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Russia Sends Oil and Gas to Cuba Amid US Embargo
Worldrzeczpospolita1h ago

Russia Sends Oil and Gas to Cuba Amid US Embargo

Russia has dispatched two vessels carrying oil and gas to Cuba, defying the US embargo imposed by Donald Trump. The shipments are expected to provide significant energy support to the island, with the gas tanker arriving this week and the oil tanker in early April.

Iran Thanks India for First Medical Aid Shipment
WorldTimes of India12h ago

Iran Thanks India for First Medical Aid Shipment

Iran has expressed gratitude to India for dispatching its first medical aid shipment, which arrives as Iran faces significant casualties and attacks on healthcare facilities due to ongoing military campaigns.

Avalanche at Gaustatoppen in Telemark, Norway
Worldnrkvg4d ago2 sources

Avalanche at Gaustatoppen in Telemark, Norway

Emergency services responded to reports of an avalanche in the mountainous area near Gaustablikk in Tinn municipality, Telemark. Ski tracks were observed in the avalanche zone, prompting a search and rescue operation with multiple resources, including three helicopters, dispatched to the scene.

Bulgarian ESO Director Warns of 'End of Energy Dinosaurs' Amid Grid Challenges
Businesscapital-bg6d ago

Bulgarian ESO Director Warns of 'End of Energy Dinosaurs' Amid Grid Challenges

Dimitar Zarchev, director of the national dispatch management at Bulgaria's Electricity System Operator (ESO), stated that the country's energy grid, built in an older era, faces problems similar to those across Europe. He metaphorically suggested that the 'big battle for stability' signals the end of 'energy dinosaurs' in the sector.

California motel closes after two women found dead in same room days apart
WorldThe Guardian9d ago

California motel closes after two women found dead in same room days apart

Eureka police took two calls for unconscious individuals, and officials reported ‘elevated’ carbon monoxide in room A California motel has been closed after authorities found two women dead in the same room just days apart. The Eureka police department in northern California said in a news release last Thursday that on 21 February, officers and Humboldt Bay fire personnel were dispatched to a motel on the 4000 block of Broadway Street in Eureka – identified by the Eureka Times-Standard as the...

Women in Kazakhstan’s Emergency Services Take on Key Roles in Public Safety
Worldastana-times10d ago

Women in Kazakhstan’s Emergency Services Take on Key Roles in Public Safety

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA — Women working in Kazakhstan’s civil protection system are playing an increasingly important role in ensuring public safety, taking on roles as firefighters, rescuers, psychologists and dispatchers across the country. Ahead of International Women’s Day, their growing contribution highlights the expanding presence of women in a field traditionally dominated by men. One such specialist… The post Women i...

Summit League tournament: South Dakota State women dispatch Kansas City
SportYahoo12d ago

Summit League tournament: South Dakota State women dispatch Kansas City

Mar. 5—SIOUX FALLS — South Dakota State stayed hot in the Summit League tournament quarterfinals, having little trouble with 7th-seeded Kansas City in a 75-61 win at the Premier Center. It was SDSU's 8th win a row. Brooklyn Meyer had 26 points, surpassing the 2,000-point milestone along the way, and the Jackrabbits held UMKC to 18 percent shooting in the first half to build a comfortable lead ...

Dispatch – March 3: Trucks Who Pray
Culturecivil-ge15d ago

Dispatch – March 3: Trucks Who Pray

There are many believers in Georgia, but none worship as loudly as the local trucks. You can spot them rushing through the suburbs or driving across the countryside; some carry cargo, others transport cement to construction sites, leaving dust in their wake as they roar through narrow streets. There are those with larger trailers who …

Woman injured after car overturns near Yeroskipou
Culturecyprus-mail16d ago

Woman injured after car overturns near Yeroskipou

A 58-year-old woman was injured in a traffic accident on Monday shortly after 7am on the highway near Yeroskipou, while travelling towards Paphos, police said. According to police, the vehicle she was driving skidded and overturned. The circumstances of the accident are under investigation. An ambulance and fire brigade were dispatched to the scene to […]

Tehran: a city at war
WorldFTmyjoyonline17d ago2 sources

Tehran: a city at war

A dispatch from Iran’s capital, where an eerie silence was broken by explosions, pro-regime marches and people fleeing

