The foreign ministers of India, the US, Australia and Japan on Saturday called it an “absolute necessity” to protect navigational rights in the Strait of Hormuz, the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, where ships and crews should pass without tolls, and voiced “grave concerns” over economic coercion through arbitrary export restrictions, even as
The civilians traveled by bus and plane through Russia and Belarus, following a deal brokered by U.S. first lady Melania Trump. Ukrainian authorities imposed restrictions on disclosing the number of evacuees or the border crossing location. The measures are to safeguard those who chose to remain in Oleshky as well as to protect future humanitarian
Three American servicemembers were killed in a July 17 Iranian strike on Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in the Jordanian desert. Satellite imagery shows the nighttime attack damaged at least 19 buildings where troops sleep. The July strikes marked an alarming shift in Iran’s tactics and revealed an improvement in the regime’s ability to sequence attacks
Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has warned the United States and Israel against launching fresh attacks, saying Iran’s armed forces and people would decide when and how to respond if hostilities resume. Khamenei has not been publicly seen since he became supreme leader. (via REUTERS) “If the enemies once again launch military or terrorist attacks, it is the armed forces of the Islamic Republic and the Iranian nation that will determine the time and conditions for ending them,” a statement attributed to Khamenei and published on his website on Saturday said, AFP reported. The warning comes amid threats from the United States and Israel of a possible return to military strikes against Iran. According to the statement, Khamenei ordered the commanders to ensure that “any level or type of threat must be met with an immediate, impactful and geographically unrestricted response”. The statement followed a reported meeting between Khamenei and senior military commanders. It was the first reported meeting between Khamenei and the military leadership, the report added. He also ordered them to revise Iran’s target list to cover “all types of tangible and intangible assets belonging to the American-Zionist enemy”. Also Read: Trump says Iran war to ‘get wrapped up soon’ amid midterm preps, reiterates nuclear weapon condition Trump hints at fresh strikes US President Donald Trump on Friday said he expected the war with Iran to end soon, but offered no details on how that would happen. “It’s going to get wrapped up soon. We need a guarantee there’ll never be a nuclear weapon,” Trump said in an interview with Kansas City’s KCMO Talk Radio station, Reuters reported. However, on October 24, Trump hinted at the possibility of renewed military action against Iran as early as Sunday, while keeping open the prospect of a diplomatic agreement. Tehran, meanwhile,
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s government summoned Argentina’s representative in the country after Flávio Bolsonaro fled to the US via Argentina, marking the latest episode in tense relations between South America’s two powerhouses. President Donald Trump, who has openly backed the Bolsonaro family, speaks as Brazil summons Argentina’s envoy over Flávio Bolsonaro’s trip to the US via Argentina. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) Brazil’s foreign ministry asked for explanations on Thursday afternoon after the defeated presidential candidate passed through Argentina on his way to Miami, according to a diplomatic source who requested anonymity as they were not allowed to discuss the matter publicly. Argentine President Javier Milei backed Bolsonaro in the presidential election won by Lula on Sunday and is yet to acknowledge the leftist’s win, differentiating himself from other Trump allies in the region who quickly congratulated the incumbent. Bolsonaro, who is under investigation in Brazil over allegations of corruption and money laundering, refused to concede and has called the elections fraudulent, without providing evidence. His father, former President Jair Bolsonaro, also refused to acknowledge his 2022 loss to Lula and is serving a 27-year sentence for attempting a coup. Under Milei and Lula, Argentina and Brazil have had a rocky relationship, which took a decisive turn for the worse in July when Brazil recalled its ambassador to Argentina after Milei insulted Brazilian officials while in the country. Milei was in Sao Paulo participating in the event confirming Bolsonaro’s presidential bid when he called Lula a “thief” and “delinquent,” among other things. Argentina also recalled its ambassador to Brazil. The interests in both countries are represented by a lower diplomatic rank, known as chargés d’affaires. Brazil’s top diplomat João Marcelo, the director of the ministry’s South America department, summoned Argentina’s chargé d’affaires María Emilia Cortés for a brief meeting,
KYIV, Oct 31 (Reuters) – Four planes carrying residents evacuated from the Russian-controlled Ukrainian town of Oleshky landed in Belarus on Saturday, the Belarusian Belta state news agency and a senior Ukrainian official said. Hundreds of starving and exhausted residents left the town of Oleshky on Friday during a US-backed local ceasefire, the first of its kind and the longest humanitarian pause in the war, which is nearing its fifth year. “The last, fourth plane landed in Gomel,” said David Arakhamia, a top Ukrainian peace negotiator and close ally of President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. “In a few hours, all Ukrainian citizens evacuated from Oleshky together with a Ukrainian delegation will be on Ukrainian territory.” Belta later reported that a convoy of buses carrying the residents had departed from the airport in Gomel, in southeastern Belarus near the border with Ukraine. The evacuees leaving for Ukraine had to take a complicated route to leave Oleshky as the frontline runs just a few kilometres away. They first travelled by bus via Crimea to the Russian town of Anapa before flying to Belarus from where they will continue to Ukraine via a border crossing, Belta said. The local ceasefire in Oleshky was reached thanks to mediation efforts by US first lady Melania Trump and with the pope’s involvement. The ceasefire has been holding since Tuesday without violations, according to both Ukrainian and Russian officials. It has allowed them to de-mine the roads and bring food, medicines and other supplies into the town. Supply routes to Oleshky were disrupted by fighting and drones. According to some residents, food deliveries were stopped in May, pushing hundreds of people into starvation. It was not immediately clear how many people decided to leave Oleshky and how many opted to stay in the town. Oleshky residents had options to
Toyota Motor Corporation and autonomous driving technology company Waymo are taking their partnership forward, with plans to begin testing a fleet of self-driving Toyota bZ4X electric vehicles in Japan in 2027. The companies are working towards launching what they describe as Japan’s first fully autonomous ride-hailing service using high-volume, domestically manufactured vehicles. The collaboration will combine Toyota’s vehicle manufacturing capabilities with Waymo’s autonomous driving technology. The companies also plan to expand the deployment to the UK and other markets where Waymo operates in the following years. The initial phase will focus on testing and validating the autonomous bZ4X fleet in Japan. Toyota to manufacture and equip driverless bZ4X vehicles at its Aichi plant Under the partnership, Toyota will manufacture the vehicles at its Takaoka plant in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan. The manufacturing and technology integration process will take place at the same facility. Toyota will assemble the base bZ4X vehicle and integrate the hardware required for Waymo’s autonomous driving system. This arrangement brings vehicle production and autonomous technology integration under one roof, allowing the companies to work together on scaling the fleet. Live Events The partnership builds on a preliminary agreement announced by Toyota and Waymo in April 2025. The latest announcement marks the next stage of that collaboration, moving towards actual fleet testing and eventual deployment. The companies aim to scale Level 4 autonomous vehicles that have undergone safety validation. Level 4 autonomy refers to vehicles that can perform the driving task without human intervention within their designated operating conditions and areas. What will the autonomous Toyota bZ4X offer passengers? Apart from autonomous driving technology, the vehicles are being designed with passenger comfort and accessibility in mind. Toyota and Waymo said the customised bZ4X will feature generous rear legroom, automatic doors, a power liftgate and ambient lighting. These
Regional leaders called for calm Saturday as fears of a new escalation between the U.S., Israel and Iran grow. Speaking at a security forum in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs said the message from the region is that it wants a return to peace. Also at the forum, Syria’s foreign minister said his country and Jordan would discuss ways to strengthen their shared border. Regional leaders call for calm amid fears of a new escalation between the US, Israel and Iran On Saturday, Saudi Arabia’s vice minister of foreign affairs said the message from the region is that it wants a return to peace. Speaking at a security forum in Bahrain, Waleed ElKhereiji told the audience that efforts were being made to prevent a military escalation and reach an agreement that ends the crisis with Iran. “If you look at … the efforts that everybody is trying to do, the message is very clear. People in this part of the world want to bring peace back to the region,” he said. But he said no one can predict the outcome of the efforts. Concerns are rising about a return to an all-out Iran war. Speaking at the same event, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty said an escalation in the region would be extremely destructive. “We are very confident that … the second round will be more dangerous, more destructive, and it will lead to nowhere,” he said. Syria says border security with Jordan is a shared responsibility Syria’s Foreign Minister said Saturday that border security is a shared responsibility between his country and Jordan and that a high-level meeting is expected next month to discuss arrangements. Speaking Saturday at the security forum in Bahrain, Assad al-Shibani said there are no “skirmishes” between the countries. The announcement came
New Delhi In this picture taken on August 26, 2001, chief of Jaish-e-Mohammad Maulana Masood Azhar (right) addresses a meeting of Pakistan’s religious and political parties in Islamabad. (AFP) Pakistan is working with the Asia Pacific Group on Money Laundering (APG) to take forward its reforms of measures to counter terror financing and will be subject to an evaluation in due course, Financial Action Task Force (FATF) president Giles Thomson said on Friday. Thomson declined to go into details of discussions on Pakistan at the FATF plenary meeting that concluded in Paris on Friday on the grounds that they were confidential and only said that Pakistan “will be subject to a further evaluation by the APG in a few years”. The Indian side raised Pakistan’s failure to crack down on the activities of UN-designated terrorist and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar during the FATF meeting, people familiar with the matter said. India’s case was based on the Taliban regime’s recent denial of Pakistan’s claim that Azhar is currently in Afghanistan, they said. “The subject of our discussions in the plenary remain confidential,” Thomson told a news conference at the conclusion of the plenary meeting. “I can’t disclose what was or wasn’t discussed in the course of our meetings as that’s confidential.” Responding to a question about Islamabad’s efforts to counter the terror financing activities of the JeM, he said: “Pakistan is working with the Asia Pacific Group on Money Laundering – the APG is the FATF-style body – to continue to progress its reforms and those issues that you referred to and the assessment of the situation in Pakistan is what will be examined by the APG when they evaluate Pakistan in their next mutual evaluation.” Thomson reiterated that Pakistan is subject to an “ongoing engagement with the APG and
Amid ongoing tensions in West Asia between the US and Iran, a preliminary draft framework for negotiations reportedly proposes transferring Tehran’s highly enriched uranium stockpile to an agreed third country or reducing its enrichment level. The conflict between the US and Iran has kept tensions high, with the global community awaiting the restoration of stability in the region. (File Photo/Reuters ) Another key proposal called for the reopening of the key waterway, the Strait of Hormuz, to international maritime traffic within seven days of an initial understanding between the two sides, according to Al Arabiya English. The conflict between the US and Iran has kept tensions high, with the global community awaiting the restoration of stability in the region and normalisation of maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. Also Read | Trump says Iran war to ‘get wrapped up soon’ amid midterm preps, reiterates nuclear weapon condition China as a guarantor, negotiations in Doha – Key points from preliminary draft framework China could potentially act as a guarantor for the implementation and sustainability of any agreement, according to Al Arabiya English, which obtained the draft’s key points. The framework also proposes holding direct US-Iran negotiations in Doha instead of Istanbul. Under the proposed arrangement, Iran’s measures on the nuclear programme and maritime security would be matched by US measures to ease sanctions, blockades and economic restrictions, it added. An independent verification mechanism would assess compliance before each phase of implementation. Neither side would be required to make substantial concessions without receiving corresponding, independently verifiable commitments, the report said. The arrangement also proposes a dispute-resolution mechanism involving mediators and guarantor parties to address delays or violations and prevent renewed military escalation, it added. Also Read | Iran says multiple oil tankers strike mines, catch fire in Strait of Hormuz Iran
Qatari mediators held more than 12 hours of talks in Tehran on Friday to restart direct negotiations between the United States and Iran. The effort is to prevent a possible military conflict after the US midterm elections, Axios reported. The negotiations are to continue in Doha, Qatar, on Sunday as regional powers seek a diplomatic breakthrough. Mediators hold marathon talks in Tehran and continue discussions in Doha as Washington and Tehran seek to revive nuclear negotiations ahead of midterms. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS (via REUTERS) Washington is said to be only days away from deciding whether to launch military action against Iran according to Iran. Such an operation could trigger retaliation against Israel and several Gulf nations, raising fears of a bigger conflict. A diplomatic source told Axios that Qatari mediators remained in regular contact with the White House during Friday’s marathon discussions in Tehran. Also read: Iran’s secret network of 5,000 agencies helped import $2 billion in military supplies despite US blockade: Report “There was positive progress.” According to US and diplomatic officials cited by Axios, Qatar is encouraging both sides to adopt reciprocal confidence-building measures over several days. One of the biggest obstacles remains the competing demands from Washington and Tehran. A US official said the Trump administration wants Iran to make nuclear concessions before negotiations resume. Iran, meanwhile, insists that the United States first ease its naval blockade, release frozen Iranian funds and allow Tehran to resume oil exports. The source said that “there has been positive progress.” President Donald Trump acknowledged on Friday that discussions were taking place but expressed caution about the prospects for a breakthrough. “There are talks. They want to talk. They keep talking. We have time, frankly. It’s a war, but it is not a typical war,” Trump
The US State Department said on Friday it had approved the sale of 500 Patriot PAC-3 missiles to Ukraine for an estimated $2.1 billion, in what would be one of the most significant steps to supply defensive weapons to Kyiv since the start of the second Trump administration. A Patriot PAC-3 MSE interceptor missile. The US State Department on Friday approved a potential sale of 500 of the missiles to Ukraine, estimated at $2.1 billion. (AFP) Delayed missile deliveries have added to Ukraine’s tensions with the US after President Donald Trump announced a diesel deal with Russia and criticised Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy for Ukraine’s unwillingness to stop attacks on Russian refineries. Ukraine has long said it urgently needs more missile interceptors to knock down the growing waves of missiles Russia’s military fires at the country. The Patriot missile system is the most effective weapon to counter fast-moving ballistic missiles. Also Read: Ukraine Pauses Strikes on Russian Refineries After Pressure From U.S. On Thursday, a Russian drone strike killed at least 14 people on a crowded rail platform in the Ukrainian city of Dnipro, while 5 died in daytime strikes on two other provincial cities and a late-evening missile strike killed 1 person in the capital Kyiv, officials said. Zelenskiy said on Monday that Ukraine had been waiting for almost a month for the US to sign off on critical missile supplies, as Russia stepped up attacks on energy and civilian infrastructure. But despite Ukraine’s urgency, it will likely not receive the missile interceptors quickly. Weapons sales typically take years to fulfill, and two people briefed on the US decision said the missiles — which are yet to be manufactured — are not expected to be delivered until a couple of years into the 2030s. One of the people said
A man who died after being struck by several vehicles on the M2 has been named locally. Jonathan Sams was fatally injured on the coast-bound carriageway near the Medway Services at around 9.10pm on Tuesday (October 27). The section of the M2 by the Medway Services that was resurfaced. Picture: Megan Carr The 53-year-old, who lived in the nearby Parkwood area of Rainham, was on foot when struck by a red MAN HGV and other vehicles. He was later pronounced dead at the scene. An inquest into his death is due to open on Monday, November 2. The tragedy led to the closure of the motorway in both directions, with the coast-bound carriageway not fully reopening until the early hours of today (October 30), more than 55 hours later. But amid the traffic chaos and lengthy delays, one motorist caught up in the aftermath has described the sadness felt by those stranded at the services, close to where Mr Sams lost his life. Declan Zapala, a 41-year-old musician from Sittingbourne, was among those who found themselves there on Wednesday morning following the fatal collision. He said: “It was horrible to see and to know the horror of what had happened; it felt really sad. “There was a very solemn atmosphere in there because all these other people that were trapped in the services were in the same kind of situation. “There was a sort of quiet sadness to the whole thing in there.” Declan had been travelling to visit his father, who has terminal cancer, when he was caught in the disruption. He left home at 8am for what should have been a journey of around 90 minutes to Watford, but was instead diverted towards Matts Hill Road, which crosses the M2 into Parkwood. The inside lane and hard shoulder
Some residents have been evacuated from the Russian-occupied city of Oleshky and are heading towards Ukrainian-controlled areas, a Ukrainian lawmaker announced on Friday, as a major ceasefire entered its fourth day. “The Ukrainian delegation, along with the evacuated residents of Oleshky, set off for Anapa. From there, they will fly to Belarus and then travel home by bus,” said Ukrainian negotiator David Arakhamia. A convoy of 25 buses and several ambulances arrived in the war-torn city earlier on Friday, bringing food and medicine and helping residents who wished to leave. “At this moment, the humanitarian operation is underway in Oleshky,” Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine’s presidential office, wrote in an post online. Budanov is not part of the Ukrainian delegation in the city. Officials from Ukraine and Russia have worked together on the rare humanitarian mission, offering a brief moment of cooperation amid the ongoing war. “We are completing our humanitarian mission in Oleshky,” Russia’s human rights ombudsman Yana Lantratova said in a video on Telegram, adding that a “convoy with those who are going to the territory of the Russian Federation is heading to the territory of the Russian Federation”. Ukraine’s Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets speaks with Oleshky residents during their evacuation amid a local ceasefire in Ukraine’s Kherson region on 30 October 2026 – Office of the Ombudsman of Ukraine via AP/Office of the Ombudsman of Ukraine Around 2,000 people remain in Oleshky, according to local authorities and volunteers. The local ceasefire in Ukraine’s southern Kherson region is expected to remain in place until Sunday evening. “Everyone who wishes to leave Oleshky will have the opportunity to do so safely,” Russia and Ukraine said in separate, identical statements. “Those who choose to stay may remain and will receive all the humanitarian support they need.” Although Ukrainian-controlled territory is just
MOSCOW (AP) — Russia’s most renowned independent newspaper, Novaya Gazeta, on Friday announced its closure after more than three decades of operation, blaming relentless official pressure. “They have killed us,” it said in an editorial statement, announcing that it will shut its office on Nov. 9 after publishing its final issue. “The Russian authorities and the Russian security services have forced our editorial team to cease operations.” There was no immediate comment from Russian authorities. Novaya Gazeta was launched in 1993 with assistance from former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, who used part of his 1990 Nobel Peace Prize to fund it. It was Russia’s last major independent media outlet critical of the Kremlin after others either shut or had their websites blocked after President Vladimir Putin sent troops into Ukraine in February 2022. The paper has been the subject of a sweeping crackdown on dissent that has intensified after the start of the conflict in Ukraine. Authorities have methodically targeted people and organizations critical of the Kremlin, branding many “foreign agents” and declaring some “undesirable” under a law that made membership in “undesirable” organizations a criminal offense. Novaya Gazeta long has been a thorn in the Kremlin’s side. Six of its journalists were killed, including Anna Politkovskaya, who reported on atrocities during the second Chechen War at the start of Putin’s first term as Russian president. She was shot dead in her apartment building in 2006. Five men were convicted of involvement in her murder in 2014, but there has never been a ruling on who ordered her killing. The newspaper’s longtime editor-in-chief Dmitry Muratov, who won the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize that he shared with Philippine journalist Maria Ressa, was attacked on a train in 2022 by an assailant who poured red paint over him, causing severe discomfort to
MOSCOW, Oct 30 (Reuters) – Independent Russian newspaper Novaya Gazeta said on Friday that it was shutting down after what it described as a relentless campaign by the authorities which saw state prosecutors pursue some of its senior journalists and left it without financial support and an office. The newspaper, which has often been highly critical of the authorities, has existed for more than three decades and has faced serious problems in the past. Six of its journalists, including investigative journalist Anna Politkovskaya, have been murdered, in varying circumstances. But like other media outlets not run by the state, Novaya Gazeta has come under increasingly intense pressure from the authorities after Russia launched its full-scale war in Ukraine in 2022 and sweeping new censorship rules were introduced which mandated long jail terms for discrediting the Russian army or disseminating what the authorities deem to be fake news. “On November 9th, we will turn off the lights in the home where we have lived for 30 years, shut down our servers, and leave. The newspaper no longer exists. The Russian authorities and the Russian security services have forced our editorial team to cease its operations,” Novaya Gazeta said in a statement. “More than 30 years of our life shared with our country and its citizens will end, leaving us homeless, with no means of existence and under the constant threat of repression. We carried on as long as we could, but we were evicted from our home and our donations platform that allowed us to receive financial support from our readers has been shut down. We have been stripped of all our resources”. There was no immediate comment from the authorities. But the Kremlin – which accuses foreign intelligence services of trying to stir up discontent inside Russian society – has said in the
NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — The first body was recovered on Friday from the rubble of a multistory building that collapsed a week ago in Kenya’s capital, with 16 people still missing. Authorities had deployed thermal imaging technology to help search through the debris. The body of a woman was found badly mutilated after being crushed by the heavy concrete and steel that made up the 18-story building in Nairobi’s busy Eastleigh commercial area. The building, which was under construction, collapsed last Friday. Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja said the building did not have the required construction approvals. He added that renting out completed shops on the ground and basement floors was illegal, as regulations require buildings to undergo inspection and obtain an occupation certificate before being occupied. Families who believed their loved ones were still trapped beneath the rubble have been camping at the collapse site for a week, hoping for positive news. However, some had begun losing hope after the critical 72-hour window following the collapse had passed. They said they were increasingly doubtful that their loved ones could survive more than three days under the rubble. Since Saturday, no other survivors had been pulled from the debris. The four people rescued earlier recounted their traumatic experiences of being trapped beneath the collapsed structure. Earlier this week, authorities deployed thermal imaging technology provided by a team from China to assist in the search. Officials said the equipment had detected two human beings beneath the rubble. Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. The Month in Photos: Sept. 2026 Source link
Israel’s Arab parties are projected to win a historic 19 seats in the 120-member Israeli parliament as Arab citizens voted in record numbers to express their opposition to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government. Arab citizens make up roughly 21 per cent of Israel’s 10.24 million population. They include Muslim, Christian and Druze communities. READ | From ‘Intifada’ To Kingmaker: Israel’s Arab Parties’ Momentum Post Hamas Attack Final results are yet to be announced. After nearly 90 per cent of votes were counted, two predominantly Arab parties were poised to win a record 19 seats. The left-wing Joint List was projected to win 12 seats, and the socially conservative United Arab List, or Ra’am, could win seven seats, putting them in a kingmaker’s position in forming the next government. Israel’s Channel 12 estimated that turnout among Arab voters was around 80 per cent in the October 27 elections. The national voter turnout was pegged at 77.7 per cent, the highest since 1999. As per the Jerusalem Post, many Arab-dominated cities and towns recorded turnout higher than in the last parliamentary elections. Arab citizens of Israel are predominantly the descendants of Palestinians who remained within the country during the 1948 Arab-Israeli war. They largely live in separate towns and neighbourhoods from Jewish Israelis and have long complained of discrimination. Historically, many Arab voters have avoided participating in the electoral process due to several disagreements, including Israel’s nature as a Jewish state, reports the New York Times. Despite their strong showing, Arab parties have no clear partner. Netanyahu can’t risk his far-right coalition by aligning with Arab leaders, and his opponent Gadi Eisenkot, whose bloc appears to have won 48 seats, has not committed to aligning with them either. The majority mark is 61. Israel’s parliamentary elections come three years after the deadly
Key Facts: 1. Untapped global advantage: 62% say Australia is not making the most of its people, skills and connections around the world. 2. Pathways home: 70% want to live in Australia again, but only 24% can see a realistic professional pathway home. 3. Australian ambition: 71% moved overseas for career opportunities, gaining valuable global networks, expertise, business and leadership experience. 4. Global competitiveness: 60% believe Australia is falling behind global economic and technological change, while 50% believe it risks falling behind other countries. 5. Global reputation: 88% say Australia is perceived positively internationally, but just 1% identify innovation and technology as something Australia is known for. 6. Asia-Pacific opportunity: Australians across Asia-Pacific see a significant gap between Australia’s geographic advantage and how effectively we are harnessing the region’s relationships, knowledge and commercial opportunities. 7. Global networks: 93% say Australians overseas are very or extremely valuable to Australian organisations seeking to operate internationally. 8. Aussie spirit is strong around the world: 95% identified at least one way they would be willing to contribute to Australia or the Australian community, including sharing knowledge, mentoring and opening doors to opportunities. 9. Global experience undervalued: 48% of returnees say their international experience was not understood or valued, while 55% found re-establishing their career or business difficult. 10. Australians want to connect: Australians want more opportunities to come together around the world through business and networking, food and wine, sport, national celebrations and the arts. 11. State-by-state opportunity: NSW is identified as offering the strongest future opportunity, followed by Queensland, Victoria and Western Australia. 12. National strategy: 89% support a formal national strategy for engaging Australians overseas and returnees, while 79% say they should be considered alongside skilled migration in Australia’s talent and skills policy. Respondent profile: More than 1,000 Australians around the world
JAPAN Sanrio cancels TV show Hello Kitty maker Sanrio on Wednesday canceled a collaboration with a Japanese TV spy show after a backlash in China. The announcement by Sanrio’s Chinese subsidiary said that the show VIVANT, produced by Japanese broadcaster TBS and also available on Netflix, centers on Japanese spies and a terrorist organization called Tent. The latest season depicts a fictional Chinese intelligence agency capturing and torturing some of the Japanese spies. Chinese anger over Sanrio’s range of soft toys, including Hello Kitty, dressed as spies from the show has simmered for days on social media and came to a head this week when Chinese state media ramped up the condemnation. “We deeply apologize for the concern this has caused everyone,” Sanrio’s Chinese subsidiary said in a statement. “Regarding this collaboration, we believe it contains expressions that are inconsistent with the corporate philosophy of the Sanrio Group. We have therefore decided to terminate this collaboration along with all subsequent projects and promotional activities.” TBS president Masamine Ryuho said at a news conference that the drama is “entirely fictional and has no intention of disparaging any specific country,” local media reported. Photo: AFP NORWAY Toilet beauty touted The tourism authority on Wednesday used comments by US President Donald Trump about the country to vaunt the beauty of its toilets. Trump called Norway a “shithouse country” at a rally on Sunday. “We heard some noise about the ‘s+++house country.’ Well, what we can say, we do have some of the most spectacular toilets in the world. With Love, Visit Norway,” the agency said on Facebook. It added pictures of some of the elegant latrines that it boasts with the headline “Meet the world’s most beautiful (s++t h++++s) toilets.” Pictured was one restroom at the bottom of a hill overlooking a fjord.
Published: Thu 29th October, 2026 The Government has today provided an update on its review of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) decisions in a number of areas across the country. While decisions have been announced to progress for some areas, Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland has been advised the Government has withdrawn its July 2026 decision to create two new unitary councils by April 2028, one covering a larger city and another for the rest of Leicestershire and Rutland. The Government remains committed to the LGR process and has set out that further LGR decisions will be forthcoming. Today’s update means that council services will continue as normal and there is no need for residents, businesses or community groups to do anything. We now await further detail and will provide updates as information becomes available. Local council elections are still planned for 6 May 2027. Cllr Jewel Miah, Leader of Charnwood Borough Council, said: “This is a significant decision that will affect local communities and thousands of local government employees across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland for many years to come. I therefore welcome the Government’s decision to take further time to consider the proposals before reaching its final decision. “It is important that we get this right. We have been advised that the Government intends to make a final decision in the new year, which will provide greater certainty and allow the area to move forward. “In the meantime, Charnwood Borough Council will remain focused on delivering high-quality services for residents, businesses and communities across the borough.” Source link
KHERSON, Ukraine (AP) — Humanitarian aid is poised to roll into the stricken city of Oleshky on Friday, a Ukrainian official said, as a localized ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine stretched into a third day and military units cleared away landmines. Moscow and Kyiv have observed the truce in and around the devastated southern Ukrainian city since Tuesday, despite remaining locked in war since Russia’s all-out invasion of its neighbor more than 4 ½ years ago. Previous efforts to secure ceasefires either never worked out or the truces quickly fell apart. The planned six-day ceasefire around Russian-occupied Oleshky has also brought a rare and welcome stillness for civilians in the nearby city of Kherson, which is held by Ukraine and has also been wracked by the war. Elsewhere, Russia’s Defense Ministry said air defenses downed 1,214 Ukrainian drones overnight in one of the largest drone attacks launched by Kyiv. Around half of the drones were heading to the Russian capital, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said. Ukraine said Russia fired 112 drones at seven locations across the country. The Oleshky ceasefire has held for 54 hours, officials say Both sides thanked U.S. first lady Melania Trump for what the White House said was her role in helping broker the temporary ceasefire so that food and medical supplies can reach some desperate 2,000 people trapped in Oleshky. Pope Leo XIV also pressed for a truce. “The ceasefire has been in place for 54 hours now,” Ukrainian ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets said Thursday, adding that aid deliveries were due to begin the following day. “The parties are fully adhering to the agreements, and no violations of the ceasefire have been reported.” His Russian counterpart, Yana Lantratova, confirmed the truce was holding and that Russian engineers are working on de-mining Oleshky roads. “Both sides are
And just like that, an institution that existed at the apex of corporate America for nearly a century is more or less finished. Weil, Gotshal & Manges, a firm of lawyers, has suffered what can only be described as a run on the bank. In the 20th century mass layoffs severed the bonds of goodwill between ordinary workers and corporations. (Unsplash) It started last month when a top mergers lawyer left for Cravath, Swaine & Moore. Other competitors began lining up outside the General Motors Building in Manhattan, where Weil is based, trying to hire its lawyers. The committee of partners responsible for saving Weil, no doubt handicapped by efforts to save themselves, failed to stop the exodus. The partner due to take the top job decided she wouldn’t bother. Merger talks collapsed. Weil, which is best known for advising on the bankruptcies of Enron and Lehman Brothers, has now hired bankruptcy lawyers itself and is preparing to wind down. The balance-sheet of a law firm is a simple combination of office chairs and brains. When the brains start to leave, the end cannot be far away. Law firms have collapsed before. Fear of being the last partner in a broke partnership means weak ones can disintegrate suddenly, as John Morley of Yale has written. Yet never has a name as famous fallen on such hard times so quickly. Weil is, by any measure, an extremely successful business: its partners earn, on average, almost $6m a year. The ability of its lawyers to extract enormous fees from their clients is not the problem. Rather, it is the newfound ability of superstar lawyers to extract enormous pay from their own firms, and the damage they do to them when they up and leave. Such professional fleet-footedness was unthinkable a decade ago—and
Quick Read Bloomberg calculated Dodge’s roughly 15,897 Berkshire (BRK-A, BRK-B) shares would have topped $2.7 billion by 2013 if the family held them. Homer Dodge drove 1,500 miles to hand a 25-year-old Buffett $120,000 in 1956, and the stake grew to $2.1 million by 1970. The Avenir Foundation received 2,000 Berkshire shares from Dodge’s estate
Delta Air Lines (DAL) has been pushed into the spotlight after Zacks assigned the stock a Rank #5 Strong Sell, following sizeable cuts to near term earnings estimates and forecasts. Recent trading shows that momentum in Delta Air Lines has cooled, with the share price down 1.83% over the last day and 3.97% over 30
JPMorgan SpaceX call sees nearly 80% upside in SPCX stock on AI, shown with bull imagery. Photo by BeInCrypto Binance founder Changpeng Zhao (CZ) said Saturday that SpaceX will be one of the best stocks to hold for years. Hours earlier, the shares closed at $134.72, just under their $135 June listing price. That leaves
Sandisk (NASDAQ:SNDK) gave investors two pieces of news on Thursday, Oct. 29. The flash memory company’s fiscal first-quarter revenue grew 23% over the previous quarter to $11.0 billion. And the board approved an eight-for-one stock split, with split-adjusted trading expected to start Friday, Nov. 20. Does a split announcement tell investors anything about where a stock heads next? I checked what happened over the year after eight big-name split announcements, measured from every stock’s close on announcement day. Missed Nvidia in 2009? This Rare Signal Is Flashing Again. In 2009, a “Double Down” signal flashed for a little-known chipmaker called Nvidia. For the first time in years, that same “Total Conviction” signal is flashing for a company 1/100th the size of Nvidia. Continue » Five of the eight were up one year later, and the median stock rose around 26%. Five also beat the S&P 500. But the results ran from a 43% drop to a 79% gain. Image source: Getty Images. Eight splits, five gains Apple announced its split on July 30, 2020. Nvidia announced one on May 21, 2021, and another on May 22, 2024. Alphabet followed on Feb. 1, 2022, and Amazon on March 9, 2022. Walmart announced its split on Jan. 30, 2024, Broadcom on June 12, 2024, and Netflix on Oct. 30, 2025. Walmart did best, with its stock up around 79% in the next year. Broadcom climbed about 71%, and Apple gained 52%. Nvidia rose 40% after its 2024 announcement and a smaller 11% after its 2021 one, but that smaller gain still beat an S&P 500 that dropped in the same 12 months. Alphabet lost around 27% and Amazon about 34%. Netflix is down about 43% as I write, a day shy of its full year. These are price-only numbers, adjusted for the
Wednesday’s Fed decision this week to keep interest rates unchanged despite sticky inflation fueled by oil prices above $100 per barrel was a head-scratcher for more than one Wall Street strategist. “In our view, the decision was puzzling,” Ed Yardeni of Yardeni Research wrote last week. “It reminds us of someone standing in a room with a fire alarm blaring and smoke pouring under the door, yet insisting on more evidence before calling the fire department,” he noted, highlighting that the US economy increased at a 3.4% annualized rate in the third quarter. Others have questioned whether the Fed put — in which the central bank would step in to support financial markets by lowering interest rates or providing liquidity amid declining asset prices — could come into play. Read more: How jobs, inflation, and the Fed are all related Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh holds a press conference following a two-day meeting of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) at the Federal Reserve in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 28, 2026. (Reuters/Kylie Cooper) · Reuters / REUTERS “The Fed put is very much back,” Darius Dale, founder of 42 Macro, said on Yahoo Finance on Thursday. Dale expects that, going forward, policy will include greater coordination between the Federal Reserve and the Treasury to influence the bond market, the government’s means of issuing debt. That coordination could include officials eventually stepping in to buy back government bonds using cash backed by the Fed, giving policymakers extra firepower to calm nervous bond markets and provide a liquidity boost next year. Read more: How soaring Treasury yields could hit your finances That prospect helps explain why investors have continued to shift between stock market sectors rather than suffer a broader sell-off, despite concerns about inflation, interest rates, and AI jitters. “This is a market
