“Could there be a strike this weekend? Absolutely,” said Tom Barrack. File The United States could strike Iran as soon as this weekend, a US envoy said Friday, after mounting threats by both Washington and Israel. “Could there be a strike this weekend? Absolutely,” Tom Barrack, the US ambassador to Turkey and point man on
New Delhi: Abdul Majid Hakeem Ilahi, the representative of Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, on Friday called the United States the “weakest” country in the world, saying it failed to achieve its objective in the ongoing war between the two countries. Speaking at the NDTV World Summit 2026, Ilahi said the US had three main
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korea on Friday proposed military talks with North Korea to resolve disagreements about where their border lies and prevent accidental clashes in frontline areas, seeking to ease tensions after recent landmine blasts injured three South Korean soldiers. It’s unclear whether North Korea will agree to talks. Authoritarian leader Kim
Donald Trump called Elon Musk and asked him to lift restrictions on Ukraine’s use of Starlink. US President Donald Trump called Elon Musk and asked him to lift restrictions on Ukraine’s use of Starlink, the Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday, citing US officials. The Starlink system was working more normally on Thursday, shortly after the Trump-Musk conversation, according to US and Ukrainian officials cited by the Journal. Some Ukrainian officials told the newspaper the system was not restored to full functionality but was working at higher speeds than under the cap. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said earlier on Thursday that Starlink speed had not been restored for Ukraine, adding that he hoped for talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in the coming days. Trump told Musk he was frustrated the system’s speeds remained capped at around 100 mph (160 kph), the Journal said, citing officials. Rubio said on Wednesday that decisions regarding Ukraine’s access to Starlink were up to its parent company SpaceX and its CEO Musk, not the White House. Ukraine uses Starlink for battlefield communications and drone operations. Restricting the satellite service hampered the country’s attack and air defense drone missions against Russia. (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.) Show full article Source link
Sussex crime news query ChatGPT Research has shown that popular AI chatbots such as ChatGPT and Google Gemini often ignore local publishers, even on queries about local issues such as council decisions and crime. The research by AI search visibility specialists Searchable found that ChatGPT cites national newspapers (18.8%) almost as much as local ones (21.2%), even on a local query. ChatGPT also tends to prioritise online updates direct from local councils, as opposed to reporting on them – going to council or government sources for 81.3% of questions, and local news sources for just 0.9%. Out of the top 20 news sources cited by ChatGPT for local queries, for example, there is only one local news title, Wales Online, which is in 18th place ranking behind multiple national titles, Wikipedia and Facebook. Up to 10% of news-related prompting is for local news issues, the research found. The research comes as Ofcom’s latest 2026 News Report revealed that one in five people in the UK now use AI apps as a source of news, with AI use for news most prevalent among 25 to 34-year-olds (37%). The Searchable researchers used 30,000 prompts, asking 20 unique questions about 100 UK towns and cities to five different AI assistants: ChatGPT, Perplexity, Google Gemini, along with Google’s AI Mode search, and AI Overviews (which appear at the top of Google searches). Queries covered subjects such as where to find local news, crime, planning, housing, roads, council decisions, sport and local events The 244,725 citations across five AI chatbots drew on 10,000 unique websites. On crime queries, police force websites supplied 57.8% of the answers and appeared in 95.9% of them. The research focused on both established local newspapers and on less established news sites that post local news regularly. Chris Donnelly, Searchable CEO, explained
The patient suffering from the virus has died. (Representational Image) Paris: French health authorities said Thursday that the Shamonda virus, which usually affects livestock, had been detected in a human for the first time, in a severely immunocompromised patient who died earlier this month. “Despite circulating in Africa and Asia for several decades, the Shamonda virus has never previously been detected in humans,” the health and agriculture ministries said in a joint statement. They said there was “no health risk to the general public identified at this time”, adding that the human infection appeared to be “an exceptional case involving a severely immunocompromised patient” hospitalised for a serious medical condition. (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.) Show full article Source link
It was not immediately clear how Aris — who lives in the United Kingdom — spoke to his mother Naypyidaw: The son of Myanmar’s Aung San Suu Kyi said Thursday he was allowed to speak to the detained former democratic leader for the first time in more than five years. “Today, I was finally able to speak with my mother, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, after more than five years. Hearing her voice again means more than words can express,” Kim Aris said in a post on Facebook. Suu Kyi is under house arrest in the capital, Naypyidaw, according to Myanmar authorities, where she has been sequestered since being unseated in a 2021 military coup. It was not immediately clear how Aris — who lives in the United Kingdom — spoke to his mother, who won the 1991 Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts to bring democracy to Myanmar. However, he posted images accompanying his Facebook post which appeared to show him standing outside the Myanmar embassy in London. “I am deeply grateful to everyone who has stood by my mother and me. I believe your voices helped make this moment possible,” his Facebook post said. “But my mother is 81 and remains unjustly detained. One conversation is not regular family access.” (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.) Show full article Source link
