China Telecom Advances ALC Landing in Hong Kong
15 May 2026
6 bids for Hong Kong land sale signal renewed confidence despite market caution
The Hong Kong government’s first land sale in the current financial year has drawn six bids, according to the Development Bureau, including those from the city’s largest developers, suggesting a more confident outlook for the residential property market. At the close of tender for Tung Chung Town Lot No 54 at Area 106A on Friday noon, Sun Hung Kai Properties (SHKP) submitted a solo bid, while Kerry Properties and Sino Land submitted a joint offer, the groups separately confirmed to the South China Morning Post. The parcel, measuring 14,152 square metres, is expected to yield about 990 residential units. Consultancy CBRE estimated its value at HK$960 million (US$122.6 million). Vincent Cheung, managing director at Vincorn Consulting and Appraisal, put the site’s value at HK$1.5 billion, equivalent to about HK$2,820 per square foot based on the maximum gross floor area of 533,160 sq ft. “The site benefits from a waterfront setting and proximity to the future Tung Chung East MTR station,” said Eddie Tsui, senior director for valuation and advisory services at CBRE Hong Kong. “Together with nearby developments such as Century Link and The Visionary, this provides a solid pricing reference and supports its long-term residential appeal.” Tsui added that the district remained in an “early-stage ‘pioneering’ phase”, with value uplift depending on infrastructure-led maturation. CBRE’s valuation indicated modest upside compared with the adjacent 106B site sold to SHKP in early 2025 for HK$602 million. The wide valuation range reflected continued caution, given sensitivities to geopolitical tensions, construction costs, interest rates and primary market competition. Source link
15 May 2026
Embattled Hong Kong developer sued for HK$130 million, days after founder’s death
A Hong Kong property developer has been sued for HK$130 million (US$16.6 million) over allegedly breaching guarantor obligations in two bond subscription agreements, becoming the latest lawsuit to implicate the embattled company and following its founder’s sudden death earlier this week. Lofter Group, known for its urban renewal projects across the city’s core districts, and an affiliated company were named as defendants in the High Court action initiated by Earth Core Holdings, a firm registered in the Cayman Islands, according to the writ seen by the South China Morning Post on Friday. The court document states that Earth Core agreed to subscribe to bonds issued by local firms Our Country HK and Our Dream HK in December 2023, in the principal amounts of HK$87 million and HK$121 million, respectively. Lofter and MSI Properties Strategy, which share the same registered address as the developer, acted as guarantors for the bonds. After the two bonds matured at the end of November 2024, the plaintiff only received partial repayments of HK$88.9 million, according to its lawyers. Carol Chow was facing a bankruptcy petition by five people over unspecified debts at the time of her death. Photo: Dickson Lee As of the date the claim was lodged on Thursday, the outstanding sums owed by the defendants under the two agreements were assessed to be HK$54 million and HK$76 million, respectively. Source link
15 May 2026
Hong Kong visitor arrivals up 15% in first four months
Spectators cheer during the Hong Kong Sevens rugby tournament at the Kai Tak Stadium on April 19, 2026. (ANDY CHONG / CHINA DAILY) HONG KONG – Hong Kong recorded about 18.52 million visitor arrivals in the first four months of 2026, up 15 percent year-on-year, data from the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) showed on Friday. During the January-April period, visitor arrivals from the Chinese mainland climbed 18 percent from a year ago to 14.18 million, while visits from the rest of the world grew 8 percent to 4.34 million, the data showed. In April alone, visitor arrivals to the city stood at about 4.22 million, up 10 percent over the previous year. The HKTB attributed the increase to the Hong Kong Sevens held in April. As one of the most iconic events in world rugby, the tournament has helped draw more international visitors to the city, sustaining the upward trend seen in tourist arrivals. Source link
15 May 2026
Hong Kong urged to shift from role as ‘superconnector’ to ‘value-adder’
Hong Kong must move beyond its traditional role as a “superconnector” and reposition itself as a “super value-adder”, a leading think tank has said, urging the city to strengthen its role in global supply chains and align with national development amid geopolitical and technological shifts. In a 216-page report released on Friday, the 2022 Foundation – founded by Fung Group chairman Victor Fung Kwok-king – set out a road map for Hong Kong’s next phase of economic growth. It highlighted the need for structural change as the global economy shifts towards knowledge-intensive, innovation-driven and service-oriented activities. After decades as a superconnector heavily reliant on financial services, Hong Kong must pursue four key strategies to reinvent its economy, namely digitalisation, development of the Northern Metropolis, financial market innovation and alignment with China’s national development while preserving its distinctiveness. “Hong Kong stands at a defining moment in its economic history,” the report said. “Rapid technological disruption, intensifying geopolitical risks, and fundamental shifts in global supply chains, now require Hong Kong to move beyond pure intermediation.” The report comes as Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu prepares to unveil the city’s first five-year development plan by the end of the year, with a key focus on aligning Hong Kong with China’s 15th five-year plan. “Hong Kong must carefully navigate its relationship with national development strategies,” the foundation said. Source link
15 May 2026
Former Wang Fuk Court representative and wife held over fraud, money laundering
A man who previously represented residents of fire-ravaged Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po has been arrested, along with his wife, on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud and money laundering, the South China Morning Post has learned. Sources familiar with the matter said Jason Kong Cheung-fat, a director of Ace Interior Design & Engineering Company Ltd, and his wife, who is also a director of the company, were arrested on Thursday. The couple are suspected of borrowing hundreds of thousands of Hong Kong dollars under the 100 per cent Personal Loan Guarantee Scheme, a pandemic relief measure introduced in 2020, to provide fully government-guaranteed loans to companies struggling to stay afloat. Sources said Kong applied to banks twice under the scheme in 2022. During the applications, he allegedly gave the impression that the company’s revenue had fallen between January and March 2020. After the loans were approved, most of the proceeds were withdrawn in cash, with some transferred to Kong’s personal bank account. The couple were held at separate police stations for questioning. Source link
15 May 2026
‘Tell good stories of Hong Kong’ amid global turmoil, John Lee urges local media
The local media should contribute to “telling the ‘good stories of Hong Kong’” amid global turbulence as the city formulates its first five-year blueprint to align with national development, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu has said. Speaking at an annual award ceremony organised by the Newspaper Society of Hong Kong on Friday, Lee said the local media was not only a witness and a recorder of events, but must also facilitate and contribute to the city’s and China’s progress. “In the face of the current turbulent and ever-changing global situation and geopolitical developments, I believe that media professionals will uphold their professional ethics and adhere to the core values of enhancing the interests of the country and Hong Kong,” he said. Lee called on the media to “perform great deeds” by telling good stories of Hong Kong and China and enable the city to serve the country. “[Media should] continuously contribute their strength in telling good stories of Hong Kong and China. Outstanding journalists will bravely shoulder their mission, with lofty aspirations to contribute to national development,” he said. The media could exert a positive influence by telling residents and people abroad stories that “illustrate development facts, opportunities and advantages of Hong Kong”, Lee added. He noted that this year marked the beginning of the national 15th five-year plan from 2026 to 2030, which emphasised, among other things, shaping Chinese discourse and narratives. Source link
15 May 2026
Tourist arrivals up 10% year on year in April, driven by Hong Kong Sevens
The number of tourist arrivals in Hong Kong grew 10 per cent year on year in April, bolstered by the city’s annual Sevens rugby tournament. The Tourism Board revealed on Friday that the city welcomed 4.21 million visitors in April, taking the total in the first four months to 18.52 million – a 15 per cent jump from the same period last year. Even though the majority of visitors in April were from mainland China, non-mainland tourists also saw notable growth, rising 8 per cent year on year to 1.11 million. The total number of non-mainland visitors in the first four months of 2026 also grew 8 per cent year on year to 4.34 million. The Hong Kong Sevens tournament was held at the 50,000-seat Kai Tak Stadium over three days in early April. The board said it would continue to monitor the ongoing US-Israel war with Iran to gauge its effect on local tourism. Source link
15 May 2026
Hong Kong inquest finds rare gastroscopy complication caused man’s death
A 29-year-old Hong Kong man died of misadventure linked to a rare complication following a gastroscopy at a public hospital two years ago, a death inquest has found. The Coroner’s Court on Friday ruled that Lui Pak-to died of cerebral oedema, or brain swelling, triggered by the procedure at Queen Mary Hospital on February 29, 2024. Coroner Raymund Chow Chi-wei cited expert evidence indicating it was undesirable that Lui had to wait four hours and 40 minutes for a brain scan after suffering a seizure that afternoon. However, Chow said Lui’s condition deteriorated too rapidly for the hospital to arrange hyperbaric oxygen therapy – a treatment involving pure oxygen in a pressurised chamber – at another institution. He also noted that the complication was so rare that implementing preventive measures for every patient would be impractical. No recommendations were made to the Hospital Authority regarding the case. Source link
15 May 2026
How can Hongkongers make the most of public holidays in 2027?
Hong Kong residents can enjoy an 11-day-long holiday over the Easter and Ching Ming holidays in 2027 by applying for only four days of leave, according to the list of official public holidays released by authorities. The Hong Kong government on Friday gazetted the dates for public holidays in 2027, with residents enjoying at least seven long weekends next year. They can take advantage of the Christmas and New Year holidays at the end of 2026 to enjoy a 10-day-long holiday by applying for only four days of leave. The first three days of the Chinese New Year in 2027 are from Saturday, February 6, to Tuesday, February 8. “As the second day of [the Chinese] Lunar New Year in 2027 falls on a Sunday, the fourth day of Lunar New Year will be designated as a general holiday in substitution,” a government spokesman said. Residents can enjoy an 11-day break by taking four days of leave to connect the Easter and Ching Ming holidays from March 26 to April 5. Source link
15 May 2026
Hong Kong privacy watchdog slams Canvas owner for paying ransom to hackers
Hong Kong’s privacy watchdog has condemned the owner of an education platform for paying a ransom to hackers who stole individuals’ personal data across 9,000 institutions worldwide, arguing that the money should have been spent on strengthening cybersecurity. Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data Ada Chung Lai-ling on Friday also questioned whether the hackers had truly returned the data stolen from Canvas and urged affected users to remain alert to suspicious calls or messages claiming to be from the platform. Instructure, the parent company of Canvas, said earlier this week that hackers had stolen personal data from 9,000 institutions around the world – including seven organisations in Hong Kong involving 72,571 people – before reaching an agreement with the hackers to return the compromised data. “We condemned its way of handling as it is a hacking incident, which is illegal. Resources should not be given to these hackers but to invest in protecting the platform or improving its security. Does paying the ransom actually guarantee the recovery of all data?” Chung told media. In a statement posted on its website on Wednesday, Instructure said the hacker had returned all personal data compromised after both sides “reached an agreement”. The company said it had received digital confirmation of data destruction and was informed that none of its customers would be extorted as a result of the incident. Chung pointed out that this was the second time the platform had been hacked. Source link
15 May 2026
On This Day | Cathay Pacific debuts on Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 1986 – SCMP archive
Turnover soars as Cathay takes off By Jerry Norton This article was first published on May 16, 1986 Cathay Pacific Airways had a memorable take-off in the stock market yesterday, accounting for a massive $446 million worth of turnover, more than the combined value of all other shares traded. The action in the rest of the market was strictly pedestrian, however, as the excitement over Cathay failed to spill over to other shares and the Hang Seng index dropped 27 points. In volume terms, 86.6 million Cathay shares changed hands in their trading debut, equivalent to more than 38 per cent of the 226 million shares offered to the general public last month. And Cathay’s $5.15 closing represented a hefty 33 per cent premium on the $3.88 offer price. However, the closing figure came as no surprise, since grey market prices ranging from $4.80 to $5.50 had been quoted over the last several weeks, and brokers had been forecasting the fresh trades yesterday would be in a $5 to $5.40 band. Source link
15 May 2026
Elderly woman dies in fire sparked by faulty air-conditioner in Hong Kong flat
A 70-year-old woman has died in a fire at a Hong Kong flat, with police suspecting it was caused by a malfunctioning air-conditioner. The blaze broke out at Yu Tung Court’s Hei Tung House in Tung Chung on Friday, with police saying they received reports from several residents at around 4.42am. “A woman was certified dead at the scene and her body was found when firefighters arrived,” a police spokesman said, adding that around 300 people had to be evacuated. “Some residents said they saw black fumes coming out from the flat’s air-conditioner unit.” Four flats on the same floor were affected and residents returned to their homes after the fire was extinguished at around 5.12am. Police said no one had to be sent to hospital. Source link
15 May 2026
Opinion | 3 ways to build Hong Kong’s yacht economy beyond infrastructure
Hong Kong is in a unique position to capitalise on yacht tourism – with over 1,000km of coastline and more than 200 islands, this natural advantage is something few international cities can match. Recent policy initiatives, ranging from new mooring developments to cross-boundary integration within the Greater Bay Area, signal the government’s clear intent to further promote the marine economy. Plans to add over 1,100 new berths and expand key sites, such as the Aberdeen typhoon shelter and the former Lamma quarry, show real action. Much of the media conversation around Hong Kong’s yacht economy has focused on the city’s shortage of berths and marina facilities. And rightly so – physical infrastructure is crucial to the industry. But infrastructure alone will not unlock Hong Kong’s full potential. The conversation must shift to include items beyond physical infrastructure. Improved licensing regulations, increased integration with the Greater Bay Area and the vital role of vessels that fall outside the superyacht designation need to be included in the discussion. The first of these significant, yet overlooked, barriers is Hong Kong’s system for operator licensing. Under current regulations, pleasure vessels operating in Hong Kong waters must have a captain with a local Pleasure Vessel Operator Licence on board and in charge of the craft. This licence is not easily obtained by international sailors and in most cases does not have global reciprocation with other licence regimes. One notable exception includes reports that the Hong Kong authorities may, in some cases, accept the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence as equivalent to the Pleasure Vessel Operators Certificate Grade 1. While this would be a clear precedent for mutual recognition in principle, this particular RYA certificate is seldom obtained by personal sailors and incredibly difficult to obtain, requiring a very high investment of time and money.
15 May 2026
Hongkongers queue round the clock for new Swatch-Audemars Piguet collection
Long lines stretching across several blocks have formed in Hong Kong as shoppers turned up days ahead of the launch of the “Royal Pop” pocket watches – a collaboration between luxury watchmaker Audemars Piguet and Swatch. A South China Morning Post reporter observed about 50 people queuing in Causeway Bay on Thursday evening, a few metres from the Swatch store on Kai Chiu Road. “If you don’t try, you don’t win,” said one hopeful, who only gave his name as Jackson. “How many opportunities do you have in your lifetime to get an AP [Audemars Piguet]?” The “Royal Pop” collection – pocket-style ceramic watches available in eight colours – is set to go on sale on Saturday and has generated strong online buzz since the collaboration was announced. Part of the appeal is the chance of owning an Audemars Piguet-branded product at a fraction of the price of the Swiss watchmaker’s traditional Royal Oak timepieces, which can cost hundreds of thousands of Hong Kong dollars and are often difficult to obtain even for buyers who can afford them. By contrast, the Swatch collaboration is priced at between HK$2,940 (US$375) and HK$3,150 in Hong Kong, depending on the model, according to the brand’s website. The “Royal Pop” collection is set to go on sale on Saturday. Photo: Edmond So Source link
15 May 2026
First of Its Kind in Hong Kong! Global X Gold Covered Call Active ETF (3533/41533)
Capturing a New Gold Era by Transforming Market Volatility into Potential Option Premium Income HONG KONG, May 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Mirae Asset Global Investments (Hong Kong) Limited (“Mirae Asset (Hong Kong)”), through its Global X ETFs brand, is pleased to announce the launch of the Global X Gold Covered Call Active ETF (the “Fund”, Stock Codes: 3533/41533). As Hong Kong continues to develop into an international gold trading hub and global demand for gold as a safe-haven asset remains strong, gold is entering a new phase of structural growth. The Fund is a synthetic strategy exchange-traded fund (ETF) that, through total return swaps, invests in gold futures and/or ETFs tracking gold prices, combined with a covered call strategy to generate option premium income. It offers investors an innovative solution to enhance income potential beyond traditional physical gold allocation. Key Features First of its kind in Hong Kong[1]– the first ETF to implement a gold covered call strategy, providing a new tool for gold allocation Target monthly distributions[2] – aims to generate potential income through covered call strategies, providing a source of regular cash flow (distributions are not guaranteed and may be paid out of capital) Competitive fee structure – a single management fee of 0.75%[3] per annum, among the lowest in its category The Global X Gold Covered Call Active ETF was listed today on the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) with an initial listing price of USD 10 per unit, and a board lot size of 50 units. Ms. Judy Chu, Chief Executive Officer of Mirae Asset Global Investments (Hong Kong), said: “Amid persistent macroeconomic uncertainty, rising geopolitical risks, and increased market volatility, gold continues to demonstrate its long-term strategic value. At the same time, investor demand for gold-related instruments is evolving from pure price exposure to income
15 May 2026
Truck driver arrested after accident leaves 1 highway worker dead, 5 others hurt
Hong Kong police arrested a driver after his truck hit a parked vehicle and killed a worker on a closed section of the Cheung Tsing Highway in Tsing Yi in an accident that also left five others, including four South Korean tourists, injured on Thursday. A source said that the accident happened at around 5.10pm when the local driver of a minivan carrying the four tourists pulled over to the side of a lane after one of the vehicle’s tyres burst. A highway worker arrived at the scene in a patrol vehicle, parking behind the private car. He got out and stood between the two vehicles. The medium-sized goods vehicle driving in the same lane hit the patrol vehicle, which then struck the minivan, the source said. The worker, 64, was reportedly dragged underneath one of the vehicles. He was sent to Princess Margaret Hospital, where he was later certified dead. The minivan driver and four tourists suffered minor injuries and were sent to the same hospital for treatment. Source link
14 May 2026
Hong Kong’s ‘multi-pronged strategy’ to restore global port hub status
Photo: Dreamstime.com Hong Kong’s effort to rebuild itself as an international shipping centre continues. The territory’s Legislative Council met yesterday to debate a motion by lawmaker Yiu Cho-fai to strengthen Hong Kong’s shipping ecosystem in the face of competition from neighbouring ports on the Chinese mainland. Hong Kong’s secretary for transport and logistics, Chan Mei-po, told the council a multi-pronged strategy was being implemented, including cooperation with ports in the Greater Bay Area, namely those in Macau and Guangdong province, particularly Yantian. “Hong Kong’s port continues to serve as a key transhipment hub and ‘time-stopping port’, thanks to its free port status, fast customs clearance, high efficiency, and strong international network,” Ms Chan claimed. In 2025, containerships spent an average of just 1.03 days in Hong Kong Port, far less time than the 1.99-day average of the world’s top 20 container ports, she claimed. “We’re deepening our integrated rail-sea-land-river transport system, allowing goods from inland provinces and cities such as Chongqing and Chengdu to be transported via rail-sea intermodal transport through Yantian Port or Guangxi, and then transferred to the Kwai-Yantian Link barge service, or ‘daily service’, to be loaded onto ships in Hong Kong. “The process can be completed in as little as three days, allowing goods to be exported to overseas markets via Hong Kong, significantly improving logistics efficiency.” Ms Chan said Hong Kong’s Kwai Tsing Container Terminal and Yantian, due to their different shipping routes served and complementary strengths, could generate mutually beneficial effects through cooperation. In August 2024, The Loadstar observed that, as container throughput in Hong Kong had seen a long-term downward trend, particularly with rising competition from Shenzhen and Nansha, the special administrative region had chosen to align with, or operate through, these growing Chinese ports rather than relying solely on traditional transhipment in
14 May 2026
Medical blunder probe opened over death linked to improperly sealed catheter
Hong Kong health authorities have opened an investigation into an alleged medical blunder involving an improperly sealed catheter that led to the death of a 75-year-old man following a heart procedure at Tuen Mun Hospital. The Hospital Authority said on Thursday that the patient, who had a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and high cholesterol, was admitted on Wednesday last week after his respiratory condition worsened. His health deteriorated further following an acute heart attack, prompting doctors to schedule a percutaneous coronary intervention, a “balloon angioplasty” procedure used to widen obstructed arteries on Monday. An authority spokesman said medical staff first noticed air bubbles via an imaging test during the surgery. “They immediately checked the blood pressure monitoring device and other connection equipment, but found no abnormalities. The patient was stable at the time,” he said. Staff proceeded with the surgery after a clinical assessment, but 30 minutes later, air bubbles were again detected in the patient’s coronary artery. Source link
14 May 2026
Hong Kong project helps turn around lives of special needs children and their parents
Wrestling with mounting financial difficulties and the challenges of caring for a child with autism, Hong Kong mother Chau Ting-ting found herself struggling several years ago with thoughts of ending her life. The 30-year-old recalled on Thursday that her son Ziyi, now five, began displaying symptoms consistent with autism when he was two years old. Counsellors advised her to send the boy to a nursery to increase his contact with other children his age. “But when I went to the nursery, I saw Ziyi staying in a corner alone, as he was not well accepted by other children. No one came to talk to him for half an hour,” she said. Chau withdrew her son from the nursery and instead took him to therapy. The family soon faced financial difficulties, as a one-hour therapy session cost HK$1,600 (US$204). At the same time, Chau found herself fighting postnatal depression. But a doctor at the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) referred her to a mental health support programme backed by the Wemp Foundation, a charity founded by former New World Development CEO Adrian Cheng Chi-kong. Source link
14 May 2026
Long and short-term subsidised public rental housing wait falls below 5 years
The average waiting time for long and short-term general applicants for subsidised public rental housing in Hong Kong had fallen to 4.7 years as of March, authorities said, marking the first time it has dropped below five years under the current administration. Despite the decrease in the “composite figure”, which included light public flats, the average waiting time for a standard public rental home remained unchanged at 5.6 years, according to data released on Thursday. The Housing Bureau said it expected the queue for standard public homes to shorten eventually as a new wave of flats would be completed in the Northern Metropolis. The megaproject aims to transform 30,000 hectares of land near the mainland Chinese border into an engine for economic growth and a major housing hub. “The bureau noted that the composite waiting time had dropped to 4.7 years, a decrease of 0.4 years from the previous quarter,” it said. To ease the short-term lack of public housing, the government in 2022 announced a light public housing initiative, under which temporary flats would be built for applicants who have been waiting for a public rental home for at least three years. The government built about 9,500 light public flats in 2025 and will complete a further 20,300 units this year, with the aim of providing 30,000 homes by 2027. Source link
14 May 2026
Why the Cerebras IPO matters for the AI race with China
Cerebras, an AI chipmaker, saw its shares nearly double on Nasdaq, closing up 70% with a $95B market cap. Cerebras’s powerful chips are key in the US-China AI tech race. Chris Buskirk, co-founder and chief investment officer of 1789 Capital, a key Cerebras investor, says the company’s IPO is geopolitically significant. On Thursday, shares of Sunnyvale, California-based AI chipmaker Cerebras went public and nearly doubled in the moments after it opened on the Nasdaq at $185 per share. It closed out the day at $311 per share marking a 70% increase in the price of the stock, giving it a $95 billion market cap, and making it the largest IPO of the year so far. For investors desperate to get more AI exposure — the IPO was 20 times oversubscribed — this is one of the biggest new plays in the public markets, alongside chipmaker Nvidia. “This thing is flying … partly because there are so few ways for public investors, whether retail or institutional, to invest in this,” Chris Buskirk, co-founder and chief investment officer of 1789 Capital, an early investor in the company told me. Cerebras makes specialized high-power chips, most notably the Wafer Scale Engine, the largest chip ever produced with a processor the size of an entire silicon wafer and 19 times more computing power than Nvidia’s flagship chip. California-based AI chipmaker Cerebras went public and nearly doubled in the moments after it opened on the Nasdaq at $185 per share. IM Imagery – stock.adobe.com The IPO arrived at a pivotal moment, with AI becoming a key point of leverage in discussions with China amid President Trump’s visit to Xi Jinping in Beijing this week. “American companies are excellent but the Chinese companies are very good — well capitalized with very talented people,” Buskirk said. “It’s
15 May 2026
Live: ‘We want the straits open’: Trump says China agrees on ending the Iran war
There was no joint statement out of Trump’s China trip today. But there might as well have been. In one of the most secretive spaces in Chinese politics, the walled compound where China’s top leaders live and work, the number of cameras and journalists granted access at the start of the bilateral tea this morning was unprecedented. That itself is the story. (Reuters: Evan Vucci) Zhongnanhai is normally a no-go zone even for Chinese media. Beijing’s decision to throw open the gates, even briefly, was a deliberate gift to the cameras. And in the five minutes Trump and Xi spent in front of those cameras, they did most of the work a joint statement would have done — without ever having to negotiate one. The tone was warm. Both leaders were clear in their messaging. And both were clearly speaking to audiences back home. (Reuters: Evan Vucci) Xi was telling 1.4 billion Chinese people that the US and China have agreed to move the relationship forward. Despite their differences, the two superpowers are choosing to be constructive. Trump was telling Americans that China will help on the Strait of Hormuz and that Xi will be coming to Washington soon. These are the wins he can wave at home. It is unusual to see split-screen messaging like this end up sounding so aligned. For the world watching, today offered a rare glimpse that two leaders cast as rivals can behave more like partners helping each other manage problems back home. Whether the partnership outlasts the photo op is the question that will dominate the weeks ahead. Source link
15 May 2026
Oil prices jump after Trump says China agreed to buy U.S. crude following Xi talks
The Sea Voyager crude oil tanker anchored off the Port of Long Beach in Long Beach, California, US, on Thursday, May 7, 2026. Tim Rue | Bloomberg | Getty Images Oil prices rose Friday after U.S. President Donald Trump said China has agreed to purchase oil from America, following talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. International benchmark Brent crude futures for July gained 1.49% at $107.30 a barrel. U.S. West Texas Intermediate futures for June advanced 1.55% at $102.74 per barrel. “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 a pre-recorded interview with Fox News, after his meeting with Xi. China has not confirmed the energy purchases. CNBC reached out to Chinese authorities for comment but did not receive a response before publication. Stock Chart IconStock chart icon The gains also came after both presidents agreed that the Strait of Hormuz must remain open. “President Xi also made clear China’s opposition to the militarization of the Strait and any effort to charge a toll for its use, according to a statement by a White House official on Thursday. Meanwhile, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told CNBC in an interview on Thursday that China will work behind the scenes to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz. “It’s very much in their interest to get the strait reopened,” Bessent said. — CNBC’s Anniek Bao and Spencer Kimball contributed to the report. Choose CNBC as your preferred source on Google and never miss a moment from the most trusted name in business news. Source link
15 May 2026
Trump and Xi give closing comments during U.S.-China summit
IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. Now Playing Special Report: Trump and Xi give closing comments during U.S.-China summit 29:50 UP NEXT Trump says ‘fantastic’ trade deals made during talks with Xi 07:20 Xi welcomes Trump to Zhongnanhai for summit closing remarks 02:23 Trump praises Xi, says ‘wonderful things’ done during China summit 01:50 Trump’s high-stakes summit in China 07:50 Trump says U.S. and China share ‘deep sense of mutual respect’ at state banquet 03:54 U.S. Taiwan policies ‘unchanged’ after Trump-Xi meeting, Rubio says 03:03 China warns Taiwan tensions could jeopardize U.S. relationship 08:13 President Trump visits Temple of Heaven following historic U.S.-China summit 29:42 Trump’s invite of top CEOs a ‘posturing’ from the U.S. on making a China deal 01:43 Trump says U.S. and China have a ‘fantastic relationship’ during summit 02:11 ‘We should be partners, not rivals’: Chinese President Xi Jinping opens bilateral talks 01:20 Honor guard and school children greet Trump and Xi at Beijing arrival ceremony 01:34 Trump shakes hands with Xi at start of historic U.S.-China summit 03:02 Trump arrives in China for high-stakes summit 02:44 President Trump arrives in China for high-stakes summit with Xi 07:42 Beijing residents express skepticism as Trump arrives in China 01:08 Trump heads to high-stakes summit in China 03:37 Hallie Jackson interviews former FBI Director James Comey 12:20 Trump says he doesn’t think about Americans’ financial situation during Iran negotiations 00:28 President Trump and President Xi delivered remarks before a working lunch to wrap up two days of talks between the two countries. Trump said “wonderful things” were accomplished during the summit.May 15, 2026 Read More Now Playing Special Report: Trump and Xi give closing comments during U.S.-China summit 29:50 UP NEXT Trump says ‘fantastic’ trade deals made during talks
15 May 2026
Marco Rubio says ‘we’re not asking for China’s help’ with Iran
IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. South Carolina governor to call special session to redraw House maps 04:15 Xi Jinping is ‘moving the goalposts’ on Taiwan, House China cmte. chair says 09:32 Now Playing Marco Rubio says ‘we’re not asking for China’s help’ with Iran 20:55 UP NEXT Former Republican running for governor as Democrat because Trump is ‘not for Georgia’ 07:20 Sen. Duckworth: ‘China is benefiting from Trump’s actions against Iran’ 09:12 Trump administration ‘eager’ to announce business deals during China trip 17:40 Defunding Planned Parenthood is ‘politically toxic,’ says its CEO 06:19 SCOTUS Voting Rights ruling ignores ‘over 100 years of history’: Congressional Black Caucus member 08:28 Pentagon considers re-naming combat operations in Iran to give Trump ‘more breathing room’ 15:49 Hantavirus teaching us to ‘take appropriate precautions without freaking out’: former NIH official 13:22 Iran negotiations ‘deadlocked’ as Trump says ceasefire is ‘on life support’ 18:31 ‘No remedy for Democrats’ after Virginia Supreme Court’s blow to new map 23:15 Xavier Becerra criticized for his record as Biden HHS secretary in CA gov debate 07:10 Tennessee governor signs new U.S. House map splitting majority-Black district 00:56 Facing pressure from Saudi Arabia, Trump reverses plan to reopen Strait of Hormuz 13:49 ‘Fighting for life’ to ‘creating new life’: Cystic Fibrosis advocate helps others with disease 14:46 Trump’s wins in Indiana ‘a clear message of retribution,’ says ousted Republican state senator 05:56 Trump tries to project ‘progress’ in Iran talks despite defiance from Tehran 15:51 Kornacki: Trump-endorsed wins in Indiana are ‘very clear’ message to defecting Republicans 06:41 Makers of mifepristone challenge ruling restricting access to drug 07:09 Meet the Press Secretary of State Marco Rubio tells NBC News’ Tom Llamas that President Trump brought up Iran during the China summit
15 May 2026
Racial backlash erupts online after California mayor admits to being an agent for China
LOS ANGELES — The resignation of a Southern California mayor who pleaded guilty to acting as a foreign agent for China has sparked backlash and reignited fears of anti-Asian discrimination. Subscribe to read this story ad-free Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content. Earlier this week, Eileen Wang, 58, admitted to federal law enforcement that she “secretly served the interests of the Chinese government,” according to the FBI. She agreed to plead guilty to a single count of acting as an illegal agent of a foreign government and resigned as mayor of Arcadia, a predominantly Asian city in the San Gabriel Valley east of Los Angeles. Political figures including Bernadette Breslin, a spokesperson for the National Republican Senatorial Committee, said the indictment was another example of Chinese-led plans to weaken the United States from within. But racist comments began to appear on social media feeds soon after FBI Director Kash Patel announced on X the case against Wang. Many replies to Patel’s post announcing the charges suggested investigating other prominent Asian American women political figures. Others suggested violent punishment for her. Advocates said they are concerned that this rhetoric is part of a long history of fear and discrimination that has proliferated for generations in regard to Asian communities, especially Chinese immigrants. Experts who spoke to NBC News said Asian people in the U.S. are often treated as perpetual outsiders, which can motivate violence in some cases. The charges against Wang Wang, who was elected to the Arcadia City Council in 2022, became mayor in February of this year. She resigned Monday, according to the city’s website, the same day she was formally charged in the case. According to federal officials, Wang was at one point involved in “a media platform that she once operated with someone whom
15 May 2026
Trump Wraps up China Visit and Holds Private Meeting With Chinese Leader Xi Jinping
U.S. President Donald Trump wraps up his visit to Beijing on Friday with a private meeting at Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s official residence before he departs for Washington. Trump has taken a decidedly rosy outlook on the U.S.-China relationship during this trip. But that has collided with some difficult truths about the thorniest issues between the two superpowers including Taiwan, the Iran war and trade. In a summit marked by fanfare and flattery, Xi warned Trump that differences over Taiwan, a self-governed island claimed by Beijing as its own territory, could bring the U.S. and China into clashes or conflict. Trump authorized an $11 billion arms package for Taiwan in December, but has not moved forward with delivery. Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned later on Thursday it would be “a terrible mistake” for China to take Taiwan by force. Trump also focused on trade and deals for China to buy more agricultural products and passenger planes, setting up a board to address their differences and avoid a repeat of the trade war ignited last year after Trump’s tariff hikes. Trump says Iran has gone back and forth on US extraction of ‘nuclear dust’ The president suggested during the Fox News interview that Irian officials at first “said very strongly” that the U.S. could send it teams to collect hundreds of pounds of enriched uranium believed to be buried under nuclear sites badly damaged by U.S. military strikes last year. But then, he said, Iran reneged. “They agreed to it. They take it back. They agree, you know it’s back and forth,” he said. Whether Iran would be willing to relinquish enriched uranium is a key point in negotiations to end the war. Trump has long insisted Tehran is willing to do so, but Iran has largely rejected such assertions.