Image from Pixabay For questions about this article or underlying research, email help@trefis.com. A $10,000 investment in Novanta (NOVT) stock ten years ago grew to about $85,654 at the close on October 29, 2026, before dividends. That same money would have grown to about $36,307 in the S&P 500. Picking the stock looks like the hard part in hindsight, but holding it proved more difficult. So how many times do you think the stock fell 20% or more along the way? How Often Did Novanta Stock Fall? Over those ten years, Novanta stock dropped 20% or more from a closing high six times. Four of those declines exceeded 30%. The deepest decline is also the most recent. From July 2024 to November 2025, the stock lost 46.7% while the S&P 500 rose 15.4%. Shareholders could not blame a falling market for that drop. Its worst day came on Nov. 6, 2025, when the stock fell 19% after Novanta announced a $550 million equity-unit offering. How Did Holding Novanta Through A Fall Feel? Consider owning the shares at their July 2024 peak. The ensuing slide lasted 16 months before hitting a low in November 2025, offering no indication of where the descent would end. Today, 27 months after reaching that high, Novanta stock still has not closed above it. Each of the five earlier pullbacks eventually ended with the stock pushing past its old high; the slowest took about a year from the low. Yet investors holding through the middle of those drops had no way to know that outcome, and nobody holding since July 2024 knows whether or when the stock will get back there. Was Something Wrong With Novanta’s Business? Reported sales kept rising during the deepest decline, though management said organic sales fell 4% in the quarter before
Bear markets are a normal part of investing in the stock market. Nobody knows when the next one will arrive, but it will eventually arrive with 100% certainty. The time to prepare is before you face the fear that comes with big market downturns. That’s why you should consider owning companies like Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ), Medtronic (NYSE: MDT), Coca-Cola (NYSE: KO), and Procter & Gamble (NYSE: PG). But there are two pieces to the story here. First, they all operate in economically resilient industries. Second, they all have incredible dividend track records. Here’s a quick look at each one. Missed Nvidia in 2009? This Rare Signal Is Flashing Again. In 2009, a “Double Down” signal flashed for a little-known chipmaker called Nvidia. For the first time in years, that same “Total Conviction” signal is flashing for a company 1/100th the size of Nvidia. Continue » Image source: Getty Images. You will pay to live a longer, healthier life To be fair, you may not be happy about paying for healthcare, since it can be expensive. But you will still pay for it because, in the most extreme cases, it can be the difference between life and death. In less extreme cases, the difference is between a better and worse quality of life, and you’ll still probably pay up. The risk of not paying simply isn’t worth it. Johnson & Johnson is a good choice if you are worried about a bear market and are looking for a safe-haven investment. It is a major player in both the pharmaceutical and medical device sectors, providing diversification. It is a Dividend King, having rewarded shareholders with more than 50 consecutive annual dividend increases. And while its yield isn’t exactly huge at 2%, it is roughly twice what you’d collect from an
(As a reminder, you can sign up for our email list here…) This article is an update to a piece we originally penned in 2020. It was the third article in a four part series written during the pandemic. Part I: “The Get Rich Portfolio” Part II “The Stay Rich Portfolio“ Part III: “How I Invest My Money” Part IV: “Investing in the Time of Corona” In the first two pieces, we discussed strategies for generating riches and then preserving them. We hold some non consensus views on those topics, and I urge you to read those first before continuing below. (You can read a running list of my non consensus market views here.) Our third piece illustrates how to combine these strategies in a real world, real time portfolio…my own. This extends a piece I’ve been writing for years, namely, how I invest my own money. Readers started showing interest in this topic years ago, usually as December rolled into January. I suppose some investors found it useful to see how someone in the investment business allocated their money. Others perhaps found the process instructive for application to their own portfolio, or perhaps they just like to watch from the stands so they can cheer on or throw tomatoes (virtually, on Twitter). What’s important is that you find an approach that works for you. For the late, great John Bogle, that was low cost index investing… “To repeat, while such an index-driven strategy may not be the best investment strategy ever devised, the number of investment strategies that are worse is infinite.” – John Bogle Will my strategy be the best strategy devised or the best strategy for everyone? Absolutely not. But is it the best strategy for me? I think so… With that in mind, let’s pull back
This article first appeared on GuruFocus. Caterpillar (NYSE:CAT), the construction-equipment and power-systems manufacturer, is delivering stronger profits, but investors want a clearer road ahead. Shares fell 3.09% to $627.39 at 1:10 p.m. ET on October 30 as attention shifted toward fourth-quarter expectations and the outlook for 2027. RBC cut its price target to $722 from $897 while keeping its Sector Perform rating, citing concerns about the implied fourth-quarter performance and limited visibility into next year. The latest results give Caterpillar something substantial to defend. Its third-quarter release showed revenue climbing 17% to approximately $20.7 billion, while adjusted operating margin reached 20.6%, up from 17.5% a year earlier. That 3.1-percentage-point improvement means the company converted more of each revenue dollar into operating profit. Yet RBC’s roughly 19.5% target reduction suggests those gains have not settled questions about what comes next. The GuruFocus snapshot sharpens that tension: Caterpillar carries a GF Score of 91 out of 100, with strong readings for profitability, growth and momentum, while GF Value is its weakest category. At 26.99 times earnings, the shares could remain sensitive to any disappointment even after the pullback. Strong operations provide support, but valuation leaves another hurdle to clear. Investors will be looking for evidence that demand, pricing and deliveries can sustain the stronger margins into 2027. Source link
CNO Financial Group (CNO) put fresh numbers on the table with its third quarter 2026 report, pairing higher net income with raised full year operating earnings guidance and an updated capital deployment story. The reaction has been swift. CNO Financial Group’s 1-day share price return of 4.53% and 7-day share price return of 7.47% suggest investors are repricing the earnings and guidance upgrade, while a 36.66% year-to-date share price return and 46.34% 1-year total shareholder return point to momentum that has been building rather than starting with this quarter. Scan how CNO Financial Group fits alongside other insurers showing resilient returns and balance sheets with our hand-picked 30 resilient stocks with low risk scores in the current market. CNO Financial Group now trades off a strong run, upgraded guidance, and an analyst target it currently sits above. Does that backdrop still leave enough upside in the valuation to justify fresh risk? Most Popular Narrative: 7% Overvalued CNO Financial Group closed at $57.67 against a widely followed fair value view of $53.75, which frames the recent share price strength as running ahead of that narrative and puts the focus on whether current execution can sustain it. The main factor that has to go right is that CNO sustains productive captive distribution and Medicare Supplement repricing while executing its technology modernization, so that recent growth in Worksite, broker dealer assets and ROE does not fade back toward the weaker long term trends seen in premiums, margins and book value per share. See why 1 investors see CNO Financial Group as 7% overvalued. Result: Fair Value of $53.75 (OVERVALUED) Still, the narrative around CNO Financial Group can shift quickly if the US$170m tech program fails to lift efficiency or if insider selling pressures sentiment again. Find out about the key risks to this
Hershey stock snapped higher, climbing 3.3% to US$165.61 by Friday’s close, even though the past week had been tough with the share price down over 2%. Traders latched onto one thing in the fresh Q3 2026 release: profit power. Basic earnings per share came in at US$2.89 on revenue of US$3.28b, pointing to a quarter where the real story was margin strength, not just sales volume. Short-term screens will focus on that green price move. Long-term holders will be more interested in how this profit engine lines up with multi-year growth and valuation assumptions. If you like the earnings pop from Hershey but want more options with strong profitability and quality screens behind them, scan the list of solid balance sheet and fundamentals stocks (25 results) for a wider set of margin focused candidates. Q3 2026 Earnings Summary Revenue (Q3 2026 vs. Q3 2025): US$3,275.51m vs. US$3,181.42m (up about 3%) Net Income, Excluding Extra Items (Q3 2026 vs. Q3 2025): US$580.81m vs. US$276.32m (up about 110%) Basic EPS (Q3 2026 vs. Q3 2025): US$2.89 vs. US$1.36 (up about 112%) Net Profit Margin (Last 12 Months vs. Prior Year): 14.6% vs. 11.9% (margin higher year on year) Management is betting big on a heavier 2027 innovation pipeline. Ask Charlie which Hershey innovations matter most for 2027 growth. NYSE:HSY Trailing 12-Month Revenue & Expenses Breakdown as at Oct 2026 Hershey bull case: cash engine and brand power on trial Supporters argue Hershey’s brand scale and cash engine can shrug off shocks and keep compounding. “A fortress brand and scale position in U.S. confectionery (Reese’s, Hershey’s, Kisses) generates ~23% through-cycle ROIC and exceptionally durable free cash flow that fell only ~13% even in the worst input-cost year on record.” Q3 backs up the resilience claim. Basic EPS more than doubled year on year
Why Arbor Realty Trust (ABR) stock is trading lower today What happened? Shares of real estate investment trust Arbor Realty Trust (NYSE:ABR) fell 27.3% in the afternoon session after the company reported a GAAP net loss for the third quarter of 2026, missed estimates for revenue, net interest income, and adjusted earnings, and suspended its quarterly cash dividend on common stock. According to a company press release, Arbor Realty Trust recorded a GAAP net loss of $85.4 million, or 51 cents per diluted common share, for the third quarter of 2026. Revenue was $94.09 million, down 16.3% from a year earlier and 16.5% below the S&P estimate of $112.7 million. Net interest income was $37.67 million, down 1.6% from a year earlier and 22.5% below the $48.62 million analysts expected. Adjusted earnings per share were a loss of 4 cents, against an S&P estimate of a 5-cent profit. The company suspended its quarterly cash dividend on common stock to preserve capital and maintain financial flexibility. A dividend suspension allows the company to conserve liquidity and retain cash on its balance sheet, but it eliminates recurring income payments for common shareholders. The company’s market capitalization stood at $563.4 million. The stock market overreacts to news, and big price drops can present good opportunities to buy high-quality stocks. Is now the time to buy Arbor Realty Trust? Access our full analysis report here, it’s free. What is the market telling us Arbor Realty Trust’s shares are very volatile and have had 22 moves greater than 5% over the last year. But moves this big are rare even for Arbor Realty Trust and indicate this news significantly impacted the market’s perception of the business. The previous big move we wrote about was 11 days ago when the stock dropped 1.7% on the news
PCAR Q3 deep dive: margin gains offset supply chain and revenue challenges Trucking company PACCAR (NASDAQ:PCAR) fell short of the market’s revenue expectations in Q3 2026, but sales rose 19% year on year to $7.94 billion. Its non-GAAP profit of $1.61 per share was 7.4% above analysts’ consensus estimates. Is now the time to buy PCAR? Find out in our full research report (it’s free). PACCAR (PCAR) Q3 2026 highlights: Revenue $7.94 billion vs S&P analysts’ estimates of $8.21 billion (19% year-on-year growth, 3.3% miss) Adjusted EPS $1.61 vs S&P analysts’ estimates of $1.50 (7.4% beat) Operating margin 10.5%, up from 7.6% in the same quarter last year Market capitalization $53.92 billion StockStory’s take PACCAR’s third quarter results saw a negative market reaction, as revenue fell short of Wall Street expectations despite a 19% year-on-year increase. Management attributed the revenue miss mainly to ongoing supply chain constraints, which limited deliveries below planned levels. CEO Preston Feight highlighted that supplier ramp-up issues affected the quarter’s truck output, stating, “Our deliveries…were somewhat affected by supply constraints.” Management also pointed to robust profit growth and margin expansion, citing strong truck pricing and disciplined operating performance as counterweights to delivery shortfalls. For the coming quarters, PACCAR’s outlook is shaped by expectations of continued demand, especially as the North American and European truck markets remain supported by infrastructure investment and economic growth. Management emphasized that customer order intake is rising, but noted uncertainty around 2027 emissions regulations and associated cost structures. Feight explained, “We think that any of the uncertainty will show up in the first part of the year, and then clarity will be through the second, third, and fourth quarter.” The company is prioritizing technology investments, new platform launches, and maintaining high gross margins as it navigates regulatory and market headwinds. Key insights
WKC Q3 deep dive: marine volatility and land transformation drive results, outlook remains measured Energy management company World Kinect (NYSE:WKC) reported Q3 2026 results exceeding the market’s revenue expectations , with sales up 41.3% year on year to $13.27 billion. Its non-GAAP profit of $0.99 per share was 3.5% above analysts’ consensus estimates. Is now the time to buy WKC? Find out in our full research report (it’s free). World Kinect (WKC) Q3 2026 highlights: Revenue $13.27 billion vs S&P analysts’ estimates of $12.34 billion (41.3% year-on-year growth, 7.5% beat) Adjusted EPS $0.99 vs S&P analysts’ estimates of $0.96 (3.5% beat) Adjusted EBITDA $127.1 million vs analyst estimates of $113.4 million (1% margin, 12.1% beat) Operating margin 0.6%, in line with the same quarter last year Production volumes down -5.7% year on year Market capitalization $2.01 billion StockStory’s take World Kinect’s third quarter results surpassed Wall Street’s revenue and earnings expectations, but the market responded negatively, reflecting concerns about the sustainability of recent gains. Management cited strong marine performance, bolstered by elevated fuel prices and volatility, as a primary driver. CEO Ira Birns noted that the company’s transformation efforts, particularly in the land business, have begun to yield improved profitability, stating, “We have transformed land into a more focused business with a stronger earnings profile.” Looking forward, World Kinect’s outlook is shaped by a measured approach toward market volatility and the durability of recent trends. Management emphasized that while external market conditions—such as fuel price swings and geopolitical disruptions—have benefited the business this year, the company is now prioritizing sustainable, underlying growth in core segments. CFO Mike Tejada explained, “We are taking a more measured view of things and making sure that we’re really thinking through the underlying fundamentals of the business and what we can deliver on.” Key insights
Space Exploration Technologies (SPCX -6.37%), or SpaceX for short, was the largest IPO in history. Despite going public at a $1.8 trillion valuation, the stock surged from its IPO price of $135 to as high as $225 per share. However, since then, it’s been mostly downhill. The stock plunged to $105 just weeks after going public, but has since recovered to $144. That’s still roughly 30% below its high. IPO stocks are infamously volatile, so SpaceX’s whiplash movement isn’t necessarily out of the ordinary. Of course, the key question now is whether SpaceX is a buy now that things have stabilized after the plummet. Here’s what investors should know before they buy SpaceX stock today. Image source: The Motley Fool. SpaceX is performing across all three businesses The company is most famous for its rocket launch services. But under the hood, investors will find three distinct businesses. Connectivity, which encompasses Starlink, is the most profitable segment by a comfortable margin. There’s also the space segment, which houses rocket launch services. Lastly, the super intelligence (AI) segment was created following the acquisitions of xAI and Cursor within the past year. As a whole, SpaceX generated $14.6 billion in revenue in the third quarter of 2026, up a whopping 161% year over year. Super intelligence added $6.7 billion in incremental Q3 revenue from the Cursor acquisition, as well as growth from Grok and Grok Bot. Connectivity grew revenue by 69% to $5.25 billion, and has reached 13.6 million subscribers, 89% more than a year ago. Not to be forgotten, the space segment did conduct Starship’s first revenue-generating mission in Q3, a step in the right direction as development continues. It seems clear that SpaceX is doing an excellent job at executing across its businesses. Valuation remains a concern, especially given the Musk
BlackRock has recently launched the iShares Future Robotics and Related Technologies Active ETF, expanded its presence in model portfolios through 55ip’s UMA platform, and seen subsidiary Preqin publish a forecast pointing to sizeable growth in global private capital assets under management by 2031. The mix of a new robotics and AI focused active ETF, broader access to BlackRock strategies via UMAs, and Preqin’s long term private capital outlook highlights how the group is leaning into higher value areas such as alternatives, technology and tax aware solutions to support a more diversified fee base. We will now look at how this push into robotics ETFs and private capital data could reshape BlackRock’s broader investment narrative. Scan how BlackRock’s robotics ETF launch fits into the broader AI trade by lining it up against 54 AI infrastructure stocks quietly powering the next phase of automation and compute demand. BlackRock Investment Narrative Recap To own BlackRock, you need to believe the firm can keep tilting its mix toward higher fee areas like ETFs, private markets and technology platforms while holding operating margins near recently reported levels in the mid to high 40s. The key near term swing factor is whether organic base fee growth in ETFs and alternatives can stay in double digits without relying on buoyant markets. The biggest current risk is that any cooling in client flows or fee pressure in under disclosed segments such as institutional index could offset gains in robotics ETFs, private markets fundraising and digital assets. The latest product and distribution launches look directionally aligned with existing catalysts but do not, on their own, change the short term risk reward profile. The 55ip UMA expansion that brings BlackRock strategies into a tax aware, single account framework feels particularly relevant to the robotics ETF launch. RBTX is another building
When St. Louis Fed chief Alberto Musalem and Dallas Fed’s Lorie Logan both pointed to more rate hikes ahead, the message was simple. Money is not cheap and capital will stay picky. That puts more focus on real infrastructure behind AI, like the switches, routers and server builders that keep model training running. This article walks through three picks from the AI hardware screener worth a closer look. The stocks covered below are just a sample. The full AI networking and servers screen surfaced 22 more companies with equally compelling narratives that are not discussed in this article. To identify your own highest conviction hardware plays, head straight into the AI – Networking and Servers screener Arista Networks is one of the clearest pure plays on the AI, Networking and Servers theme, supplying Ethernet switches and software that plug directly into GPU heavy clusters and turning that technical role into a large scale commercial business. Arista Networks develops data driven client to cloud networking solutions, with all of its US$10.5b in revenue coming from computer networks, anchored by AI ready data center switches and its EOS software, and the stock carries a market value of about US$232.3b. “Accelerated adoption of AI and machine learning workloads continues to increase demand for high-bandwidth, low-latency networking infrastructure, and Arista Networks is now guiding AI fabrics revenue of at least US$3.5b to US$3.6b in 2026 with Etherlink already used by more than 100 customers, which could support multi-year revenue growth and earnings expansion.” The real swing factor is how one emerging pressure around future AI data center buildouts ultimately feeds through to demand and long term margin resilience. That pressure point is exactly what the full narrative for Arista Networks unpacks, helping separate short term noise from a more realistic view of where AI
AI is the biggest story in the market this year, this decade and probably this century. Predicting the boom-bust nature of how this cycle will play out is impossible. That won’t stop people from trying, of course. The funny thing is you see people are making predictions years out into the future with certainty when the pros can’t even predict what will happen in the next 3, 6 or 12 months. Stock market earnings are a case in point. This chart shows how 2026 earnings estimates have changed since the start of the year: This isn’t earnings estimates 3, 5, 10 years into the future. This is just 2026 earnings! Analysts estimated S&P 500 earnings of a little more than $310 when the year began. After a few earnings seasons came in much better than expected the year end estimate is now nearly 20% higher. Not even close. The S&P 500 is currently up around 12% on the year. Earnings have grown almost 30%. That means that valuations have fallen this year. Here’s an interesting thought experiment based on these rapidly rising earnings numbers: Many investors assume valuations go vertical during the market boom times. Instead they are falling. This chart shows what would have happened if forward P/E ratios had simply stayed the same. Stock market returns around the globe would have been much, much higher. There are reasons this is happening. Investors might be cautious that all this AI capex spending is inflating earnings and these numbers will come back down to earth. That could be possible. It’s also true that it’s perfectly normal for there to be a massive disconnect between earnings and stock market returns. Here’s a look at earnings growth and total returns on the S&P 500 by decade going back to the 1930s: Sometimes
The positive sentiment engendered by Merck‘s (NYSE:MRK) solid third-quarter results posted on Thursday carried over into the following trading session. It wasn’t only the vibes; several analysts tracking the durable pharmaceutical company raised their price targets on its equity. The stock climbed more than 2% as a result, in contrast to the S&P 500 index’s relatively steep decline of 1.8%. A third-quarter trouncing Investors found plenty to like about Merck’s quarterly figures. Total sales grew by 5% to over $18 billion, predictably driven by its blockbuster cancer drug Keytruda. Net income not under generally accepted accounting principles (non-GAAP, or adjusted) fell by 4%, but the metric was still well in the billions at nearly $6.2 billion. Missed Nvidia in 2009? This Rare Signal Is Flashing Again. In 2009, a “Double Down” signal flashed for a little-known chipmaker called Nvidia. For the first time in years, that same “Total Conviction” signal is flashing for a company 1/100th the size of Nvidia. Continue » Image source: Getty Images. Both figures easily topped the average analyst estimates, as did management’s top- and bottom-line guidance for the entirety of 2026. Several pundits tracking Merck wasted little time lifting their price targets on the stock. Exactly half of this country’s “big four” banks did so, with Bank of America (NYSE:BAC) Securities’ Jason Gerberry ticking his higher, to $165 per share from $163. His peer Chris Schott of JPMorgan Chase (NYSE:JPM) unit J.P. Morgan upped his to $175 per share from $165. Both analysts maintained their equivalents of buy recommendations. The right mix I wasn’t all that shocked about Merck’s convincing top- and bottom-line beats, as it has a generally solid lineup of popular medications led by Keytruda (although there’s some fear about the future given that the drug is approaching its patent cliff). It also
NBR Q3 deep dive: international expansion and technology drive growth despite Middle East headwinds Drilling services company Nabors Industries (NYSE:NBR) reported Q3 2026 results beating Wall Street’s revenue expectations , with sales up 6.6% year on year to $872.2 million. Its non-GAAP loss of $1.24 per share was significantly below analysts’ consensus estimates. Is now the time to buy NBR? Find out in our full research report (it’s free). Nabors Industries (NBR) Q3 2026 highlights: Revenue $872.2 million vs S&P analysts’ estimates of $856.4 million (6.6% year-on-year growth, 1.8% beat) Adjusted EPS -$1.24 vs S&P analysts’ estimates of -$0.43 (significant miss) Adjusted EBITDA $245.5 million vs analyst estimates of $237.9 million (28.2% margin, 3.2% beat) Operating margin 9.8%, in line with the same quarter last year Market capitalization $1.33 billion StockStory’s take Nabors Industries’ third quarter was marked by strong operational execution, as the company outperformed Wall Street’s revenue expectations and delivered solid adjusted EBITDA despite a larger-than-expected non-GAAP loss. The positive market reaction followed management’s emphasis on geographic diversification, particularly in Latin America and the U.S. Lower 48, as well as continued adoption of technology solutions. CEO Tony Petrello highlighted the redeployment of idle rigs into growth markets and noted, “Redeploying assets across geographies is central to our global strategy.” Challenges in the Middle East—such as Saudi rig suspensions—were partially offset by contract wins and margin improvements elsewhere. Looking forward, Nabors’ guidance is underpinned by a constructive outlook for both domestic and international drilling activity, with management expecting growth across nearly all key regions. The company believes the expansion of its high-spec rig fleet, further penetration of technology-driven services, and disciplined capital allocation will support earnings and cash flow improvement. CFO Miguel Rodriguez stated, “We remain very optimistic…everything seems to be aligning well right now, and the industry utilization
Intel’s data center business just grew almost 80% in a year. Its outlook for the fourth quarter just handed the stock its worst day in more than half a century, erasing nearly $140 billion in market value Friday. Intel (INTC) stock closed down nearly 29% Friday after the chipmaker’s forecast for the final three months of the year came in well short of Wall Street’s expectations. Only one day in Intel’s history was worse, according to Yahoo Finance calculations from Norgate Data closing prices going back to May 1973: July 5, 1974, when the stock fell nearly 30%. Friday’s drop topped the roughly 26% plunge on Aug. 2, 2024. Intel’s one-day stock moves, May 1973 to Oct. 30, 2026 · Norgate Data, Yahoo Finance The sell-off caps a wild year. Intel stock nearly quadrupled from the start of 2026 to its June 22 record. Even after Friday’s drop, it’s still up nearly 80% this year, but it has lost more than half its value since that peak. It also broke below the $80 zone that held at its July low and closed at its lowest level since April 22. That wipes out April 24, when Intel had its best day since at least 1973, a gain of about 24%. The selloff is also costing Washington. Intel’s drop has shaved more than $10 billion off the value of the US government’s 9.9% stake, which it bought last August at $20.47 a share. Even so, the stake is still worth about three times what the government paid. It has also broken below the $80 zone that held at its July low, and it’s on track to close below where it stood before April 24, when Intel had its best day since at least 1973, a gain of about 24%. Intel has broken
Investors looking to diversify beyond the struggling artificial intelligence trade should consider consumer staples stocks, CNBC’s Jim Cramer said Friday. The Nasdaq-100, which tracks the biggest tech stocks, ended October down almost 7%. Investors rotated into other more defensive areas of the market. The S&P 500 Equal Weight gained roughly 5% for the month. (The equal weight index treats all the S&P 500 stocks the same, rather than weighting them by market cap.) The consumer staples index surged 11.4%, making it the second-best performing sector behind energy. “You’ve got to take what the market is giving you, and until we sort out some of the issues for the tech sector, some other groups might be better bets for the time being,” the “Mad Money” host said. “I like the idea of camping out in the staples for a bit.” Cramer highlighted four companies he finds particularly attractive in consumer staples — a group that features companies with household brand names that people tend to buy regardless of market conditions or economic environment. Kimberly-Clark: The maker of Kleenex tissues and Huggies diapers is one of the newest holdings in Cramer’s Charitable Trust, the portfolio run by CNBC’s Investing Club. Cramer sees significant upside from its pending merger with Kenvue, which owns brands including Tylenol and Band-Aid. He expects the deal to generate efficiencies and create a consumer products powerhouse. Kimberly-Clark shares gained nearly 11% in October, but the stock still trades at less than 15 times earnings, with a 4.7% dividend yield. “I think the move is just getting started,” Cramer said. Procter & Gamble: While the Investing Club exited its longtime P&G position in July, Cramer said the company remains an attractive defensive investment following better-than-expected quarterly results last week. He also expressed confidence in new CEO Shailesh Jejurikar. Shares
The stock market is turning its back on Big Tech. Google just had its worst day ever. Intel tumbled more than any day since the Nixon administration. Amazon and Meta both had significant declines this week, too. The Nasdaq tumbled and is just over a percentage point away from a correction (a 10% decline from its all-time high). The common thread: Building the infrastructure to power AI is really, really expensive – and Big Tech profits aren’t yet justifying that massive expense. AI companies are increasingly doling out more cash for data centers than their businesses are able to generate. But if the stock market is supposed be to delivering some kind of message, Big Tech isn’t hearing it. Spending on AI has reached $1.6 trillion since 2023 and is expected to hit $1 trillion every single year for the next decade or so, according to JPMorgan. None of that changed this week. That’s because the market that’s financing all of this – the bond market – is mostly shrugging its shoulders while the stock market is in the midst of a mild freakout. Lenders have been lining up to take on Big Tech’s debt to pay for the technology that’s reshaping the global economy. That means the questions the market seems to be asking about AI – will Big Tech keep growing its spending? (it most certainly will) and will AI will turn a profit anytime soon? (doesn’t look like it) – are the wrong ones. The real question we should be asking about AI is: How much longer will the bond market sustain the nonstop spending spree? That will ultimately dictate whether AI turns into a success or a bust. The way AI math works is like this: Spend a lot of money upfront on the infrastructure needed
香港 – Media OutReach Newswire – 2026年5月7日 – 信和集團（「集團」）欣然宣布，信和置業有限公司（「信和置業」）（股票代號：0083.HK）於標普全球《可持續發展年鑑（中國版）2026》中，獲評為「中國企業標普全球可持續發展評估（CSA）評分最佳1%」，成為房地產管理與開發行業內唯一獲得最高表彰級別的企業。同時，信和置業連續第二年獲納入道瓊斯領先全球指數成份股，標誌著集團在可持續發展方面的努力及領導地位備受國際權威機構的肯定。 信和置業於標普全球《可持續發展年鑑（中國版）2026》中，獲評為「中國企業標普全球可持續發展評估評分最佳1%」，成為房地產管理與開發行業內唯一獲得最高表彰級別的企業。 標普全球《可持續發展年鑑（中國版）2026》旨在表彰於各自產業中展現出可持續發展優勢的中國企業，評選涵蓋近1,800間企業，當中僅約190家企業獲納入年鑑。繼今年早前於標普全球《可持續發展年鑑2026》中獲評為行業中「標普全球CSA評分最佳5%」，信和置業亦於中國版年鑑中成為房地產管理與開發行業中唯一獲評為「最佳1%」的企業。道瓊斯領先全球指數同樣屬市場上具指標性的可持續發展指數體系之一，基於長期經濟、環境和社會標準，從標普全球廣泛市場指數（BMI）中最大的2,500間公司中選出排名前10%的企業。多項國際認可反映集團一直以來將可持續發展理念融入業務策略及日常營運的努力，並在多個可持續發展範疇持續取得實質進展。 信和集團主席暨環境、社會及管治督導委員會主席黃永光先生表示：「非常榮幸在標普全球這個具高度公信力及嚴謹的國際評選機制下獲得肯定，尤其是能夠成為中國房地產管理與開發行業中評分位於首1%的企業。這對我們而言，既是一份鼓勵，也印證了在可持續發展的工作上與國際標準接軌。這些成果有賴同事們的專業付出，以及業務夥伴和社區的積極參與，才能貫徹落實集團的可持續發展策略。面對國家『十五五』規劃加快經濟社會發展全面綠色轉型，我們也希望從中學習，探索如何在業務上作出更合適的配合，推動國際經驗與本地實踐相結合，攜手建設更低碳、更宜居的社區。未來，將秉持謙虛學習的態度，與各方夥伴一起實踐企業文化與核心價值，在可持續發展的道路上穩步前行。」 除了透過氣候行動、建築規劃及設計及創新解決方案等方面締造更可持續的環境，信和集團亦秉持以人為本的理念，持續透過員工參與推動可持續發展實踐。集團已連續第二年舉辦「信和可持續發展月」，聯同環保社企、綠色科技初創、學界代表及專業機構等近十五個合作夥伴，推出一系列參觀、工作坊及實地體驗等多元化活動，鼓勵同事及其家人在工作與生活中實踐可持續原則，並逐步將相關理念擴展至家庭及業務夥伴層面。今年活動進一步由香港推展至新加坡及悉尼，吸引近300名同事的參與，並透過「可持續發展學堂」累計培訓時數逾650小時，凝聚三地團隊員工共同推動可持續行動。 Hashtag: #SinoLand The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Source link
發佈日期: 2026-04-17 21:36 TVB News 粵 已複製連結 Link Real Estate Investment Trust, also known as Link REIT is reportedly testing investor interest in selling a batch of local assets through off-market deals. The company is reportedly inviting bids for around ten properties. The assets are understood to encompass shopping malls, car parks and office units.
住宅市場：農曆新年過後香港住宅市場更見活躍，一手新盤銷情理想並帶動二手成交，反映樓市購買力持續釋放；第一季度住宅成交量按年大升53%至超過18,650宗；各類型住宅單位價格均錄得升幅，市場氣氛似乎暫未受到中東地緣政治局勢影響 甲級寫字樓：淨吸納量連續十個季度錄得正數，第一季錄得約21.7萬平方呎正吸納量，新租賃成交主要受銀行及金融行業的租賃活動帶動；中區寫字樓租金見底按季回升5.5%，推動整體租金升2.4% 零售市場：訪港旅客數字持續增長，零售業表現繼續回暖；第一季核心區一線街舖平均空置率進一步下調至4.2%，其中銅鑼灣和中環一線街舖更見滿租 香港 – Media OutReach Newswire – 2026年4月14日 – 全球領先的房地產服務商戴德梁行 | Cushman & Wakefield 今天發表香港房地產市場2026年第一季回顧及展望。縱使中東地緣政治局勢緊張，住宅樓市持續向好，一二手成交均見持續增長，本季度住宅成交宗數分別按季及按年升9%和53%。甲級寫字樓方面，在銀行及金融行業的租賃需求支持下，第一季錄得約21.7萬平方呎正吸納量；然而核心區與非核心區的租金表現持續分化，租金復蘇主要由核心區驅動。零售方面，零售業總銷貨額繼續平穩上升，核心區一線街舖平均空置率進一步回落，當中以港島區表現更爲亮眼，而中環和銅鑼灣一線街舖租金亦分別按季升1.1%和0.8%。 甲級寫字樓租賃市場：連續十個季度錄得正淨吸納量 中區租金持續上升 受銀行及金融業和保險業需求的支持，香港甲級寫字樓市場氣氛在2026年第一季保持正面。第一季新租務錄得約866,000平方呎，當中銀行及金融和保險業佔新租面積的70%以上。雖然第一季整體淨吸納量降至217,100平方呎，但仍是連續第十季保持正數。 中區和尖沙咀的租金水平持續回升，按季分別上漲5.5%和0.4%，帶動第一季整體租金水平按季升2.4%，為2019年第一季以來整體租金首次連升兩季。然而，期內非核心區的租金持續走軟，這種兩極化表現反映市場的復甦主要由核心區帶領。由於第一季沒有新項目完成，香港甲級寫字樓整體待租率大致維持於20.0%，較前一季輕微下跌0.3個百分點。 戴德梁行香港董事總經理蕭亮輝先生表示：「儘管近期股市表現波動，但預計香港在2026年仍然是全球領先的IPO融資市場之一，截至3月底仍有超過400宗上市申請在處理中。我們預計銀行及金融業的租戶仍將是今年寫字樓租賃需求的重要支柱。同時，中東地區的地緣政治發展可能促使投資者重新審視其資產配置策略，並將部分資金重新配置至香港，從而支撐銀行及金融業和財富管理相關企業的租賃需求。我們將2026年中區的租金預測從先前的升2%至4%，上調至升6%至8%。這亦可望帶動2026年全年整體香港甲級寫字樓租金按年升1%至3%。」 商舖租賃市場：零售業表現繼續靠穩 核心區一線街舖平均空置率進一步回落至疫情以來低位 受惠於訪港旅客數字持續增長及人民幣走強，加上本地消費氣氛維持穩定，本港零售業表現穩健，今年1至2月香港零售業銷售貨額總計約724億港元，較去年同期錄得11.8%的明顯升幅。在各主要零售類別中，以”珠寶及鐘錶”表現最為突出，按年增長27.8%；其次為”藥物及化妝品”和”服裝及配飾”，分別按年升8.3%和6.6%，反映以旅客主導的消費類別正在復甦。 空置率方面，第一季四個核心區一線街舖平均空置率進一步回落至4.2%，再創疫情以來新低，當中港島區的表現優於九龍區，本行所追蹤的銅鑼灣和中環一線核心街舖已被租滿，季內尖沙咀一綫核心街舖空置率亦下調至7.1%；而旺角則維持在6.1%水平。 租金走勢方面，租金復甦步伐同樣以港島區領先九龍區，中環和銅鑼灣一線街舖租金按季分別升1.1%和0.8%，旺角按季亦錄得0.6%輕微升幅；惟尖沙咀一線街舖新進駐的商戶組合越趨大衆化，致該區舖租按季下調1.1% (圖二)。餐飲舖租受待租樓面積壓影響，表現持續疲弱。核心區如銅鑼灣、中環、尖沙咀及旺角，本季租金均錄得 1% 以內的輕微跌幅。 蕭亮輝表示：「本季度各區租賃氣氛不俗，其中港島區的表現尤其亮眼。我們預計中環和銅鑼灣將率先復甦，主因銅鑼灣較能聚集本地年輕族群及遊客，而中環則擁有穩定的本地高端消費力支持。至於尖沙咀和旺角，只要業主叫價合理，預料空置舖位亦將陸續有承接。展望後市，本港零售市場走勢趨向樂觀，惟核心區租金未必會迅速反彈，而將呈溫和穩步上升之勢。利好因素方面，樓價回升帶來的財富效應有助提振本地消費情緒；同時，今年盛事將接踵而至，訪港旅客數字有望持續增長，配合人民幣走強，將能為一線街道迎來更多人流及消費動力。然而，受限於顧客消費模式的結構性改變，加上進駐核心區街舖的品牌更趨大衆化和年輕化，一線街舖租金難以在短時間內大幅反彈。我們維持原先預測，預期2026上半年整體租金將溫和上升2%至3%。」 住宅市場：中東緊張局勢下樓市氣氛仍然熾熱 各類型住宅樓價均延續升勢 本港樓市氣氛持續改善，農曆新年過後香港住宅市場更見活躍，一手新盤去貨速度理想，二手市場潛在買家亦加快入市決定，市場購買力進一步釋放。此外，中東地緣政治局勢雖然緊張，惟暫未對本港樓市構成明顯影響。自去年3月起，住宅買賣合約數字已連續13個月錄得超過5,000宗，其中今年2月交投量更逼近6,700宗。第一季住宅成交宗數總計約18,650宗，比去年同期大升53%，按季升9%(圖三)。季內多個焦點新盤銷情理想，一手成交約佔整體住宅交投數目的30%。 戴德梁行香港估價及顧問服務部高級董事黎劍明先生指出：「住宅市場交投繼續活躍，進一步支持樓價上行。根據政府差估署數據（截至2月數據），整體住宅樓價指數在今年首兩個月累升2.6%。若按本行追蹤的中小型住宅單位售價指數計算，截至第一季度，本季樓價較去年年底升近5%。至於受歡迎屋苑樓價表現，各類型物業樓價升勢持續，當中代表細價盤的沙田第一城按季升5.6%；代表中價市場的太古城按季升8.6%；而代表豪宅市場的貝沙灣亦錄得7.1%的按季升幅。另一方面，在各類來港人才的住宅需求帶動下，住宅租賃需求持續強勁，租金指數再創有紀錄以來新高，現時息口處於相對較低水平，既吸引投資者入市，亦促使租樓客及準買家加快入市。」 戴德梁行執行董事及香港研究部主管鄧淑賢女士表示：「今年第一季，樓市大致延續去年年尾的熾熱氣氛，呈現價量齊升的走勢。儘管近日中東地緣政治局勢反覆，但整體住宅市場仍展現一定韌性，住宅買賣合約數字於2、3月份均錄得超過6,000宗。展望後市，預期或有更多避險資金流入本港，支持本港拆息維持相對低位，對本港樓市構成一定支持。此外，本行詢價量指數連升三個月，反映樓市氣氛及買家入市意欲持續改善。成交方面，預計今年住宅成交量有望達65,000至70,000宗水平。至於樓價走勢，若中東地緣政治局勢能於短期內緩和，相信對本港樓市影響將屬有限，全年樓價升幅有望達7%至10%；惟若局勢進一步升溫，或對息口及買家入市心態構成壓力，全年樓價升幅則預計約為5%。」 請按此下載活動照片及簡報 圖片說明：（由左至右）戴德梁行執行董事及香港研究部主管鄧淑賢女士、戴德梁行香港董事總經理蕭亮輝先生及戴德梁行香港估價及顧問服務部高級董事黎劍明先生。 Hashtag: #戴德梁行 The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Source link
There’s still plenty to play for across Europe as we head into the final matches of the club season. Here are all the title races, Champions League fights, and relegation battles left to be decided in the top leagues this month. This story will be updated until the end of the campaign. 👉 Jump to:EPL | LA LIGA | SERIE A | BUNDESLIGA | LIGUE 1 | GOLDEN SHOE Premier League 🏴 Title race Manchester City cut the gap to two points with a comfortable victory over Crystal Palace on Wednesday, but Arsenal still control their own destiny. If the Gunners win their final two matches – at home against Burnley and away to Palace on the final day of the campaign – they’ll be champions no matter what Pep Guardiola’s men do the rest of the way. The Gunners are desperately trying to claim their first Premier League title since the vaunted 2004 “Invincibles” team. If Arsenal beat beat Burnley on May 18, they can be crowned champions as early as the following day if Man City don’t beat Bournemouth. Otherwise, the race will go to the final day of the season (May 24). The Premier League’s first
Manchester United have opened talks with Michael Carrick over continuing as head coach beyond the end of the season. It is understood that, even though there is still much to complete in legal and contractual issues, an agreement could be reached before United’s game against Nottingham Forest on Sunday. The club’s hierarchy, director of football Jason Wilcox and CEO Omar Berrada, believe he is the right man to continue leading Man Utd after an impressive 15 games having secured Champions League football and earning wins against Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea. The former Manchester United midfielder has been the frontrunner for the role for some time now, with his bosses impressed by his popularity with the playing squad, his handling of the media, his inherent understanding of the heritage and size of the football club – but also, crucially, the results he has achieved on the pitch. Monterosa This content is provided by Monterosa, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Monterosa cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your
Ryan O’Hanlon Close Ryan O’Hanlon ESPN.com writer Ryan O’Hanlon is a staff writer for ESPN.com. He’s also the author of “Net Gains: Inside the Beautiful Game’s Analytics Revolution.” and Bill Connelly Close Bill Connelly ESPN Staff Writer Bill Connelly is a writer for ESPN. He covers college football, soccer and tennis. He has been at ESPN since 2019. Multiple Authors May 15, 2026, 10:19 AM At the start of the Premier League season, the top questions were clear: Could Liverpool repeat? The defending champions had spent over $500 million to deepen and freshen up their squad, but did that throw off their balance? And what might Mohamed Salah have in store after the contract year of all contract years? The answers: No, yes, and not much. Liverpool lost six of seven league matches in a spell from late-September through late-November, then went another five matches without a win in January. Their rapid demise opened the door for a different champion, and Arsenal marched right in. We think. The Gunners lead a charging Manchester City by two points in the table, they probably still have to win their last two matches, and they really haven’t been the best team in the
Gabriel Gudmundsson could return for Leeds after a two-match absence with a thigh injury. Pascal Struijk is a doubt after hobbling off during Monday’s 1‑1 draw at Spurs. Full Leeds’ team news will be provided by the manager, Daniel Farke, in his press conference later on Friday. Kaoru Mitoma is set to miss the final two games for Brighton, as well as the World Cup, after suffering a hamstring injury. Diego Gomez is back in contention, while Mats Wieffer could also feature. Players out: Leeds – Okafor, Gruev, Bogle Brighton – Mitoma, Tzimas, Webster Doubts: Leeds – Gudmundsson, Struijk Brighton – Wieffer Key FPL notes: Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£5.8m) of Leeds scored from the penalty spot in Gameweek 36 to record his 13th goal of the season, the fifth-most of any forward. Anton Stach’s (£4.8m) 54 shots and 62 chances created are both among Leeds’ top two players this season. Playing in a more advanced role, Brighton’s Jack Hinshelwood (£5.1m) has scored in three straight matches. In the last four Gameweeks, no midfielder has had as many big chances as his six. Source link
DORTMUND, GERMANY – MAY 08: Samuele Inacio of Borussia Dortmund celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the Bundesliga match between Borussia Dortmund and Eintracht Frankfurt at Signal Iduna Park on May 08, 2026 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Leon Kügeler/Getty Images) Italian wonderkid Samuele Inacio has signed a contract extension with Borussia Dortmund until June 2029, just days after scoring his first senior goal with the Bundesliga side: ‘I want to celebrate many more successful moments with my team.’ Promising Italian striker Inacio has signed a new deal with Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund, the club confirmed on Friday. Inacio signs new Borussia Dortmund contract “I feel very comfortable at BVB and am proud to have made my Bundesliga debut at this great club,” Inacio said. “The feeling of scoring my first goal in front of the Yellow Wall was incredible and I want to celebrate many more successful moments with my team, the club and its incredible fans in the future.” The 18-year-old striker scored his first senior goal with the German club last week in a 3-2 win in the Bundesliga over Eintracht Frankfurt. “With his skills and potential, Samu is one of the greatest talents
Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes has confirmed he still dreams of doing more to boost his legacy at the club. Despite recently being crowned the FWA Footballer of the Year after a stunning campaign at Old Trafford, Fernandes continues to be linked with a high-profile exit from the club in a deal that would help fund a much-needed midfield rebuild. Clubs in Saudi Arabia are keen, having failed to get a deal over the line for Fernandes last summer, while there will undoubtedly be interest across Europe in a player on the cusp of breaking the Premier League’s single-season assist record. Speaking to the FWA, Fernandes admitted his pride towards following club legends like Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo and Sir Bobby Charlton in winning the annual prize, but confessed he is not content with the current state of his legacy at United. “I want to achieve everything that those players achieved in terms of winning with the club,” he promised. “But being in their company with this award is massively important for me and I won’t hide from that. “It will always be the prize for me. That’s always what my goal has been. I’ve never hidden from that. I’m
