Gladiator experience coming to Roman Colosseum, critics are ‘not entertained’
After a more than 2,000-year hiatus, gladiator fights are coming back to the Roman Colosseum, albeit reenacted, as announced on Wednesday, Nov. 13. In the spring of 2025, officials will look to capitalize on enthusiasm sparked by the long-anticipated sequel to the movie “Gladiator.”
The fights will be mock versions of the historic battles, but the arrangement is still angering local housing activists who are concerned about this promotion from Airbnb. They say that the role of short-term rental companies is sparking overtourism and taking away affordable housing from locals and students.
Advocates for underserved communities called the new arrangement “a disgrace,” and argue that it will cause overtourism and displace locals throughout the city.
Meanwhile, the Roman Colosseum will host the historical reenactments through a $1.5 million deal with Airbnb with the goal of promoting “a more conscious tourism” in concert with Ridley Scott’s “Gladiators II” film, which was released on Thursday, Nov. 14, in Italy.
Eight people reportedly selected in a lottery will be able to participate in the staged gladiator fights after the site’s closing time on May 7 and May 8. Users can apply for the lottery starting on Nov. 27.
Airbnb and Colosseum officials said the sponsorship will revive an educational program inside the ancient Roman stadium, which will explore the history of the amphitheater and gladiators. Advocates for the deal argue that the experience will help finance future projects at the ancient stadium.
Israelis and Americans urged to evacuate parts of Sri Lanka over terror threat
American and Israeli citizens were reportedly told to leave some tourist sites in Sri Lanka on Wednesday, Oct. 23, over concerns of a possible terror attack. Israel’s national security council and United States officials shared the warning for the areas of Arugam Bay and beaches in the south and west of the country.
Specifics on the exact threat were not given. Israeli authorities revealed the call came after “current information about a terrorist threat focused on tourist areas and beaches.”
Israelis were urged to be vigilant and avoid large gatherings in public and the United States Embassy in Sri Lanka advised Americans to do the same, citing “credible information” on a potential terrorist attack.
Israeli officials state that they were in “close contact with security officials in Sri Lanka” about the ongoing situation. The area of concern is reportedly a popular spot for surfing and attracts a large number of Israeli tourists.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka has seen tourism numbers rebound as the island nation recovers from an economic crisis.
The not-so-long goodbye: Airport puts time limit on hugs
Saying goodbye isn’t always easy, but one airport is saying goodbye to long farewells. Dunedin Airport in New Zealand has posted new signs in its drop-off lanes, putting a time limit on hugs.
The airport is asking people using the lanes to keep their hugs, and therefore their goodbyes, to three minutes or less.
The change is getting mixed reviews on social media, but airport officials say it’s their more lighthearted way to cut down on traffic compared to some other airports around the world that threaten wheel clamping or fines for drivers parked in drop-off areas.
“That’s a long hug. I tell you what, you get a lot of oxytocin and serotonin out of a three-minute hug. Twenty seconds is all we need,” said the airport’s CEO Dan De Bono. “We don’t have hug police, not yet anyway. And if people overextend their hugging time, that’s ok. But really the message here is getting it front of mind for people to kind of help create space for others to drop off and also have their hugs.”
The new signs point those looking to draw out their farewells to the parking area, where they can hug for up to 15 minutes before parking fees kick in.
Vessel reopens in NYC after 3-year closure due to suicides
The Vessel, a popular tourist destination in Hudson Yards, reopened Monday, Oct. 21, after being closed for nearly three years following multiple suicides that exposed safety concerns. The honeycomb-like structure, known for its zig-zagging steps shut down in the summer of 2021 after four people took their own lives there between late 2019 and July 2021.
In response to the tragic events, Hudson Yards officials temporarily closed the site and spent the last few years implementing upgraded safety measures.
The reopening includes several new safety features, such as steel mesh barriers along stairwells and adjoining platforms, covering about half of the previously open area.
While the first two levels will be fully accessible, upper levels will only reopen where the barriers have been installed. The top floor will remain closed indefinitely.