Fire breaks out at chemical factory in Karachi’s SITE area: Rescue 1122
WorldDawn29d ago

Fire breaks out at chemical factory in Karachi’s SITE area: Rescue 1122

KARACHI: A fire broke out at a chemical factory in Karachi’s SITE area on Tuesday, Rescue 1122 said. Spokesperson Rescue 1122, in a statement, said that the chemical factory was located near Valika Chowrangi and efforts were underway to control the fire. “A fire brigade truck, along with rescue teams, was immediately dispatched to the site of the incident, as soon as the Rescue 1122 received report of the incident,” the spokesperson added. A contingent of Sindh Rangers personnel was also dispatched to the site of the incident, their spokesperson said in a statement. “Rangers personnel are actively participating in the relief activities and rescue operation along with the fire brigade and rescue personnel,” the spokesperson said. Meanwhile, Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab took notice of the incident. In a post on X, Mayor Wahab said, “KMC fire team is attending to the fire incident reported at a factory in SITE Industrial Area. Will keep everyone posted.” According to an earlier statement, Mayor Wahab had “directed all departments of the KMC to stay alert”. He issued instructions to utilise all available resources for the rescue operation. The statement added that the “water board authorities were also instructed to take emergency measures”. “All possible steps should be taken to control the fire,” the mayor was quoted as saying. “There will be no compromise made on the safety of human lives,” he added. Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, as per a statement, directed Mayor Wahab and the commissioner to supervise the rescue efforts and investigate the cause of the fire. The incident comes a day after a huge fire erupted in the bushes near the University of Karachi (KU). It was brought under control later.

Ship Orders From South Korea Are Surging Thanks To U.S. Fees On Chinese-Made Ships
Businesszerohedge1mo ago

Ship Orders From South Korea Are Surging Thanks To U.S. Fees On Chinese-Made Ships

Ship Orders From South Korea Are Surging Thanks To U.S. Fees On Chinese-Made Ships South Korea is tightening the race with China in global shipbuilding after U.S. plans to curb Chinese-built vessels disrupted order flows and redirected demand , according to Nikkei.  Worldwide new orders fell 27% in 2025 to 56.42 million compensated gross tonnage (CGT) — the first annual drop in two years — according to U.K.-based Clarksons Research. China remained No. 1 but saw orders tumble 35% to 35.36 million CGT, shrinking its share to 62.7%. South Korea, ranked second, moved the other way: orders climbed 8% to 11.59 million CGT, lifting its share to 20.6%. Japan, in third, recorded a 53% plunge to 2.77 million CGT, with its slice slipping to 4.9%. The shift followed a U.S. announcement last April outlining fees on Chinese-built ships entering American ports starting in October 2025. Although the policy was delayed for a year after a U.S.-China summit in late October, uncertainty had already prompted global shipping companies to hesitate on new Chinese orders. A unit of China State Shipbuilding Corp. said it was disadvantaged in contract talks last summer, opening the door for South Korean yards to win more large container ship deals. HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering cited weaker demand for Chinese shipyards as a key reason for its recent surge in orders. Nikkei writes that the company posted record results for the year ended December: revenue rose 17% to roughly 29 trillion won ($20.1 billion), while net profit doubled to about 3 trillion won. Government-backed workforce initiatives have also supported the industry. Seoul opened a training center in Indonesia in 2024 to prepare skilled workers, including Korean language instruction, before dispatching them to local yards. Shipbuilders have raised wages and introduced AI tools to ease labor strain. Foreign employment in South Korea’s shipbuilding sector hit a record 22,824 at the end of 2024 — about four times the level five years earlier — with foreigners making up more than 20% of the workforce. Japan, meanwhile, has struggled to capture orders shifting away from China. Data from the Japan Ship Exporters' Association show export contracts in 2025 fell 20% to 8.93 million gross tons, marking a fourth straight year of decline. Limited yard capacity, slipways booked through around 2029, and labor shortages have constrained growth and pushed up costs. Looking ahead, global demand is expected to rebound in 2026 as stricter environmental rules accelerate orders for vessels powered by next-generation fuels such as hydrogen and ammonia. HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering has set a 2026 order target of $23.3 billion, up 26% from this year, citing steady demand for new builds and fleet replacements. China is working to regain momentum. In December, Cosco Group placed 50 billion yuan ($7.23 billion) in orders with China State Shipbuilding Corp., underscoring coordinated support among state-owned enterprises. Japan is also attempting a reset. Imabari Shipbuilding recently completed its acquisition of Japan Marine United to streamline operations. The government aims to double domestic shipbuilding capacity to 18 million gross tons by 2035, seeking to narrow the wide gap with South Korea and China. Tyler Durden Mon, 02/16/2026 - 14:00

