Storm Cristina Hits Nicaragua’s West: Heavy rains and strong winds from Tropical Storm Cristina have triggered floods, landslides, and major disruptions across western Nicaragua, with especially severe impacts reported in León and Chinandega; authorities warn of up to 300mm of rain in a day, while Managua and key highways also face sinkholes, damaged roads, and emergency repairs. El Niño Alarm for the “Dry Corridor”: Scientists say El Niño has arrived and could intensify into a very strong event later this year, raising fears of drought, crop losses, and food-price spikes across Central America’s dry corridor, including Nicaragua. Illegal Mining Crisis Near the Border: Costa Rica’s Crucitas gold crisis is deepening as illegal mining spreads into forest and waterways near the Nicaraguan border, with reports of toxic contamination from mercury and cyanide and growing concerns over organized crime and unsafe extraction. Wildlife Health Watch: A resurgence of New World screwworm is being linked to illegal cattle smuggling, raising conservation and animal-health concerns across Central America and beyond, including risks tied to deforestation for ranch expansion. Regional Integration Note: Costa Rica’s Lina Ajoy Rojas was elected to lead SICA, with an agenda that explicitly includes environment and sustainable development across Central America.