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☆ Slovakia Approves Criminal Law Reforms That Sparked Protests
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-08 | by ( Feb. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +2 min

The government said the changes modernise the criminal code by lowering long prison terms and preferring alternative punishments. President Zuzana Caputova immediately signalled she would try to stop the changes, possibly through a veto or a court challenge. The law was a "monstrous amnesty" for that circle, said deputy Michal Sipos from the opposition Slovensko party. An EU official said on Thursday the commission's concerns remained, which could possibly lead to legal action and budgetary consequences. (Reporting by Jan Lopatka in Prague; additional reporting by Gabriela Baczynska in Brussels; editing by Jonathan Oatis)

Persons: Robert Fico, SMER, Tibor Gaspar, Zuzana Caputova, Michal Sipos, Jan Lopatka, Gabriela Baczynska, Jonathan Oatis Organizations: Reuters, European Commission, European, Slovak, EU Locations: Poland, Hungary, Prague, Brussels

☆ Ukraine’s railways are still running after two years of war. Here’s how
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-06 | by ( Ben Jones | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +11 min

Ukraine’s rail network, known as Ukrzaliznytsia or UZ for short, has always been a source of pride and practicality in the eastern European nation, even before the war. ‘Constant threat’Ukraine's rail network, known as Ukrzaliznytsia or UZ for short, has always been a source of pride and practicality in the eastern European nation. UZ says a further $9 billlon is likely required to repair and modernize the existing UZ network, which at 19,700 kilometers is one of the world’s longest. “Our responsibility is to be a stable partner.”Indeed, despite the war, UZ says it has repaired and renewed 289 kilometers of track in 2023, rebuilt 15 bridges, built 528 new freight cars and repaired around 9,000 others. Britain’s Network Rail and Swiss Federal Railways are providing engineering support to help rebuild damaged infrastructure, while the Global Ukraine Rail Task Force (GURTF) was established in 2022 to raise funds to support Ukrainian rail workers and their families.

Persons: UZ, – UZ, ”, Jeff J Mitchell, Yarema Dul, “, ” UZ, it’s, Ukraine’s, Olena Zelenska, Dul, Transport Network Mykola Panov, Oleksandr Pertsovskyi, Yevhen Liaschenko, ” Liaschenko, GURTF, Andy Bagnall Organizations: CNN, UNICEF, Russia, UZ’s, Transformation Department, Transport Network Mykola, CNN Travel, “, ” Railway, Publishing, Transport Network, Britain’s, Rail, Swiss Federal Railways, Global Ukraine Rail Task Force, Rail Partners Locations: Russia, Ukraine, Kyiv, Lviv, Warsaw, Vienna, Panama7, Odesa, Kharkiv, Russian, Poland, Germany, Soviet Union, Budapest, Prague, Berlin, Hungary

The quake would be tied as the fourth-strongest in Oklahoma history if seismologists maintain the rating, according to Oklahoma Geological Survey data. WHAT'S CAUSING THE OKLAHOMA QUAKES? “It's very difficult when there's an earthquake to know exactly what caused it.”WHAT HAS OKLAHOMA DONE TO STOP THEM? “Some people had chimney damage near the epicenter,” Greff said. The strongest recorded earthquake in Oklahoma was a 5.8-magnitude quake near the town of Pawnee in 2016.

Persons: Nick Hayman, Hayman, “, Matt Skinner, Skinner, Jim Greff, Greff, Tim Holik, haven't, ” Holik, doesn't, ” Organizations: OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma Geological Survey, Oklahoma Corporation Commission Locations: Oklahoma, OKLAHOMA, Oklahoma City, Edmond, Prague , Oklahoma, Prague, sheetrock, Praque, Pawnee, Illinois, Texas, California

☆ At 25, I saw zero career opportunities in my hometown. I spent all my savings on a one-way ticket out, and I have no regrets.
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-05 | by ( Shubhangi Goel | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Veronica Pulido left her hometown at 25 because finding a career there felt impossible. My country isn't in the best economic situation and I always felt like I had nothing to do there. I always wanted to travel, and when I saw her story, I thought, "I could be her, right?" It took two years of savings, which is everything I had, to buy a one-way ticket to Spain, where my sister lives. I keep 400 euros, or $435, in my fund, and I pretend I don't have that money until it's an emergency.