Local business owners, including coffee cart vendors in the area, expressed optimism that the return of tourists will help boost the neighborhood’s economy.
The Vessel, originally opened in 2019, quickly became one of New York City‘s most Instagrammable attractions, drawing visitors with its unique design and sweeping views of the city. Now, with safety improvements in place, Hudson Yards officials hope it can resume its place as a centerpiece of the district, while prioritizing visitor safety.
World’s second giant sphere to be built in Abu Dhabi
Under a newly announced deal, Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism said it will pay a franchise fee to Sphere Entertainment to build the second location using its designs.
Abu Dhabi’s government will pay to build the sphere and cover annual fees to the company for “creative and artistic content.”
The government did not say where exactly in Abu Dhabi the sphere will be built or when – nor how much it’ll cost.
The sphere in the heart of Vegas, which opened in 2023, cost $2.3 billion to build.
At least 15 dead, 2.6 million without power after Hurricane Milton
The death toll from Hurricane Milton rises as millions are left without power in the storm’s aftermath. And one person is killed and 12 others rescued after a disaster during a tour of a Colorado mine. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Friday, Oct. 11, 2024.
At least 8 dead, 2.6 million without power after Hurricane Milton
At least 15 people are dead (that number has risen since Unbiased Updates was recorded Friday morning, Oct. 11), and 2.6 million homes and businesses remain without power as Florida begins to pick up the pieces after Hurricane Milton roared across the state. It was the second devastating storm to batter the Sunshine State in less than two weeks.
Now a post-tropical cyclone, Milton is expected to continue to weaken over the next few days.
While Milton made landfall on Florida’s west coast near Sarasota, most of the deaths reported have been in the eastern part of the state, where dozens of tornadoes have been reported. While the storm did not prove to be the worst-case scenario, rescuers have been very busy pulling and dragging hundreds of people from flooded areas to safety.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and President Joe Biden have both said in this case, warnings came early and often, spurring tens of thousands of people to evacuate and saving countless lives.
Still, the cleanup and recovery processes are expected to take weeks, if not months — especially in the areas that were also hit by Hurricane Helene just 13 days before Milton barreled in.
1 dead, 12 rescued after elevator malfunction at Colorado gold mine
In Colorado, 12 people are now safe after getting trapped at the bottom of a gold mine for six hours Thursday, Oct. 10. One person died after the elevator at the Mollie Kathleen Mine, a popular tourist attraction, experienced a mechanical problem 500 feet below the earth’s surface.
The 12 adults had access to water and were able to communicate with authorities via radio while trapped. As that group was stuck, rescuers were able to get to 11 other people who were riding the elevator and get them to safety.
The local sheriff said it is not yet known what caused the malfunction. An investigation is underway.
The incident happened during the final week of Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine‘s tourist season before it shuts down for the winter.
Chemical leak at Houston oil refinery kills 2, injures dozens more
Two people are dead and 35 more are injured after a chemical leak involving hydrogen sulfide, a potentially toxic gas, at an oil refinery in Deer Park, Texas — near Houston. Officials said a group was working on a flange Thursday when some kind of accident happened, and gas started leaking.
Emergency officials urged residents in the area to shelter in place after the incident, but this morning, that’s since been lifted after air monitoring showed no signs hazardous chemicals had gotten into the air.
Trump talks economic plan in Detroit; Obama rallies for Harris in PA
With just 25 days until Americans head to the polls, voters in two battleground states heard from two former presidents on Thursday. Republican nominee former President Donald Trump spoke to supporters in Detroit, Michigan while former President Barack Obama – stumped for Democratic nominee Vice President Kamala Harris in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
While delivering his economic address to the Detroit Economic Club, Trump spoke about his goal to revive the auto industry and bring a “rebirth” to Detroit. He then turned to international companies and his plan for them to open facilities in America.
