North America

Mexico: Canadians Shot in Acapulco; Police Killed by Drug Gangs

Date: February 7th, 2007 |

Two Canadian tourists were grazed by bullets in the heart of Acapulco’s tourist district Feb. 4 when someone fired into their hotel lobby. The city has been the site of ongoing hostilities between rival drug cartels, and police believe this incident was related to these turf wars. Last month more than 7,000 federal police and [read more]

Caribbean: Passports Needed to Return to U.S.

Date: January 18th, 2007 |

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Beginning Jan. 23, Americans flying into the U.S. from Caribbean islands, Mexico or Canada will have to arrive with a passport to be allowed entry. Prior to that, traveling with only a driver’s license will be adequate. The change came about as a security measure mandated by the U.S. Homeland Security and State departments. The [read more]

Mexico: Oaxaca Teachers’ Strike Is Over

Date: December 5th, 2006 |

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Oaxaca is inching back to normal after six months of unrest. The teachers’ strike that started the protests is over and most of the 70,000 teachers have gone back to work, but the deeper issues behind the protests that shut down the city for months remain. Additional protests are possible, but they are unlikely to [read more]

Mexico: Oaxaca Crisis Continues

Date: October 31st, 2006 |

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Federal police were dispatched to Oaxaca to break down the barricades, push out the protesters who have occupied the colonial city’s main square since May, and restore the rule of law throughout the city. Police cleared the area Oct. 29 but protesters returned and clashed with riot troops Oct. 30, raising the stakes and suggesting [read more]

Mexico: Oaxaca Crisis May Be Ending

Date: October 10th, 2006 |

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The strike in Oaxaca that has paralyzed the popular colonial city since May spread to Mexico City Oct. 9 when thousands of strikers marched 280 miles to the capital city, but late that night the government and protest leaders reached a tentative agreement to end the dispute. Some of the barricades in Oaxaca will reportedly [read more]

Mexico: Oaxaca Almost Back to Normal, Tijuana Police Issued Slingshots

Date: January 24th, 2007 |

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The U.S. State Department has downgraded its advisory on travel to Oaxaca, now urging Americans to use caution when visiting the city rather than stay away. The situation remains unsettled but is largely back to normal. Demonstrations could recur and should be avoided. Mexican law forbids political activities by foreigners, and participating in demonstrations could [read more]

Mexico: Drug Violence in Acapulco, Hermosillo

Date: December 26th, 2006 |

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Drug gang violence erupted recently in the tourist resort of Acapulco and in Hermosillo, Sonora state, serving as a reminder that such violence can occur almost any time. In Acapulco Dec. 24, a grenade exploded outside two nightclubs a block from the main tourist strip, injuring 10 people, one seriously. In Hermosillo, two people were [read more]

Mexico: Oaxaca Crisis Continues

Date: November 20th, 2006 |

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The political crisis in Oaxaca continues despite the federal police being stationed in Oaxaca City to restore order. Demonstrators clashed with police Nov. 20 while pressing demands for the ouster of Oaxaca Governor Ulises Ruiz. Solidarity strikes took place the same day in Chiapas state where most of the main roads were shut down by [read more]

Hawai’i: Islands Recover from Earthquake

Date: October 17th, 2006 |

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The most powerful earthquake to strike Hawaii in 20 years disrupted tourism for just a few days as workers restored power and air traffic began to flow normally again. All hotels and resorts are reported operating and all main roads are open. A rural highway on the Big Island of Hawaii between Kawaihae and Hawi [read more]

Airline Security: Carry-on Regulations Relaxed

Date: September 26th, 2006 |

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Strict carry-on rules that were imposed following the thwarted terrorist plot in August to blow up U.S.-bound aircraft flying from London have been relaxed. The U.S. now allows small amounts of liquids and gels in carry-on luggage and permits beverages purchased at shops inside airport security perimeters to be carried aboard. Containers for toiletries must [read more]