Albania has secured its first-ever gold medals at the Special Olympics World Winter Games, held in Torino, Italy. Elizon Kacanja won a gold medal in Alpine Skiing and a silver medal in Giant Slalom, while Stela Salla claimed another gold in Cross Country Skiing. Additionally, Albania earned two bronze medals: Joanis Myrtollaris in Alpine Skiing… Continue reading Albania Makes History with First-Ever Gold Medals at Special Olympics Winter Games
Albania is emerging as a strong contender for Eurovision 2025, ranking third in fan polls behind Austria and Finland. According to the latest community voting results, Albania has accumulated 123,022 points, making it one of the top fan favorites. Shkodra Elektronike, the duo representing Albania with their song Zjerm, won Festivali i Këngës 63 to… Continue reading Albania Among Fan Favorites to Win Eurovision 2025
Albanians dreaming of a direct flight from Tirana to New York can finally mark their calendars! Delta Airlines has officially sealed the deal and will launch its much-anticipated direct flights starting in the summer of 2026. After months of negotiations, all legal procedures and security certifications have been completed, paving the way for Delta to… Continue reading Delta Airlines Confirms Direct Tirana-New York Flights for Summer 2026
Leka Podvorica, a 6′-2″ center back born in 2008 in New York City, has officially joined the prestigious FC Famalicão Academy in Portugal, making the transition from his successful tenure in the MLS Next league. A powerful and commanding presence in defense, Leka’s move marks a pivotal moment in his young career, as he now… Continue reading Albanian-American football player moves to Portugal
Kosovar judo star Distria Krasniqi has once again made history, securing a silver medal at the prestigious Upper Austria Grand Prix 2025! Krasniqi, a former Olympic gold medalist, displayed dominance throughout the tournament. After a bye in the first round, she smashed Jenna Schurr with an Ippon in the second round. Her momentum continued in… Continue reading Distria Krasniqi Shines with Silver at Upper Austria Grand Prix 2025
March 5, 2025, marks 43 years since the passing of John Belushi, the legendary actor and comedian of Albanian descent who left an unforgettable mark on American entertainment. Early Life and Albanian Roots Born on January 24, 1949, in Chicago, Illinois, John Adam Belushi was the son of Albanian immigrants Agnes and Adam Belushi. His… Continue reading 43 Years Since John Belushi’s Death: The Only Albanian Name on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame
Besa Sharrah has been named the Central Ohio Regional Director for External Affairs at the Attorney General’s Office under Attorney General Dave Yost. Sharrah is the first naturalized citizen to hold this position. Arriving in the United States at the age of 17 with big dreams, she has built a distinguished career, including nearly a… Continue reading Besa Sharrah Becomes First Naturalized Citizen in Key Ohio Attorney General Role
Milaim Ukehaxhaj’s life reads like an epic forged by war, sacrifice, and the unyielding pull of home. In an interview with ATLANTIKU, the Albanian-American deli owner recounted his journey—from tending sheep in Kosovo’s mountains to earning Food Network’s praise in Connecticut—with a clarity that left no room for embellishment. Every word, drawn directly from his… Continue reading From War-Torn Kosovo to the American Dream: Milaim Ukehaxhaj’s Inspiring Journey
The Albanian-American community in Connecticut has just welcomed a new gem: the opening of the Albanian School in Hartford by the Pan-Albanian Federation of America, Vatra. This exciting initiative is set to become a cultural and educational beacon for Albanian families, offering children the chance to learn the Albanian language, history, and traditions while staying… Continue reading Another Albanian School Opens in Connecticut
In a landmark move, Austin FC has secured Albanian forward Myrto Uzuni from Spain’s Granada CF for a club-record transfer fee of $12.3 million. Uzuni, 29, has signed a three-year contract as a Designated Player, with an option extending to 2028. Expressing his enthusiasm, Uzuni stated “One of the main reasons I want to join… Continue reading Albanian Star Myrto Uzuni Joins Austin FC in Record-Breaking Transfer
