Winterberg, Germany — Germany won a World Cup luge team relay on Sunday, with Austria finishing second. That’s not exactly breaking news. Those nations have the top two luge programs in the world right now.
The news was Ukraine finishing third — and how the war-torn nation got there.
Ukraine won its first World Cup luge medal in more than 16 years. The country’s relay team — singles sliders Yulianna Tunytska and Andriy Mandziy, along with Ihor Hoi and Nazarii Kachmar on one doubles sled, Olena Stetskiy and Oleksandra Mokh on the other — finished third in a race at Sigulda, Latvia.
“It’s amazing,” Tunytska said, holding a bouquet of flowers and blowing kisses on the award podium afterward.
Greg Cackett, Brad Hall, Taylor Lawrence and Arran Gulliver from Britain celebrate their victory after the four-man bobsleigh, 2nd run, at the Bobsleigh World Cup in Winterberg, Germany, Sunday Jan. 5, 2025. (David Inderlied/dpa via AP)
The medal came in a very unconventional way. There were seven teams in the relay, and four of them didn’t finish. Ukraine finished almost four seconds back of Germany’s winning time — four seconds is a lifetime in luge, a sport where races are often decided by hundredths or even thousandths of a second — but out of the three finishers, it was third-fastest.
That meant bronze.
“Congratulations to Ukraine. … Drama is drama, and a great story is a great story,” commentator Tim Singer said on the International Luge Federation’s broadcast of the race.
To say Ukraine — a nation about to enter its fourth year of war with Russia — does not have much in the way of sliding resources would be an understatement.
There is no sliding track in Ukraine; the team considers the facility in Sigulda to be its home track and prepares for seasons with a fall training camp there. Sliders from many nations — Germany, the U.S., Canada, Italy, Austria, China, South Korea and Switzerland among them — often have the chance to slide on tracks in their own countries, a big advantage. Ukraine doesn’t have that luxury.
It has never won a sliding sport medal — not in luge, bobsled or skeleton — at the Olympics, and it hadn’t been a real contender in any race contested during the four World Cup luge stops so far this season until Sunday. Ukraine’s most recent World Cup luge medal before Sunday was Natalia Yakushenko winning silver in a women’s singles race at Sigulda on Dec. 6, 2008; she also won bronze at the world championships in Lake Placid, New York, on Feb. 6, 2009.
“It was a curious race,” Mandziy said.
Germany’s Kira Lipperheide, left, and Lisa Buckwitz celebrate their victory after the women’s two-man bobsleigh, 2nd run, at the Bobsleigh World Cup in Winterberg, Germany, Sunday Jan. 5, 2025. (David Inderlied/dpa via AP)
The U.S., Italy, Latvia and Poland all failed to finish the team relay, a variety of mishaps thwarting their chances.
The team relay is composed of four sleds — women’s singles, men’s singles, women’s doubles and men’s doubles — and a slider from each sled must not only finish getting down the track but reach up and hit a pad at the finish line that triggers a signal telling the next sled it’s time to start. The best total, four-sled time wins.
U.S. women’s slider Emily Sweeney did not hit enough of the pad on her run, so the Americans were disqualified — but were given a second chance after a technical error with the timing system at the start. Sweeney crashed on her second try, and the Americans were out again.
Latvia also got a second chance after the timing issues at the start and crashed out on its second try as well. Poland and Italy crashed out, and Ukraine was one of the three teams standing when it was all over.
“It’s a very emotional race,” Mandziy said. “Very emotional. … We’re very happy.”
In the World Cup luge men’s singles race, Nico Gleirscher of Austria was first, with Kristers Aparjods of Latvia second and Max Langenhan of Germany third. The top U.S. men’s finisher was Tucker West, who placed seventh.
Bobsled At Winterberg, Germany, the home nation won five of six available medals in a pair of World Cup races on Sunday.
Germany swept the podium in a women’s bobsled race, with Lisa Buckwitz and Kira Lipperheide winning, Laura Nolte and Deborah Levi finishing second and Kim Kalicki and Leonie Fiebig placing third.
The top U.S. women’s sled — driven by Kaillie Humphries and pushed by Emily Renna — placed fourth. Lolo Jones, in her first World Cup bobsled race since 2021, was part of a 12th-place finish with driver Elana Meyers Taylor.
In the four-man race, Brad Hall of Britain drove to the win, with Germans Francesco Friedrich second and Adam Ammour third. The U.S. sled driven by Frank del Duca was 12th.
