Latest news with #Visit
NBC News
21-07-2025
- NBC News
1 dead, 2 missing after group goes over waterfall in Oregon
One person is dead and two more are missing after a group of six was swept over a waterfall in Oregon on Saturday, officials said. The group went over Dillon Falls on the Deschutes River west of Bend just before 3 p.m., which is when the 911 call came in, the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office said on Facebook. One person was pronounced dead at the scene, and a multi-agency search-and-rescue mission is underway to find the two who are missing, according to the sheriff's office. The office did not immediately identify the person who died. Three people were rescued from the water and were taken by ambulance to the St. Charles Health System's medical center in Bend, the sheriff's office said. Their current condition is not known. Dillon Falls, in central Oregon, is about 173 miles southeast of Portland. The falls have a 15-foot drop that turns into rapids when the water reaches the Deschutes River, according to Visit Central Oregon, which promotes tourism in the region. Photos posted by the sheriff's office show a hazard sign warning visitors of the waterfall nearby and indicating paddlers should wear life jackets. The office, along with its search and rescue arm and Bend Fire and Rescue, responded to the scene on Saturday. The Bend Police Department provided drones to help the search. The sheriff's office said its search and rescue team launched two drones in the Dillon Falls area on Sunday. Fifteen members of a swift water rescue team physically searched areas highlighted by the drones, the sheriff's office said. Three K-9 teams also joined the search effort and worked with marine patrol boats to scour the area downstream of the falls, the sheriff's office added.
Borneo Post
10-07-2025
- Borneo Post
Ten Pakistani men jailed, fined for immigration offences
KOTA KINABALU (July 10): Ten Pakistani men were jailed and fined by a Sessions Court here for committing immigration related offences. The cases of Imad Ilyas, Taimoor Khan @ Khan Taimoor, Gul Saqib, Iqbal Hussain, Shah Syed Baliqh, Shah Bakht Biland, Dad Yaseen Khaistay, Dad Shafiq Shad Bakht, Ilyas Ali and Muhammad Shoaib Muhammad were heard before judge Hurman Hussain. All of them had pleaded guilty to their charges. Imad, Taimoor, Gul, Iqbal, Shah Syed, Dad Yasen, Dad Shafiq and Ilyas were each fined RM10,000 for staying in the state after their Special Passes and Social Visit Passes had expired. They had overstayed in the Sabah for between 15 days and two years. Dad Shafiq also received another RM500 fine for breaching the condition of his Social Visit Pass which only allowed him to be in West Malaysia but he stayed in Sabah. Meanwhile, Shah Bakht was sentenced to four months' jail for entering the state illegally and received another six months' jail for breaching the condition on his Social Visit Pass for the same purpose as Dad Shafiq. As for Muhammad Shoaib, he was fined RM3,000 for entering the state without any valid document. All of them paid their fines except for Imad. They were ordered to be jailed for between three and 12 months if they failed to furnish their fines. The accused were arrested in Penampang, Tuaran, Ranau, Membakut and at the City area between June 4 and 23 during separate operations by the Immigration Department. In a separate case, a 62-year-old man was fined a total of RM20,000 by the same court for allowing four illegal immigrants to stay in a place under his control. Yong Yick Thong admitted to allow four Filipinos who did not have any valid travel document to remain in a homestay construction site in Kundasang, Ranau on October 19, 2023. The court had ordered Yong to pay a fine of RM5,000, in default, four months' jail for each illegal immigrant.