Starbucks customers in China will now have to buy something before taking a seat in its cafés, as the coffee chain tightens its rules on who can use its stores. The policy took effect nationwide on Thursday, with Starbucks China announcing the change a day earlier and confirming that stores would display notices explaining the new arrangements. The company said staff would receive standardised service guidelines and support to help them handle the rules courteously, according to Xinhua. Starbucks China has also said that staff should prioritise pregnant women, people with limited mobility, and others who need assistance. In its announcement, Starbucks China said staff would follow standardised service guidelines and communicate with customers in a friendly manner, handling “reasonable unexpected needs and special circumstances” appropriately. Customers had been occupying seats at Starbucks cafés in China without ordering, sometimes staying for long periods, according to The Paper, which visited two outlets in Shanghai earlier this week. Starbucks customers in China will now have to buy something before taking a seat in its cafés, as the coffee chain tightens its rules on who can use its stores (Reuters) Staff at both cafés said the problem tended to arise in the evenings, particularly in outdoor seating areas. During the reporters’ visits, some customers were sitting outside without having bought anything, although staff said they generally did not intervene when seats were available. Starbucks has spent years selling more than coffee in China, building its cafés around the idea of a “third place” between home and work, where customers can meet friends, work, or linger over a drink. However, that approach has also allowed people to occupy tables for long periods without buying anything, prompting complaints from paying customers who struggle to find a seat. The competition is particularly fierce with Luckin Coffee,
US Rep. Ilhan Omar will move out of her Washington, D.C., home that federal agents searched last week, she said Wednesday, noting that attention brought on by the raid has made her feel unsafe there. Federal authorities are investigating potential fraud in Ilhan Omar’s family’s immigration paperwork and have issued grand jury subpoenas to some of her relative. (Reuters) Federal authorities are investigating potential fraud in her family’s immigration paperwork and have issued grand jury subpoenas to some of her relatives, a person briefed on the investigation told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss an ongoing investigation. Also Read I Ilhan Omar update: Trump says Democrat ‘could be in jail’ as family is seen at home amid DNA investigation Omar, who was born in Somalia and is a naturalized U.S. citizen, said Wednesday in her first interview since the search that she is “confident in the fact that I didn’t do anything wrong.” Omar rattled by home search The progressive Minnesota Democrat has been a frequent critic and target of President Donald Trump, who has on multiple occasions pushed for the prosecution of his perceived political enemies. In the interview with MS NOW, Omar said she was rattled by the search weeks out from the Nov. 3 midterms, which will decide control of the House and Senate. She is running for reelection in a deep blue district centered in Minneapolis and is expected to retain her seat. Omar recalled waking around 6 a.m. to Homeland Security investigators banging on her door with a warrant. They searched for four or five hours and seized 17 items, including phones, notebooks, a Somali language children’s book and a vintage camera that her husband had received as a gift, she said. The Justice Department has shared
Iran’s state television reported that seven oil tankers were either struck by attacks or hit naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz overnight Thursday, possibly making this the largest single-day number of vessels damaged in the waterway since the Iran war started on Feb. 28. 7 oil tankers damaged in Strait of Hormuz, Iran’s state television reports Iran’s state television reported that seven oil tankers caught fire and were damaged overnight Thursday after being targeted or striking naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz. If verified, it would be the largest single-day number of vessels damaged in the waterway since the start of the Iran war on Feb. 28 when the United States and Israel launched joint strikes against Iran. Quoting a statement by the Revolutionary Guard’s navy, the Iranian report said that four of the tankers were transferring oil when they were targeted and caught fire. Another three were damaged and immobilized when they hit naval mines. The report didn’t provide details about possible casualties or the flags of the tankers. The report also warned the Revolutionary Guard may target U.S. bases in the region if the U.S. tried to allow oil tankers to transit through other parts of the strait. The Revolutionary Guard had routinely targeted U.S. bases in Gulf countries during the war. Yemen’s government warns Houthi rallies could be targeted Yemen’s Defense Ministry said Thursday Houthi rallies and mobilization programs will be considered legitimate military targets and warned residents in Houthi-held areas against taking part. The announcement was shared in a social media post and is considered a major escalation against the Iran-backed Houthi rebels as well as civilians living in areas under their control. Deliberate attacks on civilians could amount to a war crime. Rallies and what Houthis call “cultural courses” are one of the
New Delhi: Europe is witnessing waves of protests across several countries, including France, Spain, Portugal, Italy and Albania, with the high cost of living, housing shortages and economic pressures emerging as common themes. While US President Donald Trump has linked the unrest in France to migration and Islam, Europe has mostly been dealing with the aftermath of one of the continent’s biggest refugee crises in modern history: the displacement caused by the Russia-Ukraine war. Largest displacement crisis in Europe since World War II By the end of 2025, there were 5.9 million Ukrainian refugees worldwide, with more than 5 million hosted across Europe, according to UNHCR. “The war in Ukraine has been the fastest-growing and largest displacement crisis in Europe since World War II and has precipitated a regional refugee response of commensurate scale,” UNHCR said. As the war entered its fourth year, Ukraine became the world’s second-largest source country for refugees after Venezuela. Refugees and asylum seekers in Europe In 2025, Ukrainians were the largest refugee and asylum-seeker population in Europe, ahead of Syrians and Afghans. The arrival of millions of Ukrainians since 2022 has placed additional pressure on housing, education, healthcare and social services across several European countries. “The refugee crisis in Ukraine represents an unprecedented burden for Europe,” Habitat for Humanity said, noting that millions of displaced Ukrainians have faced challenges accessing housing, healthcare, education and social services. Moreover, several Central and Eastern European countries were not major destinations for asylum seekers before the war and were forced to rapidly expand their capacity to accommodate large numbers of refugees. Refugees from Ukraine into Europe The war triggered an unprecedented surge in Ukrainian migration to Europe. Before the invasion, the number of Ukrainian refugees and asylum seekers in European countries was relatively small, standing at around 30,000 in
