While driving down an East Texas country road I spotted this scene. The autumn trees and the late afternoon sun made these golden bales of hay shine just a little bit more. Fortunately I had my camera with me. (c) James Q. Eddy Jr.

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Why some companies are paying more than $1 million to get through the Panama Canal

NPR | By Rob Schmitz,

Henry Larson, Mallory Yu

Published August 14, 2026 at 4:22 PM CDT

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With the Strait of Hormuz effectively closed, pressure on the Panama Canal has increased. And combined with lower water levels, transit prices through the canal are soaring.

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Rob Schmitz

Rob Schmitz is NPR's international correspondent based in Berlin.

Henry Larson

Mallory Yu

Mallory Yu is an associate producer for All Things Considered.