Persons: Veronica Pulido, Pulido, She's, Workaway, —, Veronica Puldio Organizations: Service, Spain, Kids Locations: Europe, Venezuela, Switzerland, Prague, Czech Republic, Spain, Romania, Germany, Balkans, Croatia, Bulgaria, Venezuelan, Sofia, Asia

☆ Torah Scrolls That Survived the Nazis Now Fuel Faith Around the World
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-05 | by ( Milton Esterow | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: 1 min

Since the Congregation Bonai Shalom in Boulder, Colo., was founded in 1981, one of its several Torahs has been taken from the ark each Sabbath, and on other holy days, and read to members of the congregation. In August, another, particularly special Torah arrived at the temple, one of some 1,400 scrolls whose survival during the Holocaust has inspired Jewish congregations around the world. Confiscated by the Nazis as they purged synagogues and communities throughout Bohemia and Moravia, the Torah scrolls were shipped to the Jewish Museum in Prague. The scrolls were rescued from Prague years after World War II and have become part of a sprawling inventory of faith administered by a London trust that loans the Torahs out to synagogues, universities, hospitals and other institutions in 25 countries.

Persons: Bonai Organizations: Jewish Museum Locations: Boulder, Colo, Bohemia, Moravia, Prague, London

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — A 5.1 magnitude earthquake shook an area near Oklahoma City late Friday night, the U.S. Geological Survey reported. The earthquake hit at 11:24 p.m. and was centered 8 kilometers (4.9 miles) northwest of Prague, Oklahoma, the agency said. Prague is about 57 miles (92 kilometers) east of Oklahoma City, where residents reported feeling the shaking. At least six earthquakes, including two greater than magnitude 4.0, were recorded near another Oklahoma City suburb in January. In April, a magnitude 4.0 earthquake was among a series of six that struck the central Oklahoma town of Carney, about 40 miles (64 kilometers) northeast of Oklahoma City.

Organizations: OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma City, U.S . Geological Survey, KFOR Locations: Oklahoma, U.S, Prague , Oklahoma, Prague, Oklahoma City, Shawnee, Stillwater, Tecumseh, Carney

☆ Russian Court Extends Pre-Trial Detention of U.S. Journalist Kurmasheva
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-01 | by ( Feb. | At A.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +2 min

KAZAN, Russia (Reuters) - A Russian court on Thursday extended the pre-trial detention of Alsu Kurmasheva, a Russian-American journalist who is accused of violating a law on "foreign agents". A Reuters reporter in court in the city of Kazan said Kurmasheva's custody was extended until April 5. Kurmasheva is the second U.S. journalist to be arrested and charged in Russia since the start of the Ukraine war in February 2022. According to court documents, Kurmasheva was fined 10,000 roubles ($103) on Oct. 11 for failing to register her U.S. passport with Russian authorities. That case has yet to come before the Kazan court.

Persons: Alsu, Evan Gershkovich, Kurmasheva, Kurmasheva's, Pavel Butorin, Paul Whelan, Mark Trevelyan, Guy Faulconbridge Organizations: Reuters, Radio Free, Radio Liberty, RFE, U.S . Congress, Wall Street, U.S, Kurmasheva, ., The State Department, Wall Street Journal Locations: KAZAN, Russia, Russian, American, Kazan, Prague, Radio Free Europe, Ukraine, Washington

PRAGUE (AP) — The Czech Republic’s government signed an agreement with the United States on Monday to acquire 24 U.S. F-35 fighter jets as part of a deal worth about 150 billion Czech koruna ($6.6 billion), the biggest single purchase for the Czech military. The Czech government approved the deal in September. The first of the 24 fighter jets should be delivered in 2031, with the rest by 2035. The American aircraft will replace the 14 JAS-39 Gripen fighter jets from Sweden that are currently used by the Czech army. The Czech ministry has been negotiating the deal with the U.S. for more than a year during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Persons: Jana Černochová, Bijan Sabet, ” Černochová, JAS, Černochová, Karel Rehka Organizations: U.S, Czech, Czech Defense Ministry, American, Gripen Locations: PRAGUE, Czech, United States, Sweden, Czech Republic, Ukraine