This satellite image from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shows Tropical Storm Vance strengthening in the Pacific Ocean on Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026. (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration via AP) (Uncredited, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) MIAMI – Tropical Storm Vance formed Wednesday in the Pacific Ocean, the National Hurricane Center said. The center of the cyclone was at sea and posed no threat to land. Vance was located about 520 miles (835 kilometers) south of Acapulco, Mexico. Maximum sustained winds were around 40 mph (65 kph), according to an advisory from the Miami-based hurricane center. Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Source link
Europe woke up last Friday to another belligerent outburst from Donald Trump – this time berating Ukraine’s wartime leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy again. Just a few days after his diesel deal with the Kremlin, the US president said Zelenskyy was more difficult to deal with than Vladimir Putin and blamed Ukraine’s leader for rocketing oil prices – without any reference to the impact of his own war on Iran. The contrast in Europe was obvious. When Zelenskyy walked into the multi-coloured summit room of the European Council headquarters in Brussels that Friday morning, the EU’s 27 leaders burst into applause, getting to their feet to offer big hugs and brisk handshakes. European Council president António Costa told Zelenskyy and the media: “This is no time to withdraw the support to Ukraine,” calling instead for increased pressure on Russia. Zelenskyy was thankful, pointedly saying he was happy to have “huge support” from “real leaders”. The symbolism was powerful. As US support crumbles, Europe seems to be stepping up. According to the Kiel Institut’s Ukraine Support Tracker, Europe – including non-EU countries such as the UK and Norway – has spent €236bn supporting Ukraine from 2022 to April 2026, compared with a US outlay of €115bn. While Trump is weakening sanctions, Europe is promising more. The EU has passed 21 rounds of sanctions against Russia and last year agreed to raise a €90bn loan for Ukraine – an unprecedented sum for a non-member state. Meanwhile the EU has opened accession negotiations with Kyiv and given shelter to 4.4million Ukrainian refugees. Behind the declarations of Europe’s enduring support, the outlook is more complex and less encouraging for Ukraine, as it approaches its fifth winter since the launch of Russia’s all-out invasion. First, Europe is not able to replace US military dominance in areas such
Regime change doesn’t translate into economic recovery or chart a country’s growth path, recent data from South Asia shows. Economic indicators in some South Asian countries have shown signs of gradual improvement following major political upheavals, but they have yet to fully recover, with persistent challenges regarding GDP growth, inflation and trade. Data compiled from the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) World Economic Outlook 2026 and World Trade Organization (WTO) trade statistics tracks economic performance around leadership changes in five countries. Data compiled from the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) World Economic Outlook 2026 and World Trade Organization (WTO) trade statistics tracks economic performance around leadership changes in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, the Maldives and Nepal. These include Imran Khan’s removal as Pakistan’s prime minister in April 2022, Sheikh Hasina’s ouster in Bangladesh in August 2024, and political transitions in Nepal, Sri Lanka and the Maldives. While some indicators have improved, the data shows that economic recovery has been uneven across the region. The figures cover different periods for each country and do not, by themselves, establish that political changes caused the observed economic trends. Pakistan: GDP growth recovered after contracting in 2023 Pakistan’s economic indicators showed a sharp slowdown after former prime minister Imran Khan was removed through a no-confidence vote in April 2022. GDP growth, which stood at 6.2% in 2022, contracted to -0.2% in 2023 before reaching 2.6% in 2024 and 3.2% in 2025, according to the data. Inflation rose from 8.9% in 2021 to 29.2% in 2023, before easing to 23.4% in 2024. Trade figures also showed a contraction, with exports declining 7.9% in 2023 and imports falling 29.2%. Bangladesh: Growth slowed after Sheikh Hasina’s removal Bangladesh recorded GDP growth of 4.2% in 2024, the year when Sheikh Hasina was ousted from power amid massive student-led protests in
“INEVER MEANT to start a war…I just closed my eyes and swung,” sings Miley Cyrus in “Wrecking Ball”, a break-up ballad that seemed to play on every American radio in 2013. Though melodically a bit relentless, the pop song deserves a revival as a guide to the second-term statecraft of President Donald Trump. President Donald Trump speaks in the Oval Office of the White House, Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026, in Washington. AP/PTI(AP10_21_2026_000003A) (AP) It is clear that traditional foreign-policy theories are a poor guide to Mr Trump. That offers both risks and opportunities to anyone running to be America’s next president. This newspaper has noted Mr Trump’s wrecking-ball tendencies before, but in the two years before the next presidential election his yen for demolition has a specific impact. It has broken the “pendulum theory”, a once-reliable tool for predicting American foreign policy. Going back to Richard Nixon and his successor Jimmy Carter, most presidents have (over-)corrected for the biggest flaws of the guy who came before. In reaction to Tricky Dick’s devious realpolitik, the Carter presidency offered hairshirt moralising. Before long, voters felt that America was disrespected and chose can-do Reaganite optimism. When Americans wearied of George H.W. Bush, a wise but stiff statesman, they elected feel-your-pain Bill Clinton. After shoot-from-the-hip George W. Bush, Americans fell for cool, cerebral Barack Obama, before souring on haughty brainiacs and betting the country on Mr Trump. Today the theory is less use, because Mr Trump swings every which way. When bullying Ukraine to settle with Russia, he is a might-makes-right realist. In Venezuela his rule-by-proxy would impress a 19th-century imperialist. In the Middle East he scorned regime change right up until his bungled war to bend Iran to his will. He declares that communism menaces America, but calls China’s party boss, Xi Jinping,
