Between wealth and Wahhabism, Saudi urban overhaul transforms Islam’s holiest city Mecca

MECCA, Saudi Arabia—As a child, Osama al-Bar would walk from his home past Islam’s holiest site, the Kaaba, to the market of spice and fabric merchants...

Shinkansen at 50: How Japan’s bullet train revolutionized rail travel, and what’s next

TOKYO—It was, retired Japanese railway engineer Fumihiro Araki recalls, “like flying in the sky.” Zipping cross-country in a super-high-speed train has become commonplace in many countries...

Hoods, guns and blood: Are Halloween attractions getting scarier?

NEW YORK—Halloween seems to be getting scarier, with attractions going ever-more interactive and in-your-face. At Knott’s Scary Farm in Buena Park, California, guests are outfitted with...

Cruises to disputed islands offer bland food, grey views and a chance to press China’s claims

On a cruise more about politics than pleasure, Zhang Jing watched the grey shells of the Paracel Islands emerge from the purple, pre-dawn South China Sea....

Bill filed to strengthen rights of airline passengers

MANILA, Philippines – House of Representatives committee on higher and technical education chairman and Pasig Rep. Roman Romulo has filed a bill to beef-up the rights...

Always on: New European flight safety guidelines allow handset connections at all times

BERLIN—European skies may soon be alive with the sound of small talk with new safety rules allowing the use of all portable electronics, including cellphones, at...

So you think you know a lot about NYC? Tour guide license test is no Facebook quiz

NEW YORK—How well do you know New York City? I’m not just talking Grand Central and the Brooklyn Bridge. Do you know where Jackie O lived...

German citizen banned from Yellowstone National Park for a year after drone crash

DENVER—A German citizen who crashed a drone into a lake in Yellowstone National Park this summer has been banned from the park for a year and...

P550 terminal fee to be included in airline ticket cost by Oct. 1

Campaign launched to preserve ‘cleanest’ river in PH

MANILA, Philippines – The Cantingas River, situated in Romblon, supplies 90 percent clean energy to Sibuyan Island’s all three municipalities, showing the benefits of renewable energy...