1. Bournemouth confirm Senesi will leave in summer Bournemouth have confirmed that sought-after defender Marcos Senesi will leave the club at the end of the season when his contract expires. The centre-back arrived on the south coast from Feyenoord in 2022 and his form since joining will doubtless make him a major target for suitors this summer. “From the first day I arrived, I felt at home at this club,” Senesi told the club website. “I’m proud of everything we achieved over the last four years and I’m grateful for the support the fans have always given me. “AFC Bournemouth will always hold a special place for me and I will look back at my time here with fond memories. For now, there are still two big games left of the season and I’m looking forward to seeing what we can achieve together.” Guardian sport 2. Howe hints Gordon could have played last Newcastle game Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has admitted Anthony Gordon could have played his final match for the club amid speculation he will join Bayern Munich this summer. The 25-year-old England international has sat out the Magpies’ last four games, the first two because of a hip
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 08: Bernardo Silva of Manchester City celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Manchester City at Anfield on February 08, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images) Manchester City star Bernardo Silva confirms he’ll choose his next club before the 2026 World Cup and keeps Juventus hopes alive, saying he won’t return to Benfica. Portugal international Bernardo Silva has emerged as one of Juventus’ priority targets for the summer. His contract with Manchester City expires at the end of the season, so he’s available on a free transfer, and according to reports in Italy, talks with the Serie A giants are already underway. Bernardo Silva will pick new club before 2026 World Cup “I want to resolve it between the end of the season and the start of training with the National Team so I can have a clear head, because the World Cup is too important a competition for me to have my head on other things,” Bernardo Silva told Sport 11. Juventus, Barcelona, Benfica and Galatasaray are said to be among the clubs interested in securing his services, but Bernardo Silva won’t return to the
Milan owner Gerry Cardinale reveals he will ‘review’ the club’s organisation during the summer and that he has already sat down with coach Massimiliano Allegri, but warns: ‘If we don’t qualify for the Champions League, it’s a failure.’ Milan have only won one of their last five Serie A matches, losing three times and putting a Champions League placement at risk for the first time this season. Tension is running high at San Siro as the Rossoneri are level on 67 points with Roma, with just two games remaining. Fans are furious with the club management and the players, prompting club owner Cardinale to release a rare interview with Corriere della Sera and Gazzetta. “As you know, I usually don’t give interviews, as I think words don’t count much, facts must do the talking, but I understand that in a moment like this, it’s fair to send a clear signal,” Cardinale said. “Max and the team have done a great job for almost the whole season. We were at the top of the table and in the title race until the game against Lazio. Then, with the last five games, we risk throwing the season away. “I’ve been in
Bruno Fernandes There is a version of this season in which Bruno Fernandes left Manchester United in the summer. “The club wanted me to leave,” he said in December. Thankfully for United fans, he stayed, navigated the tactical ambiguity of playing for Ruben Amorim and led the team back into the Champions League. Fernandes has been at the centre of everything good United have done this season. He has 19 assists – one short of the 20 achieved by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne in the seasons when they won the PFA player of the year award – and has created 124 chances for teammates, 56 more than Dominik Szoboszlai in second. His ability to block out the turmoil at his club and consistently produce world-class performances is admirable. This season has been particularly turbulent, with Fernandes deployed as a deep-lying midfielder under Amorim before his sacking. Despite being played out of position, the captain kept his head down and contributed five goals and eight assists before returning to his preferred No 10 position under Michael Carrick. Since that change, United’s form has followed suit: 15 wins and just, three draws and two defeats in 20 games, with Fernandes
Unai Emery says he can be happy about Aston Villa’s season as he does not see his team as a top-seven side, and there were even concerns from the Spaniard that the club could be in the relegation fight this season. Emery’s Villa face a crucial final week of the season – facing Liverpool and Manchester City in a bid to secure a Champions League qualification spot, either side of their Europa League final with Freiburg next Wednesday. But Villa go into Friday night’s clash with Liverpool, live on Sky Sports, having failed to win their last three league games, including a 2-2 draw with relegated Burnley last Sunday. Beat Liverpool on Friday and Champions League football is secured for next season. But defeat could create a nervy end to the season in terms of a top-five finish. But Emery is still positive about the overall season – as his side are overachieving compared to other clubs and their bigger resources. “For me there is top seven,” says Emery in an exclusive interview with Sky Sports when asked if there is still a ‘Big Six’ in the Premier League. “Newcastle – I think – is in the top seven. Please
Welcome to The Athletic’s Premier League predictions challenge, where Savinho has lifted young Wilfred back to within striking distance of the summit. At 9.41pm UK time on Wednesday, Manchester City were cruising to a 2-0 home win against Crystal Palace — just as our guest subscriber Jack predicted, which would have taken the readers 10 points clear at the top of our predictions league with two rounds to play. However, that 84th-minute goal from Savinho, securing a 3-0 victory, meant a precious spot-on prediction for six-year-old Wilfred instead, taking our boy-wonder to within three. And, not for the first time this season, it left me wondering just what I have been up against in this game. Wilfred is a Palace fan, for goodness’ sake. What kind of six-year-old successfully predicts a 3-0 defeat for their own team?! Each week since the season began in August, four of us — an algorithm, a guest subscriber on rotation, Wilfred and I — have been predicting the Premier League results with varying degrees of success. We are awarding three points for a correct scoreline and one point for a correct result. We are also awarding a bonus point for any “unique” prediction, so
There are two men’s matches at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia today, the best being No. 1-ranked Jannik Sinner versus No. 9 Daniil Medvedev. Internazionali BNL d’Italia key details Tournament: The Internazionali BNL d’Italia Round: Semifinals Date: May 15 Streaming: Fubo (Stream now) Venue: Foro Italico Location: Rome, Italy Court Surface: Clay Internazionali BNL d’Italia schedule today Casper Ruud vs. Luciano Darderi, 9:30 a.m. ET (Semifinal) Jannik Sinner vs. Daniil Medvedev, 1 p.m. ET (Semifinal) Internazionali BNL d’Italia odds Jannik Sinner: -699 Casper Ruud: +650 Daniil Medvedev: +1400 Luciano Darderi: +1800 Odds provided by BetMGM. This watch guide was created using technology provided by Data Skrive. Betting/odds, ticketing and streaming links in this article are provided by partners of The Athletic. Restrictions may apply. The Athletic maintains full editorial independence. Partners have no control over or input into the reporting or editing process and do not review stories before publication. Photo: Clive Brunskill, Carl De Souza, Filipe Amorim, Valery Hache / Getty Images May 15, 2026 Connections: Sports Edition Spot the pattern. Connect the terms Find the hidden link between sports terms Play today’s puzzle Source link
The 2026 NFL season will kick off with a Super Bowl rematch on September 9 when champions Seattle Seahawks open up against the New England Patriots. The Seahawks dominated the Patriots in a 29-13 victory in February that secured the franchise’s second NFL title, with the 2026 season-opener – taking place on a Wednesday night in the USA – just the third time that the teams who contested the Super Bowl face off again in Week 1. The NFL season will be opening on a Wednesday for just the second time in league history in a campaign which will feature nine international fixtures across four continents, starting with the Week 1 game in Melbourne, Australia between the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams on September 10. The Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants meet in the first Sunday night game of the season while the Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs go head to head in the first Monday night game. Twitter This content is provided by Twitter, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to
We’re already in the midst of crunch time in the Premier League, Friday night’s fixture marking the beginning of the penultimate round of fixtures. Gameweek 37 is upon us after nine months of relentless entertainment, and there remains plenty on the line heading into this season’s final two rounds, The title race rages on toward a tense finale, the fight for European qualification promises further twists and the final relegation spot is yet to be confirmed as Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United desperately scramble for survival. Some of the biggest questions remaining could be answered in GW37. Here’s how Sports Illustrated believes the upcoming bout of Premier League fixtures will play out. Aston Villa vs. Liverpool Manchester United vs. Nottingham Forest Brentford vs. Crystal Palace Everton vs. Sunderland Leeds United vs. Brighton & Hove Albion Wolverhampton Wanderers vs. Fulham Newcastle United vs. West Ham United Arsenal vs. Burnley Bournemouth vs. Manchester City Chelsea vs. Tottenham Hotspur Premier League Predictions: Gameweek 37 Aston Villa vs. Liverpool Rivals for Champions League qualification collide. | Steven Halliwell/MI News/NurPhoto/Getty Images Date: Friday, May 15 Time: 8 p.m. BST / 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT The two sides in pole position to
“It’s a disappointment and, from my point of view, it saddens me,” says Howard Wilkinson, now 82 and officially retired from the sport that has shaped his life. “All we can do is keep our fingers crossed and hope at some point we turn a corner in the right direction.” Wilkinson is talking to The Athletic as the last English manager to win the league championship. That was 1991-92 as manager of Leeds United and, 34 years on, it isn’t easy to see a time when that position changes. In the next week or two, it will be Mikel Arteta winning the league with Arsenal or, for the seventh occasion, Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Last season, it was a Dutchman, Arne Slot, with Liverpool. Other winners in the Premier League era, from 1992-93 onwards, have come from France (Arsene Wenger), Portugal (Jose Mourinho), Germany (Jurgen Klopp), Chile (Manuel Pellegrini), Italy (Roberto Mancini, Carlo Ancelotti, Antonio Conte and Claudio Ranieri) and, of course, two Glaswegians by the name of Alex Ferguson and Kenny Dalglish. Leeds United with the Football League Division One trophy in the 1991-92 season, with (left front row) manager Howard Wilkinson (Getty Images/Getty Images) Yet no English
ROME, ITALY – APRIL 13: Alessio Romagnoli of SS Lazio scores a opening goal during the Serie A match between Lazio and Roma at Stadio Olimpico on April 13, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images) We finally have the schedule for the Serie A Week 37 games, which will all be on Sunday May 17 starting from 11.00 UK time (12.00 CEST). The fixture list was in total chaos for several days, as the final two rounds must have teams vying for the same objective playing simultaneously. This is to ensure there is no unfair advantage from knowing the results of their rivals for position. FLORENCE, ITALY – NOVEMBER 22: Head coach Paolo Vanoli manager of ACF Fiorentina and Head coach Luciano Spalletti manager of Juventus FC reacts during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and Juventus FC at Artemio Franchi on November 22, 2025 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images) As the fight for the Champions League spots is so incredibly tight, this means Roma, Juventus, Milan, Como and Napoli all had to play at the same time. Following days of arguments, rulings and over-rulings from various authorities, this
1 Barcelona 36 30 1 5 91 32 59 91 W Result Win W Result Win W Result Win W Result Win W Result Win L Result Loss 2 Real Madrid 36 25 5 6 72 33 39 80 D Result Draw W Result Win D Result Draw W Result Win L Result Loss W Result Win 3 Villarreal 36 21 6 9 67 43 24 69 W Result Win D Result Draw W Result Win W Result Win D Result Draw L Result Loss 4 Atletico Madrid 36 20 6 10 60 39 21 66 L Result Loss L Result Loss W Result Win W Result Win L Result Loss W Result Win 5 Real Betis 36 14 15 7 56 44 12 57 D Result Draw W Result Win D Result Draw W Result Win D Result Draw W Result Win 6 Celta Vigo 36 13 11 12 51 47 4 50 L Result Loss L Result Loss L Result Loss W Result Win W Result Win L Result Loss 7 Getafe 36 14 6 16 31 37 -6 48 L Result Loss W Result Win L Result Loss L Result Loss D Result Draw W Result Win
Real Madrid is the most supported soccer club in the world, with fans all over the globe, not just in the Spanish capital. With a record number of Champions League and La Liga titles, plus some of the greatest players in soccer history—past and present—there’s plenty for fans to cheer about. From classic club anthems to creative twists on popular songs, here are some of the most iconic Real Madrid chants and songs of all time—perfect for getting hyped for your next trip to the Santiago Bernabéu or cheering from your TV at home. “¡Hala Madrid! … y nada más” ”¡Hala Madrid!… y nada más”—Spanish for “Hail Madrid!… and nothing else”—was written by RedOne and Manuel Jabois and released in 2014 after Real Madrid won their 10th UEFA Champions League title (La Décima). The song features vocals from members of Real Madrid’s squad at the time, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Sergio Ramos, Karim Benzema and then-manager Carlo Ancelotti. Today, it’s played at the Santiago Bernabéu every time a Real Madrid player scores. English Lyrics History that you’ve made,History still to make,Because nobody can resistYour will to succeed. The stars are coming out, My dear Chamartin, From far and wide, They bring us out here.
MADRID — Kylian Mbappé said after not starting in Real Madrid’s Spanish league soccer match against Oviedo on Thursday that coach Álvaro Arbeloa told him that he is the team’s fourth-choice striker. Arbeloa appeared to be caught by surprise by Mbappé’s words and said he never told him that. He said he doesn’t know why Mbappé felt like that. Mbappé, who had been nursing a left hamstring injury, said he was ready to play from the start against Oviedo but Arbeloa decided not to use him. “I’m 100% fine,” Mbappé said. “I didn’t play because the coach told me I’m the fourth striker in the squad behind (Franco) Mastantuono, Vini (Vinícius Júnior) and Gonzalo (García). I accept it. I was ready to start, it was his decision. You can’t be angry with the coach, you always have to respect the opinion of the coach. I’ll keep working hard and wait to be the starter.” Arbeloa later said he never told Mbappé he was the fourth striker in the squad. “I don’t have four strikers, and I haven’t told anything like that to Mbappé,” Arbeloa said. “He probably didn’t understand me. I don’t really know what to tell you. I wouldn’t
Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe kicks the ball during the Spanish La Liga soccer match between Real Madrid and Real Oviedo in Madrid, Spain, May 14, 2026. (PHOTO / AP) MADRID – Kylian Mbappe was greeted with a chorus of boos and whistles from Real Madrid’s own fans as he returned from a hamstring injury during his side’s 2-0 LaLiga home win over Real Oviedo on Thursday. The French forward missed Sunday’s 2-0 El Clasico defeat by Barcelona that saw their bitter rivals wrap up the league title with three games to spare, and his introduction in the 69th minute as a substitute for goal-scorer Gonzalo Garcia prompted widespread jeers from the Madrid fans. Gonzalo had given the home side the lead in the 44th minute with a well-taken goal after bottom side Oviedo, whose are already relegated to the second tier, coughed the ball up cheaply on their right flank. Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior (right) and Real Oviedo’s Eric Bailly (center) challenge for the ball during the Spanish La Liga soccer match between Real Madrid and Real Oviedo in Madrid, Spain, May 14, 2026. (PHOTO / AP) Mbappe, who earlier on Thursday was named in the France squad for next
Chris had an extremely good week in the BBC Premier League predictions race – wrapping up not one but TWO weekly wins. Last weekend, he got six correct results from the 10 games in week 36, including one exact score, for a total of 90 points. The BBC readers managed five correct results, with no exact scores, for a total of 50 points. His guest, boxer Fabio Wardley and AI both managed five correct results with on exact score, and ended up on 80 points. There was one other game played, between Manchester City and Crystal Palace on Wednesday, which had been postponed from week 31 because City were in the Carabao Cup final. Chris had, provisionally, been given the weekly win for the purposes of the table below – but he still could have lost it, which could have been catastrophic for his title hopes. Before City versus Palace, he had 70 points, his guests – Crookhaven stars Amari Bacchus & Genesis Lynea – both had 60 points, the BBC readers had 30 points and AI had 20 points. Things turned out well for Chris, however. He picked up 40 points for an exact score after correctly backing City
1 Trophy No 17 in reach for Guardiola A measure of Pep Guardiola’s greatness is to be found in Saturday’s FA Cup final being a 24th visit to Wembley leading Manchester City. As this born winner could depart in the close season, the meeting with Chelsea may be a third-last outing in charge, in which he seeks the opposite result to the 2021 Champions League final. Yet Chelsea are now in a state of flux – Calum McFarlane is in a second caretaker spell of the season, following Liam Rosenior’s sacking last month, having also filled in when Enzo Maresca walked out on 1 January. This points to a City triumph and the 17th major trophy of Guardiola’s reign. But this is football, so who knows? Jamie Jackson 2 Can fit-again Colwill handle Haaland? It has been a long road back for Levi Colwill. The defender was buzzing after Chelsea’s win over Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup final last July. It seemed a coming-of-age moment. His prediction of a serious title challenge back then did not seem outlandish. Who knows how different the past 10 months might have been for Chelsea had Colwill not suffered a serious knee
By Carolyn Jones, CalMatters This story was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters. Until last month, California was poised to join nearly a dozen other states that ban cell phones in K-12 schools. But under pressure from school boards and administrators, lawmakers scaled back a bill that would have required such a blanket ban. “I was disappointed, but I take the long view on this,” said Torrance Democratic Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi, an author of the bill. “There’s still a growing global concern that too much cell phone use has detrimental effects on students.” The bill, AB 1644, builds on an existing law in California that requires schools to limit, if not outright ban, students’ cell phone use during the school day. A slew of studies have shown that cell phone use is a serious distraction for students that affects their mental health, social-emotional development and ability to concentrate in class. Confusing and unnecessary legislation? Muratsuchi’s bill would have required all schools to draw up policies banning students from using cell phones while they’re on campus or on a school-related trip. School board and school administrator groups opposed the bill because they said a “one-size-fits-all” policy undermines districts’
The Google Fitbit Air is very much the talk of the fitness tracking town right now, not only because it’s the first new Fitbit device that we’ve had in years, but it’s also one of the first big brands to go head-to-head with the established Whoop Strap (if you don’t count the Polar Loop and the Amazfit Helio Strap). If you’re considering picking one up, then there’s a good chance that you’re trying to decide if it’s worth it against the latest Whoop Strap 5.0. So to that end, we’ve put together this Fitbit Air vs Whoop comparison guide to help you out. For a bit of wider context, it’s worth knowing right off the bat that the Fitbit Air and the Whoop Strap don’t include an on-device display, and are instead designed as distraction-free trackers that can be worn discreetly, and are only really meant to be interacted with when it comes time to charge them up. This is the main selling point of this style. If that doesn’t sound like your cup of tea then there are plenty of great options to check out in our guide to the best fitness trackers overall. Then again, if you think
Latest research by the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) showed a sharp rise in global sales of light-duty electric vehicles (EVs), which crossed 20 million units in 2025. The study noted that EVs accounted for nearly 25% of new light-duty vehicle (LDV) sales globally, up from around 19% in 2024 and 15% in 2023. Nearly 90% of EVs sold worldwide were concentrated in the four largest LDV markets by sales volume — China, the United States, Europe, and India. Together, these four markets accounted for 71% of global LDV sales in 2025. Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) continued to dominate the global EV market, with 14 million units sold, accounting for 67% of all new EVs and 17% of all new LDVs sold in 2025. In India, EV sales jumped from approximately 125,000 units in 2024 to 202,000 units in 2025, accounting for 4% of new LDV sales. Photograph: (ICCT) 11 Emerging Markets Account For 5% Of Global EV Sales Between 2020 and 2025, the study tracked EV sales growth across the four major markets and 11 selected emerging markets. In 2025, these 11 emerging markets collectively sold around 1 million EVs, accounting for nearly 5% of global EV sales,
xAI xAI has launched a coding agent of its own to serve as competitor to its rivals’ products, such as Anthropic’s Claude Code. It’s called Grok Build, and it’s still in its early beta version that’s initially only available to SuperGrok Heavy subscribers paying $300 per month for the service. xAI describes Grok Build as a “powerful new coding agent and CLI for professional software engineering and complex coding work.” It says it will take user feedback from the early beta release to improve the product. SuperGrok Heavy users can install the beta from xAI’s website and then log into their account to be able to access it. As Bloomberg notes, xAI has been trying to catch up to its rival companies like Anthropic and OpenAI. Elon Musk, the company’s founder and CEO, previously admitted that it has fallen behind its competitors when it comes to coding. A couple of months ago, Musk said he was rebuilding xAI “from the foundations up” after several co-founders had left the company. One of the company’s executives reportedly told staffers to work on getting Grok to match Claude’s performance across various tasks. Grok has somewhat of a
ChatGPT-maker OpenAI introduced Codex desktop application in February this year. The company has now announced that its AI coding assistant, Codex is now available on mobile via the ChatGPT app. This will enable the developers to manage and approve coding tasks directly from their phones. The rollout, currently in preview for iOS and Android, expands Codex’s reach beyond desktops and remote environments. “Codex is now in the ChatGPT mobile app so you can stay in the loop from anywhere. More than 4 million people now use Codex every week, and we’re seeing how much those small moments matter. A quick check-in can keep a thread moving, prevent unnecessary rework, or help Codex make progress with the right context. Now you can do that from your phone,” said OpenAI. Codex while on the go With the access of Codex on mobile, the developers can now connect to laptops, devboxes, or managed remote environments and new live states from those machines. Updates such as screenshots, terminal output, diffs, and test results are streamed to mobile devices, enabling quick approvals or corrections even when away from a workstation. Under the hood, Codex uses a secure relay layer that keeps trusted machines reachable across
Spectrum and Warner Bros. Discovery announced that the discovery+ streaming app is now included at no additional cost for customers with eligible Spectrum TV plans. Now Spectrum TV customers can immediately begin streaming their favorite discovery+ hit shows, from 90 Day Fiancé to Gold Rush and Ghost Adventures. This builds on Spectrum’s Seamless Entertainment experience, which brings together live TV and popular streaming apps and includes more than $125 per month in retail streaming value. Spectrum TV customers can activate ad-supported discovery+, which retails for $5.99 per month, for no extra cost to begin streaming hit shows from HGTV, Food Network, TLC, Investigation Discovery, Animal Planet and more. Customers can also upgrade to discovery+ (Ad-Free), which retails for $9.99 per month, by paying the $4 difference. Additionally, Spectrum customers without an eligible TV plan can use The Spectrum App Store to purchase discovery+ and other streaming apps à la carte. Spectrum’s Seamless Entertainment experience delivers more than $125 in retail streaming value, paired with The Spectrum App Store, where customers seamlessly activate and manage their apps, and the Xumo Stream Box, which provides an all-in-one place to search, discover and watch TV.
BBC’s Maya Even greeted viewers on a February evening in 2000 with a simple question about the future. She introduced a report from The Money Programme that examined how phone companies and tech giants poured billions into linking mobile devices to the internet. Nils Blythe took the story from there, traveling first to Tokyo where the shift already showed real momentum. Masakuri Bayashi, a Tokyo student, pulled out his i-mode phone for the camera shot. Talk about getting mainstream: nearly 4 million of these things were sold in Japan in just the last year. The phone proved useful for checking email, keeping track of bank balances, and even transferring money without having to go to the bank. He also emphasized the cool factor, such as sending fast messages or playing a game with your friends while out and about, and how everyone appeared to like the ease of having these little websites right on their home screens. Sale Samsung Galaxy S26+, Unlocked Android Smartphone, 256GB, Powerful Processor, Galaxy AI, Immersive… TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details… MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE
In the space of a few months, Verizon got a new CEO who lowered prices and AT&T revamped its entire postpaid phone plan lineup, then separately added a new top-tier plan. If you’re considering jumping to AT&T or Verizon for your phone service, or thinking about changing your existing plan, we’re here to compare their offerings. (Are you reading this because you were affected by the massive Verizon outage and are looking for other options? Such events are limited, but be sure to also check our recommendations for Best Cellphone Plans and Best Unlimited Data Plans.) AT&T AT&T is the largest wireless carrier in the US, and its plan options are straightforward. In addition to updating its unlimited phone plans, it also recently enabled a block of spectrum licenses it bought from EchoStar that have boosted 5G performance across its network. AT&T Like Broad network coverage Straightforward plan lineup ActiveArmor spam blocking Recent spectrum acquisition means better 5G performance in most areas Don’t like Added taxes and fees on top of a plan’s price No streaming deals or other perks beyond basic service It still irks that AT&T displays “5GE” on a phone when it’s actually connected to 4G LTE Verizon Verizon wrapped up 2025 on shaky footing, following an
Razer Razer’s latest Blade 18 laptop may look the same, but its updated internals make it about as powerful as you can get in 2026. This year’s model adds the Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus (24 cores, 5.5GHz boost) as a top-tier processor option. However, to say its pricing isn’t for the faint of heart would be an understatement. You’re looking at an ungodly $7,000 for the top-tier model. (Cue spit take.) RAM starts at 32GB in the base model, which “only” costs $4,000. As you might expect, prices rise dramatically as you add more. You’re looking at an extra $600 to jump to 64GB of memory, and another $1,000 to go from 64GB to 128GB. Be sure to thank your local AI data center for that. Graphics options are unchanged from the 2025 model. You’re looking at the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Ti in the base model, or the RTX 5090 on the high end. Razer’s dual-mode display is back: It lets you switch between UHD+ at 240Hz and FHD+ at 440Hz. However, Razer says the screen in this year’s upgrade gets 20 percent brighter. Still a heavy battery
Support our independent tech coverage. Chrome Unboxed is written by real people, for real people—not search algorithms. Join Chrome Unboxed Plus for just $2 a month to get an ad-free experience, access to our private Discord, and more. Learn more about membership here.START FREE TRIAL (MONTHLY)START FREE TRIAL (ANNUAL) When it comes to the success of any new computing platform, hardware is only half the battle. Arguably, the more important half is the app ecosystem. For years, the ChromeOS experience has been a tough sell for some. While I love web-based apps and prefer them, many users want and/or need a far more robust application library with things like Adobe Photoshop, Microsoft Office, and more. Android apps were poised to help this out on ChromeOS, but for a long time on Chromebooks, they’ve been a mixed bag due to emulation limitations across the board. For the most part, Android apps on ChromeOS never became the answer for the missing desktop app library users were looking for on Chromebooks. But with the upcoming launch of the Googlebook, Google is making sure the software experience matches the premium hardware right out of the box. In our recent sit-down interview with Google VP
AMD AMD has announced that its FSR 4.1 upscaling tech is coming to older Radeon RX graphics cards, starting with RDNA 3 GPUs this July. Until now, the latest version of FSR has been exclusive to Radeon RX 9000-series graphics cards, but come the summer, RX 7000 cards will benefit from superior AI-powered upscaling in their games. This is despite lacking the native specialized hardware required to run it. Jack Huynh, AMD’s Senior Vice President and General Manager of Computing Graphics, said in a video that his team had to “carefully tune, optimize and validate the model” in order to achieve the necessary performance on older cards. This process included optimizing memory usage and reducing artifacts in fast-moving scenes. Huynh also said AMD tested FSR 4.1 running on hundreds of PC configurations, and promised support for more than 300 games at launch. RDNA 2 players have to wait a bit longer, but AMD is also bringing FSR 4.1 to even older GPUs in early 2027. AMD trickling down its tech sounds a bit more straightforward than rival NVIDIA’s deployment of its upscaling strategy. DLSS 4 was made available on all RTX GPUs
iOS 26.5 is rolling out to our iPhones It includes new third-party wearables support for previously exclusive Apple Watch and AirPods features This is only available in the EU for now Apple’s latest iOS 26.5 update is bringing some AirPods and Apple Watch-exclusive features to third-party earbuds and wearables — but only for phones in the EU. This is being done so Apple can better comply with the EU’s Digital Markets Act, which means Apple has to relinquish some of the software benefits that were exclusive to its own hardware and bring it to third-party smartwatches like those made by Garmin, Amazfit and Huawei, and third-party earbuds and headphones. For smartwatch users the biggest update will be the ability to respond to message notifications with reactions or replies. Currently you can only see iOS notifications on third-party tech, whereas Apple Watch users can send a response through the notification pop-up. With this iOS 26.5 update that should start to change, providing other smartwatch makers update their hardware to support the new capabilities. Latest Videos From You may like Just note that your phone can only forward notifications to one device at a time, so if you for some reason have
Even though Alienware has been around for 30 years, the company hasn’t really made an affordable, entry-level gaming laptop. But that changes today with the succinctly named Alienware 15, and based on the rising price of seemingly every gadget, it couldn’t have come at a better time. Let’s start with the basics. The Alienware 15 will be available with both AMD and Intel CPUs, starting at $1,299 for a config with a Ryzen 5 220 processor, 16GB of RAM, 512GB M.2 SSD and an NVIDIA RTX 4050 GPU. If you opt for a system with a Core 5 210H chip and the same memory, graphics and storage, expect to pay $1,349. (Note: There will be a variant with an RTX 3050 GPU in certain regions, but not in North America.) The laptop also features a 15.3-inch LCD display with decent brightness (300 nits), a 1,920 x 1,200 resolution (16:10) and a relatively speedy 165Hz refresh rate. You also get a surprisingly wide assortment of ports including two USB-C, two USB-A (all of them are least Gen 3.1), HDMI 2.1, 3.5mm audio and even an onboard Ethernet jack. So just going by its core components, the Alienware 15 is off to
Summary created by Smart Answers AI In summary: Tech Advisor reports a Samsung Galaxy S24 allegedly exploded in a user’s hand in South Korea, causing minor burns and prompting a forensic investigation by Samsung. This incident recalls the 2016 Galaxy Note 7 recall crisis and raises concerns about ongoing battery safety issues despite Samsung’s eight-point safety checks. The explosion occurred during normal internet browsing with supporting evidence including medical records, witness accounts, and authorities finding signs of lithium battery ignition. Memories of Samsung’s infamous Galaxy Note 7 battery issue have been invoked by an alarming Galaxy S24 incident. Over in South Korea, a Samsung Galaxy S24 user has posted an astonishing claim on Reddit. User chocho-789 claims that on 11 May (that’s this Monday just gone), “My Galaxy S24 suddenly emitted smoke, extreme heat, and exploded in my hand while I was using it normally to search the internet.” They note that the phone wasn’t charging, nor had it sustained any drop damage prior to the incident. It had never been repaired or opened up, either. The Galaxy S24 user (victim?) has supplied pictorial evidence of the scorched handset on fire on the floor, as well as its scorched carcass
Modular EV Architecture Platforms Market The Global Modular EV Architecture Platforms Market Study, a comprehensive analysis of the market that spans more than 143+ pages and describes the product and industry scope as well as the market prognosis and status for 2025-2032. The marketization process is being accelerated by the market study’s segmentation by important regions. The market is currently expanding its reach. Key Players in This Report Include: Tesla , Volkswagen Group , Hyundai Motor Group , General Motors , BYD , Rivian , Stellantis , Geely , BMW Group , Mercedes-Benz Group , Nissan Motor Corporation , Toyota Motor Corporation , SAIC Motor , Lucid Motors , Canoo. Request PDF Sample Copy of Report: (Including Full TOC, List of Tables & Figures, Chart) @ 👉 https://www.htfmarketintelligence.com/sample-report/global-modular-ev-architecture-platforms-market The global Modular EV Architecture Platforms market will expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 21.3 % from 2025 to 2032, from 58.0 Billion in 2025 to 223.0 Billion by 2032. Our Report Covers the Following Important Topics: By Type Skateboard Platforms , Dedicated EV Platforms , Flexible Multi-Energy Platforms , Battery Modular Platforms , Autonomous EV Platforms By Application Passenger Vehicles , Commercial Vehicles , Luxury EVs , Autonomous
In today’s digital age, tattoo apps have become indispensable tools for both aspiring and professional tattoo artists. They give tattoo artists the ability to create designs digitally, saving them time and allowing them to present professional designs to their clients. So, what app do tattoo artists use? which one is the best? Having the right tattoo design apps can elevate your tattoo designs to the next level. Let’s take a looka at some of the 12 best tattoo design apps for Artists in 2026 to help you stay on top of your game and create amazing tattoo designs. 12 Best Apps to Draw Tattoo Designs in 2026 These 12 drawing apps allow you to create and refine tattoo designs with precision and flexibility before inking them onto your clients’ skin. 1. Procreate Procreate has become the essential tool for digital illustration on the apple iPad due to its intuitive interface and the variety of resources and artistic styles for which it can be used. Procreate is also an excellent tool for tattoo artists. Its diverse range of brushes and customizable features allow them to create highly detailed and precise tattoo art. Many Tattoo Artists also use it to prep designs
Microsoft is retiring Copilot Mode on Edge, because its features are now built directly into the browser for both desktop and mobile. If you’ll recall, Microsoft started testing Copilot Mode on Edge in July last year, allowing you to use it to search for information across multiple open browser tabs and to analyze the details on each page. Now, the feature is available not just on desktop, but also on Edge for mobile. Just ask Copilot a question or give it a command, such as “Compare the smart TVs across all my open tabs,” and it will pull info from your tabs to give you a structured, side-by-side comparison analysis. After the initial testing of Copilot Mode, Microsoft rolled out Journeys, which you can use to save projects you can revisit in the future. It’s now also available for free on mobile, so you can pick up planning trips or making purchases from where you left off days or weeks ago. You’ll also be able to use the Vision and Voice feature on mobile, letting you share the screen with Copilot and talk through what you’re seeing on Edge with the assistant. It provides hands-free
Cadillac has hit a major milestone in the luxury EV race, reaching 100,000 electric vehicle sales just a few years after launching its first all-electric model. As Motor1 noted, GM said in January 2019 that Cadillac would spearhead its EV effort. That strategy began to take shape with the 2023 Lyriq, which was Cadillac’s first EV to reach the market. In about four years, Cadillac has now sold 100,000 EVs across its expanding electric lineup. The especially notable part is that most of those buyers were new to Cadillac. According to Cadillac, about 75% of those sales were made by customers new to GM’s premier luxury automaker, per Motor1. Many of those buyers came from Tesla, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Lexus, signaling that Cadillac is carving out space in an increasingly crowded luxury market. Sales have stayed strong to start 2026. As Motor1 reported, Cadillac sold more than 9,500 EVs in the first three months of the year, up 20%. The Optiq helped lead that growth, with sales rising 65.9%. The Vistiq went from just one sale in the first quarter of 2025 to 1,902 during the same period this year. Luxury EV competition has become one of the clearest signs
On this episode of Generation AI, host Derek Staahl digs into two AI trends that are hitting close to home for families right now. First: “nudify” apps and dangerous deepfakes. These tools can take an ordinary photo and turn it into an explicit AI-generated image—and a new investigation shows students around the world are being targeted at an alarming scale. We talk about what parents and schools can do right now to reduce the risk, spot warning signs, and make it clear this isn’t a prank—it can have serious consequences. Derek is joined by Sarah Grado, CEO of the nonprofit Not My Kid, who shares practical advice for starting these conversations with kids (without turning it into an interrogation), setting healthy boundaries with devices, and creating a support system so victims feel safe speaking up. Then, the episode turns to another growing issue: people using AI chatbots as a stand-in for therapy. Jamie Vink, president of Meadows Behavioral Health Care, explains why AI can feel so comforting—and why that can become risky when it starts replacing real human connection. The takeaway: AI can be helpful, but it shouldn’t become your only source of support. Source link
The most popular phones in Samsung’s smartphone portfolio aren’t the uncannily thin Folds or the pen-touting Ultras; they are the Galaxy A-series phones that make up the bulk of Samsung’s sales and rank among the best-selling phones in the world quarter after quarter. I expect the Samsung Galaxy A37 to replace its A36 predecessor in short order. The A-series of phones isn’t aiming at feature-chasing power users who feel the need to upgrade every year or two, though. Instead, the series aims to provide a reliable device you’ll be happy keeping for a few extra years, an affordable phone that looks a heck of a lot closer to its premium flagship siblings while making a few reasonable spec sacrifices under the hood. While none of the changes between the new A37 and 2025’s A36 are earth-shattering, even the most modest of iterative updates allows the A37 to remain a worthwhile value, despite a $50 price increase. The A37’s cameras are largely unchanged outside a slight boost to the Nightography mode. Galaxy AI mostly consists of existing features (like Circle to Search) or is about a year behind the Pixel counterpart (Object Eraser and Suggested Edits). Still, it’s hard to go
May 13, 2026, 4:28 p.m. ET Trump Mobile said on Wednesday it has begun shipping its long-delayed $499 T1 smartphones to customers, several months after the gold-colored device was originally slated for release in August. The mobile venture, launched in June last year by the Trump Organization under a trademark licensing arrangement, had pushed back the T1 phone’s release first to October and later to this week, amid questions over the feasibility of manufacturing a low-cost smartphone in the United States. “Phones that were pre-ordered are starting to be delivered to customers this week,” Trump Mobile CEO Pat O’Brien said in a statement to Reuters. He said the launch was delayed as the company worked through multiple stages of development and testing to ensure the phone’s components met quality standards. The gold-colored T1 Phone features a 6.78-inch display, a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, triple-camera system and a 5,000 mAh battery, running on Android. The company did not disclose how many phones had been pre-ordered or shipped, citing competitive reasons, but said it expected outstanding orders to be fulfilled within the next several weeks. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Trump Mobile entered the crowded U.S.
