FIRE DESTROYS PACKED D.R. RESORT: 1,700 tourists evacuated, one died
A large fire almost completely destroyed a luxury resort in the Dominican Republic on Friday, forcing the evacuation of almost 1,700 tourists. Local media reported an Italian tourist died in the fire and several other tourists required medical assistance.
ARCH NEMESIS: Trump triumphal arch flagged over aviation safety
A U.S. senator is urging the head of the Federal Aviation Administration to resist any pressure from President Donald Trump to prioritize construction of his planned triumphal arch over aviation safety.
ALBANIA MANIA: Transat flights a first from Canada
One of Europe’s emerging “it” destinations now has direct service from Canada courtesy of Transat, which officially inaugurated its new non-stop service between Toronto and Tirana late last week. The first flight (TS422) marked the launch of the first air link between Canada and Albania.
EMIRATES OFFERS ‘INDUSTRY FIRST’ INSURANCE COVERING CONFLICTS
In response to recent global airspace disruptions, rising jet fuel costs, and heightened travel uncertainty amid the U.S.-Iran conflict, Emirates has introduced Comprehensive Travel Cover, a product the company says is an industry-first travel insurance offering broad, multi-risk protection for travellers throughout their journey.
‘TRULY STUNNING’: Parthenon restoration reveals new-old look
Visitors to the Acropolis can now see the Parthenon’s western side looking whole for the first time in about 220 years. Officially unveiled last week (June 18), restorers have slotted two new marble blocks into long-empty gaps high on the temple’s western end – the view visitors see when they first enter the ancient monument in Athens.
LAST WEEK THIS MORNING: June 15-19, 2026
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MIND THE GAPS: Booking security threats that agencies often overlook
Booking flights and accommodation online means vacationers share a lot of sensitive information with travel businesses – names, addresses, passports, and more besides. However, this data may be at high risk of hacker interception – especially if travel firms don’t take steps to protect it adequately enough.
CUBA ‘GETTING READY’ TO FIGHT U.S.: Diplomat also praises Canadian aid
Cuba is prepared for a fight with the United States and is praising Canada for its humanitarian aid, said a senior diplomat visiting Ottawa from Havana this week.
THE ‘ROCKY’ ROAD TO PHILADELPHIA: City celebrates film’s 50th anniversary, and other summer highlights
Every day, visitors from around the world make their way to the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art – not necessarily for the galleries inside, but for a statue of a fictional boxer from South Philadelphia. The bronze figure of Rocky Balboa – arms raised in victory, clad in boxing trunks and boots – has become a point of pilgrimage for people around the world.
MULLET MANIA: Danish championship celebrating maligned hairstyle a cut above
Business in the front, party in the back. A packed Danish crowd recently celebrated the much-maligned but enduring mullet hairstyle, defined by very short hair at the front and longer hair at the back.
A CONTROVERSIAL CRUISE SHIP FACES TROUBLE AGAIN
By WALLACE IMMEN/ A cruise ship with a checkered history, Gemini is reported to have been arrested in Greece due to unpaid debts the owner owes to a Turkish financial institution.
LISTENING IN: My, my, my, it’s Tom Jones
By MICHAEL BAGINSKI/ From The Cult last week to Tom Jones this, don’t say we’re not versatile. At any rate, what were you doing on April 21, 1968? I don’t know either (I was alive), but we know that the hunky Welsh crooner was performing on the Ed Sullivan show.