMA CITY (AP) — A severe drought that began last year has forced authorities to slash ship crossings by 36% in the Panama Canal, one of the world's most important trade routes. The new cuts announced Wednesday by authorities in Panama are set to deal an even greater economic blow than previously expected. On Wednesday, Panama Canal Administrator Ricaurte Vásquez said they would cut daily ship crossings to 24, after already gradually slashing crossings last year from 38 a day in normal times. It was a “significant reduction” for the country, Vásquez said. “The water problem is a national problem, not just of the Canal,” Vásquez said.

Persons: Ricaurte Vásquez, Vásquez, ” Vásquez, “, ” Organizations: PANAMA CITY, Central American Locations: PANAMA, Panama

☆ Northwest faces freezing rain and heavy snow while Arctic blast loosens its grip on eastern US
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-17 | by ( Elizabeth Wolfe | Robert Shackelford | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +11 min

Mark Zaleski/The Tennessean/USA Today Network Snow falls on parked cars in Concord, New Hampshire, on January 16. Gary Hershorn/Corbis News/Getty Images Snow and ice dust a worker who was removing snow from a sidewalk in Des Moines on January 13. Dan Powers/USA Today Network Firefighters rescue a man after his car was stuck in a flooded area in Charlotte, North Carolina, on January 9. Gregg Pachkowski/USA Today Network Snow covers the trees around the Holy Hill Basilica and National Shrine of Mary in Hubertus, Wisconsin, on January 9. Tariq Zehawi/NorthJersey.com/USA Today Network Flooding is seen at an intersection in Spartanburg, South Carolina, on January 9.

Persons: Nikki Haley, Deb Cram, Andrew Kelly, Mark Zaleski, Snow, Will Lanzoni, Rogelio V . Solis, Amanda Andrade, Rhoades, Reuters Isaac Hammond, Geoff Stellfox, Brandon Bell, Christian Monterrosa, Daniel Cole, Dan Busey, Crews, RJ Sangosti, Jeffrey T, Barnes, Chip Somodevilla, Barbara J, Al Drago, Gary Hershorn, Brendan McDermid, Joseph Prezioso, Jim Vondruska, Andrew Harnik, Eric Seals, Rebecca Zimmerman, Antonio Perez, Zuma Snow, Erin Hooley, Drake, Sam Wolfe, Bryan Woolston, Kelly, Jo St, Aubin, Dan Powers, Peter Zay, Floyd Bennett Field, Spencer Platt, Scott Olson, County Sheriff Tommy Ford, Jaide Garcia, CNN Linda Cox, Gregg Pachkowski, of Mary, Mike De Sisti, Joe Raedle, Michael Gordon, Michael Gordon Workers Brian Henderson, Phil Murphy, Tariq Zehawi, Alex Hicks Jr, Nouran Salahieh, Joe Sutton, Sarah Dewberry, Raja Razek, Jennifer Henderson Organizations: CNN, National Weather Service, Oregon -, . Maine, Police, Rockies, South Washington Cascades, Omni Mount Washington, USA, Reuters, Mississippi State Capitol, Reuters Isaac Hammond braves, Austin, Bergstrom International Airport, Iowa State Capitol, Getty, Denver International Airport, MediaNews, Denver Post, NFL, Buffalo Bills, Pittsburgh Steelers, AP, Columbus Dispatch, Bloomberg, Corbis, Reuters Storm, AP Vehicles, Chicago Tribune, TNS, Storm Bros, Network Firefighters, County Sheriff, National, of, Milwaukee Journal, People, Michael, Michael Gordon Workers, New, New Jersey Gov, Spartanburg Herald Locations: Pacific Northwest, Pacific, Oregon, Northwest, Portland , Oregon, Columbia, Oregon - Washington, Maine, • Buffalo , New York, Buffalo, Tennessee , Mississippi , Arkansas , Kansas, In Tennessee, Knoxville, Washington, Washington , Idaho, Montana, Portland, South, Bretton Woods , New Hampshire, New, New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Nashville , Tennessee, Concord , New Hampshire, Jackson, Wheeling , Illinois, Washington ,, Malcolm , Iowa, Austin , Texas, Des Moines, AFP, Florence , Alabama, Orchard Park , New York, Williamsburg , Iowa, Worthington , Ohio, Atlantic , Iowa, Hudson, Jersey City , New Jersey, Winthrop , Massachusetts, Ankeny , Iowa, Iowa, Northwestern, Farmington Hills , Michigan, Oak Park , Illinois, Chicago, Bamberg , South Carolina, Annapolis , Maryland, Kaukauna , Wisconsin, Charlotte , North Carolina, Anadolu, Brooklyn , New York, Iowa City , Iowa, Panama City Beach , Florida, Florida's Bay County, County, Myrtle Grove , Florida, Hubertus , Wisconsin, Bay County , Florida, Florida , Alabama, Georgia, Totowa , New Jersey, New Jersey, Spartanburg , South Carolina, Cincinnati, Detroit, Texas, Gulf, Buffalo , New York, Watertown , Massachusetts, Midwest