Stock all/Shutterstock OpenAI, which is currently facing a raft of lawsuits over alleged safety lapses in ChatGPT, has endorsed the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA). The company said that its endorsement was part of a broader commitment to create “AI-specific rules” for kids safety. OpenAI’s endorsement comes as KOSA, which passed the Senate in 2024, appears to be gaining some momentum. KOSA, which was first introduced in 2022, is one of several online safety bills that would require social media companies and other online platforms to implement stronger protections for children. The bill has been revised a number of times, but the current version includes a requirement for social media apps to allow minors to opt out of “addictive” features and algorithmic recommendations. Online platforms also have a “duty of care” to mitigate mitigate harmful content that promotes eating disorders, suicide and sexual exploitation. Apple, Microsoft, Snap and X have also endorsed the bill. NetChoice, a trade group whose members include Meta and other platforms, has said the measure would enable censorship without making kids safer online. Privacy and digital rights groups, like the Electronic Frontier Foundation, also oppose the bill. Though
The golden Trump phone is finally shipping out this week to people who preordered it, according to an emailed statement given by Trump Mobile CEO Pat O’Brien to USA Today. Trump Mobile expects phones will be delivered within the next few weeks after months-long production delays, the report said. “Those delays were worth it in our minds as we are delivering an amazing product,” O’Brien reportedly said. Trump Mobile and The Trump Organization did not immediately respond to CNET’s requests for comment or confirmation. CNET Director of Content Patrick Holland put down a $100 deposit to preorder the T1 phone in June 2025 so CNET can review the phone, but he has yet to hear from the company about a shipping date. However, he logged into his Trump Mobile account on Wednesday morning, where he was alerted that he needed to update his outdated payment method. Holland says his preorder was “confirmed but not processed.” Screenshot by CNET Trump Mobile launched in June 2025 with a $47.45-a-month mobile phone plan, and announced that a Trump phone would be made in the US and launch in August 2025. But when it became obvious that domestic large-scale smartphone manufacturing would not be possible,
Chef-approved frozen breakfasts with more protein and better ingredients. Eating a healthy breakfast every morning is a great way to start the day, but most people don’t have time to cook. Whether you’re rushing out the door in the morning for work, taking the kids to school or both, there’s usually not much time in between to get a hot meal on the table. That’s where the freezer section comes in handy. There are so many breakfast options, but many are filled with junk ingredients and too much fat and salt. However, there are actually good choices that chefs recommend. Here are the top five to stock up on. Kodiak Cakes English Muffin, Turkey Sausage, and Cheddar Cheese Kodiak Cakes Kodiak Cakes has built a loyal following around protein-forward, whole-grain foods, and the Kodiak Cakes English Muffin, Turkey Sausage, and Cheddar Cheese is a delicious and satisfying breakfast that’s good to grab on the go. “This English Muffin breakfast sandwich is easy to heat up, has a good texture and is flavorful, and provides a good amount of protein to kick off the morning,” says Abbie Gellman, MS, RD, CDN, Owner of Chef Abbie Gellman and the Director of Culinary
BATTLE CREEK, MICH. —The Kellogg Co. donated food to 28 million people experiencing food insecurity in 2022, according to a recently published company report. The report reviewed the company’s hunger relief efforts that are part of Kellogg’s Better Days Promise, which initially launched in 2015 with the goal to provide one billion servings of cereal and snacks to children and families in need around the world. “Our company’s vision is a good and just world where people are not just fed but fulfilled,” said Stephanie Slingerland, senior director, Philanthropy and Social Impact. “That’s why we work hard to create positive futures for families and those experiencing food insecurity around the world.” In 2022, Kellogg reached more than 1 million children through feeding programs and volunteered more than 12,000 hours of community service work. In addition, the company engaged more than 369 million people to advocate for sustainable and equitable access to food. Since 2015, Kellogg has fed more the 247 million people in need of nutrition assistance. The company has pledged to feed 375 million people experiencing food insecurity by the end of 2030. Source link
LONDON — Vevey, Switzerland-based Nestle SA is once again the world’s most valuable brand, according to “Food & Drink 2022,” which highlights the top 10 global food and beverage brands as measured by consultancy company Brand Finance. Brand Finance evaluates 5,000 of the world’s largest brands annually and ranks them according to value, brand strength, growth rate and emergence. Nestle came in first for value at $20.8 billion, up from $19.4 billion in 2021 and worth nearly twice as much as the second-place company, China-based dairy brand Yili Group, which was valued at $10.6 billion. “Nestle credits their decentralized structure as the reason for its agility in responding to changes in consumer needs, customer demands and supply chain challenges, which is correlated with its brand value growth,” Brand Finance said. In addition, Nestle’s investments in digital transformation and long-term brand strategy have helped it stay in the top position, according to the company. Yili specializes in high-status dairy products, which have seen a surge in the past year from an increased perception of immunity building and general health benefits. Coming in third was Lay’s, which is part of Purchase, NY-based PepsiCo, Inc. According to the report, Lay’s increased its value
Jing has more delicious recipes coming soon, and we have many exciting plans for 2024! As we close out 2023, I thought it would be fun to see which recipes were the most searched and requested in the past 12 months. Since most of our readers come from the United States and Canada, I created two lists: one for the top 10 Chinese recipes worldwide, and the other for the most popular Chinese recipes in North America. I am proud to say that most of the recipes on the list are Jing’s own creation. Some, like the pickled radishes, are old family recipes. Others are dishes she makes for herself and friends. Thank you to our loyal readers for your steady support and comments, and best wishes for a healthy, prosperous 2024! Image credit: Glenn Emerson for My Chinese Home Kitchen, 2023. Top 10 Chinese Recipes, Worldwide 1 Chinese Deep-fried Garlic Pork Ribs When Chinese people think of pork, they always think of pork ribs first. Pork ribs are a delicious part of pork, how do you like to cook ribs? Fried, boiled, barbecued, or other cooking methods? Today in my Chinese home kitchen, I will cook Chinese deep-fried pork ribs. This is
CHICAGO — The 2023 Sweets & Snacks Expo took place May 22-25 in Chicago, where more than 17,000 people registered to attend and over 800 companies exhibited their latest innovations. The assorted brands and products on display showed off their latest trending innovations, from indulgent treats to iconic partnerships. Market research company Mintel found 95% of US adults snack at least once a day, with 70% snacking two or more times, according to the company’s “Snacking motivations and attitudes” report. The report also noted those who snack four or more times, known as “super snackers,” is also on the rise. “Sometimes we’re grabbing that indulgent treat, and then sometimes we’re looking for that power-up or that better-for-you experience, but what we’re finding is that people want both,” said Allison Mason, associate manager, corporate communications at The Hershey Co. “It’s not one or the other, which is great news for retailers.” Companies like Chocxo are homing in on those consumers who are toeing the line between functionality and indulgence. At Sweets & Snacks, the chocolate brand debuted its dark milk chocolate toffee almond and sea salt snaps, the latest product to join the company’s low-sugar chocolate line. “Consumers want indulgence they
ATLANTA —Jennifer Mann will be the next president of the Coca-Cola Co.’s North America operating unit, the company announced Aug. 23. Ms. Mann will take over the role from Alfredo Rivera effective Jan. 1, 2023. Mr. Rivera will step down from the role but will remain with Coca-Cola as a senior adviser through March 2023. “Jennifer has emerged as a strong business leader during her 25-year career with the company,” said James Quincey, chairman and chief executive officer of Coca-Cola. “Her background in operations across the United States and globally makes her a great fit to lead the company’s largest operating unit.” Ms. Mann holds a degree in accounting from Georgia State University and joined Coca-Cola in 1997. She started as a manager in the national customer support division and has held various leadership roles since. In 2019, she became the president of global ventures and was responsible for globally scaling acquisitions and brands. Source link
As a busy executive and mom, Clara Paye, chief executive officer of UNiTE Food, Yorba Linda, Calif., relied on protein bars to get her through the day. However, she noticed most protein bars only offered such basic flavors as chocolate, peanut butter and vanilla. “That’s when I had a realization, wellness shouldn’t be exclusive,” Ms. Paye said. “Everyone should be invited to the table, no matter their background or culture. That’s why UNiTE Food Bars was created with a mission to offer unique and inclusive flavors that celebrate different cultures and cuisines.” The line includes baklava, bubble tea, churro, Mexican hot chocolate, and peanut butter and jelly. The bars contain, on average, 10 grams of protein from nuts, seeds and whey. The churro variety includes a blend of cinnamon and sugar, reminiscent of the fried dough dessert from Spanish and Portuguese cuisine. Churro was also one of the most popular flavors at the 2023 Sweets and Snacks Expo held May 22-25 in Chicago. Global flavors appeal to what Toya Mitchell, cultural and inclusive insights manager, Kellogg Co., Battle Creek, Mich., refers to as “flavor chasers.” The majority of flavor chasers are multicultural and part of the Gen Z demographic. Diversification
BOSTON — James Robert B. Quincey, chief executive officer, ranked the Coca-Cola Co. by buckets or podiums in a Sept. 8 presentation at the Barclays Consumer Staples Conference in Boston. He listed the Coke brand as the first bucket, or gold medal podium. Recently launched alcoholic drinks were ranked as the fourth bucket but with potential to move up to a medal-winning podium. “(Coke is) a huge share of the beverage industry, clear gold medalist, far exceeds any other in that,” Mr. Quincey said. “Then you got the silver medal, if you like, where we are No. 2 or No. 1, but we’re not a distant No. 1 as we might be with Coke.” He put Fanta, Sprite and tea in this second bucket. The third bucket revolves around a company vision to create scale for the company and what strategies are worth executing long term. Mr. Quincey called the fourth bucket the “true experimentation bucket.” “For me, alcohol is in this bucket,” he said. Topo Chico Ranch Water Hard Seltzer, created through a partnership with the Molson Coors Beverage Co., is doing well in the United States, Mr. Quincey said. Fruit-flavored alcoholic drinks, including Simply Spiked alcoholic drinks created
LONDON — Dealing with disruptions within the consumer landscape are a constant concern for food and beverage companies, according to “Pursuit of harmony in turmoil: working together to make a difference,” a new report from the EY Global Consumer practice in conjunction with The Consumer Goods Forum. The EY Future Consumer Index surveyed more than 20,000 consumers across 27 countries about the changing landscape. Many of these consumers had cost and price on their minds, with 74% anxious about rising living costs, 56% worried about affording household necessities, 54% expecting rising living costs to continue increasing in the next six months and 64% expressing worries about the US economy. According to the report, these worries are about more than just increasing prices. Some customers are concerned about sustainability and living with less during the pandemic, which in turn is making them question the need to own more. Other consumers “may want to do more things, but they might not want to own more things,” the report said, which is driving up interest in experiences, services, renting, repairing and peer-to-peer selling. The EY Global Consumer practice also identified 200 drivers of change that may influence the consumer landscape over the next
ATLANTA — Barry Simpson is stepping down from his position as chief platform services officer and senior vice president at the Coca-Cola Co. Mr. Simpson will leave the role Sept. 30, but he will remain in a senior advisory role until February 2023. “Barry has played an important role during his 14-year career with the Coca-Cola system, including establishing Platform Services,” said James Quincey, chief executive officer of Coca-Cola. “I thank Barry and join my colleagues in congratulating him for his contributions to the company.” Mr. Simpson has held the role since 2021, working to scale services, data and technology across the company’s network. He has held a variety of leadership positions since he joined Coca-Cola in 2008, including chief information officer of the Coca-Cola Amatil Group and global chief information and integrated services officer. Prior to joining Coca-Cola, he received a degree in economics and computer science from the University of Sydney and worked in IT leadership for Colgate-Palmolive. Following his departure, the company plans to restructure the platform services division under two new leaders that will both report to John Murphy, the soon-to-be president and chief financial officer at Coca-Cola. Neeraj Tolmare, the company’s current global chief information
WHEN HONG KONG FINALLY reopened to the post-covid world in March 2023, it did so with a bang. Clockenflap, Art Basel and the rugby Sevens were held in quick succession, and it seemed the good times were back. But the expected visitor rebound didn’t go to plan, and by year’s end, numbers are still well down both on Hong Kong’s pre-pandemic levels and compared to destinations such as Singapore and Thailand. That’s meant tough times for the hospitality sector, leading to some high-profile closures. This is not a city, however, to wallow in the past. A slew of major openings took place in 2023, including by star French chefs, affirming the Fragrant Harbour’s reputation as a global culinary capital. Here then, are 2023’s best new restaurants, hotels, bars and spas to bookmark for your next visit to Hong Kong. Best New Restaurants in Hong Kong 2023 Leela FROM LEFT: Chef Manav Tuli; interiors by lauded designer Andre Fu. Courtesy of Leela Must try menu at Leela. Courtesy of Leela FROM LEFT: Bone marrow biryani; boneless masala chicken wings. Courtesy of Leela When Manav Tuli left Chaat at the Rosewood, fans of his were left guessing what would come next. The
CHICAGO — New salty snacks reigned at the Sweets & Snacks Expo, which took place in Chicago May 22-25 with over 800 exhibitors attending. Salty snacks always have been popular, but the 2023 Sweets & Snacks Expo saw companies combine consumers’ craving for salt with other popular flavors, like sweet and spicy. The Kellogg Co., for example, is expanding into spice with its Pringles brand, which debuted two Mexican-inspired flavors, as well as a scorchin’ sour cream flavor. “I think it’s just a merger of trends,” said Jessica Watson, director portfolio marketing, snacking at the Kellogg Co. “I think our palates are evolving, spiciness is evolving. And I think that really kind of just hits an intersection of a multitude of different trends that our consumers are craving right now.” Other salty and spicy snacks that made their debut at the show include cheddar jalapeño SkinnyPop popcorn, jumbo Frank’s RedHot sunflower seeds from David Seeds and spicy nacho puffs from the Hershey Co.’s better-for-you One brand. On the other side of the flavor palate. there were plenty of salty-sweet snacks introduced at the show, as well. The Hershey Co. debuted its Dot’s Homestyle Pretzels brand, with a cinnamon sugar-flavored addition,
On the menu: konbini-style egg salad sandwiches, store-bought onigiri, home-made smoked salmon, and lots of fresh fruit and vegetables to begin January 1 in the most wholesome way possible. A New Year’s Day breakfast on top of Cape Collinson. Photo: Charmaine Mok And now we come to the end of 2023, with hundreds of restaurants visited and meals eaten, and a handful of holidays taken around Asia, with memorable plates from each destination. While there were some unforgettable one-off dishes that were available for a limited time only, these are my dishes of the year that you’ll hopefully still be able to enjoy in 2024. 1. Smoked olives from Bar Leone I’d estimate that I’ve had an average of two bowls of these incredibly moreish smoked olives on every visit to this Hong Kong bar. So good are these little green orbs – smoked in-house until they’re imbued with this insanely intense umami character that almost tastes like bonito – that they’ve turned olive haters into olive lovers. House-smoked olives at Bar Leone in Hong Kong. Photo: Bar Leone They have such a cult following that owner Lorenzo Antinori aims to start selling them in jars soon. 15 Bridges St,
BATTLE CREEK, MICH. — Pringles is reimagining its potato crisps with a line of multigrain and sweet potato-based snacks. The brand’s Harvest Blends crisps are aimed at consumers seeking the usual crispy, crunchy texture of Pringles mixed with unique flavor profiles. Available in varieties like multigrain Farmhouse cheddar, multigrain Homestyle ranch, sweet potato sea salt and sweet potato smoky BBQ, the products are launching in retailers nationwide this month. “From our classic favorites to our sizzling Scorchin’ collection — Pringles fans have long enjoyed our great taste and insanely accurate flavors,” said Mauricio Jenkins, US marketing lead for Pringles. “With our new Pringles Harvest Blends collection, we’re ecstatic to bring our fans an elevated tasting experience — one that is both familiar with the bold flavors our fans know and love, and completely unique with its irresistibly crunchy texture and flavorful blends of sweet potato and multigrain.” Source link
ATLANTA — The Coca-Cola Co. has promoted Evguenia (Jeny) Stoichkova to president of global ventures, effective Jan. 1, 2023. Ms. Stoichkova joined Coca-Cola Bulgaria in 2004 and was most recently the president of the company’s Eurasia & Middle East division, a role she has held since 2021. She was also president of Coca-Cola’s former Turkey, Caucasus & Asia unit from 2017-2020. In her new role, Ms. Stoichkova will focus on globally scaling brands and acquisitions, such as Costa Coffee. Sedef Salingan Sahin, president of nutrition, juice, dairy and plant categories at Coca-Cola, will take over Ms. Stoichkova’s previous role. Source link
The commission in June warned that Foodpanda and Deliveroo’s contracts could constitute a breach of anti-monopoly regulations, with the companies proposing remedial terms that were later discussed at public consultations. Competition Commission CEO Rasul Butt has described the changes as a significant step in levelling the industry playing field. Photo: David Wong Watchdog CEO Rasul Butt on Friday described the changes as a significant step in levelling the industry playing field. “While restaurants can enjoy more flexibility in partnering with small platforms and pricing menu items across their dine-in and other delivery channels, new entrants and small platforms can partner with more restaurants and grow their network,” he said. “Ultimately, end customers will reap the benefits of increased competition between platforms, which include more choices, potentially better services and lower menu prices.” Under the updated deals, eateries under contract will be allowed to offer their dishes at cheaper prices through their own direct delivery and dine-in channels, as well as on smaller rival platforms. The latter arrangement was previously prohibited under Foodpanda’s exclusivity deals. Deliveroo and Foodpanda offer to amend exclusivity deals with Hong Kong restaurants According to the watchdog, eateries could lower menu prices based on the commission rates
KANSAS CITY — Better-for-you snacks are making their way to shelves in time for the summer season. Kellogg Co.’s Pringles brand is expanding with multigrain and sweet potato-based snacks. The crisps are available in multigrain Farmhouse cheddar, multigrain Homestyle ranch, sweet potato sea salt and sweet potato smoky BBQ. “From our classic favorites to our sizzling Scorchin’ collection — Pringles fans have long enjoyed our great taste and insanely accurate flavors,” said Mauricio Jenkins, US marketing lead for Pringles. “With our new Pringles Harvest Blends collection, we’re ecstatic to bring our fans an elevated tasting experience — one that is both familiar with the bold flavors our fans know and love, and completely unique with its irresistibly crunchy texture and flavorful blends of sweet potato and multigrain.” Blue Diamond Growers added a “better-for-you option of chocolate-dipped almonds,” according to the company. The thin dipped almonds are available in double dark chocolate and dark chocolate sea salt caramel. “We are so excited to present our customers with yet another incredible innovation within Blue Diamond’s iconic snack almond portfolio,” said Raj Joshi, senior vice president of global consumer division, Blue Diamond Growers. “Whether you’re a health nut or not, Thin Dipped Almonds offer a
ATLANTA — Higher prices for food and beverages are leading to shifts in consumer purchasing patterns. The Coca-Cola Co. sees those shifts and, in part, is relying on its momentum in fiscal 2022 to adapt and continue to grow. That momentum prompted management to raise its guidance for the year to 15% organic revenue growth from 14% and currency-neutral earnings per share growth from 15% to 16%. “In an operating environment that increasingly puts more variables into the equation than we’ve seen in the past, we are focused on delivering and executing for growth,” said James Robert B. Quincey, chairman and chief executive officer, during an Oct. 25 conference call to discuss third-quarter results. “We are encouraged by what we are seeing in the business.” Mr. Quincey said during the call that consumer elasticities in core categories have continued to hold up, but cracks are starting to appear. “The short answer is, yes, we’re seeing some changes in consumer behavior,” he said. “I mean, overall, in the third quarter, (the) consumer remained pretty resilient and elasticities were at the better end of the spectrum.” But, he added, changes are starting to show up in the US retail dollar channel and
PARIS — Minneapolis-based General Mills, Inc.’s cereal portfolio is playing a winning game against its competitors, said Jeffrey L. Harmening, chairman and chief executive officer of the company, in a June 7 presentation at the Deutsche Bank dbAccess Global Consumer Conference in Paris. In a conversation with research analyst Stephen Powers, Mr. Harmening had a positive outlook on the company’s cereal segment, specifically citing the company’s recent Minis cereal launches. “Our new products have led the category, including the launch of Minis cereals more recently, Reese’s Puffs and Trix and Cinnamon Toast Crunch Minis, but soon to become Lucky Charms Minis and Cocoa Puffs Minis,” Mr. Harmening said. “And so that whole line has done really well. Our innovation pipeline in cereal looks really good.” When asked about the impending separation of the Kellogg Co.’s cereal business into an independent branch, Kellanova, Mr. Harmening agreed that it is important to keep a close eye on competitors’ moves while maintaining a focus on development and innovation. “I would start by saying that the most important thing that we can do in cereal is continue to play our game,” Mr. Harmening said. “I mean it’s been a winning game. And the worst
LONDON — As the end dates to achieve specific sustainability goals near, many large food and beverage companies are accelerating their investments in sustainable packaging initiatives. A poll conducted by the market researcher GlobalData in April showed that nearly 35% of companies have changed their behavior in the past 12 months to achieve environmental, social and governance goals. “As we step into a post-COVID-19 pandemic world, consumers are reassessing their purchases and manufacturers are aligning their products to the 4Rs of sustainability — reduce, reuse, recycle, and recover — given the target date for various ESG standards edge closer,” said Kiran Raj, practice head of disruptive technology for GlobalData. “Sustainability seems to have outgrown corporate social responsibility (CSR) tokenism to stand at the top of manufacturers’ business agenda, thus accelerating the shift toward a circular economy.” Nestle SA, Vevey, Switzerland is scheduled to pilot a program featuring paper-based, compostable Nespresso capsules in France and Switzerland next year. After three years of research and development, Nespresso has developed a home compostable paper-based capsule that delivers the coffee with no compromise on the taste experience, according to the company. Consumer demand for compostable packaging is increasing, and an estimated 45% of French
Hong Kong-born and Vancouver-raised Flora Ma is the co-founder of Only Beverages, the sugar-free, carb-free premium vodka soda brand produced in Hong Kong. She spoke to Andrew Sun. I was born in Hong Kong and moved to Vancouver at a very young age, where I grew up enjoying traditional Chinese dishes at home. However, as I grew older, my taste expanded to include a wide variety of dishes from around the world, with a particular love for Japanese. My favourite restaurants offer both a fantastic vibe and top-notch food. I love Zuma (Shop 501-503, The Landmark, 15 Queen’s Road Central. Tel: 3657 6388) for their brunch – and yashoku night brunch – with free-flow food and champagne. Tokio Joe (16 Lan Kwai Fong, Central. Tel: 2525 1889) and Sushi Kuu (1/F, M88, Wellington Place, 2-8 Wellington Street, Central. Tel: 2971 0180) are other favourites for their relaxed environment, excellent sushi and lunch sets. Marinated black cod from Zuma. Photo: Zuma Spicy Tuna Crunchy at Tokio Joe in Central. Photo: Xiaomei Chen Restaurants on heavy rotation for dinner include Carbone (9/F, Lan Kwai Fong Tower, 33 Wyndham Street, Central. Tel: 2593 2593), which I love for its charming decor and ambience,
LONDON — Technological development has been “fast-changing and sustained” since the onset of COVID-19, emerging as a hot-button topic for the consumer goods industry in many forms, according to “Pursuit of harmony in turmoil: working together to make a difference,” a new report from the EY Global Consumer practice in conjunction with the Consumer Goods Forum. With the COVID-19 pandemic forcing more consumers and companies to adopt e-commerce and remote working, both consumer behavior and the industry’s enterprise technology also underwent a significant shift, generating a “tidal wave of data” that provides a much more nuanced understanding of consumers and operations, the report noted. Recent technology investments have accelerated several capabilities, such as transparency and efficiency, in several important areas including e-commerce, data management, supply chain and even cybersecurity. “Structurally, this is one of the most underestimated topics in the economy,” said Steffen Greubel, PhD, chairman of the management board for Metro AG. “No one is really talking about it and it won’t go away. Cyberattacks inflict damages of around €200 billion on the German economy every year and it is also a massive act of economic sabotage.” According to the report, the market turmoil of the last few years
ATLANTA — The Coca-Cola Co. denied any wrongdoing after a Jan. 9 article from Politico said Coca-Cola and PepsiCo, Inc. were under preliminary investigation by the Federal Trade Commission over potential price discrimination in the soft drink market. “The Coca-Cola Co.is committed to fair and lawful competition in the marketplace,” Coca-Cola said. “Any assertion that the company has done anything unlawful with respect to the sale and distribution of its products is unfounded, and we are prepared to defend any specific accusations accordingly.” PepsiCo, Purchase, NY, as of Jan. 11 had yet to respond to a request for comment. The FTC is investigating PepsiCo and Coca-Cola under the Robinson-Patman Act, which prohibits suppliers from offering better prices to large retailers at the expense of smaller retailers, according to Politico. Source link
or 10 years we’ve been studying the question: What makes a country a safe place to travel? The result of our research has been our annual list of the World’s Safest Places. This year’s list, part of a comprehensive survey of the safety attitudes of American travelers, reflects what those travelers consider the safest countries in the world in 2027, based on their actual experiences with those countries. Through our research, we’ve seen the components of a safe destination shift over the years, as Millennials have passed the live-to-travel torch to Gen Z. Despite everything, though, the desire to travel remains strong, and the desire to travel to a safe destination remains stronger still. And in this era of heightened tensions and higher prices, it persists. Here are the safest countries for travelers in 2027: The Safest Countries in 2027 Canada New Zealand Australia Iceland Japan Austria Ireland Netherlands Denmark Portugal Norway Switzerland Italy Spain Germany Just for comparison, here is the 2026 list: Netherlands Australia Austria Iceland Canada New Zealand United Arab Emirates Switzerland Japan Ireland Belgium Portugal France United Kingdom Denmark Photo by Kyle Glenn on Unsplash What You Need to Know About the World’s Safest Countries
Travelling at Christmas this year? You might as well make it memorable. Picture reindeer country in Lapland, or a festive European Christmas market filled with twinkling lights and the smell of mulled wine. Or do the opposite and celebrate somewhere warm, from Dubai and the Caribbean to a sunny Christmas in Sydney. This guide brings together 14 nice places to visit for Christmas around the world, chosen for UK travellers. Whether you’re after snow, sparkle, or a complete escape from winter, you’ll find destination ideas and practical tips to help make this December feel truly special. 5 Winter Wonderland Destinations (Europe) If you want nice places to visit for Christmas without committing to long-haul, Europe gives you the easiest win from the UK: short flight times (or an easy train trip), strong festive traditions, and cities that feel made for winter wandering. Vienna, Austria Vienna feels made for Christmas. In December, baroque buildings glow with lights, the air smells of roasted chestnuts and mulled wine, and festive concerts run across the city. It’s best known for its mix of large, central Christmas markets and smaller ones set against historic backdrops. Start at the main event: the Vienna Christmas Market at
A trio of scientific papers, published in the journal Circulation, spells out how fluctuating hormones, mental health and well-being, the heart and the brain are linked and how those connections need to be a routine part of care from a young age. Image for illustration purposes Mega Doctor News – Advertisement – By American Heart Association A new approach to women’s heart health may offer them a lifetime of opportunities. A trio of scientific papers, published in the journal Circulation, spells out how fluctuating hormones, mental health and well-being, the heart and the brain are linked and how those connections need to be a routine part of care from a young age. – Advertisement – “Women experience their healthcare across clinical specialties, but it often is fragmented or disconnected. Specifically, these reports connect the dots for clinicians, for patients, and across health domains so that care is holistic and begins in adolescence,” said Dr. Sadiya Khan, chair of the writing group. Khan is the Magerstadt Professor of Cardiovascular Epidemiology at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago. “Heart disease and other forms of cardiovascular disease don’t suddenly become relevant when we become older women,” said Dr. Stacey E. Rosen, immediate past
File photo depicting brain health. Chief Executive Officer of the University of Ghana Medical Centre Ltd (UGMC), Dr Abdul-Samed Tanko, has urged Ghanaians to adopt healthier lifestyles, warning that sedentary habits and excessive consumption of fatty foods could endanger their heart and brain health. He said lifestyle choices, including excessive carbohydrate intake, physical inactivity and regular consumption of junk food, contribute to health problems that could be prevented through better dietary habits and changes in daily routines. “Sedentary life, we become, the Englishman says, couch potatoes. We hardly get up to do some of these activities,” Dr Tanko told JoyNews in an interview. He cautioned against excessive carbohydrate consumption, explaining that although carbohydrates are important, the quantity consumed and the timing of meals matter. “We’re not saying that carbs are not good. Carbs are good, but you should watch the portion and the timing,” he said. Dr Tanko also warned against making junk food, including burgers and fries, a regular part of people’s diets, particularly for children. “If you don’t take your child to go and get a burger as a treat, fine. But when it becomes regular, we take so many of these fats that are endangering our health,
Earlier this month, we shared a list of the creepiest places in the US, as told by people who experienced them firsthand. Now, let’s open it up to the whole world. Here are 76 of the scariest, darkest, and most unsettling cities, towns, and other destinations from all around the globe: Hey, you! Have you visited or passed through a city, town, or other place that was so eerie, you won’t ever forget it? Tell us about it in the comments or anonymous form at the end of this article. Note: The following submissions are simply people’s opinions. If you’re from one of these places and think they got it all wrong, set the record straight in the comments! 1. Annapurna in Gandaki Province, Nepal: “It’s a mountain in Nepal where 32% of climbers die.” @ Didier Marti / Getty Images —u/thethird69 Annapurna is the 10th-tallest mountain in the world, and the deadliest of those over 8,000 feet. As of 2012, only 191 people have successfully made it to the top. The first ever to do so, French climbers Maurice Herzog and Louis Lachenal sacrificed all their toes to extreme frostbite and gangrene. Herzog had to have his fingers amputated,
Are you planning a holiday in 2027? There are several best places in the World to visit which are attractive for their historic landmark, natural beauty, cultural festivals, and variety of food collections. Recently, National Geographic revealed the top 25 best places in the world to visit in 2027, and these destinations are across six continents. Among these 25 destinations to visit, Jaipur, India, is also in the list due to its royal architecture, traditional crafts, and world-famous Jaipur Literature Festival. Here is the complete list of the 25 destinations, followed by details of five places worth exploring. Top 25 Best Places to Visit in 2027 No. Destination Country/Region Main Attraction 1 Vestland Norway Fjords, glaciers and waterfalls 2 Penang Malaysia Rainforests, heritage and food 3 Luxor Egypt Ancient temples and solar eclipse 4 Madison, Wisconsin USA Lakes, cycling trails and markets 5 Puerto Rico Caribbean territory Beaches, music and cultural traditions 6 Dumfries and Galloway Scotland, UK Dark skies and hiking trails 7 Niigata Japan Art festivals and traditional food 8 Chengdu China Giant pandas and ancient history 9 Pacific Coast Highway California, USA Coastal road trips and artistic towns 10 Jaipur India Palaces, crafts and literature festival 11
Diet and sedentary lifestyle only explain part of South Asia’s health epidemic. A new paper on Lancet argues that environmental exposure, including air pollution, endocrine-disrupting chemicals, and climate-related stress, is driving the surge in diseases Excess calorie consumption and physical inactivity are often cited as the main drivers of obesity, diabetes and heart disease. Yet, these lifestyle factors may explain only part of South Asia’s growing cardiometabolic crisis. An overlooked contributor is environmental exposure, particularly air pollution. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) may contribute significantly to the region’s growing burden of diabetes and cardiovascular disease, according to a new paper in The Lancet Regional Health – Southeast Asia. The paper examines how a combination of environmental exposures, including air pollution, endocrine-disrupting chemicals, ultra-processed diets, disrupted sleep and climate-related stress, may affect cardiometabolic health. The authors use the term “exposome” to describe the totality of environmental exposures a person encounters throughout their lifetime. Titled “South Asia’s cardiometabolic burden: exposomal determinants of a health transition”, the paper is authored by Yashendra Sethi of the Department of Medicine at Subharti Medical College, Swami Vivekanand Subharti University, Meerut, and Dr Anoop Misra, endocrinologist and chairman of Fortis C-DOC, New Delhi. The authors call for a
From Canada’s historic cities and coastal landscapes to Europe’s lesser-known cultural destinations, 2027 is shaping up to be an exciting year for travellers looking to explore somewhere different. While famous tourist hotspots continue to attract millions of visitors, destinations offering authentic local experiences, natural beauty, and distinctive cultural heritage are becoming increasingly appealing. The destinations highlighted in this article cover a remarkable variety of travel experiences. Quebec offers French-Canadian culture and historic architecture, while Northern California is home to some of the world’s tallest trees. Maryland and New Mexico showcase different sides of the United States, while Prince Edward Island provides a quieter coastal escape. Europe also features prominently, with Italy’s Veneto region, Germany’s Dessau, Sweden’s Skanor-Falsterbo, Croatia’s Sibenik, and Spain’s Leon offering everything from Renaissance architecture to medieval streets and Baltic beaches. Top 10 Best Places to Visit in 2027 The following ten destinations are presented in the order provided for this Lonely Planet-inspired 2027 travel list. Each offers something different, whether visitors are interested in food, history, outdoor adventures, architecture, or simply discovering places beyond the usual tourist routes. Photo: Expedia 1. Quebec, Canada Quebec is one of Canada’s most fascinating travel destinations, offering a distinctive combination of
The annual list, unveiled on Oct. 20, features 25 destinations and travel experiences around the world for travelers to explore in the coming year. The selections were made following a nomination, research and reporting process involving National Geographic’s travel experts and Nat Geo Traveler’s international editorial teams. National Geographic highlighted Penang’s unique mix of natural beauty and cultural heritage, from George Town’s UNESCO-listed historic streets to lush, rainforest-backed beaches, traditional villages and meandering rivers lined with mangroves. Part of Malaysia’s Penang Island. Photo courtesy of Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board Penang is celebrated across Asia for its vibrant food scene, featuring local favorites such as Char Koay Teow, a wok-fried flat rice noodle dish, and Penang Assam Laksa, a tangy, fish-based noodle soup. The island boasts acclaimed dining establishments, including Auntie Gaik Lean’s Old School Eatery, known for its traditional Nyonya cuisine, and Au Jardin, recognized for its contemporary fine dining experience. In a statement issued on Oct. 21, State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai described Penang’s inclusion in NatGeo list as a proud achievement, highlighting the recognition as an opportunity to introduce the state’s unique attractions to a global audience, Bernama reported. Other destinations featured in
While Halloween is marked in many countries around the world on October 31, some people love sticking to the dark and mysterious theme when travelling any time of year. And of course, some nations are more spooky than others for a creepy visit. Experts at Holafly investigated and have now revealed the most eerie places around the world to go. Here are the top 10. 10. Belgium The small European nation is home to 45 gothic attractions and places to stay. One of the most renowned places to visit is Château Féodal de La Roche-en-Ardenne said to be haunted by Countess Berthe who stalks the ramparts. iStock 9. Ireland Ireland has 52 chilling spots. They’re mostly castles like Kinnitty Castle. You can stay the night if you’re brave enough to meet Monk Hugh the Phantom Monk, a tall figure in a black hooded robe who sometimes spooks staff and guests. iStock 8. USA The nation has 125 haunted sights, including castles, caves and lighthouses. One of the most famous haunted hotels is The Stanley Hotel in Colorado which is said to have been an inspiration for horror writer Stephen King’s book and film The Shining. iStock 7. Germany Ramping up in the spooky
Health insurance giants are cutting back on benefits to maximize their profit. UnitedHealthcare and Humana — the two largest private health insurance companies for older adults in the US — are canceling several Medicare Advantage plans, affecting nearly 1 million people. The two major health insurers are ending specific plans in areas where they make less money to protect their corporate profits, according to Healthcare Brew. According to company reports, they are primarily discontinuing Preferred Provider Organization (PPOs) — flexible doctor-network plans — and ending coverage in less profitable regions. More than 70 million people are enrolled in Medicare, which insures Americans 65 and over and some people with disabilities. Prostock-studio – stock.adobe.com UnitedHealth Group spokesperson Eric Hausman confirmed to Healthcare Brew via email that about 390,000 members will lose their current plans. Unexpectedly high healthcare usage and rising medical costs caught the company off guard and lowered its stock value in 2025. About 600,000 people are enrolled in a Humana Medicare plan that is ending in 2027, Humana Chief Financial Officer Celeste Mellet said during a July financial call, representing about 8% of the company’s 7.2 million Medicare members, according to Fortune. When insurance companies end a plan, their
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 21 (Bernama) — The World Health Organisation (WHO) will bring its global public health expertise to the 6th Malaysian Lifestyle Medicine Conference 2026, highlighting the role of preventive healthcare in promoting healthy ageing and tackling chronic diseases. The conference, to be held at Berjaya Times Square Hotel here from Oct 24 to 26, will feature a dedicated WHO symposium themed “Building Health Where Life Happens – Advancing Lifestyle Medicine Approaches in Healthy Settings through the Life Course”. Malaysian Society of Lifestyle Medicine (MSLM) president Adjunct Prof Dr Siva Poobalasingam said the conference would bring together local and international experts to explore how lifestyle medicine could help prevent chronic diseases and promote healthy ageing. “Lifestyle medicine uses evidence-based lifestyle changes, including healthy eating, regular physical activity, adequate sleep and stress management to prevent and manage diseases and improve overall health,” he said in a statement to Bernama. WHO Representative to Malaysia, Brunei and Singapore Dr Rabindra Abeyasinghe will deliver the keynote address and participate in an expert panel discussion at the conference. The WHO symposium builds on a joint pilot project by WHO and the Health Ministry in Seremban 2, which demonstrated the potential of lifestyle interventions in helping
A giant panda plays in a tree in Chengdu, Sichuan province, China – Photo: REUTERS Drawing on input from National Geographic ‘s global network of writers, photographers, and explorers, the magazine’s annual Best of the World list showcases 25 outstanding destinations across the continents. These are places offering new avenues of discovery , reviving cultural values, or significant commemorative events, making 2027 an ideal time to visit. “A new national park at the ends of the earth , an ancient city looking back at its past in a new way, or a legendary travel route—all these places offer new reasons to stop. Your next memorable trip could begin from any of these locations,” writes National Geographic . Destinations in Asia One of the familiar destinations for Vietnamese tourists on this list is Japan , specifically Niigata Prefecture. National Geographic recommends that tourists visit in 2027 because it will feature a unique art festival and centuries-old traditions of sake and fermented foods, opening up new ways to explore this peaceful region of Japan. Niigata Prefecture is located in the heart of Japan’s snowy region, a coastal area in central Japan known for its heavy snowfall, attracting skiers from around the world.