15 May 2026
China Widens Its Clean Energy Lead
As the leaders of the world’s two largest economies meet in Beijing this week, a new analysis underscores a growing divergence between China and the United States in shaping the global energy system. While Chinese companies continue to expand their dominance of clean energy industries, the data shows, their American counterparts are withdrawing from those sectors. Chinese firms accounted for 55 percent of nearly $1.1 trillion in clean energy manufacturing investments announced from 2019 through 2025, according to a report this week by Atlas Public Policy, a clean energy-focused data and research firm. While China has long led development of solar and wind energy and electric vehicles and batteries, its companies have expanded their footprints overseas in recent years. “For people who are watching this space closely, that’s not new,” said Tom Taylor, a senior policy analyst at Atlas Public Policy and the report’s lead author. “What is new, I think, is the U.S. is falling further behind.” The report shows that after several years of growth, companies announced more cancellations of clean energy projects in the United States in 2025 than in the rest of the world combined. The result was the first year that these investments actually shrank in the United States. While several factors contributed to the loss, Taylor said, it coincided with a slew of actions by the Trump administration and congressional Republicans to withdraw support for renewable energy and electric vehicles and to promote fossil fuels. The picture that emerges is a growing gap. U.S. companies had the second-largest amount of announced investments in clean energy technologies over the seven-year period, yet they accounted for less than half the total of their Chinese counterparts. Chinese firms led in each of the categories examined in the report: batteries, solar energy, wind energy and electric vehicles. For
15 May 2026
Opinion | China Is Worried About A.I. Too
new video loaded: China Is Worried About A.I. Too transcript Back transcript China Is Worried About A.I. Too What if you weren’t worried about A.I. taking your job? That seems to be closer to the reality in China, where keeping pace with the new technology is a much bigger focus than economic disruption. On “Interesting Times,” Kyle Chan, a foreign policy fellow at the Brookings Institution, explains how the countries differ in their anxieties over artificial intelligence. If you are going to try to distill the mood in China, the public mood around A.I., how would you describe it and how is it different from the U.S.? I think the biggest anxiety right now in China is an anxiety around falling behind on technology. So I think in the U.S. there’s a lot of worries about job displacement, of A.I. being a net negative force in society. In China there are some of those concerns, and I can come back to that. But I think right now the fear among individuals and companies and workers is that they’re not keeping pace with A.I., that they’re not using it enough and they’re not savvy enough with this new technology so that they won’t be competitive enough in the labor marketplace. And it’s interesting, this anxiety at the individual level kind of mirrors China’s anxiety at the national level. When ChatGPT first came out, there was a lot of anxiety in China among China’s A.I. industry and among policymakers in Beijing, worried that China was also falling behind, that they were not making the most of this new transformative technology. So it’s interesting to see this kind of mirroring where it’s not about how do I keep out this technology from my life; it’s about how do I bring it in even
15 May 2026
Trump’s high-stakes summit in China
IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. Exclusive look at Chinese pandas preparing for trip to America 02:03 Inside China’s race to dominate humanoid robotics 02:51 Now Playing Trump’s high-stakes summit in China 07:50 UP NEXT Alex Murdaugh’s convictions for murder of wife and son overturned 02:10 CDC encourages cruise ship passengers to remain at Omaha facility 00:52 Trump arrives in China for high-stakes summit 02:44 A taste of Beijing’s local dishes 02:51 New video shows incredible rescue of plane crash survivors 01:23 Inside China’s push for more marriages and children 02:38 Journey to Great Wall of China 03:00 Inside look at quarantine facility for cruise ship passengers 01:45 Trump heads to high-stakes summit in China 03:37 Inside China’s battle for electric vehicle dominance 02:33 Inside American passengers’ journey home from hantavirus-hit cruise ship 02:18 Wildfire burn thousands of acres 01:21 Louvre terror threat reportedly thwarted 00:51 President Trump looks to suspend the federal gas tax 01:40 Suspect opens fire at cars on Cambridge roadway 01:30 Tom Llamas in China ahead of Trump’s historic trip 01:22 What comes next for Americans exposed to hantavirus on cruise 02:05 Nightly News China’s leader gave President Trump a lavish welcome in Tiananmen Square as the superpower summit began. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told NBC Nightly News anchor Tom Llamas that key topics included Iran, Taiwan and trade deals.May 14, 2026 Read More Exclusive look at Chinese pandas preparing for trip to America 02:03 Inside China’s race to dominate humanoid robotics 02:51 Now Playing Trump’s high-stakes summit in China 07:50 UP NEXT Alex Murdaugh’s convictions for murder of wife and son overturned 02:10 CDC encourages cruise ship passengers to remain at Omaha facility 00:52 Trump arrives in China for high-stakes summit 02:44 Top Story Top
15 May 2026
Inside China’s race to dominate humanoid robotics
IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. Exclusive look at Chinese pandas preparing for trip to America 02:03 Now Playing Inside China’s race to dominate humanoid robotics 02:51 UP NEXT Trump’s high-stakes summit in China 07:50 Alex Murdaugh’s convictions for murder of wife and son overturned 02:10 CDC encourages cruise ship passengers to remain at Omaha facility 00:52 Trump arrives in China for high-stakes summit 02:44 A taste of Beijing’s local dishes 02:51 New video shows incredible rescue of plane crash survivors 01:23 Inside China’s push for more marriages and children 02:38 Journey to Great Wall of China 03:00 Inside look at quarantine facility for cruise ship passengers 01:45 Trump heads to high-stakes summit in China 03:37 Inside China’s battle for electric vehicle dominance 02:33 Inside American passengers’ journey home from hantavirus-hit cruise ship 02:18 Wildfire burn thousands of acres 01:21 Louvre terror threat reportedly thwarted 00:51 President Trump looks to suspend the federal gas tax 01:40 Suspect opens fire at cars on Cambridge roadway 01:30 Tom Llamas in China ahead of Trump’s historic trip 01:22 What comes next for Americans exposed to hantavirus on cruise 02:05 Nightly News Tom Llamas goes inside a Beijing robot plant as China’s race to build autonomous humanoids accelerates, raising new questions about whether the U.S. can keep pace in the next generation of robotics.May 14, 2026 Read More Exclusive look at Chinese pandas preparing for trip to America 02:03 Now Playing Inside China’s race to dominate humanoid robotics 02:51 UP NEXT Trump’s high-stakes summit in China 07:50 Alex Murdaugh’s convictions for murder of wife and son overturned 02:10 CDC encourages cruise ship passengers to remain at Omaha facility 00:52 Trump arrives in China for high-stakes summit 02:44 NBC News NOW Nightly News Netcast Hallie Jackson
15 May 2026
Trump says China will order 200 Boeing jets after Beijing talks
In an exclusive sit-down with Sean Hannity, President Donald Trump announced that President Xi Jinping has committed to purchasing 200 Boeing jets, boosting American manufacturing. President Donald Trump said that Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed to order 200 Boeing jets during their high-level meeting in Beijing. Speaking in an exclusive interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity, Trump described his talks with the Chinese leader as “very good” and said the aircraft commitment exceeded Boeing’s expectations. “One thing [Xi] agreed to today: he’s going to order 200 jets. That’s a big thing. Boeing — 200 big ones. That’s a lot of jobs. It’s a lot. Boeing wanted 150, he got 200,” Trump said. Terms of the agreement, including delivery timelines and aircraft models, were not immediately disclosed. TRUMP READIES FOR BEIJING SUMMIT WITH XI AS AI CHIP SALES, FARM GOODS TOP AGENDA President Donald Trump (L) shakes hands with China’s President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on May 14, 2026. (Kenny HOLSTON / POOL / AFP via Getty Images) Trump arrived in China Wednesday alongside a delegation of top American business leaders for meetings with Chinese officials and executives. The visit marks Trump’s first trip to the country since 2017 and comes amid mounting tensions over trade, artificial intelligence, Taiwan and the fallout from the war with Iran. Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg was among those executives and recently said the trip represented “a meaningful opportunity” for the aerospace giant. While Ortberg declined to specify the number of aircraft under discussion during a recent analyst call, he said he was “highly confident” that if Trump reached an agreement with Xi, the deal would “include some aircraft orders.” BOEING PURSUES MASSIVE CHINA JET DEAL AS CEO JOINS TRUMP’S DELEGATION TO BEIJING Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg testifies
15 May 2026
Trump wraps up visit with Xi in China tonight, after talks on trade and stern words on Taiwan
President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping wrap up their summit in Beijing on Friday as both countries look to claim the visit as a win. The leaders of the two superpowers are holding a bilateral tea and taking a friendship photo on Friday before Mr. Trump leaves China and heads back to Washington. The two presidents met in a closed-door session on Thursday that lasted roughly two hours and 15 minutes. Mr. Trump characterized that meeting as “great.” Mr. Trump told Fox News after Thursday’s formal meeting that Xi said he’s not going to give any military equipment to Iran, which the U.S. president called a “big statement.” It remains to be seen if Xi follows through. Mr. Trump also told Fox News that Xi wants to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which has been effectively closed. China is Iran’s biggest oil customer. According to Chinese state media, Xi warned Mr. Trump of possible “clashes and even conflicts” if the Taiwan issue isn’t “handled properly.” It was a stern warning, but the U.S. didn’t mention Taiwan in its readout of the meeting. Mr. Trump and Xi ignored questions about Taiwan. President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Temple of Heaven in Beijing on May 14, 2026. Mark Schiefelbein / AP Taiwan is central to China’s interests, as it vows to retake control of the island and refuses to rule out using military force to accomplish that goal. The U.S. has opposed any unilateral change to Taiwan’s status, and has provided billions in military support to the island, but has a policy of not stating outright whether it would come to Taiwan’s defense if it is invaded by China. A regional source confirmed to CBS News’ Margaret Brennan that China brought up Taiwan in Thursday’s talks. The U.S.
15 May 2026
Trump delights in his deference to Xi, his strongman fantasy made flesh | Donald Trump
Why does Donald Trump look so at home in China? The US president spent day one of his summit in Beijing basking in rigid pageantry, heroically managing not to offend his hosts and offering the verdict: “China is beautiful.” A man who has shown authoritarian yearnings in his own country – discrediting elections, cowing universities, accusing journalists of treason – visibly delighted in one where the strongman fantasy is made flesh. Not for the first time, he was far better behaved in one of the world’s most repressive regimes than when he shows up in Europe’s democracies like a human wrecking ball. There has been a strange, uncharacteristic deference and circumspection about Trump since he left Washington. Unusually, he did not speak to reporters on the long Air Force One flight nor did he post about his meeting with President Xi Jinping on his Truth Social platform. Climbing out of the presidential limousine at the Great Hall of the People on Thursday morning, Trump fiddled with his jacket, as if nervous, eventually deciding to button it. Trump stopped to applaud children who waved bouquets of flowers and US flags. Photograph: Kenny Holston/AFP/Getty Images He had previously predicted that Xi “will give me a big, fat hug” on arrival. It wasn’t quite that but there was a warm handshake and, as they walked a red carpet, the septuagenarians of similar stature looked like birds of a feather. The US president surely loved the cool, clinical pomp of the arrival ceremony: martial music, troops with bayoneted rifles and ceremonial uniforms marching in lockstep and, as The Star-Spangled Banner played, a 21-gun salute echoing across Tiananmen Square. It was worth remembering that last year Trump organised a military parade in Washington on his own birthday – 14 June, one day before Xi’s –
14 May 2026
Xi Jinping is ‘moving the goalposts’ on Taiwan, House China cmte. chair says
IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. South Carolina governor to call special session to redraw House maps 04:15 Now Playing Xi Jinping is ‘moving the goalposts’ on Taiwan, House China cmte. chair says 09:32 UP NEXT Marco Rubio says ‘we’re not asking for China’s help’ with Iran 20:55 Former Republican running for governor as Democrat because Trump is ‘not for Georgia’ 07:20 Sen. Duckworth: ‘China is benefiting from Trump’s actions against Iran’ 09:12 Trump administration ‘eager’ to announce business deals during China trip 17:40 Defunding Planned Parenthood is ‘politically toxic,’ says its CEO 06:19 SCOTUS Voting Rights ruling ignores ‘over 100 years of history’: Congressional Black Caucus member 08:28 Pentagon considers re-naming combat operations in Iran to give Trump ‘more breathing room’ 15:49 Hantavirus teaching us to ‘take appropriate precautions without freaking out’: former NIH official 13:22 Iran negotiations ‘deadlocked’ as Trump says ceasefire is ‘on life support’ 18:31 ‘No remedy for Democrats’ after Virginia Supreme Court’s blow to new map 23:15 Xavier Becerra criticized for his record as Biden HHS secretary in CA gov debate 07:10 Tennessee governor signs new U.S. House map splitting majority-Black district 00:56 Facing pressure from Saudi Arabia, Trump reverses plan to reopen Strait of Hormuz 13:49 ‘Fighting for life’ to ‘creating new life’: Cystic Fibrosis advocate helps others with disease 14:46 Trump’s wins in Indiana ‘a clear message of retribution,’ says ousted Republican state senator 05:56 Trump tries to project ‘progress’ in Iran talks despite defiance from Tehran 15:51 Kornacki: Trump-endorsed wins in Indiana are ‘very clear’ message to defecting Republicans 06:41 Makers of mifepristone challenge ruling restricting access to drug 07:09 Meet the Press House Select Committee on China Chair Rep. John Moolenaar (R-Mich.) joins Meet the Press NOW to discuss President Trump’s trip
14 May 2026
Rubio warns China is using stolen US technology ahead of trade talks
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned Wednesday that the United States must “stay ahead of the curve” on innovation to counter China’s widespread intellectual property theft, arguing that Beijing has leveraged stolen American technology to fuel its progress. “A lot of the advancements you’ve seen in the commercial sector and the industrial sector, the technological sector in China, is a product of intellectual property theft and/or reverse engineering, which is the same thing, of our own technology,” Rubio said. “That has to be addressed.” In an exclusive interview on “Hannity,” Rubio described intellectual property theft as an “enormous issue” that the Trump administration plans to confront in Thursday’s high-stakes talks with China. AMERICA HAS TO RESPOND WITH A UNITED FRONT TO CHINA’S MASSIVE ECONOMIC WARFARE U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio boards Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, on May 12, 2026, as he departs for a 3-day state visit to China. (Getty Images) “We’re not trying to constrain China, but their rise cannot come at our expense. Their rise cannot come at our fall,” Rubio said. He insisted that his warning only scratches the surface and stressed that enforcement alone won’t be enough, arguing that America’s long-term advantage depends on outpacing China in innovation. WHITE HOUSE: US WILL LEAD IN AI, BUT CHINA IS CATCHING UP China’s President Xi Jinping, right, and U.S. President Donald Trump visit the Temple of Heaven on May 14, 2026, in Beijing, China. (Brendan Smialowski – Pool/Getty Images) “One thing is, if you’re stealing or taking the stuff that was cutting edge five years ago, but the things that are going to be cutting edge years from now, we’ve got to continue to invest and push our companies to continue to stay ahead of
14 May 2026
Trump meets Xi as Supreme Court tariff ruling looms over trade talks
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Trade has emerged as a central focus of President Donald Trump’s high-stakes meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping this week, following a Supreme Court setback over Trump’s tariff agenda earlier this year. “President Trump had a good meeting with President Xi of China,” a White House official told pool reporters early Thursday morning. “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.” The talks come as Trump’s tariff agenda faced a setback after a Supreme Court ruling limited his use of emergency powers to impose duties, which cut directly into one of his preferred tools for pressuring Beijing. The ruling came against the backdrop of a yearslong tariff standoff between the U.S. and China, with Trump arguing aggressive duties are needed to force fairer trade terms while Beijing has repeatedly pushed back. TRUMP’S TARIFF POWER GRAB BARRELS TOWARD SUPREME COURT President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping greet other officials at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, on May 14, 2026. (Kenny Holston-Pool/Getty Images) “I will be asking President Xi, a Leader of extraordinary distinction, to ‘open up’ China so that these brilliant people can work their magic, and help bring the People’s Republic to an even higher level!” Trump posted to Truth Social on May 12, previewing he would press Xi on American trade. “In fact, I promise, that when we are together, which will be in a matter of hours, I will make that my very first request. I have never seen or heard of any idea that would be more beneficial to our incredible Countries!” After Trump touched down in China on Wednesday, Chinese Ministry
14 May 2026
Does Xi Jinping speak English? What to know about Trump China’s visit
Updated May 14, 2026, 11:51 a.m. ET President Donald Trump is in China for a packed two-day trip, including one-on-ones with President Xi Jinping, in the first U.S. state visit to China in nearly a decade. In November, Trump announced he had accepted an invitation to visit China in April, but that was delayed as the war in Iran took priority in U.S. foreign policy. Even before the delay, the two superpower leaders had plenty to talk about. In Trump’s first year back in office, China and the United States went tit for tat in a tariff trade war, straining relations and setting off widespread trade disruptions. Now, the U.S. war on Iran is also likely to dominate discussions during the visit, as China gets about 60% of its oil through the Strait of Hormuz, straining energy markets. Trump arrived in Beijing on the evening of Tuesday, May 13, local time, which was Wednesday morning in the United States. Over the next two days, he’s scheduled to participate in a bilateral meeting with Xi and to attend a state banquet and a working lunch. Trump is set to depart the afternoon of Friday, May 15, local time. What is on the agenda? Taiwan, the Iran war, the Trump administration’s aggressive tariff agenda and the future of tech are expected to take center stage at Trump’s face-to-face meeting with Xi. Eric Trump, his wife Lara Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth are all accompanying Trump for the three-day visit. Tech executive Elon Musk is also taking part in the visit as part of a delegation of more than a dozen CEOs. More: Trump arrives in China. These 12 powerful CEOs are joining him Why is Taiwan so important to China? Taiwan views itself as independent, but China seeks to reunite with
14 May 2026
Secret Service, Chinese security clash during Trump-Xi Beijing meetings
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Chinese security officials allegedly blocked an armed U.S. Secret Service agent from entering an event on Thursday during President Donald Trump’s visit to the country, according to media members on the ground. A Secret Service agent was reportedly blocked from entering Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Beijing’s Temple of Heaven with their weapon on Thursday, according to reporters. The incident triggered an alleged “intense standoff” that delayed entry to the venue for over a half-hour due to heated discussions. “We’ve seen several intense confrontations since being here,” wrote a Telegraph correspondent on X of the situation. TRUMP GETS RED-CARPET WELCOME IN CHINA, BUT PAST BEIJING TRIP SHOWS PAGEANTRY ONLY GOES SO FAR U.S. Secret Service and Chinese security officials are reportedly clashing during Trump’s state visit. (Kenny HOLSTON / POOL / AFP via Getty Images) The White House did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment on the matter. Trump and Xi met Thursday in Beijing as part of a two-day state visit, with the White House saying the leaders discussed Iran, energy security, fentanyl controls and market access. CHINA ROLLS OUT RED CARPET FOR TRUMP AS XI MEETING TESTS TRADE, TAIWAN TENSIONS Other videos posted by reporters on social media show the press having difficulties navigating following Trump during the meetings and events. “Several times the Chinese tried to stop US reporters and staff from leaving their positions and joining the motorcade,” the Telegraph correspondent said on X. Fox News Digital reached out to the Secret Service for comment on Thursday. This is not the first time tensions have flared between the Secret Service and Chinese security officials. During Trump’s 2017 visit, commotion was caused over the nuclear football, a briefcase that holds the tools
14 May 2026
White House says Trump and Xi agree Iran can never obtain a nuclear weapon
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! The White House described how President Donald Trump had a “good meeting” with Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Thursday, saying in its readout that the two sides discussed ways to “enhance economic cooperation,” expand market access for American business into China and “increase Chinese investment into our industries.” “Leaders from many of the United States’ largest companies joined a portion of the meeting,” the White House noted. “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 of American agricultural products.” The White House said the U.S. and China agreed that Iran cannot obtain a nuclear weapon. TRUMP, XI MAKE REMARKS AT STATE BANQUET ON DAY TWO OF CRITICAL CHINA VISIT China’s President Xi Jinping and President Donald Trump visit the Temple of Heaven on May 14, 2026 in Beijing, China. (Brendan Smialowski/Pool/Getty Images) China and the U.S. are both nuclear-armed nations. TRUMP’S UPBEAT CHINA MESSAGE COLLIDES WITH DEEPENING BEIJING RIVALRY President Donald Trump shakes hands with China’s President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on May 14, 2026. (Kenny Holston/Pool/AFP via Getty Images) “The two sides agreed that the Strait of Hormuz must remain open to support the free flow of energy. President Xi also made clear China’s opposition to the militarization of the Strait and any effort to charge a toll for its use, and he expressed interest in purchasing more American oil to reduce China’s dependence on the Strait in the future. Both countries agreed that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon,” the White House noted. While Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the U.S. position on Taiwain remains unchanged following Trump and Xi’s meeting, China’s
14 May 2026
Why the Iran conflict is becoming a problem for BRICS | US-Israel war on Iran News
Islamabad, Pakistan – A two-day meeting of BRICS foreign ministers in New Delhi ended on Friday without a common position on the war on Iran, with the bloc’s outcome document acknowledging only that “differing views” remained among members. It was the second consecutive BRICS gathering in India to fail to produce a consensus on the
15 May 2026
I Wouldn’t Advise My Children to Live in US
BERLIN, May 15 (Reuters) – German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Friday said he would advise his children against living or studying in the United States at the moment, citing a rapidly changing social climate and limited opportunities even for the highly educated. The remarks highlight tensions between the United States and its European allies under
15 May 2026
A Bad Case of the Bond Blues
Everything Mike Dolan and the ROI team are excited to read, watch and listen to over the weekend. Hello Morning Bid readers! The long-awaited summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping hogged the spotlight this week, despite producing little market-moving news. The real story remains the stalemate in the Middle
15 May 2026
Local authorities say the UK Government should aim higher on accessible homes minimum targets
More than 20 local authorities say the government’s proposed minimum target for accessible housing is not ambitious enough and a higher proportion of accessible housing is achievable. Councils who responded to an Ageing Better survey overwhelmingly agreed that the proposed 40% minimum target put forward as part of reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) could be raised. Advertisement | Continue story below Separate Freedom of Information request responses also show that some local authorities are already achieving far higher proportions of accessible housing than the proposed minimum target, or are setting themselves much more ambitious targets than the proposed government minimum. Of the more than 1,000 homes built in Bassetlaw district Council between 2022 and 2025, 90% meet the M4(2) accessibility standard which includes step-free access, wider doors and corridors as well as layouts that allow for easy and cost-effective adaptations over time. The recently adopted development plan for Nuneaton and Bedworth for example, includes a specific policy that new major residential developments should include 95% of all new dwellings to meet M4(2) standards unless robust justification can be provided to show accessible dwellings would be unviable or physically impossible. The FoI research also highlighted that many councils do no register the number of accessible homes planned and/or completed within their boundaries. The Housing Made for Everyone (HoME) Coalition of organisations, which is co-chaired by the Centre for Ageing Better and Habinteg Housing Association, is calling on the government to raise the minimum target for accessible homes as part of its reforms of the NPPF. The wide-ranging consultation closed in March and the government is expected to respond in the coming months. Robust policies to ensure delivery of more accessible homes are urgently needed. Analysis carried out by the Centre for Ageing Better last year revealed the enormous
15 May 2026
Trump, Xi conclude ‘very successful’ talks but no deals announced
Beijing, Chinese President Xi Jinping and his US counterpart Donald Trump on Friday hailed their talks as “historic” and “landmark”, as the American leader wrapped up his three-day visit on a high note, but no deals on any contentious issues were announced. Trump, Xi conclude ‘very successful’ talks but no deals announced Both Presidents, who held several rounds of talks covering a range of global issues, including the Iran war and bilateral trade frictions, concluded their discussions with a private meeting at Zhongnanhai, the well-guarded compound in Beijing where top leaders reside. Trump and Xi walked and talked at the well-curated compound, occasionally stopping to admire the trees and flowers in the garden. Trump described the trip as “very successful, world-renowned, and unforgettable,” according to the Chinese account. Calling Xi “an old friend of mine,” the US president said he had “great respect” for his Chinese counterpart and expressed a willingness to maintain “sincere and in-depth communication.” Trump said he looked forward to welcoming Xi to the White House. Noting that Trump’s visit was a “historic” and “landmark” one, Xi said the two sides had set a “new vision” of building a constructive China-US relationship of strategic stability. “We had reached important common understandings on maintaining stable economic and trade ties, expanding practical cooperation in various fields, and properly addressing each other’s concerns,” Xi said. The two sides also agreed to strengthen communication and coordination on international and regional issues, Xi said. The visit is conducive to enhancing mutual understanding, deepening mutual trust and improving the well-being of the two peoples, Xi said. “While President Trump hopes to make America great again, I am dedicated to leading the Chinese people toward national rejuvenation,” Xi said, stressing that the two countries can advance their respective development and revitalisation by strengthening cooperation,
15 May 2026
Orban’s Media Empire Crumbles After Hungary Election Defeat
BUDAPEST, May 15 (Reuters) – The media empire built by former Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s government, a key pillar of the nationalist leader’s 16 years in power, is swiftly unravelling following an election last month that abruptly ended his rule. Within weeks of the vote, which the centre-right opposition led by Peter Magyar won with a landslide, senior figures at some of the most prominent pro-Orban outlets have been pushed out and a flagship news programme was scrapped. The tone of public service media changed overnight, with more opposition voices appearing even before Magyar formally took power, while pro-Orban influencers have practically disappeared from social media. These are the first cracks in Orban’s tightly controlled media system that is set to undergo a shake-up under the new government, sworn in earlier this week. Magyar, who called public service media a “factory of lies”, has pledged to restore press freedom, create a new media law and a new media authority. BRUSSELS WATCHING PROGRESS ON REFORM Veteran nationalist Orban was celebrated by conservatives in Europe and the U.S. as the mastermind of an “illiberal democracy”, but voters grew weary of allegations of corruption and economic stagnation. In the April 12 election, Magyar’s centre-right Tisza party ended Orban’s 16-year rule and gained a two-thirds majority in parliament needed to undo Orban’s constitutional overhaul. Leaders of the European Union are closely watching Hungary as a test case for restoring democratic checks and balances – media freedom was one of the key rule-of-law issues over which Orban’s government often clashed with Brussels. Under Orban, state media came under increasing government control as new media laws were enacted, and several private outlets were either shut down or taken over by pro-government businessmen. Hungary fell to 74th place in 2026 from 23rd in 2010 in Reporters
15 May 2026
‘I joined local Facebook groups across UK – neighbours all argue over same parking problem’
From petty disputes to bizarre theories, a journalist who lurked in Facebook community groups across the UK found one complaint that crops up everywhere she looked Every local group quickly descends into rows over exactly the same thing(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto) A woman who became hooked on local Facebook community groups says one parking issue causes arguments everywhere she looks. Kate Lister, writing in the i, admitted she has spent years joining neighbourhood Facebook pages across Britain simply because she finds them “hilarious”. Although she lives in Leeds, she said she has also secretly joined groups based in Birmingham, Dorset, Aberdeen and even Texas after seeing the town featured in a true crime documentary. According to Kate, every local group quickly descends into rows over exactly the same thing – cars being parked outside somebody’s house. She explained that many residents become furious if another driver leaves a vehicle near their property, while others immediately respond by reminding them “no one owns the road”. Kate described community Facebook groups as modern-day soap operas packed with complaints, warnings and bizarre incidents. She said users regularly post messages asking questions like: “Who is mowing their grass as 9.03am on a Sunday?” One exchange particularly stood out to her(Image: Getty) One exchange particularly stood out to her after a confused resident discovered somebody had interfered with washing hanging outside their home. The resident wrote: “Strange occurrence about an hour ago. I went outside to bring in my laundry from the washing line. “Thankfully, it was all still there, but had been comprehensively rearranged and most of my nice old wooden clothes pegs had been swiped and replaced with cheap blue plastic things. If the person responsible reads this, give me back my pegs and leave my laundry alone. Fruit loop!” Kate said the mystery
15 May 2026
Finland Says Helsinki Drone Threat Has Ended, Reopens Airport
HELSINKI, May 15 (Reuters) – Finland said on Friday suspected drone activity in the skies above the country’s capital region no longer posed a threat and that the situation was returning to normal as Helsinki’s airport reopened. Finland and the nearby Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania have seen a string of recent incidents where Ukrainian drones aimed at Russia have strayed into their airspace, but it was not immediately known if Friday’s incident was similar. The Finnish defence forces earlier scrambled fighter jets and other emergency services in response to the situation, but said in a statement that Finland was not facing a direct military threat. “The danger is over. People can go to work and school safely,” Interior Minister Mari Rantanen said in a post on social media website X. Traffic at Helsinki’s airport also resumed after a three-hour suspension, according to a statement on its website. “Authorities are taking action. The Defence Forces have enhanced their own surveillance and response capabilities. I urge everyone to follow the authorities’ bulletins,” Prime Minister Petteri Orpo said in a statement on X. LATVIA’S GOVERNMENT COLLAPSED OVER DRONES Recent airspace violations by Ukrainian drones come as Kyiv has intensified attacks on Russia’s oil export infrastructure, including massive strikes on the Primorsk and Ust-Luga ports on the Baltic Sea. Latvia’s government coalition on Thursday collapsed amid internal divisions over the handling of a recent drone incident, following Prime Minister Evika Silina’s decision last weekend to fire Defence Minister Andris Spruds. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Wednesday that Ukraine would send experts to Latvia to help protect the country’s skies. (Reporting by Essi Lehto in Helsinki; Writing by Terje Solsvik; Editing by Muralikumar Anantharaman, Christian Schmollinger and Jamie Freed) Copyright 2026 Thomson Reuters. Photos You Should See – April 2026 Source
15 May 2026
Iran is threatening undersea cables. The world’s ‘digital chokepoints’ have never been more vulnerable
Melbourne, Early this week, Iranian state-linked media floated a plan to charge the operators of undersea internet cables in the Strait of Hormuz for access to what they say is Iran’s offshore territory. Iran is threatening undersea cables. The world’s ‘digital chokepoints’ have never been more vulnerable The suggestion comes after Iranian warnings that several important cables in the strait were a vulnerable point for economies in the Middle East. Iran’s comments expose an invisible foundation of the internet and globalisation itself: the web of more than 500 undersea cables that carries more than 95 per cent of international data traffic. We may think the internet lives in a kind of virtual cloud. But its physical underpinnings are vulnerable – and that vulnerability is becoming a very real geopolitical concern. Gulfs, straits and cables Several of the world’s most critical submarine cable routes run through the Middle East. Narrow sealanes through the Red Sea, Bab el-Mandeb Strait, Suez Canal, and the Strait of Hormuz also function as “digital chokepoints”. These maritime corridors connect major economic centres in Europe, Asia and Africa. In 2024, submarine cable incidents in the Red Sea disrupted around 25 per cent of the internet traffic between Europe and Asia. The strategic importance of submarine cables is not lost on Iran. Damage to these cables, whether accidental or deliberate, would have significant consequences. In the bigger picture, the message is unmistakable. Digital infrastructure can give states strategic leverage, but it’s also a potential target. Digital infrastructure – Critical infrastructure used to mean oil pipelines, ports, or power grids. But data infrastructure has become just as important for national and economic security. The core problem of undersea cables lies in the concentration of infrastructure. Many of the cables are bundled together along the same seabed routes and funnelled