☆ Slovak Lawmakers to Fast-Track Criminal Law Reforms Debate Despite Objections
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-25 | by ( Jan. | At A.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +2 min

(Reuters) - Slovakia's parliament will fast-track debate on government plans to scrap a special prosecutor's office fighting corruption and lower sentences for financial crimes after ruling lawmakers approved the move on Thursday despite objections. Opposition parties had delayed the vote on whether to fast-track the criminal law reforms for weeks, looking to slow Prime Minister Robert Fico's changes that they argue will afford impunity for politicians and business leaders linked to him. Pushing the reforms on a faster track has also raised warnings from the European Union and United States. Opposition parties have led near weekly protests drawing tens of thousands, with another string of rallies planned for Thursday evening. Slovakia's special prosecutor's office, around for two decades, has been in Fico's sights since he won a September election and returned to power.

Persons: Robert Fico's, Fico, Zuzana Caputova, Caputova, Jason Hovet, Nick Macfie Organizations: Reuters, European Union, European Commission, Brussels, USP Locations: United States, Hungary, Poland, Prague

☆ Slovak Parliament Chief Confirms Presidential Bid, Facing Ex-Foreign Minister
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-19 | by ( Jan. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +2 min

By Jason Hovet(Reuters) - Slovak parliament chief Peter Pellegrini, leader of the second-biggest party in the government coalition, confirmed on Friday that he would run in a March presidential election. Pellegrini, a prime minister in 2018-2020 and former member of Fico's SMER party, has seen a shrinking poll lead against his closest contender - Ivan Korcok, who was foreign minister in a previous government led by opposition forces. A second round in the likely case that no candidate wins an outright majority is on April 6. Pellegrini leads Korcok 40.6% to 37.7% in an AKO agency poll released on Thursday. Pellegrini led the government until anti-corruption parties won a 2020 election.

Persons: Jason Hovet, Peter Pellegrini, Robert Fico, Pellegrini, Fico's, Ivan Korcok, Zuzana Caputova, Korcok, Fico, Hugh Lawson Organizations: European Union Locations: Korcok, AKO, Prague

☆ Will My Next Trip Be by Train Instead of Plane?
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-18 | by ( Paige Mcclanahan | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Train lovers and travelers concerned about their carbon footprint have a lot to choose from this year — especially in Europe. While some European governments are mulling short-haul flight bans, many passengers are already opting for rail, where new connections are numerous. Nightjet, part of the Austrian federal railway, ÖBB, started running a sleeper train between Berlin and Paris in December, while the French rail operator, S.N.C.F., started overnight service between Paris and Aurillac, in south-central France, the same month. And the Italian rail operator Trenitalia has recently started running a weekly high-speed connection between Rome and the station serving the Pompeii archaeological park. Other new European connections include a sleeper service between Brussels and Prague, coming in late March, and an overnight train between Brussels and Bratislava, Slovakia, expected late this year or early next.

Persons: Trenitalia Organizations: Orient, Accor Locations: Europe, Austrian, ÖBB, Berlin, Paris, Aurillac, France, Vienna, Nice, Rome, Brussels, Prague, Bratislava, Slovakia, Barcelona, Madrid, Milan, Ljubljana, Slovenia, Italy, Palermo, Portofino, Siena

☆ Why Calvin Klein ads still get people talking
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-18 | by ( Joan Kennedy | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

The strategy was classic Calvin Klein, a brand which has been synonymous with sexy, conversation-starting campaigns since the 1970s. From Calvin KleinBut the White ads were just the start of the headlines for Calvin Klein. Adorning a New York City phonebooth, Mark Wahlberg is seen in a 1992 Calvin Klein campaign. Meanwhile, no one besides the ASA seems to be admonishing Calvin Klein over the FKA Twigs ads. For Calvin Klein, both sets of ads are an example of that old adage — there’s no such thing as bad publicity.

