The charter bus driver from Staten Island, involved in the tragic accident on I-95 in Virginia, has been formally charged following a devastating crash that claimed five lives. The incident occurred on Friday, leaving a family en route to a wedding among the victims.

Virginia State Police have charged 48-year-old Jing S. Dong with two counts of involuntary manslaughter. Authorities suggest more charges could follow as the investigation progresses. Meanwhile, there is uncertainty regarding Dong’s current custody status or whether he has legal representation.

Further compounding the situation, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy highlighted that Dong does not speak English. This revelation has prompted the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to initiate an investigation into Dong’s language proficiency, raising questions about communication barriers in the transport sector.

As federal investigators delve deeper, they have disclosed that the E&P Travel Inc. motorcoach was traveling at a considerable speed with little to no braking before it collided with a work-zone traffic backup near Quantico. This detail paints a grim picture of the chaotic moments leading up to the crash.

The development comes as federal investigators reveal the E&P Travel Inc. motorcoach was moving at a high rate of speed with little to no braking before slamming into a work-zone traffic backup near Quantico.

“It seems fairly clear that if there was any braking there wasn’t much, because of the speed and severity of the collision,” said Tom Chapman, an NTSB board member.

The victims have been identified as Priscilla Mafalda, 25, and a Massachusetts family of four — Dimitri and Ecaterina Doncev and their two children, Emily and Mark — who were traveling to a family wedding.

The bus was traveling from New York to Charlotte, North Carolina.

In recent times, Dubai has established itself as the quintessential luxury getaway for British travelers seeking sun-soaked retreats.

Every year, approximately 1.3 million visitors from the UK journey to this vibrant city, drawn by its opulent five-star accommodations, lively beach clubs, and the promise of perpetual warm weather, which is a welcome change for those in need of sunshine and a vitamin D boost.

Last year, I was among the 19.5 million tourists who ventured to the bustling metropolis of the United Arab Emirates, navigating its crowded beaches and soaring prices, all in pursuit of a luxurious experience.

However, the recent conflict in the Middle East has prompted the Foreign Office (FCDO) to advise against all but essential travel to the UAE. This advisory has led to a notable decline in passenger traffic at Dubai International Airport.

As a result, many British travelers are now on the hunt for alternatives to Dubai. They seek destinations that offer the same allure of luxury, towering skyscrapers, and expansive sand dunes, but without the geopolitical tensions currently overshadowing the region.

And I think I may have found it, just three hours from London: El Jadida, the Moroccan UNESCO World Heritage site known for its unique mix of Renaissance military architecture and Moroccan culture.

It’s not just the sunshine that Dubai and Morocco have in common – although El Jadida does get 300 days of sun a year. 

Similarly to Dubai, in El Jadida, past meets present. Within metres of each other, a mosque, a synagogue, and a Catholic church showcase the North African country’s rich, diverse culture and history inside the citadel walls.

Padraig Prendergast found a Dubai alternative in El Jadida, Morocco – with the same blend of opulence, skyscrapers and sand dunes, but without the tension hanging over the region

He stayed just 15 minutes away at Atlantis Mazagan Beach and Golf Resort – where rooms are about half the price of its famous sister hotel Atlantis The Palm in Dubai

Padraig’s bath looked out on to the uncrowded beach

And I’m staying just 15 minutes away at Atlantis Mazagan Beach and Golf Resort – where rooms are about half the price of its famous sister hotel Atlantis The Palm in Dubai.

When I visited Dubai last year, the beaches felt packed. Attractions, such as water parks, thronged, and moments designed to feel lavish and special felt increasingly stressful – not the ideal vibe for your well-earned holiday.

But, while Mazagan has all the opulence of Dubai’s famous resort, it has none of the crowds – even though I’m told ‘occupancy is at 100 per cent’, when I check in.  

After being chauffeured to my room, I step onto the balcony and hear Atlantic waves crashing against the shore.

No traffic. No construction. Just endless open space.

Spread across 250 acres, Mazagan opened in 2009 and boasts 500 rooms and suites built at a cost of more than £275 million. Yet thanks to its seven kilometres of coastline, it somehow still feels almost private.

Every morning, I swing open the balcony doors just to hear the ocean roar again.

It’s no wonder celebs have become fans. Paloma Faith was a recent guest, and Lindsay Lohan and Naomi Campbell attended the opening. 

Padraig went quad biking (right) and barely saw a soul on the beach

Paudie enjoyed dinner at one of Mazagan’s 15 restaurants, Sel de Mer

While Mazagan has all the opulence of Dubai’s famous resort, it has none of the crowds – even though Padraig is told ‘occupancy is at 100 per cent’, when he checks in

I opt to quad bike over the dunes up the coast and, yet again, only see a handful of people. 

Similarly, when I get on horseback (after my mum tells me ‘don’t fall off and break your neck’), it’s heavenly trotting along on my white horse, Caesar, as the sun disappears into the horizon with no one else around.

Where is everyone?

Like Dubai, this Morocco resort delivers grandeur extremely well.   

There are 15 restaurants and bars here. I highly recommend dinner at seafood restaurant Sel de Mer. Head chef Farès Berriah has been there since day one, and his 17-year tenure speaks for itself.

It’s the jewel in the crown as he now heads up all the à la carte menus across the resort – and it’s easy to see why. His fresh shellfish cream soup (better known as crème de crustacés façon) has my tastebuds exploding, keen for a second helping.

With breakfast included and a whopping 10 stations to choose from, Mazagan also offers more inclusive options such as half-board or all-Inclusive packages, making daily food budgets easier to predict.

