Election-year review of disaster relief funds draws rebuke from Kentucky governor
Disaster recovery funds set up by Kentucky’s Democratic governor to assist victims of tornadoes and flooding will be scrutinized by the state auditor’s office
2023-07-21 04:57
Independent bookselling expanded again in 2022, with new and diverse stores opening nationwide
The independent bookselling community continues to grow, with membership in the American Booksellers Association reaching its highest levels in more than 20 years
2023-05-22 21:21
Florida man arrested for girlfriend's murder after he first reported her death as suicide on August 4
He has been booked with first-degree murder charge, two counts of tampering with physical evidence, and a violation of probation
2023-08-05 20:22
Internet backs Fox News’ Laura Ingraham as she blames Joe Biden for migrant crisis, claims his admin is ‘working hard to change America’
As Laura Ingraham criticized the Biden admin's handling of the migrant crises, people took to the comments to back her
2023-11-30 11:18
Iceland earthquakes: What are your rights if you are on holiday or are planning to go?
The earth is at its most restless in Iceland right now. The Reykjanes peninsula, southwest of Reykjavik, is seething with seismic activity sparking hundreds of small earthquakes. The town of Grindavík, just 10 miles south of Keflavik International Airport, has been evacuated as a precaution. Yet flights are continuing to arrive and depart as normal. These are the key questions and answers on consumer rights. I am in Iceland. Will I be able to leave? Yes, assuming the international airport remains open. So far operations have been normal. There are 14 arrivals and departures planned for Saturday from and to the UK, with no signs of disruption to flights. You may be keen to leave earlier than booked, in order to guarantee your getaway, but at present you will not be able to switch flights without paying a penalty. A spokesperson for British Airways told The Independent: “Our flights are operating as planned and we continue to monitor the situation closely. “We will be in touch with customers directly should the situation change.” The easyJet statement is very similar: “Our flying schedule is currently operating as normal however we are monitoring the situation closely and should this change we will contact customers directly to advise on their flights.” But didn’t an Icelandic volcano shut down European aviation for a week? Yes. Travellers may remember where they were March 2010, when the Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajökull erupted. The skies of northern Europe completely closed to passenger aviation for almost a week because of fears that volcanic ash spreading southeast from Iceland could damage aircraft engines and endanger travellers. More than 50,000 flights, with eight million passengers booked to travel, were cancelled. So far in 2023, though, ash has not been an issue in the current geological outburst. What if I am booked on a package holiday? Foreign Office advice stops well short of advising against travel to Iceland, meaning holiday companies can continue to operate as normal – with no automatic right to cancel. The Foreign Office advice to British travellers is that it is “increasingly possible” that a volcanic eruption could occur. The official warning on “volcanic eruption and earthquakes” reads: “Earthquakes and indications of volcanic activity have increased above normal levels on the Reykjanes peninsula, southwest of Reykjavik. “The Icelandic authorities continue to monitor the area closely, particularly the area northwest of Mt Thorbjörn near the Svartsengi power plant and the Blue Lagoon. On 10 November, a Civil Protection Alert was declared after an intense swarm of earthquakes. “The town of Grindavík was evacuated as a precaution. Some roads have been closed and visitors are advised to stay away from the area. “Keflavik International Airport is operating as normal. While there is no current eruption, it is increasingly possible that one could occur.” Until and unless the Foreign Office warns against travel, the assumption is that everything will go ahead as normal. The one exception is for holidaymakers who had planned to stay at the Blue Lagoon – an increasingly popular “wellness” destination, with an upmarket hotel on the site. The Blue Lagoon is currently closed. Only those booked for a stay have the chance to cancel; if you were hoping to pop in as a day visitor for a steamy stop in the volcanic rock pools, you will need to return at some time in the future. Can I claim on insurance? No, unless it is one of the vanishingly rare “cancel for any reason” policies. On standard travel insurance, “disinclination to travel” is not an acceptable reason for a claim. Would you go to Iceland at the moment? Yes, I would relish the opportunity. Late November is an excellent time to visit Iceland for good value. Conditions right now are also excellent for the prospect of a good show to the Northern Lights, which are at a peak of the usual 11-year cosmic cycle. I also know that the Icelandic authorities are expert at handling seismic events, with extremely good monitoring and emergency systems in place. I would book a package holiday, though, knowing that if the earth gets too restless for comfort in the vicinity, I would be able to cancel for a full refund. Read More Iceland earthquakes: Your rights if you are on holiday there or are planning to go Iceland earthquakes: Are flights still running amid fears over volcano eruption? In the Superloop: London’s southbound express bus In the Superloop: London’s southbound express bus Airbnb rules go ‘step too far’ with guidance on how to clean up blood Passenger claims tequila in his luggage came back with ‘shot’ missing after flight
2023-11-12 17:21
U.S. Republican-led states move to block Biden ESG investing rule
By Daniel Wiessner A group of Republican-led U.S. states has asked a federal judge in Texas to strike
2023-05-18 00:51
American Eagle Outfitters lifts annual revenue forecast on steady demand
(Reuters) -American Eagle Outfitters raised its annual revenue forecast on Wednesday, betting on steady demand for its wide-legged pants, tops
2023-09-07 04:45
Who was Evan Kinley? Football star, 15, killed by falling tree while checking on grandparents during South Carolina storm
Evan Kinley was a sophomore student at TL Hanna High School, a star football player and a junior firefighter
2023-08-10 14:17
German police investigate possible poisoning of two Russian exiles
BERLIN German police said they are investigating the possible poisoning of two Russian exiles who attended a conference
2023-05-21 21:25
'Sex Education' Season 4 promises drama and new destinations
"Sex Education" is back for the final time.
2023-09-21 23:49
Verlander goes 8 innings and Baty homers to lead the Mets to a 5-1 victory over the White Sox
Justin Verlander pitched eight vintage innings and rookie Brett Baty homered during an impressive all-around game as the New York Mets beat the Chicago White Sox 5-1
2023-07-20 09:51
From Frumpy to Fab: Deborra-Lee Furness, 67, turned more heads than husband Hugh Jackman, 54, at Met Gala
Furness’ appearance at the event also gave birth to plastic surgery rumors after her dramatic weight loss
2023-05-29 19:55
You Might Like...
Fleetwood keeps alive home hopes at British Open as nearest challenger to Harman
Former Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino heads to Saudi Arabia to join Al-Ahli
Carlee Russell, who went missing in Alabama after 911 call about a child on an interstate, says through her attorney she was not kidnapped
Trump again uses terror abroad to make case for hard-line immigration policies
MTV cancels EMAs awards show in Paris, citing Israel-Hamas war
How tall is Overtime Megan? TikTok star's height compared to her boyfriend NHL player Cole Schwindt
Movie Review: In the elated 'Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour,' every seat is the best seat in the house
Artificial intelligence raises risk of extinction, experts say in new warning
