The Big Story Big Headlines: Canadian airlines resume flights to Puerto Vallarta and Ottawa meets with Open AI
Feb 24, 2026
Major Canadian airlines are restarting flights to Puerto Vallarta after recent violence subsides. Local policing in cartel-affected regions and the risks officers face are explored. Officials meet to discuss AI safety following concerns about ChatGPT. Coverage marks four years of the Ukraine war and outlines related aid and sanctions. U.S. political timing and hockey team controversies are also mentioned.
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Airlines Resume Puerto Vallarta Flights
- All major Canadian airlines resumed flights to Puerto Vallarta after temporary suspensions due to cartel-related violence following El Mencho's death.
- Global Affairs still warns of high caution and airlines used larger planes to repatriate thousands of stranded Canadians.
Cartel Retaliation After El Mencho Killing
- Violence erupted when cartel members fought authorities after the killing of drug lord El Mencho near Puerto Vallarta.
- The Mexican president said calm returned the next day, but Global Affairs warned more incidents remain possible.
Local Police Vulnerability To Cartels
- Local police in Mexico face severe underfunding, low pay, and high corruption, making them vulnerable to cartel influence.
- Jerry Flores noted some municipal officers, including El Mencho at one point, have links to policing, illustrating blurred lines.