‘I Messed Up,’ Says Air Traffic Controller After Fatal LaGuardia Crash

Mexico is preparing for the 2026 World Cup. As one of the host cities, Mexico City has launched a chatbot named Xoli to help tourists plan their visit. Available in English and Spanish, the tool offers information on tourism, food, culture, and transportation. It also provides event-specific details about the tournament, including matches, events, and broadcasts. Tourists can access Xoli at any time by texting 55 6565 9395. The government confirmed Xoli will remain active after the event.

In other World Cup news, Airbnb has listed a stay inside Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, hosted by former Mexican footballer Hugo Sánchez. Only four people will be selected for this once-in-a-lifetime experience, free of charge, including opening match tickets and all meals.

Actress Brenda Song publicly criticized Alaska Airlines in an Instagram post, saying she will not fly the airline again, and “neither should you.” The Suite Life of Zack and Cody actress was traveling with her fiancé, Macaulay Culkin, and their two children, but the family was separated after their first-class tickets were given away.

“I didn’t know when you book your first class tickets 6 months in advance for your family of six for your son’s birthday – @alaskaair can just give away your seats the morning of with no warning–splitting up you and your 3 and 4 year old kids,” she wrote on an Instagram story March 21. Culkin shared the story with his 3 million followers, saying, “Hell hath no fury like a Brenda scorned…”

Since the posts, Alaska Airlines has apologized and called it unacceptable that the family was separated. A spokesperson said the airline had reached out to the family to “make it right.”

The U.S.-Iran war has entered its fourth week, with aftershocks felt worldwide. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz is disrupting oil supplies and driving up fuel prices. Thousands of flights have been canceled, affecting millions of travelers, and airlines are increasing fares to avoid war zones.

United Airlines has announced it will reduce its schedule by 5% to save on fuel costs. In a memo, CEO Scott Kirby explained that jet fuel prices have more than doubled in the past three weeks. “If prices stayed at this level, it would mean an extra $11 billion in annual expense just for jet fuel. For perspective, in United’s best year ever, we made less than $5B,” he wrote.

As a result, the airline is “pruning flying that’s temporarily unprofitable in the face of high oil prices.” The cuts include less popular and off-peak flights, such as red-eyes and flights on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. United expects oil to reach up to $175 a barrel and not fall below $100 until the end of 2027.

Kirby said the airline is prepared for the worst and expects to restore the schedule by fall. He also assured that United would not lay off employees or make other cost cuts.

Related: With Conflict in the Middle East, Is It Safe to Travel to Europe?

An American tourist was detained by Balinese authorities after walking along a main street during the sacred Day of Silence. The 57-year-old tourist, Karl Adolf Amrhein, disregarded local traditions when he ventured out at 7 a.m. on March 19. Police said the man pretended to be mute after being detained, but eventually told them he was looking for accommodation after leaving his previous hotel. Authorities escorted him to a nearby villa.

This was not an isolated incident. Another tourist, Swiss national Luzian Andrin Zgraggen, allegedly posted about the holiday using expletives and disparaged the tradition. His social media post drew backlash, and he was identified and detained.

Each year, Bali observes the Day of Silence, Nyepi, when the island enters self-reflection. Locals do not interact, and businesses remain closed. Hotels advise tourists to follow the rules and stay inside. Tourists, however, often face trouble for violating local regulations and disrespecting customs.