Two U.s. Tourists Held In Sinai By Bedouin Tribesmen

King Charles III used his annual Christmas message Wednesday to hail the selflessness of those who have cared for him and the Princess of Wales this year, after both were diagnosed with cancer. The 76-year-old monarch said he and his family are “continually” impressed by those who dedicate their lives to helping others. [time-brightcove not-tgx=”true”] “From a personal point of view, I offer special, heartfelt thanks to the selfless doctors and nurses who this year have supported me and other members of my family through the uncertainties and anxieties of illness and have helped provide the strength, care and comfort we have needed,” he said in a prerecorded speech. The broadcast came several hours after the monarch waved to a large crowd of onlookers who traditionally gather to see the royal family attend Christmas Day services at a church on Sandringham, the estate on the windswept North Sea coast that has served as a family retreat for generations. The king walked with Queen Camilla as his eldest son, Prince William, Kate and their three children followed.

An Azerbaijani airliner with 67 people onboard crashed Wednesday near the Kazakhstani city of Aktau, leaving at least 32 survivors, according to officials. More than 30 people may be dead. The plane was en route from the Azerbaijani capital of Baku to the Russian city of Grozny in the North Caucasus. [time-brightcove not-tgx=”true”] Kazakhstan’s Emergency Ministry said in a Telegram statement that those on board included five crew.

If you are curious about the giant construction project surrounding Keystone’s River Run gondola, it’s a village-sized resort that will change the look of the main base area. Kindred Resort, set to open in the spring of 2025, is touted as “the most luxurious new slopeside property in the Colorado Rockies.” Part of Vail Resorts’ RockResorts brand, the property consists of 107 high-end hotel rooms, 95 one-to-four-bedroom residences, a private club, spa, ski valet, the new headquarters for Keystone’s Ski & Snowboard School, upscale retail shops and three restaurants, all within steps of River Run Gondola. “Kindred is going to be a game-changer,” says Ken Riley, the first mayor of Keystone, which became an incorporated town last February. “It does feel like this is a missing link to what a top family-friendly resort can offer.” While Keystone has long since boasted fine dining haunts like the Ski Tip Lodge and (located on one of its two world-class golf courses) Keystone Ranch, as well as a massive conference center and upscale spa at Keystone Lodge, it has always positioned itself as a more affordable family destination than surrounding ski resorts. Despite the upscale developments starting with Kindred, Keystone still offers free parking within walking distance of lifts at River Run and Mountain House, family amenities, and lodging packages, including free lift tickets for kids. Incorporating the town was crucial to Keystone’s journey toward improved infrastructure and offerings.

Narges Mohammadi picked up Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid ‘s Tale while in prison. The activist had been sentenced to 16 years for challenging Iran’s enforcement of what Mohammadi terms gender apartheid—a system of dress codes, sexual subjugation, and coercive control enforced, as in Atwood’s book, by men who have taken power as a theocracy.

Looking for crowded pool bars, over-sunning, booming bass-heavy hard rock, inflated prices and endless huge hotels? If not, read on. Those are the images many have of Mexico’s Baja Peninsula, particularly of the southern tip, known as “Los Cabos.” But “Los Cabos” means Two Capes, and all of the above is abundant in one of those capes, Cabo San Lucas.