“So, here is the deal that I will be offering to the world to companies outside of our world — big companies, powerful companies that have become powerful because we were stupid, we were stupid, we allowed them to come and raid and rape our country,” Trump said. “That’s what they did. ‘Oh, he used the word rape.’ That’s right, I used the word. They raped our country. The United States will give you the lowest taxes, the lowest energy cost, we have more liquid gold under our feet than any other country in the world and it’s the best…But only if you make your products here in America. In other words, you get all of these assets, but you have to make your product here in America and you have to hire American workers.”
“Kamala is as prepared for the job as any nominee for president has ever been,” Obama said. “That’s who Kamala is.”
He added, “I’m sorry gentlemen; I’ve noticed this especially with some men who seem to think Trump’s behavior of bullying and of putting people down is a sign of strength. I am here to tell you, that is not what real strength is. Real strength is about working hard and carrying a heavy load without complaining and telling the truth even when it’s inconvenient. Real strength is about helping people who need it and standing up for those who can’t always stand up for themselves. That is what we should want for our daughters and for our sons and that is what I want to see in a president for the United States of America.”
Hezbollah official escapes during deadly Israeli strikes in Lebanon
Lebanese authorities say Israeli airstrikes targeting Hezbollah in Beirut killed 22 people and injured 117 others. Sources told Reuters a senior Hezbollah official, targeted by Israeli forces during the Thursday night strikes, was able to survive.
Israel has not commented on the attack.
The United Nations said its personnel is facing increasing danger in Lebanon as two U.N. peacekeepers were injured after an Israeli tank fired at a watchtower at its main headquarters in the southern portion of the country. Israel issued a statement on that incident, saying its military operated “next to” the U.N.’s base and had instructed U.N. officials to remain in protected spaces before its troops opened fire.
Hezbollah operates from within and near civilian areas in southern Lebanon, including areas near @UNIFIL_ posts.
The IDF is operating in southern Lebanon and maintains routine communication with UNIFIL.
IDF troops operated in the area of Naqoura, next to a UNIFIL base.…
The peacekeepers were said to be in good condition after being treated for their injuries.
Sports leagues come together to combat hate in America
In a sign of true sportsmanship, eight American sports leagues have come together to back a new campaign targeting hate in the U.S. It is an idea from New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft and his foundation to combat antisemitism.
The initiative brought together the heads of the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHK, NASCAR and others to come up with plans to curb hate of any kind in the country. The sports leaders are spending $50 million to get the word out.
The campaign, titled “Timeout Against Hate,” launched during Thursday night football on Oct. 10, with a commercial featuring legendary figures and current-day athletes from all sports speaking out against hate.
Tokyo’s Shibuya shuts down Halloween celebrations amid crowd safety concerns
One of the world’s premiere locations to celebrate Halloween is taking steps to crack down on crowds. Tokyo’s Shibuya ward has officially “closed for Halloween” this year, as authorities move to prevent chaos experienced in recent times.
Shibuya has a reputation for street parties, drawing crowds since the early 2010s. As the crowds grew, so did the problems, with drunken behavior, vandalism and even violence during these parties.
Last year, Japanese officials took a stand. They started a campaign with signs which read, “No event for Halloween in Shibuya streets,” and this year, they’re doubling down with a new message, “Shibuya is closed for Halloween.”
A year-round overnight alcohol ban on the street around Shibuya Station was also introduced. Officials are asking shops not to sell alcohol in the last week of October.
There will be a significant amount of police also present, with extra crowd control measures in place. Interestingly, they can’t technically ban people from dressing up or walking around, but the plan is to make Shibuya as inconvenient as possible for partygoers, hoping it will drive them somewhere else.
In the past, “somewhere else” has been Shinjuku ward, and recently the two wards announced that they will be working together to lessen these crowds. The ban on alcohol consumption is in effect daily in Shibuya from 6 p.m. to 5 a.m. in areas surrounding JR and Keio Shibuya stations, while Shinjuku’s ban will be in effect for 12 hours, starting at 5 p.m. on Oct. 31.
These precautions reflect the growing concern globally about the dangers of overcrowded areas, whether it’s locals or tourists. This is a fear brought into stark focus by the tragic events in Seoul in 2022.