Up next
Skeleton — World Cup men’s, women’s and mixed race at St. Moritz, Switzerland, on Friday.
Bobsled — World Cup at St. Moritz on Saturday and Sunday.
Luge — World Cup at Altenberg, Germany on Saturday and Sunday.
Beverly Hills, USA — Hollywood is gearing up for the return of the Golden Globes, the annual champagne-filled celebration of film and television that marks the ceremonial start of awards season.
Here’s everything you need to know about the 82nd Annual Golden Globe Awards, including how to watch, stream, and follow the live action on Sunday. The event, hosted by comedian Nikki Glaser, will take place at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California.
This Cincinnati-born comedian is making history as the first woman ever to host the Golden Globes solo.
Nikki Glaser, a stand-up comedian and television host, gained widespread attention in May 2024 for her sharp and unfiltered performance in “The Greatest Roast of All Time: The Roast of Tom Brady,” part of the annual “Netflix is a Joke Festival.” During this event, Glaser humorously targeted NFL star Tom Brady, including jabs about his divorce from model Gisele Bündchen and his unsuccessful cryptocurrency investments.
In 2025, Glaser is set to host the 82nd Annual Golden Globe Awards, making her the first solo female host of the event.
Glaser rose to fame after appearances on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” and “Last Comic Standing.” Her first stand-up comedy special “Perfect” aired on Comedy Central in 2016 and her second special, titled “Bangin’,” premiered on Netflix in 2019.
Nikki Glaser with her parents, Edward J. Glaser (father) and Julie E. Glaser (mother), and her sister, Lauren Glaser. Photo : ABTC/fatheringexcellence
Nikki Glaser’s Early life
Glaser was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, the daughter of Julie E. (née Burke) and Edward J. Glaser. She has one sibling, a younger sister named Lauren. She was raised Catholic.Glaser spent most of her childhood in St. Louis, Missouri, living in the suburb of Kirkwood. She graduated from Kirkwood High School and briefly attended the University of Colorado Boulder before transferring to, and graduating from, the University of Kansas with a degree in English literature.
Personal life
Nikki Glaser is 40 year old and currently in a relationship with producer Chris Convy and resides in the Central West End neighborhood of St. Louis. She has maintained sobriety from alcohol since 2012 and quit smoking, attributing her success to the writings of Allen Carr. Glaser has openly shared her struggles with an eating disorder in the past and pursued help through a recovery program. A passionate animal rights activist, she has been vegan since 2016. Additionally, starting in October 2023, she attended 22 concerts during the Eras Tour.
Nikki Glaser and Chris Convy attend the 28th Annual Critics Choice Awards on January 15, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty
She now hosts the dating shows “Blind Date” and “FBoy Island” and was the subject of an E! channel reality series “Welcome Home Nikki Glaser.” She has also hosted several podcasts, including “You Had to Be There,” “The Nikki Glaser Podcast” and “We Know Nothing.”
Apart from her professional pursuits, Glaser made headlines in December 2024 for revealing she spent nearly $100,000 in tickets to attend Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour 22 times.
In an interview with People, Glaser said she justified the hefty purchases because she isn’t spending that money elsewhere, like on raising kids.
Beverly Hills, USA — Hollywood is getting dressed up as the Golden Globes are returning for their annual champagne-soaked celebration of film and television that serves as the ceremonial start to awards season.
Here’s what you need to know about the 82nd annual Golden Globe Awards, including how to watch, stream and follow along live with Sunday’s happenings from the show at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California, hosted by comedian Nikki Glaser.
The 82nd Annual Golden Globe Awards are scheduled for Sunday, January 5, 2025, at 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time (5:00 p.m. Pacific Time) at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California. Comedian Nikki Glaser will host the event, which will be broadcast live on CBS and streamed on Paramount+ for subscribers with the Showtime add-on.
Golden Globe Awards 2025: Nominees and Streaming Details
Paramount+ users with the Showtime add-on can stream the Golden Globes live. Other Paramount+ subscribers can stream the show the next day.
The Globes can also be watched through live TV streaming services that include CBS in their lineup, like Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV or FuboTV.
In India, viewers can watch the Golden Globe Awards live on Lionsgate Play on Monday, January 6, 2025, starting at 6:30 a.m. Indian Standard Time (IST).
