Money News

Qantas Settles ‘Ghost Flight’ Lawsuit as Cleanup Costs Mount

Qantas Airways Ltd. will pay a A$100 million ($66 million) penalty and compensate passengers for selling tickets on thousands of flights it had already decided to cancel, as Chief Executive Officer Vanessa Hudson continues costly repairs to the airline’s battered reputation.

Madonna attracts 1.6 million to free concert at Brazil's Copacabana beach

RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) - More than a million people thronged Brazil's Copacabana beach for a free Madonna concert on Saturday, braving the heat to see the end of her "Celebration" world tour. The sand and oceanfront boulevard around Rio de Janeiro's famed beach were filled for several blocks by a crowd the city estimated at 1.6 million. Many had been there for hours or even days to get a good

I left San Francisco and moved to LA. Here are the 5 worst things about leaving the Bay Area.

This artist left San Francisco and moved to LA. She says her new city feels socially distant and she misses the diversity, culture, and support in SF.

Disney World theme parks are becoming remote working hotspots

Writers, techies, and social media workers are just some of those heading down to Orlando and sharing their experiences online.

Incredible hidden attractions in US cities

Everyone knows the basic monuments you need to see in America's big cities. If you go to New York, see the Empire State Building! If you're in San Francisco, check out the Golden Gate Bridge! However, there are plenty of other attractions in these US cities that you may never have even known were there. Are you looking for a more unusual travel experience? Here are some offbeat and unusual urban must-sees that most tourists fail to find. Browse the gallery for your city and places to go that others will miss.

NHCP, DLSU-Dasmariñas collaborate for cultural heritage celebration

DASMARIÑAS, Cavite: The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) together with the De La Salle University-Dasmariñas (DLSU-D) celebrate "ALAB: Ani ng Lahi at Bayan 2024," DLSU- D's Cultural Heritage Week from May 6 to 10, 2024. The event aims to be a vibrant celebration of the richness of Filipino culture and history that shape the Philippines, illuminating various traditions, customs and stories that contribute to the foundation...

‘Mama’ comes to Baguio

Nowie and Odette Potenciano of the much-loved Sunny Side Cafe in Boracay—along with their shibas Mari and Luna—have opened a new cafe in the summer city of Baguio! It is the latest addition to the iconic Camp John Hay but it is not inside the Manor; they have opened a standalone cafe! It is called Berry Mama Baguio, an offshoot of the Boracay and La Union favorites of Coco Mama, Ube Mama and Mango Mama. Berry Mama continues the thrust of the...

Europe’s best beach holidays: Arcachon, France

The Bay of Arcachon, on the south-west coast of France, is a happy place. It must be, because I’ve been visiting it with my family nearly every year for the past 15 years. We usually rent a small apartment in Arcachon town for four or five days, but such is the draw that we have been known to make a two-hour drive just to spend the day there when we’ve been in that part of the world. Everything about it speaks of summer joy: the promenade...

Blinken to travel to Guatemala on Tuesday, US State Dept says

(Reuters) - U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to Guatemala on Tuesday to lead a delegation to the a ministerial meeting of the Los Angeles Declaration on Migration and Protection, the State Department said on Sunday. Blinken will meet with Guatemalan President Bernardo Arevalo and other leaders to discuss enforcement, migration management and refugee integration, State Department

Brits, Burberry and the Biennale! What happened inside the British Pavilion opening

Brits, Burberry and the Biennale! What happened inside the British Pavilion opening - As the art world flocks to Venice, Joe Bromley joins the fray for the British Pavilion’s star-studded opening bash and beyond

Manx Wildlife Trust seeks for new woodland rangers

The posts will be key in developing and looking after new Manx woodlands, conservationists say.

After an 'emotional rollercoaster,' NASA astronauts are ready to fly on Boeing Starliner

Two NASA astronauts waited several extra years for their ride aboard Boeing Starliner, but the wait was not fully unexpected, the former test pilots recently shared with reporters.

Everything We Know About the 2024 Met Gala’s Theme, Dress Code, and Guests

The dress code is “The Garden of Time.”

What's next for Boeing Starliner after its 1st crew flight test?

Astronauts will board a Boeing Starliner spacecraft for the 1st ISS test flight no earlier than May 6. Boeing says it's already working on first operational mission Starliner-1 for 2025.

Cygnet killed by dog off lead in city gardens

The palace said Grace "put up an amazing effort to fight off the dog and save the other cygnets".

Qantas agrees to pay $79 million in compensation and a fine for selling seats on canceled flights

CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — Qantas Airways agreed to pay 120 million Australian dollars ($79 million) in compensation and a fine for selling tickets on thousands of cancelled flights, the airline and Australia’s consumer watchdog said on Monday. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission sued the Sydney-based airline in the Federal Court last year. The commission alleged that Qantas engaged in false, misleading or deceptive conduct by...