In its competition with China, America sometimes commits self-sabotage. Under Donald Trump, cuts in federal support for universities have been particularly damaging. To convey their anguish, some American scientists have drawn attention to the advantage that their country’s strategic rival may gain from these retrenchments. China had been handed the future “on a silver platter”, complained one academic from Harvard University last year. The Chinese national flag is pictured at half mast to mourn the death of China’s former premier Zhu Rongji at the Red Building of Peking University, the site of early Chinese Communist Party revolutionary activities, in Beijing on August 18, 2026. (AFP FILE) In China there exists plenty of funding for academics who are engaged in cutting-edge research in fields favoured by the Communist Party such as artificial intelligence and robotics. But the Harvard academic may be surprised to learn that on many campuses, the mood among staff is sullen. Eager though the party is to promote scientific endeavour, it is becoming more selective about who gets the state’s cash. In April the education ministry said that it had revoked 12,200 degree programmes in recent years, mainly in soft subjects such as “business management”, replacing many with majors in AI and other fields favoured by China’s ruler, Xi Jinping. This decade’s spending by central and local governments on science and technology has grown annually at just 3.5%, slumping from 10% in the late 2010s. Outlays in these categories cover everything from museums to social sciences, but departments involved in subjects such as physics and chemistry are also feeling the pinch. Government spending on natural-science departments is growing more slowly. Some university budgets are being cut. In September Peking University in Beijing was one of several to issue new orders to “practise thrift and tighten belts”. At some
Albania: At 117, Qamile Marra is not particularly concerned with proving she may be the world’s oldest woman — or even persuading Albanian pension officials that she is not dead. For a woman born under Ottoman rule, who turned 36 a fortnight before the end of World War II and outlived Albania’s communist dictatorship, her focus remains firmly on enjoying life. “Life is beautiful, like Mount Tomorr in bloom,” she told AFP with a smile, referring to one of Albania’s loftiest peaks as she sat outside her home in Ferras, about 100 kilometres (60 miles) south of the capital. Surrounded by fruit trees, Marra has spent almost her entire life in the village, growing her own food and tending livestock. “You live as long as God has decreed,” she said, her deeply wrinkled face framed by a traditional white headscarf. According to her birthdate as listed on several official documents — August 19, 1909 — Marra would be two days older than Britain’s Ethel Caterham, recognised by Guinness World Records as the world’s oldest living woman. Proving the age of exact “supercentenarians” can be difficult. Many of the people famous for living the longest are from places where shoddy recordkeeping and suspected pension fraud are rampant, according to a study that won the 2024 Ig Nobel prize, which awards offbeat scientific research. But Marra has extensive records that appear to confirm her age. Qamile Marra shows an identity document from Albania’s communist era. Her relatives have contacted Guinness Records and hold a birth certificate issued in 1945, a passport issued in 1978 and a recent identity card, all showing the same date of birth. Her age even surprised local authorities, who stopped her pension when she turned 100, according to her 80-year-old son Hysen. “They didn’t believe my mother was still
A slowdown in SpaceX’s Starlink satellite network that disrupted Ukraine’s drone operations was triggered by an order from company’s CEO Elon Musk, The Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday, citing unnamed US officials and other sources. Elon Musk with US President Donald Trump. (AP/File) The move reportedly restricted Ukraine’s access to the satellite service, affecting the country’s ability to conduct both defensive and offensive drone missions against Russian forces. Ukraine relies on Starlink, operated by Musk’s space technology company SpaceX, to maintain satellite connectivity for drones used to intercept Russian attack drones as well as those deployed in strikes against Moscow. Also Read | Starshield, the SpaceX satellite service Ukraine’s drones rely on, and who controls it The disruption, which reportedly lasted a day this week, affected drone operations and resulted in the loss of drones and the failure of missions, according to Ukrainian commanders cited in the report. Russia has continued its attacks on Ukraine, including strikes on civilian targets, making drone-based defence a key component of Kyiv’s efforts to counter Moscow’s military campaign. What Ukraine said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the failure to alert Kyiv ahead of a series of heavy Russian strikes late Tuesday and into Wednesday, calling it “completely unjust”. He also accused Moscow of deliberately violating what US President Donald Trump had described as an “energy ceasefire”. Ukrainian officials and defence representatives also suggested that the US may have been involved in reports of reduced speeds on certain Starlink internet terminals. “It’s obvious they (the United States) are helping Russia for some reason,” the senior official told AFP. However, in a separate post on X, Zelensky said he had spoken to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and that the early-warning system was now working. “This is very important for our people, because we
That compares to a net loss of $13 billion during the same period a year earlier, according to report. AI startup Anthropic recorded a net loss of more than $80 billion in the first half of this year, the Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday, citing a draft initial public offering prospectus. That compares to a net loss of $13 billion during the same period a year earlier, according to the report. The vast majority of that loss, $72 billion, resulted from accounting charges tied to changes in the value of convertible notes and other instruments the company issued to raise funding, the Journal report said. Anthropic did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.) Show full article Source link