Penang has earned further international recognition in tourism after being named one of the world’s 25 best places to visit in 2027 by National Geographic, highlighting the state’s rich heritage, cultural diversity and renowned food scene. The recognition places Penang on the prestigious list of destinations recommended by the internationally acclaimed publication, making it the only destination in Malaysia and Southeast Asia to be featured. State executive councillor Wong Hon Wai, who oversees tourism, culture and the creative economy, said the recognition would further strengthen Penang’s position as an international tourism destination. “Penang is proud to be among the destinations featured in this prestigious annual list, which offers travellers inspiration and compelling reasons to explore the world in the coming year,” he said. Wong explained that the selection followed a comprehensive nomination, research and reporting process involving National Geographic’s travel experts and Nat Geo Traveler’s international editorial teams. He added that National Geographic’s global reach and storytelling have long inspired travellers to discover new destinations, experience different cultures and develop a deeper understanding of the world. Penang’s latest achievement builds on its previous recognition in National Geographic’s 2025 coverage of the best islands in Southeast Asia for food, which celebrated
It’s been a big year for Melbourne on the international accolades front. Earlier this year, Melbs was crowned the very best city in the world by Time Out’s team of global editors, and now the Victorian capital has another trophy to add to its collection. National Geographic’s Best of the World list for 2027 has just dropped, and Melbourne was the only place in Australia to make the list. The annual guide highlights 25 destinations across six continents that are worth travelling to in the year ahead, with Melbourne recognised for its buzzy neighbourhoods, diverse dining scene and growing collection of green spaces. So what was it about Melbourne that caught the attention of the Nat Geo team? While Sydney has traditionally attracted more international visitors, National Geographic says Melbourne is increasingly stepping into the spotlight – and we have to agree. With the city’s stacked sporting calendar and amazing new nature experiences in the works, there are a heap of reasons to put Melbs on your travel wishlist if you don’t already call the city home. First up, of course, there’s the food. Melbourne’s culinary identity has been shaped by successive waves of migration since the 1800s, creating a
A client satisfaction survey rarely asks about training. It asks whether the person who came to the house was gentle, respectful and easy to understand. Those answers depend on skills a caregiver learns, practices and has been checked by a supervisor. For home-based care organisations, that makes training one of the clearest levers on the experience clients report. This guide links the questions clients answer to the skills behind them, and shows how to build training and supervision that hold up visit after visit. Key takeaways Satisfaction surveys ask about gentleness, respect, listening and medicines, and each of these rests on skills caregivers can be trained in. The revised Home Health Care CAHPS Survey, in use since April 2026, adds questions on whether staff cared about the patient as a person and kept family informed. Online courses build knowledge, while observed competency checks confirm the hands-on skills clients notice. Reading results measure by measure points supervisors to the skill that needs attention. What client satisfaction surveys actually ask For Medicare-certified home health agencies, the main yardstick is the Home Health Care CAHPS (HHCAHPS) Survey. CMS publishes the results on the Medicare.gov Care Compare tool and updates them quarterly, and consumers
Very good boys deserve very good gifts. But if the ‘dunno’ to your lovingly-asked ‘What do you want for Christmas?’ has you questioning your initial assumption, our gift guide is here to step in and do the thinking for him. Whether you’re a time-conscious gifter shopping with nothing to go off, or an under-the-cosh giftee searching for inspiration, we’ve taken cues from our tried-and-tested buyer’s guides, as well as tips from the Men’s Health team, to compile this ultimate list of gifts worth giving and receiving, whatever the occasion. If you’ve arrived on this page as an eleventh hour shopper, no need to panic – skip to the ‘last-minute’ section where you’ll find a collection of crowd-pleasers with next day delivery. Otherwise, peruse the categories below at your leisure. For the Men’s Health Reader Gym goers can be picky about their kit. If you know someone who tracks his macros as closely as his one-rep-maxes, these are bound to earn a spot in his gym bag – or, in the case of the first pick, replace it entirely. If he bikes or runs to the office, he’ll love Stubble & Co’s Motion Backpack. It’s waterproof, comfortable to wear when moving
FOX Weather meteorologist Stephen Morgan gives his best place in America for Oct. 28. We’re nearing the end of 2026 and next year’s vacation planning is likely already underway for some people. Expedia’s Unpack 2027 report puts together a list of places in the world that are gaining attention or might be flying under the radar as a vacation destination in 2027. Two places in the U.S. are on the list, with others in Europe, Asia, South America, Canada, Mexico and Australia joining. See which 10 places made the final list: South Lake Tahoe, California This destination is great for visits all year, with skiing and snowboarding options in the winter and paddle boarding, hiking, camping and kayaking in the summer. Expedia said searches for South Lake Tahoe were up 195% year-after-year, making it a perfect destination for outdoor lovers in 2027. 10 OFF-THE-BEATEN-PATH NATIONAL PARKS YOU MAY NEVER HAVE HEARD OF AND ARE WORTH VISITING STATELINE, NV – FEBRUARY 12: The California side of South Lake Tahoe is viewed at sunrise from Harvey’s Hotel & Casino on February 12, 2024, in Stateline, Nevada. (George Rose / Getty Images) Hyogo, Japan Hyogo is what Expedia calls “one of Japan’s most
Dr. Nguyen Hong Truong, MD, discusses with the press about the activities of the 2026 “Nutrition and Development” Week. (Photo: Thu Phuong) On October 19th, at a press briefing, Dr. Nguyen Hong Truong, Deputy Director of the National Institute of Nutrition, stated that the “Nutrition and Development” Week is an activity in response to World Food Day (October 16th) aimed at conveying the message “Innovating the food system towards sustainability, implementing a healthy diet for health today and tomorrow.” This week encourages each family to improve the quality of their meals, ensure food safety, and reduce waste through diverse eating habits, a balanced combination of food groups, utilization of local food sources, and appropriate cooking methods. Notably, improving meals doesn’t necessarily mean choosing expensive foods or increasing spending. To achieve this, families need to create meal plans, shop according to their needs, and control costs while avoiding excess. Diets should be appropriate for age, health, activity level, and economic conditions; those with medical conditions or special needs should seek professional advice. Schools, meal providers, businesses, and regulatory agencies need to cooperate and create conditions for people to access and maintain healthy eating habits. The rational use of food resources is
When people think about weight loss, they often picture dramatic transformations: a major drop on the scale, a new clothing size or a before-and-after photo. But when it comes to overall health, some of the biggest benefits can begin long before those milestone moments. Image for illustration purposes Mega Doctor News – Advertisement – By American Heart Association When people think about weight loss, they often picture dramatic transformations: a major drop on the scale, a new clothing size or a before-and-after photo. But when it comes to overall health, some of the biggest benefits can begin long before those milestone moments. Research shows that even small changes in weight may improve health markers such as blood pressure, blood sugar and other measures. – Advertisement – “Doctors care about weight control, weight loss and preventing obesity for reasons far beyond aesthetics,” said Dr. Francisco Lopez-Jimenez, a professor of medicine and preventive cardiologist at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. He is also the chair-elect for the Obesity Science Committee of the American Heart Association’s Council on Lifestyle and Cardiometabolic Health. Obesity or excess weight, he said, is often the root cause of many conditions that affect heart health. Excess weight can
Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai Mumbai, Oct 14: Changing food habits, excessive screen time and reduced outdoor activity may affect children’s gut health, with recurring digestive problems sometimes going unnoticed by parents, according to Dr Ekansh Agarwal, Consultant Paediatric Gastroenterologist, Hepatologist and Endoscopist at Girish Nursing Home and Endoscopy Centre in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh. Dr Agarwal emphasises that the gut plays an important role beyond digestion. Microorganisms in the digestive system help break down food, absorb nutrients and protect the body against harmful organisms. Maintaining a healthy balance of these microbes is particularly important during childhood, when the body undergoes significant growth and development. Frequent consumption of packaged foods and sugary snacks, excessive screen time, inadequate physical activity and limited outdoor play may influence the balance of gut microbes. Frequent or unnecessary use of medicines, particularly antibiotics, can also affect the gut microbiome. According to Dr Agarwal, parents should pay attention to recurring abdominal discomfort, feeling full quickly, changes in bowel habits and reduced appetite. Persistent tiredness, frequent illness, difficulty concentrating and changes in mood may also warrant attention when accompanied by digestive complaints. These symptoms can have several causes and should not automatically
Chronic pain already asks enough of a person without adding fear over the very device implanted to ease it. A 2025 retrospective study out of Saint Louis University found failure rates as high as 44% among patients with spinal cord stimulators. Broader research shows complication rates ranging between 30% and 40%, with nearly 29% of patients reporting reduced effectiveness over time that requires reprogramming or additional surgery. Federal adverse event data tied to these devices run into the hundreds of thousands of reports, many involving lead migration, fractures, or unexpected shocks. For residents in St. Louis, MO, dealing with unexplained pain, numbness, or device malfunction after implantation, these numbers carry real weight. Patients and their families are increasingly exploring legal options, and a spinal cord stimulator side effects lawsuit has become a path some are pursuing to hold manufacturers accountable. Understanding how these devices can fail and what warning signs to watch for is the first step toward protecting your health and your rights. Why Problems Develop Complications may begin soon after surgery or appear months later. A fall, strenuous movement, charging failure, or programming adjustment can change how stimulation feels. New symptoms may also reflect nerve irritation or infection
Hundreds benefit from Ayurvedic health camp organised at Minister’s residence under Seva Sankalp Abhiyan Faridabad: An Ayurvedic health camp was organised at the residence of Haryana Food and Supplies Minister Rajesh Nagar under the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan, with hundreds of people availing themselves of the services. The camp included blood pressure and blood sugar tests. Doctors also advised visitors on balanced nutrition, healthy eating habits and adopting a healthier lifestyle. Reviewing the arrangements, Rajesh Nagar said the initiative aimed to raise public awareness about health, encourage regular check-ups and promote wellness through Ayurveda and balanced nutrition. He said a balanced lifestyle could help prevent several illnesses. He added that events marking the completion of 25 years of PM Narendra Modi’s public life were spreading awareness among people. He expressed hope that the Ayurvedic camp would positively impact people’s lives. The camp was organised under the leadership of Dr Gajendra Adhana. Ayurvedic Medical Officer Dr Ratnesh Shukla, Dr Chitralekha and others were present. Source link
A follow-up to Daredevil: Born Again Season 2 on Disney+ has become a massive streaming success within days of its launch. The Punisher: One Last Kill has quickly climbed to the top of multiple charts, beating out other titles on the platform. The MCU television special follows the gun-toting vigilante, who finds himself targeted by multiple criminals when a crime lord puts a bounty on him in revenge for the former killing the latter’s loved ones. The Punisher: One Last Kill tops multiple Disney+ charts As of May 15, The Punisher: One Last Kill is the #1 title on Disney+, both in the United States and internationally, as per FlixPatrol. Accordingly, it beats other MCU titles present in the top 10 lists. In the overall section, it beats Daredevil: Born Again, placed at #6, and Spider-Man: No Way Home, resting at #8 as of writing. Meanwhile, when considering movies alone, One Last Kill surpasses No Way Home (#4) and Spider-Man: Homecoming (#7). Finally, in international markets, as of May 14, it surpasses two Avengers films — Endgame (#5) and Infinity War (#9). The special premiered on May 12, 2026, one week after the Daredevil: Born Again Season 2 finale aired.
Netflix is building out the cast for its upcoming crime thriller centered on international football corruption, adding another recognizable face to the project. The film already stars Mark Wahlberg. Now, a well-known actress from Game of Thrones is stepping into the growing ensemble as production continues to take shape behind the scenes. Natalie Dormer and more join the cast of The Big Fix Netflix is loading up its upcoming thriller The Big Fix with major star power. According to Deadline, Natalie Dormer has officially signed on to the project alongside Susan Lynch and Gabriel Leone. Mark Wahlberg and Venom fame Riz Ahmed are also part of the ensemble. Filmmaker Baltasar Kormákur is helming, while Guy Bolton and Justin Haythe are putting together the screenplay. Production duties are being handled by Peter Chernin and David Ready through Chernin Entertainment, with Kormákur and Samantha Nisenboim also producing the film. The thriller pulls inspiration from real-life events and adapts Brett Forrest’s book into a globe-trotting crime story. The plot follows a former Interpol investigator who now works at FIFA in a desk-job role, only to stumble onto a massive match-fixing network operating behind the scenes of international football. Once he starts digging deeper,
Fox’s culinary reality competition, Next Level Chef Season 5, just concluded its semi-final episode, and one contestant was eliminated. The semi-final was an intense cook-off between four highly-skilled professional chefs. Since the final round will feature only three contestants, one of them had to head home after coming so close to the title and cash prize. Who was eliminated in Next Level Chef Season 5 semifinal? At the end of Next Level Chef Season 5 semi-final, the Florida-based professional Chef Gabrielle Coniglio Fricker was eliminated. The episode began with a time-bound challenge where the Top 4 — Darian Bryan, Cole Lawson, Connor Caine, and Gabrielle — were given a mystery protein. They all had 30 minutes to come up with a semi-final worthy dish. Since Darian had an advantage from a previous challenge, he decided to use it and get a head start. At the end of the challenge, Gabrielle and Connor’s dishes were the least impressive, leading them into the elimination round. There, the two had the complete freedom to cook whatever they wanted, but had only 25 minutes to do it. While Gabrielle presented a veal schnitzel, Connor made pan-roasted veal chops. All three judges, Gordon Ramsay, Nyesha
The brand new look at HBO’s upcoming Lanterns series has finally been released. Three new photos from the DC Studios production are out, showing Kyle Chandler as Hal Jordan, Aaron Pierre as John Stewart, and Kelly Macdonald as Sheriff Kerry in scenes that seem more terrestrial crime drama than intergalactic adventure. Aaron Pierre and Kyle Chander’s Green Lanterns get new look The Green Lantern’s new looks paint a restrained picture. One shows Hal Jordan mid-gesture, arm extended, ring visible, his face set with quiet intensity. Another places both Lanterns side by side on a set of wooden bleachers while Sheriff Kerry twists around to glance at something behind her. The third one focuses entirely on John Stewart, walking alone along a ruined road, smoke hanging in the air, the Green Lantern Power Battery gripped in one hand and a backpack in the other. Chris Mundy on Lanterns:“It’s a Green Lantern show, so there’s green. I think Green Lantern fans will not feel like we’ve somehow made a brown show of their green comic at all. It’s very much ‘we’re in the world,’ and then when we use the constructs, they’re what people would… pic.twitter.com/XFYqQw5guC — Home of DCU (@homeofdcu) May
Frank Castle has turned a corner, and it only took one small gesture from a child to get him there. Jon Bernthal has opened up about the ending of The Punisher: One Last Kill, explaining how the Disney+ special rewrote what drives the character. Jon Bernthal explains how The Punisher: One Last Kill ending changes Frank Castle For years, Frank Castle operated on a single frequency: vengeance. The Netflix series and early parts of this special painted him as a man who could only honour his dead family through violence. That changes in The Punisher: One Last Kill ending, when he places a pressed flower on his daughter’s grave. Jon Bernthal walked through what makes this moment different. “Through the course of this day with that little girl sort of giving him the gift that she does, and for him to go pass that along and put that trinket of hope, that trinket of life, of gratitude, of love on his daughter’s grave, it’s the first time he hasn’t put a trinket that belonged to somebody that he killed for his daughter,” he said. “And so maybe by helping other families stay together, by fighting for justice, by keeping people
The numbers are in, and Mortal Kombat 2 is unfortunately fighting just to break even at the box office. The martial-arts action flick underperformed in its opening weekend, earning $63 million worldwide, missing its expected projection of $80 million. This is despite the movie breaking records with its Red Band trailer in July 2025 that received over 100 million views on YouTube and the sequel earning a 64% critics rating on Rotten Tomatoes compared to the 55% rating for its 2021 predecessor. As for what went wrong, Mortal Kombat 2 squandered its early advantage, effectively spending too much time charging its super move and whiffing badly when the moment mattered most. Mortal Kombat 2 had exceedingly bad timing as a summer release Delving deeper into the box office numbers for Mortal Kombat 2, it struggled to grab audiences overseas. Domestically, the sequel brought in $40 million in its opener, falling near the low end of its predicted range of $40 million to $60 million. Internationally, it only made $23 million for a $63 million worldwide haul. Since then, as of May 14, this has improved to $71 million, according to Box Office Mojo, but its international haul of $26 million
Fans of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit are eager to learn what’s next for the iconic procedural after NBC officially confirmed the show’s future. With the series continuing its historic television run, many viewers are now wondering what Season 28 could bring for the SVU team. Additionally, audiences are eager to discover whether the franchise has more tales to share. Here’s the latest update on Law & Order: SVU Season 28’s renewal status and the future of the hit NBC drama. Has NBC canceled Law & Order: SVU or renewed it for Season 28? Law & Order: SVU has been officially renewed for Season 28 by NBC. NBC has officially renewed Law & Order: Special Victims Unit for its 28th season. This long-standing procedural remains one of the network’s most significant and dependable shows, further extending its record-breaking presence on television. The renewal announcement came in April 2026. It assured viewers that they will be treated to more narratives focused on Olivia Benson and the Special Victims Unit team. Mariska Hargitay is anticipated to reprise her role as the face of the franchise. She will continue her legendary portrayal that has shaped the series for many years. NBC’s choice
出版：2026-May-14 18:28 更新：2026-May-14 18:28 佘詩曼以超性感的造型出席活動。(娛樂組攝) 佘詩曼今日(14日)以超性感的造型出席活動，她以一條淺綠色吊帶露背連身裙示人，更是「有前有後」非常養眼。她表示今日的性感程度可以接受，直言昨晚食生日飯時，也不禁提醒自己不要食得太多，驚凸出胃腩。她坦言自己頗愛鑽石，影相閃閃下非常漂亮。談到她在活動上透露自己非常愛戒指，每次出街一定會戴，她表示至少已經很喜歡，試過太急出門忘記戴戒指，會立即走到店舖買合心水的戒指，笑謂戴上手之後會「舒服晒」，家中亦珍藏百隻戒指。 期待跟子華再合作 今個月28日生日的她去年及前年則在拍攝中度過，最近陸逐和朋友食飯，互相交流近況。她說︰「有啲朋友通常係一年先見一、兩次，唔係我生日就係佢生日，生日飯變咗好重要交換狀況嘅環節，呢排可以一、兩個人食就可以傾下近況，互相關心下。」 早前阿佘跟黃子華一齊現身農夫演唱會，她表示當日是大家撞到，很開心可以跟子華再見面，大家在後台等農夫訪問時，二人差不多傾了一個多小時。問到二人有沒有傾合作，她表示沒有只是交流近況。她表示見到好多網民提到二人合作《絕代商嬌》、《棟篤特工》，自己都希望可以再跟子華再合作。她又提到當日是母親節，媽媽去了家燕姐的活動，自己雖然已提早一日慶祝，但也希望給媽媽驚喜，於是在農夫演唱會之後再到尖沙咀現身家燕姐活動。 佘詩曼透露跟子華在後台傾足一個多小時。(娛樂組攝) 湯盈盈不捨《愛．回家》 她亦好感謝農夫，因為他們治好了她的「草蜢演唱會完騷失落後遺症」，「草蜢個騷真係好正，encore再encore，睇完之後好失落，去到睇農夫可以又跳又笑！十月佢同張繼聰會再搞，我都會睇呀！」在圈中出名孝順的她被問到有沒有留意李家鼎的新聞，她表示家家有本難唸的經，每個家庭都有自己的問題，盼每個家庭都可以和睦相處。 談到她的好姊妹湯盈盈參演的《愛．回家之開心速遞》大結局，她表示在群組收到她的通知，坦言很不捨，眾人都大感驚訝。她表示自己雖然對劇集沒有甚麼太大感覺，但對演員來說拍了十年會是非常不捨的事，自己也間中收看。 ADVERTISEMENT 【👇送3M靜電空氣濾網體驗包4包👇】 Source link
The Batman 2 cast continues to grow, with Matt Reeves once again taking to social media and revealing some major casting announcements for the highly anticipated DC movie. Who has joined The Batman 2 cast? As he did yesterday, Reeves has been taking to social media all day to confirm and reveal casting information for the upcoming movie. He’s been doing so with a number of different GIFs, each showcasing an actor for the movie. So far, he’s just been confirming previous reported casting, but today, he revealed two new stars coming to the movie. In his most recent post, Reeves revealed that Brian Tyree Henry would be appearing in the movie. Reeves’ post welcomed him to the party, along with a GIF of what looks to be Henry in the FX series Atlanta. Henry has starred in a number of big movies, including in the MCU as Phastos in Eternals. Just who he’ll play in The Batman’s sequel, though, is unknown. Reeves also revealed that Homeland star Sebastian Koch would be appearing in the film in some capacity. Reeves shared a GIF of Koch, with his caption for the post hinting that Koch could potentially be joining the movie
HBO is home to some of the greatest TV shows ever made, and one of its latest releases just broke a 15-year-old viewership record. What HBO TV show has hit an impressive milestone? Steve Carell’s newest comedy series Rooster hit an impressive milestone, with Variety revealing an average of 6.5 million viewers in its debut season. The stat has been surpassed only by Hung (2009) and Sex and the City (1998). Rooster is the latest show from Ted Lasso creator Bill Lawrence and Scrubs producer Matt Tarses. It follows author Greg Russo (Carell) and his complicated relationship with his daughter Katie, played by Charly Clive. After a strong reception, HBO recently renewed it for a second season, with many critics hailing it as Carell’s best comedy since The Office. Following his exit from The Office at the end of its seventh season, Carell has featured in both comedic and dramatic roles across shows like Space Force and, most recently, The Four Seasons. Fans can also look forward to a new release of The Office, which will include over two dozen hours of previously unaired footage. Bill Lawrence and Matt Tarses also serve as showrunners on Rooster. The series is executive
The Boys killed off one of its primary members in the penultimate episode this week, pushing shocked fans to mourn a valuable member of the team. As the series heads into its finale, showrunner and head writer Eric Kripke has commented on why the loss was necessary. Eric Kripke addresses Frenchie’s death in The Boys Season 5 In an interview with ScreenRant, Kripke addressed Frenchie’s death towards the end of episode 7 and what it means for the finale. “I can’t say much without spoiling it,” said Kripke. “What I will say is that it’s the biggest blow the Boys have suffered, and it’s just as they’re heading into the finale in their final battle with Homelander. The question really becomes: can they stand back up and pull together? Because there can be no victory without sacrifice. There can be no wins without losses. I think people feel that in their bones, and I think everyone’s experience with victory is that it never is easy. When they feel something’s too easy in TV and movies, the audience smells something false there. My hope is, heading into the finale, that it’ll feel earned. The message, if the show has any message,
Prime Video has released the official Your Fault: London trailer along with a release date. The upcoming film, a sequel to last year’s My Fault: London, follows Nick and Noah’s adventures as they face new challenges in their relationship. “After the explosive events of My Fault: London, Nick and Noah return—stronger, closer, and more in love than ever,” reads the sequel’s synopsis. “But as life begins to pull them in different directions, their relationship faces its toughest challenge yet. Noah heads to Oxford to pursue her studies, while Nick finds himself consumed by the growing demands of work. When new people enter their lives, stirring unexpected emotions and lingering jealousy, cracks begin to form. Trust is tested, passions flare, and the bond they once thought unbreakable starts to strain. Now standing at a crossroads, Noah and Nick must decide: fight for the love that brought them together… or risk losing it forever.” Check out the Your Fault: London trailer below (watch more trailers): What happens in the Your Fault: London trailer? The trailer opens with Nick and Noah happily together before Noah leaves for Oxford, which starts straining their relationship. Like the first film, the sequel will also feature underground racing.
Halsey, who has been pursuing a career in the film industry in recent years, has locked in her next venture. According to a new report, she will co-write and star in a “psycho-sexual” horror. Additionally, one of the directors of The Matrix will be involved in its development. Halsey to star in new psycho-sexual horror movie Replacer Halsey is reportedly set to headline Replacer, co-written by her fiancé and actor-filmmaker, Avan Jogia, who is also directing, as per Deadline. Independent Edge’s Kyle Mann is producing with Isabelle Deluce (Soft Focus Films) and Damiano Tucci (Getaway Entertainment), in association with Anarchists United. Olivier Picard and David Pierrat of Parce Que Films serve as co-producers. Meanwhile, Lilly Wachowski will serve as an executive producer alongside Anthony Li, Lawrence Mattis, Sarah Flores, Christopher Rentia, Emily McCann Lesser, and Clay Epstein. Sales are scheduled to take place at the Cannes market this week. CAA Media Finance and UTA Independent Film Group are repping North American rights. Meanwhile, Film Mode Entertainment is overseeing international sales. Halsey and Jogia will both be present to support the launch and meet with buyers. Jogia has described the film’s tone and style as “a bright and electric club horror
The third and final installment of a Marvel villain actor’s Amazon Prime Video show has received mixed critical reception upon its return. Several critics have highlighted the glaring flaws present in Good Omens Season 3, although some have viewed it positively. The divided views have resulted in a Rotten Tomatoes score much lower than that of its predecessors. Good Omens Season 3 reviews are mixed Reviews for David Tennant and Michael Sheen’s Good Omens Season 3, released as a single 90-minute special, are mixed, unlike its predecessors. Some critics view it as a disappointment, criticizing the script and execution in particular. However, others have found it a decent if not superb watch. The Guardian‘s Jack Seale, in his review, called the third outing a “puzzling mess.” He added that the story had been shortened “to the point of incoherence.” Furthermore, he opined that the episode had “the biggest imbalance in TV history between dazzling cast and stale script.” However, he noted that the cast, particularly Sheen and Tennant, almost “[redeemed] it.” Meanwhile, Tessa Smith (Mama’s Geeky), who had high hopes for the concluding chapter of the fantasy comedy, took issue with the subpar writing and pacing, although she praised the
Abbott Elementary star Lisa Ann Walter opened up about her choice not to join The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills after being offered five times. Walter had a rather simple reason for turning down the offer, and explained the same in an interview posted on Instagram by Betches. Walter portrays Melissa Schemmenti on Abbott Elementary. She has already received a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Ensemble in a Comedy Series for her role. Lisa Ann Walter reveals why she turned down Real Housewives five times Lisa Ann Walter is renowned for her portrayal of Melissa Schemmenti on Abbott Elementary. The actress recently spoke out about why she rejected starring in The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Walter revealed that she turned down the offer to join the show as many as five times. During her interview with Betches, a part of which was posted on Instagram, the 62-year-old dissected why she chose not to be a part of the show. “I said, ‘I’m not a Housewife,’” Walter said about rejecting the reality TV show. “I don’t have a house, I don’t live in Beverly Hills. I’m not a wife. The only thing I’ve got is real,” she added. Even
During a new interview, Colman Domingo recalled the kind words his Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom co-star Chadwick Boseman once shared with him. Domingo, who is widely regarded as one of the most acclaimed actors of his generation, revealed how Boseman publicly praised him at a Hollywood party during Black Panther’s box office run. Boseman passed away in 2020 at the age of 43. Colman Domingo recalls how Chadwick Boseman praised him In a new interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Colman Domingo reflected on what Chadwick Boseman told him years ago during the theatrical run of Black Panther. “We did a couple of play readings together, so we knew each other, but not super well,” Domingo said about his early connection with Boseman. Domingo explained how he approached Boseman at the Hollywood party. The Sing Sing star greeted Boseman and asked if he remembered him. “I’m so proud of all your success and everything you’re doing. It’s so beautiful to watch your ascension,” Domingo recalled telling Boseman. However, Boseman immediately turned the attention back to Domingo. “He literally looked at me like this, [and he] said: ‘Y’all need to know this guy right here. This guy is the truth,’” Domingo recalled.
Chicago Fire Season 14’s finale ended on an explosive note (literally), putting several fan-favorite characters’ fates in uncertainty until Season 15 arrives. This was one of the biggest incidents the team has faced, and not everyone will likely make it through. Here are the details on the situation. Everyone trapped in Chicago Fire’s explosion who could die Season 14 finale of Chicago Fire, titled “Thank You,” featured a large explosion during a structure fire that trapped multiple members of Firehouse 51. The episode delved into a non-linear narrative: while the present time builds toward an impending catastrophe, the flashbacks unravel multiple plotlines. In the end, it all culminated in a massive explosion that engulfed several members. This included the entire Rescue Squad 3 team, consisting of Mouch McHolland, Kelly Severide, Joe Cruz, Harold Capp, and Tony Ferraris. In addition to Firehouse 51, Truck 81’s Stella, Herrmann, Ballard, and Sal Vasquez are also caught in the incident. Given the nature of the explosion, Chicago Fire Season 15 might ultimately kill one or two characters. But who will it be? That remains to be seen. However, based on recent reports, certain characters are sure to return. Reportedly, Taylor Kinney, who plays Kelly
Guy Ritchie has given an update on the release date of MobLand Season 2, and the news is decidedly mixed. The producer and director confirmed when the Tom Hardy crime drama will be back. MobLand Season 2 release date won’t be in 2027, but in end of 2026 MobLand Season 2 will release before the end of 2026, ruling out a lengthy wait until 2027. But for fans hoping to see new episodes this summer, the timeline points to a longer hold than early production wraps had suggested. Ritchie mapped out a busy release schedule to ScreenRant that has MobLand in the latter part of the year. “We’ve got MobLand before the end of the year,” he said. The update is the first time someone directly involved has narrowed the release date window since a Paramount+ promo voiced by Helen Mirren teased the return. Filming wrapped in March 2026 after roughly six months of production across Spain and London. Set photos from December 2025 showed Pierce Brosnan and Mirren in costume on location. By February, leaked photos showed Hardy shooting along the River Thames with Joanne Froggatt. Cast members began confirming the wrap in March, with Emmett J. Scanlan, who
Viewers are wondering if there’s a Chicago Med Season 11 Episode 22 release date and time, and whether there’s a possibility of a Part 2. Many fans worldwide are eager to know what’s next for the long-running medical drama after the latest episode delivered intense medical emergencies and emotional developments at Gaffney Chicago Medical Center. Here’s everything we know so far about Chicago Med Season 11’s future and whether another episode or Part 2 is on the way. Chicago Med Season 11 Episode 22 release date and time explained There isn’t a release date or time for Chicago Med Season 11 Episode 22. This is because Chicago Med Season 11 has already completed its scheduled run of episodes, with episode 21 serving as the latest and final release of the season. In the final episode, titled “Heaven Help Us,” released on May 13, 2026, we see Hannah tackling one of her career’s most difficult deliveries. Meanwhile, Frost manages through challenging times. Has Chicago Med Season 11 ended? Yes, Chicago Med Season 11 has finished. The medical drama series Chicago Med Season 11 premiered in 2025 and continued following the intense personal and professional lives of the doctors and staff at Gaffney Chicago
Ben Stiller, Nicholas Galitzine, and more are set to star in an upcoming Netflix movie, with the first details revealed for the project. What do we know about the newest Netflix movie starring Ben Stiller? During Netflix’s upfront presentation (via Deadline), it was announced that Stiller, Galitzine, and Bella Maclean (Sex Education) have all joined onto the upcoming project A Matter of Time. The movie will be directed by Enola Holmes director Harry Bradbeer. According to Netflix, the movie will follow “an unlikely angel who is sent from heaven to convince a reclusive man to give up his life for the greater good. The man agrees, only for his impending death to trigger a new lease on life, and a romance that threatens to change the course of history.” The film’s script was written by Justin Haythe, Madeleine George, Peter Bryne, and Simon Beaufoy. The film will be produced by Sony, as part of Netflix and Sony’s partnership. Stiller will next star in the upcoming, long-awaited Meet the Parents Focker-In-Law, as well as the Apple TV series The Off Weeks. Galitzine will next star in the Masters of the Universe live-action movie, but is also currently starrring in The Sheep
M. Night Shyamalan fans should forget Split, Unbreakable, and Glass because his next movie could be his most compelling yet. The director has fueled excitement around his star-studded upcoming project featuring Jake Gyllenhaal, Phoebe Dynevor, and more. What did M. Night Shyamalan say about his new movie? M. Night Shyamalan’s new movie, in collaboration with author Nicholas Sparks, is titled Remain. It’s a romantic thriller that follows an architect recovering from depression who, after moving to Cape Cod, encounters a mysterious woman. In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, the famed director revealed that Remain could be the most ambitious film of his career. He and Sparks initially started working on the movie through conversations and simple questions. “We traded ideas and slowly wove two very different perspectives into a single, thrilling, supernatural love story. In the end, we get to tell it our own way. Mine through film, Nicholas through his novel.” Shyamalan added, “Just between us, it’s my highest-testing movie of my career. We’re now in post-production, finding every detail. Honestly, my hope is that when you experience Remain, you feel both sides of it at once — full of love and that quiet, lingering unease that doesn’t
出版：2026-May-12 17:32 更新：2026-May-12 17:32 李泳漢結婚的影片成為熱門影片。 施明離開後，李家鼎一家爆發爭產風波，大仔泳漢斥細佬泳豪拿了老竇三百幾萬，其後鼎爺表示不想成為第二個施明，所以日後百年歸老之後，會由細仔全權負責。泳漢則指老竇被細佬操控，又拿出一些剪接過的錄音俾泳豪兩夫婦對鼎爺態度欠佳。 李泳漢自泳豪公開完整錄音之後，再未有任何回應。因為演算法的關係，李泳豪的YouTube頻道有哥哥2016年結婚片段，該片再度翻hit。影片直擊整個過程，鼎爺在台上致辭時表示「我多謝咁多位夾錢請我個仔娶太太，我都老懷安慰，等咗30幾年終於有杯茶飲。」期間更透露泳漢的老婆原來是鼎爺的騎馬學生。鼎爺其後又謂︰「我唔幫個仔講說話，出糧俾啲啲？點叫啲啲？至少要俾三分二！我講嘅！」未知泳漢是否在婚禮上向太太承諾將人工分一些給她。不過，可能太多人入內留言鬧，李泳豪就關閉了留言功能。 曾父子檔上陣 另外，一條是鼎爺於2019年與泳漢回母校聖保羅書院一齊炒飯，為學校籌款。當時報道指泳漢於2018年下旬跟鼎爺學廚，由基本功學起，每日工作十多小時。兩父子接受訪問時，泳漢表示自己只是爸爸的助手，自言有遺傳阿爸的廚藝DNA，在旁的鼎爺先黑面鬧道︰「食嘢嗰啲DNA呀？」隨即笑笑口，並指大孖對煮食的確有天份，細孖則對車、電腦方面有天份。 你唔好咁折墮 然而，泳漢在訪問中近乎句句都被老竇窒住，當記者稱泳漢很有口福時，鼎爺鬧道︰「你睇佢死牛咁大隻！」，泳漢則謂︰「賣花姑娘插竹葉！(意思大約為東西都為別人而準備，自己一點也享受不到)」鼎爺即嬲嬲地拍了泳漢的面謂︰「你唔好咁折墮，你尋日食咗啲乜嘢？賣花姑娘插竹葉！前晚食生滾燉雞！(此時拍打泳漢的心口！)仲有專機飛過嚟嘅榴槤！你仲話係賣花姑娘插竹葉？插到你成隻浮屍咁？」當時問到孫仔孫女有冇得食，鼎爺繼續好好火指泳漢食埋兩個小朋友個份。 ADVERTISEMENT 【👇送3M靜電空氣濾網體驗包4包👇】 Source link
Vertical has shared the official trailer for the upcoming U.S. debut of The Magic Faraway Tree, the fantasy adventure movie starring Golden Globe winners Andrew Garfield and Claire Foy. The film is set to arrive in theaters on August 21, 2026. “The film follows Polly, Tim, and their three children – a modern family forced to relocate to the remote English countryside. As they adapt to their new lives, the children discover a magical tree and its extraordinary and eccentric residents, including treasured characters Moonface, Silky, Dame Washalot, and Saucepan Man,” reads the official synopsis. “At the top of the tree, they are transported to spectacular, fantastical lands, and through the joys and challenges of their adventures, the family learns to reconnect and value each other for the first time in years.” Check out The Magic Faraway Tree trailer below (watch more trailers): What happens in The Magic Faraway Tree? The video features Garfield and Foy as a married couple who decided to move to a remote countryside with their three children in hopes of giving them a childhood away from the bustling city. At their new home, they suddenly discover an enchanted tree that takes them to different fantastical
What does a tiny city in the depths of southeast England have in common with a winery-filled region of Canada, a historic Japanese prefecture and a serene island in Mexico? According to Expedia Group, they’re all among the top 10 trending holiday destinations for 2027. The quaint Sussex city of Chichester ranked 10th in the group’s ‘Unpack ’27: The Trends in Travel’, a report that digs into emerging travel habits and the places around the world that are gaining attention among tourists. The report looked into insights from a survey of 26,000 travellers, first-party data and ‘social listening’. The research found that searches for Chichester have increased by 30 percent compared to last year. What’s so great about Chichester, you ask? First and foremost, it’s got a fascinating history. The city has been home to Roman and Anglo-Saxon settlements, and was an important market town during the Norman period. There’s evidence of that past throughout Chichester’s cobbled streets, from the Roman city walls and the mosaic-filled Fishbourne Roman Palace to the 950-year-old cathedral and the Grade I-listed 525-year-old Chichester Cross. Elsewhere, there’s the Pallant House Gallery, which houses an incredible collection of 20th-century art featuring the likes of Hepworth, Freud and Auerbach. A short drive out of the city centre will
Hong Kong once thrived as a gateway between a largely closed-off China and the outside world, but its traditional role as an intermediary has diminished as the mainland opens up. The city can continue to play an important international role by fostering candid, two-way dialogue between China and the world, advancing cooperation on governance challenges such as AI, and cultivating future generations of globally engaged leaders. It took me 5 hours to reach home – from Delhi. In the same amount of time, I can travel from Hong Kong to Beijing, Jakarta, or Tokyo. Hong Kong’s five-hour circle covers countries comprising 50% of the world’s population. The next day I had the pleasure of hearing both the current Indian Ambassador to China and former Indonesian Minister of Trade speak, back-to-back. My walks from meeting to meeting on campus would be punctuated by Cantonese, English, Mandarin, alongside a smattering of Korean, Bahasa, French, and Hindi. My favourite cha chaan teng features items originating in Britain (milk tea), Japan (instant ramen noodles), and India (modified curry) – a seemingly innocuous smorgasbord set against the base of Cantonese traditions and improvised fast food ingenuity. Peers from abroad often remark on the astounding efficiency
Author Andreas Malm has been denied entry to the United Kingdom on the grounds that his “presence in the UK is not considered to be conducive to the public good,” according to The Guardian and Al Jazeera. Malm was traveling to speak at a conference alongside a co-founder of Palestine Action, a direct action group that the UK classified as a terrorist organization last year. Best known for his book How To Blow Up A Pipeline, Malm has been a leading authority on climate change for years. He is also a prominent Marxist thinker and has been outspoken in his solidarity with Palestine and his condemnation of Israel’s genocide. Malm is scheduled to be a speaker at next Wednesday’s launch event for the Historical Materialism Conference organized by Tribune magazine, alongside Huda Ammori, a co-founder of Palestine Action. Before he could head to London, though, Malm was notified by the UK’s Home Office that his Electronic Travel Authorisation had been cancelled. Malm responded that he is “deeply dismayed at this sudden ban on travelling to the UK,” where he has visited “for decades” for research, lectures, and conferences. “I have always considered the UK a centre of the world of
Background To reduce the risk of Ebola importation into the United States, all people boarding an international flight into or connecting through the United States must attest (sign a statement) that they have not been present in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in the 21 days prior to boarding the flight to the United States. Travelers, including U.S. citizens and U.S. nationals, who have been in DRC within 21 days before their flight will not be allowed to board flights with U.S. destinations and should plan to remain outside the United States for at least 21 days after they leave DRC. This includes all passengers transiting through DRC on a connecting flight regardless of whether they disembark or stay on the airplane. Additionally, non-U.S. citizens/non-U.S. nationals, including U.S. lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders), who have been in South Sudan or Uganda within the 21 days before departure will not be allowed to enter the United States and should plan to remain outside the United States for at least 21 days after they leave South Sudan or Uganda. U.S. citizens and U.S. nationals who have been present in South Sudan or Uganda (and not present in DRC) within
By JADA BAS, REPORTER Published: 10:15 GMT, 30 October 2026 | Updated: 10:21 GMT, 30 October 2026 A driver has admitted killing a ‘selfless’ mother and her two dogs in a hit-and-run crash while travelling at twice the speed limit. Dantay Roche, 24, from Chigwell in London, was driving his white Seat Leon at 61mph in a 30 zone when he struck Marie Theobald, 48, from Hainault, as she was crossing the road with her pets in December 2023. Emergency services were called but she was pronounced dead at the scene, as were the Maltese dogs, named Riley and Honey. Roche failed to stop his car which was found nearby shortly after the collision. CCTV showed him getting out of the vehicle to check out the damage to it before fleeing. Appearing at the Old Bailey on Wednesday, he admitted causing death by dangerous driving, criminal damage and causing death by driving an uninsured vehicle. He was remanded in custody and will be sentenced at the same court on January 25, 2027. In a statement released in December 2023, following Marie’s death, her family said: ‘Marie was a loving mother, daughter, sister, niece and friend. ‘Marie was an honest, hardworking, selfless
PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. (CBS12) — Security is ramping up around Mar-a-Lago as President Donald Trump could return to Palm Beach this weekend, with additional military air defense systems now positioned near his estate. Increased security spotted near Mar-a-Lago ahead of possible Trump visit. CBS12’s Paige Meyer reports. The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and U.S. Northern Command confirmed that ground-based air defense assets have recently been deployed in and around Mar-a-Lago at the request of the U.S. Secret Service. The Secret Service also confirmed that U.S. Northern Command is providing specialized counter-drone equipment to support presidential protection. “The U.S. Secret Service continues to operate in a heightened threat environment, and this agency continuously adapts its protective operations to incorporate cutting-edge tools, technology, and methods to safeguard our protectees,” a Secret Service spokesperson said. The agency has not disclosed whether a specific threat prompted the increased security. New equipment spotted Thursday morning Security is ramping up around Mar-a-Lago as President Trump could return to Palm Beach this weekend, with additional military air defense systems in place. (WPEC) CBS12 News team spotted crews setting up what appeared to be an advanced radar or counter-drone detection system near Mar-a-Lago Thursday morning.