Just last week, another police officer was sentenced to prison in South Korea for his failure to prevent the deadly Halloween surge that resulted in 159 deaths.
Colorado town celebrates tarantula mating season with spiders and festivals
Forget the flowers and chocolates, on the Colorado plains, love has eight legs and lots of hair. It’s tarantula mating season, and male tarantulas are crawling out of their burrows, ready to find a mate. Meanwhile, La Junta, Colorado, is rolling out the welcome mat for both the spiders and the spider-loving crowd that follows them.
Every fall, La Junta becomes a hotspot for scientists, spider enthusiasts and curious families. Armed with flashlights and car headlights, they gather at dusk, hoping to spot male tarantulas on their desperate search for love.
For these spectators, it’s not just about the spiders. This year’s festival featured a hairy leg contest, where this year’s winner was actually a woman. Plus, there was a vintage car parade with giant spider decorations on the hoods. The local theater also screened the classic “Arachnophobia” to keep the spider spirit alive.
La Junta’s famous “Colorado brown” tarantulas may look a little scary, but they’re actually key players in the local ecosystem. It takes these male tarantulas seven years to be ready for romance, but once they’re out looking for a mate, their days are numbered. They’ve got a year left to live afterwards, while females can live for over 20 years.
Males tap outside a female’s burrow to let her know they’re interested. If she’s willing, the mating happens fast, and males need to escape before the female decides he’s more of a snack than a suitor.
While tarantulas might give some people the creeps, they’re a vital part of the Colorado ecosystem.
Rome considers timed ticket system for Trevi Fountain
It’s no secret that over tourism has been an ongoing issue in Italy, particularly at its famous landmarks like Rome’s Trevi Fountain. Now, city officials are considering new measures to tackle the problem.
The government is reportedly looking at a timed ticket system to help manage the crowds at the Trevi Fountain. According to The Washington Post, the plan would involve free tickets for Romans and a small fee of one or two euros for tourists. The goal is to protect and preserve the monument while allowing visitors to have a more peaceful experience.
The idea of a ticket system is gaining traction, with Rome’s Mayor Roberto Gualtieri calling it a “concrete possibility.” Tourism in Italy is booming, with record numbers in 2023. Amidst all the debate the Vatican’s Jubilee is coming in 2025, with another 30 million pilgrims expected to flood to Rome.
Not everyone is on board with crowd control measures. Katie Parla, a Rome-based author and tour guide, is concerned visitors and locals won’t benefit from restricting access to such an intensely trafficked part of the city.
While debates continue, one thing is clear, finding the balance between preserving Italy’s heritage and maintaining its massive tourism influx is in the spotlight.
Millions of dead fish hurt tourism in central Greece as investigation ensues
The scenic countryside of Greece is dealing with an enormous and stinky problem that’s driving away tourists and hurting business. Millions of dead fish, as far as the eye can see, are washing up near the town of Volos.
Seafront businesses dependent on tourism say that revenues on Thursday, Aug. 29, had dropped 80% since the mass die-off and they say that government inaction is to blame.
Authorities said that they have dredged more than 100 tons of fish carcasses from the water near the Port of Volos. Scientists say that the mass deaths are likely the result of a combination of climate change and improper water management.
The fish are thought to have been forced downstream after widespread flooding in the region. Experts say that extreme heat this summer caused water to evaporate. Fish then began to die due to a lack of oxygen and toxins seeping into the water from agricultural lands.
However, the fish swam into the waters months ago and critics argue that the local government should have gotten them out before they died. Now, commercial fishing vessels and excavators have been called in to scoop up the dead fish.
Meanwhile, the mayor of Volos accused the regional authority of moving too slowly in the cleanup process and said he previously warned of the problems created by the flooding of farmland.
Meanwhile, the city’s chamber of commerce is suing over damages to local business. Greece’s Supreme Court prosecutor, Georgia Adeilini, also announced an investigation on Thursday to determine how much culpability the regional authority has in the environmental catastrophe.