Human Interest and Quirky Moments at the Olympics
SportAPBBCwsj+3The IndependentYahooDaily Sabah1mo ago6 sources

Human Interest and Quirky Moments at the Olympics

The Olympics are generating buzz with unique human interest stories, including ex-partners competing in an intimate sport and a collection of other weird moments like cursing curlers and a condom shortage.

Faulty device causes Limassol house fire
Worldcyprus-mail13h ago

Faulty device causes Limassol house fire

Damaged electrical appliances and faulty equipment caused a house fire in Limassol on Tuesday. The fire brigade said the fire broke out at 3.26pm and two fire engines were dispatched to the scene. Firefighters brought the fire under control by 3:50pm. The tenants were not at home at the time. Preliminary investigations pointed to damaged […]

WorldNHK World2d ago

【Details】Warships Dispatched to Strait of Hormuz; Responses Vary by Country

Regarding US President Trump's request for multiple countries to dispatch warships to the Strait of Hormuz, UK Prime Minister Starmer revealed that they are consulting with various nations on a feasible plan to ensure safe passage. Meanwhile, German Chancellor Merz stated, 'We will not participate in operations to secure freedom of navigation through military force,' indicating that responses are divided among countries.

Worldarab-news9d ago

France to deploy warships to Red Sea

French President Macron announced that France will dispatch two warships to the Red Sea, indicating a move to bolster security or presence in the strategic waterway.

US-Israel-Iran war: Latest developments in the Middle East
WorldAPReutersNYT+65wsjFTThe GuardianAl JazeeratagesschauberlingskeDWle-figaro+57 more13d ago68 sources

US-Israel-Iran war: Latest developments in the Middle East

Get the latest updates on the Middle East war, including explosions in Tehran, Iranian missile launches at Israel, and strikes on Hezbollah strongholds. Read More: https://punchng.com/us-israel-iran-war-latest-developments-in-the-middle-east/

Cyprus Post warns of mail delays
Businesscyprus-mail15d ago

Cyprus Post warns of mail delays

The Cyprus Post said on Tuesday that due to the unstable situation in the region and ongoing flight changes and cancellations, the dispatch of postal items to destinations in Europe and worldwide will be carried out subject to flight availability. As a result, delays are expected in outgoing mail, while delays are also anticipated in […]

Tram Accident in Helsinki
Worldhelsingin-sanomat19d ago

Tram Accident in Helsinki

A tram accident occurred on Mannerheimintie in Helsinki, with multiple rescue units dispatched to the scene.

Russia Ships First Pork Casings Batch to Morocco From Kursk
Finance23d ago

Russia Ships First Pork Casings Batch to Morocco From Kursk

Beni Mellal – Russia exported its first shipment of salted pork casings to Morocco from the Kursk region on February 16, under the supervision of the Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance (Rosselkhoznadzor). The consignment weighed 22.2 tons and was dispatched from a processing facility in the Oktyabrsky district of Kursk Oblast. The shipment […] The post Russia Ships First Pork Casings Batch to Morocco From Kursk appeared first on Morocco World News.

‘Chronicles From the Siege’ Review: Vignettes of Desperation on the Front Lines Deepen the Depiction of Palestinian Lives
Worldvariety25d ago

‘Chronicles From the Siege’ Review: Vignettes of Desperation on the Front Lines Deepen the Depiction of Palestinian Lives

Several interconnected vignettes make up “Chronicles From the Siege,” Abdallah Alkhatib’s harrowing, poignant, sometimes darkly hilarious dispatch from the frontlines of a violent blitz. The drama is shot with a documentarian’s eye and unfolds in the ruins of an unnamed city, but its setting is far from nebulous — not least because of the presence […]

Olwethu Makhanya nets bullet header in cup victory
SportYahoo26d ago

Olwethu Makhanya nets bullet header in cup victory

Makhanya heads home in cup winPhoto: Philadelphiaunion.comSouth African defender Olwethu Makhanya found the back of the net as Philadelphia Union dispatched Defence Force 5-0 in the CONCACAF Champions...