National Geographic
03-07-2025
- National Geographic
The unexpected natural wonders near America's busiest airports
Flight delays at America's major airports, once a source of anxiety, now represent opportunities for unexpected adventures. Some travelers secretly hope for a delay that provides a chance to step beyond the terminal and discover the natural wonders, such as a hiking trek through bamboo forests near Atlanta or a journey through a wildlife refuge in Denver. 'In difficult moments, nature is scientifically proven to bring us peace,' said Dan Lambe, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. 'Research shows that access to trees and green space lowers our brain's levels of cortisol, which is our primary stress hormone, and improves cognitive function.' When flight cancellations and hours-long delays threaten to derail a trip, these nine hiking trails, all within 15 miles of major U.S. airport hubs, offer a refreshing alternative to overcrowded food courts and uncomfortable gate seating. (Here's what to do if your flight is delayed or canceled in the U.S.) Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL), Atlanta Beyond the bamboo forest at East Palisades, Atlanta offers Cochran Mill Park just 20 minutes from the airport, with nearly 15 miles of hiking trails leading to the serene Henry Mill Falls. The park's diverse terrain accommodates hikers of all skill levels, with the Yellow Trail offering the most direct route to the waterfall. 'Travelers are often shocked to learn they can be standing under a waterfall within a half-hour of leaving our terminals,' said Adam Berrios, executive director of Visit Sandy Springs. 'And no one expects to find themselves in the midst of an exotic bamboo forest just 12 miles north of Atlanta. That's what makes the East Palisades Trail in Sandy Springs so special.' How to get there: Take the MARTA Red Line from the airport to Sandy Springs Station for nearby trailheads or rideshare for $25-30. O'Hare International Airport (ORD), Chicago The Des Plaines River Trail and Greenway system offers more than 50 miles of trails, with a section conveniently located near O'Hare in Rosemont. From the cluster of airport hotels, you can access the trail behind the Hyatt Regency, stepping directly from the lobby to the forest path. The Schiller Woods section offers 2 to 3 miles of well-maintained trails, providing a perfect blend of accessibility and immersion. How to get there: Many airport hotels provide direct access, or take the Blue Line one stop to Rosemont and walk 10 minutes to reach the starting point of the Des Plaines River Trail. (Everything you should know about Chicago) Travelers can hike the 2.6-mile Solstice Canyon Trail at Kenneth Hahn Recreational Area if they have an extended layover at LAX. Photograph by Chris LaBasco/Shutterstock Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Los Angeles Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area is situated less than 10 miles from LAX and features five miles of trails with panoramic views that extend from downtown LA to the Pacific Ocean. For those with more time, the 2.6-mile Solstice Canyon Trail in Malibu rewards hikers with a route so gentle you could walk it in flip-flops, shaded by sycamores and oaks. The trail leads to the foundations of a house designed by Paul R. Williams, the same architect who designed LAX's Theme Building. How to get there: A rideshare provides the fastest access from the airport. (Everything you should know about Los Angeles) LaGuardia Airport (LGA), New York Pugsley Creek Park & Castle Hill Park offer trails where hikers can trace a maritime forest while enjoying views of the Whitestone and Throgs Neck bridges. The trail's unique selling point is the scenic overlooks where you can watch planes land at LaGuardia while surrounded by coastal vegetation. The 1.2-mile Pugsley Creek Wappinger Trail honors the Native American tribe (Wappinger) who originally inhabited this region. The trail winds through diverse hardwood forests. How to get there: The Q44-SBS bus from LaGuardia takes approximately 30 minutes. (Your travel guide to New York City) Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), Seattle The Des Moines Creek Trail provides a 2.2-mile paved path starting just south of Sea-Tac Airport and continuing to Des Moines Beach Park on Puget Sound. The trail follows a salmon-bearing stream through a ravine forest, offering glimpses of air traffic taking off overhead. For a quicker escape, North SeaTac Park offers over 200 acres of green space with 2.5 miles of trails, just two miles from the terminals, featuring paths that wind through a dense Pacific Northwest forest. How to get there: Air travelers can take a five-minute rideshare for $10-15, or the Link Light Rail one stop to Tukwila International Boulevard Station. (Everything you should know about Seattle) If you have extra time in Denver, you may want to consider a hike in the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, where it's not uncommon to spot wildlife such as bald eagles, prairie dogs, and wild bison. Photograph by Wirestock Creators/Shutterstock Denver International Airport (DEN), Denver The Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge sits just 12 miles from Denver's terminals and offers more than 10 miles of trails through a restored prairie ecosystem. Once a chemical weapons manufacturing facility, this 15,000-acre refuge now protects bison herds, bald eagles, and prairie dogs. 