☆ Considering a move abroad in 2024? These are the best countries for expats
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-13 | by ( Blane Bachelor | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +26 min

The survey, which has been running for a decade, reflects input from nearly 12,000 expats representing 177 nationalities in 181 countries or territories. John Coletti/The Image Bank Unreleased/Getty ImagesA longtime retirement destination for Americans, Mexico also has attracted more families and the digital nomad set over the past few years. Pros: Mexico ranked first in InterNations’ 2023 Expat Insider survey and has ranked among the top five countries since 2014. Cons: As is the case in Mexico and other countries with large expat communities, there’s growing backlash against the influx of foreigners, especially Americans, and especially in Lisbon. That popularity among auslanders has contributed to a housing pinch in major cities, especially Berlin, where finding accommodation is one of the most stressful aspects of a move.

Persons: It’s, Megan Frye, Frye, ”, “, We’ve, John Coletti, San Miguel de Allende, margarita, Sean Pavone, expats, Alex Ingrim, Chase, Ingrim, it’s, pollsters, they’re, it’s MVV, Arielle Tucker, that’s, auslanders, Andriy Kravchenko, “ Costa, ” David Lesperance, Costa Rica’s, “ Tico, Sebastien Lecocq, Lesperance, he’s, what’s, Emily, ” Tucker, Roth, Tucker, Carte Organizations: CNN, Invest Overseas, Braga, InterNations, Mexico, National Institute of Statistics, Human Rights Watch, Visa, USA, CNN Travel, ”, Spain, International, Travel Association, pollsters Gallup, Michelin, Changi, Cons, United, Costa Rica Costa, Central, Costa, Lesperance, Associates, Panama Panama, Miami of, Panama City, Panama Qualified Investment, Panama Golden Visa, France France Locations: Valencia, Spain, Portugal, Mazatlán, Mexico, United States, Mexico City, Michigan, Mexico Mexico, Plaza Carso, Polanco, North America, —, Oaxaca, San Miguel, Playa, Carmen, InterNations, Portugal Portugal, Porto, Douro, Europe, Lisbon, Western Europe, Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Bilbao, Catalonia, Catalan, Netherlands, Amsterdam, Statista, Haarlem, Delft, Leiden, Maastricht, Washington, Miami , New York, San Francisco, Germany Germany, Munich, Germany, Berlin, Frankfurt, Stuttgart, Switzerland, Singapore Singapore, Singapore, Asia, Entre, Costa Rica, “, “ Costa Rica, Costa Rican, Panama City, Miami, Miami of Central America, Panama, North, South America, Italy, Venice, Italian, Paris, France, Lyon, Strasbourg

☆ Best travel destinations to visit in 2024
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-01 | by ( Cnn Travel Staff | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +32 min

cdwheatley/iStockphoto/Getty Images Angola: Beyond the capital city of Luanda, pictured, Angola has some jaw-droppingly spectacular scenery and cultural treats. David ChiaFF/Alamy Stock Photo Mérida, Mexico: Yucatán state's capital city showcases a blend of Mayan and colonial heritage. Pavel Tochinsky/The Image Bank RF/Getty Images Morocco: This North African country is home to nine UNESCO sites, including the historic city of Meknes, pictured. Panama City is also the only world capital with a tropical rainforest within its city limits. And a historic city forever entwined with the famed Camino de Santiago.