15 May 2026
6 Passengers From Hantavirus-Hit Ship Arrive in Australia for 3-Week Quarantine
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Six passengers from a cruise ship hit by a hantavirus outbreak arrived Friday in Australia for a quarantine expected to last at least three weeks. The Gulfstream long-range business jet carrying them from the Netherlands landed at RAAF Base Pearce outside the Western Australia state capital, Perth. The passengers and crew were to be moved to the nearby Bullsbrook quarantine facility. Australian Health Minister Mark Butler said Thursday the government would implement “one of the strongest quarantine arrangements in response to this virus outbreak you’ll find anywhere in the world.” The five Australians and one New Zealand citizen are expected to spend the three-week quarantine period in the facility that had remained largely unused since it was built in 2022 is response to the COVID-19 pandemic. A decision had yet to be made on what precautions should be taken for the remainder of the 42-day period of potential incubation that the World Health Organization had identified, Butler said. Butler said passengers of the cruise ship MV Hondius who returned to the United States and Britain would spend most of their quarantine periods at home. The six passengers all tested negative for the virus before they left the Netherlands and none had displayed symptoms, Butler said. The ship was on a cruise from Argentina to the Antarctic and then to several isolated islands in the South Atlantic Ocean when the outbreak was identified. With the evacuation of all passengers and many crew members completed, the MV Hondius is now sailing back to the Netherlands, where it will be cleaned and disinfected. Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Photos You Should See – April 2026 Source link
15 May 2026
Britain’s Foreign Minister Plans to Visit China in Early June, Sources Say
BEIJING, May 15 (Reuters) – British foreign minister Yvette Cooper is expected to visit China in early June, three sources familiar with the plans said, as London seeks to capitalise on relatively cordial ties with Beijing before any fresh setback over a new Chinese embassy in the UK capital. The June 2-3 trip will take Cooper, formally the British foreign secretary, to Beijing for talks with her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi before heading to the southern tech hub of Shenzhen to meet businesses, one of the sources said. Briefings are being prepared on the basis that even if there is a leadership contest to oust British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, that would take weeks or months and the foreign secretary would likely still travel regardless, two British officials said. Cooper is not a current front-runner for Labour leader, despite having held two of the UK’s Great Offices of State – prime minister, chancellor of the exchequer, foreign secretary, and home secretary. The British Embassy in Beijing and Chinese foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Starmer and Chinese leader Xi Jinping announced a “reset” in ties during a January visit to China, following the British government’s approval of plans for Beijing to build its largest embassy in Europe in London, and paving the way for the lifting of Chinese sanctions on six serving lawmakers. Beijing is a hive of diplomacy, with U.S. President Donald Trump wrapping up a state visit while Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to arrive next week. BRIEF WINDOW OF OPPORTUNITY Officials in China and the UK are seeking to hold further rounds of high-level financial and commercial talks this year, with the Starmer government prioritising efforts to attract fresh investment from the world’s second-largest economy, while China seeks improved market access
15 May 2026
‘He was 100% correct’: Trump agrees with Xi’s ‘declining nation’ take on US, blames Biden
US President Donald Trump has accepted Chinese President Xi Jinping’s remarks that America was a declining nation, but said that assessment applied to the period when ‘sleepy’ Joe Biden was in charge. Trump said he agreed ‘100 percent’ with Xi’s assessment, adding that ‘he was referring to the tremendous damage we suffered during the four years of Sleepy Joe Biden and the Biden Administration’. The US president said Xi Jinping was not referring to how the US is rising under his leadership when he said that America was a ‘declining nation’. (Reuters) The US president said Xi was not referring to how the US is rising under his leadership. Trump defended his administration’s record, claiming the United States had witnessed an ‘incredible rise’ during the ‘16 spectacular months’ of his presidency. ‘Our country suffered immeasurably with open borders, high taxes, transgender policies for everybody, men in women’s sports, DEI, horrible trade deals, rampant crime, and so much more,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. Also Read | Oil holds steady after Trump-Xi meeting signals hope for US-China cooperation “President Xi was not referring to the incredible rise that the United States has displayed to the world during the 16 spectacular months of the Trump Administration, which includes all-time high stock markets and 401K’s, military victory and thriving relationship in Venezuela, the military decimation of Iran (to be continued!) — Strongest military on earth by far, economic powerhouse again, with a record 18 trillion dollars being invested into the United States by others, best U.S. job market in history, with more people working in the United States right now than ever before, ending country destroying DEI, and so many other things that it would be impossible to readily list. In fact, President Xi congratulated me on so many tremendous successes in such
15 May 2026
Hartlepool Council’s Reform UK group has new leader after election clean sweep
Burn Valley councillor Graham Harrison has been elected leader of the party’s group on the local authority (Image: Getty Images) Hartlepool Borough Council’s Reform UK group has a new leader following its election clean sweep. Burn Valley councillor Graham Harrison has been elected leader of the party’s group on the local authority. Rural West councillor Mike Young, who quit the Conservatives to join Reform in August 2025 and previously held the council’s top political role in the 2023/24 municipal year, has been chosen as the group’s deputy leader. It comes after the local elections saw Reform UK become the biggest party on the council with 15 councillors after winning all 12 available seats in the polls – with Cllr Harrison one of those who was successful in being elected. He said: “I’m truly humbled that residents in Burn Valley ward voted for me and that my fellow Reform UK councillors have placed their trust in me as group leader. It’s a responsibility I take seriously, and I won’t let them, or the residents who sent us all to the council, down.” The 54-year-old, who has lived in Hartlepool all his life, takes over from Cllr Amanda Napper as leader of the Reform group on the council, who retained her seat in the Throston ward in the recent polls. Cllr Harrison added: “The year ahead is about rolling our sleeves up and getting on with it. “I’ll make sure this council works for the people of our town, and that every councillor in our group has the clear direction and solid support they need to deliver real progress for Hartlepool as we look to take the council in a positive direction.” Following Reform’s success in the local elections the council is in a state of ‘no overall control’ – as no
15 May 2026
What Wigan council local election results could mean for Makerfield by-election
A Labour MP is stepping aside for Andy Burnham. Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham wants to stand in the Makerfield by-election(Image: Jonathan Brady/PA Wire) Andy Burnham could soon be back in Parliament. The Greater Manchester Mayor has announced his intention to stand in the Makerfield by-election, which was triggered by Josh Simons MP standing down. Mr Simons stepped aside to make way for Mr Burnham to run, saying he is ‘putting the people I represent and the country I love first’. Click here for the latest on Greater Manchester’s politics in our newsletter Shortly afterwards, the Greater Manchester mayor announced his plan to stand in the race. He said: “I can confirm that I will be requesting the permission of the NEC to stand in the Makerfield by-election. “I grew up in this area and have lived here for 25 years. I care deeply about it and its people. I know they have been let down by national politics.” The Makerfield constituency, based in the borough of Wigan, was won by Labour in the 2024 general election, with a 5,000-vote majority. It was a bruising night for Labour as the party took a hammering across the country, and in the aftermath of the result Prime Minister Keir Starmer has faced growing pressure to stand down, and calls for a Labour leadership contest. But what happened in the Wigan council local elections on May 7, and what could it tell us about the Makerfield by-election? Keir Starmer is facing pressure to step down as Prime Minister(Image: Toby Melville – WPA Pool/Getty Images) Labour suffered catastrophic losses in Wigan’s local elections as voters gave them “a kicking”, with Reform UK winning 24 out of 25 seats up for grabs in the borough. Reform’s leader Coun Paul Watson described the results as “unprecedented”
14 May 2026
Deadly Storms Devastate Northern India
new video loaded: Deadly Storms Devastate Northern India 0:42 Officials said at least 111 people were killed and dozens more injured after severe storms hit the state of Uttar Pradesh. By Alisa Shodiyev Kaff May 14, 2026 Trump and Xi Meet as Summit Begins 1:58 Chaos Erupts Inside Philippine Senate After Apparent Gunshots 1:06 Mixed Feelings in Beijing Ahead of Trump-Xi Summit 1:10 Government Agents Chase Philippine Senator in Parliament 0:55 Why Some in Taiwan Are Training for War 1:03 Cheers and Tears at Thailand’s Military Draft Lottery 1:11 Video › Today’s Videos U.S. Politics Immigration NY Region Science Business Culture Books Wellness World Africa Americas Asia South Asia Donald Trump Middle East Crisis Russia-Ukraine Crisis Visual Investigations Opinion Video Advertisement SKIP ADVERTISEMENT Source link
14 May 2026
Iran allowing transit of Chinese vessels in Strait of Hormuz: Report
Iran has begun allowing some Chinese vessels to transit through the Strait of Hormuz following an understanding over Iranian management protocols for the waterway, the semi-official Fars news agency said on Thursday, citing an informed source. Following the start of US and Israeli strikes on 28 February, Iran severely restricted transit in the Strait of Hormuz. (REUTERS) The Fars report came as US President Donald Trump, who is on a state visit to China, agreed with the Chinese leader Xi Jinping that the Strait of Hormuz must be open for the free flow of energy. The source told Fars news the move followed requests by China’s foreign minister and ambassador to Iran, with Tehran agreeing to facilitate the passage of a number of Chinese ships in line with the two countries’ strategic partnership. Following the start of US and Israeli strikes on 28 February, Iran severely restricted transit in the Strait of Hormuz. A US blockade on Iranian ports which started a few days after a ceasefire agreed upon in early April has prolonged the crisis in the waterway, through which one-fifth of global oil and natural gas transit. It was not immediately clear how far the move altered the situation on the ground, given Iran had already indicated during the war that neutral vessels, notably those linked to China, could transit the Strait as long as they coordinated with Iranian armed forces. A Chinese supertanker carrying 2 million barrels of Iraqi crude sailed through the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, ship tracking data showed, after being stranded in the Gulf for more than two months due to the US-Iran war. Source link
14 May 2026
Reform UK trounced Starmer in local elections because of one very simple British desire | Politics | News
Ameer Kotecha, right, outlines why Starmer suffered catastrophic local elections defeat (Image: Getty) As the dust settles on last week’s local elections, and Keir Starmer’s future hangs in the balance, what are the main takeaways from all the present political turmoil? What voters have announced – in the most unambiguous terms since Brexit – is that they’re done with the idea we have to prioritise other people and other things over what is in the interests of ordinary working British people. The public will no longer allow this discredited, globalist notion of treating national self-interest as a second-order priority to be foisted upon them. It has become the guiding maxim of much of the political and bureaucratic class. The country’s former top civil servant, Cabinet Secretary Gus O’Donnell, once said, in the context of immigration policy and the economy: “I think it’s my job to maximise global welfare, not national welfare.” Putting two fingers up at taxpayers like this was always outrageous. And it has now clearly failed. The public simply won’t stomach it any longer. Commentators have sought various ways to describe what has happened in British politics over recent years, first demonstrated by the Brexit vote. Some have called it populism. Others have described it as a backlash against the elites, though I’m not sure that’s quite right when most people see business and tech entrepreneurs like Elon Musk or James Dyson as deserving of respect. Read more: Nigel Farage faces probe over £5m gift he failed to declare During the Brexit campaign, Michael Gove claimed “people in this country have had enough of experts”. There’s something to that but straightforward hostility to experts cannot quite be the right way to understand our current moment when people are now realising that many of the people in charge of
14 May 2026
Reform UK councillor’s vile two words as Asian man attacked on video – council statement
Stephan Dransfield is one of three newly-elected Reform UK councillors to the Colne Valley West ward 13:09, 14 May 2026Updated 14:13, 14 May 2026 Stephan (Stefan) Dransfield is one of three newly-elected councillors for the Colne Valley West ward (Image: Kirklees Council / Facebook) A council in Yorkshire has been forced to reiterate its code of conduct after a newly-elected Reform UK councillor described an Asian man being assaulted as “very satisfying”. Kirklees Council has issued a response after the councillor appeared to have shared a racist post of an Asian man being brutally punched in the face on his social media. Stephan (Stefan) Dransfield is one of three newly elected Reform UK councillors for the Colne Valley West ward on Kirklees Council. Yet screenshots of his social media activity over six years ago appear to depict him sharing posts with racist undertones. The social media post – shared under the name of Stefan Dransfield to Facebook on March 28, 2020 – depicts an Asian man being punched aggressively in the face. The post’s caption read “very satisfying” and was made after sharing the video. Kirklees Council has stated councillors are “required to comply” with the Council’s Code of Conduct following their election, but the posts were made prior to Dransfield’s appointment. The video – showing an Asian man being punched in the face – was captioned “very satisfying”(Image: Facebook) A spokesperson for Kirklees Council said: “Councillors are required to comply with the Council’s Code of Conduct when acting in their capacity as elected members. The unverified screenshots in question appear to be from posts made prior to the individual being elected as a councillor and before they were subject to the Code of Conduct.” The Kirklees Council Code of Conduct explicitly requires councillors to promote equality and strictly prohibits
14 May 2026
Islamist-linked Lobby Scores Big Wins in England’s Local Council Elections
As a British taxpayer, I want us to fund the Palestinians. I want us to give them weapons, guns, missiles, and allow them to liberate themselves against their occupiers. More than 570 candidates associated with an Islamic sectarian agenda and endorsed by an Islamist-linked pressure group, The Muslim Vote, secured significant victories across 58 councils and two mayoralties in England’s local council elections held on May 7. “For context, this means that over 1 in 10 candidates who were elected to English local councils are Muslim sectarians,” Emma Schubart, a research fellow at the Henry Jackson Society (HJS), who first published the figures, announced. In all, 5,066 councilors were elected. In the HJS report “Forecasting the Muslim Sectarian Wave,” Schubart defined “Muslim sectarians” as those who “repeatedly and saliently” campaigned on issues of “Muslim communal grievance” or “transnational Muslim causes” as “a central part of their political appeal.” Of the victorious “Muslim sectarians,” 132 were elected as Independents, 350 as Green Party members, 84 as Labour Party members, and six as Liberal Democrats. Islamopopulism: A Threat to Coexistence in Britain Analyzing the HJS figures, political correspondent and TalkTV presenter André Walker explained that the 574 candidates qualified as “Islamist jihadis” even though not all were Muslims, because their agenda was manifestly linked to political Islam. A report by the Henry Jackson Society warns about the impact of Islamism on U.K. elections. “This is the biggest step forward in the Islamization of any country, I think, since the war in Lebanon; the civil war in which the Christian Maronites were thrown out in favor of Islamism,” he remarked. Walker noted that Islamists won about 12 percent of the election even though Muslims were six percent of England’s population. Describing the Islamist-linked wave as “Islamopopulism,” the U.K. think-tank Policy Exchange published evidence
14 May 2026
Exclusive-Iraq Sought Financial Assistance From IMF as Result of Iran War, Source Close to IMF Says
WASHINGTON, May 14 (Reuters) – Iraqi officials have approached the International Monetary Fund about securing financial assistance as a result of the conflict in the Middle East, a source close to the IMF said on Thursday. Initial conversations took place last month during the spring meetings of the IMF and World Bank in Washington, and discussions are ongoing about how much funding Iraq would need and how any loan would be structured, the source said. The war that began on February 28 with a massive U.S.-Israeli bombing campaign against Iran and triggered Tehran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz has rocked the entire Middle East, wreaking damage to infrastructure and economies. Iraq has been hard hit by the war, with most of its oil exports – which represent nearly all government income – cut off by the closure of the critical waterway, which previously carried about one-fifth of the world’s crude oil. (Reporting by Andrea Shalal, Editing by Louise Heavens) Copyright 2026 Thomson Reuters. Photos You Should See – April 2026 Source link
14 May 2026
Trump’s Talk of 51st US State Met With Near-Silence in Venezuela
CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — Twice this week, U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed interest in turning Venezuela into his country’s 51st state. The latest came via a Truth Social post Tuesday with a map showing the South American country filled with the U.S. flag. Previous statements doubting Venezuela’s sovereignty over the past 25 years have been met with immediate derision from senior government officials, including the president. The ruling party even organized demonstrations in the capital, Caracas, as recently as Jan. 3, hours after then-President Nicolás Maduro was captured by the U.S., that included chants of “Gringo go home.” This time around, however, the government has mostly kept quiet, save for a brief statement to reporters Monday from acting President Delcy Rodríguez. The approach demonstrates the balance Rodríguez must strike between external and internal politics following the January U.S. military attack in Caracas. The Trump administration has since implemented a phased plan to try to turn around the crisis-wrecked country and has forced Rodríguez’s political movement, Chavismo, to abandon the anti-U.S. sentiment that long accompanied its teachings. “This is probably the most public and sharp manifestation of the government’s transactional, self-survival approach above everything else right now, above even that sort of basic tenet of Chavismo,” said Christopher Sabatini, senior fellow for Latin America at the London-based Chatham House think tank. “It’s better that they hold their tongue, not offend the U.S. right now. Why overreact to a ridiculous claim by Donald Trump?” Rodríguez on Monday told journalists that Venezuela had no plans to become the 51st U.S. state, but her comments were much more reserved than past presidential addresses deriding these types of U.S remarks. They came after Trump said he was “seriously considering” the move. Trump has made similar comments about Canada. “We will continue to defend our
14 May 2026
Gold gains amid Trump-Xi summit, inflation concerns cap upside
Gold prices ticked up on Thursday, as investors focused on talks between US President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, looking for signs of a resolution to the Iran war. Gold Rate Today: India is one of the world’s largest importers of gold, and purchases rise significantly during weddings and festive seasons. (Representational) Spot gold inched up 0.4% at $4,707.08 per ounce, as of 0732 GMT. U.S. gold futures for June delivery rose 0.4% at $4,713.80. Benchmark 10-year US Treasury yields eased, lowering the opportunity cost of holding gold. “Gold seems to be consolidating at the moment as everybody is looking at what’s going to happen in the high-level talks between the U.S. and China,” said GoldSilver Central Managing Director Brian Lan. “(Gold) is a bit downward-biased and I think that is also a window for investors who are looking to come into the metal,” Lan added. Also Read: Oil holds steady after Trump-Xi meeting signals hope for US-China cooperation China’s Xi Jinping told Trump that trade talks were making progress at the start of a two-day summit on Thursday but warned that disagreement over Taiwan could send relations down a dangerous path and even lead to conflict. Trump is expected to seek China’s help to resolve the costly and unpopular conflict, which he launched with Israel in late February, but analysts say he is unlikely to get the support he wants. Data on Wednesday showed that U.S. producer prices posted their biggest increase in four years in April, boosted by soaring costs for goods and services, the latest sign of accelerating inflation. The U.S. Senate approved Kevin Warsh as chair of the Federal Reserve as the U.S. central bank grapples with intensifying inflation that may make it hard to push through the interest-rate cuts that Trump has
14 May 2026
Vessel seized off UAE’s Fujairah port heading toward Iranian waters, says UK agency
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations on Thursday said that a vessel anchored off the coast of the United Arab Emirates’s Fujairah has been seized and is heading toward Iranian territorial waters. The vessel was seized about 70 km northeast of the United Arab Emirates port of Fujairah. (Reuters/Representational Image) The vessel was seized about 70 km northeast of the United Arab Emirates port of Fujairah. The maritime organisation also said that the vessel was boarded by unauthorised personnel while at anchor. Follow for live updates on US Iran war The development comes at a time when tensions have persisted between the UAE and Iran after the latter’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, warned the UAE against ‘colluding’ with Israel. Without naming the UAE directly, Araghchi said “colluding with Israel to sow division will be held to account”. Also read: Iran welcomes Indian initiative to end war, says Iranian minister | India News The post came after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office released a statement saying a “secret visit” was made to the UAE in a bid to improve Israel-UAE relations. In the statement, Israel claimed that in the midst of the Operation Roaring Lion, PM Netanyahu visited UAE and met with President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed. “The visit led to a historic breakthrough in relations between UAE and Israel,” the statement read. However UAE denied the claims, stating “any claims regarding unannounced visits or undisclosed arrangements are entirely unfounded.” Also read: Air India cuts international flights, including to US, Europe, amid US-Iran conflict: Check full list | India News Fujairah is an important oil export terminal and the UAE’s main port outside of the Persian Gulf. It has been repeatedly attacked during the war with Iran. Earlier, Iranian drones targeted an oil industry complex at Fujairah. Three Indians were
14 May 2026
Bill Ackman built Microsoft stake in first quarter during sell-off, betting on AI and cloud growth
Bill Ackman, founder and CEO of Pershing Square Inc., attends his company’s IPO at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), in New York City, U.S., April 29, 2026. Brendan McDermid | Reuters Bill Ackman’s Pershing Square has built a position in Microsoft, as the hedge fund manager said the software giant’s recent pullback created a
15 May 2026
See Which Recent 13F Filers Hold TSLA But Boussard & Gavaudan Investment Management, Wright Wealth, Lombard Odier Asset Management USA, Carret Asset Management, Coppell Advisory Solutions and Deltroit Asset Management UK Exited
At Holdings Channel, we have reviewed the latest batch of the 111 most recent 13F filings for the 03/31/2026 reporting period, and noticed that Tesla Inc (Symbol: TSLA) was held by 31 of these funds. When hedge fund managers appear to be thinking alike, we find it is a good idea to take a closer
15 May 2026
Trump China trip chaos? Mixed results – Does the US need the Strait of Hormuz for Oil? [Video]
Welcome to today’s Market Blast, and today we will take a look at Forex Trading on the USD Index, Soybean futures, Nvidia, the NASDAQ, WTI Crude Oil, and Boeing. Donald Trump spent the last couple of days in China, and, good or bad, the meetings and talks moved the markets. For example, Chinese airlines agreed
15 May 2026
Is Now a Bad Time to Invest?
The market has been on a roll lately, with the S&P 500 (SNPINDEX: ^GSPC) setting new highs throughout May. If you think you missed your opportunity when the market bottomed in late March, don’t fret. The market hitting new all-time highs is not particularly rare and should not change your investment strategy. And if you are thinking of waiting for the next dip, I’d think again. According to a J.P. Morgan study, since 1950, the S&P 500 has hit an all-time high on about 7% of trading days. Meanwhile, nearly a third of the time, the market never trades lower after hitting those highs. This means there is a great chance that investing today will be a profitable endeavor, and of course, the longer your holding period, the better the odds. Will AI create the world’s first trillionaire? Our team just released a report on the one little-known company, called an “Indispensable Monopoly” providing the critical technology Nvidia and Intel both need. Continue » There is also a big opportunity cost from waiting for a stock market dip that may never come. In addition, even if you were able to correctly predict the next market correction, you’d have to correctly predict the right time to get back in. The market’s best days are often after big sell-offs, and if you hesitate to get in, you’ll be leaving a lot of gains on the table. Image source: Getty Images Dollar-cost averaging into ETFs As such, the best market strategy remains dollar-cost averaging, and the best vehicle for this strategy is index-based exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Why ETFs are better suited for dollar-cost averaging than individual stocks is that, quite frankly, most individual stocks underperform the market. A separate J.P. Morgan study found that between 1990 and 2020, 40% of stocks experienced a decline of
15 May 2026
If I Could Tell All Investors 1 Thing About the Stock Market Right Now, It’s This
The past year has been a confusing one for many investors, as the stock market has been sending mixed signals. Despite persistent recession warnings, surging inflation, and the war in Iran disrupting global supply chains, major market indexes are thriving. The S&P 500 (^GSPC +0.77%) has delivered total returns of around 33% over the last year, as of this writing, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average up roughly 23% (^DJI +0.75%) and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite (^IXIC +0.88%) soaring 47%. This has left many investors feeling conflicted about the future, and for good reason. But if I could tell everyone one thing about the stock market right now, it’s this: Don’t get hung up on the market’s short-term performance. Image source: Getty Images. Time in the market is more valuable than timing the market Accurately predicting the market’s short-term performance is next to impossible, and the past year has proven that it’s typically not worthwhile, either. The market has been especially unpredictable lately, marked by sudden downturns and even more unexpected recoveries. My best advice to investors, then, is to accept that the market will be unpredictable at times. Rather than focusing on how stocks will perform in the coming weeks or months, be prepared to hold your investments for the long haul. Otherwise, you risk selling at an inopportune time and locking in losses. Say, for instance, an investor purchased an S&P 500–tracking fund in January 2025. For simplicity’s sake, let’s use the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO +0.78%) as an example. On Jan. 1, 2025, this exchange-traded fund (ETF) cost around $539 per share. Let’s also say this investor sold their ETF in April of that year after the market had plunged amid concern over tariffs. That may have seemed logical at the time, as many investors were
15 May 2026
Four reasons for USD strength – Gold, Silver in symmetrical pennants [Video]
In today’s Market Outlook, let’s take a look at Forex Trading on WTI Crude Oil, Gold, XAU/USD, Silver, GBP/USD, NZD/USD, and EUR/USD. We see USD strength right across the board, and it’s really important for traders and investors to understand why. Firstly, we just saw the latest CPI and PPI; in other words, Inflation figures were reported higher than expected, and these figures always bolster a currency. Secondly, U.S. Treasury yields are higher, which has investors buying USD to invest in Tbills. Also, the price of crude is still elevated, which is a clear sign that inflation fears will continue. And, finally, all of the above points to the fact that the Fed will not likely be able to lower interest rates anytime soon. We see EURUSD at support at around $1.65, and price action has already broken through key levels. If we move out to the daily chart, we see price action breaking a huge double top and many key levels below. Technically, we see bearish indicators with the signal line breaking out of the MACD histogram and a falling stochastic oscillator. I encourage you to investigate all USD charts like this one on NZDUSD, where we have clear key levels and, right now, a very bearish MACD. And, for you traders who rely solely on technical indicators, you need to be very aware of fundamental analysis, as geopolitical issues, investor preferences, and the US Federal Reserve will drive the value of USD. This is also affecting gold as we see 4 days of red candles, and the bodies are getting longer. We see price action in a symmetrical pennant, and we will watch our technical indicators and the lower trend line as price action falls. We see similar characteristics in Silver, but again, keep an eye on the
15 May 2026
Alphabet and Meta Delivered Worrisome News for Investors — and It Has Trillion-Dollar Implications
For roughly three decades, investors have been waiting for a game-changing technology to rival what the internet was able to do for corporate America (and retail investors). Artificial intelligence (AI) has answered the call. Empowering software and systems with the tools to make split-second, autonomous decisions can lead to productivity gains worth trillions of dollars. It’s why companies that have devoted significant capital to the AI revolution, such as Alphabet (GOOGL 0.49%)(GOOG 0.54%) and Meta Platforms (META +0.30%), have been handsomely rewarded by investors. Image source: Getty Images. Google parent Alphabet and Meta Platforms are spending big on AI, with promising early results Google parent Alphabet is setting aside $180 billion to $190 billion for AI-driven capital expenditures this year, while Meta Platforms has increased its AI spending forecast to a range of $125 billion to $145 billion. It’s hard to argue against such aggressive AI spending, given the early stage results both companies have achieved when deploying AI solutions. Incorporating generative AI and large language model capabilities into cloud infrastructure service platform Google Cloud sent high-margin sales skyrocketing 63% in the March-ended quarter. Today’s Change (-0.49%) $-1.99 Current Price $400.63 Key Data Points Market Cap $4.9T Day’s Range $395.84 – $402.90 52wk Range $162.00 – $403.70 Volume 1K Avg Vol 29M Gross Margin 60.43% Dividend Yield 0.21% Meanwhile, Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta has incorporated generative AI into its social media advertising platform, enabling its customers to create unique static and video messages that can improve clickthrough rates and enhance its exceptional ad pricing power. Though it would appear that this AI spending is well worth it, Alphabet’s and Meta’s first-quarter operating results also came with worrisome news for investors. Image source: Getty Images. As AI capex soars, one of Wall Street’s biggest tailwinds, share buybacks, may disappear As many of
15 May 2026
GBP/USD: Sterling Under Pressure Despite Strong GDP Data
Fundamental Background UK GDP grew by 0.6% in the first quarter of 2026, notably above the revised 0.2% reading recorded in the fourth quarter of 2025. The main contribution came from the services sector, which expanded by 0.8%. Nevertheless, strong macroeconomic data failed to support sterling: CPI inflation accelerated to 3.3% year-on-year in March, up from 3.0% in February, mainly due to higher motor fuel prices linked to the Middle East conflict. At its meeting on 30 April, the Bank of England kept the base rate unchanged at 3.75% in an 8–1 vote, while several MPC members signalled the possibility of further tightening should inflationary pressure persist. According to the International Monetary Fund, UK GDP growth in 2026 is expected to reach only 0.8%, representing the largest downgrade among G7 economies. Technical Picture From 6 April to 1 May, GBP/USD developed an upward trend supported by a rising trendline. As the pair approached the peak, price action became increasingly compressed, forming a reversal structure with a dense profile concentration in the 1.3480–1.3580 range amid growing selling pressure. After breaking below the trendline and moving outside the profile range, the pair accelerated lower. GBP/USD is now trading below the horizontal volume zone, signalling continued seller dominance. The lower boundary of the profile, followed by the POC area at 1.3515–1.3520, serves as the nearest reference zone for buyers. If the pair regains the upper boundary of the profile at 1.3580, the next resistance level stands at 1.3650 near the trend highs. Support around 1.3380 corresponds to the price extremes that preceded the April rally and acts as an important structural support area, which the pair has nearly reached. This limits the room for further downside within the current move. The RSI + MAs indicator shows readings of 26, 38 and 43. The
15 May 2026
The Big Short’s” Michael Burry vs. Renowned Economist Ed Yardeni: One Thinks the Stock Market Is Going to 8,250, and the Other Sees an Imminent “Bloody Car Crash.
