COVID-19. Norovirus. Hantavirus.The cruise industry has been seemingly pummeled by illnesses over the last several years, with ships being called “floating Petri dishes” and outbreaks making global headlines. Some of the more notable incidents have been turned into documentaries with names like The Covid Cruise, The Last Cruise and, while not related to an outbreak but still not great cruise PR, Poop Cruise.When outbreaks happen, they’re intense. Most recently, three people died this week aboard a luxury cruise hit by a deadly hantavirus outbreak, with eight others suspected to have contracted the virus. The Hondius, with nearly 150 people on…

The European Commission is considering suspending methane fines for oil and gas producers during gas shortages, emergency storage situations, or major oil supply shocks, according to a leaked document seen by Euronews. The draft text, circulated to EU member states, says penalties should not jeopardise gas or oil supplies during…

Business & Money

The pattern looks something like this: oil prices spike, energy companies report extraordinary profits, and consumers absorb the shock. Politicians denounce profiteering while suspending gasoline taxes and, eventually, someone proposes a windfall tax. In the best cases, governments collect some money, offer some relief, and then everyone tacitly agrees to…

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