A ban was also issued for any public gatherings from 1800 GMT Tuesday in les Halles Paris police ordered a new curfew for parts of the city for Tuesday overnight, after one the previous night that authorities said resulted in calm being restored following weekend riots and looting. The fresh curfew runs from 2100 GMT Tuesday to 0400 GMT Wednesday and applies to the Republique public square in the city’s central east, where many weekend clashes took place, and in the central les Halles district which is full of shops. A ban was also issued for any public gatherings from 1800 GMT Tuesday in les Halles, near the presidential palace, the parliament and senate buildings, the Champs-Elysees shopping avenue, in the Vendome square where jewellery stores are located and near train stations. (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.) Show full article Source link
At least 2,400 people were arrested after rioters in cities across France on Saturday clashed with police, set cars on fire, stormed public buildings and engulfed a historic city hall in flames, during nationwide protests against rising living costs and poor conditions in schools. On Sunday evening, small groups set fire to trash bins, bicycles and other objects in the streets and looted businesses in Paris, Lyon, Marseille and other cities. In the capital, a curfew ran from 11 p.m. on Monday to 6 a.m. Tuesday, and a police helicopter circled over Place de la République overnight, a central point in the weekend clashes, sweeping the square with a searchlight to check that the order was being respected. Early Tuesday morning, workers used a crane to remove a giant fluorescent yellow vest draped over the statue at the center of the square, a reference to the “ yellow vest ” protests over fuel prices that began in 2018 and shook the first term of President Emmanuel Macron. Workers then used pressure washers to blast graffiti off the monument. “The targeted curfews helped keep last night calm,” Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu wrote on X on Tuesday, adding that new curfews would be imposed that night “wherever the situation requires,” decided locally by prefects, the state’s representatives in each region, together with mayors. Speaking in Lille, northern France, Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin said 149 people had been jailed nationwide as of Tuesday at noon. According to the Justice Ministry, of the roughly 2,500 people arrested since Saturday, more than 800 have been sent before prosecutors, most of whom were either put on trial immediately or ordered to appear at a later hearing. In Paris alone, about 300 people have been sent before prosecutors following the Oct. 17 protests, the city prosecutor’s office
Whenever thousands of people take to the streets in any corner of the world, the primary fear in the corridors of power is of a coup or regime change. The recent downfall of Sheikh Hasina in Bangladesh, the flight of the Rajapaksa family in Sri Lanka, and the political reshuffle in Nepal have further strengthened this perception. But is the end of every protest always regime change? Is the ultimate goal of every young person taking to the streets to overthrow the government? The short answer is no. According to the Global Protest Tracker, in the past 12 months, more than 57 countries have seen significant protests, and 33 are still active. In only seven, or 12%, was regime change or attempted regime change the goal. Protests are not organised merely to topple governments, but also to show them a mirror, to reshape policies, and to save the remaining foundational structures of democracy. History bears witness that from the strike of Egyptian workers in the 12th century BC to youth taking to the streets today to protect Albania’s sensitive environment, resistance has always been the sharpest weapon to transform society. Today’s youth, especially ‘Gen Z’, are demanding accountability in policies, equal employment opportunities, environmental protection, and basic rights. This is the ‘Globalisation of Rebellion’, where behind the fire ignited by local sparks in different parts of the world lies the same restlessness – a shared anger against corruption, inequality, and the people’s voice not being heard. When: September 2026 (Ongoing) Protest by: High school students/ youth (later joined by unions) No regime-change goal Why the protest started: Underfunded schools, teacher shortages, and dilapidated facilities Opaque university admissions system Rising cost of living and economic insecurity Broader generational frustration over public services Demands for education investment and better living conditions When:
Rubio is on a visit to India US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Tuesday that President Donald Trump was “frustrated” by accusations that he had deliberately harmed Ukraine, including claims he ordered intelligence sharing to be halted. “The president is frustrated because, first of all, he doesn’t like to be blamed for things that aren’t true, including accusations that somehow he had ordered intelligence sharing to be cut off. And that’s not true; he’s said that repeatedly,” Rubio said, while on a visit to India. “I think the president, more than anything, is responding to the insinuation that somehow he is doing things to deliberately harm Ukraine — which is not fair and not true.” (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.) Show full article Source link
Two of the AI building boom’s biggest suppliers just posted blowout quarters. Wall Street is dumping them anyway. Bloom Energy (BE), whose fuel cells generate power on-site at data centers, said Thursday that sales jumped 138% last quarter and raised its full-year outlook to roughly 122% growth. Comfort Systems (FIX), which installs the cooling and
Bloom Energy (NYSE:BE) delivered another blowout quarter, smashing estimates and growing profits faster than sales. Yet, its stock plunged after earnings and was down more than 12% as of Friday noon. The company sells solid-oxide fuel cell servers that turn natural gas into electricity right at a customer’s site. Artificial intelligence (AI) data centers desperately
Moderna (MRNA) trimmed losses Friday, rebounding from a sharp sell-off in the previous session, as investors digested data from a late-stage trial of its personalized melanoma vaccine. The stock opened lower but climbed into positive territory during the session, a day after plunging more than 17% on Thursday in its worst single-day performance since Aug.
