Hot air balloon crash in Mexico injures at least twelve people
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Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Yahoo
Another Royal Caribbean cruise outbreak hits 140+ passengers. Are outbreaks getting worse?
2025 has already seen as many cruise ship outbreaks as all of last year. Is this the new normal? More than 140 passengers and crew members aboard Royal Caribbean's Navigator of the Seas fell ill with gastrointestinal symptoms during a week-long cruise that ended July 11, marking yet another outbreak in what's shaping up to be a particularly challenging year for the cruise industry. The outbreak affected 134 of the ship's 3,914 passengers — roughly 3.4% of those aboard — along with seven crew members out of 1,266 total crew. Passengers experienced the familiar trio of cruise ship illness symptoms: vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. The Navigator of the Seas had departed Los Angeles on July 4 for a round-trip voyage to Mexico, making three stops before returning to port, where the outbreak was officially reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. What makes this outbreak particularly concerning isn't just the numbers — it's the broader trend. We're only halfway through 2025, and this incident brings the year's total cruise ship gastrointestinal outbreaks to 18, already matching the entire total for 2024. That's a significant jump from the 14 outbreaks recorded in 2023. Is this the future of cruising? A troubling pattern in the U.S. The CDC tracks these incidents carefully, but only reports outbreaks that meet specific criteria: the ship must be under Vessel Sanitation Program jurisdiction (operating voyages that include both U.S. and foreign ports) and at least 3% of passengers or crew must report gastrointestinal symptoms to the ship's medical staff. This means the Navigator of the Seas outbreak, at 3.4% of passengers affected, just barely crossed the threshold for public notification. Most of these outbreaks stem from norovirus, the highly contagious stomach bug that spreads rapidly in enclosed environments. The CDC noted in April that "a newly dominant strain is currently associated with reported norovirus outbreaks on land," and ships typically mirror land-based outbreak patterns. This suggests the current surge may reflect broader public health trends rather than cruise-specific problems. But that's not great news, either. For the record, Royal Caribbean implemented enhanced sanitation protocols and isolated sick passengers and crew members during the voyage. The company emphasized that "the health and safety of our guests, crew, and the communities we visit are our top priority," noting their cleaning procedures exceed public health guidelines. However, the CDC has yet to identify the causative agent behind this latest outbreak. The streak continues — across all cruise lines This isn't Royal Caribbean's first outbreak rodeo this year. The cruise line has been dealing with multiple outbreaks across its fleet, joining other major operators like Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, and Cunard in facing similar challenges. Earlier this year, a Cunard luxury liner experienced an outbreak affecting more than 240 passengers and crew during a monthlong international voyage, while Princess Cruises saw over 80 people fall ill during a 16-night cruise in February. The timing of these outbreaks raises questions about whether cruise lines are adequately prepared for what appears to be a particularly virulent norovirus season. While companies have implemented enhanced cleaning protocols and isolation procedures, the close quarters and shared facilities aboard cruise ships create ideal conditions for rapid transmission of gastrointestinal illnesses. Are cruises... actually safe? Despite the alarming headlines, perspective matters. The Navigator of the Seas carried nearly 4,000 passengers, and while 134 falling ill sounds significant, it represents a relatively small percentage of the total. For comparison, norovirus outbreaks occur regularly on land — in schools, nursing homes, and restaurants — but cruise ships draw more attention because they're self-contained environments where outbreaks can be easily tracked and reported. The CDC emphasizes that cruise ship outbreaks represent only 1% of all reported gastrointestinal outbreaks. However, the concentrated nature of cruise ship populations means that when outbreaks do occur, they can affect a substantial number of people in a short timeframe. For prospective cruisers, the key is understanding that while these outbreaks are concerning, they remain relatively rare events. The cruise industry serves millions of passengers annually, and the vast majority complete their voyages without incident. That said, the uptick in reported outbreaks suggests passengers should be particularly vigilant about hand hygiene and other preventive measures, especially during peak norovirus seasons. The real question isn't whether cruises are safe — they generally are, all things considered. Instead, we should be asking whether the industry is doing enough to adapt to evolving public health challenges (never mind sustainability) and whether current protocols are sufficient to handle increasingly virulent strains of common illnesses. Because in 2025, there's work to be done. Solve the daily Crossword
Fox News
a day ago
- Fox News
Americans in vacation hot spot may see more military than margaritas this summer
Tourists visiting Cancún and Mexico's Riviera Maya this summer are being greeted not just with ocean breezes and poolside cocktails, but by heavily armed patrols. In response to escalating cartel violence and crimes against travelers, the Mexican government has deployed more than 7,000 troops and security personnel to safeguard the country's most popular vacation zones. Since 2021, Mexico has turned to deploying troops and local enforcement to patrol the beaches and tourist hot spots. Former Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Senior Special Agent Michael Brown, currently the global director of counter-narcotics technology at Rigaku Analytical Devices, told Fox News Digital that the sight of military rifles may do more to remind travelers of the danger than reassure them of their safety. "The fluidity of Mexican organized crime, gang activity, is constantly moving from one side of the country to the next," he said. "Unfortunately, these high-end tourist areas represent an easy opportunity for organized crime to come, steal, assault, and rob." This summer, the Mexican government has launched an aggressive security campaign across popular tourist destinations in the state of Quintana Roo — home to Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Cozumel. Dubbed "Operation Summer Vacation 2025," the initiative was formally announced on July 18 and involves the deployment of more than 7,000 security personnel, including members of the National Guard, Navy, Army, and state and local police. While Operation Summer Vacation 2025 is the largest coordinated seasonal deployment to date, it follows a multi-year pattern of heightened military involvement