Colombian Senator and presidential hopeful Miguel Uribe Turbay was critically injured in an assassination attempt during a campaign rally in Bogotá’s Fontibón neighborhood on Saturday. The 39-year-old, a member of the conservative Democratic Centre party, was shot multiple times, including twice in the head and once in the knee. He was immediately transported to Fundación Santa Fe hospital, where he underwent emergency neurosurgical and vascular procedures. His wife, María Claudia Tarazona, has called for prayers as he “fights for his life.”

A 15-year-old suspect was apprehended at the scene with a firearm. Authorities are investigating potential accomplices and have offered a reward for information leading to the capture of all those responsible.

The attack has drawn widespread condemnation from political leaders across Colombia and Latin America. President Gustavo Petro expressed his condolences, stating, “Respect life, that’s the red line.” Former President Álvaro Uribe Vélez also condemned the act, calling it an attack on “the hope of the country.”

Miguel Uribe Turbay is the son of journalist Diana Turbay, who was kidnapped and killed in 1991 during a botched rescue operation by the Medellín Cartel. He is also the grandson of former President Julio César Turbay Ayala. Uribe Turbay announced his candidacy for the 2026 presidential election in March 2025.

The incident has reignited concerns over political violence in Colombia, reminiscent of the 1990s when several presidential candidates were assassinated. Authorities have vowed to ensure a thorough investigation and bring those responsible to justice.

Los Angeles took a major step toward modernizing travel on Friday, as the LAX/Metro Transit Center officially opened its turnstiles, linking rail service directly to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The new development marks a historic moment for the nation’s fifth-busiest airport, offering Southern Californians an escape from the notorious traffic on local freeways.

The first trains from the new transit center began rolling out during the evening rush hour, connecting travelers to the K and C rail lines. From there, commuters can quickly travel north toward central Los Angeles, south to beach cities, or east along Interstate 105.

For those involved in organizing the 2028 Summer Olympics, this rail connection is more than just a convenience — it’s essential. The Olympics organizers have vowed to create a “no car Games,” and this new rail access is a significant step in making that promise a reality.

“This is a big day for L.A.,” said County Supervisor Janice Hahn, who joined in a ceremonial ride at the new station. Hahn, also the chair of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), humorously invoked a classic political quote while celebrating the occasion.

“President Reagan once said the nine most terrifying words were, ‘I’m from the government, and I’m here to help.’ But here in L.A., we know they have always been: ‘Hey, can you give me a ride to LAX?’ Well now, for the first time ever, you can say: ‘No way. Just take Metro.’”

The New Rail Service: Not Perfect, But a Major Step Forward

While the new rail service is a welcome relief for many, it’s not yet a completely tire-free experience. Passengers arriving at LAX will still need to take a shuttle bus, which runs every 10 minutes, from the airport to the new station. This station is located about two miles east of Terminal 1.

However, this inconvenience is temporary. The LAX People Mover, a new automated system, is currently under construction and is expected to be completed by the end of this year. Once operational, the People Mover will connect passengers directly to the new rail station, fully integrating LAX into the metro system.

LAX Joins Other Major Airports in Rail Service

LAX’s move to offer rail service puts it in line with other major airports around the U.S. that have long had rail connections. Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Airport, the busiest airport in the country, has been offering rail access since 1988. Other major airports, including Dallas/Fort Worth International, Denver International, Chicago’s O’Hare, and New York’s JFK, have also provided rail options for decades.

What’s Next for LAX?

Once the People Mover is completed, LAX will join the ranks of airports with convenient, integrated rail systems, offering a seamless travel experience for millions of passengers every year.

While it may take a few more months for the system to reach its full potential, this new rail connection is already transforming how people travel to and from Los Angeles International Airport.

On June 2, 2025, American Airlines Flight AA780 from Philadelphia (PHL) to Naples (NAP) found itself in a major bind after a seemingly simple aircraft swap turned into a full-blown operational blunder. The flight, initially scheduled to be operated by a Boeing 787-8, was switched to a larger Boeing 787-9 for operational reasons. However, this swap led to a critical error, as the 787-9 wasn’t certified to land at Naples Airport, forcing the flight to divert mid-air to Rome.

The Aircraft Swap That Went Wrong

The aircraft took off from Philadelphia at 7:42 PM without any issues. However, as the flight was preparing to land in Naples, the crew realized that the 787-9 was not authorized to land at the airport. Despite clear weather conditions, the airport’s limitations—especially regarding runway size and taxiway capacity—made the 787-9 incompatible with the infrastructure at Naples Airport.

This led to an immediate decision by the crew to divert the flight to Rome’s Fiumicino Airport (FCO), located about 124 miles away from Naples.

Why the Swap Was a Problem

Although the 787-8 and 787-9 are both part of the same aircraft family, the 787-9 is longer and has a higher maximum takeoff weight, which can pose challenges at airports like Naples that have constrained infrastructure.

The swap, which seemed like a small operational adjustment, turned out to be a costly mistake due to these differences in aircraft performance characteristics. This issue underscores the need for airlines to thoroughly check whether an aircraft is compatible with its destination airport before making changes.

The Response and Logistical Challenge

After the diversion to Rome, American Airlines had to face the logistical nightmare of repositioning the aircraft and crew. Thankfully, the airline already operated a Rome–Chicago route using a 787-8, which allowed them to swap the aircraft. The diverted 787-9 was reassigned to this route, and a 787-8 was sent back to continue the journey to Naples.

However, due to crew duty hour restrictions, the flight couldn’t continue immediately. The 787-8 and its crew overnighted in Rome, completing the remaining 38-minute flight to Naples the following day, on June 4.

The Aftermath: Were Passengers Affected?

While the flight to Naples was completed the following day, it remains unclear how the affected passengers were handled. They were likely either flown from Rome to Naples the next day or re-accommodated via alternative methods like trains or other flights.

What Went Wrong: A Lesson in Aircraft Compatibility

This incident highlights the complexities of international flight operations and the importance of verifying aircraft compatibility with destination airports. A simple aircraft swap led to a serious operational oversight, and American Airlines’ quick response minimized disruptions. However, the event raises questions about the airline’s internal communication and whether more thorough checks could have prevented the issue.

In the fast-paced world of international aviation, small mistakes can lead to big consequences, as seen in this case.