Hot air balloon crash in Mexico injures at least twelve people
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Fox News
11 hours 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
16 hours 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.
Yahoo
17 hours ago
- Yahoo
Former DEA agent warns tourists about Mexico's hidden dangers: 'It's not safe just because it looks safe'
Former DEA special agent Michael Brown warns that Mexico's popular tourist zones may look safe, but behind the beaches and resorts, cartels and predators pose serious threats to unsuspecting travelers.