in Mexico's most lucrative tourist zones. The goal is to safeguard the expected 2 million tourists throughout the summer and early fall months with a coordinated presence of land, air, and sea patrols. "We will not tolerate abuses, illegal fees, or practices that harm individuals. To our tourism service providers, I reiterate: you are the best ambassadors of our state. Your conduct, your ethics, and your commitment will make the difference," Gov. Mara Lezama Espinosa of Quintana Roo said in a news conference, according to Spanish-speaking regional media outlets. Brown views the militarization as a red flag rather than a reassurance. "You're sitting on a beach looking at soldiers. I'm worried about something happening. That really works against the concept of a vacation," he said. "If I'm sitting on a beach looking at the armed military, is that really going to make me relax?" Concerns about traveling to Mexico as an American are not overstated as cases of rampant crime against tourists have prompted the U.S. State Department to issue warnings. The agency issued a Level 2 travel advisory to Quintana Roo, meaning travelers should "exercise increased caution" due to elevated risks connected to property crimes, scams, and occasional violent incidents - even in tourist areas. The U.S. Embassy in Mexico encourages U.S. citizens to remain vigilant at all times, especially in the downtown zones of Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum after dusk, and to stick to well-lit, populated areas to reduce vulnerability. Travel alerts also remind visitors of incidents where cartel-related violence and rival gang disconnects, though not necessarily targeted at tourists, have injured innocent bystanders. "If you're going to go to places which represent a certain level of danger, you have to have a plan in place to mitigate that threat, because once it happens, you're not going to see it happen," Brown said. While military patrols may offer some comfort, Brown stressed that personal vigilance is still the most effective safety tool for American tourists, especially women traveling alone or in small groups. Brown recommends tourists carry personal GPS trackers, ideally concealed in a handbag, bracelet, or necklace, and set designated check-in times with family members back home. He also urges travelers to only use transportation arranged by the hotel when staying at resorts and pre-verify the driver's identification and license plate. When it comes to nightlife, the former DEA special agent suggests never accepting drinks from strangers, only consuming beverages opened in front of you, and never leaving the resort alone, especially at night. For cruise-goers or those venturing into local towns, he advises leaving all jewelry, designer items, and large amounts of cash onboard to avoid being targeted. "Have a plan," he said. "Your awareness has to increase significantly the moment you step off that plane." Fox News Digital has reached out to the U.S. State Department for comment.
CBS News
a day ago
- CBS News
From Southern Dallas to Kenya: How one woman's mission is giving girls a global voice
What started as a simple idea rooted in faith is now a movement changing the lives of young women across southern Dallas. Through her faith-based nonprofit, Global Girl Voyages, Carla Langford is giving girls the opportunity to see the world — and their place in it — with fresh eyes and an ambitious perspective. Carla Langford doesn't just believe in travel — she believes it transforms. To her, stepping outside your ZIP code is more than a vacation. For the girls in her program, it's a lesson in faith, courage and connection. And it's exactly why she created Global Girl Voyages. "What else is out there for me? It's not just East Dallas or South Dallas. I have a whole world to see," Langford said. Her nonprofit invites young women from underserved communities to explore the world through faith-based mission trips. From Mexico to Kenya, they're gaining more than stamps on a passport — they're gaining purpose. "Generally, the girls here in Southern Dallas don't typically have these opportunities," Langford said. "Travel is sort of an elitist notion for some, for some communities, and specifically with the girls that I work with, I don't call them at risk. I say these girls are on the road to success. Through Global Girl Voyages and the support of all the people out in their community, we're providing that opportunity for them to learn, to find their voice, and not only learn, but commune with some girls that look just like them from across the other land who have had similar experiences." On Aug. 1, 10 girls from the program will travel to the Wings of House Rescue Home in Kenya. Many have already begun building connections with the girls there through virtual mentorship and prayer sessions. GGV is also raising money to support the home. "They've endured abuse… but they are resilient," Langford said. "We've used our GLOW UP mentorship program with them, and we're excited to finally meet face-to-face." For Carlin, one of the Dallas girls heading to Kenya, it will be her first time traveling internationally. "I'm very excited to go to Kenya, especially to talk to girls my age and really relate to them — because they're a lot like us," she said. Tri'Ana Jackson vividly remembers her first mission trip to Mexico — and how it opened her eyes in more ways than one. "I'd never seen anyone like me going on mission trips. We helped build a house for a young mother and her son. Being part of someone else's blessing… it was amazing," she said. Langford said the impact of traveling can serve as a "light bulb moment" for the girls. She hopes that impact and transformation are the souvenirs the girls cherish forever. "[I hope they get] that ding in the middle of the night that says, 'Oh my gosh, I really liked that, or did you see that sunset?'" But the real power, she said, is in the ripple effect. Her research shows that when young people are in crisis or on the verge of making a life-altering decision, they don't hear adult voices — they hear their peers. "If I work with the mind of the youth of these young women, then the voices that they use within the community that they are surrounded — that young person who's going to make that decision that maybe isn't healthy for them — they're going to hear their voice. They're going to hear Carlin, they're going to hear Zoe, they're going to hear Stevie saying, I don't think so. So with us planting the seeds in them, it will then plant seeds with all the girls in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, not only here, but also with the girls in Kenya that we get a chance to work with." It's a faith-forward mission with global reach — and local roots. And as Carla Langford and her girls prepare for the next voyage, they carry with them the hope of planting seeds — in Kenya and right back home in Dallas. As young girls like Carlin and Tri'Ana take their global voyages to help others, Carla prays to make even more dreams possible. "I really want to explore the world… and help people," said Treyana. Visit and click "Partner With Us" to sponsor a trip or learn more.