Escaped zebra captured near Seattle after gallivanting around Cascade mountain foothills for days

SEATTLE (AP) — A zebra that has been hoofing through the foothills of western Washington for days was recaptured Friday evening, nearly a week after she escaped with three other zebras from a trailer near Seattle. Local residents and animal control officers corralled the zebra named “Shug” in the community of Riverbend, about 30 miles (48 kilometers) east of Seattle, the Regional Animal Services of King County wrote on its website. “The zebra...

My 15-year-old son and I live in both France and the US. We're more active In France, but appreciate the slower pace of the South.

My son and I spend half the year in France and the other half in the United States. Here are the parenting similarities and differences.

Snakes almost on a plane: TSA discovers a bag with small snakes in passenger's pants

MIAMI (AP) — Airport security officers in Miami found a slithering surprise last week — a bag of snakes hidden in a passenger's pants. According to an X post by the Transportation Security Administration, officers at the Miami International Airport found the small bag of snakes hidden in a passenger's trousers on April 26 at a checkpoint. The post included a photo of two small snakes that were found in what appeared to be a sunglasses bag. TSA...

10 UK stays that take tranquillity to the next level

The Tawny, Staffordshire Bordering the Consall Nature Park, a nature reserve featuring 740 acres of woodland, heath and moor, is The Tawny, a “deconstructed hotel”. This means that instead of a single house with rooms there are a collection of boathouses, huts and treehouses scattered around the woodlands and lakes. At the top of the hill is a modern glass building, the Plumicorn restaurant, and a heated outdoor pool looking out over the...

DENR bans use of piped water for golf courses

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has prohibited golf courses in Metro Manila and nearby areas from using piped water from Maynilad Water Services Inc. and Manila Water amid the continued drop in the water level of Angat Dam. In an interview with select reporters including The STAR, Environment Undersecretary Carlos David said that the latest DENR bulletin, which was released last Friday, directed...

Can cherished former hostel be saved from ruin?

Many people have happy memories of Viewhill House youth hostel which was destroyed by fire in 2007.

Boracay favorite Nonie's unveils first branch in Metro Manila

Nonie's — a beloved culinary destination in Boracay Island known for its commitment to locally sourced, sustainably produced Filipino-inspired cuisine — has opened its newest location at Molito Lifestyle Center in Alabang, Muntinlupa City. 7 Tuna Tataki Grain Bowl 8 Sparkling Blue Ternate Lemonade Chicken Pork Adobo Nonie’s moves forward from the laidback island life of Boracay to the hustle of Metro Manila. This expansion marks a significant...

Sunlight Air Slashes Prices for Flights to All Destinations

Check out these super low fares from Sunlight Air this May.

‘Eurail pass’ for Asean air travel

In a bid to shine the spotlight on other tourist destinations in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), the Asean Business Advisory Council (BAC) has teamed up with budget airlines to help travelers explore hidden gems in all corners of the region. The Asean-BAC brings into focus intra-regional tourism as an engine of growth toward a more prosperous bloc. Nazir Rasak, chair of the Asean-BAC of Malaysia, says there’s a collective...

While Boeing's passenger planes glitch, NASA is entrusting the company's spaceship with 2 astronauts' lives

Boeing's Starliner spacecraft isn't totally safe from the cost-cutting, KPI-focused company culture that experts blame for the 737 Max incidents.

'My children cling to me as dogs raid graves near our shelter'

In a tent yards from a cemetery, Rehab Abu Daqqa tries to shield her seven children from Rafah's horrors.

Camping warning as numbers increase at beauty spot

The narrow South Gare Road becomes congested with mobile homes and caravans at busy times.

Exploring Palawan in Comfort: A Review of Cherry Bus Palawan

El Nido’s turquoise waters and postcard-perfect islands beckon travelers worldwide. But the journey itself can be an adventure, especially with the right transportation. Enter Cherry Bus Palawan, a luxury bus service promising to whisk you away to paradise in comfort and style. LionhearTV recently had the pleasure of experiencing this firsthand, and here’s why you

This will be the largest city in the world with 500 million inhabitants

Dozens of migrant tents pitched along Dublin's Grand Canal

A view of tents which have been pitched by asylum seekers along a stretch of the Grand Canal, Dublin, near to the International Protection Office (IPO) on Mount Street. A makeshift migrant camp was dismantled earlier this week.

Two PH Beaches Voted Among 50 Best in the World

It's likely you haven't heard of these slices of paradise.

I took a 20-minute ferry ride from Europe to Asia for $1. I was shocked I didn't see more tourists on board.

I wanted to visit Europe and Asia during a trip to Istanbul with my kids. The best way to do it was a $1 commuter ferry with great views of the city.

Southwest Airlines Problems Paint Worrying Picture for Other Companies

A ripple effect is taking place in the aviation industry thanks to historic problems at Boeing.

Qantas passengers to receive up to $450 after major blunder

Qantas will pay millions of dollars in compensation to passengers after reaching an agreement with the ACCC to settle a lawsuit against the airline for selling seats on flights that had already been cancelled.