Indian People How watch on live stream ? In India, viewers can watch the Golden Globe Awards live on CBS and stream it on Paramount+ with the Showtime add-on. The red carpet pre-show will be available on Variety and Entertainment Tonight websites, as well as on Paramount+. E! will also provide red carpet coverage starting at 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
The Golden Globe Awards are renowned for honoring outstanding achievements in film and television. This year’s nominees include “Emilia Pérez,” directed by Jacques Audiard, which leads with several nominations, including Best Picture (Musical or Comedy). The TV show “The Bear” has accumulated five nominations. Viola Davis and Ted Danson will receive lifetime achievement awards.
New Delhi, India – Saurabh Gupta will contest as an independent from Shalimar Bagh Assembly New Delhi: On one hand, Delhi is experiencing the harsh winter weather and on the other hand, the heat of the Delhi Assembly elections has intensified. AAP has fielded its candidates on all 70 seats.
BJP has also released its first list and Congress has also fielded its candidates on many seats. Delhi’s Shalimar Bagh Assembly seat will be very interesting this time.
AAP has fielded current MLA Bandana Kumari as its candidate. BJP has again expressed confidence in its former candidate Rekha Gupta. Praveen Kumar Jain is the candidate from Congress. Saurabh Gupta, who was once the backbone of Shalimar Bagh Assembly and played an important role in making AAP win every election, has expressed his displeasure with the party’s decision this time.
Saurabh Gupta has announced to contest as an independent. Talking to journalists, Saurabh said that current MLA Bandana’s husband has constantly exploited the workers of AAP and has misbehaved with them.
The MLA and her husband have worked against the party many times. To defeat AAP candidate Jalaj Chaudhary in the Municipal Councilor election, MLA Bandana Kumari and her husband Sajjan Kumar fielded one of their close aides as an independent candidate, but AAP workers made party candidate Jalaj Chaudhary win.
The party has taken a wrong decision by giving ticket to the current MLA, thereby playing with the feelings and respect of thousands of workers. Saurabh Gupta said, I want to ask AAP patron Mr. Arvind Kejriwal whether party workers have any respect or prestige in the party or not. I am saddened by the party’s decision, therefore I have decided to contest the election as an independent from Shalimar Bagh Assembly. Thousands of youths and old AAP workers extended their support to Saurabh Gupta.
New Delhi, India — The National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted a search on Saturday at the Jamia Nagar residence in south Delhi of an accused recently arrested in connection with the Laos human trafficking and cyber slavery network.
During the search, investigators seized digital devices, including mobile phones and tablets, as well as incriminating financial documents such as debit cards, passbooks, and chequebooks from multiple banks.
The case revolves around a criminal conspiracy led by Kamran Haider and other associates involved in trafficking vulnerable Indian youth to the Golden Triangle region in Laos People’s Democratic Republic (Laos PDR). Victims were forced into cyber scams targeting European and American citizens.
Preliminary investigations have revealed that Kamran Haider orchestrated the operation, facilitating the trafficking network. He is also accused of extorting money from victims who attempted to escape, using cryptocurrency wallets to collect the funds on behalf of Chinese scammers.
The NIA has stated that further investigations into the case are ongoing.
Three Arrested After Journalist Mukesh Chandrakar’s Body Found in Septic Tank in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur
New Delhi, India — India’s media watchdog and journalism organizations have demanded a thorough investigation into the murder of Mukesh Chandrakar, a 28-year-old freelance journalist whose body was found on January 3, stuffed in a septic tank in Bijapur, Chhattisgarh.
Chandrakar was known for reporting on corruption and the Maoist rebellion in the mineral-rich state. He also ran a popular YouTube channel, Bastar Junction, which highlighted local issues.
The Press Council of India expressed “concern” over his killing, urging authorities to provide a detailed report on the “facts of the case.”
The Editors Guild of India also condemned the incident, stating it was “deeply disturbed” by the murder. “The safety of journalists – especially those working in smaller towns and rural areas – is of paramount importance,” the guild emphasized.
It further urged the Chhattisgarh government to “spare no efforts” in conducting a swift and thorough investigation to ensure those responsible are held accountable.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Ritesh Chandrakar, Dinesh Chandrakar, and Mahendra. Photo: Bijapur Police
Police have arrested three individuals in connection with the murder:
Ritesh Chandrakar: Mukesh’s cousin, alleged to have committed the murder with assistance.
Dinesh Chandrakar: Another cousin, accused of helping to dispose of the body.
Mahendra: Allegedly assisted in the murder.
The main suspect, contractor Suresh Chandrakar, remains at large.
Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Vijay Sharma announced the formation of an 11-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the incident.
The SIT, led by IPS officer Mayank Gurjar, aims to conduct a thorough probe into the circumstances surrounding Chandrakar’s death.