Inspired by the glamour of 1942 film Casablanca, aptly named ‘Studio 42’, their signature bar channels the elegance and allure of the 1940s – and as an Irish man, I naturally sample a cocktail or two.

Padraig says: ‘It’s heavenly trotting along the beach on my white horse, Caesar, as the sun disappears into the horizon with no one else around’

All the glitz and glamour of Dubai with none of the crowds? What more could you want?

For the night owls, Mazagan is home to North Africa’s largest 24-hour casino, offering 36 live tables including roulette, blackjack and ultimate Texas hold ’em. I don’t attempt to have a flutter this time after losing some modest dollars in Vegas last year.

There are also two pools – the kids’ pool has a slide adults can use too!

Golf enthusiasts are covered too – with the resort’s 18-hole course designed by Gary Player, the legendary South African golfer and three-time Masters champion. 

There’s even a recently renovated spa and gym where I have an aromatherapy massage. 

After nodding off, I’m awoken to a unique and breathtaking blue ocean and sky view.

Palm trees frame giant riad pools. Peacocks wander around the grounds. Families spread out across enormous spaces without fighting for loungers or breakfast tables.

All the glitz and glamour of Dubai with none of the crowds? What more could you want? 

CHICAGO (WLS) — As the clock ticks down, state lawmakers are racing against time to finalize a budget and several significant pieces of legislation, including a critical bill that could determine the fate of the Chicago Bears’ presence in Illinois.

With the legislative session set to conclude on Sunday night, there were promising signs of advancement on Saturday. A potential budget package might see a Senate vote late Saturday before moving to the House. Both parties, Democrats and Republicans, acknowledge significant strides have been made. However, the ambitious “mega-projects” bill, designed to keep the Bears in Illinois, still faces substantial challenges with the deadline looming.

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The Illinois Senate reconvened on Saturday afternoon, while the House prepared to assemble shortly after. Their focus remains on pushing through a series of bills, with the budget taking center stage.

“We have the broad contours of an agreement. We’re still negotiating some final pieces, but our staff is hard at work drafting the language to put together and release to the public, so that we can all get this budget reviewed and passed,” stated budgeteer and Illinois state Rep. Will Guzzardi, D-Chicago.

“We have the broad contours of an agreement. We’re still negotiating some final pieces, but our staff is hold away drafting the language to put together and release to the public, so that we can all get this budget reviewed and passed,” said budgeteer and Illinois state Rep. Will Guzzardi, D-Chicago.

On Saturday afternoon, groups, including the Chicago Teachers Union, rallied in the rotunda, pushing for progressive revenue. Democratic lawmakers say a digital tax on social media companies is gaining broad support as Illinois seeks to make up for lost federal funding.

“I really firmly believe that we have to ask the wealthiest people and the most profitable corporations to pay their fair share to the state to help fund that, and I think our budget will reflect those values,” Guzzardi said.

Also high on the final hours-agenda is legislation that would allow the Bears to stay in Illinois through a “mega-projects” bill that would allow the team to negotiate special payments in lieu of property taxes on a new stadium that the team wants to build in Arlington Heights. The terms of that bill are being worked on in the Senate.

“So, they’re doing that right now with our proposal. They’re having other conversations about what another proposal may look like. So, I don’t know exactly what we’re going to get back from them, but they’re able to come to a consensus on something. We’ll be ready to take up that measure here on this side,” said lead Bears negotiator and Illinois state Rep. Kam Buckner, D-Chicago.

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker has held several meetings with Democratic leaders, discussing priorities for the waning hours of this session on Saturday. He has repeatedly said he wants to keep the Bears in Illinois, and the team has made it clear the only location under consideration is Arlington Heights. But some Republicans wonder if the governor should be more involved in making a deal happen for the Bears.

“I’m not so sure the governor’s team is putting their full weight and power of the governor’s office behind. Having been here six years, when the governor office wants something, there’s a whole different tone. There’s a whole different approach,” said Illinois state Sen. Seth Lewis, R-DuPage and Cook counties.

ABC7 is expecting a late Saturday night. The state Senate is expected to be in session until midnight or later if needed. The state House, which was slated to start within the 5 p.m. hour, has not set an ending time.

On Saturday night, the Yankees and Athletics will meet on the diamond for the second game in their three-game series, promising an exciting showdown.

For those eager to dive into fantasy sports with the Yankees vs. Athletics clash, there’s a special opportunity at hand. By using the Underdog promo code NYPOST, new users can take advantage of a fantastic offer: Play $5, Get $50 in Fantasy Bonus Entries.

Taking the mound for the Yankees is Ryan Weathers, who holds a record of 2-2 with a 3.14 ERA, while the Athletics will counter with J.T. Ginn, sporting a 2-3 record and a 3.19 ERA.

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What our Post expert thinks about Yankees vs. Athletics

Anthony Volpe made a significant contribution to the Yankees in two victories this week against the Royals. On Memorial Day, he hit a game-winning two-run single and then went 3-for-6, with a home run and two RBIs, in the Yankees’ commanding 15-1 win the following day.  

Ginn is a reliable right-handed starter for the A’s, primarily relying on his sinker, which makes up 37% of his pitches according to Baseball Savant.

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Why Trust New York Post Betting

Mike Turay is a sports journalist and editor who closely follows the NBA, NFL, college sports and UFC. He has demonstrated expertise in both NBA and NFL player prop bets for nearly three years. Mike is also highly knowledgeable about the sportsbook offer landscape, frequently trying and reviewing the latest apps and sites.