Weekly round-up: Five stories you may have missed

A story about an annual swimming race being cancelled was among our most read in Berkshire.

Mexican authorities confirm missing U.S., Australian tourists have died

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Family members of three tourists who went missing in northern Mexico last month have identified their bodies, the state prosecutor's office in Baja California said in a statement on Sunday. The remains of Australian brothers Callum, 33, and Jake Robinson, 30, and American Carter Rhoad, 30, were found in a well earlier this week in what authorities are treating as a murder

Before Summer Vacation, Download Offline Maps on Your iPhone

Here's how you can download portions of the Maps app to use offline.

Celebrating Filipino roots, embracing beauty in simplicity

FAIRFIELD by Marriott Cebu offers an experience that is straightforward yet filled with the warmth of Cebuano hospitality. Opening its doors in December 2023, Fairfield by Marriott Cebu Mandaue City marks as the first Fairfield brand in the Philippines, offering balance seekers and working professionals with an accommodation that matches diverse needs. The team behind Fairfield by Marriott Cebu Mandaue City extends the warmth of Cebuano...

Win the ultimate golf trip to Las Vegas or choose $40,000 in cash

The Lucky Golfer is giving away the ultimate golf trip to Las Vegas for four people and the prize includes accomodation at the famous MGM Grand and golf games at the best courses in the area

Museum spotlights ancient Egypt beyond the mummies

Curators showcase environment of the ancient Nile Valley in a new display.

Mexico tourist train an environmental ‘nightmare,’ activists say

SOLIDARIDAD, Mexico — In a cave in Mexico’s Riviera Maya, where nature has sculpted a subterranean landscape of stunning beauty, thick steel columns supporting a controversial new tourist railway intrude into a delicate ecosystem. The Yucatan Peninsula boasts an estimated 2,400 of these caverns and sinkholes, which are known as cenotes and are a major attraction for tourists who swim and snorkel in the crystal clear waters that fill some of...

Image of Divino Tesoro returned to Calasiao, Pangasinan

The image of Señor Divino Tesoro has returned to the Senior Divino Tesoro Shrine after being displayed at the Calasiao Public Plaza for nine days. A procession and Mass were held before the image was returned, attended by devoted followers who lined up patiently to touch and hold the image. Some devotees shared stories of miracles they attribute to Señor Divino Tesoro. Flora Dela Fuente, a devotee, believes that she survived breast cancer...

Make trips exciting this 2024 with Megaworld Hotels and Resorts

MEGAWORLD Hotels and Resorts (MHR), the Philippines' largest hotel operator, is offering awesome discounts in this year's biggest International Travel Fair, happening at the Waterfront Hotel Cebu on May 3 to 5. Stay at the Boracay Newcoast's Belmont Hotel Boracay and enjoy the township's exclusive stretch of powdery white sand beaches with high-speed internet. For those craving for a party, opt for Savoy Hotel Boracay, where they'll find the...

The Beatle who never was

LIVERPOOL — It was supposed to be the usual one and a half-hour, hop-on, hop-off ride on a double-deck bus taking tourists around this English port city. The itinerary included stops at Penny Lane and Strawberry Fields, two subjects of Beatles songs with pass-throughs of the homes where John Lennon and Paul McCartney grew up. What made the trip interesting was guide Chris Hough’s historical anecdotes not just on the Beatles but also on the city....

Your vacation was ruined, and the company apologized — with a heartfelt note written by ChatGPT

Using generative AI to write apologetic responses is a taboo topic in the travel industry, which prides itself on personal service.

Europeans have more time, Americans more money. Which is better?

Comparing Europeans and Americans is dangerous terrain, but last week Nicolai Tangen, head of Norway's giant oil fund, went there. He told the Financial Times there was a difference in "the general level of ambition. We [Europeans] are not very ambitious. I should be careful about talking about work-life balance, but the Americans just work harder." This has been said often before. In Franz Kafka's novel Amerika, published posthumously in 1927,...

Dubai deluge brings home climate change dangers to a desert nation

Visitors to Dubai's Mall of the Emirates' famous artificial ski slope last month found it dark and deserted. Even though the shopping centre itself was filled with the usual tourists, the silent snow dome suggested all was not well, after a deluge in the metropolis disrupted the power to chill the slope. Several days after the United Arab Emirates was drenched by historically intense rainfall, many streets surrounding the pristine mall were...

What would a £40m Greene King brewery mean for a town?

Greene King calls time on its base of more than 200 years in Bury St Edmunds.

The American paradox of protest: Celebrated and condemned, welcomed and muzzled

NEW YORK (AP) — They’re hallmarks of American history: protests, rallies, sit-ins, marches, disruptions. They date from the early days of what would become the United States to the sights and sounds echoing across the landscapes of the nation’s colleges and universities during this activist spring. And just as much a part of that American history? Those same events being met with irritation, condemnation, anger, calls to desist, and at times the...