Authorities have also demolished illegal properties linked to the accused as part of the investigation.
The case has ignited political tensions, with Deputy Chief Minister Sharma alleging that the main accused is affiliated with the Congress party, while Congress claims that the accused was inducted into the BJP.
Media bodies have condemned the killing, calling for a thorough investigation and better protection for journalists.
Chandrakar’s death highlights the dangers faced by journalists reporting on corruption and local issues in India, particularly in regions affected by insurgency and political strife.
The journalism community continues to mourn his loss and advocate for justice in his case.
Damascus, Syria — The top diplomat in Syria’s new leadership said Friday he will make official visits to Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan this week, having just been to Saudi Arabia on his first trip in office.
The new government is eager for investment from wealthy Gulf states to help rebuild the country’s infrastructure and boost the economy, shattered by more than a decade of war.
“This week, I will represent my country, Syria, on an official visit to our brothers in Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan,” its foreign minister Asaad al-Shaibani said in a statement on X.
“We look forward to these visits contributing to support stability, security, economic recovery, and building distinguished partnerships,” he added.
Earlier this week, Shaibani headed a high-ranking delegation to Riyadh that included the new government’s defence minister and intelligence chief.
It was the first foreign visit by Syria’s new Islamist rulers since they ousted president Bashar al-Assad last month.
Last month, a Saudi delegation met Syria’s new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus, a source close to the Saudi government told AFP at the time.
Sharaa heads the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group, which led the rebel offensive that ousted Assad on December 8.
Last week, in an interview with Saudi-owned Al Arabiya television, Sharaa said Saudi Arabia “will certainly have a large role in Syria’s future”, pointing to “a big investment opportunity for all neighbouring countries”.
Authorities are conducting an investigation to determine the cause of the fire at a bustling market in Zhangjiakou, located in Hebei province
Beijing, China — A fire at a food market Saturday in northern China killed at least eight people and injured 15 others, state media said.
The fire at the Liguang market in the city of Zhangjiakou broke out midday Saturday and was mostly extinguished by 2:00 p.m. (0600 GMT), Xinhua News Agency reported, citing a government official in Qiaoxi District where the market is located.
The cause of the fire is under investigation, the report said.
Such traditional markets are often tightly packed with shoppers seeking prices lower than at supermarket chains.
Fire sources can range from gas bottles to charcoal used to roast meat and discarded cigarettes while aging infrastructure, such as underground gas lines, has also been blamed for fires and explosions.
Zhangjiakou, located in Hebei province bordering Beijing, hosted events during the 2022 Winter Olympic Games.
Videos shared on China’s Weibo microblogging platform captured massive dark clouds of smoke and towering flames engulfing the market.
According to company data provider Qichacha, the Liguang Vegetable Market, which opened in 2011, offers a wide range of products, including fruit, seafood, and electronics.
Traditional markets like these are typically crowded with shoppers drawn by prices lower than those found at supermarket chains.
EXCLUSIVE REPORT — The world is more expansive and interconnected than ever before in human history. Modern air travel allows people to zip from New York to Singapore or London to Cape Town in hours—journeys that once took weeks or even months.
However, the abundance of choices can feel overwhelming. In this age of FOMO (fear of missing out), social media often makes it seem like everyone you know is off on an exotic adventure. So, how do we decide where to go next?
According to CNN Travel, their team of journalists has done an excellent job identifying the top destinations to visit in 2025.
The modern mosque with golden domes in front of Alatau mountains. Photo : Shutterstock
1. Almaty, Kazakhstan
Almaty, Kazakhstan, is quickly becoming Central Asia’s “Capital of Cool,” offering a mix of vibrant nightlife, a growing arts scene, and stunning landscapes at the foot of the Tian Shan mountains. The city is home to artistic metro stations, world-class museums like the Abilkhan Kasteev State Art Museum, and a unique “Neo Nomad cuisine.” Almaty is easily accessible via direct flights from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, with visa-free entry for many countries, including the U.S., UK, and Canada.
2.Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a Union Territory of India, have long been difficult to visit, with most Indians never setting foot there. However, this is changing with the launch of the archipelago’s first international passenger flight from Kuala Lumpur to Port Blair in late 2024.
While the islands are sometimes linked to the tragic story of John Allen Chau, it’s important to note that access to North Sentinel Island is not only difficult but illegal. Instead, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands themselves offer stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and warm, welcoming locals.