'One of the best ways to experience the Refuge is with a vehicle along the 11-mile Wildlife Drive,' said Sarah Metzer, Visitor Services manager. 'The accompanying podcast offers insight into the Refuge's history as well as the nature and native wildlife that visitors may see.' How to get there: A 20-minute rideshare costs approximately $25-30. (What you should know about Denver) San Francisco International Airport (SFO), San Francisco San Bruno Mountain State & County Park offers 2,416 acres of rugged landscape just 10 minutes from San Francisco International Airport. The 3.1-mile Summit Loop Trail rewards hikers with 360-degree views of San Francisco, the Bay, and the airport below. The 0.4-mile accessible Bog Trail loop explores San Bruno Mountain's wetland 'Saddle Area,' where travelers can choose between a leisurely path or a more rugged route through dense vegetation alive with California quail and songbirds. How to get there: Take the BART to the San Bruno station, then catch the Route 130 bus for a 10-minute ride to the park. (Everything you should know about San Francisco) Adventurous hikers can go hiking along the Great Falls Trail for scenic views of the Potomac River in Virginia. Photograph by Zack Frank/Shutterstock Air travelers can destress from a flight delay or cancellation by taking a relaxing hike in the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge in Denver. Photograph by Jim West / Alamy Stock Photo Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), Phoenix The South Mountain Park and Preserve, just 10 miles from Sky Harbor, encompasses more than 16,000 acres of pristine Sonoran Desert, making it one of the largest municipal parks in the United States. The Desert Classic Trail is an easy 2.4-mile loop, and is dotted with iconic saguaro cacti, palo verde trees, and dramatic rock formations. The Mormon Trail ascends 1.3 miles to Hidden Valley, rewarding hikers with panoramic views of the Phoenix metropolitan area. How to get there: A 15-minute rideshare from Sky Harbor costs approximately $18-25, or take the Valley Metro Rail to Central/Washington and transfer to bus route 40. (Essential guide to visiting Phoenix) Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), Dulles, Va. Great Falls Park, just 15 miles from Dulles, Va., offers dramatic scenery where the Potomac River plunges 76 feet over ancient rock formations. The River Trail is an easy 1.3-mile walk to multiple overlooks of the thundering falls, while the challenging Billy Goat Trail Section A offers 1.7 miles of rock scrambling along the river's edge. The park connects to the historic C&O Canal Towpath, adding layers of American history to your nature escape. How to get there: A 20-minute rideshare costs approximately $25-35. (Dreading a long layover? Here's how to turn it into a second vacation.) Heide Brandes is an award-winning travel journalist and co-host of the travel podcast 'Untethered & Wanderwise' who specializes in adventure travel and off-the-beaten-path destinations. Follow her on Instagram.
Time Out Abu Dhabi
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out Abu Dhabi
UFC is coming back to Abu Dhabi soon and it's going to be epic
Get ready fight fans, because the Octagon is returning to the capital in a big way. UFC 321 lands at Etihad Arena on Saturday October 25 and it's gearing up to be one of the most explosive nights on the fight calendar. Part of the much-hyped Abu Dhabi Showdown Week, UFC 321 promises a stacked card, international championship talent and all the knockout action we've come to expect from the world's premier MMA organisation. Whether you're a seasoned UFC die-hard or just love a big night out, this is not one to miss. When do tickets go on sale? Tickets go on general sale Friday July 25 and fans are being encouraged to register early at Visit Abu Dhabi to get the best shot at grabbing seats before they're gone. You'll be able to buy them through Etihad Arena and Ticketmaster, so set those reminders. If you're a newbie to the Abu Dhabi UFC scene, here's why it's such a big deal. Since first touching down here in 2010, UFC has hosted more than 20 action-packed events in the capital, cementing Abu Dhabi as a heavyweight on the global combat sports map. This year is no exception – with UFC Fight Night warming things up at Etihad Arena on Saturday July 26. Aussie favourite and former champ Robert Whittaker will go toe-to-toe with Reinier de Ridder, a rising star looking to shake up the rankings. And that's just the beginning. While you're at it, if you want to level up your UFC experience premium VIP experience packages for UFC 321 will be available soon via UFC VIP, offering everything from ringside seats and backstage access to meet-and-greets, all-inclusive hospitality and front-row views at weigh-ins. Prices TBC. Fri Oct 25 (tickets on sale Jul 25). Etihad Arena, Yas Island. More going on in Abu Dhabi The 27 best things to do indoors this summer in Abu Dhabi It's time for some air-conditioned bliss 12 fantastic road trips across the GCC Fill up the tank and go 25 brilliant beach and pool day passes in Abu Dhabi Grab your SPF – a lush day by the water awaits