Persons: CNN —, Jeremy Allen White’s, Calvin Klein, —, Calvin, White, Bottega, Kendall Jenner, FKA, “, Milan Jaros, Kate Moss, Brooke Shields, innuendos, Mark Wahlberg, Eva Mendes, ”, Matt Kissane, Landor, Calvin Klein’s, Moss, Wahlberg, Marky Mark ”, Justin Bieber’s, Justin Bieber's Calvin Klein, Stacy Walsh Rosenstock, he’s, popstar Rosalía, Amy Kommatas, Jenner, Hadid, Allen Adamson, Alas, Adamson, Henry McGee, Launchmetrics, Jeremy Allen White, “ They’ve Organizations: The, Fashion, CNN, Authority, Standards Agency, Standards Authority, ASA, Bloomberg, Getty, Hulu, Business, US Justice Department Locations: SoHo, Prague, Czech Republic, Zara, York's, Los Angeles, New York City

☆ EU Lawmakers Raise Alarm Over Slovakia's Criminal Law Reforms
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-17 | by ( Jan. | At A.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +2 min

(Reuters) - European Union lawmakers said on Wednesday they had "deep concern" over Slovakia's planned criminal code changes and shutting a special prosecutor's office, piling on criticism of the government's plan to fast-track the changes. The European Parliament, in a resolution approved by 496 of the 630 lawmakers who voted, said the changes needed more scrutiny and called on the European Commission to take action "to safeguard the rule of law and judicial independence". Slovak President Zuzana Caputova has threatened to veto the legislation, although Fico's government will be able to override her move. According to Slovak media, 40 people have been sentenced while another 130 are being investigated or tried. The EU's justice commissioner Didier Reynders said in mid-December the Commission could take action against Slovakia if it enacts criminal law changes that violate EU laws.

Persons: Robert Fico's, Zuzana Caputova, Didier Reynders, Jan Kuciak, Fico, Daniel Lipsic, Jason Hovet, Ros Russell Organizations: Reuters, Union, European Commission, European Union, The, USP Locations: Western, Poland, Hungary, United States, EU, Slovak, Slovakia, Prague

☆ The top 9 'must-have' travel experiences of 2024, according to luxury advisors
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-16 | by ( Monica Pitrelli | Jonathan Delise | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +8 min

If that sounds like a tall order for a summer getaway, the luxury travel company Virtuoso asked 20,000 of its travel advisors to share their top experiences for 2024. Dark sky tourism focuses on rural locations without light pollution, such as Greece's Olympus Mountain National Park. Departing in August, Virtuoso recommends travelers first take in the Olympic Games before departing the city in style. Passion travelsHobbies may be associated with the home, but Virtuoso recommends taking your passions on the road. Virtuoso recommends exploring Peruvian cuisine at the Mistura Food Festival, or checking out the street food of Ljubljana, Slovenia.

Persons: Nicolas Economou, Manoj Shah, Belles, Bhutan's, Young, Peter Adams, Chiang Mai, Koh, Wiphop, Sakura, James Cole, Hillary, Cousteau, Shackleton, pricey, Yasin Akgul, bookworms, Wolfgang Kaehler, Brian Curtice, Levente Bodo, ERNESTO BENAVIDES Organizations: Nurphoto, DarkSky, Stone, InterContinental, UNESCO, Istock, Expedition, Getty, CNBC Travel, Orient, Afp, Departing, Olympic Games, Chelsea Flower, Lightrocket, Festival Locations: stargazing, Norway, Iceland, Canada, Northern Mexico, Blanco , Texas, Albanya, Spain, Africa, Bhutan, Thailand, Pana, Yai, Bangkok, Japan Japan, United States, North America, Japan, Hakodate, Hokkaido, Kyoto, Kanazawa, Fuji's, Antarctica, Paris, Istanbul, Turkey, Asia, Europe, Venice, Turkish, Strahov, Riau, Isla, Ljubljana, Slovenia

PRAGUE (AP) — František Janouch, a Czech nuclear physicist who set up a foundation in Sweden while in exile to support the dissident movement in his communist homeland at the time, has died. The Charter 77 Foundation said Janouch died on Friday morning in Sweden's capital, Stockholm, where he had lived since the 1970s. Born on Sept. 22, 1931 in the town of Lysa nad Labem near Prague, Janouch studied nuclear physics at Charles University in Prague and at universities in Moscow and St. Petersburg in the then Soviet Union. Political Cartoons View All 253 ImagesAt the invitation of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, he moved to Sweden in 1974. “František Janouch contributed significantly to the return of freedom to our country,” Prime Minister Petr Fiala said.