After rising incredibly in the first half of 2026, Intel (NASDAQ:INTC) stock has run into rough weather in recent months. Shares of the semiconductor specialist are down by 31% since the beginning of July. However, Intel stock could get a nice shot in the arm following the release of its third-quarter results on Oct. 29. Let’s look at the reasons why Intel’s upcoming report could give the stock a much-needed boost. Missed AI’s “Act 1”? Act 2 Could Be 14x Bigger. Most investors think they missed the AI boat because they didn’t buy Nvidia in 2005. But according to our analysts, we’re only at the end of “Act 1″—the R&D phase. “Act 2” is the global rollout. Continue » Image source: Getty Images. Strong server processor demand will be a tailwind for Intel The demand for server central processing units (CPUs) has taken off this year. Artificial intelligence (AI) data centers that handle inference and agentic AI workloads are driving increased demand for server CPUs. What’s more, the strong demand means server CPUs are now in short supply, which has led to higher prices. It is reported that Intel has already implemented cumulative CPU price hikes of 30% in 2026, with the latest increase occurring on Oct. 5. I won’t be surprised to see further price hikes as the shift toward agentic AI and inference is going to supercharge the server CPU market. That’s because the ratio of CPUs to GPUs (graphics processing units) in an inference-oriented AI data center is moving to 1:1. That’s a major shift compared to the CPU-to-GPU ratio of 1:4 or 1:8 in a standard AI data center. McKinsey estimates that inference workloads will account for 60% of AI compute demand by 2030, compared to 40% this year. As a result, the demand for server
The S&P 500 (^GSPC -1.21%) and Nasdaq Composite (^IXIC -2.60%) have recently been experiencing a bout of volatility after repeatedly notching record highs throughout 2026. With stocks coming under pressure, some investors are wondering whether a larger market correction is approaching. Part of the concern stems from elevated bond yields and stubborn inflation. Meanwhile, artificial intelligence (AI) hyperscalers like Amazon, Microsoft, Alphabet, and Meta Platforms are among the companies supporting the broader economy as they accelerate spending on data centers. Whether this volatility is just a temporary pullback or the beginning of something worse is impossible to know. But legendary investor Warren Buffett spent decades explaining how to navigate markets dominated by exciting new technologies, sky-high valuations, and uncertainty. Former Berkshire Hathaway CEO Warren Buffett. Image source: Getty Images. Revolutionary technology does not equal a good investment Buffett built Berkshire Hathaway into one of history’s most successful investment firms simply because he had a relentless focus on businesses he understands. He generally avoided technology stocks, instead favoring industries such as insurance, banking, consumer products, utilities, and energy. These businesses usually have relatively predictable economics, which allowed Buffett to better assess their long-term earnings potential. Buffett understood that an industry can revolutionize society without producing attractive returns overall. Consider the automobile and aviation industries as examples. Cars and airplanes have unquestionably transformed the global economy, but countless early manufacturers and airlines have gone bankrupt as competition intensified. The theme here is that identifying which industries are game changers is much easier than choosing the specific companies that will capture profits in the long run. This distinction matters in today’s AI environment. While AI is shaping up to be one of the most transformative technologies in history, that doesn’t mean every semiconductor company, software developer, or infrastructure provider is going to generate market-beating
This has been a year of immense change for Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE:BRKA)(NYSE:BRKB) and its investors. After more than half a century at the helm, the iconic Warren Buffett retired as CEO on Dec. 31, paving the way for Greg Abel to take over. It took Abel mere months to completely reshape Berkshire’s $364 billion portfolio. He dumped 16 stocks in the first quarter and has brought a tech focus to the company’s investment portfolio that hadn’t existed under the Oracle of Omaha. Today, three unstoppable artificial intelligence (AI) stocks account for roughly 32% ($115.7 billion) of Berkshire’s portfolio: Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL), Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOGL)(NASDAQ:GOOG), and Bending Spoons (NASDAQ:BSP). Missed AI’s “Act 1”? Act 2 Could Be 14x Bigger. Most investors think they missed the AI boat because they didn’t buy Nvidia in 2005. But according to our analysts, we’re only at the end of “Act 1″—the R&D phase. “Act 2” is the global rollout. Continue » Warren Buffett’s Dec. 31 retirement turned the proverbial keys over to Greg Abel. Image source: Getty Images. Apple: $78.28 billion (21.5% of invested assets) For the better part of the last decade, Apple has been Berkshire’s top holding by market value. Warren Buffett piled into Apple because he appreciated the brand’s loyal customer base and favored the company’s market-leading share buyback program. But Apple is in the midst of a multi-year transformation that emphasizes higher-margin subscription services and AI. Prior to his own recent retirement as CEO, Tim Cook shifted Apple’s focus to services designed to enhance existing customer loyalty and bolster margins. Double-digit sales growth in the company’s services segment should lessen the revenue peaks and valleys commonly seen with major iPhone upgrade cycles. There’s also Apple Intelligence, which is the company’s generative AI built directly into its operating systems. Embracing these tools should make
