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The International Trade Union Confederation placed the three Latin American nations in that group in its Global Rights Index released Monday. The list also includes Belarus, Egypt, Eswatini, Myanmar, Nigeria, Tunisia and Türkiye. All three countries fall into category 5, the lowest rating in the annual survey of labor standards across 169 nations. Workers and unions in Panama lack guarantees regarding their basic rights and face constant oppression from employers and the state, the confederation said. The report marks Panama’s entry into the bottom group. It reflects a broader deterioration across the region. Argentina joined the list this year after falling to category 5, the second consecutive year of decline in its rating. Conditions for workers and unions have become increasingly repressive and hostile under the government of President Javier Milei, the study said. Authorities have instituted an anti-blockade protocol to maintain public order in the event of roadblocks, au...

Costa Rica’s rain has been immortalized in one of Paul McCartney’s newest songs. The legendary British musician revealed that “First Star of the Night,” featured on his latest album, The Boys of Dungeon Lane , was written during a stay in the country marked by heavy tropical rain. As McCartney recounted in recent interviews, he was enjoying a day off in Costa Rica when his plans to relax by the pool were interrupted by a downpour that lasted for hours. Rather than getting frustrated, he picked up his guitar and began writing. “It rained like tropical rain, so I had my guitar,” McCartney said, describing how the weather pushed him toward the song instead of the sun. The connection to Costa Rica made it into the finished track, which opens with McCartney remarking on the rain falling outside before the melody takes over. From there, the song evolves into an optimistic reflection on hope and on finding light amid gray days. McCartney and his...