Persons: Janouch, Václav Havel, Havel, “ František Janouch, Petr Fiala Organizations: Charles University, Nuclear Physics Institute, Czechoslovak Academy of Sciences, Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences Locations: PRAGUE, Czech, Sweden, Sweden's, Stockholm, Lysa nad Labem, Prague, Moscow, St, Petersburg, Soviet Union, Soviet, Czechoslovakia, Swedish

☆ My family has traveled to 20 states and 20 countries. My young kids have been everywhere from Colombia, to Turks and Caicos, to Florida.
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-09 | by ( Taryn White | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

My parents introduced me to traveling with road trips, and I've done the same with my kids. AdvertisementAs a child, I eagerly awaited the annual road trips across the US with my parents and two siblings. On our trips, we've learned everything from the art of lei-making in Maui to the Black history of Cartagena. In 2018, Taryn White and her family went to Medellin, Colombia, and stopped to enjoy some colorful street art. Taryn White and her family have been all over the world together, from Aspen to Turks and Caicos.

Persons: I've, —, we've, they're, Taryn White, it's, We've, Hvar's Organizations: Service, Virginia, Virginia Aquarium Locations: Myrtle Beach, Saint Kitts, Nevis, Maui, Cartagena, Portugal, Bahamas, Medellin, Colombia, Aspen, Bend, Shenandoah, Virginia Beach, Bradenton , Florida, Caicos, Grace Bay, Douro, Algarve, Turks, Czech Republic, Hungary, Croatia, Prague, Budapest, Hvar

☆ The most exciting new trains coming in 2024
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-04 | by ( Ben Jones | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +13 min

CNN —Around the world, travelers are flocking back to trains, and demand is increasing across the board for high-speed trains, luxury “land cruises” and long-distance day and night trains. Here are some of the best new trains you’ll be able to take in 2024. Laurie Dieffembacq/Belga/AFP/Getty ImagesLinks between two of Europe’s most visited capitals have traditionally been pretty poor, with no direct trains since the 1990s. Ian Clarke/Alamy Stock PhotoFour continents, 13 countries, and seven luxury trains across 80 days – the ultimate experience for rail travel connoisseurs is due to depart in late 2024. BelmondOne of the world’s greatest luxury train journeys is returning to the rails in 2024 after a four-year gap.

Persons: Laurie Dieffembacq, Dimorestudio, Vita ”, Riva Aquarama, itineraries, Jeroen Berends, Gabriel Bouys, it’s, Jesus Hellin, That’s, Trenitalia, Luigi Ferraris, France –, Railbookers, Ian Clarke, we’ve, ”, Frank Marini, Alex Halada, There’s Organizations: CNN, Orient, Getty, ÖBB, Austrian Federal Railways, SNCF, Eurostar, National, Europa Press, French, Renfe, FS, Rocky Mountaineer, Royal, Orient Express, Oriental, ”, Oriental Express, Austrian Railways, Swiss Locations: Swiss, Venice, Paris, Berlin, AFP, Strasbourg, Frankfurt, Italy, Rome, Matera, Palermo, Sicily, Messina, Europe’s, Istanbul, Split, Brussels, Prague, Europe, Dutch, Dresden, Belgian, Roman, Naples, Madrid, Spain, France, Spanish, Barcelona, Lyon, Marseille, Canada, Central Europe, India, South Africa, Eastern, Vancouver, Malaysia, Singapore, Malaysia’s, Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi, Penang, Bangkok, Vienna, Innsbruck, Hamburg, Switzerland, Germany, Zürich, Gornergrat Bahn, Zermatt, Gornergrat, Riffelalp

☆ Slovak truckers to start Ukraine border crossing blockade, joining Polish protests
▼ + stars: | 2023-12-01 | by ( Jan Lopatka | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

The Slovak hauliers are joining Polish truckers who have been blocking several crossings to Ukraine since Nov. 6. Polish and Slovak truckers complain that Ukrainian truckers offer cheaper prices for their services and also transport goods within the EU, rather than just between the bloc and Ukraine. The next decision would come after Monday's EU transport ministers meeting in Brussels, where Polish, Slovak and Hungarian delegations were expected to raise the topic. The Slovak Transport Ministry said after meeting the hauliers on Wednesday it would relay their demands in Brussels. European transport commissioner Adina Valean said on Nov. 29 that Ukraine and the EU cannot be "taken hostage" by the Polish truckers blockading the border.

