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WestJet Flight Attendants Are on Strike — Here's What You're Owed Right Now

  Published August 2, 2026 It's no longer a countdown. WestJet's 4,400 flight attendants walked off the job at 12:01 a.m. on Sunday after last-minute talks with the airline collapsed, grounding the majority of a carrier that normally runs about 600 flights a day. If you're one of the thousands of Canadians caught in it — or watching your Civic Holiday plans wobble from the sidelines — here's exactly what you're entitled to, and what you're not. The bottom line: WestJet mainline flights are suspended. WestJet Encore and codeshare partner flights are still operating. You're entitled to rebooking within 48 hours or a full refund — but not cash compensation, because a strike is treated as outside the airline's control. How we got here The Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 8125, which represents WestJet's cabin crew, issued a 72-hour strike notice on July 30. WestJet responded the same day with a 72-hour lockout notice, and both windows expired to...

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Winter's Dawn: Celebrating the Solstice

The Winter Solstice, which occurred on December 21st, marks the shortest day and longest night of the year, signaling the official start of winter. Mary Walrath-Holdridge and Julia Gomez from USA TODAY explore the significance of this astronomical event and how it is celebrated across different cultures.

The solstice, occurring when the North Pole is tilted furthest away from the sun, brings the least amount of daylight and the longest night. This year, the solstice fell on December 21st at 4:21 a.m. EST, marking the astronomical beginning of winter in the Northern Hemisphere.

Historically, the Winter Solstice has been a time of celebration and reflection. Ancient civilizations, such as the Romans with their Saturnalia festival and the Norsemen with their bonfires, honored the return of the sun and the promise of longer days ahead. Today, people continue to observe the solstice with various traditions, including gatherings, feasts, and rituals that pay homage to the natural cycles of light and darkness.

The Winter Solstice also serves as a reminder of the delicate balance in nature and the promise of longer days to come. As we embrace the winter season, it’s a perfect opportunity to slow down, find warmth in the company of loved ones, and cherish the cozy moments that this time of year brings.

No matter how you choose to observe this day, the Winter Solstice invites us all to reflect on the passing year and set intentions for the new one. So, light a candle, sip on some hot cocoa, and embrace the magic of winter's arrival.




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