Adient’s updated analysis now points to a slightly lower modeled fair value, with the price target moving from US$29.55 to US$27.64. This shift sits alongside a split in analyst opinion, where some recently trimmed targets but still argue the stock could re-rate if execution, margins, and capital allocation improve. As you read on, you will see how these price target moves fit into the broader Adient narrative and what to watch to keep up with future updates. Stay updated as the Fair Value for Adient shifts by adding it to your watchlist or portfolio. Alternatively, explore our Community to discover new perspectives on Adient. What Wall Street Has Been Saying 🐂 Bullish Takeaways JPMorgan upgraded Adient to Overweight in September 2026 with a US$25 target, citing what it sees as an opportunity from automation, footprint changes and lower restructuring costs. UBS, Citi, Stifel and Morgan Stanley all kept positive or neutral ratings even as they reset targets, which signals ongoing interest in Adient’s potential to improve margins and capital allocation over time. JPMorgan highlighted an expected US$400m of onshoring wins ramping over the coming years, which it views as supportive for Adient’s positioning within the auto supplier group. 🐻 Bearish Takeaways BofA cut its Adient target to US$18 and kept an Underperform rating, reflecting caution on the auto supplier group as estimates are adjusted. UBS and Barclays both lowered targets, and UBS pointed to limited upside until earnings expectations reset or Adient delivers clearer evidence of better growth, margins or capital deployment. Do your thoughts align with the Bull or Bear Analysts? Perhaps you think there’s more to the story. Head to the Simply Wall St Community to discover more perspectives! NYSE:ADNT 1-Year Stock Price Chart We’ve flagged 2 risks for Adient. See which could impact your investment. How This
Barclays just dropped Q3 2026 numbers into a market that has been marking the stock down for weeks. The shares closed at £4.09 on 22 October, with the price sliding over the past month and quarter even as trailing earnings supported a P/E of 7.8x. That gap between weak sentiment and solid profitability is the story. Quarterly net income reached £2,387m and basic earnings per share came in at £0.13, yet the valuation still reflects caution rather than confidence. Today is less about the headline print and more about whether that emotional discount is justified. Like the earnings power at Barclays but uneasy about buying into a stock the market is still pricing with a heavy sentiment discount? Take a look at our 7 high quality undervalued stocks to compare this setup against other companies where profitability and cautious pricing intersect. Q3 2026 Earnings Summary Total Revenue (Q3 2026 vs Q3 2025): £6,862m vs £6,535m (up 5.0%) Net Income (Excl. Extra Items) (Q3 2026 vs Q3 2025): £2,387m vs £1,457m (up 63.8%) Basic EPS (Q3 2026 vs Q3 2025): £0.128 vs £0.104 (up 23.7%) Net Profit Margin (Trailing 12 Months vs Prior Year): 24.7% vs 22.9% (up 1.8 percentage points) A third year of ~20% EPS growth and another buyback. Ask Charlie what makes Barclays so confident on 2026 RoTE. LSE:BARC Trailing 12-Month Earnings & Revenue History as at Oct 2026 Barclays’ 2026 Upside Case Meets First Real Tests Optimists argue Barclays can turn technology spend and cost cuts into structurally higher profitability. “The main thing that has to go right is that Barclays converts its planned technology and AI investment and structural cost actions into the targeted low 50s group cost income ratio, while managing higher loan loss guidance, staff relations, and legal disputes without eroding returns.” The latest
ID Logistics Group SA reported third quarter 2026 revenue of €1,177.9 million and nine month revenue of €3,262.5 million, both above the prior year levels. The company linked this top line performance to new contract wins, 27 freshly launched operations, and an enlarged North American footprint supported by technology investment. The focus now turns to how ID Logistics Group’s recent revenue increase, supported by North American operations, may influence its investment narrative. Scan hand picked logistics and supply chain stocks that show strong contract momentum and operational scale effects through the 93 robotics and automation stocks. What Is ID Logistics Group’s Investment Narrative? ID Logistics Group appeals most if you buy into a fairly simple idea. Contract logistics can scale when a provider wins volume, executes reliably and keeps capital heavy assets under tight control. The latest trading statement, with €1,177.9 million for the quarter and €3,262.5 million over nine months, supports that story of solid demand and operational ramp up, especially in North America where the group has been opening new sites and investing in technology. In the short term, the main swing factors now look more execution heavy than headline driven. You are essentially considering whether ID Logistics Group can integrate those 27 freshly launched operations efficiently, protect pricing with large clients and keep returns acceptable in a capital intensive warehouse and transport model. Valuation signals are mixed, with high P/E multiples alongside discounted cash flow and analyst target gaps, so any wobble in contract performance or margins could matter more than the latest revenue print. Even so, there is a pressure point in the story that only really shows up once you focus on how the business is funded and… There’s only one way to know the right time to buy, sell or hold ID Logistics Group.
