1. CANADA
Aggressive panhandling took the life of a man near downtown Toronto’s Trinity Bellwoods Park. He and a friend were walking just after midnight Aug. 11 when accosted by two men and two women, all in their early 20s, who demanded money. When the victim and friend refused, a verbal exchange escalated into an attack and the “panhandlers” stabbed the man repeatedly. He died two days later. Downtown merchants have complained that panhandlers routinely steal drinks, food and tips from sidewalk tables. One city official said he feels panhandling in Toronto is out of control.
2. IRELAND
Aer Lingus pilots have announced a 48-hour strike for Aug. 21-22 that, if carried out, would ground all of the company’s flights inside Ireland and could affect international flights Aug. 20-23. Aer Lingus said passengers booked on flights during the planned strike can change tickets without incurring fees.
3. MALAYSIA
Ninety-eight percent occupancy rates are making it hard for visitors to find rooms in Kuala Lumpur, and tourists are being encouraged to stay in cities near the capital such as Shah Alam, Nilai and Seremban.
4. RUSSIA
An explosion Aug. 13 on the high-speed rail line that links Moscow and St. Petersburg derailed the express train and injured 60 people. Officials are treating it as a terrorist attack and are increasing surveillance and security before national elections in December and March.
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Compiled from various news services and travel sources. For the latest on world conditions, check the State Department’s automated service at 888-407-4747; fax 202-647-3000; travel.state.gov.
