From Transatlantic Crisis to Global Stage

The hit musical “Come From Away” has returned to its roots with a summer production staged at the local arts center in Gander, Newfoundland. Featuring local actors for its townsperson roles, the staging brings direct authenticity to the story of how a small municipality accommodated thousands of stranded airline passengers during the September 11 terrorist attacks.

A Spontaneous Community Response

On September 11, 2001, 38 international flights landed at Gander’s airport due to its far northeast location. The sudden arrival of nearly 7,000 passengers challenged the town of around 12,000 residents, which had even fewer inhabitants at the time. Lacking an official contingency plan for such an influx, former Mayor Claude Elliott declared a state of emergency.

Residents quickly mobilized to care for the visitors, whom locals referred to as the “plane people.” Volunteers transformed churches, schools, and the Royal Canadian Legion into temporary shelters, using the ice surface at the local hockey rink as a refrigerator for donated food supplies. Resident Beulah Cooper was among those who stepped up, making sandwiches, transporting passengers to pay phones, and opening her home for showers and sleep.

Enduring Legacy and Tourism

The town’s actions inspired “Come From Away,” which premiered on Broadway in 2017, won a Tony Award, and toured globally. Elliott, who initially doubted how sandwiches and supplies could make a compelling show, has since seen it 139 times across Canada, the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, Spain, and New Zealand.

Today, Gander sees a steady flow of visitors, known locally as “Come From Aways” or CFAs. The North Atlantic Aviation Museum displays thank-you notes from passengers alongside steel beams from the Twin Towers, while the local Legion hosts traditional “screech-in” ceremonies where tourists can become honorary Newfoundlanders.

U.S. Negotiators Travel to Ukraine Following Kremlin Discussions

American envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner arrived in Kyiv on Sunday by train for two rounds of discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The visit, which marked the envoys’ first official trip to Ukraine, followed a three-hour closed-door meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Saturday. Witkoff described the Kyiv discussions as substantive and encouraging, while Kushner noted that U.S. President Donald Trump is focused on establishing conditions for a durable peace beyond ending the current conflict.

Focus on Winter and Regional Security

Addressing the negotiations, Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine’s objective remains a just peace that prevents future aggression. A senior Ukrainian official, speaking anonymously, revealed that talks heavily centered on navigating the upcoming winter. Further discussions scheduled for late Sunday were set to involve national security advisers from Germany, France, and Britain. In Moscow, foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov called Saturday’s talks constructive and useful, noting they covered economic matters and potential joint U.S.-Russian projects alongside battlefield assessments.

Overnight Strikes Persist Despite Capital Pause Agreement

Although Putin and Zelenskyy agreed to suspend strikes on each other’s capital cities during the negotiations, combat continued elsewhere overnight. Russian attacks across several Ukrainian regions resulted in one death and at least 10 injuries, including a 74-year-old man killed by drone strikes in Zaporizhzhia and seven people wounded in the Khmelnytskyi region. Ukrainian air forces reported intercepting 82 of 108 launched drones and six missiles. Meanwhile, Russian authorities reported one fatality and one severe injury from a Ukrainian drone attack in the Belgorod border region, with air defenses downing 258 Ukrainian drones across 14 regions, Crimea, and adjacent seas.

Public Reactions and International Appeals

In Kyiv, citizens gathered at 9 a.m. for a daily nationwide moment of silence to honor fallen soldiers. Nataliia Lipei, 67, whose son was killed in late 2022, expressed hope that the meetings in Moscow and Kyiv would end the bloodshed. Conversely, 27-year-old video editor Oleksandr Pastukhov voiced skepticism, questioning whether the delegation could effect real change following past short-lived ceasefires. Internationally, Pope Leo renewed his call for peace during his Sunday prayer at St. Peter’s Square, expressing hope that resumed diplomatic efforts would produce concrete results.

New Ownership and Modernization for Longtime Taxi Service

Checkmate Cabs is continuing its operations in Kelowna following its acquisition by Ashok Tyagi from previous proprietor Tom Wiltshire. The company, which has served the community since 1989, is being managed with assistance from legal advisor Chakkaravarthy Paramasivarthy. Tyagi and Paramasivarthy confirmed that the business is fully prepared to resume serving passengers, with Tyagi noting, “We’re just waiting on your calls.”

A transition event took place at the dispatch office on Sunday, Sept. 6, drawing attendance from Kelowna Mayor Tom Dyas and municipal council members. Local officials highlighted the positive community impact of keeping the business open and expressed support for its future growth. Tyagi, a 15-year Kelowna resident and former General Manager of competitor Kelowna Cabs, explained his motivation for buying the brand. “This community has given me a lot. So (this business) is not for money, or not for business, we are working to give back to the community. That is my goal,” he said.

Navigating Market Challenges and Rideshare Competition

Former owner Tom Wiltshire, who had run the business since 2005, revealed that Checkmate Cabs previously shut down in October 2025 due to downturns experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to the pandemic, the firm operated 27 vehicles and employed 77 drivers. Wiltshire explained that he opted to close the business before facing potential insolvency or bankruptcy proceedings. Despite interest from multiple buyers, Wiltshire described selecting Tyagi as a “no brainer” due to their established professional relationship.

To compete against ride-sharing platforms, Tyagi plans to address what he identifies as a “technology gap” by integrating smartphone applications, interactive voice response (IVR) systems, updated dispatch tools, and eventually artificial intelligence. “I request to all taxi industry. They have to come with technology now… We have to work with it so we can grow with technology together,” Tyagi stated. He added that traditional phone-based dispatching will remain available for customers who value direct human contact.