Iran says US ‘more realistic’ on nuclear issue, as Guards begin drills in Hormuz Strait
PoliticsDawn1mo ago

Iran says US ‘more realistic’ on nuclear issue, as Guards begin drills in Hormuz Strait

Iran said on Monday that the United States’s position on Iran’s nuclear programme “has moved towards a more realistic one”, a day ahead of a second round of US-Iranian talks in Geneva. Tehran’s foreign minister arrived in Geneva for the new round of indirect negotiations with the US, as the Revolutionary Guards began military drills in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping lane for oil and gas. The two sides recently resumed indirect talks, mediated by Oman, after US President Donald Trump repeatedly threatened military action against Iran over a deadly crackdown on protesters last month. A previous attempt at negotiations collapsed when Israel launched surprise strikes on Iran, beginning a 12-day war that Washington briefly joined to bomb Iranian nuclear sites. “A cautious assessment is that, from the discussions that have taken place in Muscat to date, at least what we have been told is that the US position on the Iranian nuclear issue has moved towards a more realistic one,” said foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei, the official IRNA news agency reported. According to Tehran, talks mediated by Oman will be held on Tuesday in Switzerland. Washington has previously pushed for other topics to be discussed, including Iran’s ballistic missiles and support for armed groups in the region. The war games being conducted by the Guards, the ideological arm of the military, aim to prepare it for “potential security and military threats” in the Strait, Iranian state TV said. Iranian politicians have repeatedly threatened to block the strait, a strategic waterway through which about 20 per cent of global oil passes, as both sides ramp up pressure with talks set to resume. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters on Monday, “We’re hopeful there’s a deal”. “The president always prefers peaceful outcomes and negotiated outcomes to things.” Meanwhile, Iran’s top diplomat, Abbas Araghchi, wrote on X that he was meeting in Geneva with the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Grossi, “for deep technical discussion”. Grossi later confirmed the meeting on X, calling the conversation with Araghchi “in-depth” ahead of Tuesday’s “important negotiations”. Protest crackdown Araghchi is also set to hold talks with his Swiss and Omani counterparts as well as other international officials, Iran’s foreign ministry said. “I am in Geneva with real ideas to achieve a fair and equitable deal. What is not on the table: submission before threats,” Araghchi added on X. Washington has dispatched Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, the White House confirmed on Sunday. The latest talks follow repeated threats from Trump of military action against Tehran, first over Iran’s deadly crackdown on anti-government protests, and then more recently over the country’s nuclear programme. The West fears the programme is aimed at making a bomb, which Tehran denies. On Friday, Trump said a change of government in Iran would be the “best thing that could happen”, as he sent a second aircraft carrier to the Middle East to ratchet up military pressure. His remarks came before demonstrations outside Iran against its authorities swept a number of cities, including in the US, over the weekend. ‘Viable’ deal Iran’s deputy foreign minister told the BBC that Tehran would consider compromises on its uranium stockpile if Washington lifts sanctions that have crippled the country’s economy. “If we see the sincerity on their (American) part, I am sure we will be on a road to have an agreement,” said Majid Takht-Ravanchi. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that any deal must involve the removal of all enriched uranium from Iran as well as Tehran’s ability to enrich more. The whereabouts of Iran’s stockpile of around 400 kilogrammes of uranium enriched to 60 per cent remains unknown, with inspectors having last seen it in June.

8 wild boars captured in Hong Kong’s Wong Tai Sin neighbourhood
WorldSCMP1d ago

8 wild boars captured in Hong Kong’s Wong Tai Sin neighbourhood

Hong Kong’s conservation authorities captured eight wild boars in Wong Tai Sin on Tuesday following a report from residents. Police said staff from the Agricultural, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) staff tranquillised the animals – two large boars and six smaller ones – before removing them. The force received a report at 10.07am of several wild boars near Chuk Yuen (North) Estate in Wong Tai Sin, and officers were dispatched to assess the situation. Images online showed the...