Persons: you’d, Tengguo Wu, Gabriele Thielmann, Turkey's, Gary Ennis, Matevz, Bill Bachman, Christian Kober, Gonzalo Azumendi, David ChiaFF, Pavel Tochinsky, Terry Kelly, Raul Rodriguez, iStock, Anton Petrus, –, — Karla Cripps Turkey’s, — Barry Neild, Mana Kaasik, — Maureen O’Hare, — Maggie Hiufu Wong, Deb Snelson, Glen Arbor, Marnie Hunter, — Forrest Brown, — Forrest Brown Angola Cristo, Eric Lafforgue, it’s, King, Eric Carr, John’s, Saint John, New Brunswick —, —, Tuul, Bruno Morandi, — Julia Buckley, Groenewald, Alamy, — Lilit Marcus, Alexander the Great, Philip II of Macedon, — JB, Bogdan Lazar, — Tamara Hardingham, Gill, Hercules, Francesca, Lazarus, ”, David Casanova, Megan Sequeira Casanova, “, Kuka y Naranjo, medina, Gordon Sinclair, Yvette Cardozo, — FB, Pierce Ingram, Stefan Tomic, Fujairah, who’ve, Samarkand —, It’s Organizations: CNN, United, CNN Travel, Getty Images, Town, Getty, Northwest, Saint, New Brunswick Tourism, UNESCO, Heritage, Alamy, Parque Nacional Volcán Barú, Galicia, Tercera Orden, Parque, Bank, Wakulla Springs, Texas, United Arab Emirates, AP, Rock, of Culture, Estonian National Museum, — Maggie Hiufu Wong Northwest Michigan, Bear, Farm, Riders, Lubango, — BN Saint John, Canada Tourists, St, Saint John City Market, Historic, Saint John Arts Centre, Carnegie, Carnegie Library, — KC, Korea, Folk, Netflix, South Korea, Adriatic, Nacional Glaciares, Australian Sea Lions, Panama, Spain Santiago de, Spain Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, Islas, Camino, Mexico People, YouTube, US State Department, Morocco, Regis Hotels, Resorts, — FB Texas, Travel Texas, Krause, Gruene, Fujairah, Icefjord, FS, Tuul, ” Locations: United States, Sumba, Indonesia Sumba, Indonesia, Bali, Getty Images Tartu, Estonia, Tartu —, European, Tainan, Taiwan, Northwest Michigan, Traverse City, Lake Michigan, iStockphoto, Western Balkans, Culebra , Puerto Rico, Flamenco, Culebra, cdwheatley, Angola, Luanda, , New Brunswick, Fundy, New Brunswick, New Brunswick Tourism South Korea, Korea Albania, Albania, Chile, mauritius, Western Australia, Greece, Macedonia, American, Panama, Spain, Camino, Santiago, St, John's, Mexico, Parque Hidalgo, Morocco, Meknes, Florida, Spicewood, Anton, Greenland, Denmark, AP Uzbekistan, Bukhara, Indonesian, Sumela, Turkey's, — Barry Neild Tartu, Estonia Tartu, of Culture Tartu, Tartu, “, Baltics, — Maureen O’Hare Tainan, Taiwan Tainan, Taipei, — Maggie Hiufu Wong Northwest, Lake, Traverse, Leland, Glen, perusing, Balkans, Slovenia, Bosnia, Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Serbia, transdinarica.com, —, Puerto Rico, It’s, — Forrest Brown Angola, Lubango, Barra, Cabo Ledo, — BN Saint John , New Brunswick, Canada, Hopewell, Newfoundland, Saint, Canada’s, Korea Andong, South Korea, Sanga, Korea, Seoul, Busan, Andong, Albania Albania, Berat, Montenegro, Vlorë, Gjirokastër, — Julia Buckley Chile, Atacama, Patagonia, Coral Coast, Geraldton, — Lilit Marcus Macedonia, Thessaloniki, Greece's, Hemis, Athens, Vergina, Veria, Naousa, Greece’s, Thrace, Philippi, Kavala, Panama . Panama City, Gill Galicia, Spain Santiago, Spain Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, Galicia’s, Santiago de Compostela, Cabo, Fisterra, Galicia —, Singapore, John’s, Paseo, Montejo, Mérida, Yucatán, getaways, there’s, Marrakech, Rabat, Fes, Resorts Morocco, Wakulla, Ginnie, Fredericksburg, Texas, Marble Falls, Meanderers, New Braunfels, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Wadi, Nuuk, Ilulissat, West, FS Uzbekistan, Samarkand, Uzbekistan, China, India, Khiva, Uzbek, Sentob, Tashkent