Daily Mirror
16-06-2025
- Daily Mirror
UK seaside town attracting 3.8m tourists branded 'rundown' despite beloved beach
Tourists have warned Brits 'not to bother' visiting a popular seaside town famed for its award-winning golden sands - but a £19.5m investment could soon turn things around A once roaring seaside town once crowned England's 'most beautiful' has been hit with a barrage of complaints. Situated on Yorkshire's idyllic coastline, and just a stone's throw from the stunning cliffs at Flamborough Head, lies the popular resort of Scarborough. The town, which has been welcoming holidaymakers since the 17th century, saw its popularity boom in 1845 after it welcomed its first railway line, connecting the historic city of York to the coast. Famed for its Blue Flag beaches, unique castle ruins, and world-class attractions including Alpamare Waterpark and Sealife centre - Scarborough ticks all of your coastal must-haves. Here, you'll find rows of flashing arcades, acclaimed fish and chip shops, and plenty of souvenir shops to pick up a stick of rock or two. According to Visit North Yorkshire, a whopping 3.8 million visitors flocked to the town in 2023. While this may seem an impressive figure, it actually marks a 6.7 per cent decrease compared to the year before. At the same time, it appears Scarborough's prestigious reputation has taken somewhat of a tumble. On TripAdvisor, the town has received a plethora of one-star reviews - with many arguing it has met its decline. "The town itself is littered with dog poop absolutely everywhere you walk," one traveller fumed back in 2024. "All you see is kebab shops, takeaways, and hairdressers amid the many many closed down shops and run-down areas. How can Scarborough be this run down and filthy when half an hour down the road is Bridlington - which is incredibly clean, tourist-focused, plenty of parking, lots of clean public toilets which were constantly being cleaned by an attendant?" Another person agreed, writing: "What has happened to Scarborough? We were saddened to see the amount of street litter and c***** shops-there was nothing good on offer except one little gem of a fossil shop on the way into town. Why did people stop caring about this place, and the locals that live there: why aren't they giving their council hell about the state of the town? It was almost like a dumping ground, we've never seen some much rubbish, including dead wild life on the street." Just two weeks ago, a third traveller penned: "Caught the bus from Whitby. It took an hour [and was a] pleasant journey. As soon as we got off of the bus wish we'd got back on. Scarborough [is] very tired and rough/ run down. We stayed an hour [then] walked to harbour and caught the bus back to Whitby." Despite the fierce criticism, there's no denying Scarborough's beaches are still worth the visit. The North Bay Beach has kept its Blue Flag status, making it one of the best in Europe for cleanliness both on the sand and in the water. "Unlike South Bay, most of the North Bay Beach is away from the road, with the chalet-lined promenade running from 'the corner' to the Sealife Centre," Visit Scarborough hailed. Back in March, North Yorkshire Council revealed almost £20 million of government funding had been allocated to Scarborough as part of a 10-year plan to transform the seaside resort. Over the next decade, £19.5 million will be pumped into the town to 'support regeneration, create job opportunities, and improve health and wellbeing across the town'. "The chance to use such a significant amount of funding in Scarborough will bring wide-ranging benefits not just for communities in the town, but also far wider across the region," hailed North Yorkshire Council's leader Carl Les. "Scarborough is one of our biggest towns here in North Yorkshire, and there is real potential to bring a new era for what is among the country's most popular seaside destinations. The fact that the scope of the Plan for Neighbourhoods has been broadened to the previous incarnation of the scheme gives us an even greater chance to transform Scarborough for residents, businesses and visitors." Previous public consultations, which reached more than 1,600 people, found key priorities included reviving the town centre to be cleaner and 'more attractive' as well as improving bus services and creating better public spaces. However, projects are not slated to be rolled out until spring next year.