‘Team Kalki’: How 2 former Tihar inmates built a pan-India darknet drug network
WorldTimes of India9d ago

‘Team Kalki’: How 2 former Tihar inmates built a pan-India darknet drug network

The Narcotics Control Bureau has busted a pan-India darknet drug network, "Team Kalki," seizing significant quantities of LSD, MDMA, and liquid MDMA. The operation, led by repeat offenders Anurag Thakur and Vikas Rathi, involved over 1,000 consignments dispatched since January 2025. Investigations are ongoing to uncover the full extent of this online trafficking ring.

Wrexham v Chelsea preview: Can Parkinson haunt Blues again?
SportYahoo12d ago

Wrexham v Chelsea preview: Can Parkinson haunt Blues again?

Many thousands of articles have been written and dozens of documentary episodes have been aired on Disney+ about the recent and rapid rise of Wrexham AFC. Since Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds purchased the club in February 2021 for an estimated £2m – and Phil Parkinson was installed as manager – they have ascended three divisions in the past three seasons and now sit in a Championship play-off position. Parkinson's side have already dispatched top-flight opposition in the cup this season,...

Fishing Boat Sinks Off Nea Moudania, Halkidiki
Worldiefimerida13d ago

Fishing Boat Sinks Off Nea Moudania, Halkidiki

A fishing boat sank in the sea area between Kalyves and Gerakini in the Municipality of Polygyros, Halkidiki. The Port Authority of Nea Moudania was informed and dispatched personnel to the scene.

Huskies Dispatch Fading Trojans
SportYahoo13d ago

Huskies Dispatch Fading Trojans

The Washington Huskies have made a habit this year of coming up short against good opponents due to limited offensive options. Zoom Diallo and Hannes Steinbach have been excellent, but haven’t received enough support from the rest of the roster. On Wednesday night, Diallo and Steinbach were so good that they didn’t need much support. […]

HD Hyundai chair highlights Korea-Philippines ties during Manila visit
WorldKorea Herald13d ago

HD Hyundai chair highlights Korea-Philippines ties during Manila visit

HD Hyundai Chair Chung Ki-sun visited the Philippines this week as part of the South Korean government’s economic mission, paying tribute to Korean War veterans, attending a bilateral business forum and inspecting the group’s shipyard operations in Subic Bay. On Wednesday, Chung visited Libingan ng mga Bayani, the national cemetery in Manila, where he laid flowers at the Korean War Memorial Pylon. The Philippines was the first Asian country to dispatch combat troops during the Korean War, sendin

WorldNHK World15d ago

Railway Worker Killed by Train in Kagawa, Japan

A railway maintenance worker in his 40s was struck and killed by a rapid train on the JR Yosan Line in Sakaide, Kagawa Prefecture, Japan. The Japan Transport Safety Board has dispatched investigators to determine the cause of the accident.

Dominiq Ponder Crash Dispatch Audio Describes Fiery Scene
Culturetmz16d ago

Dominiq Ponder Crash Dispatch Audio Describes Fiery Scene

TMZ Sports has obtained the dispatch audio from Dominiq Ponder's fatal crash ... with responders detailing the scene following the tragic accident that took the Colorado quarterback's life. The audio, from Broadcastify, is from early Sunday morning…

Doc: The Murder of Rio
Cultureaftonbladet17d ago

Doc: The Murder of Rio

This episode will be about how a 16-year-old boy is on his way home from the gym with three friends on a regular Sunday evening. And about how a dispatched teenage killer spots them and is ordered to shoot.