Persons: Stanislav Skala, Skala, Nemecke, Adina Valean, Jan Lopatka, William Maclean Organizations: European Union, EU, Truckers, Military, Slovak Transport Ministry, Thomson Locations: Ukraine, Slovakia, Brussels, Slovak, Kyiv, Prague

☆ Russian court extends pre-trial detention of U.S. journalist until Feb. 5
▼ + stars: | 2023-12-01 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

REUTERS/Alexey Nasyrov Acquire Licensing RightsKAZAN, Russia, Dec 1 (Reuters) - A Russia court extended the detention of Russian-American journalist Alsu Kurmasheva on Friday as she awaits trial for failing to register as a "foreign agent". The court in the city of Kazan prolonged her detention untilFeb. 5. Kurmasheva holds both U.S. and Russian passports, and entered Russia on May 20 to deal with a family emergency, RFE/RL said. According to court documents, Kurmasheva was fined 10,000 roubles ($103) on Oct. 11 for failing to register her U.S. passport with Russian authorities. Kurmasheva is the second U.S. journalist detained in Russia since the start of the war in Ukraine.

Persons: Alsu Kurmasheva, Alexey Nasyrov, Jeffrey Gedmin, Alsu, Kurmasheva, Evan Gershkovich, Gershkovich, Joe Biden, Felix Light, Mark Trevelyan Organizations: Radio Free, Radio Liberty, RFE, REUTERS, Rights, U.S . Congress, Wall, U.S, Reuters, Thomson Locations: American, Radio Free Europe, Kazan, Russia, Prague, Ukraine, U.S, Moscow

The official told Gupta - who the prosecutors described as an Indian national involved in drugs and weapons trafficking - about a "target" in New York. The official wanted Gupta to orchestrate the target's murder, in exchange for getting criminal charges against him in India dropped. While prosecutors have not identified the alleged victim, a senior administration official told Reuters it was Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a New York-based lawyer who leads a separatist group called Sikhs for Justice. U.S. prosecutors did not name the Indian official, who they described as a government employee responsible for intelligence and security matters. "We are all counting on you," Gupta told the purported hitman in a video call on June 12.

Persons: Nikhil Gupta, Gupta, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, Pannun, Narendra Modi's, Gupta's, Jake Sullivan, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, Nijjar, Modi, Joe Biden, Justin Trudeau, Luc Cohen, Krishn Kaushik, Trevor Hunnicut, Heather Timmons Organizations: U.S . Department of Justice, Indian, Reuters, Justice, Administration, Manhattan, National Security, U.S, White, Canadian, Thomson Locations: Manhattan, New York City, U.S, DELHI, Indian, New York, India, India's Gujarat, United States, Washington, New Delhi, Vancouver, Prague, Delhi

☆ Slovak truckers to block Ukraine crossing, joining Polish protests
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-29 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

REUTERS/Yan Dobronosov/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsNov 29 (Reuters) - Slovak truckers will block the main border crossing with Ukraine from Friday, the country's truckers association UNAS said, joining Polish protests to win restrictions against Ukrainian drivers. Polish truckers have been blocking several crossings with Ukraine since Nov. 6 to demand tougher conditions for Ukrainian peers. Polish and Slovak truckers complain Ukrainian truckers offer cheaper prices for their services and also transport goods within the European Union, rather than just between the bloc and Ukraine. They say their business has been undercut since truckers from Ukraine gained exemptions from seeking permits to cross following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Polish truckers started protests this month, demanding the EU reintroduce a permit system for Ukrainian truckers entering the bloc and for EU truckers entering Ukraine, with exemptions for humanitarian aid and military supplies.