☆ Costa Rica Arrests Ex-Panama Presidential Hopeful Tied to Money Laundering Case
▼ + stars: | 2023-12-05 | by ( Dec. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +2 min

SAN JOSE/PANAMA CITY (Reuters) - Costa Rican police on Tuesday arrested Panamanian businessman and former presidential hopeful David Ochy on charges of fraud and money laundering, judicial authorities said on Tuesday, following an Interpol request. Ochy was wanted by Interpol for being central to a case linked to former Panamanian President Ricardo Martinelli, who was in July sentenced to over a decade in prison for money laundering. Ochy enrolled as a presidential pre-candidate for Martinelli's Realizing Goals party ahead of the 2024 vote, which protected him from facing trial in the Martinelli case last summer. Ochy faces criminal charges for money laundering and using a fraudulent Costa Rican identity card, Zuniga said. Carlo Diaz, who heads Costa Rica's state attorney's office, said he could be extradited to neighboring Panama though he must first face criminal proceedings in Costa Rica and could even serve a prison sentence there.

Persons: David Ochy, Ochy, Ricardo Martinelli, Martinelli, Randall Zuniga, Zuniga, Carlo Diaz, Javier Caraballo, Alvaro Murillo, Elida Moreno, Sarah Morland, Sandra Maler Organizations: JOSE, PANAMA CITY, Tuesday, Interpol, Central American Locations: PANAMA, Costa Rican, Panamanian, Costa Rica, Rican, Caribbean, Pococi, Costa Rica's, Panama, San Jose, Panama City

☆ Exclusive: Panama may slash GDP growth view due to suspension of First Quantum mine
▼ + stars: | 2023-12-04 | by ( Elida Moreno | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

View of the Cobre Panama mine, of Canadian First Quantum Minerals, in Donoso, Panama, December 6, 2022. Some experts calculate Panama would have to pay at least $50 billion if it loses the case, equivalent to nearly 70% of GDP. Ahead of the supreme court ruling, S&P revised Panama's outlook to negative from stable on potential risks to investor confidence and economic growth if the contract was found invalid. For First Quantum, the developments in Panama could be a repeat of its experience in the Democratic Republic Of Congo. The miner exited the African nation in 2012 after its mining contract was cancelled.

Persons: Hernan Arboleda, Laurentino Cortizo, Panamanians, Arboleda, Elida Moreno, Valentine Hilaire, Anthony Esposito, Edwina Gibbs Organizations: Minerals, REUTERS, Aris Mart, PANAMA CITY, Reuters, Gross, Panama, JPMorgan, Democratic, Thomson Locations: Panama, Donoso, PANAMA, Democratic Republic Of Congo

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