Singapore Changi Airport is competing with 20 other aviation hubs, including Hong Kong and Dubai, for the title of world’s leading airport at the 2026 World Travel Awards. Other nominees are Aeropuerto Internacional El Dorado in Colombia, Auckland Airport in New Zealand Cancun International Airport in Mexico, Cape Town International Airport in South Africa, Vancouver International Airport in Canada, Velana International Airport in Maldives, Zayed International Airport in UAE and Zurich Airport in Switzerland. The world’s largest indoor waterfall in Changi Airport, Singapore. Photo by Unplash Public voting is open until Nov. 9 while the awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on Dec. 12. Last year, Dubai International Airport was named the world’s leading airport. However, it expects annual passenger traffic to reach around 70 million by the end of the year, down from its previous 100-million target, CEO Paul Griffiths said as quoted by Reuters. Dubai Airport handled 31.5 million passengers in the first half of 2026, down from 46 million a year earlier. Changi, home to the world’s tallest indoor waterfall and famous for its cutting-edge amenities, has been may times honored the world’s best airport by international media. The World Travel Awards, established in 1993, recognize
The UK doesn’t technically have a national dish, but if we had to choose we’d put our money on a chippy tea. Battered cod (or haddock, depending who you ask) and thick-cut chips are about as British as it gets, and we’re not the only ones who think so. A recent YouGov survey found that 49 percent of Britons believe fish and chips is the country’s signature dish. Sorry Sunday roast, you’ll have to settle for second place. It’s just as well, then, that there’s a coveted competition to find the ultimate UK fish fry. Each year, the National Federation of Fish Friers holds its National Fish & Chip Awards to find the best in Britain. The shortlist for the 2027 edition’s best restaurant award was announced earlier this month, with chippies in Dorset, London, Yorkshire and Edinburgh making the cut. But for many of us, part of the magic of fish and chips is being able bring them home or take ’em away to eat on our local promenade. Now, the UK’s top takeaways have also been revealed. The National Fish & Chip Awards has unveiled the 20 semi-finalists for its coveted Takeaway of the Year title, and it’s mapped
Winning tip: an eerie clifftop castle near Aberdeen Dunnottar Castle, perched on cliffs above the crashing North Sea, is one of Scotland’s eeriest places. The most haunting part is the Whigs Vault, where more than 160 prisoners were confined in dreadful conditions in 1685. Standing in that dark chamber, it’s impossible not to imagine their fear and suffering. With my Fraser ancestry, the castle’s history feels especially poignant. The names of multiple Frasers are recorded, their details written on the wall. The wind whistles through the stonework, the waves thunder below, and there’s a sense that the past hasn’t quite left. It’s beautiful, tragic and wonderfully spooky, especially beneath Aberdeenshire’s brooding grey skies. Rosie A Neolithic burial chamber in Pembrokeshire Pentre Ifan. Photograph: Louise France/Alamy My dad and I reached Pentre Ifan on a November evening, just before dark. The burial chamber defies explanation: 16 tons of weathered capstone, barely touching three sharp stone points, as though something unseen was holding it up. There was a low hum from somewhere; I hoped it was the wind spilling over the Preseli hills. As the daylight crept away, the chamber beneath grew darker than the settling dusk around us. My dad, who
Extension of period of stay for holders of APEC Business Travel Card The Immigration Department (ImmD) announced today (October 30) that, with effect from November 1, 2026, the visa-free period of stay in Hong Kong for holders of the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) Business Travel Card (ABTC) who have obtained pre-clearance from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) will be extended to 90 days. The Immigration Department. Photo source: reference image An ImmD spokesman said, “The APEC Business Mobility Group (BMG) has announced that five participating economies of the ABTC Scheme, namely the People’s Republic of China; Hong Kong, China; Indonesia; the Philippines; and Singapore, will extend the maximum period of stay for visiting ABTC holders from 60 days to 90 days, with a view to further enhancing the effectiveness of the ABTC. The specific implementation timeline will be determined by the relevant economies. Our country will implement the new arrangement from November 1, 2026.” The spokesman continued, “In line with our country’s implementation date, with effect from November 1, 2026, ABTC holders who have obtained pre-clearance from the HKSAR will have their maximum visa-free period of stay in the HKSAR extended from 60 days to 90 days. Other
Time Out has contributing writers stationed all over the country. So last month, to coincide with our guide to the coolest neighbourhoods in the world, we asked them to nominate the British neighbourhood that they think deserves a place on the cool list for 2026. Some were put forward for being on the cutting edge of British culture, others because they’ve experienced a burst of new openings and others simply because they have a heap of underrated stuff to eat, drink, see and do. Glasgow’s Govanhill claimed first place followed by Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter and London’s Newington Green. Crooks in Sheffield, Heaton in Newcastle and Beeston in Nottingham were also among the top 10. In at number nine on this year’s list was central St Leonards. When we say central St Leonards, we mean the area between Warrior Square station and the resort town’s seafront, the part of the town that’s most teeming with indie shops, hip cafes and restaurants. Photograph: HeistHeist, St Leonards Time Out contributing writer Hannah Summers wrote that the area has a ‘formidable amount’ of things to see, eat, drink and do. Her idea of the perfect day in central St Leonards includes grabbing a ‘better-than-Brick Lane’ bagel from Sleeper in the morning, followed by a swim sea and a takeaway from Half Ma Half Burger for
Everyone knows how downright stunning the Cotswolds are. Ellen Degeneres knows, the Kardashians know, the hundreds of thousands of people who watch Rivals know. But that’s the issue. The Cotswolds is too beautiful for its own good, with millions of tourists overwhelming its small villages every year. Now, one particularly popular spot is pushing back. Bourton-on-the-Water (AKA the ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’) is introducing residents-only parking in an effort to relieve pressure caused by high numbers of tourists. Gloucestershire county council reported that almost 1,000 people responded to a consultation on the issue. That’s half of all the households in the village. Bourton’s total population is just 4,000 but almost eight times that number visit annually. Findings from the consultation concluded that there was ‘strong support’ for the parking permit scheme. The council has now promised funding and is beginning the formal process of introducing a residents parking scheme, which will include another consultation lasting at least 21 days. It hopes that, provided there is enough support, the scheme will come into place in spring 2027. Photograph: Hyserb / Shutterstock.comBourton-on-the-Water, Cotswolds That’s not the only thing Bourton-on-the-Water is doing to curb visitor numbers. It’s also trialling coach drop-off and pick-up points, which will stop coaches and buses
What if Halloween were less about finding the right party and more about dressing up and taking over an entire city? This October, Hong Kong is making a case for exactly that, with its streets, nightlife districts and cultural hotspots transforming into a playground for cosplay enthusiasts, pop-culture fans and anyone looking for an excuse to go all out with their Halloween wardrobe. Across five participating districts, Central, Kai Tak, Lan Kwai Fong, Mong Kok and Tsim Sha Tsui East, the celebrations bring together themed street parties, cosplay experiences, electronic music, immersive installations and distinctly Hong Kong references. With festivities culminating on Halloween night, 31 October, the city offers plenty of ways to experience the spooky season, one costume at a time. The theme is simple: make the streets your runway. From neon-lit installations and DJ parties to character-inspired celebrations and interactive photo spots, Hong Kong is turning Halloween into an opportunity to step outside your usual wardrobe and into an entirely different character. Kai Tak Sports Park Five Neighbourhoods, Five Ways To Celebrate Halloween If your idea of Halloween involves a little spectacle, start in Central. The district brings art, culture and the spooky season together through large-scale installations
One of Liverpool’s best loved parks is set to get quite the makeover. The city council is being handed £2 million to spruce up the 550-acre Croxteth Park and create more ways for the local community to make the most of it. The country park in the north of Liverpool will be the first place to receive funding from the Queen Elizabeth Trust, which is a memorial project that was set up to honour the late monarch’s legacy. The trust is inspired by Queen Lizzie’s stated belief that ‘everyone is our neighbour’. It was introduced in April 2026 but is expected to be launched formally by King Charles in spring 2027. Subject to final agreement, the £2m will go towards the restoration of Croxteth’s community garden and installing a new natural amphitheatre and bike track for children and young people. The council also hopes to develop a ‘masterplan’ for the future of the space and figure out the ‘mix of investment needed to unlock more of the park’s potential’. Photograph: Atchara Wittek/ ShutterstockCroxteth Park, Liverpool Councillor Liam Robinson, leader of Liverpool City Council, said: ‘We have long had ambitious plans for the estate, but realising its full potential requires us to think at a different
There is a moment in Hong Kong, somewhere between sunset and dinner, when the harbour becomes the centre of the city’s attention. The Star Ferry glides between the two shores, skyscrapers begin to light up and the waterfront takes on a different energy. Now imagine taking it all in with a glass of wine in hand, a plate of something delicious nearby and nowhere else you need to be. That is the appeal of the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival, returning from 29 October to 1 November 2026 at Central Harbourfront Event Space and Tamar Park. Over four days, the waterfront becomes a meeting point for global flavours, fine wines and Hong Kong’s dynamic culinary culture, all set against the unmistakable backdrop of Victoria Harbour. It is a distinctly Hong Kong experience, bringing together the city’s love of food, its international outlook and its knack for making a night out feel like an occasion. Whether you arrive for the wine, the food or simply the atmosphere, the festival offers a chance to experience Hong Kong through its appetite for discovery. Here, a tasting can turn into an impromptu dinner, one stop can lead to another and the harbour is
Ren posted photos of Tam and her enjoying the seaside on Instagram on Oct.27, captioning them: “Goodbye to the cranky moods, hello to the waves. Recharging with some vitamin sea.” Tam appeared shirtless with a tan, while Ren wore a swimsuit and posed with a radiant smile. According to ChinaPress, the couple brought their two children, a daughter and a son, on the trip to Phu Quoc. Hong Kong actor Shaun Tam poses during a trip to Phu Quoc Island. Photo courtesy of his Instagram Their family enjoy spring rolls, seafood hotpot, and pizza at a resort. Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s largest island, has enjoyed tourism boom this year thanks to new direct flight routes and a diversity of activities. It is expected to receive 2.4 million international visitors, a 33% increase from 2025. As of September, it had received 1.92 million international tourists, up 60% year-on-year, according to An Giang Province’s Department of Tourism. Tam, 46, is the son of veteran actor Ti Lung and actress Tao Min-ming. He entered the entertainment industry in 2000, initially working in mainland China before returning to Hong Kong to join TVB. He is known for his roles in television dramas including “Succession War,”
HONG KONG, Oct. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Connexus, a leading travel management company and subsidiary of CSTS Enterprises, today announced the official launch of ConnexUS, a human-driven service model built to deliver high-touch, personalised advisory and support for corporate travellers and travel managers across the Asia-Pacific region. While automated tools and self-booking portals handle basic reservations quickly, business travel management still requires experienced human judgment for complex itineraries, sudden disruptions, and high-stakes executive requirements. ConnexUS fills this gap by pairing digital tools with dedicated travel specialists who provide proactive, tailored support at every step of the journey. Connexus Introduces ‘ConnexUS’: Redefining Business Travel Management with High-Touch Human Expertise “Digital platforms offer speed for routine bookings, but true confidence in business travel comes from human accountability and real-world experience,” said Simon Hague, Managing Director at Connexus. “With ConnexUS, we are putting our specialists front and center, ensuring clients receive dedicated support, strategic guidance, and fast crisis resolution whenever challenges arise.” Key Features of ConnexUS Include: Dedicated Travel Consultants: Accounts are assigned to experienced advisors who know company policies, executive travel preferences, and specific routing requirements inside out. In-House 24/7 Duty of Care: Immediate, round-the-clock support managed directly by our internal team
People around the world shared these 76 places they deem the scariest, darkest, and most unsettling. You might wanna add these to your anti-bucket list: Hey, you! Have you visited or passed through a city, town, or other place that was so eerie, you won’t ever forget it? Tell us about it in the comments or anonymous form at the end of this article. Note: The following submissions are simply people’s opinions. If you’re from one of these places and think they got it all wrong, set the record straight in the comments! 1. The Odessa Catacombs in Ukraine: “There’s a catacomb system under the city of Odessa. The Catacombs of Paris extend for about 300km, but the Catacombs of Odessa extend for 2,500km (approximately 1,553 miles). Unlike the Paris Catacombs, they have never been mapped in their entirety, either officially or by the urbex community. There is the Odessa Girl, who allegedly got lost when she wandered off [from her friends] while intoxicated, probably to use the bathroom. With no flashlight, warm clothing, or food, she either froze or starved to death alone in the dark before eventually being found [years] later.” Pierre Crom / Getty Images —u/1-1-19MemeBrigade Unlike
The United Kingdom has updated its travel advice for Kenya to highlight enhanced Ebola screening for arriving passengers, linking the change to a regional outbreak of Bundibugyo-variant Ebola centred in the Democratic Republic of Congo and recent imported cases in Nairobi. Get the latest news straight to your inbox! What the updated UK travel advice says The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) travel advice for Kenya was most recently updated on 16 October 2026, with the headline noting new information about Ebola screening for incoming travellers. The advisory states that travellers arriving in Kenya, particularly those coming from Uganda, Ethiopia and the Democratic Republic of Congo, may face enhanced health screening on arrival as part of measures responding to the ongoing Ebola outbreak. The main advisory page for Kenya continues to focus on long-standing security issues, including terrorism risks near the Somalia border and parts of the coast, but now directs readers to revised “Entry requirements” and “Health” sections. These sections refer specifically to Ebola screening and advise travellers to monitor local health guidance and be prepared for additional checks when crossing borders or arriving at major entry points. According to publicly available information, the update does not
The United Kingdom has added an Ebola-related caution to its official Kenya travel advice following Nairobi’s confirmation of imported cases linked to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, prompting new questions for UK tourists, business travelers and airlines operating in East Africa. Get the latest news straight to your inbox! Updated UK guidance singles out Ebola measures According to the latest Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) travel advice for Kenya, updated on 28 October 2026, the UK has introduced new information on Ebola screening in the country’s entry requirements section. The change follows confirmation of Bundibugyo virus disease cases in Kenya connected to the wider 2026 Ebola outbreak centred in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The health section of the same advisory notes that Kenya’s Ministry of Health confirmed its first imported Ebola case on 6 October 2026. Publicly available information indicates that the patient, a Kenyan national who had been living in Congo, died in Nairobi after travelling through Uganda. Subsequent updates from Kenyan authorities and international health agencies describe additional infections among the man’s close contacts and health workers. The FCDO continues to advise against all or all but essential travel to some areas of Kenya
The United Kingdom has raised its travel advice for Iran to the highest warning level, urging against all travel as security risks escalate across the region and foreign governments tighten their own assessments of the country. Get the latest news straight to your inbox! Latest Change in UK Iran Travel Advice According to publicly available government travel pages and secondary reporting that tracks official advisories, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has updated its Iran guidance to the strictest category, advising against all travel. This move aligns the United Kingdom with a growing number of Western governments that already classify Iran as a destination where travel should not be undertaken due to life-threatening risks. Travel-risk digests produced for the aviation and hospitality sectors in mid to late 2026 reference UK FCDO advice on Iran alongside other Level 4 or equivalent “do not travel” destinations in the region, indicating that insurers, airlines and multinational travel managers now treat the country as one of the highest-risk environments for foreign visitors. These industry assessments typically reflect, and sometimes anticipate, formal government warnings. Publicly accessible risk bulletins circulated to corporate travel departments in October 2026 cite Iran in the same highest alert
October 28, 2026 — 5:07pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. No gift articles left You’ve used all of your gift articles. 3 more will become available on the 1st of every month. Close AAA Peter V’landys has set off on a secret visit to Hong Kong and China to buy equipment for the NRL-themed entertainment centre he is planning to open in Sydney. Hong Kong has been considered a favoured destination for the NRL’s proposed global round in 2028. But according to sources with knowledge of V’landys’ travel plans, the primary purpose of the Asian jaunt was not to lock in the city as a host but to fit out his planned “NRL Land”. The facility is slated to be an indoor fan hub in Alexandria where supporters can interact with players simulated by artificial intelligence, as well as attend watch parties and play four-a-side football, among other activities. V’landys’ trip was kept under wraps to such an extent that NRL staff were unaware where he was, and some members of the Australian Rugby League Commission only learned about it when they read in the Herald
Macao – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that Air New Zealand and Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) are the first organizations to achieve One ID Certification. The certifications were presented at the IATA World Passenger Symposium (WPS) in Macao. The new certification gives airlines, airports, and governments assurance that an organization’s use of digital identity and biometrics meets IATA’s global One ID standards. One ID is a set of global industry standards for using digital identity and biometrics across the passenger journey. These support a journey where passengers confirm their identity and travel documents before reaching the airport, then pass through checkpoints using facial recognition instead of repeatedly showing their passport and boarding pass. IATA’s 2026 Global Passenger Survey found that 78% of passengers would be willing to share their biometric information in order to avoid having to present physical travel documentation at airport checkpoints. “Digital identity can make travel much simpler for passengers, but only if everyone involved in the journey trusts how others verify identity, handle biometric data, and protect privacy. One ID Certification gives them that assurance. Air New Zealand and Hong Kong International Airport are among the industry’s leaders in using One ID-enabled digital
發佈日期: 2026-05-14 20:23 TVB News 粵 已複製連結 In Beijing, an academic believes that President Xi Jinping’s reiteration of the “Thucydides Trap” is a plea for the US to refrain from suppressing China, and that for China and the US to coexist peacefully. President Xi Jinping had earlier mentioned the “Thucydides Trap” during his state visit to the US in 2015, saying that it was not an inevitable reality. Thucydides was an ancient Greek historian who described the relationship between then “superpowers” Athens and Sparta in the 5th century BC. He pointed out that Athens’ rapid rise to power prompted a Spartan response, ultimately leading to war that destroyed both city-states. Harvard University scholar Graham Allison first applied this concept to Sino-US relations in 2012. An academic in international relations believes that Xi Jinping’s revisiting of the “Thucydides Trap” is a hope that the US will not misjudge and suppress China. Wang Yiwei from Renmin University said President Xi’s point is that the countries should not repeat historical tragedies, and that China and the US should find a way to coexist peacefully. He said some conservatives in the US think China could use American semiconductors to launch a smart attack against
(中央社訊息服務20260422 16:25:04)The “Taiwan–U.S. International Joint Symposium & NHRI 30th Anniversary Series: Big Data and Cancer,” co-organized by the Cancer and Immunology Research Center of National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) and the Institute of Molecular and Genomic Medicine of National Health Research Institutes (NHRI), was successfully held on April 10, 2026, at the HO YING TSAI Memorial Hall, Shou-Ren Building, Yangming Campus of NYCU. The event brought together leading experts from NYCU, NHRI, and the University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine) for in-depth discussions on key areas including precision medicine, immunotherapy, and big data analytics. An international academic exchange bringing together leading scholars from Taiwan and the United States to explore new frontiers in cancer therapy. The strong academic ties between NYCU’s Cancer and Immunology Research Center and UC Irvine date back to late 2024, when Professor Xing Dai from UC Irvine’s Department of Biological Chemistry, School of Medicine, was invited to deliver a lecture at NYCU. In 2025, Senior Vice President Muh-Hwa Yang, the Center’s Director, was also invited to visit UC Irvine and deliver a lecture. Since then, ongoing academic exchanges have facilitated a research partnership in cancer biology and precision medicine. This solid foundation has helped
發佈日期: 2026-04-02 20:37 TVB News 粵 已複製連結 Some Chinese academics and analysts believe US President Donald Trump gave his latest speech as a means to give the military a “way out” and reduce American losses in the war. This as a Chinese resident in Iran said Trump’s words have contributed nothing to ending the conflict. Mr. Yin, who has lived in Iran for the past 15 years, briefly returned to China in February to spend time with his family, but was unable to make his way back to Iran when the conflict ignited earlier this year. Having listened to US President Donald Trump’s latest speech, Yin and his wife of Iranian-descent said the couple and their friends share the same sentiment towards the Trump. He called the speech void of meaning — stressing that Washington seemingly lacks any new strategies to defeat Iran. He noted that the Iranian people have learned to observe Trump’s actions instead of listening to his words. Some academics believe Trump’s speech aimed to adjust Washington’s earlier approach to the war, with the new strategy requiring the US to abandon its goal of capturing the Strait of Hormuz in hopes of reducing further losses. Han Jianwei,
EpicQuest Education Group International Limited is a holding company. The Company provides comprehensive education solutions for domestic and international students seeking university and college degrees in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. It owns and operates EduGlobal University, based in British Columbia, Canada, which focuses on English proficiency educational programming for students pursuing academic degrees. It operates and is a 70% owner of Davis University, a career training University located in Toledo, Ohio. In addition, it has a recruiting relationship with the Miami University Regional campuses, where it maintains residential facilities, a full-service cafeteria, recreational facilities, shuttle buses and an office for the regional campuses that provides study abroad and post-study services for its students. It is also a recruiting agent for the University of the West of Scotland (through The Education Group (London) Ltd) and Coventry University. 公司代碼EEIQ 公司名稱EpicQuest Education Group International Ltd 上市日期Mar 25, 2021 CEOZhang (Jianbo) 員工數量43 證券類型Ordinary Share 年結日Mar 25 公司地址1209 N. University Blvd. 城市MIDDLETOWN 上市交易所NASDAQ OMX – NASDAQ BASIC 國家United States of America 郵編45042 電話15138355394 網址https://www.epicquesteducation.com/ 公司代碼EEIQ 上市日期Mar 25, 2021 CEOZhang (Jianbo) 近5年累計派現 0.00 美元 暫無數據 Source link
發佈日期: 2026-03-28 22:32 TVB News 粵 已複製連結 Forensic scientist Henry Chang-Yu Lee, also known as the “Chinese-American Sherlock Holmes,” has died at his home in Nevada in the U.S. on Friday. He was 87. Lee earned international acclaim through his involvement in a list of high-profile cases like the shooting of former Taiwanese leader Chen Shui-bian and the O.J. Simpson murder trial. The shooting of Chen Shui-bian took place on March 19th, 2004, on the eve of Taiwan’s general election. A bullet grazed Chen’s abdomen and another injured then-vice president Annette Lu during a campaign parade in the city of Tainan. Dr. Henry Lee was asked to view evidence on the shattered car windshield, the bullets’ trajectory and the crime scene. Lee’s team determined Chen had gunshot injury after examining, but said it cannot be further conjectured as the wound started to heal. They also deduced that the suspect probably fired from afar, reporting that no gunpowder residue was found on Chen’s clothing. In 2005, Lee said in an interview that the case was still mystery-riddled. This as Chen Yi-hsiung, who was named to be the shooter, died by an allegedly suicide shortly after the incident and was cremated immediately.
發佈日期: 2026-03-26 23:30 TVB News 粵 已複製連結 Dozens of first spouses from around the world attended a technology-focused summit at the White House. A human-shaped robot “Figure 3” manufactured in America joined US First Lady Melania Trump in the East Room. The robot said: “It is an honour to be at Fostering the Future Together’s Global Coalition inaugural meeting. I’m Figure 3, a humanoid built in the United States of America. I am grateful to be part of this historic movement to empower children with technology and education. Welcome.” Melania Trump said: “We must balance our tech optimism with caution. The safety of our next generation is always paramount. Knowledge is the foundation of civilization, but although academia is interesting, business is compelling. For real growth in technology and education, I encourage you to bring the private and public sector worlds together.” Melania Trump urged greater use of artificial intelligence in education during her address. She ramped up her call on countries to hold regional meetings, conduct research studies, and start new partnerships with other nations to “cultivate the skills young people need to be successful in this rapidly evolving world.” Source link
發佈日期: 2026-03-21 20:49 TVB News 粵 已複製連結 The U.S. Justice Department (DOJ) is filing a new lawsuit against Harvard University saying its leadership failed to address antisemitism on campus creating grounds for the government to freeze existing grants and seek repayment for grants already paid. The DOJ wrote in the lawsuit that “The United States cannot and will not tolerate these failures and brings this action to compel Harvard to comply with federal civil rights law.” The lawsuit comes after negotiations appear to have bogged down in the months-long battle with the Trump administration that has tested the boundaries of the government’s authority over American’s universities. What began as an investigation into campus antisemitism escalated into the Trump administration slashing more than 2.6 billion dollars in research funding. Source link
(中央社訊息服務20260311 16:48:03)Students from National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) have captured first place at the Kibo Robot Programming Challenge (Kibo-RPC) global final, hosted by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), marking the third time Taiwan has won the international competition. The final round took place on Feb. 28 at the Tsukuba Space Center in Japan, where the Taiwanese representative team “iTron,” composed of NYCU Department of Mechanical Engineering students Lin Ying-Pei, Wu Dian-Mou, Zheng Li-Qi, and Chen Chang-Jun, outperformed teams from 13 countries and organizations to claim the championship. (Photo credit: Taiwan Space Agency) Organized by JAXA and open to members of the Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum (APRSAF), the Kibo-RPC is an international educational competition that engages students in real-world space robotics challenges. Participants develop programs for Astrobee, a free-flying robotic system aboard the International Space Station (ISS), helping astronauts complete tasks while sharpening their skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The sixth Kibo-RPC competition began accepting registrations in early 2025 and attracted 738 teams worldwide. Taiwan’s preliminary round was organized by the Taiwan Space Agency (TASA) and hosted by the Department of Mechanical Engineering at National Cheng Kung University, drawing 307 students across 77 teams.
