CAUGHT PACKING: Airport authorities foil ill-disguised bomb threat -A man carrying what authorities described as an explosive device powerful enough to damage a plane, as well as a torch lighter, knife, zip ties and other items, was arrested after trying to pass through a Sacramento International Airport security checkpoint over the weekend, federal prosecutors said.
SHELTER IN PLACE VS. LOCKDOWN: Why the distinction matters in crisis -By FERNANDO LOPEZ MEDINA/ Security threats have a way of reminding us how fragile normal life can be. They erupt without warning, escalate quickly and force people, governments and organizations into rapid decision-making.
WINTERTIME’S THE NEW TIME FOR CRUISING IN EUROPE -By WALLACE IMMEN/ With global conflicts seemingly never-ending, more cruise lines are shifting winter itineraries away from the Middle East and Africa to offer guests the security of Europe. And they’re seeing strong bookings because despite the cooler temperatures, the off-season promises a relief from tourist crowds.
LISTENING IN: Good, old-fashioned Freddie -By MICHAEL BAGINSKI/ A casual conversation at an industry luncheon the other day (long story) revealed that my considerably younger colleagues were oblivious to the existence of Live Aid, the epic, generational concerts in London and Philadelphia in 1985 that were organized to raise funds for Ethiopian famine relief. (Woodstock was vaguely recognized).
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U.S. AIRPORT PLAN CALLED ‘INSANE’ -Democrats hammered U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin during a heated Senate hearing this week, calling his threats to pull officers from some airports in so-called sanctuary cities “insane” and accusing his department of recklessly spending billions of dollars.
MORE CUBAN HOTELS TO CLOSE: Meliá pulls out of 15 Cuban hotels -Though most of the hotels in Cuba are not currently operational, Meliá says it is formally ceasing operations at 15 properties across the island, operating primarily under the Meliá, Sol and Paradisus brands.
COMMITMENT ISSUES: World Cup fans waiting for best games, playoffs -With the 2026 World Cup of Soccer set to kick off on June 11 in Mexico City and continue through July 19 across Canada, the U.S. and Mexico, travellers are increasingly treating the mega event like a last-minute luxury purchase, waiting longer to commit while spending significantly more on customized experiences surrounding the tournament’s semifinals and championship match, says luxury sports travel company Roadtrips.
MAKING AMERICA COWBOY AGAIN: Amarillo, Texas embraces a different vibe -By MICHAEL BAGINSKI/ Never mind MAGA, Amarillo, Texas has embraced a different vibe: Make America Cowboy Again. Located in the heart of the state’s northern Panhandle, the city is having a moment in the West Texas sun thanks in part to the booming interest in western and cowboy culture generated by the hit TV show “Yellowstone.”
STEADY AS SHE GOES FOR NORTH AMERICAN CARRIERS -While the war in Iran has led to a significant downturn in air travel, North American carriers have held steady, posting exactly the same numbers for total demand (0.0% gain/loss) in April over last year, reports IATA.