Since the pandemic, the stock market has proven to be remarkably resilient. Despite all the events of the past few years — and a 25.4% bear market drawdown in 2022 — the benchmark S&P 500 (^GSPC +0.77%) is up 235% since its pandemic low in March 2020 and roughly 110% since the current bull market began in October 2022. In one camp, many investors have been waiting for a recession or a market downturn following the pandemic, higher interest rates, and all the exuberance around artificial intelligence (AI), which has led to exorbitant capital expenditures at major tech companies and high valuations for many AI players. Another cohort believes the consumer is strong and this bull market has more room to run. Recently, both renowned economist Ed Yardeni and Michael Burry of The Big Short fame made big market calls. One thinks the S&P 500 is heading to 8,250, while the other believes a situation akin to a “bloody car crash” is not far off. Image source: Getty Images. Yardeni: Earnings growth continues to accelerate Yardeni had served as the chief investment officer at Prudential Equity Group, C.J. Lawrence, and Deutsche Bank before launching Yardeni Research in 2007. His market predictions in recent years have often been bullish, but he is not afraid to recommend pulling back when he sees red flags. Recently, Yardeni raised his year-end price target for the S&P 500 from 7,700 to 8,250, the highest call on Wall Street. With the market around 7,500 at this writing, it’s not a total surprise to see strategists lifting their price targets. It’s true the market has fared phenomenally well given what has happened this year, from concerns about AI and private credit to the Iran war, which has sent oil prices to over $100 per barrel on numerous occasions.
15 May 2026
The “Magnificent Seven” Has Gained $4.8 Trillion Since the Start of April. Here’s Why That’s a Risk to the S&P 500 and Nasdaq-100.
The “Magnificent Seven” has captured the investing spotlight in recent years, driving broader market returns since the start of 2023. But a little over a month ago, many Magnificent Seven stocks were down big in 2026. And at multiple points this year, all seven were underperforming the S&P 500 (^GSPC +0.77%). But since the start of April, incredible earnings reports, guidance, and investor optimism for easing geopolitical tensions have propelled the group to new heights. Nvidia (NVDA +4.39%), Alphabet (GOOG 0.47%) (GOOGL 0.49%), Apple (AAPL 0.27%), Microsoft (MSFT +1.03%), Amazon (AMZN 1.15%), Meta Platforms (META +0.30%), and Tesla (TSLA 0.44%) have gained a combined $4.8 trillion since the start of April. To put that figure into perspective, consider that no U.S. company was worth more than $1 trillion until August 2018. And the total market cap of the S&P 500 is around $68.2 trillion at recent prices, meaning the added value of the Magnificent Seven since the start of April would be about 7% of the index. But concentrated gains are a double-edged sword. While growth investors have benefited from the big getting bigger, that growth adds considerable risk to the U.S. market, especially through major indexes like the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq-100, which consists of the 100 largest non-financial companies of the Nasdaq Composite (^IXIC +0.88%). Here’s a look at what’s driving these market-leading stocks to new heights, why the big companies keep getting bigger, and what it means for investors looking to maintain diversified portfolios. Image source: Getty Images. Magnificent Seven dominance As of market close on Thursday, over half of the S&P 500 was in just 20 stocks, and over 80% of the Nasdaq-100 was in 19 stocks. At first glance, it looks like textbook market euphoria, akin to the dot-com bust roughly 25 years ago
15 May 2026
FundedNexa Is Challenging the Prop Trading Industry With Affordable Funding, Fast Payouts, and Trader-First Innovation
The global prop trading industry is evolving rapidly and traders are becoming more selective than ever. As thousands of retail traders search daily for the best prop firms, instant funded accounts, and fast payout trading platforms, a new generation of firms is emerging to challenge the old model. One of the names increasingly gaining attention is FundedNexa, a prop trading platform focused on affordability, transparency, and realistic trading conditions. At a time when the prop trading sector is seeing explosive growth worldwide, FundedNexa is positioning itself as a trader-friendly alternative built for modern retail traders who want simpler rules, lower costs, and faster access to payouts. The Prop Trading Industry Is Booming in 2026 The proprietary trading industry has become one of the fastest-growing segments in online finance. Recent industry reports and financial media coverage show that proprietary trading firms globally are experiencing record growth as volatility, retail participation, and algorithmic trading continue reshaping financial markets. At the same time, retail traders are moving away from traditional brokerage-only models and increasingly looking for: • Funded Forex trading accounts • Fast payout prop firms • Affordable challenge fees • Instant funding programs • Transparent evaluation systems • Low-risk access to larger capital This shift has created massive opportunities for newer prop firms that can combine trader trust, realistic rules, and operational efficiency. Why Many Traders Are Frustrated With Traditional Prop Firms. Despite the industry’s growth, many traders still complain about the same recurring issues: • Expensive evaluation fees • Unrealistic drawdown limits • Overly complicated rules • Delayed withdrawals • Inconsistent support • Lack of transparency Many traders pass evaluations only to later face payout delays, unclear policy interpretations, or hidden restrictions. This is exactly the gap FundedNexa says it wants to solve. According to the company, the platform was designed
15 May 2026
XAUUSD Elliott Wave Update: Gold in Expanded Flat Correction
After completing the correction at $4098.74 on the March 23 low, Gold (XAUUSD) initiated a rally in a clear impulsive structure. From that level, wave (1) advanced and concluded at $4890.97. The subsequent pullback in wave (2) finished at $4500.46, as reflected in the one‑hour chart. Following this retracement, the metal resumed its upward movement in wave (3). However, confirmation of this view requires a decisive break above the prior wave (1) peak at $4890.97. From the wave (2) low, wave 1 advanced and ended at $4764.73. At present, wave 2 is unfolding as a corrective phase to address the cycle that began on May 5, 2026. The internal structure of this wave is developing as an expanded flat formation within the Elliott Wave framework. Declining from wave 1, wave ((a)) terminated at $4647.71, while wave ((b)) completed at $4773.58. The ongoing wave ((c)) of 2 is progressing lower in impulsive fashion, with potential to retest the $4500.46 level before a renewed advance occurs. This decline is part of the corrective sequence rather than a reversal of the broader trend. In the near term, the key pivot remains the $4500.46 low. As long as this level holds, the expectation favors a resumption of the upward cycle once the correction completes. The broader structure suggests that Gold is consolidating within a corrective pattern, yet the underlying impulsive bias remains intact. Traders should monitor the completion of wave ((c)) closely, as it will likely set the stage for the next bullish phase. Gold Futures (XAUUSD) 60-Minute Elliott Wave Chart XAUUSD Elliott Wave Video: You are currently viewing a placeholder content from Default. To access the actual content, click the button below. Please note that doing so will share data with third-party providers. More Information Source link
15 May 2026
50 Years of Stock Market Returns
A reader asks: I was doing my net worth over the last year, and found this to be very interesting. I asked AI if the last year return of the S&P 500 of 30.6% is one of the biggest. It was not, most likely #7 or #8. Either way, this is rarified air here, and all points are we are not at the peak given the earning reports. What does your data say? I’ve been getting a lot of questions from people recently to have me check the work done by an AI model. I guess it’s good news that I haven’t been supplanted by the robots just yet. I’m a sucker for a good research project on market history like this. Let’s take the data back to 1975 just because I like round numbers. From the start of 1975 through the end of April, the S&P 500 was up 12.5% per year. That’s really good. How good you might ask? Ten thousand dollars invested in the S&P 500 at the outset of 1975 would be worth $4.2 million today. Compounding is amazing. Now let’s dig into the one year returns in question. I calculated the rolling 12 month total returns on the S&P 500 going back to 1975. The stock market was in fact up 31% over the past year. But that wasn’t even close to the best one year return of the past 50 years: The best 12 month return was a gain of 61% which occurred in the early 1980s. That kicked off the start of an epic bull market coming out of back-to-back recessions caused by Paul Volcker and company to finally snuff out sky-high inflation. The worst 12 month return was a loss of 43% which took place during the Great Financial Crisis. The 31%
15 May 2026
Stock Market Today, May 14: Cisco Systems Surges After Blowout Earnings and Raised Guidance
Today’s Change (13.38%) $13.63 Current Price $115.50 Key Data Points Market Cap $402B Day’s Range $113.98 – $119.35 52wk Range $62.30 – $119.36 Volume 3M Avg Vol 22M Gross Margin 63.97% Dividend Yield 1.62% Cisco Systems (CSCO +13.38%), a networking and communication technology solutions provider, closed Thursday at $115.53, up 13.41%. The stock is rallying after a blowout fiscal Q3 report, raised guidance, and AI‑driven orders. Investors are watching how sustained AI infrastructure demand supports future growth and margins.Trading volume reached 68.4 million shares, coming in about 189% higher than its three-month average of 23.7 million shares. Cisco Systems IPO’d in 1990 and has grown 149,438% since going public. How the markets moved today The S&P 500 (^GSPC +0.77%) added 0.77% to finish Thursday at 7,501, while the Nasdaq Composite (^IXIC +0.88%) advanced 0.88% to close at 26,635. Within communication equipment, peer Arista Networks (ANET +5.06%) closed at $147.78, rising 5.04% as networking names react to stronger AI and data center spending signals. What this means for investors Cisco reported record revenue in its fiscal Q3 results last night, and investors see more to come. AI-related orders surged helping to support the AI networking narrative that has helped drive Cisco stock up 40% in the last month alone. Cisco said it has received $5.3 billion in AI-related orders year to date to help large tech companies connect and secure AI infrastructure at data centers. Management is also restructuring to direct more spending toward high growth segments like AI. It will reduce its workforce by about 4,000 jobs, or about 5% of its staff, in the process. The report strongly reinforced the AI networking narrative that has investors jumping back into Cisco Systems stock. Howard Smith has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in
15 May 2026
USD/JPY Recovery Nears Make-Or-Break Moment For Trend Direction
Key Highlights USD/JPY started a decent upward move above 157.20. A key rising channel is forming with support at 157.65 on the 4-hour chart. EUR/USD could extend losses if it settles below 1.1650. GBP/USD corrected some gains and might revisit 1.3300. USD/JPY Technical Analysis The US Dollar remained supported and recovered above 157.00 against the Japanese Yen. USD/JPY even cleared 157.50 before the bears appeared. Looking at the 4-hour chart, the pair spiked above the 50% Fib retracement level of the downward move from the 160.72 swing high to the 155.03 low. However, the bears remained active near the 100 simple moving average (red, 4-hour). If the bears remain in action, the pair could start a fresh decline. The first major support sits near the 157.50 level. There is also a key rising channel forming with support at 157.65. The next support could be 157.20. A close below 157.20 might initiate a drop to 156.35. Any more losses might open the doors for a drop toward the 155.50 zone. On the upside, the pair faces resistance at 158.20 and the 100 simple moving average (red, 4-hour). The first major resistance sits at 158.55, the 200 simple moving average (green, 4-hour), and the 61.8% Fib retracement level of the downward move from the 160.72 swing high to the 155.03 low. A close above 158.55 could open doors for gains above 159.00. In the stated case, the bulls could aim for a move to 160.00. Looking at EUR/USD, the pair remained in a negative zone, and the bears could aim for a clear move below the 1.1600 support. Upcoming Key Economic Events: US Industrial Production for April 2026 (MoM) – Forecast +0.3%, versus -0.5% previous. NY Empire State Manufacturing Index for May 2026 – Forecast 7.5, versus 11.0 previous. Source link
15 May 2026
The Best Stocks to Buy Right Now on Sale
Success in the stock market isn’t complicated. The occasional bouts of volatility can make it feel challenging, but it comes down to patiently owning shares of a great business with a long runway for growth. The companies below have delivered market-beating returns over the past decade, and their recent pullbacks could be a gift for patient investors. Here’s why MercadoLibre (MELI +2.97%), Deckers Outdoor (DECK +0.93%), and Take-Two Interactive (TTWO +6.83%) look like compelling buys on the dip. Image source: Getty Images. MercadoLibre MercadoLibre runs a powerful e-commerce and fintech ecosystem in Latin America. It’s essentially a blend of Amazon and PayPal Holdings for a region with more than 650 million people. The stock is down 23% year to date even as the business continues to add users. In the first quarter, it reported 84 million marketplace-unique buyers (up 26% year over year). On the fintech side, it reported nearly 83 million monthly active users (up 29%), which include those using mobile payments, credit cards, savings accounts, and loans. Revenue jumped 49% year over year in Q1, driven by a 42% increase in gross merchandise volume and a 50% rise in total payment volume. The company has consistently posted these kinds of numbers for years. Today’s Change (2.97%) $46.41 Current Price $1608.41 Key Data Points Market Cap $79B Day’s Range $1543.00 – $1619.00 52wk Range $1495.00 – $2645.22 Volume 32K Avg Vol 592K Gross Margin 43.86% Still, the stock slid as margins narrowed and earnings missed expectations. Some worry about competition in Brazil, but management specifically noted that user retention remains strong. And the margin pressure reflects investments in initiatives that can strengthen its competitive position, including free shipping and improvements to its logistics infrastructure. Overall, this looks like an attractive entry point. The stock is trading at a price-to-sales
15 May 2026
US Retail Sales Rise 0.5% in April, Reinforcing Resilient Demand
US retail sales rose 0.5% mom in April, matching market expectations and reinforcing the view that consumer demand remains resilient despite rising inflation pressures and elevated interest rates. Core readings were slightly firmer, with retail sales excluding autos rising 0.7% mom, above expectations of 0.6% mom, suggesting underlying household spending momentum remains relatively healthy. The broader breakdown of the report also pointed to stable domestic demand conditions. Retail sales excluding gasoline increased 0.3% mom. The closely watched control group excluding both autos and gasoline rose 0.5% mom. The data suggests consumers continue spending even as higher energy prices linked to the Middle East conflict begin filtering through the broader economy. On a longer-term basis, total retail sales for the February through April period were up 4.4% compared with the same period a year earlier. Indicator Latest Expectation Headline Retail Sales (MoM) 0.5% 0.5% Retail Sales ex-Autos (MoM) 0.7% 0.6% Retail Sales ex-Gasoline (MoM) 0.3% Retail Sales ex-Autos & Gasoline (MoM) 0.5% Feb-Apr Total Sales (YoY) 4.4% Full US retail sales release here. Source link
15 May 2026
Here’s Why I’d Sell Nebius Stock and Buy Astera Labs Instead
Nebius Group (NBIS +6.57%) sits at the center of every artificial intelligence (AI) hype checklist right now: graphics processing unit (GPU) cloud, hyperscaler partnerships, an Nvidia investment, and a stock that has multiplied in value over the last six months. The issue isn’t the story itself; it’s that investors now have to pay the valuation the market demands for it. Rotating into Astera Labs (ALAB +2.03%) will give you AI infrastructure exposure with real operating leverage, cleaner unit economics, and more reasonable valuation assumptions. Nebius is not a bad company. CEO Arkady Volozh separated Yandex’s non-Russian assets and built a legitimate GPU cloud platform from scratch — one that now counts Nvidia as a $2 billion strategic investor and runs AI compute infrastructure across Europe and the United States. The business is real. The question is what you’re paying for it. Image source: Getty Images. Nebius trades at roughly 99x trailing price-to-sales on approximately $530 million in revenue, with the stock up more than 522% over the past year. That multiple is not a reflection of what the company earns today; it is a reflection of what the market believes it will earn several years from now, assuming aggressive capacity expansion, high utilization rates, and sustained hyperscaler demand all arrive on schedule. History has a consistent track record with stocks like this. When a company’s market cap is built almost entirely on future expectations, the path from current price to fair value is not a crash; it’s more of a long, slow grind lower as the business grows into its valuation over several years, while the stock goes nowhere. Revenue doubling from here would be impressive. It would also still leave the stock expensive. That is the trap. I am not betting against Nebius. I just don’t want to own a
15 May 2026
The 60/40 Portfolio Is Flatlining: Alternatives Can Revive It
(Image credit: Getty Images) For more than six decades, the 60/40 portfolio, comprised of 60% equities and 40% fixed income, served as the baseline for retirement planning. Its success was built on the inverse correlation between stocks and bonds: When equities faced volatility, bonds typically provided a stabilizing cushion. However, recent market shifts have exposed structural vulnerabilities in this traditional model. Persistent inflation, rising interest rates and the increasing concentration of public equity markets have diminished the protective qualities of bonds and the diversification benefits of index funds. From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance Become a smarter, better informed investor. Subscribe from just $107.88 $24.99, plus get up to 4 Special Issues CLICK FOR FREE ISSUE Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more – straight to your e-mail. Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice – straight to your e-mail. To achieve long-term financial security in the current landscape, investors must look toward the “alt-first” 60/40 strategy, an institutional approach that prioritizes alternative assets over public securities. 1. Defining the alt-first 60/40 portfolio The alt-first 60/40 is a strategic asset allocation that dedicates 60% of the portfolio to alternative investments and 40% to traditional liquid assets. In this framework, alternatives encompass a broad range of private market opportunities, including: Private equity. Direct investment in privately held companies Real estate. Physical ownership of residential or commercial property Private credit. Serving as a lender through secured promissory notes Digital assets. Direct ownership of Bitcoin and other blockchain-based protocols Hard assets. Physical commodities, such as gold or precious metals By leading with these assets, the portfolio shifts its primary growth engine from the volatility of public exchanges to the intrinsic value and cash
15 May 2026
Trump-Xi Summit Fails to Convince Oil Markets on Hormuz
Risk sentiment remained broadly stable on Thursday as US equity futures edged higher alongside European stocks, extending the optimistic tone already dominating global markets this week. But while equities continued drifting along the existing AI- and liquidity-driven rally, oil markets delivered a far more cautious verdict on the opening phase of the Trump-Xi summit in Beijing. The key issue remains the Strait of Hormuz. Following talks between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, the White House stated that both leaders agreed “the Strait of Hormuz must remain open to support the free flow of energy.” According to Washington, Xi also expressed opposition to “the militarization of the strait and any effort to charge a toll for its use,” while both sides reaffirmed that “Iran can never have a nuclear weapon.” However, the Chinese side delivered a far more restrained public statement. China’s Foreign Ministry merely stated that the two leaders “exchanged views on major international and regional issues, such as the Middle East situation, the Ukraine crisis, and the Korean Peninsula,” without explicitly referencing Hormuz, Iran, maritime security, or energy flows. That discrepancy appears to have prevented energy traders from embracing the summit as a meaningful geopolitical breakthrough. Brent crude dipped modestly below $105 but remained elevated overall, suggesting markets still see substantial war premium embedded in oil prices. If investors truly believed the Strait of Hormuz was on a credible path toward normalization, oil prices would likely be falling much more aggressively. Equity investors are still willing to maintain the broader risk-on narrative supported by AI optimism and resilient global liquidity conditions. But oil traders continue signaling that the underlying geopolitical crisis has not actually been resolved. As long as the threat of partial blockage, tanker disruption, or Iranian “toll” measures remains alive, the war premium is
14 May 2026
Here’s Why Micron Can Reach a $1 Trillion Market Cap This Year
Micron‘s (NASDAQ: MU) positioning in the AI build-out and recent results have put it on course for a benchmark that would have been inconceivable last year. The maker of memory chips has a real shot at surpassing a $1 trillion market cap this year. A 150% year-to-date rally has helped, but the stock’s gains are fueled by fundamentals, not hype. Micron can reach $1 trillion this year, and it has plenty of catalysts to stay above this threshold. Will AI create the world’s first trillionaire? Our team just released a report on the one little-known company, called an “Indispensable Monopoly” providing the critical technology Nvidia and Intel both need. Continue » Image source: Getty Images. Micron is at the center of the AI boom Every AI chip needs memory chips to function, including Nvidia‘s. The stock market has evolved into a game of finding which companies produce necessary components for Nvidia chips and the AI build-out as a whole, and Micron is at the center of it. The company’s memory chips are flying off the shelves, based on revenue almost tripling year over year in its second quarter of fiscal 2026, which ended on Feb. 26. Micron has been crushing guidance, delivering solid outlooks, and reporting meaningful sequential revenue growth. For instance, its fiscal 2026 second-quarter earnings showed 74.9% sequential growth. High growth like that has been normal in recent quarters, and it explains why the chipmaker has outperformed most growth stocks. While it’s normal for memory-chip investors to have concerns about the cyclicality of the business, the AI boom still has several years left. Grandview Research projects a 28.9% compound annual growth rate for the AI chipset market through 2030. Artificial intelligence enables AI models, but it’s also the backbone for Alphabet‘s self-driving vehicles and Tesla‘s humanoid robots. This technology can
14 May 2026
Interactive Brokers launches unified interface for trading prediction markets across Kalshi, CME Group, and ForecastEx
Electronic trading major Interactive Brokers Group, Inc (NASDAQ:IBKR) today announced the launch of a first-of-its-kind unified interface for trading prediction markets across three leading US prediction market platforms — Kalshi, CME Group, and ForecastEx. IBKR’s Prediction Markets offering enables investors to access and trade contracts across all three prediction market exchanges from a single platform, alongside a broad range of asset classes including stocks, options, forex, futures, crypto, and bonds. Clients of Interactive Brokers can now access the combined liquidity of all three prediction market venues and receive the best available net price. IBKR’s Prediction Markets platform aggregates similar contracts from all connected prediction market exchanges into one searchable interface. An intelligent order UI helps clients view liquidity across markets and automatically selects the destination with the best net price — all without the need to open or fund separate accounts at each exchange. IBKR’s Prediction Markets platform is fully integrated within the Interactive Brokers trading environment clients already use, enabling seamless management of prediction market positions alongside existing portfolios with consolidated reporting and real-time position tracking. Clients can view real-time liquidity and compare prices and fees across venues all on one trading screen and even within an order ticket, allowing clients to route orders to the most favorable venue the moment prediction market probabilities shift – all without moving capital between accounts. IBKR’s Prediction Markets will initially focus on election outcomes, climate events, and economic indicators. “Prediction markets are reshaping how investors think about risk and uncertainty,” said Milan Galik, Chief Executive Officer of Interactive Brokers. “We decided to offer flexible access to this rapidly growing market across multiple venues from a single platform, which aligns with the convenience our clients are used to when trading US stocks or options. IBKR’s Prediction Markets combines the execution advantages of competing
14 May 2026
Why Nextpower Stock Rocked the Market Today
Nextpower (NXT +4.76%) was providing its investors with some powerful gains on Wednesday. Those folks traded the solar infrastructure company’s sock up by over 9% that day. That followed its release of estimates-crushing fiscal fourth quarter results, combined with the announcement of a fresh acquisition. A fine fiscal year Nextpower would have attracted attention simply for the fact that it booked new revenue and earnings records in the entirety of fiscal 2026. This, despite the fact that the company’s fourth quarter top line actually fell, slumping by nearly 5% to $881 million. Image source: Getty Images. Net income not under generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) also declined, falling 16% to $162 million, or $1.05 per share. Regardless, Nextpower surprised analysts on the upside. Prognosticators tracking the stock were modeling revenue of less than $830 million and non-GAAP (adjusted) net profit of only $0.93. In its earnings release, Nextpower attributed the better-than-expected performance to a broadening of its business. It also raised certain guidance items for the entirety of fiscal 2027, including revenue (lifted to $3.8 billion to $4.1 billion, from $3.6 billion to $3.8 billion). It maintained its adjusted net income forecast of $4.21 to $4.59 per share. Today’s Change (4.76%) $6.49 Current Price $142.86 Key Data Points Market Cap $20B Day’s Range $123.75 – $144.13 52wk Range $51.69 – $156.78 Volume 77K Avg Vol 2M Gross Margin 32.39% $80.5 million reasons to be satisfied In line with that expansion strategy, Nextpower also announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Apex Power, a business specializing in power conversion technology. Nextpower will also receive assets complementary to its power conversion operations from Apex’s owner, Spain-based Zigor. Nextpower is to spend up to $80.5 million in the deal, $46 million at its closing, and potentially $34.5 million in earn-outs.
14 May 2026
信和置業ESG表現獲評為中國房地產開發行業首1% 並連續兩年入選道瓊斯領先全球指數 | Media OutReach Newswire APAC
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
8 May 2026
Link REIT reportedly testing market for asset sales
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.
17 April 2026
地緣局勢暫未見影響港樓市 住宅一二手交投維持熾熱 | Media OutReach Newswire APAC
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
14 April 2026
The Premier League sees most VAR disruption in Europe with 19 hours lost per season
The Premier League is the most VAR disrupted in Europe – with 19 HOURS of delays every season. English fans collectively spend 1,126 minutes – the equivalent of almost 12 whole matches – waiting for referees to review video evidence in the domestic league. In football terms – this is just under a third of the 38 games each team plays in the annual Premier League. But the league saw more interventions than the European average, with the Spanish La Liga seeing 1,086 minutes of wait time thanks to VAR. Italy’s Serie A fans faced a wait of 823 minutes in total, while Germany’s Bundesliga has a total delay of 604 minutes, according to the insights compiled by Snickers, in partnership with Opta, which gathered the data from the 2017-2025 seasons. Source link
15 May 2026
5 things to look out for in La Liga this weekend
With Barcelona crowned champions for a second consecutive season, attention in La Liga turns to other matters in the penultimate round of fixtures, including a gripping relegation battle. AFP Sport picks out five things to look out for this weekend in the Spanish top flight. Griezmann’s farewell French forward Antoine Griezmann could not end his time at Atletico brandishing a trophy as he would have loved, but will still receive a warm goodbye from the club’s supporters this weekend. Diego Simeone’s side host Girona in their final match at the Metropolitano stadium before Griezmann heads to the United States to play for MLS side Orlando City. “We have had a genius with us for many years, and hopefully, we can give him a great send-off,” said Simeone this week. Griezmann is Atletico’s all-time top goalscorer over two spells at the club totalling a decade in red and white. Relegation tightrope La Liga’s bottom half is bunched together extremely tightly, meaning several teams are looking over their shoulders at the relegation zone. Salvation is not guaranteed for teams between 10th and 19th place, with only Real Oviedo so far guaranteed to go down. Several sides have been in the bottom three
15 May 2026
Benched Mbappe complains Arbeloa said he was ‘4th forward’
Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe said Thursday coach Alvaro Arbeloa told him he was the “fourth forward” in the squad before benching him against Real Oviedo. The France captain returned from a thigh problem in a 2-0 win over Oviedo but his appearance as a 69th-minute substitute was greeted by whistles from Madrid’s own disgruntled supporters at the Santiago Bernabeu. Madrid fans have criticised their top goalscorer in recent weeks for a perceived lack of commitment, with Mbappe not fit to play in the Clasico last weekend where Barcelona beat Madrid to clinch the Spanish title. Arbeloa started with Vinicius Junior, Franco Mastantuono and Gonzalo Garcia in attack against Oviedo, with Mbappe not having played for almost three weeks. “I am very good, at 100 percent, I didn’t play because the coach told me that for him I’m the fourth forward of the squad, behind Mastantuono, Vinicius and Gonzalo,” Mbappe told reporters after the game. The forward earned an assist with a pass to Jude Bellingham, also a substitute, for Madrid’s second goal. “In the end, I accept it (being on the bench) and I play the time I had to play,” continued the striker. Fans were unhappy about Mbappe travelling
15 May 2026
Permutations in Europe: What’s still at stake in final weeks of season?