您喜歡這個節目嗎? In May 2025, Harvard University in the United States was barred by the government from admitting foreign students from around the world and was instructed to transfer its currently enrolled foreign students to other institutions, an incident that attracted widespread international attention. For a long time, prestigious universities in the United Kingdom and the United States have been the top study destinations pursued by students worldwide. Overseas education consultants note that, as traditional elite universities face political and economic uncertainties, Hong Kong has emerged as another highly regarded study hotspot. Child Home Alone In recent years, a number of incidents involving children left unattended have resulted in accidents, drawing public concern. At present, Hong Kong has no legislation that explicitly prohibits leaving children at home alone. Are the existing laws sufficient to safeguard children? What expectations do members of the public have regarding government and community support? The Lost Classroom According to the latest figures provided by the Education Bureau, in 2025, there are currently over 5,000 absenteeism cases across Hong Kong, the highest in nine years. However, children who attend school only one or two days a week, or even just a few hours, are not included
BCCTaipei CEO 吳禹萱 Vicki Wu (左)、英國在台辦事處代表Ruth Bradley-Jones (右)產業中心/綜合報導 British Chamber of Commerce in Taipei（台北市英僑商務協會，BCCT）今宣布，原執行總監 Vicki Wu（吳禹萱）即日起升任執行長（Chief Executive Officer），展現董事會對其領導能力與長期貢獻的高度肯定。 吳禹萱Vicki Wu自擔任執行總監以來，在強化商會營運制度、財務重整、會員互動及整體策略定位方面表現卓越。其任內，英僑商務協會不僅維持穩健營運，更成功提升多項核心活動、政策倡議及會員服務的品質與影響力。 此次人事任命經董事會一致通過，以表彰吳禹萱Vicki Wu展現出的專業領導力、卓越執行力，以及對商會使命與英國社群的深度投入。 英僑商務協會主席、TutorABC 執行長 Samuel Yang 表示，在吳禹萱Vicki Wu的帶領下，商會多項核心活動皆創下歷史新高，包括「優良企業獎（Better Business Awards）」、「聖安德魯舞會（St Andrew’s Ball）」、「聖誕慈善拍賣（Christmas Charity Auction）」及「Women in Business」等活動，不論是出席人數、贊助參與度或公益募款金額皆顯著成長。 他指出，這些成果不僅來自優秀的執行能力，更展現吳禹萱Vicki Wu凝聚人心、建立信任，並為會員與更廣泛社群創造實質影響的關鍵角色。 此外，吳禹萱Vicki Wu亦在推動英僑商務協會董事會與 British Office Taipei 共同的核心策略目標上扮演重要推手，即「整合所有在台英國資源」。此策略涵蓋商務、貿易、教育、文化、英國大學校友等網絡及專業社群，強化英國社群及組織機構在台灣與各個領域的跨步合作與整體影響力。 英國在台辦事處代表 Ruth Bradley-Jones 表示，吳禹萱Vicki Wu是一位值得信賴且極具效率的合作夥伴，其領導力不僅為在台英國社群帶來實質改變，也深化了與台灣產、官、學界在地夥伴的互動關係。 升任執行長後，吳禹萱Vicki Wu將持續負責商會日常營運，並與董事會及英國在台辦事處密切合作，共同推動英台交流、深化雙邊連結，為會員與合作夥伴創造更高價值。 吳禹萱Vicki Wu執行長表示，能夠接任執行長一職深感榮幸，感謝董事會的信任以及與英國在台辦事處的緊密合作，未來將持續服務會員，為打造更團結、前瞻且具影響力的在台英國社群貢獻心力。 英僑商務協會強調，未來將持續致力於促進英國與台灣之間的雙邊貿易、投資與多元合作，並在吳禹萱Vicki Wu的領導下，迎接商會發展的新篇章。 關於台北市英僑商務協會（BCCT） 英僑商務協會為台灣主要的國際商會之一，代表眾多英國及國際企業，橫跨多元產業領域，透過政策倡議、交流平台與思想領導，協助會員發展，並深化英台經貿關係。Website：https://www.bcctaipei.com/ British Chamber of Commerce in Taipei Appoints Vicki Wu as Chief Executive Officer The British Chamber of Commerce in Taipei (BCCT) is pleased to announce the promotion of Vicki Wu from Executive Director to Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Vicki Wu has served as Executive Director of BCCT with distinction, playing a pivotal role in strengthening the Chamber’s operations, financial discipline, member engagement, and strategic positioning. Under her leadership, BCCT has maintained operational stability while expanding the quality and impact of its flagship events, policy engagement, and member services. The Board unanimously approved the promotion in recognition of Vicki’s leadership, professionalism, and deep commitment to the Chamber’s mission and community. “Under Vicki’s leadership, the Chamber has achieved record results across our flagship activities,” said Samuel Yang, Chairman of BCCT and CEO of TutorABC. “We have seen the highest-ever attendance, sponsorship participation, and charitable
US consumer sentiment deteriorated slightly in November as Americans fretted about high prices, weaker incomes, and mounting layoffs, nearing record lows. That’s according to the University of Michigan’s final reading of its survey of consumers. Preliminary data released earlier this month showed plunging sentiment for November, with overall sentiment hitting 50.3 amid concerns about the effect of the government shutdown on the economy. Sentiment improved a bit after the shutdown ended Nov. 12, reaching a level of 51 — lower than October’s 53.6 and down 29% from one year ago. Read more: What is consumer confidence, and why does it matter? Still, that didn’t totally quiet consumers’ anxiety. For one, the government’s funding agreement only lasts until the end of January. In the meantime, Americans are facing the prospect of spiking health insurance premiums, an unemployment rate that’s above where it was a year ago, and stubborn inflation. What’s more, 69% of consumers now expect unemployment to rise in the year ahead, more than double the rate from this time last year. The perceived probability of losing one’s job is also worse this month and at its highest level since 2020, according to Joanne Hsu, the director of the survey
As the U.S. market navigates a complex landscape marked by rising unemployment and mixed performances across major indices, investor attention is increasingly drawn to companies where insider confidence remains robust. In this environment, high insider ownership can be a compelling indicator of potential growth, suggesting that those who know the company best are committed to its future success. Name Insider Ownership Earnings Growth Super Micro Computer (SMCI) 13.9% 50.7% StubHub Holdings (STUB) 14.2% 73.9% SES AI (SES) 12% 68.9% Niu Technologies (NIU) 37.2% 93.7% Karman Holdings (KRMN) 17.3% 78.5% Credo Technology Group Holding (CRDO) 10.4% 30.7% Corcept Therapeutics (CORT) 11.4% 52.7% Atour Lifestyle Holdings (ATAT) 18% 24.4% Astera Labs (ALAB) 11.7% 29.0% AppLovin (APP) 27.4% 27.1% Click here to see the full list of 206 stocks from our Fast Growing US Companies With High Insider Ownership screener. We’re going to check out a few of the best picks from our screener tool. Simply Wall St Growth Rating: ★★★★★☆ Overview: Prenetics Global Limited is a health sciences company dedicated to advancing consumer health in Hong Kong, the United States, and internationally, with a market cap of $268.92 million. Operations: Prenetics Global Limited generates revenue through its health sciences operations, focusing on
The USGS said Wednesday it found 28.3 trillion cubic feet of gas and 1.6 billion barrels of oil in the Woodford and Barnett areas of the larger Permian Basin, which straddles West Texas and New Mexico. (USGS) The U.S. Geological Survey, the federal government’s earth sciences arm, discovered new oil and gas reserves in the Permian Basin – enough to supply the United States for 10 months. The USGS said Wednesday it found 28.3 trillion cubic feet of gas and 1.6 billion barrels of oil in the Woodford and Barnett shale formations, part of the larger Permian Basin, which straddles West Texas and New Mexico. The USGS began assessing available petroleum reserves 50 years ago after the Arab oil embargo sent the U.S. into a supply crisis. Domestic oil supplies have exploded since then, especially after fracking ushered in the shale boom in the early 2000s, turning the U.S. into an oil-producing powerhouse. OIL: Trump threatens to freeze Exxon out of Venezuela for ‘playing too cute.’ Here’s why But whether the U.S. will have enough oil and gas to meet growing demand in the decades to come has been increasingly in question. Declining availability of shale reserves has begun challenging
FTC DECODE Qualifier and FRC REBUILT Kickoff brought hands-on STEM competition to Bridgeport, highlighting new pathways into engineering and technology careers BRIDGEPORT, Conn., Jan. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont and U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal joined University of Bridgeport (UB) leaders, Bridgeport Mayor Joseph Ganim, and regional educators on January 10 as the University hosted two major FIRST Robotics competitions, bringing hundreds of middle and high school students to campus for hands-on STEM challenges and a first look at the University’s new robotics space. University of Bridgeport’s Mohammed Aljamal, President Danielle Wilken, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont, Connecticut State Senator Herron Gaston, Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim, and Goodwin University President Mark Scheinberg pose together during FIRST Robotics events hosted on campus on January 10, 2026. The event included: FTC DECODE — FIRST Tech Challenge Bridgeport Qualifier (presented by RTX), where teams in grades 7–12 designed, built, and programmed classroom-scale robots to compete in fast-paced alliance matches. FRC REBUILT — FIRST Robotics Competition Kickoff (presented by Haas), as part of the New England FIRST kickoff celebration for the 2026 season. The contests marked the first major event held in UB’s new robotics hub — a new space developed in partnership
As online enrollment grows, the university is scaling peer-to-peer support using InScribe’s digital communities to improve student success and retention. DENVER and TERRE HAUTE, Ind., Feb. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — InScribe Education, a provider of digital communities for higher education, today announced a partnership with Indiana State University to support online student success through scalable, peer-to-peer engagement. The partnership brings InScribe’s digital community platform to Indiana State’s online programs as the university continues to expand access and enrollment. Indiana State University and InScribe logos. Indiana State University is a public four-year institution serving a rapidly growing population of fully online learners, with enrollment approaching 2,000 students. As their online programs scale, university leaders want to ensure that student support, connection, and engagement also continue to grow. Through InScribe, Indiana State has launched Sycamore Grove, the university’s InScribe-powered digital community for online learners. Sycamore Grove serves as a centralized virtual student lounge where students can connect with peers, ask questions, share experiences, and access guidance throughout their academic journey. The community is designed to reinforce belonging and engagement beyond traditional course interactions. Sycamore Grove complements Indiana State’s learning management system, Canvas, by providing a space intentionally designed for student success. Learners
This 9- to 12-month programme equips current and aspiring revenue leaders to integrate cross‑functional strategy, analytics and AI to drive sustainable growth. CAMBRIDGE, United Kingdom, Feb. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Cambridge Judge Business School Executive Education announces the launch of the Chief Revenue Officer Programme , a 9- to 12-month programme that equips current and aspiring chief revenue officers (CROs) to successfully integrate revenue-impacting functions and become transformational growth drivers. Launched in collaboration with Emeritus, a global leader in making high-quality education accessible and affordable, the programme begins in March 2026. CJ logo (PRNewsfoto/Emeritus) As customer expectations evolve and digital‑first buying journeys reshape markets, organisations need leaders who can combine strategic vision, an innovative mindset, analytical prowess and AI to deliver measurable revenue impact. The Chief Revenue Officer Programme positions revenue leaders as key drivers of organisational value by integrating marketing, product, pricing and data functions to uncover new revenue streams and strengthen resilience. Participants will explore data-driven frameworks and emerging technologies, including AI, alongside innovative approaches to align traditionally siloed functions. Through a blend of curated learning content delivered through live online sessions, peer learning, applied exercises, success coaching, and an in-person capstone module in Cambridge, UK, participants will
– Every UK private school has been targeted by a fee payment scam or attempted fraud in the past five years according to IRIS Education research– On average, parents lose £3,200 per successful scam, with one in five cases involving losses of up to £10,000– More than a third of schools lack confidence in the security of their fee collection processes as threat levels rise LONDON, Jan. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Parents at fee-paying schools are losing thousands of pounds each year to sophisticated fee payment scams, with independent schools in the UK experiencing at least one scam or attempted fraud over the past five years, according to new research from IRIS Education*. IRIS Software Group Logo (PRNewsfoto/IRIS Software Group) The research, which surveyed 100 bursars at UK private schools, found that scammers are routinely impersonating schools and sending fake fee payment requests to parents. All bursars polled said their school community had been targeted at least once, with the average bursar reporting five separate scam incidents over the period – equating to roughly one event per school, per year. When scams succeed, the financial impact on families can be severe. Bursars polled by IRIS estimate that parents have lost an average
The Human Capability Initiative Conference will return to Riyadh from 03–04 May, convening more than 15,000 global leaders to drive future human capability development under the theme “The Human Code.” The United Kingdom has been named Country of Honor, reflecting the strategic partnership between Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom in education, workforce development, and economic cooperation. RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Feb. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Saudi Arabia’s Human Capability Development Program (HCDP) today announced the third edition of the Human Capability Initiative (HCI) Conference, to be held on 03–04 May 2026 in Riyadh, bringing together global leaders to drive the future of human capability development under the theme “The Human Code.” The launch of the third edition of HCI 2026, with the United Kingdom as Country of Honor, coincides with Prince William’s visit to Saudi Arabia. Held under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia and Chairman of the HCDP Committee, HCI 2026 will feature the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland as the Country of Honor, underscoring the strategic partnership between Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom in education, workforce development, and
英僑商務協會長期領袖斯瑞奇 Rich Smith產業中心/綜合報導 英國在台灣教育界的重要推手、英僑商務協會長期領袖斯瑞奇 Rich Smith，榮獲英王查爾斯三世（King Charles III）頒授2026新年「大英帝國官佐勳章」（Officer of the Order of the British Empire, OBE），表彰他多年來對英國教育產業以及在台英國僑民社群的卓越貢獻。此項殊榮名列英國 2026 年新年授勳名單（2026 New Year’s Honours List），為英國最高國家級榮譽之一。 英國新年授勳制度旨在表揚對國家及民眾福祉作出傑出貢獻的人士。對於非政府體系、且長期服務於台灣的英國民間領袖而言，獲此皇家榮譽實屬罕見，也使斯瑞奇的獲獎在台灣英國僑民社群中格外具有代表性與指標性意義。 在斯瑞奇之前，在台灣有數位與台灣淵源深厚，於台英關係、教育、科技及公共事務領域具重要影響力的人士名列英國授勳人士之列， 在台灣籍獲獎者方面，包括： 張忠謀（Morris Chang）CBE（2013），台積電創辦人，因促進英台商業合作及對全球科技產業的貢獻，獲頒榮譽大英帝國司令勳章。 王文洋（Winston Wen-Yang Wong）OBE（2016），因透過教育與科學研究促進英台關係而獲獎，為倫敦帝國學院校友，長期支持英國學術機構。 Lynn Li MBE（2009），前英國在台辦事處員工，因推動英台重大基礎建設合作而獲表揚。 英國籍獲獎者則包括： Ruth Bradley-Jones MBE（2023），英國駐台代表，因推動性別平權與多元共融而獲獎。 Wayne Ive MBE（2024），英國駐台副代表，因其在多邊與外交事務上的領導表現獲得肯定。 John Nixon MBE（2007），台北歐洲學校執行長，因對教育及在台英國社群的貢獻獲獎。 這樣的背景更突顯 Rich Smith 此次名列 2026 年新年授勳名單的非凡意義。 Rich Smith 於 1993 年共同創辦英國教育顧問服務機構 UK Education Advisory Services（UKEAS，後更名為 Intake Education），並擔任董事長長達三十年。他所建立的「免費、高品質留學諮詢服務」模式，為國際教育顧問產業帶來革命性改變，讓來自不同經濟背景的優秀學生，都能獲得專業且公正的升學指引，進入世界級的英國高等教育體系。 三十多年來，Rich Smith 所領導的機構直接協助超過 10 萬名國際學生赴英深造，為英國高等教育與相關產業創造約 35 億英鎊的學費、生活與住宿經濟效益。 其中，無數台灣學生在他的協助下前往英國求學，並於完成學業後，活躍於商業、政府、學術、醫療及公民社會等領域，成為各行各業的中堅力量。更重要的是，Rich Smith 的長期投入，不僅培育全球化人才，也深化了英國教育在台灣的影響力，為台英關係奠定穩固的人才與價值基礎。 作為國際教育產業的先驅，UKEAS 透過與超過 100 所英國大學的合作夥伴關係，建立由大學支持的營運模式，確保學生能在不受財務條件限制的情況下，獲得專業且中立的升學建議，深刻改變整體產業生態。 除了教育領域的卓越貢獻，Rich Smith 自 2009 年加入台北市英僑商務協會British Chamber of Commerce in Taipei, BCCT）董事會以來，曾擔任董事、監事及財務長等多項要職，近二十年來持續投入商會治理與社群發展。 在其領導與個人承諾下，BCCT 的企業社會責任（CSR）計畫已為台灣公益團體募得超過新台幣 3,000 萬元，支持青少年服務、教育計畫、無家者援助，以及弱勢學生的長期獎學金機制，對台灣社會產生深遠而實質的正面影響。 台北市英僑商務協會主席、TutorABC 執行長 Samuel Yang 表示：「Rich Smith 在英王新年授勳名單中獲頒 OBE，是對其一生奉獻於教育、服務與社群領導的高度肯定。他對英國教育在全球，尤其是台灣的貢獻，無可比擬。多個世代的台灣學生因他的努力而與英國建立深厚連結，進一步強化英台關係。他對在台英國社群及公益事業的長期投入，已留下深具意義的永續典範。這是屬於 Rich、與他的家人，以及整個在台英國社群的榮耀時刻。」 Rich Smith OBE 則表示：「能夠獲得英王查爾斯三世的肯定，我感到無比榮幸與謙卑。我始終相信，教育是一股能創造機會並帶來正向改變的力量。多年來能與如此多敬業的同仁、大學夥伴，以及台灣的英國社群攜手合作，是我最大的福氣，這份榮耀屬於所有與我同行的人。」 台北市英僑商務協會對 Rich Smith 獲頒此項皇家榮譽與有榮焉，並高度肯定他透過教育、商業與社群服務，持續深化英台關係的長遠貢獻。 英國王室授勳制度旨在表揚在公共生活中具卓越成就，並長期致力於服務英國與社會的個人。更多關於 2026 年新年授勳名單的資訊，可至英國政府官方網站 GOV.UK 查詢。 British Education Leader in Taiwan Rich Smith Awarded OBE in King Charles III’s 2026 New Year’s Honours List The British Chamber of Commerce in Taipei (BCCT) is pleased to announce that Rich Smith has been awarded an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in His Majesty King Charles III’s 2026 New Year’s Honours List. He is being recognised for his outstanding services to the UK education industry and the British community in Taiwan. The New Year’s Honours List represents one of the highest forms of national
CHENNAI, India, Feb. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — India’s No: 1 Ranked institution, Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras), has established a new entity, IIT Madras Global Research Foundation (IITM Global) which was launched by Dr. S. Jaishankar, Hon’ble Minister of External Affairs, Government of India, on 2nd January 2026. Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar (3rd L) releases a book on ‘India’s Innovation Ecosystem Going Global’ on 2 Jan at IITM, India At the event, a key strategic partnership with Durham University to establish an ‘IITM Global’ Centre at Durham was announced. It will serve as a gateway for the institute’s academic, research and innovation outreach across the United Kingdom and Europe. IITM Global as a charter to transform the institute into the world’s first multinational university and position it as a globally networked hub for education, research, innovation and entrepreneurship. The collaboration will focus on joint research, startup exchange and high-impact academic and skilling programs, leveraging the complementary strengths of both institutions to co-create globally scalable models of innovation and education. Addressing the IITM Global launch event at IIT Madras Campus on 2nd Jan 2026, Dr. S. Jaishankar said, “An IIT Madras Campus in Tanzania is a way
A new international pathway connecting Miami and Italy through innovative higher education MIAMI, Feb. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Doral College and UNINETTUNO International Telematic University announced the launch of their Italy–USA Dual Degree Program, an international academic partnership that expands global learning opportunities for students in the United States and Europe. Judith Marty, President of Doral College, and Prof. Maria Amata Garito, Rector of UNINETTUNO University The Dual Degree Program allows students to earn two accredited bachelor’s degrees—one awarded in the United States and one in Italy—through an integrated academic pathway. The collaboration brings together Doral College’s Bachelor of Business Administration and UNINETTUNO’s Bachelor in Economics and Business Management, aligned through a formal Learning Agreement between the institutions. Through a clearly defined credit-transfer framework that bridges U.S. credits and the European ECTS system, students complete coursework across both institutions using advanced online learning platforms. Doral College students may pursue the Italian degree by completing approved coursework through UNINETTUNO’s digital university environment, while UNINETTUNO students may earn the U.S. credential through Doral College’s online campus based in Florida. “The launch of this Dual Degree Program reflects Doral College’s vision for higher education without borders,” said Judith Marty, President of Doral College. “By
UChicago Medicine Ralph Lauren Center to provide greater access to high-quality cancer care and preventative services for Chicago’s South Side and Southland communities NEW YORK, January 21, 2026–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The Ralph Lauren Corporate Foundation today announced it has awarded a grant to the University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center to establish the UChicago Medicine Ralph Lauren Center, building on the Foundation’s commitment to expand or open five cancer centers across the United States. The UChicago Medicine Ralph Lauren Center will enhance access to high-quality cancer screening, comprehensive cancer care and support services, serving a catchment area of more than 900,000 community members in Chicago’s South Side and Southland communities. The new UChicago Medicine Ralph Lauren Center – the fourth Ralph Lauren-named center in the U.S. and first in the Midwest – will comprise two locations. The first, located within the outpatient cancer facility at UChicago Medicine Ingalls Memorial Hospital in Harvey, Illinois, is expected to open in 2026. A second location will be inside UChicago Medicine’s new AbbVie Foundation Cancer Pavilion, which will be Illinois’ first freestanding cancer care and research facility when it opens in April 2027. The UChicago Medicine Ralph Lauren Center will also be supported by a
US News & World Report rankings place W. P. Carey School of Business among the nation’s top 10 for online undergraduate, graduate, and MBA programs. TEMPE, Ariz., Jan. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Choosing the right online business program can shape a learner’s career for years to come, and the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings continue to point students and veterans toward the W. P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University. (PRNewsfoto/W. P. Carey School of Business ) In the U.S. News & World Report’s latest online program rankings, W. P. Carey earned top 10 recognition across its online undergraduate, graduate, and MBA programs. W. P. Carey’s online undergraduate business programs held steady at No. 2 in the nation, placing the school ahead of peer institutions such as Penn State World Campus and Indiana University Online. The school also earned a new No. 3 ranking for its online master’s in business for veterans — ahead of George Washington University, Syracuse University, and Indiana University Online — underscoring its growing impact and commitment to supporting military-connected learners as they advance their careers. At the graduate level, W. P. Carey ranked No. 4 overall for online graduate business programs,
For the past year, the Smithsonian Institution has found itself in the awkward position of telling the nation’s story while being supported in part by a government that wants to narrow how that story is told. In December, the White House threatened to revoke funding to the institution if it did not hand over a trove of wall texts and exhibit plans for a review. So when a permanent exhibition of presidential portraits closed for a refresh earlier this spring, whether some important but unsavory facts about the current president would be there when it reopened was unclear. Now we know: The “America’s Presidents” galleries at the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C., are back, and President Trump’s two impeachments are technically there. But they are mentioned without context, in a way that underlines the Smithsonian’s touchy relationship with an administration that has not hesitated to strong-arm the institution. Last summer, the Smithsonian National Museum of American History quietly took down references to Trump’s two impeachments from a display on presidents who had faced the removal process. The change came amid a content review that the Smithsonian had begun under pressure from the White House, but following a public outcry,
This report is from this week’s The Tech Download newsletter. Like what you see? You can subscribe here. One look at the roster of U.S. execs that cozied up to U.S. President Donald Trump on the 20+ hours flight from Alaska to China on Wednesday and you get a sense of the American delegation’s key focus in Beijing. Nvidia‘s Jensen Huang, Tesla‘s Elon Musk and Apple‘s Tim Cook were all onboard, as were execs from Meta, Micron, Qualcomm and Coherent. It’s fair to assume tech was a topic that came up on the trip. The visit got off to a strong start for the group of execs, with Chinese President Xi Jinping saying that China would open up to U.S. businesses. Execs also had their chance to make a pitch directly to the Beijing premier, according to U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. The U.S. business leaders had the “opportunity yesterday in a meeting with President Trump and President Xi to come in and talk a little bit about their companies,” Greer said in an interview with Bloomberg TV on Friday. He specifically name-checked Nvidia’s Jensen Huang as being there. Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump attend a welcome
It’s the dawn of a new era on Wall Street — and I’m not talking about the imminent change at the Federal Reserve. After more than half a century at the helm of Berkshire Hathaway (BRKA 0.07%)(BRKB 0.32%), billionaire Warren Buffett has stepped out of the spotlight and handed the reins to his successor, Greg Abel. But even though the Oracle of Omaha is no longer steering the ship and seeking to add to his greater-than-6,000,000% outperformance of the benchmark S&P 500 (^GSPC +0.77%) since the mid-1960s, it doesn’t mean his investing principles and wisdom don’t continue to echo on Wall Street. Warren Buffett retired as Berkshire Hathaway’s CEO on Dec. 31, 2025. Image source: The Motley Fool. If there’s one “Buffett investing rule” that, arguably, has more bearing than others, it’s his emphasis on valuation. While Berkshire’s former boss occasionally bent or broke some of his unwritten rules, he never chased after an investment that he didn’t feel offered a good deal. Value is of the utmost importance — and based on Warren Buffett’s preferred valuation tool, the stock market isn’t offering much in the way of value. The Buffett indicator has entered uncharted territory Since 2026 began, we’ve
Elon Musk may have just called Jensen Huang as his ‘true friend’. X user DogeDesigner recently shared a split-image of the Tesla CEO and Nvidia CEO from 2016 and 2026, showing their decade-long friendship with Jensen in his signature leather jacket. The post is captioned: “The most important thing in life is having true friends”. Musk reshared the post on his timeline with a single-word: ‘True’, kind of admitting the ‘true friendship’ between the two. Huang and Musk are widely regarded as two of the greatest tech entrepreneurs of the modern era, with the two working in conjunction as Tesla vehicles run Nvidia chips. The two have exchanged praises for each other over years. Huang once called Musk ‘the ultimate GPU’ adding that “Even without a Neuralink implant, Elon Musk has a lot going on in his head”.During an appearance on Joe Rogan Experience podcast last year, Jensen Huang talked about his relationship with Elon. He then said:“I was lucky because I had known Elon Musk, and I helped him build the first computer for Model 3, the Model S, and when he wanted to start working on an autonomous vehicle. I helped him build the computer that went into
Open this photo in gallery: Prime Minister Mark Carney meets with Premier of Alberta Danielle Smith at his office in Ottawa on May 8.Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press Keep calm and… Re “The Iran war has shown why Canada shouldn’t just take the world as it is” (May 8): Our Prime Minister is criticized for putting trade before our beliefs. But a lot has changed over the past year. We do have to “take the world as it is.” No one seems more aware of the potential damage idealism can do to the economy than our Prime Minister, who helped guide Britain during Brexit. Every new job created gives a family financial support to enjoy life with a minimum of anxiety. What change did our involvement in Afghanistan bring about? Has China changed because we criticized its human rights abuse? As long as the world nurtures authoritarian leaders, Canadian foreign policy should be directed through the United Nations. Foreign aid should continue being our main approach. And our Prime Minister supports international law, which is a quiet rebuke of Mr. Trump’s foreign policy of might is right. May God continue to give him the strength to carry on. Ken Stock Port
SpaceX CEO Elon Musk recently alleged Delta Airlines of rejecting its space internet service Starlink over Amazon’s Leo. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the world’s richest man alleged that the real issue was the airline requiring passengers to access the in-flight Wi-Fi using the Delta Sync portal, which forces customers to log in with an account number for SkyMiles, the airline’s frequent-flyer program. Now, Delta Airlines has responded to Musk’s claim. In a statement to PC Mag, the airline said “The assertion in question is not accurate”, claiming that incorporating Delta Sync with Starlink would have been permitted under SpaceX’s in-flight Wi-Fi agreement. It further stated that it want to deepen work with “a global leader that shares our ambition to build what’s next.”Replying to this, Musk wrote on X: “They will lose passengers over this”. Delta Airlines on why it chose Amazon’s LEO As quoted by X user Sawyer Meritt, Delta Airlines explained why it chose Amazon’s Leo saying:“This agreement gives us the fastest and most cost-effective technology available to better connect the world today, and it deepens our work with a global leader that shares our ambition to build what’s next.”The airline is reportedly targeting 2028
Readout of President Trump’s Meeting With Chinese President Xi Jinping – U.S. Embassy & Consulates in China Skip to main content An official website of the United States government Here’s how you know Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock A locked padlock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Travel Advisory Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution Travel Advisory Level 2: Updated to reflect a shift to Level 2 “Exercise increased caution” for Mainland China. Read More… Worldwide Caution – Enroll in STEP President Trump had a good meeting with President Xi of China. The two sides discussed ways to enhance economic cooperation between our two countries, including expanding market access for American businesses into China and increasing Chinese investment into our industries. Leaders from many of the United States’ largest companies joined a portion of the meeting. The Presidents also highlighted the need to build on progress in ending the flow of fentanyl precursors into the United States, as well as increasing Chinese purchases
On 9 May, Russia held its iconic annual Victory Day parade to honour the sacrifices of its soldiers and civilians during its four-year war against Nazi Germany. When the president, Vladimir Putin, invaded Ukraine on 24 February 2022, he didn’t anticipate a fight that would last longer than the Red Army’s epic struggle against the Wehrmacht. But his war drags on. Worse, it’s failing and threatening his grip on power. Despite Putin’s boasts about Russian troops advancing on every front, even pro-war military bloggers are criticising military mismanagement. Some say the momentum favours Ukraine and at least one warns that Russia could lose. With the frontline stalled, an estimated 1.3 million Russian troops dead or wounded, and ordinary Russians under increasing economic pressure, the war Putin believed would produce his crowning achievement may prove to be his undoing. For Russians, the war was once something that happened over there. Now it’s happening inside Russia itself. Ukraine’s drones and missiles routinely hit targets deep inside the country – often more than 1,000 miles from the border. They include Moscow, Yekaterinburg, Chelyabinsk, Perm, Rostov-on-Don, Yaroslavl, Murmansk and the Baltic Sea oil-loading ports at Primorsk and Ust-Luga. The refineries at Tuapse, on the
May 14 (Reuters) – A bidder agreed to pay $9,000,100 at auction to dine with billionaire investor Warren Buffett and basketball superstar Stephen Curry in a charity fundraiser. The winning bid came in a weeklong auction on eBay that ended on Thursday, according to eBay’s website. The winner’s identity could not immediately be determined. Buffett, Curry and his wife Ayesha Curry will join the winner and up to seven guests chosen by the winner on June 24 in Omaha, Nebraska, where Buffett’s conglomerate Berkshire Hathaway is based. Proceeds will be divided between the Glide Foundation and Eat. Learn. Play. The nonprofits said Buffett will match the winning bid for each of them, boosting the total donation to about $27 million. Berkshire, Glide and Eat. Learn. Play. did not immediately respond to requests for comment outside business hours. Glide is a nonprofit in San Francisco’s Tenderloin district that helps people who are poor, homeless and battling substance abuse. Buffett raised about $53.2 million for Glide in 21 auctions between 2000 and 2022. He began supporting Glide after his first wife Susan volunteered there. She died in 2004. The $19 million winning bid in the 2022 auction remains by far the largest
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney posited that the world order was not experiencing a “transition” but rather a “rupture” from the global system established in the aftermath of the Second World War. For Southeast Asia, and its primary institutional forum – ASEAN – this means recognising that some of its most cherished principles might no longer be entirely valid and reassessing traditional assumptions about regional cohesion and commonality of interests. INTRODUCTION Occasionally, a single speech by a world leader can perfectly capture the zeitgeist of the moment. When Winston Churchill warned of an “iron curtain” descending across Europe in 1946, he provided a painfully accurate preview of the geopolitical framework – the Cold War – that would dominate the world stage for the next four decades. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s recent speech in Davos at the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum might ultimately be viewed by future historians in a similar vein. Carney posited that the world order was not experiencing a “transition” but rather a “rupture”, which signalled that the old global system established in the aftermath of the Second World War was gone forever. Although he never mentioned President Donald Trump by name, Carney’s speech
US President Donald Trump (R) shakes hands with China’s President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on May 14, 2026. Kenny Holston | Afp | Getty Images U.S. President Donald Trump said China has agreed to buy American oil, in a pre-recorded interview with Fox News that aired Thursday evening stateside, as the two nations push for concrete trade and business wins at their ongoing bilateral summit. “They’ve agreed they want to buy oil from the United States, they’re going to go to Texas, we’re going to start sending Chinese ships to Texas and to Louisiana and to Alaska,” Trump said in the interview that was conducted after his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Thursday. Trump and Xi are scheduled to meet Friday to close out a two-day summit that has featured pageantry as well as dealmaking including market access for U.S. businesses and purchases of American goods. Beijing also made a pointed warning that mishandling the Taiwan issue could push bilateral ties into a tailspin. Trump’s visit marks the first time a sitting U.S. president has traveled to China in nearly nine years. The two leaders are expected to share
Trump said tonight that he brought top business leaders who traveled with him to China into his meeting with Xi and discussed how to increase trade between the U.S. and China. “I suggested that before we start the meeting, I’d like to introduce them to you, and they were surprised, because it wasn’t, you know, it wasn’t scheduled,” Trump said in an interview with Sean Hannity, referring to bringing Elon Musk, Tim Cook, Jensen Huang and other CEOs into the meeting with Chinese officials. “It’s interesting, because they do business in general, most of them do business here, but probably like to do more, and I’d like to see them do more. That would be good for trade and trade balance, and they were fantastic,” Trump said.
Hello, welcome to Politics Insider. Let’s look at what happened today. Alberta must respect the rights of Indigenous peoples and individual freedoms if it wishes to hold an independence referendum, Prime Minister Mark Carney says. Matthew Scace reports that Carney made the comments today, a day after an Alberta judge struck down a separatist group’s petition. Court of King’s Bench Justice Shaina Leonard blocked separatist leader Mitch Sylvestre’s petition, which sought to force a provincewide vote this fall. The judge said the province failed to consult with First Nations about how seceding from Canada would affect treaty rights. The decision also hinged on recent changes to provincial law by Premier Danielle Smith’s government, which sought to sidestep a prior court ruling. It found residents don’t have the power to initiate an independence referendum under Alberta’s citizen-initiative laws. Carney referred to Justice Leonard’s decision when asked whether he believed an independence referendum should proceed. “We have standards and an ability for provinces to hold referenda on a variety of subjects. Obviously, we support that,” Carney said. “That means respecting the rights of Indigenous peoples, respecting the rights of people to privacy.” Carney is expected to be in Calgary on Friday to
On the National Mall, where Trump’s new tinge of paint made its way up the basin of the Reflecting Pool, three video-game consoles had been installed with an interactive game called Operation Epic Furious: Strait to Hell. It allowed players to simulate the Iran war. A few National Guard members took turns trying out the arcade game for a couple of minutes. I made my way downtown as one of the Police Week convoys sped in the opposite direction. Outside night clubs on Connecticut Avenue, girls hung out of the sunroofs of idling cars, cheering on the cops. Dozens of classic police cars from various departments were parked in front of the White House. A few men in red “Make Copcars Great Again” hats posed with the vehicles. Inside the White House complex, a slightly languid mood, typical during a President’s foreign trip, prevailed. “I had lots of weird week-long, empty, ghostly West Wing days,” an official from a previous Administration recalled to me. “The structuring principle of everybody’s day is gone. Getting decisions out of the travelling crew is extremely difficult.” These were days for doctors’ appointments, haircuts, long lunches, coming in late and leaving early. “There’s also the
Elon Musk accuses OpenAI of breaching charitable trust and prioritising profit over AI safety and nonprofit values. Published On 14 May 202614 May 2026 Lawyers for OpenAI and Elon Musk began closing arguments in a landmark trial that could impact the future of the ChatGPT maker. On Thursday, each side presented a concluding statement to jurors, who will decide whether OpenAI and its leaders profited from a venture that was meant to be a “charity”. Recommended Stories list of 4 itemsend of list The lawsuit was brought by Musk, the world’s richest man and the founder of a rival artificial intelligence (AI) model, Grok. Musk sued OpenAI, its CEO Sam Altman and its president Greg Brockman, alleging that the company strayed from its founding mission to build AI that was safe and beneficial to humanity. Musk was not present for the closing statements on Thursday, as he is currently in China on a diplomatic visit with United States President Donald Trump. His lawyer, Steven Molo, used his final remarks to accuse OpenAI of breaching its charitable trust by enriching investors and insiders at the nonprofit’s expense. He also sought to paint Altman as untrustworthy. “I confronted Sam Altman with the fact
Interview by Doug Henwood Elon Musk needs no introduction. He is one of the leading capitalists of our time. Unlike many in tech, he gets down and dirty with the physical world (or rather, his employees do), building cars and rockets, digging tunnels, even implanting chips in people’s brains. He is also a master of hype, making ludicrous claims that never come to pass. That hype aside, he has achieved a lot. And yet he has used his fame, his money, and his X platform to promote a politics that, it is no exaggeration to say, is white supremacist and exterminationist. Musk’s businesses include Tesla, the car company; SpaceX, the rocket company; X, formerly Twitter, and xAI, the artificial intelligence enterprise of which Grok is the face; Neuralink, the maker of chips implantable into human brains so they can talk directly with computers; and Boring Company, which drills giant tunnels to create subterranean highways. Of these, only Tesla and SpaceX are profitable. The current profits of the two combined are around $12 billion. These are the financial base of his fortune, estimated by Bloomberg at $655 billion, with most of it coming from SpaceX and Tesla stock. The latter is
US stocks stepped higher on Thursday as the artificial intelligence trade came back into focus and after President Trump and his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, began a high-stakes US-China summit. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (^DJI) rose 0.7%, or more than 350 points, to climb above the 50,000 level for the first time since February. The S&P 500 (^GSPC) rose about 0.8% to cross the 7,500 level for the first time, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite (^IXIC) advanced 0.9%, as Nvidia’s (NVDA) stock rose amid signs of robust AI demand. Trump and Xi called for better US-China ties on Thursday as they began a two-day summit likely to cover issues ranging from tariffs to artificial intelligence. Shares in Nvidia jumped over 4% on news that the US had approved sales of its H200 chips to several Chinese firms. That set the stage for Xi’s welcome to some of America’s top CEOs, including Nvidia’s Jensen Huang, Tesla’s (TSLA) Elon Musk, and Apple’s (AAPL) Tim Cook. Xi reportedly told the business leaders their companies could be “deeply involved in China’s reform and opening up” and that “China’s door will only open wider.” Also in focus are hopes that China can help break
Merve Aydogan 14 May 2026•Update: 14 May 2026 Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Thursday that Canada plans to double its electricity generation over the next two decades to meet rising demand and strengthen the country’s energy resilience. “Electricity demand in Canada is expected to double by 2050, so we will double our grid,” Carney said during a news conference in Ottawa. “Canada will double its electricity generation over the course of the next two decades, because the path to affordability is electrification,” he added. Carney said electrification would play a central role in Canada’s economic and environmental strategy. “The path to competitiveness is electrification,” he said, arguing that “electrification underpins everything, our emissions, our environment, our economy, our evolution.” Referring to unstable trade relations with the US, Carney said ongoing wars and tensions in Ukraine and the Middle East are “pushing up energy prices across the world, including in Canada.” Facing what he described as “huge energy demand,” Carney stressed “it’s essential and crucial that Canada develop its own resiliency and make its own contribution.” He also said Canada should unlock its “full potential as an energy superpower,” citing recent remarks by International Energy Agency chief Fatih Birol, who
These famous faces spend time in Ontario’s Muskoka region to unwind. (Images via Getty Images/Yahoo Canada Illustration) The May long weekend in Canada is the unofficial start to summer. For some, Victoria Day weekend (or “May 2-4”) means packing up the car for the ceremonial task of opening the cottage for the season. Canadian summers, specifically in the Muskoka region of Ontario, is a beacon for celebrities to head north and unwind in cottage country away from the spotlight. For years, it’s been great chance to get in some swimming time and revel in outdoor barbecues as they enjoy the hotter months of the year. Between Canadian stars like Justin Bieber and Shania Twain, to A-listers including David and Victoria Beckham, Muskoka is an area that’s often frequented by some of the most recognizable names in entertainment. Below are some of the many big names who have enjoyed trips to the Muskoka region over the years. Shania Twain Twain recently took to social media to reflect on spending time in Canada with her husband, Frédéric Thiébaud. In April, the 60-year-old country-pop icon shared some photos taken during a recent visit home. “I’ve been spending more time in Canada recently and
President Donald Trump and several top administration officials are joining with a cast of mostly conservative Christian clergy this Sunday on the National Mall in Washington for a prayer gathering billed as a “rededication of our country as One Nation Under God” upon America’s 250th birthday. But some critics call the Rededicate 250 event an effort to “hijack” U.S. history with a false, Christian nationalist narrative — one they say fuses American and Christian identities and threatens a constitutional separation of church and state. The daylong program is being organized by a nonprofit called Freedom 250. Its website describes it as a public-private partnership “leading the presidential programming for America’s 250th anniversary,” which culminates with the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence on July 4. Congressional Democrats have questioned the organization’s structure and finances, which they see as a Trump-controlled end run around a separate commission charted by Congress a decade ago to prepare semiquincentennial events. Top Republican officials promote event Organizers expect thousands of people to attend Rededicate 250, which will include worship music, prayers and speeches from Cabinet heads and other Republican officials, along with religious leaders and others. Trump and several other speakers are addressing the crowd
Elena Teslova 14 May 2026•Update: 14 May 2026 Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday that Moscow intends to create and expand mutually beneficial technological alliances with other countries despite Western sanctions and external pressure. Speaking at the 10th anniversary congress of the Union of Machine Builders of Russia in Moscow, Putin said combining the intellectual and resource potential of different countries on the basis of mutual respect for interests “will open additional opportunities.” “We intend to create and expand mutually beneficial alliances with other states and support initiatives by foreign partners that use Russian machinery, equipment, and technological platforms,” he said. Putin said Russia’s machine-building industry managed to strengthen its position in both domestic and foreign markets despite sanctions and the rupture of ties with some foreign counterparties. According to Putin, Russia’s manufacturing output in 2025 increased by 25 percent compared with the pre-sanctions level of 2021, while overall industrial production rose by 12 percent over the same period. “And speaking more broadly, industrial production in Russia in 2025 was 12 percent higher than in 2021,” he said. “I want to say that despite all the difficulties of recent years, Russian machine builders have been operating under challenging conditions, including
Topline Lei Jun, the Chinese billionaire and CEO of smartphone and electric vehicle company Xiaomi, leaned in for a selfie at a state dinner with his seemingly annoyed American manufacturing rival Elon Musk, who is one of several American billionaires accompanying President Donald Trump on a state visit. Tesla CEO Elon Musk attends a state banquet hosted by Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Getty Images Key Facts In a video circulating on social media, Jun appears to approach Musk and kneel down for a photo during a banquet at China’s Great Hall of the People, where the Tesla CEO made what appeared to be annoyed expressions for the camera. “Lei Jun and Elon Musk Posing for a Photo” was also trending in the top three terms on Chinese social media site Weibo on Thursday morning. Since the trip began, Musk has been interacting with Chinese-speaking followers posting photos and videos of him on X, the app he purchased in 2022 for $44 billion, and when a user posted a video of him walking with one of his children, Musk replied in Chinese: “My son is learning Mandarin.” Forbes Valuation We estimate Lei
Disney+ hosted the world premiere for the highly-anticipated second season of Rivals at London’s BFI IMAX on Tuesday, serving up a mix of sharp tailoring, old-school glamour, and a few styling choices I’m still trying to make peace with. Dave Benett/Getty Images for Disney+ Headmistress Chic Hayley Atwell wore an Erdem Pre-Fall 2026 suit which felt decidedly formal for the occasion, but I’m fully on board with the strict tailoring and high-collared styling. Some might say she looks like a formidable 1940s boarding-school headmistress, and honestly, I see it. Between the elongated jacket, cropped wide-leg trousers, and pinstripe detailing, the look carries a stern elegance that feels refreshingly different from the usual premiere fare. I’m also a sucker for exceptional tailoring, so this landed well for me. Styled by Jenny Kennedy. Erdem Pre-Fall 2026 Dave Benett/Getty Images for Disney+ Pink With A Problem Nafessa Williams went in the complete opposite direction, wearing Khaled & Marwan and giving us a corseted pink gown complete with another version of those draped sarong-style skirts. The colour works well on her, but I’m still not sold overall. Dave Benett/Getty Images for Disney+ The Return Of Nensi Dojaka Bella Maclean’s Nensi Dojaka Evie petal dress
From classical masterpieces to contemporary beats, this year’s French May will unfold across Hong Kong as a season of artistic exchange and cultural dialogue. Announced at a press conference on Wednesday, the 2026 edition of the French May Arts Festival, themed “Re/naissance,” will run from April to July, featuring more than 100 events across the city. The four-month program brings together artists from Hong Kong, France, and around the world, spanning visual art, music, dance, theater, immersive experiences, and film. At its core is a major exhibition, “Meet Mona Lisa & Portraying the Renaissance,” running from May 1 to July 27, which combines digital elements with significant artworks to reinterpret Renaissance themes for contemporary audiences. Beyond the gallery, large-scale performances will extend the festival’s reach into the urban landscape. International artist DJ Snake is set to headline an outdoor concert at the Central Harbourfront on May 8, adding a high-energy dimension to the program. The performing arts lineup spans a wide range of styles, from classical and jazz music to contemporary dance, theater, and circus, including family-friendly productions aimed at broadening audience engagement. Complementing these are arts education and community outreach initiatives expected to reach more than 120,000 participants. Extending
From AI-led matchmaking to sustainable materials and IP strategy, the upcoming April events show how sourcing practices are being reconfigured Trade fairs have long been built on face-to-face deals and product displays, but that model is being reworked. At upcoming HKTDC’s April lifestyle events, AI tools, sustainability requirements and intellectual property (IP) strategies are being integrated into the sourcing process. That convergence will be on display in the final week of April when the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) stages seven events across the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) and AsiaWorld-Expo. To be held from 27 to 30 April, the line-up includes the Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair, Home InStyle and Fashion InStyle, as well as the Hong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair and DeLuxe PrintPack Hong Kong. The Hong Kong International Licensing Show and Asian Licensing Conference will run from 27 to 29 April, bringing together participants from across the licensing and creative sectors. Wei Yit Vacuum Flask Manufactory Ltd unveils its Series 116 vacuum flask blind box at the Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair, featuring designs by Hong Kong illustrator Pen So and contemporary artist Jerry Cho, with each piece depicting detailed