[Photo News] Fire breaks out in Seoul’s Bukchang-dong
WorldKorea Herald20d ago

[Photo News] Fire breaks out in Seoul’s Bukchang-dong

Firefighters are working to extinguish a blaze at a commercial building in Bukchang-dong, Jung-gu, central Seoul, on Thursday. Authorities said they received a report at 6:22 p.m. that gray smoke was rising from the second floor of the building and immediately dispatched personnel and equipment to the scene. Thick smoke spread through the area, prompting nearby shop owners and pedestrians to evacuate. As of now, no injuries or casualties have been confirmed. Police and fire officials plan to inv

Martin Short Comedy Show Postponed Following Daughter's Death
Culturedeadlinerolling-stonetmz+1enews21d ago4 sources

Martin Short Comedy Show Postponed Following Daughter's Death

Martin Short's comedy show with Steve Martin -- "The Best of Steve Martin and Martin Short" -- has been postponed following the sudden death of his daughter, Katherine. Short was set to take the stage with his "Only Murders in the Building" co-star…

Nationwide mobilization order issued for Miryang wildfire
EnvironmentKorea Herald23d ago

Nationwide mobilization order issued for Miryang wildfire

Fire authorities are working to contain a wildfire that broke out on a hill in Miryang, South Gyeongsang Province. Authorities were dispatched to the site at 4:21 p.m. Monday after receiving a report of a fire on a hillside in Geomse-ri, Samnangjin-eup. The fire was reported at an altitude of about 250 meters. Concerned about the fire spreading, officials issued a Level 1 wildfire response at 5 p.m. A Level 1 response is issued when the estimated damaged area exceeds 10 hectares and containment

I spent 60 hours traveling on Amtrak trains from New York to Texas. Here are 10 things that surprised me most.
CultureBusiness Insider29d ago

I spent 60 hours traveling on Amtrak trains from New York to Texas. Here are 10 things that surprised me most.