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
15 May 2026
Man Utd open talks with Michael Carrick over extending stay as head coach after impressive spell at Old Trafford | Football News
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
15 May 2026
Each Premier League team reranked: Man City rise; Chelsea, Liverpool collapse
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
15 May 2026
Premier League and FPL team news: All your injury and Fantasy Premier League info in one place
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
15 May 2026
‘Proud’ Italy starlet Inacio signs new Borussia Dortmund deal until 2029
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
15 May 2026
Bruno Fernandes Admission Gives Man Utd Simple Decision Over Captain’s Future
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
15 May 2026
Premier League news: Howe hints at Gordon farewell as Senesi heads for Bournemouth exit | Football
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
15 May 2026
Man City star Bernardo Silva reveals when he’ll choose 2026-27 club as Juventus hope remains alive
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
15 May 2026
Cardinale will ‘review’ AC Milan’s organisation: I’ve already talked to Allegri, lack of UCL ‘a failure’
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
15 May 2026
Who should win the Premier League player of the year award? | Premier League
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
15 May 2026
Unai Emery interview: Aston Villa boss says his team are not a top-seven club so are overachieving in their Champions League qualification goals | Football News
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
15 May 2026
Premier League predictions: Arsenal vs Burnley, Aston Villa vs Liverpool and the rest of matchday 37
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
15 May 2026
How to watch the men’s Internazionali BNL d’Italia: TV channel and streaming options for the Semifinal
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
15 May 2026
NFL fixtures 2026: Super Bowl rematch between Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots to open new season on a Wednesday night | NFL News
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
15 May 2026
Premier League Predictions: Gameweek 37
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
15 May 2026
Why are there so few English managers in the Premier League?
“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
15 May 2026
Kick-off times and date finally official after chaos
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
15 May 2026
Girona vs Real Sociedad: Spanish La Liga stats & head-to-head
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
15 May 2026
Popular Lyrics and Videos for Los Blancos Fans
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.
15 May 2026
Mbappé says Real Madrid coach Arbeloa has made him the team’s 4th-choice striker
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
15 May 2026
X, A Bastion For Hate, Claims It Will Reduce Hate Content In The UK
Christopher Furlong/Getty Images X has committed to reducing “hate and terror content” in the UK, according to the regulator Ofcom, by speeding up its review process for offending content and “withhold access in the UK” to accounts which post “illegal terrorist content” and are determined to be “operated by or on behalf of a terrorist organisation.” This is despite X’s visible increase in hate content after Elon Musk purchased Twitter (eventually renamed to X) — a UC Berkeley study found that the weekly rate of hate speech increased by 50 percent, buoyed by an increase in bots. “We have evidence that terrorist content and illegal hate speech is persisting on some of the largest social media sites,” Oliver Griffiths, Ofcom’s Online Safety Group Director, said in a statement. “We are challenging them to tackle the problem and expect them to take firm action. This is of particular importance in the UK following a number of recent hate motivated crimes suffered by the country’s Jewish community.” Specifically, X said it will “review and assess” terrorist and hate content in the UK “on average within 24 hours of it being reported,” or at the very least, it will do so for 85 percent
15 May 2026
iPhone 18 rumored release schedule explained — why there (probably) won’t be an iPhone 18 this year, and when to expect the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone Air 2, and more
News flash: there probably won’t be an iPhone 18 this year. Well, sort of. If the latest rumors are true, Apple will release new iPhones in September, as it does every year. But for the first time since 2016 — when the original iPhone SE and iPhone 7 debuted at separate in-person events — it looks like the tech giant will be hosting two distinct launch events for its next smartphone lineup. The first, in September, will likely be focused on the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and foldable iPhone Ultra, while the second could take place sometime in spring 2027 — or between March and April, for our Australian readers — and looks set to focus on the regular iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e. Latest Videos From You may like From now on, then, Apple could essentially be splitting its iPhone launches into premium and affordable categories, with the pricier Pro and Ultra models arriving six months before the cheaper base and e models in any given year. That strategy does get a bit muddled by the potential addition of the iPhone Air 2, which, if it does ever get released, is rumored to drop alongside the
15 May 2026
CA scales back plan to ban student use of cell phones
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’
15 May 2026
Fitbit Air vs Whoop Strap Comparison: Price, Features and AI
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
15 May 2026
India EV Sales Jump 62% As Global EV Market Tops 20 Million In 2025: ICCT
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,
15 May 2026
xAI Introduces Its Coding Agent Called Grok Build
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
15 May 2026
OpenAI brings Codex to phones via ChatGPT app
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
15 May 2026
Spectrum Adds discovery+ Streaming App to Eligible TV Plans at No Additional Cost
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.
15 May 2026
Mobile Phones Head Online in 2000 BBC Segment That Captured the First Waves of Pocket-Sized Web Access
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
15 May 2026
Comparing AT&T and Verizon Mobile Phone Plans
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
15 May 2026
Razer Updates The Blade 18 With New Chips, A Specced-Out Model Costs $7,000
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
14 May 2026
Google confirms native, premium apps will be ready for Googlebook launch
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
14 May 2026
AMD Will Bring Its Next-Generation FSR 4.1 Upscaling Tech To Older GPUs
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
14 May 2026
iOS 26.5 updates unlocks Apple Watch and AirPod features for third-party alternatives — but only if you live in the EU
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
14 May 2026
Alienware’s First Affordable Gaming Laptop Is Arriving At The Perfect Time
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
14 May 2026
Samsung Galaxy S24 Battery Explosion Reported
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
14 May 2026
Modular EV Architecture Platforms Market Roadmap: Expected
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
14 May 2026
12 Best Apps to Draw Tattoo Designs in 2026
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
14 May 2026
Microsoft Is Retiring Copilot Mode On Edge, Because Everything Is Copilot Mode Now
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
14 May 2026
Cadillac hits 100,000 EV sales as Tesla drivers jump ship
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
14 May 2026
Dangerous Deepfakes and AI Therapy: What Parents Need to Know
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
14 May 2026
Samsung Galaxy A37 Review: a Reliable Android Phone With a Few Frustrating Flaws
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
13 May 2026
Trump Mobile ships US-assembled T1 phones after months-long delay
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.
13 May 2026
Latest Tech
Flying Taxi is coming ..
As the world grapples with the challenges of worsening traffic congestion and the need for more sustainable transportation solutions, a new era of urban air mobility is on the horizon. At the forefront of this revolution is Hyundai, the global automotive giant, which has unveiled its ambitious plans for an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft that could transform the way we move through our cities. In recent years, many manufacturers have been preparing flying taxis, which may become the next important development direction of travel vehicles. So nowadays, in major exhibitions, you can always see some of these products. Hyundai released a prototype of the SA-1 aircraft , in CES 2020, built with Uber in the pavilion. It has a huge propeller that can seat a total of four passengers, which is quite pompous in terms of styling (at least on the ground). This year’s CES, Hyundai unveiled a new “flying car” concept called the S-A2. This is a continuation of the S-A1 concept that debuted at CES 2020, and its purpose is roughly the same, which is to carry out short-distance point-to-point transportation within the city, which is the concept of air taxis. The S-A2 has a cruising speed
3 April 2024
Just four weeks of healthy eating may reduce your biological age
Recommendations for healthy aging usually come with a warning: At a certain point, the damage is done, and the goal shifts from improvement to slowing decline. But a new study suggests the body may respond much faster – and later in life – than many people assume. In just four weeks, older adults who switched to carefully structured diets began showing measurable changes in biomarkers tied to biological aging. The findings suggest that even after age 65, the body’s internal “age” may still be surprisingly flexible, with certain eating patterns pushing those readings in a younger direction within a matter of weeks. Measurable change in four weeks A team led by Dr. Caitlin Andrews at the University of Sydney recruited 104 adults ages 65 to 75. Each was randomly assigned to one of four carefully designed diets. Researchers prepared and delivered every meal for 28 days, and then measured a wide range of blood and clinical markers before and after the intervention. Most participants ended the month with a lower biological age than they started with. The strongest reductions came from the diets that pushed participants furthest from their usual eating patterns. Inside the aging diets Each diet
15 May 2026
Meal Kit Market to Reach USD 39.28 Billion by 2033 Driven
Meal Kit The global meal kit market was valued at USD 17.09 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach nearly USD 39.28 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 12.5% during the forecast period from 2026 to 2033. The market is witnessing strong growth driven by changing consumer lifestyles, increasing demand for convenient home cooking solutions, and rising preference for healthy and personalized meal options. Growing adoption of subscription based food delivery services, busy urban lifestyles, and increasing consumer interest in ready to cook meal solutions are significantly contributing to market expansion worldwide. In addition, rising awareness regarding portion controlled nutrition, demand for organic and plant based meal kits, and expanding digital grocery platforms are further supporting the growth of the meal kit market. The market is also benefiting from continuous advancements in cold chain logistics, increasing penetration of e commerce platforms, and growing investments in sustainable food packaging and supply chain optimization. Companies are focusing on AI driven meal personalization, flexible subscription models, and innovative recipe offerings to enhance customer engagement and retention. Leading companies including HelloFresh, Blue Apron, Home Chef, and Sunbasket are actively expanding their product portfolios, strengthening delivery networks, and forming strategic partnerships to
15 May 2026
5 Frozen Breakfasts Chefs Say Keep You Full All Morning
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
15 May 2026
ProteinHouse to bring healthy eating options to Turlock
Health-food chain ProteinHouse is coming to Turlock. With 17 restaurants in operation throughout the country, Turlock is poised to become home to No. 18 — or 19 if the soon-to-open restaurant in Tempe, Ariz. beats Turlock to the finish line. “We’re set to open sometime late next month,” said Mark Ponticelli, who co-owns ProteinHouse locations in Modesto and Sacramento with his brother-in-law, January Siphan, a former Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Deputy and Modesto police officer. “We’re super excited.” Employees Seth Oaxaca, left, and Beth Mejia blend up protein shakes Tuesday at ProteinHouse Healthy Fit Kitchen in Modesto (JOE CORTEZ/The Journal). Open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., ProteinHouse offers a wide array of healthy food and drink options for breakfast, lunch and dinner — for dine-in or to go. From Protein Pancakes to an egg-white and turkey-bacon sandwich served on an Ezekiel English muffin, there’s something for every breakfast appetite. There’s also build-your-own breakfast options. The lunch and dinner menu includes burgers (beef, turkey, salmon, and vegan options), burritos, wraps, salads and more. In addition to açai bowls and shakes, there’s a wide array of protein shakes. The menu also includes side orders and something for kids.
30 April 2025
30 April 2025
Factor Meals Review 2025: Worth the Cost?
Finding the time and energy to prepare balanced, tasty meals can be a real struggle. Whether you’re in a recipe rut or simply overwhelmed by meal planning after a hectic day, I get it. Cooking takes effort, and grabbing fast food or ordering takeout can feel much easier. As a registered dietitian, I’ve discovered that meal delivery services are a game changer, taking the stress out of healthy eating and making it easier to enjoy nutritious, tasty food without the hassle. Factor is one meal delivery service that’s earned a spot on the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab’s list of the best meal delivery services for weight loss and the best low-carb meal delivery services. To assess the best options, we gathered feedback from over 300 home cooks nationwide and had our experts evaluate more than 50 meal delivery services in our Labs, focusing on taste, nutrition, ease of use and overall experience. Here’s what to know about Factor before signing up. What is Factor? Factor, also referred to as “Factor 75” or “Factor_” is a meal delivery service that offers freshly prepared dishes that arrive ready to heat and enjoy. With a weekly menu featuring 35 options that prioritize
30 April 2025
30 April 2025
Weaning recipes to use instead of ultra-processed baby food
Sign up to our free Living Well email for advice on living a happier, healthier and longer life Live your life healthier and happier with our free weekly Living Well newsletter Live your life healthier and happier with our free weekly Living Well newsletter Though baby food in plastic pouches has made mealtimes easy and convenient for parents across the UK, an investigation by BBC Panorama has found that baby food from several leading brands offers scant nutritional value and contains shocking amounts of sugar. Pouches of baby food from the likes of Ella’s Kitchen, Heinz, Piccolo, Little Freddie, Aldi and Lidl were tested and found lacking in essential nutrients. A “pure mango” pouch from Piccolo contained less than 0.1mg of vitamin C – a fresh mango contains 18.2mg. Many of these brands are marketed as healthy alternatives to homemade food, but critics argue that a mixture of greenwashing, wellness washing and halo marketing could be responsible for poor health from infancy. “The findings are concerning,” says nutritionist Claire Johnson. “Many of these convenient, squeezable products are low in essential nutrients such as iron and vitamin C, both of which are vital for babies’ brain development, immune function and overall
30 April 2025
30 April 2025
Sick of eating the same things? 5 ways to boost your nutrition and keep meals interesting and healthy
Did you start 2025 with a promise to eat better but didn’t quite get there? Or maybe you want to branch out from making the same meal every week or the same lunch for work almost every day? Small dietary changes can make a big difference to how you feel, how your body functions and health indicators such as blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels. You can meet your nutrient needs by eating a range of foods from the key food groups: vegetables and fruit protein (legumes, beans, tofu, meats, poultry, fish, eggs, nuts, seeds) grains (mostly wholegrain and high-fibre) calcium-rich foods (milk, yoghurt, cheese, non-dairy alternatives). But you also need a variety of foods to get enough vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients from plant foods. Phytonutrients have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and other functions that help keep you healthy. Use these five dietary tweaks to boost your nutrient intake and add variety to what you eat. 1. Include different types of bran to boost your fibre intake Different types of dietary fibre help improve bowel function through fermentation by gut microbes in the colon, or large bowel. This creates larger, softer bowel motions that then stimulate the colon to contract,
30 April 2025
30 April 2025
Flanders to spend 70 million euros a year on healthy school meals
The Flemish government reached an agreement on Tuesday on how to implement healthy meals in schools. It will provide about 70 million euros – about 170 euros per child – per year, and schools will be allowed to decide how to spend the money. One of Vooruit’s main election platforms last year was “a free healthy meal for every child in kindergarten and primary school in Flanders”. The Socialist party wanted to spend 3 euros per child per day, but Tuesday’s agreement does not go that far. Vooruit, CD&V and N-VA agreed on a budget of 23 million euros for this year. This will rise to 73 million euros per year in the coming legislative years. For every 100 euros spent by Flanders, the cities and municipalities are expected to contribute at least 75 euros. Flanders has about 720,000 pupils in kindergarten and primary education. This means that the budget amounts to about 170 euros per child. Divided by the number of days in a school year, this amounts to just under one euro per child per day. “Every child, whether they have rich or poor parents, (…) has a right to healthy food and the many benefits it brings”
30 April 2025
30 April 2025
The global breakfast table: What’s trending in morning meals | National News
It’s the most important meal of the day — experts say sales for breakfast foods across the globe will crest $487.77 billion in 2025. That’s a lot of coffee, eggs and cereal. Lately, though, early morning menus are changing, driven by international influences, convenience-driven innovations and health trends. What’s on breakfast tables around the world? These global trends, from sweet to savory, reshape how people start the day. Photo credit: Depositphotos. While people in many countries worldwide partake in a morning meal, the types of foods served and how people eat them vary widely from culture to culture and person to person. Today, the increasing globalization, changing lifestyles and shifting priorities around health and convenience lead to new breakfast trends. History of breakfasts around the world Breakfast in America is often called the most important meal of the day, but eating breakfast has not always been standard. Before the 1600s, Shelby Traynor of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation says that Europeans considered breakfast a sin of gluttony and often didn’t eat until lunch. As millions of people headed to work in factories during the Industrial Revolution, they needed a morning meal to get them through long hours of labor before lunch.
29 April 2025
29 April 2025
Waygu Fat Soft Chewy Caramels
This is a tale of a special caramel. Caramels, as you must know, are those creamy, buttery, chewy, melt in your mouth and oh so darn delicious candies. It’s amazing how simple they are to make, magic up some sugar and ta-da you have these lovely soft and chewy candies. So back to our special caramel. We’ve made caramels before but this time we tried something totally different. Different how? Well, what happened is that we got our greedy little hands on some wagyu fat. Wagyu, yum, amiright, that totally luscious and ever so expensive marbled beef. With this wee bit of waygu fat on our hands we were like, what should we do? And, as it turns out, the answer was to make the most amazing caramels ever: Waygu Fat Soft Chewy Caramels to die for!! Here is the waygu fat. As you can see, just plain ol beef fat, also known as beef tallow. Which, if you haven’t discovered already, is really rich and savory and super yummy. Caramels are usually made with butter which is just another type of fat, really, so that’s how we got the idea to replace the butter in caramels with our waygu
29 April 2025
29 April 2025
Nutritionist says stop eating these 3 things for dinner: ‘Fruits have active enzymes that keep you…’ | Health
Like breakfast, your dinner is also an essential meal of the day. It is linked to good sleep, lower inflammation, greater resilience to stress, better digestion, and stable blood sugar levels while your body is in rest mode. However, we sometimes unknowingly make mistakes that can affect our health. Here are the 3 things you should never eat for dinner. (Shutterstock) Also Read | Fitness coach shares 5 worst times to get on the scale. Here’s when you should check your weight instead In a video shared on YouTube on April 11, nutritionist Shweta Shah shared the three mistakes one must avoid during dinners. She shared the three foods which are quite popular as dinner choices, but they must be avoided at all costs. The dietitian also shared why you should stop eating them. Stop eating these 3 foods for dinner In a video titled ‘STOP Eating These 3 Foods for Dinner | Healthy Dinner Tips by Nutritionist Shweta Shah’, here’s what Shweta suggested: 1. Say no to salads Salads are often a pretty popular dinner choice. But did you know that some ingredients used in a salad may not be a great dinner option? Shweta explained, “Since we are
29 April 2025
29 April 2025
Troy Students Advocate for Healthy Eating at HOSA Leadership Conference in Traverse City
Troy Students Advocate for Healthy Eating at HOSA Leadership Conference in Traverse City (Eunah Kim and Ananya Anand with Cherie W. Rolfe) Troy, MI – Nutrition isn’t optional—it’s vital. And too many people, especially children and under-served families, don’t have access to the knowledge or the resources to eat well. That was the motivation for the “Healthy Bites” campaign developed by two students from Troy High School and presented in a state-wide competition in Traverse City over the Easter weekend. Eunah Kim and Ananya Anand, both freshmen, put together a community-based program that focused on healthy eating and included a canned food drive, social media outreach, and a nutritious cooking workshop. The competition was part of their participation in HOSA, Health Occupations Students of America. They competed against 36 other groups from around the state. Over 8,000 people attended the state leadership conference. According to its website, “HOSA provides a unique program of leadership development, motivation, and recognition exclusively for secondary, postsecondary, middle school, adult, and collegiate students enrolled in health science education and biomedical science programs or have interests in pursuing careers in health professions.” “The campaign wasn’t just a project to me. It was personal. Over the summer, I
29 April 2025
29 April 2025
Is It Healthy To Eat Chicken Every Day? Nutritionists Explain
For many American households, chicken is the go-to dinner. Not only is it universal to most cuisines and styles of cooking, but it also lends itself to a wide variety of flavor profiles and typically pleases everyone, even the pickiest eaters. Add to that the health halo that has surrounded it for the last several decades, and it’s no wonder the average American eats over 100 pounds of chicken a year. But is there such a thing as too much chicken? Is it possible to overdo it in our quest to get dinner on the table, eat healthy, or get our entire family to enjoy the same food? I took a deep dive into the topic and interviewed two nutritionists for their expert opinions. Here’s what I learned—and what it means for your weeknight dinner rotation. What Are The Health Benefits Of Chicken? The benefits of chicken are undeniable. Dietitian and health coach Jessica Cording shares that it’s a great source of lean protein, which is “essential for building and retaining muscle,” in addition to carrying a lot of key nutrients such as vitamin B-12, potassium, and selenium. But the benefits don’t stop there. According to Kim Yawitz, R.D., and
28 April 2025
28 April 2025
80 Summer Dinner Recipes for the Family (No Oven Needed)
See More: Recipe Round-Up Last Modified: Apr 26, 2025 by Tara Gerner Leave a Comment These easy summer dinner recipes for the family are light, fresh, and made without turning on the oven. You’ll find quick and easy meals like grilled chicken, cool salads, crockpot favorites, and simple pastas that are great for hot days. These healthy, fast dinner ideas are cheap, family-friendly, and perfect for a crowd. Pin this list now so you’re always ready with easy summer dinner ideas that keep things cool and stress-free! Pin Pittsburgh Style BBQ Ham Sandwiches These simple 10 minute BBQ ham sandwiches are a great way to use up leftover ham in a healthy, quick and easy recipe. Or use deli meat for an easy weeknight meal any time! Check this out Balsamic Chicken and Veggies This balsamic chicken and veggies recipe is a one-pan dinner packed with tangy balsamic vinegar, fresh vegetables, and Italian flavors. It’s a heart-healthy, high-protein meal that fits keto, low-carb, and Mediterranean diet plans while keeping dinner simple. Check this out Balsamic Chicken Marinade This best balsamic chicken marinade is tangy, herb-infused, and packed with flavor for the juiciest grilled chicken. Whether you’re making boneless or bone-in thighs
28 April 2025
28 April 2025
Where To Go For Lunch, Brunch Or Dinner
Want to celebrate Mother’s Day 2025 with a lavish lunch, boozy brunch or elegant afternoon tea? Discover our top 10 picks for the best Mother’s Day meals in Hong Kong… Mother’s Day is the one day of the year when mamas get to take a well-earned break, so why not treat yours over Mother’s Day weekend (or celebrate in her honour!), and spend some quality family time at one of Hong Kong’s finest dining destinations? From lavish new brunch offerings to fancy afternoon tea sets, special lunch menus and more, we’ve rounded up some of the most tempting Mother’s Day dining deals on offer across the city. Read More: 2025 Mother’s Day Gift Ideas In Hong Kong Mandarin Grill + Bar — Extravagant Sunday roast in Central with free-flow and dessert trolley Menu highlights: Tableside-carved smoked salmon, lobster bisque, USDA prime beef wellington, whole dover soleWhen: Sunday, 11 May, 2025, 12pm to 2:30pmWhere: 1/F, Mandarin Oriental, 5 Connaught Road, Central, Hong KongHow much: $988 per person (add free-flow for $588) – head here to book Read More: 30+ Breakfast Spots To Try All Across Hong Kong À Poêle French Bistro — Three-course seafood brunch in Tai Koo with free-flow Menu highlights: Seafood platter, beef cheek
28 April 2025
28 April 2025
Hong Kong superstar Andy Lau dines at Michelin-selected restaurant in Kuala Lumpur
By Linh Le  April 27, 2025 | 05:49 pm PT Singer-actor Andy Lau was spotted dining at Hide KL, a Michelin-selected restaurant in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Hong Kong singer-actor Andy Lau. Photo from Andy Lau Studio’s Weibo According to The Star, Hide KL’s chef Shaun Ng shared a photo with Lau on his Xiaohongshu account. In the picture, Lau, dressed casually in a denim jacket and white pants, smiled warmly as he posed with Ng in the restaurant’s kitchen. “What an honour. Don’t blink. It’s not AI,” Ng captioned the post. “Thank you for the arrival of the superstar Andy Lau. That night, he really came. It was indeed an unforgettable evening.” Reports indicated that Lau was at the restaurant for a private dinner with close friends and family. Malaysian news site Hype reported that local journalist Wong Chun Wai also attended the dinner and later shared his experience meeting Lau on Instagram. In his post, Wong described Lau as “incredibly humble and fit,” adding that the superstar is “aging well at 63.” Many fans speculated that Lau’s visit to Malaysia was to see his in-laws. Lau’s wife, Carol Chu, is a former Malaysian model. The couple, who married in
28 April 2025
28 April 2025
7 Costco Breakfast Items Shoppers Say Are “Secretly the Best”
Costco breakfast items are a staple for shoppers. Everyone flocks to the Jimmy Dean Croissants and of course the Kirkland Breakfast Sandwich. But what about the other, less popular but still great choices to start your day with? In order to be considered a great breakfast item, the food must be filling, flavorful and also easy to prepare. Thankfully, Costco has tons of items that fit the bill. Instead of picking up fast food or skipping breakfast altogether (shudder) why not try some of these items that fly a little bit under the radar but are soaring high when it comes to taste? Here are seven of the most underrated Costco breakfast foods that you’ll want to add to your shopping cart the next time you’re in the store. Kirkland Rolled Oats Costco SERVING SIZE: ½ cup dryCALORIES: 150FAT: 2.5 g (Saturated Fat: 0.5 g)SODIUM: 0 mgCARBS: 27 g (Fiber: 4 g, Sugar: <1 g)PROTEIN: 5 g Oatmeal is a versatile breakfast because you can add so many different toppings to it from fresh fruit to peanut butter. This huge 10-pound bag will last you through a season. “Love the savings of buying this larger size bag. I make a
27 April 2025
27 April 2025
11 Jimmy Dean Frozen Breakfast Foods, Ranked Worst To Best
Samantha Maxwell/Tasting Table There are days when you have plenty of time in the morning to languish and luxuriate, making your favorite breakfast recipes at a slow pace, sipping your coffee at the ideal time in the morning to optimize its effects, and taking in the news while your oatmeal bubbles away on the stove. Unfortunately, though, most of us don’t have mornings like that every single day. All too often, we’re forced to get up and out the door quickly, with barely enough time to make ourselves a decent breakfast. That’s when frozen breakfast foods can come in handy. Sure, a lot of times, these foods aren’t the healthiest option available, but they can help when you’re pinched for time. Plus, utilizing frozen breakfast foods is a lot cheaper than stopping at the drive-thru on your way to work yet again. If you’re someone who indulges in frozen breakfast foods often, then you’re probably familiar with Jimmy Dean. The brand offers a wide variety of frozen breakfast dishes, and I’ve tried several of them to help you decide which one you should check out the next time you wander down the
26 April 2025
26 April 2025
Nutritionists Reveal 5 Foods That Should Not Be Consumed During Breakfast
JAKARTA – Breakfast is often referred to as the most important meal time in a day. But not all breakfast options provide maximum benefits for the body. Some foods can actually cause a jump in blood sugar, a faster hunger, to increase the risk of disease if consumed continuously. “I never said ‘not at all’ when talking about food choices,” said Christian nutritionist Smith, MS, RD, LD, spokesman for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietics, quoted from the Real Simple page. “All types of food can be included in a balanced diet,” he added. These foods can still be consumed occasionally. If you eat them every day, maybe you should start considering other options that are more nutritious but still delicious. Here are 5 breakfasts that should not be consumed at breakfast according to nutritionist based in the United States Kristen Smith. 1. Yogurt Rasa (Flavored Yogurt) Yogurt is known as a healthy probiotic-rich food. However, not all yogurts are created the same. Nutritionists recommend avoiding yogurt that has been flavored and sold widely on the market. “Many taste yogurts contain an additional high amount of sugar, sometimes the equivalent of candy stems,” said Caroline banyak, RD/LD, spokesman for the
25 April 2025
25 April 2025
Splendora ISD receives Healthy Meals Incentives Recognition awards
Splendora ISD’s Child Nutrition Department has received two Healthy Meals Incentives Recognition awards for improving the nutritional quality of the district’s school meals. Presented by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service in collaboration with Action for Healthy Kids (AFHK), the department earned the USDA Innovation in the Preparation of School Meals Award and the USDA Innovation in Nutrition Education Award. For the Innovation in the Preparation of School Meals Award, cafeteria personnel introduced new menu items prepared from scratch using either local agricultural products or USDA foods, in accordance with the USDA recipe standardization process. The department also incorporated student engagement in the process. Splendora ISD also implemented nutrition education activities for students, earning the Innovation in Nutrition Education Award. “We congratulate Splendora ISD’s Child Nutrition Department on this important achievement,” said Rob Bisceglie, executive officer and president of Action for Healthy Kids. “The HMI Recognition Awards are an opportunity to showcase innovative school nutrition practices that provide children with access to nutritious school meals,” he added. AFHK is recognizing school districts that spotlight innovative practices, student and community engagement, and strategies used to provide meals aligned with the 2020–2025 Dietary Guidelines
25 April 2025
25 April 2025
Bar-hopping at Eight MICHELIN-Recommended Hotels in Hong Kong