We all love a lazy afternoon on the shore, but there’s only so much sandcastle building and sun-induced napping one can do. Thankfully, the government is looking to dial up the excitement on our coastlines with a pilot scheme that will inject a little more action to three of the city’s public beaches. Following the roadmap laid out in the 2025 Policy Address, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) is currently looking for private operators to take over the reins at Big Wave Bay Beach, Butterfly Beach, and Ma Wan Tung Wan Beach – each selected for its potential to host more than just the usual weekend crowds. According to LCSD director Manda Chan, the vision is for multiple operators to manage a range of activities across the three beaches, including everything from large-scale concerts and beach parties to international water sports competitions and boutique festivals. And if you’re worried about your casual Sunday dip becoming a ticketed affair, fret not. Chan has been quick to reassure the public that access to these beaches will remain completely free. While you might have to pay for specific activities, like front-row seats at a concert or water sports equipment, the actual sand and
Over the last few years, Hong Kong’s underground music scene has grown, with DJ-focused events drawing major artists – from Tye Turner and Sgamo closing out Arts Month with a massive afterparty to DJ Snake scheduled to headline French May Art Festival 2026’s kick-off event. Now, another massive name in the electronic music scene will be joining the lineup. Event organiser Collective Minds recently announced on Instagram that Indonesian-Australian artist Baby J will be touring Asia during May and making a stop in Hong Kong on May 15. Although the DJ was announced as one of the headlining acts at Boiler Room 2025, she was unable to attend the two-day electronic music festival. Nonetheless, fans will get another chance to see her at Pier 1929, where she’ll spin Jersey club, baile funk, and hip-hop beats throughout the night. Further details of supporting DJs throughout the night have yet to be announced, so stay tuned to this page for more information closer to the event. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: Post Malone is bringing his ‘Big Ass World Tour’ to Hong Kong
Music enthusiasts, you’ll want to perk up your ears for this one! The stylish restaurant and bar Felix on the top floor of The Peninsula Hong Kong hotel has launched a brand-new event series that focuses on DJs spinning tunes on vinyl records. Every Thursday, from 8pm to 11pm, a rotation of highly respectable DJs such as Brahms, Roy Malig, Johnny Hiller, and NeeNo will spotlight their own distinctive styles with curated playlists of both mellow tracks and upbeat grooves. Music buffs would be interested to know that this is a great opportunity to experience some deep cuts from each DJ’s extensive record collections, with genres ranging from soul and jazz to Mediterranean Balearic and funk. The Philippe Starck-designed Felix has always been a stylish, intimate space with large windows framing the city’s harbour views, and the whole experience is bound to be elevated to the next level with the vinyl series as well as special drinks and snacks that take inspiration from the 80s and 90s to go with the tunes. Photograph: Courtesy The Peninsula Hong Kong Start with the 45 & Fine, a blend of sweet peach and cranberry that’s crisp and easy to drink, before moving on
Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law Shuk-pui on Tuesday declared Hong Kong a definitive city for major sports events, highlighting the recent success of the Hong Kong Sevens and announcing a star-studded summer football lineup for the Kai Tak Main Stadium. With the Hong Kong Sevens having just concluded, drawing 110,000 local spectators and tourists, Rosanna Law shared her enthusiasm for the city’s continuous appeal as a sporting destination. She revealed that this summer would bring an exciting “football feast” to the new Kai Tak Main Stadium, promising a constant stream of high-profile events. Law confirmed that football fans should prepare for three major matchups in August. The schedule includes a game between Manchester City and Inter Milan, another clash featuring Chelsea against Juventus, and a third encounter pitting Bayern Munich against Aston Villa. She urged football enthusiasts to reserve August 1, 5, and 7, to fully immerse themselves in the passion and excitement of the sport at the state-of-the-art venue. Source link
Hong Kong’s event calendar has been packed, sustaining strong momentum in the tourism sector. The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) announced that in March, 4.35 million visitors came to HK, a 14% year-on-year increase. In the first quarter, visitor arrivals totaled 14.31 million, up 17% year-on-year. The HKTB said that the share of international visitors in March was higher than before, which it believes was linked to multiple major international arts and cultural events held during the month. The Hong Kong Sevens will kick off tomorrow (April 17). Multiple hotels in HK have launched accommodation offers for the tournament to attract visitors. Inquiries made by Ta Kung Pao reporters to several hotels showed that one hotel near Kai Tak Sports Park said that bookings during the event period are already very tight. Industry figures said that more rugby fans have begun arriving in HK in recent days, and they estimate hotel booking rates during the tournament will reach about 90%. They also said room rates are expected to rise by double digits compared with usual weekend or holiday pricing. Of the visitors in March, mainland visitors accounted for 73%, or about 3.187 million, while visitors from outside the Mainland made
As Hong Kong gears up for the upcoming National Security Education Day on April 15, a series of events have highlighted the pivotal role of coordinated development and security in sustaining the city’s prosperity and stability, as well as the collective responsibility of all sectors in safeguarding national security. In a blog published on Sunday, Paul Chan, financial secretary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government, emphasized that security is the foundation of a country’s existence and development, and the bedrock of social stability and people’s well-being. He noted that “ensuring both development and security” is enshrined as a key principle in the outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan and is also included in a white paper on safeguarding China’s national security under the framework of “one country, two systems” released this February. As an international financial, trade, shipping and innovation and technology hub, Hong Kong must strike a proper balance between development and security, Chan stressed, advocating risk prevention alongside opening-up, innovation and strength consolidation. Taking the financial sector as an example, Chan said Hong Kong’s financial system is sound and efficient, supporting the smooth operation and rapid development of the market. At the same time, it
Hong Kong will become the epicenter for Web3 and crypto innovation this April, coinciding with the highly anticipated Hong Kong Web3 Festival. Over several days, industry leaders, innovators, and institutional investors will converge to explore the future of decentralized finance, tokenization, and AI-powered economies. From discussions on RWA tokenization to deep dives into AI, DeFi, and stablecoins, these events will serve as a hub for collaboration, strategic partnerships, and market-shaping insights across both traditional finance and emerging Web3 technologies. Here is a roundup of the must-attend events shaping the conversation in Hong Kong this April: Crypto 2026: From Crypto to the Intelligent Economy 19 April Hosted by ChainCatcher and RootData, this forum will delve into the shift from traditional crypto paradigms to an AI-powered intelligent economy. The event will explore how autonomous AI agents interact with blockchain ecosystems, reshape market structures, and drive decentralized finance transactions. Attendees, including AI project founders, venture capitalists, and thought leaders, will discuss the convergence of AI, blockchain infrastructure, and decentralized finance, with a focus on intelligent settlements, future economic models, and AI-agent economics. Digital Assets Management Global Forum 20 April The Digital Assets Management Global Forum, part of RWA Week, will bring together quant
Arts Month is undoubtedly one of Hong Kong’s most happening periods, with large-scale events such as Edible Art Fair and Art Basel, as well as niche gallery showings. To cap off a jam-packed month, don’t miss the Art Week Afterparty on March 27 — the big finale you won’t want to miss. Organised by Clockenflap and Umami Events, this Pier 1929 nightlife event brings together standout names from the international DJ scene: Perth’s jersey-club and baile-funk producer Tye Turner and Italy’s multi-genre selector Sgamo. Plus, catch New York-based EDM/house DJ Hansel, Berlin’s jungle and Afro-electronica artist Katagyal, and local drum-and-bass talent Just Bee as they take over the stage throughout the night. Along with pulsating tunes to keep the vibes high, the Art Week Afterparty also promises an immersive multi-sensory experience with semi-hologram projections, old-school TV installations, hypnotic VJ visuals, and mesmerising lighting to blur the lines between music and art. Additionally, attendees will get to sip on tipples created by some of Hong Kong’s hottest bars, including award-winning speakeasy The Old Man, inventive cocktail bar Dead Poets, and restobar-slash-DJ hotspot Aer as the night unfolds. Check out Umami’s Instagram page for more updates about Art Week Afterparty’s DJ lineup, and head to
Hong Kong’s successful co-hosting of the 15th National Games has demonstrated the city’s capability to manage mega-events and has spurred a new strategic focus on developing event-related merchandise to enhance future cultural and sporting activities, according to the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Rosanna Law Shuk-pui. Law told a Legislative Council committee that the 15th National Games and the National Games for Persons with Disabilities were the largest sporting events in Hong Kong’s history. She explained that successfully holding numerous high-level competitions across different locations in a short period required extensive cross-border and inter-departmental coordination and showcased Hong Kong’s capacity for hosting major events. She also noted that visitor arrivals to the city saw a significant increase of approximately 17 to 19 percent during the games. In response to lawmaker Adrian Pedro Ho King-hong’s question about whether strong sales of licensed merchandise could help offset event costs, Law stated that officials were still finalizing the financial accounts. She clarified that while the National Games mascots were popular, the revenue generated from selling related products alone would not be sufficient to cover the substantial expenses of the events. However, Law highlighted the potential of such commercial ventures. She pointed to
Hong Kong is doubling down on efforts to attract global professionals as it continues to build on its success as an international hub for finance, shipping and trade, among others. The push comes even as the city made the leap to fourth from ninth place globally and nabbed the pole position in Asia in the IMD World Talent Ranking 2025. Building on the success, Hong Kong Talent Engage (HKTE), a dedicated office under the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, hosted the signature Global Talent Summit (GTS) Week in mid-March. The summit showcased two anchor events – the International Talent Forum and the CareerConnect Expo – on March 18 and 19, with nine satellite events that ran until March 29. The two-day summit attracted a total of 10,000 visits and 170,000 views from around the world. Over 30 speakers spanning across policymakers, businesses and academia, discussed topics centred around three key themes: technology, education and talent. Hong Kong chief executive John Lee, China’s vice-minister of Human Resources and Social Security Yu Jiadong and Hong Kong secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun at the International Talent Forum, Global Talent Summit Week 2026. PHOTO: HKTE Among those who graced
Hong Kong Talent Engage (HKTE) announced today (March 19) that the flagship events of the Global Talent Summit Week (GTS Week), the International Talent Forum and the CareerConnect Expo, were held in two consecutive days and have concluded. Nine satellite events being held concurrently will continue until March 29. The GTS Week brought together experts from the political, business and academic sectors worldwide to share insights on the future integration of education, technology and talent, and worked with local and overseas partners to organise a series of activities, successfully showcasing Hong Kong’s role and strengths as an international talent hub and the country’s gateway for talent. The outline of the nation’s 15th Five-Year Plan explicitly supports Hong Kong in building an international hub for high-calibre talent. The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, remarked that talent is the core for developing new quality productive forces. As the nation’s international gateway and a “super connector”, Hong Kong plays an important role in connecting global minds and driving innovative development. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will proactively align with the strategy for building a talent hub under the 15th Five-Year Plan, and fully leverage Hong
Hong Kong is ready to welcome the Year of the Horse with one of the world’s most vibrant Chinese New Year celebrations. On 17 February, the first day of the Chinese New Year, the Cathay International Chinese New Year Night Parade will transform the city into a glittering carnival of light, music, global cultures and festive spirit. Celebrate a Chinese New Year like no other, with colorful blossoms in Lunar New Year Fairs, incense offerings for good luck in temples across Hong Kong, horse racing on Year of the Horse Raceday, and more. Start the First Day of the Year of the Horse with a Parade of Dazzling Floats and Enticing Performances from All Around the World Get ready for the first night of Chinese New Year with a pre-parade street party, leading up to the dazzling procession of floats and performances. The Parade will start from Hong Kong Cultural Centre and travel through major roads in Tsim Sha Tsui including Canton Road, Haiphong Road, and Nathan Road beginning at 8 PM on 17 February. With the theme “BEST FORTUNE. WORLD PARTY.”, the festivities celebrate the energetic spirit of the horse, a symbol of strength, vitality, progress, and success in Chinese culture.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 March 2026 – Etiqa Insurance Singaporeand AIA Singapore today announced a strategic distribution partnership to broaden access to Shariah-compliant, values-based Takaful solutions across Singapore. This collaboration marks an important milestone in advancing the Islamic insurance landscape locally and enabling more customers, both Muslim and non-Muslim alike, to benefit from ethical, transparent and socially responsible financial solutions. Under the partnership, Etiqa Insurance Singapore’s suite of Shariah-compliant Family Takaful products will be distributed through AIA Singapore and AIA Financial Advisers, the nation’s largest tied distribution channel comprising more than 6,300 highly professional, qualified AIA insurance representatives. This expanded reach significantly increases accessibility and choice for customers seeking principled and values-aligned protection and savings options. Growing Demand for Values-Based Financial Solutions Global demand for Takaful continues to rise as consumers increasingly prioritise financial solutions aligned with their personal values. The global Takaful market is projected to grow from US$36.5 billion in 2025 to US$63.6 billion by 2030, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.7%[1]. Since launching its Takaful offerings, Etiqa Insurance Singapore has seen strong and accelerating momentum, supported by rising consumer awareness and growing confidence in Shariah-compliant financial protection. Creating a Unified Takaful
Hong Kong, SAR–(Newsfile Corp. – March 23, 2026) – Hong Kong’s annual arts season moved into its peak last weekend with ComplexCon (21-22 March) returning for its third edition at AsiaWorld-Expo, bringing an eclectic blend of pop culture to the heart of Asia. It marks the start of a flurry of themed events at landmark venues across the city, including the acclaimed Art Basel Hong Kong (27-29 March) and Art Central (25-29 March). Speaking at the opening ceremony of ComplexCon, Rosanna Law, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government said, “We are celebrating Hong Kong’s unique status as the premier East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange. Since its Hong Kong debut in 2024, made possible by the support of our Mega Arts and Cultural Events (Mega ACE) Fund, ComplexCon has established itself as a vibrant and hugely popular cultural event as you can see already, an event of a true blend of pop culture, music, art, and technology, and so much more.” Attracting thousands of fans from near and far, the two-day programme included Complex Live! Stage, featuring a powerhouse line up headlined by global icons, together with a curated mix of regional
Entertainment Expo Hong Kong 2026 Kick-off Ceremony held today The kick-off ceremony of the Entertainment Expo Hong Kong 2026 was held today (March 17) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), bringing together an array of major international entertainment events. TheChief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki; the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law; the Chairman of the Hong Kong Film Development Council (HKFDC), Dr Wilfred Wong, and representatives of the organisers of the events under the Expo officiated at the kick-off ceremony. Funded by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau (CSTB) and the Film Development Fund (FDF), the Expo is spearheaded by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. Click to Gallery The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, speaks at the Hong Kong Night @ FILMART 2026 today (March 17). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases This year’s Hong Kong International Film & TV Market has exhibitors coming from a wide range of countries and regions, including provinces and cities in Chinese Mainland, as well as major film organisations from overseas and leading film companies in Hong Kong. Photo shows the Under Secretary
Representatives from the sports sector are optimistic about Hong Kong’s growing sports scene, with many highlighting the potential of combining athletics with entertainment to boost the city’s global image and economic vitality. Kenneth Fok, vice-president of the Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China, expressed hope for a stronger event economy, especially with new world-class venues like the Kai Tak Sports Park coming online. “Now that we have Kai Tak and all these world-class stadiums in our city. So how do we change?” he said. “Not just to make the competition better, but more importantly how to add in elements of entertainment and also culture and tourism into our existing infrastructure.” Fok also revealed plans to form a research group to gather input from across the sports sector, with the goal of feeding those insights into the city’s upcoming five-year plan. “This work will start as soon as possible, and I look forward to meeting with our sports counterparts and listening to their views and see how we could contribute positively, not just to sports development, but to the overall well-being of Hong Kong,” he said. During a panel discussion, Michael Cheng, president of the Hong Kong, China
The eight LIV Golf stars who were stranded in Dubai ahead of the upcoming event in Hong Kong are reportedly clear of the danger zone now. The group, which includes Lee Westwood, Laurie Canter, Thomas Detry, Sam Horsfield, Anirban Lahiri, Tom McKibbin, Adrian Meronk and Caleb Surratt, were practicing in the Middle East over the past week in preparation for the latest LIV Golf event. When the USA and Israel launched air strikes on Iran, multiple zones in the region were put on lockdown, with airport closures impacting many people in Dubai and other Middle Eastern countries. You may like Flushing It Golf was the first to report on the situation involving the LIV players on Tuesday afternoon, posting an update on Twitter/X. 8 players on the LIV Golf League are still in the Middle East and yet to make it to Hong Kong for the 3rd event of the season after flights were cancelled and airports closed due to the ongoing war.Those players are:Lee WestwoodLaurie CanterSam HorsfieldAdrian Meronk… pic.twitter.com/nVlC7oyLwpMarch 3, 2026 Surratt had confirmed to the Golf Channel on Tuesday that he was indeed stranded after heading to Dubai from Australia but that he was hoping a plan was
When: March 10-12Where: Tea House Theatre, Xiqu Centre, Austin Road West, Tsim Sha TsuiWhat: Marking the close of WestK Cabaret Nights 2026 is a glittering three‑night finale that fuses jazz, nostalgia and stagecraft. On 10 March, Hong Kong musical‑theatre veteran Margaret Cheung joins award‑winning pianist Joyce Cheung for Technicolour Dreams, a programme of jazz and cinematic classics where light and sound mingle in vivid harmony. On 11 March, actor‑singer Crisel Consunji presents I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing, blending heartfelt storytelling with her signature warmth to celebrate community and creativity. Finally, on 12 March, singer‑songwriter Alex Lam performs Songs from a Legacy, Interrupted, inspired by his 2025 single Cassette Love. The evening reflects on memory, family and musical heritage—a tender conclusion to a season defined by artistry and soul. Source link
By AFP, AP, EPA and Reuters Published On 17 Feb 202617 Feb 2026 Click here to share on social media share2 Share plus2googleAdd Al Jazeera on Googleinfo People are celebrating the Lunar New Year with prayers, fireworks and street festivals to welcome the Year of the Fire Horse. Crowds thronged temples and festivals across Asia and beyond on Monday night, continuing into Tuesday. Devotees in Hong Kong lined up at midnight to light incense and offer their New Year wishes. Vietnam celebrated with musical countdown performances and spectacular fireworks during Tet festivities. In Taiwan, worshippers participated in the symbolic 108-bell rings and presented floral offerings. These vibrant celebrations mark the transition from the Year of the Snake to the Year of the Horse in the 12-animal Chinese zodiac cycle. The Lunar New Year represents China’s most significant holiday, with its importance extending throughout East Asia and diaspora communities worldwide. In Beijing, crowds descended on popular temples to burn incense and pray for happiness and success in the coming year. At the CCTV Spring Festival gala, a martial arts performance by children and robots also took place, where humanoids from Unitree Robotics showed different sequences and even brandished swords. At a
Hong Kong’s Lunar New Year flower markets are in full swing, transforming parks and playgrounds across the city into colourful, bustling bazaars that capture the festive spirit like nothing else. From February 11 to 17, these 14 markets offer a mix of auspicious plants, festive decorations, toys, handicrafts, gadgets, and plenty of street food stalls. Victoria Park in Causeway Bay remains the biggest market with a total of 400 stalls this year, including a special ‘Red Hot Chef’ collaboration between HSBC and Korean star chef Anh Sung-jae featuring over 20 festive bites from top local restaurants. All markets vary in size with different opening hours each day, so pop over to our complete guide for the full rundown. Source link
Wednesday, 28 October 2026, Hong Kong Henley & Partners is delighted to have been invited to participate in the Wealth Planning & Structuring Forum — Hong Kong 2026, organized by Hubbis, in October 2026. Overview: For high-net-worth families, the stakes are higher than ever, requiring sophisticated, forward-looking wealth and succession strategies. This event features a comprehensive program of six specialist presentations and four panel discussions, followed by partner-led workshops in the afternoon. It brings together senior management, product heads, and relationship managers from private banks, along with independent wealth managers, MFOs, SFOs, lawyers, tax advisors, and other licensed advisors to ultra-high-net-worth families. Attendees will benefit from insights shared by more than 25 renowned local and international speakers, with ample opportunities for networking over lunch, coffee, and refreshments. Topics: The future of wealth planning in Greater China in 2026 The intensification of compliance and transparency measures Rapidly evolving family office landscape in Hong Kong Insurance solutions such as universal life insurance and PPLI Register for the Wealth Planning and Structuring Forum — Hong Kong 2026 here. Source link
“Our Central retail portfolio is a global, brand-defining destination and we are seeing several of our tenants eyeing expansion and innovation. We will be announcing exciting plans to innovate and optimise retail space in the Central portfolio in the first quarter of 2024.” The developer has seen a 15 per cent increase in footfall in 2023 compared with 2022, while Christmas promotions are tipped to boost sales by 20 per cent during the festive period, Li added. “One example of the city’s enduring status as one of the most important luxury and lifestyle markets in the world is our exciting partnership with Sotheby’s, which will see them open a state-of-the-art immersive exhibition and retail space in Chater House in the first quarter of 2024,” Li said. “We look forward to sharing more on Sotheby’s new maison early next year.” French fashion house Chanel has committed to a portion of the retail podium at Capitol Centre in Causeway Bay. Recently Fendi, an Italian luxury fashion brand, opened a new boutique at Harbour City on Canton Road, according to Oliver Tong, JLL Hong Kong’s head of retail. “Given Hong Kong’s unique draws, such as a low tax environment, a diverse population and
Hong Kong has detected seven cases of a highly infectious Omicron subvariant that has raised alarm overseas, authorities have said, although experts have stressed that the local infections should not be a cause for concern. The Department of Health said on Monday seven cases of XBB.1.16, known as Arcturus, which was first detected in India earlier this year, were found among the samples collected in the city. Top health expert Professor David Hui Shu-cheong of Chinese University on Monday said the subvariant was highly transmissive but the number of severe cases had not risen in the regions where it had been found. “XBB.1.16 was found in a few samples in Hong Kong. I believe it can mostly be found in imported cases, as it was first found in India,” Hui told a radio programme. Professor David Hui from Chinese University. Photo: Winson Wong “The transmissibility is quite high but the severity has not gone up. In the countries that have reported cases with this subvariant, there has been no increase in patients admitted to intensive care units or deaths … We do not need to be too worried.” Hui said those who had been vaccinated or infected would be able
The group already owns nine hotels – seven in Hong Kong, one in Shanghai and one in London. If its plan to acquire more properties priced between HK$700 million and HK$1.4 billion each is realised it is likely to end up with 4,000 keys, up from 3,000 currently, which would make it one of the five largest hotel owners and operators in the city alongside the likes of the developers Sun Hung Kai Properties and CK Asset Holdings, Cheng said. The group’s latest acquisition was the Bay Bridge Lifestyle Retreat, a 435-room waterfront hotel in the western New Territories overlooking Tsing Ma Bridge. It paid HK$1.42 billion last year for the property, which is due to reopen in July in time for the summer holidays under its new name, the Grand Bayview Hotel, Cheng said. 01:33 Man in China smashes Audi into hotel after dispute with staff Man in China smashes Audi into hotel after dispute with staff The hotelier’s bet on Hong Kong’s tourism recovery may prove a wise one. The average occupancy rate in the first quarter of the year hit 70.6 per cent, one of the highest in the region and comparable to Singapore’s 73.7 per cent
“In some areas, tourists are complaining about the quality of service even after they paid a large sum of money because hotels and inns lack staff to clean up rooms or serve food.” According to the Guangzhou-based Yangcheng Evening News, some hotels in Yangshuo, a resort town in southwest China’s Guangxi province, charged guests prices more than 16 times its normal rates on April 30 as travel demand peaked. 02:17 Thousands of tourists flock to China’s Great Wall during ‘golden week’, as travel numbers rebound Thousands of tourists flock to China’s Great Wall during ‘golden week’, as travel numbers rebound In Shanghai, the Post found hotel room prices were at least twice their normal rates during the five-day break that started on April 29. The inflated room rates were enough to put some would-be tourists off travelling at all. One, surnamed Zhao, in Shanghai said she decided to postpone her trip to southwestern China’s Chongqing city until after the festive period because the hotel prices were “ridiculous”. Hotels were among the main victims of mainland China’s stringent pandemic curbs, in place since early 2020. The domestic tourism sector, with a market size of about US$1 trillion, was once an important
Sales of tickets for overseas flights were eight times higher than during the Labour Day holiday last year, Trip.com data showed. About 70 per cent of those flights were to destinations in Asia, led by Hong Kong, Bangkok, Macau and Singapore. The travel bonanza will have given a welcome boost to consumption, according to Peng Han, director of the strategic research centre of the Ctrip Research Institute. 02:17 Thousands of tourists flock to China’s Great Wall during ‘golden week’, as travel numbers rebound Thousands of tourists flock to China’s Great Wall during ‘golden week’, as travel numbers rebound “The eagerness for a long-haul holiday among Chinese travellers has been unleashed during this year’s Labour Day holiday,” said Peng. “As Chinese people have a tradition of spending more during trips than at home, long-haul travel means a brisk recovery of consumption related to travel, such as catering, hotels, transport and entertainment.” Known as the Labour Day or May Day holiday, the five-day break which ended on Wednesday, marked the first days-long break in China since Beijing shelved its zero-Covid strategy in December. It is also often referred to as “golden week”. The domestic tourism market, worth an estimated US$1 trillion, was
The centre would “adjust the process for emergency visa applications, so that applicants won’t have to queue in the scorching heat”, she said. It would move visa appointment bookings online, increase the number of daily appointments and waive any extra fees, she added. Still, it has not stopped many from braving the heat and setting up camp outside the centre. Some wanted to reunite with their families after three years, while others were keen to resume in-person business meetings. However, a number of them were not aware of the changes to emergency visa applications, which are open to those needing to travel to China for reasons such as visiting critically ill family members or conducting urgent business activities. When This Week in Asia visited at about 6am on Monday, there were more than four dozen people in the queue. Singaporean Tan Swee Gek, 68, said she and her husband had tickets to Guangzhou for a three-day trip, but could not get a visa appointment booking online. “We are going there to attend a relative’s wedding dinner on June 1. We’ve been trying to book an appointment but we weren’t able to,” she said, adding that they had joined the queue
“We are grateful for this approval decision and are committed to bringing this vaccine to people in Hong Kong as soon as possible.” Moderna’s bivalent Covid vaccine will be Hong Kong’s second such jab available for residents. Photo: Reuters The German-made BioNTech bivalent jab, targeting Omicron, was the first such vaccine to be approved for use on residents aged 12 or older in Hong Kong last December. Bivalent Covid vaccines contain a formulation based on two virus strains – the original type, as well as subvariants BA.4 and BA.5. Meanwhile, the health department said a first-generation vaccine produced by CanSino Biologics was also authorised for use, meaning the manufacturer could sell the jabs to public or private healthcare organisations. Hong Kong fatal and severe Covid cases almost double in 2 weeks It suggested medical workers refer to the registration details and guidelines on vaccine labels and consider factors such as the recipient’s age and health when administering shots, including those from Moderna and CanSino Biologics. According to the World Health Organization last year, the CanSino Biologics jab is safe and effective for people aged 18 and over. It can be administered to individuals who have received other brands of vaccines
Hong Kong health experts on Saturday warned that the Covid-19 wave might have peaked but parents should still be aware of rising cases of respiratory diseases following the lifting of the mask mandate. Paediatrics Professor Lau Yu-lung from the University of Hong Kong (HKU) told a radio programme that the city’s Covid-19 caseload should have plateaued, but he was unsure how long the period would last. “In terms of preventing deaths and severe cases, Hong Kong is among the top in the world, so we can all be reassured. However, these small waves will appear repeatedly as this is the nature of coronaviruses,” Lau said, adding that later infections were likely to be milder and the city’s vaccination rates were satisfactory. HKU Professor Lau Yu-lung has said later Covid-19 waves should be milder amid higher vaccination rates. Photo: Edmond So Secretary for Health Lo Chung-mau last Friday said the government had estimated up to 10,000 residents were infected with the coronavirus daily, but reassured the public that the outbreak remained manageable amid high vaccination rates and milder cases. Hong Kong dropped its mask mandate in March after nearly three years. However, Lau and fellow HKU paediatrician Mike Kwan Yat-wah warned
The British government on Thursday refused an order to hand over a sheaf of Boris Johnson’s personal messages to a Covid-19 pandemic inquiry that the former prime minister himself set up when he was the UK’s leader. The head of the probe, retired judge Heather Hallett, asked to see notebooks, diaries and WhatsApp messages between Johnson and other officials that represent key evidence in the inquiry. The government provided incomplete versions, saying it cut personal and private information that was “unambiguously irrelevant” to the investigation. Hallett, who has the power to summon evidence and question witnesses under oath, wants to judge for herself, and set a deadline of 4pm on Thursday for the government to hand over the unredacted documents, covering a two-year period from early 2020. Soon after the deadline passed, the government said it would seek to challenge the order in court. UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak speaks during a media interview at Mimi Castle in Bulboaca, Moldova on Thursday. Photo: PA Wire via dpa “The Cabinet Office has today sought leave to bring a judicial review” of the decision, it said. “We do so with regret.” Just before the deadline expired, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said his
The number of coronavirus infections in Hong Kong will drop in a “few more weeks” following the peak of the sixth wave, according to a leading government pandemic adviser who has also reassured residents Covid-19 has become endemic. Many Hongkongers had been infected for the first or second time in recent weeks amid a surge in coronavirus cases, Chinese University respiratory medicine expert Professor David Hui Shu-cheong on Saturday said. “It can be viewed as the sixth wave of coronavirus infections. But it already peaked last week and the wave is expected to linger for a few more weeks before it subsides,” he told a radio programme. Hong Kong parents warned about other respiratory illnesses despite Covid peaking “Among the cases, about 95.8 per cent were infected with XBB subvariant, which has rendered the first two generations of vaccines less effective. But for those who have been vaccinated, their infections were mostly mild with fewer serious cases and a reduced risk of fatality.” Speaking in a separate television show, health minister Lo Chung-mau said Hong Kong had passed a wave of Covid-19 infections. “The estimated number of infections was not low, but the impact on our healthcare system was insignificant,”
It tested a drug called metformin, which was originally developed from the French lilac flower, and has been the most common medication used to treat type 2 diabetes across the world for decades. 07:02 Understanding long Covid: why researchers are turning to gut bacteria for answers Understanding long Covid: why researchers are turning to gut bacteria for answers This means the drug is known to be safe, as well as being inexpensive and widely available. The study covered 1,126 overweight or obese people in the United States, half receiving metformin and half a placebo in the days after testing positive for Covid-19. After 10 months, 35 of the participants who took metformin were diagnosed with long Covid, compared to 58 for the placebo group, representing a 40 per cent reduction in risk. The trial was conducted between December 2020 and January 2022, meaning it included the Omicron variant, which research has suggested causes long Covid at a lower rate than previous strains. 70 per cent of Hong Kong Covid victims have long-term after-effects, survey finds The team behind the Covid-Out trial had previously shown that metformin reduced coronavirus patients’ risk of emergency department visits, hospitalisations and death by more than
China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) vice-chairman Fang Xinghai said he expects greater capital inflows to the mainland’s A-share market after talks with international asset managers to soothe their concerns about the potential for further US-China decoupling. Fang told reporters on the sidelines of the Lujiazui Forum in Shanghai on Friday that net inflows to the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges had reached 120 billion yuan (US$16.8 billion) so far this year, compared to 85 billion yuan for the whole of 2022. He added that foreign capital will continue to pour into mainland-listed equities as long as China’s economy and companies can continue to generate handsome investment returns, despite souring US-China relations. “The CSRC has constantly and actively been communicating with global investors, shedding light on what has been happening in China,” Fang said. “I believe the link [between China’s stock market and global investors] can be strengthened if we can get our [communication] jobs well done.” Fang Xinghai, vice Chairman of the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) Photo: SCMP/Simon Song The senior regulator’s remarks are in line with recent efforts by Beijing to bolster capital flows into the country’s US$11.5 trillion stock market, as policymakers grapple with stumbling growth in
He said he had “received a letter from the Privileges Committee making it clear – much to my amazement – that they are determined to use the proceedings against me to drive me out of parliament”. 03:45 Boris Johnson’s rise to power and what led to his downfall as UK prime minister Boris Johnson’s rise to power and what led to his downfall as UK prime minister He called the committee a “kangaroo court”. The resignation will trigger a special election to replace Johnson as a lawmaker for a suburban London seat. Johnson, whose career has been a roller coaster of scandals and comebacks, led the Conservatives to a landslide victory in 2019 but was forced out by his own party less than three years later. Boris Johnson admits he misled British MPs over lockdown parties He had been awaiting the outcome of an investigation by a House of Commons standards committee over misleading statements he made to parliament about a slew of gatherings in government buildings in 2020 and 2021 that breached pandemic lockdown rules. Police eventually issued 126 fines over the late-night soirées, boozy parties and “wine time Fridays”, including one to Johnson, and the scandal helped hasten
Hong Kong-based asset manager Panda Residential is seeking to raise as much as £1 billion (US$1.2 billion/HK$9.4 billion) from outside investors in the region to bet on the recovery of the UK commercial property market. The fund, whose backers include the heir of the Sasa cosmetics retail chain in the city, deems it opportune to pick up pubs, hotels and student housing amid “depressed moments” which could deliver an additional 15 to 20 per cent upside in an industry upturn. “We are already negotiating with a few smaller landlords of pubs and hotels, pubs that have residential units, or a hotel with a master lease and some retail component,” co-founder Timothy Li said. The fund aims to exit from its investments and return the money to investors within six years, he added. The UK retail property segment had been on a decline even before the pandemic in 2020, according to property consultancy Carter Jonas on May 25. Average rental values dipped 17.4 per cent below their 2018 peak, while interest-rate hikes have also derailed home prices over the past two months, official data showed. The market pullback has attracted some of Hong Kong’s biggest property investors. CK Asset Holdings, tycoon
Keith said the coronavirus pandemic had brought “death and illness on an unprecedented scale” in modern Britain. He said that Covid-19 has been recorded as a cause of death for 226,977 people in the UK “The key issue is whether that impact was inevitable,” Keith said. “Were those terrible consequences inexorable, or were they avoidable or capable of mitigation?” Relatives of Covid-19 victims have also taken aim at the investigation saying it will be a “farce” if bereaved families are not able to testify. Boris Johnson spared from UK police fine over ‘Partygate’ virus scandal A group of people who lost relatives to Covid-19 held pictures of their loved one outside the inquiry venue, an anonymous London office building. The first day of public hearings began with a 17-minute video in which people described the devastating impact of the pandemic on them and their loved ones. Members of the Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice campaign group lined up outside the inquiry in central London holding pictures of their loved ones. Launching proceedings, retired judge Heather Hallett pledged that those who suffered during the pandemic would “always be at the heart of the inquiry”. She paid tribute to the relatives’ “dignified
The abating Covid-19 pandemic could result in up to 2,000 North Koreans being sent back to their country from China to face imprisonment or worse, US lawmakers heard in testimony on Tuesday. The experts who spoke urged the international community to pressure China and the United Nations to prevent their return. Witnesses told the Congressional-Executive Commission on China that the pandemic – along with China’s increasingly sophisticated security systems – has darkened the outlook for North Koreans fleeing their country to work, escape persecution or unite with family. “We have good reason to believe that such repatriation is imminent, as North Korea reopens its border following extended closure in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic,” said Representative Chris Smith, a Republican from New Jersey. “I share this with deep concern.” Representative Chris Smith, a Republican from New Jersey, speaks during a Congressional-Executive Commission on China hearing on Capitol Hill. Photo: Bloomberg Even as Pyongyang has refused to accept foreign vaccines, it has responded to the pandemic by shutting itself off from the world. That has resulted in a backlog of North Koreans arrested by China near their shared border. They are languishing as Pyongyang refuses to take them back, witnesses
China’s civil aviation industry is still running at a loss, having been one of the hardest hit during the coronavirus pandemic, and is calling for government support as the ghosts of Beijing’s zero-Covid policy over the past three years continue to haunt the world’s second-largest economy. The struggles of the state-controlled industry, despite being among the first to recover from the pandemic, are in stark contrast with the rapid rebound seen in other services sectors and serve to reinforce market worries of an uneven recovery for an economy that is losing steam. Unlike their foreign peers, Chinese airlines are faced with complicated domestic and external challenges, including the growing competition from the country’s massive high-speed rail network and the increasingly complicated geopolitical climate, industry leaders said at a seminar hosted by the China Air Transport Association (CATA) last week. The number of flights on the China-US route will be hard-pressed to achieve significant growth by the end of the yearCATA “The number of flights on the China-US route will be hard-pressed to achieve significant growth by the end of the year,” said an article published by the CATA on Monday. “The prospects for Japan and [South] Korea routes are not
The World Health Organization (WHO) on Tuesday classified the JN.1 coronavirus strain as a “variant of interest”, but said it did not pose much threat to public health. “Based on the available evidence, the additional global public health risk posed by JN.1 is currently evaluated as low,” WHO said. JN.1 was previously classified as a variant of interest as a part of its parent lineage BA.2.86. The United Nations agency said current vaccines continue to protect against severe disease and death from JN.1 and other circulating variants of the Covid-19 virus. The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) earlier this month said that the subvariant JN.1 makes up about an estimated 15 per cent to 29 per cent of cases in the United States as of December 8, according to the agency’s latest projections. It added that currently there is no evidence that JN.1 presents an increased risk to public health relative to other currently circulating variants and an updated shot could keep Americans protected against the variant. Will Singaporeans mask up amid rise in Covid-19 cases? JN.1 was first detected in the US in September, according to the CDC. Last week, China detected seven infections of the
The World Health Organization’s European office on Tuesday warned the risk of Covid-19 has not gone away, saying it was still responsible for nearly 1,000 deaths a week in the region. The global health body on May 5 announced that the Covid-19 pandemic was no longer deemed a “global health emergency.” “Whilst it may not be a global public health emergency, however, Covid-19 has not gone away,” WHO Regional Director for Europe Hans Kluge told reporters. 02:50 World Health Organization announces Covid-19 is no longer a global health emergency World Health Organization announces Covid-19 is no longer a global health emergency The WHO counts a total of 53 countries in its European Region, including not only the EU but also countries to the east of it, as far as Central Asia. “Close to 1,000 new Covid-19 deaths continue to occur across the region every week, and this is an underestimate due to a drop in countries regularly reporting Covid-19 deaths to WHO,” Kluge added, and urged authorities to ensure vaccination coverage of at least 70 per cent for vulnerable groups. Kluge also said estimates showed that one in 30, or some 36 million people, in the region had experienced so
A key lesson Hong Kong should learn from the Covid-19 pandemic is the need to radically boost its research and development capabilities and consider setting up its own drug regulatory approval system, the health minister said, as he outlined his plans to transform the city into a biomedical innovation hub. Giving the city a powerful body that could approve products for the market would also attract pharmaceutical firms that often carried out research where the regulator was based, Lo Chung-mau told the Post on Wednesday. Looking back over his first year as health secretary, the veteran surgeon also said he had reached some targets, including devising measures to tackle the pandemic that were firmly rooted in evidence. Hong Kong must learn from the Covid-19 pandemic and boost its research and development capabilities, the health minister has said. Photo: Xiaomei Chen While that approach led to incremental changes, steady transitions were crucial to ensure the city emerged from the pandemic, he argued. “Some people said Hong Kong walked out of the pandemic with tiny steps. But small steps are in fact the safest way of walking,” Lo said. “Do you run on slippery floors? No. Fighting the pandemic is like walking
Others CEOs of feted international brands to make the trip recently include Tesla founder Elon Musk, who visited his massive Shanghai plant in May, and JPMorgan Chase boss Jamie Dimon whose visit in the same month aimed to underline the US investment bank’s commitment to the country. These visits highlight how brands and businesses are increasingly relying on China’s 1.4 billion population, the world’s second-largest, to drive growth amid uncertainties in the US and Europe, according to analysts. Bernard Arnault, CEO of LVMH, the world’s largest luxury goods group, visited one of his shops in the Shanghai IFC mall with his eldest daughter and youngest son, as well as the group’s North Asia president and Dior general manager. Photo: Weibo Mainland Chinese consumers are poised to splurge this year on expensive goods, fuelling a “luxury spring”, according to Bain and Company. But unlike the pre-pandemic trend of buying luxury goods overseas, this year they are more likely to buy high-end items within China, with between 25 and 30 per cent of their luxury purchases being made abroad. For the next four years at least, China’s luxury spending is set to outstrip that of the US and western Europe, according to
No fines were issued when it was initially investigated, but a video recently broadcast by British media, which showed people dancing and partying at the event, has prompted officers to look again. UK ex-PM Truss paid US$100,000 for 4-hour Taiwan visit Police said their approach was only to retrospectively launch investigations when there was evidence of a serious and flagrant breach and other conditions were met. The Conservative Party did not issue a fresh comment following the police announcement, and referred to a previous statement in which it said the gathering was unauthorised and that four staff had been disciplined as a result. An additional investigation was opened into a December 8, 2020 gathering in parliament, but police did not provide details about those in attendance. Police also said they had assessed information provided by the Cabinet Office regarding potential breaches of the regulations between June 2020 and May 2021 at Johnson’s then-Downing Street residence and office, and the prime ministerial country home, Chequers. They had “concluded that they do not meet the retrospective criteria for opening an investigation”, police said. Source link
The US$1 billion would be ploughed into several vaccine development and manufacturing projects, the sources said, without elaborating. A sign marks the headquarters of Moderna in Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States, pictured on May 18, 2020. Photo: Reuters Neither the Shanghai municipal government, nor Moderna has responded to queries by the Post yet. The sources said Moderna’s investment resulted from Shanghai’s ramped-up efforts to attract FDI as a way of consolidating the city’s status as a gateway for foreign businesses and investors to enter mainland China. It would also burnish the city’s status as an international business hub, which was tainted by a two-month Covid-19 lockdown between April and May 2022. Moderna has set up a Chinese subsidiary Moderna (China) Biotech in Shanghai’s southwestern Minhang district. Shanghai district plans to launch investment fund to support local tech firms On May 26, a company spokesperson said in response to a query from Reuters that it was exploring opportunities in China and was looking to “bring the power of Moderna’s mRNA platform to the people of China”. The company so far has no presence on the Chinese mainland. It opened an office in Hong Kong last year as part of its Asian expansion
