Central America

Flights between Central American capitals can cost $600-$700, often exceeding the price of a flight to Miami, due to taxes and airport fees that account for 70% of the fare. Officials are seeking reforms under the CA-4 initiative to address the issue.

The article highlights the 250th anniversary of the Fourth of July as a celebration of the U.S. democracy's longevity, despite its flawed history including indigenous displacement, slavery, and ongoing inequalities. It references past events like the bicentennial, Gerald Ford's civil rights legislation, Roe v. Wade, and the end of the Vietnam War, acknowledging both progress and persistent challenges.

The New World screwworm parasite, previously absent from Texas for decades, has returned to the region with twelve cases reported. The parasite was previously confined to Central America before its recent reappearance in Texas.

El Nino has arrived and could reach historic intensity by late 2023, according to NOAA. Scientists warn it may exacerbate extreme weather events, including droughts and floods, and combine with fossil fuel-driven climate change to push global temperatures to record levels. Governments in Central America and East Africa are preparing for potential food crises.

The National Hurricane Center is monitoring a disturbance in the southern Gulf of Mexico with low development odds, which could become the first named storm of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season if it forms. The system, linked to Tropical Storm Cristina in the Pacific, is expected to move inland over eastern Mexico without directly threatening the U.S. Forecast models, including Google's DeepMind, indicate minimal chances for significant development.

Tropical Storm Boris is expected to hit Mexico's Pacific coast on Monday night, bringing heavy rain, flooding, and potential mudslides to Guerrero and Oaxaca. President Claudia Sheinbaum activated civil protection plans, and the National Meteorological Service issued torrential rain alerts. A second storm near Central America may also impact southern Mexico later in the week.

Week 2 of the Atlantic hurricane season shows a developing system near Central America's Pacific side, with models shifting the low-pressure area closer to land, reducing tropical organization potential. El Niño conditions are emerging, with eastern Pacific waters 1.5°C above average, likely to strengthen through summer and fall, impacting Atlantic hurricane activity.

Donald Trump's return to the White House and the launch of the 'Shield of the Americas'—a militarized anti-narcotics coalition excluding Mexico—have altered Central America's security landscape. The coalition, unveiled in Miami, has pushed drug trafficking routes into international waters and prompted uneven regional responses, according to a report by EL PAÍS.

The first full week of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season ends without any named storms, aligning with historical patterns where the first storm often forms around June 20. A potential development area is forecast for the western Caribbean or Gulf by late next week, though models currently show low odds of significant organization.

A case of New World screwworm has been reported in South Texas, potentially marking the first breach of the US-Mexico border by the flesh-eating flies. The USDA is conducting confirmatory testing and has mobilized personnel to address the threat, which has alarmed the US cattle industry.

The Eastern Pacific hurricane season is active with above-average activity predicted due to warm water temperatures, while the Atlantic hurricane season remains dormant. NOAA highlights contrasting conditions between the two regions, with the Eastern Pacific already forming storms like Amanda, Boris, and Cristina, whereas the Atlantic is quiet through its first week.

A Homeland Security task force completed the prosecution of seven illegal aliens from Guatemala who were involved in smuggling other illegal aliens into the United States from Guatemala, Mexico, and other Central/South American and Asian countries. The last defendant in the case was recently sentenced for their role in the smuggling operation.

Record heat has been observed in North and Central America, while eastern China experienced egg-sized hailstones. Honduras broke its all-time May maximum temperature record twice this month, with temperatures reaching 42.2C in Choluteca. Intense heat is forecast to persist over the coming weeks.

A silky anteater was spotted in Suriname and put on a show for cameras. The anteater's appearance was a notable event. The species is native to Central and South America.

Israeli President Herzog is visiting Central America, specifically Panama and Costa Rica, to deepen ties with partners in the region. The four-day visit is expected to strengthen relationships. The Israeli Foreign Ministry announced the trip.

The US military carried out a lethal strike on a vessel in the Eastern Pacific, killing three suspected narco-terrorists. The strike was conducted by Joint Task Force Southern Spear and targeted a vessel engaged in narco-trafficking activity. No US service members were injured in the operation.