Over the past decade, the Hong Kong bar scene has truly flourished, with new openings springing up across the city, and countless MICHELIN-recommended hotels transforming their traditional bars into cool cocktail spots. From unique interiors to memorable menus, here are eight of the best hotel bars in Hong Kong. RELATED: MICHELIN-Recommended Restaurants that Offer an Excellent Wine List or Wine Services in Hong Kong Sitting atop Mong Kok MTR station, Cordis, Hong Kong is home to several restaurants and bars, including MICHELIN-selected Cantonese restaurant Ming Court (Mong Kok). Adjacent to the lobby, The Garage Bar is one of the few outdoor bars in the area, making it an in-demand spot during the autumn and winter months, where guests can sip delicious drinks while enjoying the natural breeze. The bar specialises in local craft beers, with Big Wave Bay IPA a firm favourite. The bar also offers a curation of special cocktails, such as the Pineapple & Ginger Vinegar, which combines gin, local ginger vinegar and pineapple juice to create a distinctly Hong Kong aperitif. What to Drink at The Garage Bar: Infused with grapefruit juice and jasmine, the Jasmine Aperol elevates the traditional Aperol with a beautiful floral aroma. RELATED: The Ultimate
25 April 2025
25 April 2025
MICHELIN Dining and Hidden Gems
In Florence, where Renaissance masterpieces meet cobblestone streets, the city’s charm is in more than just its art. Over the course of two days in Florence, taste the flavors of centuries-old culinary traditions, from MICHELIN-approved dining to locals’ beloved hidden gems tucked away in its lively districts. While the city’s grand palaces and museums are must-sees, Florence’s artisanal soul — rooted in craftsmanship passed down through generations — is equally captivating, from handcrafted leather to delicate jewelry. This guide will take you through a journey of extraordinary dining and unparalleled local treasures, revealing a side of Florence that goes beyond the obvious. The living area and duplex room at Casa G Firenze hotel in Florence. © Casa G Firenze Where to Stay in Florence Florence has a good range of hotels, 77 of which have been vetted by our Inspectors. For a short visit with much to see, stay in Florence’s walkable city center. There, the Two-MICHELIN-Key Palazzo Portinari Salviati Residenza D’Epoca occupies the famous 15th-century palazzo that was once home to no less luminous a figure than Dante’s Beatrice, and aims to recreate the romance of the era for a modern audience. It helps that it’s right around the
25 April 2025
25 April 2025
Level Up Your Eating Skills To Help Improve Fat Loss
Your workouts are dialed in. Check! Your macros are dialed in. Check! Then why do you look the same, and why hasn’t the scale moved in the past week? Achieving the shredded look for skin season is all about balancing calories in and calories out, and maintaining workout consistency. But if your results have slowed to a crawl and you’re doing all the right things, here’s a missing piece of the puzzle you may not have considered. Eating skills. Eating what? Isn’t the only skill involved in eating putting it into your mouth as soon as possible? It is not only how much you eat, but also how you eat it, that counts. Josh Hillis, the author of Lean and Strong, which has won the Benjamin Franklin Silver Medal Book Award for psychology, and a personal trainer and nutrition coach since 2004, is about to share how to elevate your eating skills. mavoimages/Adobe Stock How Eating Skills Help You Get Shredded You’re not the only person surprised that eating skills exist. Before reading Lean and Strong, I had little idea what eating skills were and how they could help you get lean. But now I’m a believer. But don’t take
24 April 2025
24 April 2025
Voices for Healthcare – How lifestyle affects health
Columnist Dr. Cheryl Christy By Dr. Cheryl Christy, DNP, RNGulf Coast Media Contributor Author’s note: This column is intended for educational purposes only. It aims to highlight gaps in health knowledge, provide support and empower organizations to guide their members in creating effective health and wellness programs. Lifestyle can be considered the “daily environment” in which the body lives. Daily decisions shape health more than most people realize. They influence not only whether diseases develop but also energy levels, mood, resilience, memory, sleep, relationships and even how well the body heals after illness or a stressful event.Harmful lifestyles do not typically arise from a single behavior but from a chronic disconnect from one’s health. Without addressing this, people end up with clusters of health risks. Examples of single issues that often cluster are sedentary lifestyle, ultra-processed diet, too much sugar, chronic stress, poor sleep, obesity, social isolation and overreliance on medications. Nutritional deficiencies, toxicity and pathogens contribute to chronic inflammation and metabolic dysfunction, which underlie most modern diseases. Let us break this down into specific effects. THE MAJOR LIFESTYLE FACTORS THAT AFFECT HEALTH 1. Nutrition. Food is information for the body. A diet high in processed foods, excess sugar, unhealthy
15 May 2026
Best Cure Foundation and Kitsault Energy Announce Two Press Conferences in India Highlighting Energy, Healthcare, and Lifestyle Solutions
NEW DEHLI, May 15, 2026–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Best Cure Foundation (BCF) and Kitsault Energy (KE), led by President/Founder Dr. Krishnan Suthanthiran, will host two press conferences this month in India, presenting comprehensive solutions addressing the nation’s energy, environmental, healthcare, and lifestyle challenges. The first press conference will be Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at the New Delhi National Press Club in New Delhi, India. The second will be Monday, May 25, 2026, at Zone by Park Hotel in Coimbatore, India. Both conferences will begin with registration and coffee/tea/snacks at 11 AM (IST). Dr. Suthanthiran will give a detailed presentation from 11:30 AM to 2 PM covering: Solutions presented to the Indian Government (2013–2026) addressing energy and environmental challenges, including KE and the Kitsault Port & Terminal project on the northwest coast of BC, Canada. KE plans to utilize its dedicated export port and terminal at Observatory Inlet, 25 kilometers south of Kitsault, to facilitate the transport of Canadian energy and commodities to Asian markets. Best Cure Pro Health & Medical Centers by the Global Best Cure Foundation, India, focusing on diagnosis and treatment of cancer, cardiac conditions, and diabetes. Best Lifestyles initiatives aimed at naturally addressing the above diseases. Following the presentation, lunch
15 May 2026
Joyce獨家限定 WILDSIDE YOHJI YAMAMOTO花之色
談日本時裝品牌，始終Yohji Yamamoto、Issey Miyake和Comme des Garcons這三巨頭最廣為人認知。 當中Yohji近年最積極開拓中價位市場，2022年推出一個專門以聯乘掛帥的WILDSIDE YOHJI YAMAMOTO系列，今天位於尖沙咀的Joyce更首次為該系列開設期間限定店。 已踏入83歲高齡的Yohji Yamamoto，在巴黎時裝展看到他出現於台前，或出席Y-3的時裝展，已感到這位當代的時裝大師步履蹣跚，幸好他身旁的兒子總是扶着老爸照顧有加。 Yohji曾經在訪問中表示永不言休，甚至希望死在工作枱中，可見這位時裝大師對創作的熱誠，而品牌近年亦積極開發中價位的系列，雖然未必出自他的手筆，但例如GROUNR Y和最初只在網上發售的S’YTE於市場上均做得不俗。而隨着時裝界聯乘系列一發不可收拾，品牌的智囊團以WILDSIDE YOHJI YAMAMOTO為名，設立一個和不同時裝品牌和藝術家合作的聯乘品牌，過往合作過的對象非常多元化，例如有來自京都的一澤帆布、宮澤理惠和丈夫森田剛組成的創意工作室MOSS STUDIO等。 香港獨家 今次Joyce為WILDSIDE YOHJI YAMAMOTO開設期間限定店，除了將大家熟悉的NEIGHBORHOOD與WILDSIDE合作的系列引入到港外，最吸引之處還帶來兩個屬本地的獨家項目，包括「最易入口」的兩款限定tee，Tee上的圖案設計靈感源自象徵香港的洋紫荊。而另一款圖案則融合仙人掌之花與鬱金香，以香港夜景及霓虹燈中常見的紅色為主調，將都市能量與WILDSIDE的創意美學融合。 此外，值得留意的是找來本地藝術家Chris Li創立的手工珠寶品牌Gold Steed Atelier（金駿工作室），他以黑鈀金屬工藝製作出「Distressed Orchid（殘損蘭花）」系列，限定推出別針、胸針、吊墜及頸鏈等多款首飾，首飾以深邃炭黑色為基調，融合細緻金屬銅綠與自然侵蝕肌理，筆者親身觀看，其細緻程度不比來自日本主綫Yohji Yamamoto RIEFE首飾系列遜色，從中可以看到香港設計界臥虎藏龍者眾，只是未有機會被大家看見，如今標籤上加入大師之名，就更加值得大力支持！ Info WILDSIDE YOHJI YAMAMOTO JOYCE期間限定 日期：即日至6月11日 時間：11am – 9pm ==================================== 圖片：品牌提供 產品查詢：Joyce（2367 9128） 責任編輯：何偉雄 ▲ WILDSIDE YOHJI YAMAMOTO JOYCE期間限定只在尖沙咀Joyce出現。 ▲ 只在香港發售的兩款獨家tee。（各 $700） ▲ 該系列首飾以Distressed Orchid為主題。（頸鏈 $7,380） ▲ Gold Steed Atelier（金駿工作室）來自香港，是次與山本耀司的WILDSIDE系列聯名，值得高興。（$4,880） ▲ 925純銀製的大型心口針。（$14,680） Source link
14 May 2026
Top 10 Most Visited Countries in the World
If your suitcase has been giving you sad eyes from the closet corner, 2025 might be the year to dust it off! As travellers around the globe scramble to make up for lost time, airports are buzzing like beehives, and famous landmarks are playing host to selfie sticks once again. The World Economic Outlook Report shows global tourism grew by 2.9% in 2024, proving that humans simply cannot be kept from exploring new places and eating questionable street food in foreign countries. Paris City; Photo- Wikimedia Commons Most Visited Countries in the World But with so many destinations to choose from, where should your travel dollars go? Let’s count down the most popular countries that had tourists flocking to their borders last year. These hot spots combine incredible attractions with the comfort of well-developed tourism infrastructure – perfect for your 2025 adventure! 1. France (89.4 million visitors) Chateau d Amboise Val de Loire, France; Photo- France.fr The global champion of tourism continues its reign with nearly 90 million visitors annually. France offers an unbeatable mix of culture, cuisine, and captivating landscapes that keep travellers coming back for more. Paris alone draws millions with its iconic Eiffel Tower, which lights up
14 May 2026
14 May 2026
Healthy ageing: Four lifestyle habits that may support longer and better living
Healthy ageing is increasingly linked to lifestyle choices rather than genetics alone. Experts highlight quality sleep, regular physical activity, balanced nutrition and stress management as key habits that may improve overall well-being and support longer, healthier lives. Updated On – 13 May 2026, 03:56 PM Representational Image Hyderabad: Living longer is no longer just about genetics. Increasingly, everyday lifestyle habits are being linked to healthier ageing and better overall well-being. While there is no guaranteed formula for slowing ageing, small and consistent changes in daily routines may help improve both physical and mental health over time. Prioritising Quality Sleep Sleep plays a major role in how the body repairs and recovers. Poor sleep over long periods can affect energy levels, skin health, memory, and overall well-being. Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule and reducing screen time before bed may help improve sleep quality and support healthier ageing. Staying Physically Active Regular movement is one of the most important habits linked to long-term health. Walking, stretching, yoga, strength training, or any form of physical activity can help maintain mobility, improve heart health, and reduce stress. Staying active also helps support muscle strength and energy levels as the body
13 May 2026
13 May 2026
David Attenborough Turns 100 Today. These Are the 5 Lifestyle Habits He Shares With the World’s Longest-Living People
David Attenborough is widely regarded as a national treasure in the UK. The legendary broadcaster and biologist has dedicated his life to exploring and documenting the natural world, producing some of the most influential environmental films of the past few decades. Blue Planet II, for example, helped spark a global conversation about the devastating impact of plastic pollution on marine life. But there’s another remarkable thing about Attenborough: his age. The beloved environmentalist turns 100 today, giving him centenarian status. There are likely many reasons behind Attenborough’s impressive longevity. Genetics may play a role—his father, Frederick Attenborough, lived until the age of 85. That’s 15 years less than his son has reached so far, but still above the UK’s average life expectancy of 82, and well beyond the US average of 77. But genetics may not be the only factor at play. Attenborough shares several key lifestyle traits with the people who live in the world’s Blue Zones—five regions known for their high rates of healthy aging and exceptionally long lives. In these areas—including Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; Nicoya, Costa Rica; Ikaria, Greece; and Loma Linda, CA in the US—it’s common for people to reach their 90s and even 100s without
11 May 2026
11 May 2026
飲到最後
電影《夜王》有句對白，無論看幾多次，都是我最喜歡的，那就是：「如果真係要熄燈，我哋一定要飲到最後。」 這句話指的不僅是尖東的夜場，更可以是一個地方。「飲到最後」，是個人選擇。每人的選擇不同，當你明知一個地方遲早會熄燈，又或正在熄燈，你會怎麼做？趁燈熄前匆匆拉着行李趕快走人？還是開始嫌棄它光綫漸暗、牆角剝落，失去以前的風采？抑或極度恐慌一味得個驚字？但我相信有些人，包括我在內，是明知燈會熄，還是會選擇坐下來，把杯中的酒慢慢喝完。而且，還要用以往美好日子的樣式飲到最後。 這幾年，香港的氣氛在變。有些熟悉的招牌拆了，有些熱鬧的角落靜了，有些曾經理所當然的人與事，像被風吹散的煙。選擇留低飲到最後的人，不是因為天真，而是因為曾見過那個地方最好的時候，也記得那些好是怎麼一點一滴建立起來的。 留低，是一種姿態的選擇。像一個酒客，明知酒吧會在凌晨兩點準時關門，但他不會在一點半就奪門而出。他會跟老朋友碰杯，說幾句真心話，把最後一滴酒也喝得從容。熄燈之後，外面是天黑，但你心裏有光。那光，是記憶是溫度，是你曾經在這裏笑過、拼過、掙扎過、美好過的證據。 如果一個地方只在她風光時才有人肯留下，那這種關係也太廉價和功利了。留低飲到最後，不是消極地等死，而是積極地選擇在一個地方繼續好好過自己的日子。依我說，何止要飲到最後，還要繼續痛快地、豪情地、無懼地去飲。客觀形勢熄燈與否，不是我們能控制，但姿態如何，是自己揀的。或許，選擇飲到最後的人，也是出於一種對某個地方不言而喻的義氣。因為真正在乎一個地方，不是在它發光時鼓掌，而是在它黯淡時，仍願意為它舉杯。 Source link
11 May 2026
11 May 2026
14 lifestyle factors that could increase Alzheimer’s risk
A new way to check for Alzheimer’s disease from the comfort of your own home has been developed by researchers. By combining a simple finger-prick blood test with a quick online brain assessment, experts can now better understand a person’s risk of developing the condition. The study, published in Nature Communications, saw 174 people successfully complete the tests at home before posting their samples back to the team. The blood test looks for specific markers linked to brain decline, while the online tasks measure how well the mind is functioning. This breakthrough could help the NHS prioritise people for further testing and ensure they get the right support and treatment much sooner. While dementia is a difficult topic for many families, understanding the risk factors can empower people to make choices that protect their long-term health. MORE ON HEALTH Following the publication of the study, Camilla Foster spoke to Dr Richard Oakley from the Alzheimer’s Society, who outlined key dementia risk factors everyone should be aware of and highlighted which lifestyle changes can help. Age: “Age is one of the biggest risk factors associated with Alzheimer’s because the chance of developing dementia increases as we age.” Natural changes in our
11 May 2026
11 May 2026
美國隊長大戰葉問
周星馳在一九九二年賀歲片《家有囍事》中，說了「醉拳甘迺迪」和「南拳北腿孫中山」，引得觀眾哄堂大笑，說他是「無厘頭搞笑專家」。 這個「搞笑」情況，今時今日，沒有過時，反而更熱，因為AI軟件能為大家提供你想得出、它做得到的「經典」場面，例如「美國隊長大戰葉問」。但問題的焦點，不是「無厘頭」，而是版權，更重要是不同行業的生存，文化行業也不例外。 這個問題的嚴重性，從最近奧斯卡公布新評審規則已經反映出來。美國電影藝術與科學學院表示，由AI創造的演員和非人類創作的劇本，無法競逐奧斯卡，但學院沒有全面禁止AI工具。無疑，AI發展會「趕絕」創意從業員，包括演員，特別是著名演員，因此不少國際知名巨星已經走在台前，指摘AI的捏造侵權。 要知道，成名路所費不菲，而且知名演員是一個品牌，更不止是一個人，而是一個團隊，背後更可能牽連一個行業，以及跨行業的產業鏈。更甚者，演員出演或辭演某套電影，可以是商業或政治理由，但AI世界沒有這個顧慮，可以隨時在網絡平台「突圍」而出，有任何「風吹草動」，亦可以隨時「消失」。受影響的不僅是演藝行業，任何文藝創作相關工作也一樣，情況令人心寒。 創作源自靈魂，價值由人賦予，至少暫時仍是人類獨有，需要好好尊重和保護。 科技潮流勢不可擋，阻止也只是暫時用時間換取空間，用權力換取資源，要思考如何協調和理順這個大問題。 Source link
10 May 2026
10 May 2026
US & Abroad (2026 Guide)
March opens up diverse travel possibilities across the globe before peak summer crowds arrive. From northern lights in Iceland to cherry blossoms in Japan, warm beaches in Mexico and Costa Rica to cultural festivals in India, this month delivers ideal conditions for every adventure. The shoulder-season timing means better prices, comfortable weather, and unique seasonal events that make March perfect for unforgettable experiences. Key takeaways Warm and beach destinations Mexico (Holbox, Yucatan): Beautiful islands with warm waters, exceptional food, and fewer crowds than Cancún Costa Rica: Dry season perfect for exploring rainforests, volcanoes, and abundant wildlife viewing Southeast Asia (Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam): Warm, dry weather ideal for temple exploration and beach days Caribbean (Dominican Republic, Bermuda): Hot weather with pink sand beaches and cave adventures Australia/New Zealand: Transitioning to autumn with pleasant temperatures and fewer tourist crowds Culture and festivals Japan: Cherry blossom (sakura) season begins with beautiful spring scenery across the country India (Jaipur, Goa): Holi festival brings vibrant colors and pleasant weather for cultural immersion Morocco: Lush landscapes emerge with vibrant markets and spring blossoms throughout medinas Spain (Barcelona, Valencia): Mild spring weather perfect for city exploration without summer heat and crowds New Orleans, Louisiana: Famous Mardi Gras
10 May 2026
10 May 2026
Racing to Healthy Lifestyle – Return to Vietnam
By Alison Cardoza Photos By Matt Johnson & Provided • Sponsored At Baptist Health Milestone, Michael Davidson, a member and avid cycling enthusiast, is a role model to fellow members, encouraging them to share in a remarkable experience in Vietnam with him. “When I first encountered Vietnam over fifty years ago, I was an Infantry officer in the First Air Cavalry Division and everyone was shooting at me. When I started going back to Vietnam in 2001 to ride a bike, no one was shooting at me. That makes for a more enjoyable trip,” laughs Michael Davidson. “On my first trip back to Vietnam in 2001, I was looking for a warm weather ride during the cold Kentucky winters. The TET Lunar celebration is in early February and was the perfect fit,” says Mike. Têt, short for Têt Nguyên Đán, is the Vietnamese Lunar New Year and the most important festival in Vietnamese culture. It signifies the arrival of spring, a fresh start, and a time for family, reunions, and paying respect to ancestors. It falls between late January and mid-February. “After a couple of trips back, I started recruiting friends to join me on this adventure. The core of
8 May 2026
8 May 2026
ACLM Announces 2026 Lifestyle Medicine Annual Conference Focused on Health Restoration and Care Transformation
The American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM) has announced the opening of registration and a partial list of keynotes for its accredited, hybrid 2026 Lifestyle Medicine Annual Conference, set for November 8 to 11. The event, which this year will feature a record number of concurrent sessions, will showcase the latest research, education, and clinical practice integration of lifestyle medicine, including food as medicine, as the standard of care for a transformed and sustainable system of healthcare delivery to address the nation’s epidemic of chronic disease. ST. LOUIS, May 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM) has announced the opening of registration and a partial list of keynote presenters for its 2026 Lifestyle Medicine Annual Conference set for November 8 to 11, in person at the Rosen Shingle Creek Resort in Orlando, Fla., with virtual registration also available. The hybrid event will showcase how lifestyle medicine has changed the paradigm of medical education and clinical practice, with a focus on chronic disease root-cause interventions that deliver health restoration and medicine de-escalation, as opposed to the disease management status quo. “I’m thrilled to welcome our global community to the 2026 American College of Lifestyle Medicine Annual Meeting –
7 May 2026
7 May 2026
AHA outlines 10 factors that shape resilience as we age
Share on PinterestMany factors affect brain health, but it’s never too late to improve it, a new AHA statement argues. RapidEye/Getty Images A person’s brain health is affected by their physical and psychological health, experiences from infancy throughout their lifetime, and some environmental factors. Healthy lifestyle habits, such as eating a healthy diet, not smoking, not drinking to excess, getting adequate exercise and sleep, and avoiding stress, can all help improve brain health. In a statement published last week, the American Heart Association outlined how promoting healthy lifestyle behaviors, improving environmental conditions, and expanding access to health, social, and mental health care can protect brain health and reduce the risk of stroke and dementia. Worldwide, the number of people ages 65 and over is expected to exceed 1.5 billion by 2050. And the goal is to remain healthy for as many of those years past 65 as possible. With cases of dementia rising, a key part of healthy aging is maintaining cognitive function and a healthy brain. Last week, the American Heart Association (AHA) published a scientific statement outlining how experiences throughout a person’s life can affect brain health and how a person can improve their brain health. The statement,
7 May 2026
7 May 2026
Hara Hachi Bu to Moai: 5 Japanese lifestyle habits that will keep your heart healthy | Health News
4 min readNew DelhiMay 7, 2026 05:57 PM IST Japan has long fascinated the world with its remarkable life expectancy and healthier ageing. The country is often seen as a model for long-term wellness. Doctors say this longevity is not simply genetic luck. It is deeply connected to everyday lifestyle habits that promote heart health, reduce stress, and support overall well-being. According to Dr Prabhat Ranjan Sinha, Senior Consultant – Internal Medicine at Aakash Healthcare, “Much of Japan’s life expectancy is shaped by a culture that naturally builds healthy behaviours into daily life, whether it is food choices, movement, or strong social connections.” DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine. Here are five Japanese lifestyle habits that can help keep your heart healthy. 1. Mindful eating with “Hara Hachi Bu” One of the most well-known Japanese wellness practices is Hara Hachi Bu, the idea of eating until you are only 80% full, rather than overeating. Dr Sinha explains that this simple habit helps naturally control calorie intake without strict dieting. “Consuming fewer calories improves metabolism, reduces the likelihood of obesity, and lowers
7 May 2026
7 May 2026
Ted Danson opens up about lifestyle changes after recent health scare
May 6, 2026, 6:34 p.m. ET Ted Danson is counting his lucky stars after a recent health scare. The 78-year-old “Cheers” alumnus revealed on the May 6 episode of his “Where Everybody Knows Your Name” podcast, which featured guest Valerie Bertinelli, that he’s making lifestyle changes after experiencing an unspecified medical issue. “I had a bit of a health scare; I’m totally fine,” Danson told the actress, adding that the incident left him understanding that “mortality, it’s the real deal; it’s not just a rumor.” “Ted Danson doesn’t get a free pass,” he joked, adding that there wasn’t any one contributor he could blame for the health issue. Danson said that the experience was “humbling and calming,” and believes it “was the best thing that could have happened.” Watch it here: Stream your favorite shows, the biggest blockbusters and more. He is “doing some things differently,” the actor disclosed, such as meditating twice a day with wife Mary Steenburgen. “I’ve always talked about it and lied about it,” Danson admitted. He said the experience’s “biggest gift” was recognizing the attitude he wants to carry for “the rest of my life.” “You can be curious about other people. You can listen,
7 May 2026
7 May 2026
Ted Danson Adjusts Lifestyle Following Recent Health Scare
Actor Ted Danson disclosed during a recent podcast appearance that a medical scare has prompted significant changes to his daily routine and perspective on life. The 78-year-old television veteran discussed the incident on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, while speaking on the Where Everybody Knows Your Name podcast. The actor, currently starring in the Netflix series A Man on the Inside, characterized the experience as a turning point that forced him to confront his own mortality. He noted that the incident occurred despite having no previous history of health negligence. “I had a bit of a health scare. I’m totally fine, but it was like, ‘That’s real.’ And it was humbling. Mortality is the real deal, you know. It’s not just a rumor. ‘Ted Danson doesn’t get a free pass. Love his work.’ But you know, and it was like, and I hadn’t f**ked up in some way,” said Danson, the former Cheers star. Following the event, Danson integrated specific wellness practices into his schedule to maintain his well-being. He emphasized that the situation served as a catalyst for habits he had previously avoided or misrepresented. “It was very humbling and calming, and I’m fine, but I think the
6 May 2026
6 May 2026
Is your lifestyle increasing your risk of Alzheimer’s?
A groundbreaking tool which involves a finger-prick blood test and an online brain assessment has been created to estimate an individual’s risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, according to new research. The study, published in Nature Communications journal, involved 174 participants who carried out the self-administered test at home and posted their samples back to the research teams. The finger-prick blood test measured biomarkers, p-tau217 and GFAP, which have been associated with Alzheimer’s disease and general brain decline. Participants also completed online cognitive assessments. Researchers found that combining the blood test with online brain tests can help identify a person’s likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s and then prioritise them for further testing, treatment and support. Although dementia is often a difficult topic to discuss, understanding risk factors can help people make informed choices to potentially reduce their chances of developing the condition. We spoke to Dr Richard Oakley, associate director of research and innovation at the Alzheimer’s Society, who outlined some key dementia risk factors everyone should know, and highlighted what lifestyle changes can help. What are some risk factors that we can’t change? Age “Age is one of the biggest risk factors associated with Alzheimer’s because the chance of developing dementia
6 May 2026
6 May 2026
I’m a doctor. This is how your lifestyle could be increasing your risk of Alzheimer’s
A groundbreaking tool, combining a finger-prick blood test with an online brain assessment, can estimate individual Alzheimer’s risk, new research suggests. Published in Nature Communications, the study involved 174 participants who self-administered the test at home, sending samples back. It measured blood biomarkers p-tau217 and GFAP, linked to Alzheimer’s and general brain decline, alongside online cognitive assessments. Researchers found this combined approach helps identify a person’s likelihood of Alzheimer’s, prioritising for further testing, treatment, and support. Although dementia is often a difficult topic to discuss, understanding risk factors can help people make informed choices to potentially reduce their chances of developing the condition. A new tool combining a finger prick test and an online brain assessment can estimate an individual’s risk of Alzheimer’s (Alamy/PA) We spoke to Dr Richard Oakley, associate director of research and innovation at the Alzheimer’s Society, who outlined some key dementia risk factors everyone should know, and highlighted what lifestyle changes can help. What are some risk factors that we can’t change? Age “Age is one of the biggest risk factors associated with Alzheimer’s because the chance of developing dementia increases as we age,” explains Oakley. Above the age of 65, a person’s risk of developing
6 May 2026
6 May 2026
Neurologist says you don’t need a “perfect lifestyle” to live longer; here’s what matters more
Open social media, and you will be bombarded with videos of influencers advocating a perfect lifestyle that they follow. This all looks good on camera, but in real life, while navigating through deadlines, traffic, mental health, and social life, following a perfect lifestyle feels like a dream. While we are trapped with a mindset that a perfect lifestyle and routine can ensure longevity, Dr Sudhir Kumar, MD DM, Neurologist, Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad, quotes that you don’t need a perfect lifestyle to live longer. In an X post dated May 1, 2026, Dr Sudhir suggested tiny upgrades that ensure a better life. Three everyday health tips for longer life. (Unsplash) Also read | Hyderabad neurologist warns against quick weight loss, says stop treating obesity like a ‘medical emergency’ Dr Sudhir said, “You don’t need a perfect lifestyle to live longer.” He highlighted that all you need are small changes in your everyday routine for better well-being. 1. Sleep Dr Sudhir highlighted that sleep is extremely important to ensure a well-rested body. He added that sometimes five minutes of additional sleep in the morning can give you better health. Our body goes through a repair mode during sleep, and thus it is
4 May 2026
4 May 2026
Leading Irish dietitian shares weight loss maintenance tips for a long-term healthy lifestyle
Maintaining weight loss long-term is one of the biggest challenges, but registered dietitian Orla Walsh shares her expert nutrition advice and weight loss maintenance tips to help you sustain a healthy lifestyle for good A weight loss journey can often be difficult and take a long time – but a massive struggle for people is maintaining their results long term on the other side of their transformation(Image: Getty) When it comes to shedding pounds, there are a number of approaches and strategies for reaching your target. However, it’s crucial that the method proves effective over time, as one of the toughest aspects of losing weight is keeping it off. Research suggests that approximately 80% to 95% of individuals who shed a substantial amount of weight put it back on within three to five years. Alongside making sure you lose weight through sustainable lifestyle modifications, Irish dietitian Orla Walsh has also offered her guidance on maintaining weight loss and healthy practices for the long haul. Orla Walsh is a Registered Dietitian and Physiologist, and the founder of Orla Walsh Nutrition, Ireland’s leading dietetic and nutrition clinic. “Take note of what other things you’re gaining during this time,” she told RSVP Live.
4 May 2026
4 May 2026
Princeton art museum makes TIME’s ‘World’s Greatest Places’ list
May 2, 2026, 5:02 a.m. ET New Jersey’s art scene just received a national recognition. TIME’s 2026 roster of World’s Greatest Places of 2026 spotlights the Garden State. The national news magazine collection lists hundreds of notable and recommended places, organized into “Places to Stay” and “Places to Visit” that includes waterparks, hotels, museums, cultural sites and natural attractions from around the world. This year’s “Places to Visit” list features one location from Princeton, New Jersey. Princeton University Art Museum Located on the Princeton University campus features a new 146,000-square-foot space with 32 galleries. The museum offers everything from ancient artifacts to contemporary works, alongside dynamic exhibitions and public programming and is also home to a historic collection spanning more than 5,000 years of global art. And here’s why: Princeton University punched well above its weight class with the October 2025 unveiling of its new art museum. At 146,000 square feet with 32 galleries, its footprint is roughly double the exhibition space of Paris’ Picasso Museum. The project made headlines from the start: designs by Adjaye Associates show a striking mix of classical and contemporary spaces, with a Brutalist exterior and light-filled interiors finished in warm blue spruce. There’s a surprisingly
3 May 2026
3 May 2026
’70s And ’80s Stars Who Radically Changed Their Lifestyle For Health
lev radin/Shutterstock When you receive an unexpected medical diagnosis, you may need to overhaul your everyday habits as part of your long-term treatment. In fact, making lifestyle changes can help better manage an existing chronic condition. (Check out the health and wellness trends that are everywhere in 2026.) “Many disease processes are impacted by your lifestyle,” explains Dr. Blake Arthurs, adding that many healthcare providers suggest that patients with medical conditions make beneficial lifestyle modifications (via Henry Ford Health). A 2023 article in Nutrients noted that prioritizing nutrient-rich eating, regular fitness, and adequate sleep could reduce the impacts and incidence of metabolic diseases and some cancers. Meanwhile, a 2020 study in JAMA evaluated data from 116,043 adult subjects to investigate a potential link between lack of nicotine use, routine exercise, and limited alcohol intake and the diagnosis of a chronic condition like diabetes. The findings showed that people who followed healthier lifestyles were able to live disease-free for longer. But changing your behavior isn’t always easy, especially if you’re forced to rethink your whole world. That’s when it’s helpful to hear about inspirational stories of others who’ve been successful in making radical changes. Actor Jeff Bridges, who
2 May 2026
2 May 2026
A healthy lifestyle is so much easier in Australia, says ex-pat Kiwi
Sarah Priestley, who moved to Brisbane a year ago in pursuit of her sport of bodybuilding, told 1News reporter Polly Wenlock how she found the transition and what – if anything – would bring her back. Food Priestley said, for her, the key difference in Australia was the ease of living healthily. “It feels like so many people are just living a healthy lifestyle and it’s so much more accessible than it is in New Zealand.” Much of this comes down to cost, with Priestley saying the biggest surprise for her was just how cheap fruit and veggie options are in Brisbane. “You can get mangoes for a dollar, berries are cheap, like all these things that just felt like a luxury in New Zealand.” (Source: Supplied) But it’s also what’s on hand, she said – pointing to a celebrated Kiwi classic, the gas station pie, as another example of the contrast, “Even little things like you go to the petrol station and there’s all these healthy meal prep options, there’s whole aisles of like healthy snacks and things you can grab.” Watch the 1 News Special: You, Me & Aussie on TVNZ 1 and TVNZ+ on May 11 at
2 May 2026
2 May 2026
Dutton Ranch Final Trailer Drops as Yellowstone Spin-off Debuts Today on Paramount+
Paramount+ has shared the final trailer for Dutton Ranch. The newest sequel spin-off arrives after Taylor Sheridan’s popular Yellowstone series ended its five-season run last year. The first two episodes are now streaming on Paramount+. This will then be followed by a weekly episode drop until July 3, 2026. “As Beth and Rip fight to build a future together – far from the ghosts of Yellowstone – they collide with brutal new realities and a ruthless rival ranch that will stop at nothing to protect its empire. In South Texas, blood runs deeper, forgiveness is fleeting, and the cost of survival might just be your soul,” reads the official synopsis. Check out the Dutton Ranch final trailer below (watch more trailers): What happens in the Dutton Ranch final trailer? The video highlights the new chapter of Beth and Rip’s lives after leaving Yellowstone. Together, they settle down at a small ranch in Texas to start a new Dutton legacy. However, their desire to start a peaceful life suddenly gets upended when they encounter powerful enemies who see them as threats. Joining Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser in the new show are Ed Harris, Annette Bening, Finn Little, Juan Pablo Raba,
15 May 2026
Marvel’s Daredevil Follow-up Is Already Dominating on Streaming
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.