Persons: Yan, UNAS, Vysne Nemecke, Transport Adina Valean, Jason Hovet, Sandra Maler Organizations: REUTERS, European Union, EU, Transport, Thomson Locations: Poland, Ukraine, Korczowa, Slovakia, Kyiv, Prague

☆ Slovak Truckers Threaten Ukraine Border Blockade From Friday
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-28 | by ( Nov. | At A.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +1 min

(Reuters) - Slovak truckers are threatening to block the country's main border crossing with Ukraine from Friday unless steps are taken to limit competition from Ukrainian hauliers, the head of the country's truckers association UNAS said. The threat comes after action by Polish truckers who have been blocking several crossings with Ukraine for three weeks to demand tougher conditions for Ukrainian peers. Polish and Slovak truckers complain they offer cheaper prices for their services and also transport goods within the European Union, rather than just between the bloc and Ukraine. Polish truckers started their protest on Nov. 6, demanding that the European Union reintroduce a permit system for Ukrainian truckers entering the bloc and for EU truckers entering Ukraine, with exemptions for humanitarian aid and military supplies. He said there would be a Dec. 4 meeting of European transport ministers in Brussels but he did not have high hopes of any breakthrough.

Persons: UNAS, Stanislav Skala, Jan Lopatka, Alexandra Hudson Organizations: Reuters, European Union, Transport Ministry, Commission Locations: Ukraine, Ukrainian, Vysne, European, Brussels, Prague

PRAGUE (AP) — Labor unions staged a day of protests and strikes across the Czech Republic on Monday to voice their opposition to the government’s package of cuts and austerity measures meant to keep the ballooning deficit under control. The unions are also demanding more money for the education and healthcare sectors and are protesting proposed changes to the pension system. Some 74% or over 7,200 nursery, elementary and high schools across the country were either fully or partially closed Monday in the biggest such protest since the establishment of the Czech Republic in 1993, unions said. Among other measures, Czechs will pay more taxes on alcoholic beverages, including beer, and on medicine. According to the government, the measures should reduce the budget deficit by 97 billion Czech crowns ($4.3 billion) next year and by 150 billion ($6.7 billion) in 2025.

Persons: Petr Fiala, ” Fiala, Petr Pavel, Andrej Babis, Babis Organizations: — Labor, Auto, Fiala’s, ANO Locations: PRAGUE, Czech Republic

Last month's slayings of about 1,200 people in Israel by armed Palestinian militants represented the biggest killing of Jews since the Holocaust. ACTS OF ANTISEMITISM — AND HOW THAT'S DEFINEDAntisemitism is broadly defined as hatred of Jews. Criticism of Israel's policies and antisemitism have long been conflated by Israeli leaders such as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and by some watchdog groups. Some of Europe's Jews say they see it on the streets and the news. Many Jews, though, say the chant is inherently anti-Jewish and calls for the destruction of Israel.

Persons: Michel Dreifuss, —, Herbert Traube, Benjamin Netanyahu, Susan Neiman, “, you’ve, ”, Israel, Israel —, There's, Anna Segal, Segal, ” Segal, Peggy Hicks, “ I’ve, Hicks, ” ___ Kellman, Kirsten Grieshaber, Silvia Stellacci, Karel Janicek, Lorne Cook, Jari Tanner, Vanessa Gera, John Leicester, Sylvie Corbet Organizations: GENEVA, Einstein, —, French Interior Ministry, Community Security Trust, Israel, West Bank Locations: Geneva, Israel, Gaza, Europe, Germany, Austria, Potsdam, Britain, Russia, Berlin, Lyon, France, In Berlin, Palestine, Jordan, Jerusalem, London, Rome, Prague, Brussels, Helsinki, Warsaw, Poland, Paris

☆ Travel news: UK airport’s ‘bus shelter’ prayer room ridiculed online
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-25 | by ( Maureen O'Hare | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

Editor’s Note: Sign up for Unlocking the World, CNN Travel’s weekly newsletter. “It still gives me butterflies in my stomach,” Zahn tells CNN Travel today. Ski seasonNumerous ski resorts around the world are facing the reality that in these times of climate crisis, there just isn’t enough snow to carry on. Turkey is a famous choice for beach destinations, but it’s also home to a number of under-the-radar ski resorts. With reports of chair hogs, food fights and booze guzzlers, CNN Travel asks if cruising etiquette has been lost at sea.

Persons: Love, Ilona Zahn, Ian Duncan’s, ” Zahn, Zahn, it’s, They’d, you’re, There’s Organizations: CNN, Pan, CNN Travel, Thai Airways Locations: Rome, Peter’s, Cambodia, Angkor, “, Tabasco, Tehran, United States, Bangkok, New York, French, Bellagio, Italy, Turkey, States, Alaska, Istanbul, Nevada's Valley, Vegas, Fire, Prague, Loch Ness

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