Often compared to the Maldives before commercial tourism arrived, the islands boast locally-owned cafes, fresh juices, chai, and parathas. Visitors can enjoy snorkeling, kayaking, and even visit Barren Island, home to India’s only live volcano. Swaraj Dweep, a short ferry ride from Port Blair, is a diver’s paradise.
Travelers from around the world have visited the Andaman Islands throughout history. According to the government tourism website, historical records show that:
Arab travelers visited the islands in the 19th century.
Marco Polo described the area as “Angamanian” during his visit in the 13th century.
Friar Odoric passed through in the 14th century.
Caesar Fredericke explored the islands in the 16th century.
The sun turns everything golden at Bequia Island in St. Vincent and the Grenadines in the Caribbean. Sylvain Sonnet/The Image Bank RF/Getty Images
3. Bequia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines
“Everybody dreams ah fi go England, my dream’s to go Bequia,” sings Marlo Benn in a soca song that captures the charm of this seven-square-mile island. Bequia (pronounced Beck-way) is a stunning destination known for its white sand beaches, warm year-round temperatures, and lush tropical landscapes.
Located just half an hour by air from Barbados, Bequia is one of the 32 islands that make up St. Vincent and the Grenadines. While nearby Mustique is more famous, Bequia’s allure is undeniable.
Despite being hit by Category 4 Hurricane Beryl in 2024, Bequia has recovered and seen a rise in visitors. The island’s most famous beach, Princess Margaret Beach, is known for its beauty and named after Queen Elizabeth II’s sister. Nearby, Friendship Bay and the Bequia Heritage Museum offer insight into the island’s history, including its long-standing whaling tradition.
Hip Airstream trailers provide a way to stay overnight at Salar de Uyuni, the world’s biggest salt plain. Photo : Journey Latin America/Shutterstock
4. Bolivia, South America
August 6 marks the 200th anniversary of Bolivia’s independence from Spain, led by Simón Bolívar, the country’s first president. While official plans for celebrations are still under wraps, 2025 is expected to be a year of festivity.
Though many travelers add Bolivia to a Peru trip, “the country is a destination in its own right,” says Laura Rendell-Dunn of Journey Latin America. “You can easily spend two weeks or more exploring its highlights.”
La Paz, Bolivia’s capital, is gaining recognition for its vibrant restaurant scene, with places like Gustu, founded by Noma co-founder Claus Meyer and now run by chef Marsia Taha. The restaurant is renowned for its innovative take on traditional Bolivian cuisine.
Luxury accommodations such as the Atix Hotel provide comfort at La Paz’s high altitude, while more remote areas offer unique stays like Airstream campers on the Salar de Uyuni salt flats. From the world’s highest navigable lake at Lake Titicaca to the pre-Inca ruins of Tiwanaku and the colonial beauty of UNESCO-listed Sucre, Bolivia offers luxury and fewer crowds compared to its neighbor Peru.
A giant bronze bust of Karl Marx looks over cultural events in the heart of Chemnitz in eastern Germany. Photo : Peter Rossner/Chemnitz 2025
5. Chemnitz, Germany
Once known as Karl-Marx-Stadt, Chemnitz in East Germany is most famous for its massive bronze bust of Karl Marx, the “second-largest in the world,” erected in 1971. This sculpture, symbolizing the city’s complex history, remains a major attraction, though Marx never visited the city in his lifetime.
In 2025, the focus shifts to Chemnitz’s vibrant cultural scene, as it joins Nova Gorica, Slovenia, as a European Capital of Culture. Once one of Germany’s wealthiest cities, Chemnitz is now celebrating its diversity with festivals, street art, vintage car rallies, and exhibitions.
Visitors can also admire the city’s eclectic architecture, including the two-part Town Hall, which blends 15th-century and Art Nouveau styles. The city’s “C the Unseen” initiative champions projects like the Purple Path, an art and sculpture trail connecting Chemnitz with surrounding communities, and efforts to transform public spaces into cultural hubs.
A bridleway in Ettington, Warwickshire. Photo : Bob Tinley/Wikipedia
6. England’s footpaths
England’s countryside is crisscrossed with ancient footpaths, bridleways, and byways, legally accessible to all. Despite lacking towering mountain trails, the country offers scenic paths just a short walk from most doorsteps, from green tunnels of trees to windswept moors. Iconic routes like the Pennine Way, Coast-to-Coast, and South Downs Way are popular, but quieter areas also feature marked trails. With an Ordnance Survey map, anyone can create their own adventure.