15 May 2026
Game of Thrones Star Cast in Mark Wahlberg’s Upcoming Thriller
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,
15 May 2026
Who Went Home & Who Made It to Finale?
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
15 May 2026
Brand New Look at John Stewart & Hal Jordan’s Green Lanterns Revealed
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
15 May 2026
How The Punisher Special Ending Changed MCU’s Frank Castle Detailed by Jon Bernthal
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
15 May 2026
Why Mortal Kombat 2 Is Struggling to Break Even at the Box Office
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
15 May 2026
SVU Season 28 Renewal Status & Future Revealed
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
15 May 2026
佘詩曼性感現身超吸睛 同黃子華傾足一粒鐘認想再合作 | am730
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
15 May 2026
The Batman 2 Cast Adds MCU Star as Matt Reeves Confirms More for DC Movie
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
14 May 2026
New HBO TV Show Is 1st to Achieve Impressive Milestone Since 2009
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
14 May 2026
The Boys Boss Explains Why Its Most Tragic Death Was Important
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,
14 May 2026
London Trailer Previews Sequel to Hit Prime Video Movie
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.
14 May 2026
Halsey To Write & Star in Psycho-Sexual Horror, Matrix Director Involved
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
14 May 2026
Marvel Villain Actor’s Prime Video Return Gets Mediocre RT Score
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
14 May 2026
Abbott Elementary Star Rejected Real Housewives 5 Times for 1 Simple Reason
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
14 May 2026
Colman Domingo Reveals Incredible Praise He Got From Chadwick Boseman
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.
14 May 2026
Why Chicago Fire Fans Could Kill Off Major Characters in Season 15
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
14 May 2026
MobLand Season 2 Release Date Gets Good & Bad News From Guy Ritchie
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
14 May 2026
Is There a Chicago Med Season 11 Episode 22 Release Date or Part 2?
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
14 May 2026
Ben Stiller, Nicholas Galitzine & More Join New Netflix Movie
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
14 May 2026
M. Night Shyamalan’s Star-Studded New Movie Is His ‘Highest-Testing’ Film Ever
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
13 May 2026
李泳漢婚禮片翻hit 鼎爺曾當面鬧大孖成隻浮屍咁 | am730
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
13 May 2026
UK travellers with pets issued major government update affecting all UK airlines
The update confirms what many pet owners worry about when travelling The update follows a viral petition(Image: Getty Images) Following a viral petition that garnered over 14,000 signatures, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has issued a statement concerning cabin regulations for British Airways, easyJet, Jet2, Ryanair, and TUI flights. According to government rules, a response is required for petitions that reach 10,000 signatures. The petition seeks to allow airline passengers to bring small pets on board flights arriving in the UK. The petition, which is available to view here, states: “Allow airlines, under DEFRA guidance, to offer an in-cabin travel option for small, fully documented pets on flights entering the UK, in line with international standards for other countries.” It continues: “Many countries, including within the EU, USA, Canada, and Ireland, generally allow small, vaccinated, and microchipped pets to travel safely in the cabin, though requirements vary between different countries and airlines. The UK requires cargo travel even for very small animals, which can be stressful for the pets and costly for their owners. “I believe allowing an in-cabin option would improve welfare and align the UK more closely with widely used global practices while maintaining biosecurity.”
15 May 2026
Trump and Xi to meet again after Xi says Taiwan misstep could take ties to ‘dangerous place’
Listen to this article Estimated 5 minutes The audio version of this article is generated by AI-based technology. Mispronunciations can occur. We are working with our partners to continually review and improve the results. U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are set to meet again Friday to wrap up a two-day state visit that has featured pomp and business deals — but also a stark warning from Xi that mishandling the Taiwan issue could push U.S.-China relations to “a very dangerous place.” Trump is the first U.S. president to visit China, America’s main strategic and economic rival, since a 2017 visit during his first term. He has been hoping for tangible results that might improve his cratering approval ratings ahead of crucial midterm elections in November. The two leaders were scheduled to have tea and lunch before Trump flies back to the United States. “Hopefully our relationship with China will be stronger and better than ever before!” Trump wrote in a post on social media early Friday. The summit has been aimed at maintaining a fragile trade truce struck when the leaders last met in October: Trump suspended triple-digit tariffs on Chinese goods, and Xi backed away
15 May 2026
They visited all 12 Disney parks worldwide in 12 days — twice
Brent Hopper and his kids can claim something few Disney fans can. “We did every ride, every park in under 12 days,” he said. Not just at Walt Disney World — but at Disney parks around the world. The Florida father actually attempted it twice with his two oldest kids, Tanner and Peyton, while his then-toddlers stayed home with his wife. The Hoppers didn’t quite make it to every ride on their first try in 2023. “The competitor in myself was like, ‘Alright, I need to redeem it,’” Brent said. “I need to do this again.” Running on Mickey ice cream bars and outside motivation, they succeeded in 2024. Inside look: Inside Disneyland Paris’ new Disney Adventure World 1 of 42 When Disney Adventure World opens on March 29, guests will be invited into the worlds of beloved Disney Animation, Pixar and Marvel films. USA TODAY was invited to check it out a little early. Why they did it Brent said he’d toyed with the idea on a family trip to Asia years ago, but he was inspired to actually try it after Nathan Firesheets rode every ride across all 12 Disney parks within 12 days in 2023. “I’ve been to Disney many times. I could do this, no problem, and then some,” Brent recalled thinking of the unofficial challenge. After all, he’d grown up going to Disney World and worked there as a cast member before becoming a commercial airline pilot. He still visited the parks often. His kids
14 May 2026
Government responds to calls to allow pets to travel in the cabin of planes entering UK
When flying with pets, the animals must be placed in the hold More than 14,000 people have signed a petition urging the government to change the rules regarding pets on flights(Image: PA Photo/thinkstockphotos) The Government has issued a statement after thousands signed a petition calling to change the rules on pets travelling on planes. Although pets are generally allowed to travel via plane – as long as owners adhere to the strict policies and regulations in place – the UK strictly requires all pets arriving in the country to travel as manifest cargo or in the hold. And now 14,450 people have signed a petition calling to change the rules and allow small pets to travel in the cabin. Click here to get the biggest stories straight to your inbox in our Daily Newsletter The petition – titled ‘allow small pets to travel in the cabin on flights entering the UK’ – has surpassed the 10,000 milestone that requires the government to issue a written statement. When a petition reaches 100,000 signatures, the government must consider the topic for a debate in Parliament. Published on February 2 by Eirini Zartaloudi, the petition reads: “Allow airlines, under DEFRA guidance, to offer
14 May 2026
Holiday prices to go up after 296 UK flights cancelled, says air travel boss
Industry leaders have not ruled out fuel shortages this summer Neil Shaw Assistant Editor (Money and Lifestyle) 07:52, 14 May 2026 Flights have already been cancelled Airlines will not be able to continue “absorbing the cost” of disruption caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz in the long term, according to the director general of the International Air Transport Association. Willie Walsh told the BBC there was no need to panic over potential jet fuel shortages, but warned rising fuel prices would inevitably feed through into higher ticket prices. He said: “There’s just no way airlines can absorb the additional costs they’re experiencing. There may be some instances where airlines will discount to stimulate some traffic flow… but over time it’s inevitable that the high price of oil will be reflected in higher ticket prices.” While Mr Walsh did not think there would be widespread cancellations, he added: “I think the concern will be that if sufficient alternative supply isn’t sourced, there may be some shortages when we get into the peak summer period.” Holidays will be more expensive this year Last week, British Airways’ parent company IAG warned its profits will be hit as it expects to
14 May 2026
Hong Kong Space Museum Launches Shenzhou 13
Hong Kong Space Museum to launch new sky show “Shenzhou 13 – Space Travel” The Hong Kong Space Museum will launch a new sky show, “Shenzhou 13 – Space Travel”, at its Space Theatre from tomorrow (May 15). This is China’s first space-filmed full-dome movie, shot by Chinese astronauts Zhai Zhigang, Wang Yaping and Ye Guangfu. It takes audiences on board the Shenzhou-13 spacecraft on a journey to the Tiangong Space Station, pursuing the dream of space exploration. On October 16, 2021, the three astronauts went aboard Shenzhou-13 to the Tiangong Space Station, where they stationed and began their six-month space mission. Through the cameras operated by the astronauts, audiences will be enthralled by an immersive journey, piercing through the atmosphere, understanding daily life and work at the space station, and marvelling at the shimmering sea of city lights during a glimpse of our magnificent blue planet from a unique perspective. Enhanced with computer animation, the show presents various stages of the in-orbit assembly of the Tiangong Space Station and recreates the docking process of the Shenzhou spacecraft with the Tianhe Core Module. Audiences will also witness the historic moment when Wang Yaping became the first Chinese female astronaut to
14 May 2026
See the world’s best horses in Hong Kong with luxury 5-star racing packages including flights and hotel
GET ready to witness the Turf World Championships in spectacular style when the Hong Kong International Races return in December. This isn’t just a race meeting; it’s a global sporting phenomenon. Sign up to The Irish Sun’s daily newsletter Thank you! The incredible Happy Valley Racecourse in Hong Kong Credit: Getty The world’s elite thoroughbreds compete for the top prizes Credit: Getty See Hong Kong International Races Imagine watching the world’s elite thoroughbreds pushing themselves to the limit, against one of the most iconic skylines on the planet. The Longines Hong Kong International Races (HKIR) is the premier horse racing event held every year at Sha Tin Racecourse, often called the Turf World Championships. And our partners at Racing Breaks have unveiled an exclusive package that combines high-stakes drama with five-star luxury, ensuring you don’t miss a single beat of the action. The journey kicks off with the electrifying International Jockeys’ Challenge at Happy Valley, where the track is nestled among towering skyscrapers and the atmosphere is nothing short of legendary. WORLD CLASS Get 5-star hotel, flights & tickets to see world’s richest race Dubai World Cup BON VOYAGE Unbeatable deals for Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in Paris from
14 May 2026
This surprising Asian city is the ultimate stop-off for Aussie travellers
It wasn’t long ago that my understanding of Hong Kong was limited to top-tier bars, glittery hotels and wildly delicious street food. And while those features are all major calling cards (Hong Kong is home to three of the world’s best bars, three of the world’s best hotels and a dining scene that’s consistently regarded as one of the best in the world), there’s so much more to this surreal, vibrant city than I once thought. If you’re an adventure-loving Aussie looking for the ultimate stopover en route to Europe, I cannot recommend this city highly enough. It sounds like a clichè to call Hong Kong (often referred to as the Pearl of the Orient) a confluence of worlds, but there’s really not a better way to describe it. Show me a city where East and West, old and new, abundant nature and futuristic design merge more seamlessly, I dare you. First up: nature. Hong Kong has always been known as a city of dualities – where skyscrapers brush against jungle-clad peaks and grit meets glamour at every turn – and for me, it was the nature that really got me sold on visiting. While most people know it for
14 May 2026
Visit Ukraine – The Most Pet-Friendly Cities in Europe in 2026: Where to Travel Comfortably with Your Pets
Traveling with pets in Europe is becoming increasingly popular: cities are opening dog-friendly parks, allowing pets on public transportation, and creating special facilities for travelers with their pets. Learn more about European cities where dog and cat owners will feel most at home while traveling or relocating Travel insurance – the key to your safety and peace of mind while traveling outside Ukraine GET Just a few years ago, traveling with a pet meant complicated logistics, a search for rare pet-friendly hotels, and constant restrictions on public transportation and in public places for many Europeans. By 2026, the situation had changed dramatically: more and more European cities are adapting their infrastructure for dog and cat owners, opening special parks, allowing pets in cafes, and even creating dedicated services for tourists traveling with their pets. Today, being pet-friendly has become an important part of a city’s reputation as a tourist destination. According to the European Pet Organization, over 90 million households in the EU have pets, and the demand for traveling with them continues to grow. Many travelers now choose a destination not only based on prices or climate, but also on how comfortable it will be for their dog or
13 May 2026
Fly Delta One to Hong Kong (HKG) from 85K SkyMiles … Nationwide!
Delta apparently missed the memo that flights are expensive right now – or that SkyMiles are worthless for flying business class. Because the Atlanta-based airline just dropped one of the best Delta One SkyMiles deals to Southeast Asia we’ve seen in years … or maybe ever. That’s right: Just 85,000 SkyMiles could get you on the airline’s new route to Hong Kong (HKG) in a Delta One Suite this year … from airports nationwide! Delta isn’t advertising this sale, but we found it anyway and sent our Thrifty Traveler Premium members an alert about these deeply discounted fares. Considering this route typically costs 300,000 SkyMiles or more, it’s one heck of a deal! Some of the dates have been gobbled up since we sent them to Thrifty Traveler Premium members, but there are still tons of flights bookable for July and August 2026 – some dates with availability for as many as nine passengers. Don’t wait: These cheap Delta One rates could disappear soon! Want more SkyMiles deals like this delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up today for Thrifty Traveler Premium flight deal alerts! This isn’t just a “good for Delta SkyMiles” deal. This is one of the
13 May 2026
Regent Hong Kong recognized among inaugural Tatler’s Best 10 Hotels in Hong Kong 2026
With Spotlight Honours for Lai Ching Heen, Qura Bar and The Steak House at the Tatler Best Hong Kong & Macau 2026 Awards Regent Hong Kong has been named among the inaugural Tatler Best 10 Hotels in Hong Kong at the Tatler Best Hong Kong & Macau 2026 Awards. The recognition reflects the hotel’s timeless elegance, refined craftsmanship, and quietly captivating sense of luxury — and affirms its standing among the most exceptional hospitality destinations across Hong Kong and Macau. Further distinction comes as three of the hotel’s cherished venues — Lai Ching Heen, Qura Bar, and The Steak House — have been recognised as Tatler Best Spotlight Restaurants and Bars. Formerly known as Tatler Best Recommends, this evolved distinction highlights the consistent excellence and dedication to craft demonstrated by each of these exemplary venues, further contributing to the refined hospitality experience at Regent Hong Kong. “We are deeply honoured to be recognised among the inaugural Tatler Best 10 Hotels at Tatler Best Hong Kong & Macau 2026 — a distinction made all the more meaningful as Hong Kong reaffirms its position as one of the world’s most cinematic and dynamic destinations,” said Michel Chertouh, Managing Director of Regent Hong Kong. “This recognition reflects not only our enduring commitment to
13 May 2026
King Charles Told He Put ‘Ratbag’ Trump ‘In His Place’ by Rod Stewart
Singer Rod Stewart told King Charles that he did an “absolutely superb” job during his U.S. state visit because he put “that ratbag in his place” in an apparent reference to President Donald Trump. Charles visited Washington, D.C, at the end of April when he gave a speech to Congress challenging Trump on subjects ranging from support for Ukraine to NATO and the war in Iran. The king risked the monarchy’s highly prized neutrality in the process but kept to the foreign policy goals of the British Foreign Office. Stewart met Charles at a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the King’s Trust at the Royal Albert Hall on Monday night and told the monarch: “May I say, well done in the Americas. You were superb, absolutely superb; put that little ratbag in his place.” Charles did not walk away but instead replied with words that were not picked up by microphones in the room. Stewart then replied: “No exactly… it went right over his head.” Why It Matters Trump reacted well to the speech, praising Charles for uniting a divided Congress, and himself risked jeopardizing royal impartiality by saying Charles “would have probably helped us with Iran.” The reference
13 May 2026
Beverly Cheng named new Director, Canada of the Hong Kong Tourism Board
Beverly Cheng has been named the new Director, Canada for the Hong Kong Tourism Board. Cheng, a Toronto native, will be based in Toronto and brings a global perspective shaped by more than a decade living and working in Hong Kong. With a career spanning arts and travel journalism, international hospitality communications, and cultural institution leadership, she brings deep expertise in storytelling, strategic marketing, and destination branding to the role. She began her career in Hong Kong as an arts journalist, immersing herself in the city’s dynamic creative scene and witnessing its evolution into a thriving global arts hub. She later held senior communications roles with global hospitality brands, including Marriott International, where she led communications for a portfolio of 16 hotel brands across Asia Pacific. Most recently, she served as Head of Marketing, Communications and Visitor Experience at The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery in Toronto. Cheng is deeply connected to Hong Kong — both personally and professionally – snf id passionate about showcasing the city as a world-class destination for Canadian travellers. From its award-winning culinary scene and vibrant arts and culture landscape to its easy access to nature, vibrant events, and seamless connectivity, Hong Kong offers a
13 May 2026
The Biggest Ever Collection of Thomas Hardy’s Works is Going on Show in the UK – and It Will Be Free to Visit
Britain’s greatest writers of all time hail from all over country. To discover what made Charles Dickens tick, you go to London or Kent. To see the landscapes that inspired William Wordsworth, ramble in the Lake District. Head to Bath to walk in the footsteps of Jane Austen and explore Yorshire to see what sparked the imaginations of the Brontës. If you’re a particular fan of the words of Thomas Hardy, you go to Dorset. Born near Dorchester in 1840, Thomas Hardy went on to create magnificent pieces of literature, from poems like The Darkling Thrush to classic novels like Tess of the D’Urbervilles, Far from the Madding Crowd and Jude the Obscure. It’s believed that Dorset was the primary inspiration behind his imaginary territory of Wessex. Now, nearly 100 years after his death, you can travel to Dorset to see largest ever Thomas Hardy archive… for free. After a two-year-long cataloging project, this month the Dorset History Centre in Dorchester has made the archive accessible to the public. Photograph: Dorset Museum & Art Gallery, held by Dorset History Centre The archive is made of more than 100 boxes that contain notebooks, photographs and over 5,000 letters written by Hardy. On top of all of that, there’s school exercise books, architectural
13 May 2026
International Pet Travel: The Microchip, Passport, and Vaccine Requirements You Need to Know
Airlines have opened the door to pet travel in a big way, but border control has tightened its grip just as quickly. A ticket gets booked in minutes, yet one overlooked detail can stop a pet at check-in or worse, at arrival. A date mismatch, a missing number, or a document issued too early can trigger delays, quarantine, or a denied entry stamp. In April 2026, updated European Union rules placed heavier scrutiny on documentation accuracy, especially around microchip and vaccine sequencing. This change tells you everything you need to know about modern pet travel. It’s no longer about having the right pieces, but about having them line up perfectly. The Microchip Comes First, Every Time Image via Getty Images/youngvet The microchip is the anchor for everything else. It’s a tiny device, usually ISO 11784 or 11785-compliant, that carries a 15-digit number linking your pet to every document that follows. The microchip has to be implanted before the rabies vaccine used for travel. If the order is reversed, that vaccine may be rejected for entry into places like the EU. Under the 2026 updates, officials are paying closer attention to this sequence, cross-checking implantation dates against vaccination records and health
13 May 2026
HK gov’t mulls 10,000 ride-hailing permits under new framework: report
Hong Kong authorities are considering issuing 10,000 ride-hailing permits under a new regulatory framework for on-demand transport services, according to local media. The Uber app. File photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP. The Hong Kong Economic Journal (HKEJ) reported on Monday, citing unnamed sources, that the government viewed a cap of 10,000 as a “reasonable starting point,” as the figure would not excessively affect taxi drivers’ income or exceed road capacity. Authorities believe that Uber’s suggestion of 30,000 permits is too ambitious, while the taxi trade’s proposal of 3,600 would fail to meet public travel demands, the report said. In a submission to the Legislative Council (LegCo) Panel on Transport on Monday, the government did not specify a final number of permits but noted public opinion favoured a range of 10,000 to 15,000 permits. A government consultancy report conducted between November 2024 and January 2025 estimated that ride-hailing services facilitate about 114,000 trips in Hong Kong on an average day. Meanwhile, the number of active ride-hailing drivers was believed to be fewer than 30,000, as many work part-time, the government said. The government said public opinion remained divided. According to its submission document, some advocate a higher cap because ride-hailing vehicles far outnumber
12 May 2026
The UK Is Set to Get Direct Trains to One of Europe’s Most Beautiful Countries for the First Time Ever
Travelling flight-free around Europe is getting easier by the year. At the start of 2026, the Caledonian Sleeper to the Scottish Highlands picked up passengers from Birmingham for the first time, last week Prague and Copenhagen finally became connected by rail and later this year a brand new train will link Paris to Munich. Now, Eurostar is making moves towards introducing direct journeys from London to Switzerland. If it goes ahead, the journey would mark the first time ever that Brits can reach Switzerland via one direct train. The cross-Channel rail operator has signed a ‘memorandum of understanding’ with Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) and French SNCF Voyageurs, agreeing to establish a potential direct connection between the two countries. At the moment, people travelling from London St Pancras have to take the Eurostar to Paris then change to a TGV Lyria train to Zurich – that whole journey takes seven and a half hours. A direct route to Basel would cut that time down to around five hours (not much longer than the train journey from London to Glasgow). It would take five and a half hours to reach Geneva and six hours to get to Zurich. Photograph: Shutterstock Eurostar said that the agreement ‘marks an important milestone in the long-term planning
12 May 2026
Why Folkestone Is One of Time Out’s Top Coastal Destinations to Visit in Britain This Year
Beach weather is slowly but surely arriving to the UK. Soon, we hope be spending our weekends basking in glorious sunshine and filling our lungs with fresh sea air. As we await warmer days, the team at Time Out has put together a ranking of the British seaside towns we’re most looking forward to visiting this summer. In the top three were the buzzy Welsh village of Saundersfoot, the fun sister towns of Hastings and St Leonards and the old school resort of Southsea. And in fourth place was ‘creative hotspot’ Folkestone. Here are all the reasons it made the cut. First of all, no trip to Folkestone is complete with an amble around it’s Creative Quarter. Considered the town’s ‘cultural heart’ it’s a cobbled district bursting with colourful indie shops like Objectable and Bounce Vintage, quirky art galleries like 10 Years Time and The Stables Studios, and trendy eateries like Pomus, El Cortador and Folklore. Speaking of eating, there’s a plethora of places worth stopping by elsewhere in the town. Little Rock serves fresh seafood from a freshened-up shipping container on the beach, Rocksalt offers elevated fish dishes on a posh terrace over the water and Brewing Brothers is a beachside craft beer brewhouse with a lineup of delicious pizzas
12 May 2026
Lost wallet scare turns into heartwarming Hong Kong travel memory for Taiwanese tourist
A Taiwanese tourist has praised the kindness of Hongkongers after recovering her lost wallet during her first solo trip to the city. In a social media post that later went viral, the tourist said she had not expected her first trip alone to involve such a dramatic episode. She recalled that toward the end of her visit, on Saturday, May 9, she boarded the Light Rail at around 10.40pm and returned to her hotel at about 11pm. It was not until around 2am that she realized her wallet was missing. Panicked, she searched along the Light Rail route for nearly an hour, going back and forth between stations, but could not find it. Fortunately, she had placed a contact card inside the wallet with her name and phone number. After Light Rail staff found the wallet, they were able to contact her by SMS the following morning. According to the tourist, a man who identified himself as a Light Rail station manager later contacted her through a messaging app, telling her that the wallet had been found inside a Light Rail carriage and taken to the customer service center at Tuen Mun Ferry Pier. He not only gave her detailed
12 May 2026
UK imposes travel bans on 85 Russian individuals over forced deportation of Ukrainian children
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has announced a new sanctions package targeting 85 Russian officials and entities involved in the abduction and “Russification” of Ukrainian children. Measures published on 11 May include asset freezes and *UK travel bans*, immediately rendering the named individuals inadmissible at the border and invalidating any existing visas or electronic travel authorisations. The list encompasses senior figures in the so-called Luhansk People’s Republic, executives at propaganda agency Social Design Agency and staff at the “Warrior Centre,” a military-style youth camp. VisaHQ’s dedicated UK team can help businesses and affected individuals navigate these sudden restrictions by running real-time sanctions screenings, checking entry eligibility and arranging alternative visa solutions for Ukrainian nationals or compliant Russian travellers. Learn more at https://www.visahq.com/united-kingdom/ Under the Immigration Rules, sanctioned persons must be refused entry, and airlines that carry them could face penalties of up to £50,000 per passenger under Section 40 of the Immigration Act. Businesses with supply chains or joint ventures touching Russia or occupied Ukrainian territories should run expedited screening of counterparties and travellers. Mobility teams relocating staff to the UK must ensure no sanctioned individual appears on sponsorship or visitor lists; failure to do so can jeopardise
12 May 2026
UK Government Keeps ‘All but Essential Travel’ Warning for UAE in Force
The United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has confirmed that its advisory against all but essential travel to the United Arab Emirates remains current as of 11 May 2026. The guidance—originally upgraded in February at the height of the Iran conflict—was reviewed again last night and still urges British nationals to defer non-critical trips and to avoid heading to the airport until airlines have re-confirmed reservations. For mobility managers the advisory is more than a formality; most UK travel-insurance policies automatically exclude cover for destinations under an FCDO warning. If, after completing a robust risk assessment, travel must proceed, VisaHQ can help streamline the paperwork. Through its dedicated UAE page (https://www.visahq.com/united-arab-emirates/), the service provides real-time visa requirements, expedited processing and personalised support—resources that can shorten lead times and ease compliance headaches when conditions remain fluid. Firms that send staff to Dubai for sales calls or crew changes therefore face two options: purchase costly specialist war-risk cover, or waive corporate insurance requirements and rely on personal policies—an approach many risk officers reject outright. Although commercial flights between DXB and London, Manchester and Birmingham are operating, schedules remain about 30 percent below pre-crisis capacity. City check-in desks in Dubai and
11 May 2026
Hong Kong Airport To Tsim Sha Tsui Via A25 Bus (1/10 The Price Of Uber, Almost As Fast)
Just a short travel note here on travel to and from Hong Kong International Airport. As tempting as it is to use Uber or taxi, if you’re willing to step on a bus you can get to your destination in Kowloon for almost as fast and a fraction of the price via CityFlyer. I was going to the Chungking Mansions in Tsim Sha Tsui in Kowloon, one of the three areas of Hong Kong. If you’re going to Hong Kong Island or the New Territories, rail travel or Uber may be better, but the CityFlyer bus was easy and cheap here…40.8 HKG per ticket (about 5 USD) on A25 (A21 also works). My default is Uber or other ride share service, but Uber was $48, almost 10x the price of the bus. The bus itself is a double decker and you can tap-to-pay upon boarding using contactless credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay) and mobile wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, Huawei Pay). It could not have been easier…you catch it at the bus depot outside the lower arrivals level. Onboard, there is a luggage rack to store your baggage and seats have USB-A ports. I actually pulled out my
11 May 2026
UK FCDO re-issues ‘all but essential travel’ warning for UAE, urging travellers to confirm flights before heading to airports
The United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) reiterated on 9 May 2026 that it continues to advise against all but essential travel to the United Arab Emirates, citing the risk of renewed Iranian strikes on civilian infrastructure. The travel-advice page, reviewed on 10 May, reminds British nationals that travel within or out of the UAE is undertaken “at your own risk” and that travellers should not proceed to the airport unless their airline has confirmed a reservation. Although the core advisory has remained in place since early March, the FCDO emphasised fresh intelligence indicating that Iranian-aligned groups may target facilities with U.S. or Israeli links—a category that includes several free-zone logistics parks and hotel chains frequented by corporate travellers. The warning also points to the possibility of sudden air-defence interceptions causing falling debris near flight paths. If travel cannot be avoided, a dedicated visa facilitator such as VisaHQ can help reduce administrative hurdles. Its UAE portal (https://www.visahq.com/united-arab-emirates/) offers real-time entry updates, online applications and document-courier options, letting risk managers focus on security planning rather than paperwork. For mobility programmes, the UK stance has two primary effects. First, most corporate travel-insurance policies exclude cover when a journey goes ahead
11 May 2026
Academic believe Thucydides Trap not inevitable between China and US
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
14 May 2026
Taiwan–U.S. Biomedical Collaboration: NYCU and NHRI Co-host with UC Irvine to Advance Big Data in Tumor Biology and Immunology
(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
22 April 2026
Middle East scholar believes US trapped in Iran conflict — set to last for another half a year
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,
12 April 2026
EpicQuest Education Group International Ltd- 詳細介紹、公司背景、業務範圍、財務數據以及市場表現
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
9 April 2026
Forensic scientist Henry Chang-Yu Lee dies at 87 in Nevada, US
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.
3 April 2026
Melania Trump shares spotlight with humanoid robot at White House summit
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
27 March 2026
DOJ files lawsuit against Harvard for not addressing antisemitism
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
21 March 2026
NYCU Students Win Global Championship at JAXA’s Kibo-RPC Space Robotics Programming Challenge
(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.
11 March 2026
電視|Hong Kong Connection |Returning to academia
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
9 March 2026
台北市英僑商務協會宣布吳禹萱Vicki Wu升任執行長 持續深化英台商務合作 – 生活新聞
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
2 March 2026
US sentiment remains dim, with consumers facing higher prices and weaker incomes
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
24 February 2026
Insider Confidence Drives Growth In December 2025
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
24 February 2026
‘Massive’ untapped oil and gas reserves discovered beneath the Permian. What will it take to tap it?