I rode two Amtrak trains on a long-haul journey from New York to Texas. Michael Rosenthal I spent 60 hours in coach across two Amtrak trains to get from New York to Austin via Chicago. Getting to see historic landmarks and beautiful views was a pleasant surprise. The delays got tedious and a bit frustrating, but the train felt like home by the end of my trip. Spending 60 hours on Amtrak trains in coach isn't ideal for a lot of people. Fortunately, I don't mind a long ride. To get from New York to Austin, I booked two different Amtrak routes that would take me to Texas via Chicago. Ultimately, my long journey over several days was pretty nice. After this trip, I'd still say Amtrak trains are one of the most pleasant and enjoyable modes of travel. Here are a few things that surprised me about the 60-hour ride. At times, I forgot I was even on a train. Sometimes I forgot I was even on a train. Michael Rosenthal Local train rides can be slow and clunky, so I prefer long-distance ones — you can largely sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey because the stops are much farther apart. The ride was smooth and enjoyable, and I watched the country pass by right outside my window, as if I were watching TV or a movie. Sometimes I was so distracted by a conversation with someone else on board that I forgot we were moving. However, there's also a lot of potential for delays. Many Amtrak lines run on a single track. Michael Rosenthal Long-distance trains are great when they run properly, but delays can be tough to avoid. Amtrak mostly operates on freight railroad lines, which means you're often at the mercy of those dispatchers. To make matters worse, some lines run on a single track. So if there's an oncoming train, you have to wait on a track siding until it clears. Freight trains can cause anywhere from 10 minutes to multiple hours of interference. These delays — which came every hour or so on my trip — interrupted the joy and relaxation that came with the otherwise smooth ride. Sometimes passengers didn't receive announcements about delays, or only got vague ones. I wish I'd brought a radio scanner that picked up on the frequencies used by the dispatchers so I could stay up to date on the information or estimate the delay time myself. Many passengers relied on the café car for food. I mostly ate the food I brought from home. Michael Rosenthal I brought enough of my own food for my two and a half days on the rails, and my short layover in Chicago gave me a chance to grab a hot meal. I also packed a reusable bottle so I could fill it up with tap water on the train. However, I was surprised by how many people depended on Amtrak's onboard dining options. The café car is OK in a pinch: It has basic snacks, beverages, and hot foods like burgers and pizza. The prices aren't unreasonable, but I still don't think they're worth it for food that generally gets taken out of a plastic wrapper and microwaved. I expected more people to get off the train to stretch their legs at the stops. I wanted to take the opportunity to stretch my legs in fresh air. Michael Rosenthal Every so often, the train made an extended stop at a station for a crew change or servicing, and passengers were allowed to step off for a bit. There's no smoking on the trains, so I noticed a fair number of people using these stops as smoke breaks. However, I expected more people to take the opportunity to get some fresh air and stretch, rather than stay on the train. There were only so many of these opportunities, and it was great to walk around, feel some sun on my face, and say that I set foot in a different place, instead of just passing through it. The history all around me felt remarkable. We passed through so many interesting towns. Michael Rosenthal My trip took me through more than a dozen states, including six state capitals and the US capital. The trip from New York to Washington, DC, started out on tracks that were part of the historical Pennsylvania Railroad and continued down one of the busiest rail corridors in the country. The bulk of my Cardinal-line trip went along old Chesapeake and Ohio Railway tracks. There was a lot of interesting history to learn about the railroad towns that sprang up along the tracks when they were first laid. My trip through Virginia took me across tracks that played a vital role in the Civil War. The train also traveled through old boom-and-bust towns in West Virginia — some of which still exist, but others have only scant remnants. There was no WiFi on the Texas Eagle line. The coach car on an Amtrak train. Michael Rosenthal The Texas Eagle is one of the few Amtrak trains that doesn't have WiFi, and some areas we passed through had little-to-no cell reception. The Cardinal line also passed through areas with poor cell reception, which made the onboard WiFi quite unstable. For this reason, I'm glad I brought an AM/FM HD radio with me. I had a lot of fun tuning in to different stations as my trains traveled the country. It helped me feel more connected to the small towns and gave them more life. I found surprisingly good content in some remote areas. I didn't really end up watching all of the entertainment I downloaded. I mostly ate the food I brought from home. Michael Rosenthal I came prepared for my train ride by downloading a bunch of TV shows and movies onto my laptop. However, surprisingly, the 60 hours went by so quickly that I didn't watch any of them. I only kept my laptop open on the Cardinal line to look at Amtrak's "Track Your Train" map. I was also having too much fun with the radio and didn't want to miss out on live broadcasts. Plus, I could continue fully taking in the sights out the window while listening. The train was a very social place at times, too, so I was often busy speaking with the people around me. The camaraderie with other passengers is second to none. I met a lot of interesting people on my trains. Michael Rosenthal The camaraderie I've experienced on Amtrak train rides is pretty much unmatched. I didn't get to talk with as many people as I have on past trips, but it was still enjoyable to journey together with a bunch of people for such an extended time. It was great to see others get off at their destinations, but, in a funny way, it also made me a little sad to see them (and the ways they contributed to the train's atmosphere) go. Getting to spend time with fellow passengers from all over the world while different parts of the country passed by provided some true slices of American life. There was no observation car on the Texas Eagle during my trip. I had to make due with the views from my window. Michael Rosenthal It's great to switch things up by sitting and socializing in the café cars. However, the Cardinal and Texas Eagle trains have combined café and dining cars, so seating was very limited and only for passengers who purchased something. I missed hanging out in observation cars, as I've done on past trips. I knew this would be the case for my time on the Cardinal, but the Texas Eagle usually has an awesome sightseeing lounge with a variety of seating and viewing windows. The fact that my train didn't have one was by far the biggest disappointment of the trip. However, the Eagle has since brought back its observation cars. It's definitely worth checking whether your train has an observation car before booking a long Amtrak ride. I fell into a routine on the train that made it feel like home. Michael Rosenthal When you spend enough time somewhere, it can start to feel very familiar and comfortable, which was my case on the train. Doing things like making room while walking in the aisle so someone else can pass, heading down the stairs to the bathroom, and refilling water bottles felt as routine as anything I'd do at home. There was almost a weird comfort in walking around and seeing different parts of the train that became very familiar to me during my many hours aboard. This story was originally published on November 9, 2021, and most recently updated on February 17, 2025. Read the original article on Business Insider

Hong Kong coach driver charged over Shenzhen Bay Bridge crash
WorldSCMP1mo ago

Hong Kong coach driver charged over Shenzhen Bay Bridge crash

A Hong Kong coach driver has been charged after his vehicle crashed on the Shenzhen Bay Bridge, leaving 17 passengers with minor injuries on Sunday. Hong Kong police said on Monday that the man, surnamed Lee, 63, had been charged with dangerous driving causing grievous bodily harm. Police said the bus had been travelling along the bridge towards Hong Kong shortly before 2pm on Sunday when it ran into the railings. Emergency services were immediately dispatched to the scene and confirmed that...