Eswatini’s Sibebe Rock is the largest exposed granite pluton in the world. Photo : Edwin Remsberg/The Image Bank RF/Getty Images
7. Eswatani and Mpumalanga province, South Africa
Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) has partnered with South Africa’s Mpumalanga province and Mozambique for the TRILAND 2024-2025 tourism initiative, aiming to create a cross-border tourism corridor in southeast Africa. While the U.S. government advises against travel to Mozambique, Eswatini and Mpumalanga are open for visitors.
Mpumalanga is home to Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, the third-largest canyon in the world, distinguished by its lush subtropical vegetation. Visitors can enjoy stunning views from God’s Window and easily combine their trip with a visit to nearby Kruger National Park.
Kayakers glide past the Museum of the Second World War in Gdansk, Poland. Photo : Patryk_Kosmider/iStock Editorial/Getty Images
8. Gdańsk, Poland
Gdańsk is renowned as the site where World War II began and the birthplace of the Solidarity movement, which helped end communism in Poland. However, this Baltic port city offers much more. Formerly known as Danzig, Gdańsk was rebuilt after the war, emerging as one of Poland’s most colorful cities.
Notable attractions include the Museum of the Second World War, Artus Court, and St. Mary’s Church, one of the world’s largest brick churches. In 2023, Gdańsk was ranked among the best cities to live in Europe, with high resident satisfaction.
Gilgit-Baltistan is a challenging but sublime region of northern Pakistan. Photo : Tjetjep Rustandi/Alamy Stock Photo
9. Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan
In the 1970s, Pakistan was a prime adventure travel destination, especially for travelers on the “Hippie Trail.” Though political instability halted tourism, the stunning peaks of the Gilgit-Baltistan region in the Karakoram Mountains remain as breathtaking as ever. Home to five of the world’s highest peaks, including K2, the region is a challenge to reach with unreliable flights and seasonal road closures.
With rugged terrain and limited infrastructure, hiking here is far more demanding than in the Himalayas. Solo hiking is not permitted, but organized trips from global tour operators like G Adventures and Intrepid make it accessible, with guided hikes starting around $3,000.
La Dolce Vita Orient Express promises fine dining and the romance of the rails. Photo : Courtesy Orient Express Italy
10. Italian trains
Luxury enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the launch of the La Dolce Vita Orient Express, a super-luxurious train offering eight itineraries across Italy starting in April. The routes will include famous destinations like Venice and Tuscany, as well as lesser-known areas like Abruzzo, Basilicata, and Sicily to Rome.
For those on a smaller budget, Italy offers stylish travel options too. Trenitalia, ranked the best in Europe in December, operates high-speed Frecce trains connecting major cities efficiently. For a more luxurious experience, the Executive class offers large recliner chairs and butler service. Additionally, Treni Turistici Italiani (TTI) trains, often vintage, provide a more exclusive, comfortable ride. New 2025 routes include a Milan to Saint-Raphaël service and a seasonal night train from Rome to Lecce.
Stay tuned to our news site for updates on 10 more exciting destinations!
Washington, USA — The U.S. Transportation Department has fined JetBlue Airways (JBLU.O) $2 million for operating four chronically delayed domestic flights, marking the first penalty of its kind for prohibited scheduling practices.
As part of a consent agreement, JetBlue will pay $1 million directly to the government, with the remaining amount allocated to compensate customers impacted by the delays or any future disruptions within the next year, the department announced on Friday.
As part of the settlement, JetBlue has agreed to provide vouchers worth a minimum of $75 for passengers for future flight cancellations or delays of three hours or more caused by the airline within the next year.
JetBlue, which did not immediately comment, told USDOT it did not admit liability but agreed to settle to avoid the expense and uncertainty of litigation.
USDOT said at various points in 2022 and 2023 JetBlue operated chronically delayed flights between New York and Raleigh-Durham, Fort Lauderdale and Orlando along with a flight between Fort Lauderdale and Windsor Locks, Connecticut.
“Regardless of the cause of the delay (carrier, weather, national airspace, security) for any specific flight, JetBlue had adequate time to act to avoid the chronic delays,” USDOT said.
The airline said it spent tens of millions of dollars to address issues with air traffic control especially in the U.S. Northeast corridor to as much as reasonably possible to prevent any chronic delays.
USDOT said there were 395 delays and cancellations across four chronically delayed flights in total, which meant U.S flights that are canceled or arrive more than 30 minutes late more than 50% of the time over a month.
USDOT estimates JetBlue was responsible for over 70% of the disruptions for the four chronically delayed flights.