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
24 February 2026
Governor Lamont and U.S. Senator Blumenthal Join University of Bridgeport to Showcase Robotics Competitions and STEM Pathways
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
24 February 2026
Indiana State University Partners with InScribe to Strengthen Online Student Success
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
24 February 2026
Cambridge Judge Business School Executive Education launches the Chief Revenue Officer Programme in collaboration with Emeritus
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
23 February 2026
Fake Fee Requests Con Parents Out of Thousands at UK Private Schools, says New IRIS Education Research
– 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
17 February 2026
SAUDI ARABIA LAUNCHES THE HUMAN CAPABILITY INITIATIVE CONFERENCE 2026 THEMED “THE HUMAN CODE,” UNITED KINGDOM NAMED COUNTRY OF HONOR
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
17 February 2026
深耕英國教育與台英交流 英國教育界領袖Rich Smith獲英王查爾斯三世新年授勳OBE – 生活新聞
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
9 February 2026
India’s Top Educational Institute partners with Durham University to expand research & innovation across UK & Europe
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
9 February 2026
Doral College and UNINETTUNO International Telematic University Announce Italy-USA Dual Degree Program
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
5 February 2026
The Ralph Lauren Corporate Foundation to Open Fourth Center in the US with the University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center
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
5 February 2026
Online learners benefit from ASU’s top-ranked business programs
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,
5 February 2026
Under Armour CEO says micromanagement is ‘underestimated.’ Steve Jobs and Elon Musk would agree
Under Armour CEO Kevin Plank told Graham Bensinger in a YouTube interview published in September 2025 he believes in micromanagement “at certain levels.” “I think it’s totally underestimated,” said Plank, who founded Under Armour in 1996. “I think there’s too much loss on pretense or structure or process. Like, that’s great, but the right answer will save us a lot of time.” Plank’s stance cuts against a Gen Z workforce that has loudly rejected micromanagement. Plank, a boomerang CEO who took a brief hiatus from the athletic-wear company from 2020 to 2024, said he believes in an 80-20 rule for management. His priority is to “get it right” by focusing on the correct solutions to problems while allowing creativity and flexibility to remain. “We do need structure in place, but we also need to build in the fact that the market is not going to wait 18 months for all of our products,” he said. “And so we need the speed of market. We need to be able to get things to market in 12 months, nine months, six months. And that shouldn’t feel like a burden or wait.” Is micromanagement actually good for business? To achieve this, Plank said
15 May 2026
Why is China suddenly fascinated by Elon Musk’s son’s ‘Tiger Bag’?
(Image Credits: Instagram) What looked like a harmless children’s accessory in a room filled with diplomats and billionaires turned into one of China’s most unexpected viral online conversations. People are suddenly obsessing over an adorable ‘tiger bag’ spotted on Elon Musk’s son, X Æ A-Xii, also known as Lil X online.Chinese platforms quickly started to decode everything from its cultural relevance to symbolism, as the piece was crafted by a traditional handicraft fashion brand in Guangxi. At the Trump-Xi summit, Lil X accompanied his father to the Great Hall of the People, where Chinese Premier Li Qiang met with top American business leaders. (Image Credits: Instagram) But in a room filled with renowned billionaires, this little man stole the show. For the occasion, he wore a dark pair of adorable trousers with a crisp white shirt and layered them with a light blue Chinese-style embroidered silk vest, which had beautiful floral and bird-thread detailing. But his accessory was wthe deal-breaker, as he was seen carrying a charming tiger-shaped crossbody bag, which immediately started a conversation online.This now-viral bag has roots in playful folk-style craftsmanship, aligned with traditional Chinese aesthetics. The bag was designed by a handicraft fashion brand, YASTEE, which
15 May 2026
Smithsonian Presidents Exhibit Reopens With Low-Key Trump Impeachment Mention
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,
15 May 2026
Trump’s China visit left chip export issue unresolved
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
15 May 2026
The Valuation Tool Warren Buffett Referred to as “Probably the Best Single Measure of Where Valuations Stand” Has Sounded an Alarm for Wall Street
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
15 May 2026
Elon Musk just admitted that CEO of one of the world’s biggest technology company is indeed his ‘true friend’
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
15 May 2026
Letters to the editor, May 15: ‘Mark Carney may be keeping Alberta happy, but the rest of Canada would be paying the piper’
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
15 May 2026
We chose Amazon Leo and not Spacex because we want to work with a company that …
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
15 May 2026
Readout of President Trump’s Meeting With Chinese President Xi Jinping
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
15 May 2026
After four bloody years, the war on Ukraine might be turning into Putin’s undoing | Rajan Menon
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
15 May 2026
Warren Buffett, Stephen Curry lunch auction fetches $9 million for charity
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
15 May 2026
How Should Southeast Asia Respond to Carney’s Davos Clarion Call?
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
15 May 2026
China to buy U.S. oil to feed its ‘insatiable appetite,’ Trump tells Fox News
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
15 May 2026
Trump set to meet with China’s Xi for second day of Beijing summit
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.
15 May 2026
Politics Insider: Alberta must respect Indigenous rights if separation vote held, Carney says
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
15 May 2026
While Donald Trump Adventures in China, D.C. Entertains Itself
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
15 May 2026
Closing arguments begin in Elon Musk’s landmark lawsuit against OpenAI | Elon Musk News
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
14 May 2026
Taking a Good, Long Look Into Elon Musk and “Muskism”
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
14 May 2026
Dow retakes 50,000 level, S&P 500 and Nasdaq surge to fresh records as AI trade roars back
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
14 May 2026
Canada to double electricity generation in next 2 decades: Carney
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
14 May 2026
These celebrities love to vacation in Muskoka: Shania Twain, Cindy Crawford, Justin Bieber and more
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
14 May 2026
Trump to join prayer gathering criticized for promoting Christian nationalism
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
14 May 2026
Putin says Russia intends to create technological alliances with other countries
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
14 May 2026
100+ events, Mona Lisa to DJ Snake
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
14 May 2026
Hong Kong sourcing trade shows get a digital remake
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
14 May 2026
These 3 Hong Kong beaches could soon become the city’s biggest party spots
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
29 April 2026
International DJ Baby J brings her Asia tour to Hong Kong
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
26 April 2026
Felix at The Peninsula Hong Kong has launched DJ nights spinning vinyl records on Thursdays
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
26 April 2026
Rosanna Law declares Hong Kong a sports events hub, calling on fans to enjoy upcoming ‘football feast’
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
21 April 2026
International events boost hotel bookings to 90% in HK
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
20 April 2026
Hong Kong counts down to National Security Education Day with events rallying public for shared security responsibility
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
13 April 2026
The Future Of Finance Unfolds In Hong Kong: Must-Attend Web3 And Crypto Events This April
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
12 April 2026
DJs Tye Turner and Sgamo to perform in Art Week Afterparty this March
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
2 April 2026
Tourism chief touts National Games success, eyes merchandising to boost future events
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
30 March 2026
Tech powerhouse, China gateway, talent magnet: How Hong Kong is coming for the world’s best
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
29 March 2026
Global Talent Summit Week flagship events conclude while reinforcing Hong Kong’s role as international talent hub (with photos)
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
25 March 2026
BEST FORTUNE. WORLD PARTY. Hong Kong Unveils a Spectacular Year of the Horse Celebration
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.
25 March 2026
Discover a season of arts and sports mega events in Hong Kong
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
24 March 2026
Discover a Season of Arts and Sports Mega Events in Hong Kong
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
24 March 2026
Hong Kong Entertainment Expo 2026 Launches with Major International Events and Celebrations
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
23 March 2026
‘Sports and entertainment combine to boost economy’
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
20 March 2026
Eight LIV Golfers Stuck In Middle East Make It Safely To Hong Kong
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
6 March 2026
13 arts and culture events in March: from Asia Coffee Music Festival to the Hong Kong debut of Stella Cole
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
4 March 2026
Lunar New Year: Global celebrations welcome Year of the Fire Horse | Arts and Culture News
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
27 February 2026
Chinese New Year Flower Market 2026
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
25 February 2026
Wealth Planning, Structuring Forum – HK | Event
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
25 February 2026
Trump turns White House Covid information site into page pushing Chinese lab leak theory
A US federal website that used to feature information on vaccines, testing and treatment for Covid-19 has been transformed into a page supporting the theory that the pandemic originated with a lab leak. The covid.gov website shows a photo of US President Donald Trump walking between the words “lab” and “leak” under a White House heading. It mentions that Wuhan, China, where the coronavirus first began spreading, is home to a research lab with a history of conducting virus research with “inadequate biosafety levels”. The web page also accuses Anthony Fauci, the former director of the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, of pushing a “preferred narrative” that Covid-19 originated in nature. The origins of Covid-19 have never been proven. Scientists are unsure whether the virus jumped from an animal, as many other viruses have, or came from a laboratory accident. A US intelligence analysis released in 2023 said there is insufficient evidence to prove either theory. 03:18 Beijing rejects US agency report saying Covid-19 likely emerged from Chinese lab leak Beijing rejects US agency report saying Covid-19 likely emerged from Chinese lab leak It is common for government websites to get a makeover from one administration to
18 April 2025
WHO chief urges pandemic accord action after US withdrawal from negotiations
The head of the World Health Organization insisted on Monday it was “now or never” to strike a landmark global accord on tackling future pandemics, after the United States withdrew from negotiations. WHO director general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said no country could protect itself from the next pandemic on its own – three days after US President Donald Trump’s administration told the UN health agency it was leaving the pandemic agreement talks. “We are at a crucial point as you move to finalise the pandemic agreement in time for the World Health Assembly” in May, Tedros told WHO members at the opening of the week-long 13th round of negotiations in Geneva. “It really is a case of now or never. But I am confident that you will choose ‘now’ because you know what is at stake. “You remember the hard-won lessons of Covid-19, which left an estimated 20 million of our brothers and sisters dead, and which continues to kill.” A further one-week session is planned before the WHO’s annual assembly. Source link
17 February 2025
CIA now says Covid-19 ‘more likely’ to have come from a lab
The US Central Intelligence Agency has assessed that the Covid-19 pandemic is “more likely” to have emerged from a lab rather than from nature, an agency spokesperson said on Saturday. The agency had for years said it could not conclude whether Covid-19 was the result of a lab incident or it originated in nature. But in the final weeks of the Biden administration, former CIA director William Burns asked CIA analysts and scientists to make a clear determination, stressing the pandemic’s historical significance, according to a senior US official. The CIA says it has “low confidence” in its assessment that a “research-related origin of the Covid-19 pandemic is more likely” and notes in its statement that both scenarios – lab origin and natural origin – remain plausible. The Chinese embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment. 03:18 Beijing rejects US agency report saying Covid-19 likely emerged from Chinese lab leak Beijing rejects US agency report saying Covid-19 likely emerged from Chinese lab leak It was unclear the extent to which the agency has collected new intelligence on Covid-19’s origins and whether that new evidence was used to formulate the latest assessment. Source link
25 January 2025
Health care experts reflect on COVID 5 years later | COVID-19
Dr. Sydney Sewall fills a syringe with the COVID-19 vaccine at the Augusta Armory, Dec. 21, 2021, in Augusta, Maine. File/Robert F. Bukaty/AP The vaccines aren’t perfect. They do a good job of preventing severe disease, hospitalization and death, and have proven very safe, with only rare serious side effects. But protection against milder infection begins to wane after a few months. Like flu vaccines, COVID-19 shots must be updated regularly to match the ever-evolving virus — contributing to public frustration at the need for repeated vaccinations. Efforts to develop next-generation vaccines are underway, such as nasal vaccines that researchers hope might do a better job of blocking infection. The good news for the future pandemics is that same mRNA platform that produced the COVID-19 vaccines can and is being adapted for other viruses, Sweat said. For instance, a mRNA vaccine against bird flu — the H5N1 virus currently infecting birds and dairy herds in the U.S. that has sickened some farmworkers and killed a Louisiana man recently — has already shown success in animal testing. Which variant is dominating now? Genetic changes called mutations happen as viruses make copies of themselves. And this virus has proven to be no different. Scientists
15 January 2025
Five years after Covid, we scorn health workers, ignore vaccines and work in our offices – The Irish Times
How often do I think of Covid? Only about a dozen times a day, whenever I wash my hands. It was quite something, in my early 60s, to realise that an action I had been performing all my life had to be relearned. The automatic had to become conscious: more time spent kneading between the fingers, that twist of the thumbs, soap up beyond the wrist. But is this the only thing we learned to do better, the only dead habit we managed to slough off? Five years ago today, the World Health Organisation announced it had found evidence that what it would call the Sars-CoV-2 virus could be transmitted from human to human. This was the moment when a vague disturbance from somewhere over the horizon began to press on our reality. Do you remember how it felt, a week later, when the Centres for Disease Control in the US issued that visual image, created by the artists Alissa Eckert and Dan Higgins, of the virus itself – a grey ball flecked with yellow and orange spots and studded with red triangles? First graphic of Covid-19 released by the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention in January 2020.
15 January 2025
The mystery of why Covid-19 seems to be becoming milder
Getty Images (Credit: Getty Images) Covid-19 is now ubiquitous – but hospitalisations seem to be on a downward trajectory. No one knows why. The latest descendant of the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2, XEC had arisen through recombination, a process where two other variants had forged their genetic material together. Tests seemed to indicate that this would easily allow it to evade the immune protection offered by past infections or the latest iterations of the Covid-19 vaccines, based on the older JN.1 and KP.2 variants. “The spike protein is quite different from previous variants, so it was quite easy to assume that XEC has the potential to evade immunity induced by JN.1 infection,” says Kei Sato, a virology professor at the University of Tokyo, who carried out one of the first studies of XEC, published in December 2024. Getty Images Some strains of Covid-19 have only ever been found in sewage (Credit: Getty Images) In the US, infectious disease specialists braced themselves for an immediate surge in hospitalisations in the wake of the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. But it didn’t happen. Surveillance testing carried out by measuring Covid in wastewater samples across major cities indicated that XEC was definitely infecting people. However,
15 January 2025
REPORT: The Biden-Harris Administration Roadmap for Pandemic Preparedness and Response
President Biden came into office facing the worst public health crisis in more than a century. COVID-19 was wreaking havoc on our country – closing our businesses, keeping our kids out of school, and forcing communities into isolation and lockdown. In the first year of the pandemic, nearly 400,000 Americans died of COVID-19. Even before taking office, President-elect Biden recognized that the U.S. needed an emergency response that was worthy of the crisis it faced – a response that would leave no stone unturned and that would leverage the full force of the federal government, the innovation of the private sector, and the determination of the American people. Building on decades of research and planning efforts, President Biden, on his first full day in office, released the first comprehensive National Strategy for the COVID-19 Response and Pandemic Preparedness. This strategy focused on building a response to this virus that would give people the tools and transparent communication they needed to protect themselves, reopen our schools, and get our economy moving again. The following report outlines the numerous actions the Biden-Harris Administration took to combat COVID-19 both nationally and globally, and it serves as a roadmap for how the U.S.
15 January 2025
Nebraska has one of highest flu rates as four viruses sweep across nation
LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Influenza, COVID-19, RSV and norovirus are being reported at above-average rates across the United States. It’s normal to see a spike in respiratory illness this time a year, especially after the holidays, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said 35 states have reported “high numbers” of these four viruses. For the flu alone, over 5 million cases have been reported this season, including 63,000 hospitalizations and 2,700 deaths. “A big component of them is all a result of having increase proximity, having increase contaminated surfaces, being inside more, being close to one another,” said Dr. Jessica Heckman, a primary care physician at Family Medicine of Lincoln. Nebraska has one of the highest rates of flu cases in the week ending Jan. 4. Dr. Eric Johnson from CHI Health Clinic said there are particularly strong strains of viruses this year, which is likely causing higher numbers than normal. Medical professionals recommend staying hydrated, wearing a mask and, most importantly, washing your hands. Tags: CDC, center for disease control, COVID-!(, death, disease, Eric Johnson, flu, health, hospital, hydration, Illness, influenza, Jessica Heckman, lancaster, lincoln, mask, Nebraska, norovirus, respiratory illness, RSV, sick, United States, us, USA, viral
15 January 2025
70 mil. COVID cases, 130,000 deaths in 5 yrs since outbreak in Japan
As Japan marks five years on Wednesday since its first confirmed case of COVID-19, government data show that over 70 million people in the country are estimated to have contracted the virus as of March last year, while total deaths stood at 130,000 as of last August. While yearly deaths have declined since peaking during the Omicron variant surge in 2022, fatalities remain significantly higher than for influenza, with the virus continuing to spread seasonally in summer and winter. Yuki Furuse, a professor of infectious diseases at the University of Tokyo, noted that while it was expected that the majority of Japan’s population would get infected at some point, “the rapid development of effective vaccines, combined with other countermeasures, helped reduce the severity of outbreaks.” File photo taken in February 2022 shows medical personnel transporting a COVID-19 patient to the Center Hospital of the National Center for Global Health and Medicine in Tokyo. (Kyodo) “COVID-19 will continue to place a burden on society. Efforts to reduce that burden, including the establishment of systems for basic infection control, must continue,” he added. Blood tests conducted by the health ministry in March last year in 22 of Japan’s 47 prefectures found that
14 January 2025
China marks muted 5th anniversary of first ‘death’ from the disease that killed 7 million and changed world forever
The fifth anniversary of the first known COVID-19 death passed quietly in China on Saturday, January 11, with no official commemorations, reflecting the pandemic’s status as a taboo subject. On January 11, 2020, Wuhan health officials announced the death of a 61-year-old man from pneumonia linked to a novel virus, later identified as SARS-CoV-2, the cause of COVID-19. This marked the beginning of a global pandemic that has claimed over seven million lives and profoundly impacted life worldwide, including in China.However, no official memorials were observed in China’s tightly controlled state media. The ruling Communist Party, which maintained strict control over public discourse during its “zero-COVID” policy, has avoided reflecting on those measures since abruptly abandoning them in late 2022. Poll What Was the Biggest Challenge for You During the COVID-19 Lockdowns? “Dr. Li, another year has gone by” Social media also showed little awareness of the anniversary. According to a report by news agency AFP, a few videos on Douyin (the Chinese TikTok) mentioned the date but reiterated the official narrative. On Weibo, users commenting on Li Wenliang’s former account, with comments like, “Dr. Li, another year has gone by.” Li Wenliang is the whistleblower doctor who was investigated
14 January 2025
China marks muted fifth anniversary of first Covid death
BEIJING, Jan 11 — The fifth anniversary of the first known death from Covid-19 passed seemingly unnoticed in China today, with no official remembrances in a country where the pandemic is a taboo subject. On Jan 11, 2020, health officials in the central Chinese city of Wuhan announced that a 61-year-old man had died from complications of pneumonia caused by a previously unknown virus. The disclosure came after authorities had reported dozens of infections over several weeks by the pathogen later named SARS-CoV-2 and understood as the cause of Covid-19. It went on to spark a global pandemic that has so far killed over seven million people and profoundly altered ways of life around the world, including in China. Members of a privately-funded NGO working with county officials wearing protective gear fumigate and disinfect on April 15, 2020. — AFP Today, however, there appeared to be no official memorials in Beijing’s tightly controlled official media. The ruling Communist Party kept a tight leash on public discussion throughout its zero-Covid policy, and has eschewed reflections on the hardline curbs since dramatically ditching them at the end of 2022. On social media, too, many users seemed unaware of the anniversary. A few
14 January 2025
Missouri governor cuts $209M from budget because of coronavirus | News
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri’s governor is cutting another $209 million from this year’s budget in response to declining revenues because of the coronavirus. Republican Gov. Mike Parson announced the cuts Monday. The cuts include $123 million in core funding to public K-12 schools and $34 million from four-year public colleges. Much of the cuts to K-12 schools will be offset by federal funding. Parson says the cuts were necessary during what he described as unprecedented bad economic times. The governor has cut a total of $428 million in state funding so far this year. State health officials reported 180 new cases of COVID-19 Monday. The statewide total now stands at 13,327 since the outbreak began, including 775 deaths. Source link
14 January 2025
US coronavirus cases surpass 9 million | News
University of Washington research coordinator Rhoshni Prabhu holds up a swab after testing a passenger at a free COVID testing site in Seattle. Elaine Thompson/AP (CNN) — Coronavirus infections passed 9 million on Friday with the virus spreading across the United States at a faster rate than previously seen. The US added 1 million new COVID-19 cases only 14 days after the nation hit 8 million cases and multiple states continue reporting their highest daily case counts since the pandemic began, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University. This is the fastest the country has added 1 million new cases since the pandemic began. The latest surge of cases appears to be driven by patients with no symptoms, said Dr. Robert Redfield, the director for the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A “silent epidemic” of asymptomatic COVID-19 infections is “moving amongst 12- to 30-year-olds” and then making the jump to older people, Redfield told SiriusXM Doctor Radio Reports on Friday. “This is what is driving the expansion that we’re seeing in the outbreak across the country right now,” he said. A positive diagnosis every second Daily COVID-19 cases in the US hit a new high once again on Friday when health
14 January 2025
China marks muted 5th anniversary of first COVID death
The fifth anniversary of the first known death from COVID-19 passed seemingly unnoticed in China on Saturday, with no official remembrances in a country where the pandemic is a taboo subject. On Jan. 11, 2020, health officials in the central Chinese city of Wuhan announced that a 61-year-old man had died from complications of pneumonia caused by a previously unknown virus. The disclosure came after authorities had reported dozens of infections over several weeks by the pathogen later named SARS-CoV-2 and understood as the cause of COVID-19. Photo: AFP It went on to spark a global pandemic that has so far killed more than 7 million people and profoundly altered ways of life around the world, including in China. However, on Saturday, there appeared to be no official memorials in Beijing’s tightly controlled official media. The Chinese Communist Party kept a tight leash on public discussion throughout its “zero COVID” policy, and has eschewed reflections on the hardline curbs since dramatically ditching them at the end of 2022. On social media, many users seemed unaware of the anniversary. A few videos circulating on Douyin — the Chinese version of TikTok — noted the date, but repeated the official version of
14 January 2025
COVID, five years on: memories of a strange and scary time
When did COVID start for you? Personally, I trace the beginning to Feb. 13, 2020. My wife and I were waiting for a plane at O’Hare when a group of Japan Airlines flight attendants walked past, wearing those masks I’d read about. I snapped a photo and sent it into the city desk. Look: news. Emotionally, it really began in March. The stripped Target shelves. A few hours before Gov. JB Pritzker shut down the restaurants, I popped into Kamehachi for a last sushi fix and was surprised to find myself the lone diner at 12:30 p.m. Watching the chef prepare my order, thinking, with dread: “I’m killing myself for a negi hamachi roll.” Though if you are looking for the very beginning in the Chicago area, I suppose that should be Jan. 13, 2020 — five years ago Monday — when a suburban woman returned from Wuhan, China, where she had been caring for her elderly father, bringing with her the COVID virus. A few days later she felt ill and went to Ascension St. Alexius Medical Center in Hoffman Estates. making her the first person in Illinois, the second in the United States, diagnosed with a disease that,
14 January 2025
What We’ve Learned and What’s Still Unclear
It’s been five years since the COVID-19 pandemic began—and a lot has changed. From early in the pandemic until now, COVID went from causing fear, death, shortages, and uncertainty to being regarded by many people as nothing more than a bad cold. “We opened up the book to COVID five years ago, and the pages were blank. The pages are now filled,” said William Schaffner, MD, an infectious disease specialist and professor at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. Here’s what we know—and still don’t know—about COVID. What We Know About COVID-19 It Can Spread a Few Different Ways At first, there was uncertainty over how the virus spread. Many people wiped down their groceries and used hand sanitizer to avoid getting the virus from contaminated surfaces. Data has shown that SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, is most commonly spread through respiratory droplets and aerosols. “This is clearly a respiratory virus, and it’s extraordinarily infectious,” Thomas Russo, MD, professor and chief of infectious disease at the University at Buffalo, told Verywell. Certain People Are More at Risk Than Others Early in the pandemic, everyone was at risk for developing severe disease from COVID, because they had never been exposed
13 January 2025
Kentucky surpasses 9,000 coronavirus-related deaths | News
This Jan. 22, 2021 photo shows Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman, Gov. Andy Beshear and Kentucky first lady Britainy Beshear placing flags outside the state Capitol in honor of the lives lost to COVID-19. At the time, 3,301 flags were placed at the capitol, which reflected the lives lost as of Jan. 21. As of Oct. 7, 2021, more than 9,000 Kentuckians have died because of the illness. Gov. Andy Beshear’s Communications Office FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Kentucky’s governor says the state’s coronavirus-related death toll has surpassed 9,000. Gov. Andy Beshear says it’s a grim reminder of the trauma still being caused by the pandemic even as virus cases and hospitalizations trend downward. The state’s daily COVID-19 report will be released later Thursday. But the governor says it will include at least 50 more virus-related deaths, pushing the statewide death toll past 9,000. Meanwhile, he says virus-related hospitalizations in Kentucky have dropped 17% in the past week, easing pressure on the state’s beleaguered hospitals. On Jan. 22, Gov. Andy Beshear, Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman and first lady Britainy Beshear took part in a ceremony to honor the memory of those lost to COVID-19 in Kentucky. WATCH: Flags placed at Kentucky Capitol in honor of lives lost
13 January 2025
Missouri health centers to receive grants for coronavirus testing | News
By Rebecca Mosella WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt of Missouri announced $12 million in federal funding is going to 29 health centers across the state. The funding will allow the health centers to expand coronavirus testing, purchase personal protective equipment (PPE), and cover other costs related to COVID-19. Blunt says the money will come from the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act. Missouri health centers have received a total of nearly $30 million through the CARES Act and the first coronavirus response bill, according to a news release. Here’s a list of all 29 health centers, their location and the amount of funding they will receive: Source link
13 January 2025
Pence’s press secretary tests positive for coronavirus, Trump says | News
(CNN) — President Donald Trump confirmed Friday that Vice President Mike Pence’s press secretary, Katie Miller, tested positive for the coronavirus. Miller is now the second White House staff member known to have tested positive for the coronavirus this week, after one of Trump’s personal valets tested positive on Thursday. “She’s a wonderful young woman, Katie, she tested very good for a long period of time and then all of a sudden today she tested positive,” Trump said during a meeting with Republican members of Congress at the White House. The President said that Miller has not come into contact with him but noted that she has been in contact with Pence. Miller was frequently in contact with members of the press, and the White House is now making more coronavirus testing available to journalists, a White House official told CNN’s Jim Acosta. Katie Miller is married to Trump’s senior adviser, Stephen Miller. The announcement came following an hour-long delay to Pence’s Friday morning flight to Iowa, when individuals were seen exiting Air Force Two before the plane lifted off of the tarmac at Joint Base Andrews just outside Washington. A senior administration official told the press pool aboard Air Force Two that a Pence staffer, who
13 January 2025
Book signing coming up for Pisharodi’s new book on the coronavirus – Rio Grande Guardian
Dr. Madhavan Pisharodi, MD, holds a copy of his first book, “Corona: Be Not Proud.” (Photo: RGG/Steve Taylor) BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A book signing ceremony for Brownsville physician Madhavan A. Pisharodi’s new book on the coronavirus takes place next week. The event is being held at the eBridge Center for Business & Commercialization in downtown Brownsville at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 22. Pisharodi’s book is titled: “Corona Be Not Proud.” It provides concrete examples on ways to avoid the next pandemic, such as improving ventilation in homes and offices. The book is available on Amazon.com. “I began writing this book in the year 2020. Over time, the contents and the tone required several revisions. Initially, there was shock and disbelief as the pandemic suddenly impacted our lives. This led me to focus towards studying and promoting various preventative and therapeutic measures,” Pisharodi wrote, in the prologue to his book. However, as time passed, Pisharodi said he was “dismayed” to see that vaccines and many treatments did not significantly alter the course of the pandemic behavior. “In fact, more people died in 2021 than 2020. By 2022, there was a glimmer of hope as the pandemic began to slow down
13 January 2025
Salarius Pharma Merges with AI Drug Designer Decoy Therapeutics, Plans Pan-Coronavirus Drug
Salarius Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: SLRX) and Decoy Therapeutics announced a definitive merger agreement. Decoy’s IMP3ACT™ platform uses AI and ML for rapid peptide conjugate drug design. The combined company, to be named Decoy Therapeutics, will focus on developing peptide conjugate therapeutics for respiratory viruses and cancer. Decoy has secured $7 million in non-dilutive funding from federal governments, corporations, and The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Salarius’ oral small molecule protein degrader SP-3164 will be integrated into Decoy’s pipeline. The new entity will be led by Decoy’s co-founders and include executives from both companies. Decoy aims to file an IND for a pan-coronavirus antiviral within 12 months. The merger is expected to create multiple value-creating inflection points, enhancing shareholder value. Ongoing development of Salarius’ seclidemstat for hematologic cancers will continue, with strategic alternatives being evaluated. Salarius Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: SLRX) e Decoy Therapeutics hanno annunciato un accordo di fusione definitivo. La piattaforma IMP3ACT™ di Decoy utilizza l’IA e il ML per un rapido design di farmaci coniugati a peptidi. La società combinata, che sarà chiamata Decoy Therapeutics, si concentrerà sullo sviluppo di terapie coniugate a peptidi per virus respiratori e cancro. Decoy ha ottenuto 7 milioni di dollari
13 January 2025
Grand jury undercuts Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ claims of COVID crimes
The 144-page final report of the statewide grand jury investigating potential wrongdoing related to the development of COVID-19 vaccines is a remarkable document, though not for the reason its authors, or Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who called for this investigation in 2022, seem to believe. Organized just as the governor was preparing to run for president, the grand jury has been a lingering remnant of headier days for DeSantis, when he and his advisers had grander ambitions not yet extinguished by his frigid rejection in Iowa’s caucus. Key to DeSantis’ presidential strategy was to ride a wave of pandemic-era disenchantment among Republican primary voters, and this grand jury, whose work DeSantis hyped along the way, was intended to brandish the governor’s reputation as his party’s leading science skeptic. But as DeSantis’ campaign wilted near the end of 2023, and his near-certain future as a relatively minor figure in the Trumpified Republican Party came into clearer focus, so too did the grand jury’s usefulness expire. And so it had mostly faded from public consciousness until this week, when, to little fanfare, state officials unsealed the final report disclosing the grand jury’s conclusion: It found no evidence of criminal activity by vaccine
12 January 2025
Five Years On: COVID-19 Anniversary of First Reported Death in Wuhan
Today marks a grim anniversary of a virus that shocked and changed the world for months on end. On this date in 2020, health authorities in the central Chinese city of Wuhan reported the first death of what was then known as the coronavirus. Nearly two months later, in mid-March, Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Janice Fitzgerald, identified the first presumptive case of COVID-19. Two weeks later, then-Premier Dwight Ball relayed the first death of COVID-19 in this province. Five years later, things have dropped drastically. From December 29th to January 4th, there were two hospitalizations due to COVID-19 and no deaths. Source link
12 January 2025