Good morning and welcome to the new format of Stockopedia’s DSMR! You will notice a few changes around here today. I hope you like them. There’s a full explanation at this link. In markets, the Nasdaq fell 2.9% yesterday, as investors try to muster up a little more scepticism against the AI trade: What’s interesting to me is that the median valuation ratios for this index are expensive, but not at a level that I’d describe as extreme: Yes, the trailing PE Ratio of 30x is at a level which suggests mediocre future returns. On the other hand, the forecast PE Ratio of 23.6x, combined with forecast EPS growth of 16.5%, suggests that patient investors might do fine. The PEG is over 1x, but a couple of years of 16.5% growth would bring the valuation down considerably. To be clear: I do consider sentiment around AI to be consistent with a bubble. And there are two big reasons to be cautious about the optimistic words I’ve just written. Firstly, they are based on forecast earnings. Secondly, they are based on median valuation ratios. Most investors with Nasdaq exposure have very heavy exposure to the top names – Nvidia, Apple, Alphabet, and so on – rather than to the median stock. In the end, a handful of very large corporations are going to determine how most investors fare. Given the level of concentration in US indexes, I personally prefer for my portfolio to be underweight them. Overnight market movements: The FTSE is up 0.2% at 10,745 S&P 500 is down 0.1% at 7,655 Brent crude (December) is up 1.1% at $114.45/bbl Gold is down 0.2% at $4,015oz Bitcoin is up 0.7% at $81,750 The table is under construction. Companies Reporting At the time of publication, GN has a long position in
Guidance confirmation and what it signals Pool (POOL) paired its quarterly beat with a reiteration of full year 2026 earnings guidance, keeping the diluted EPS range at US$10.66 to US$10.96 including minor tax benefits. That confirmation indicates that management views the latest quarter as consistent with its full year plan, rather than a one-off surprise that would require a reset to expectations. Pool has just seen a sharp reset in sentiment, with a 1 day share price return of 14.36% and a 7 day move of 16.61% after its Q3 beat and guidance confirmation, even though the year to date share price return is down 14.15% and the 5 year total shareholder return has fallen 58.12%, so recent momentum is building from a much weaker long term base. Scan beyond Pool’s rebound and identify other companies with resilient fundamentals and potential upside using our hand-picked 30 high quality undervalued stocks. After Pool’s sharp rebound, but still weak multi year track record, the real tension now is clear. Does the current valuation still leave enough upside for buyers taking fresh risk? Most Popular Narrative: 5.9% Undervalued Pool last closed at $197.21, while the most followed narrative points to a fair value of $209.50. The story now hinges on whether that gap reflects opportunity or lingering doubt. The main thing that has to go right is that Pool continues to drive higher POOL360 adoption and growth in proprietary and private label products so that efficiency gains and mix improvements can offset freight costs, customer mix headwinds and softness in Horizon. See why 28 investors see Pool as 6% undervalued. Result: Fair Value of $209.50 (UNDERVALUED) Still, the story around Pool can change quickly if higher freight costs squeeze margins further or if Horizon weakness has a greater impact on overall sales. Find
Cathie Wood might not have the following that she once did when her flagship fund, ARK Innovation ETF, more than doubled in 2020, but investors still keep track of her moves. Ark Invest, her investment company, is the rare fund manager that discloses its moves on a daily basis, and Wood has always been open with her thinking and analysis, as she’s known primarily for betting on disruptive innovation with stocks like Tesla. Missed AI’s “Act 1”? Act 2 Could Be 14x Bigger. Most investors think they missed the AI boat because they didn’t buy Nvidia in 2005. But according to our analysts, we’re only at the end of “Act 1″—the R&D phase. “Act 2” is the global rollout. Continue » So it was noteworthy that Ark added to its holdings of Netflix (NASDAQ:NFLX) on Wednesday, after the leading streamer delivered a disappointing third-quarter earnings report the night before, showing the company continues to struggle with weak engagement and slowing growth. Wood’s ARK Next Generation Internet ETF (Nasdaq: ARKW) bought 18,783 shares of the stock on Wednesday, or approximately $1.2 million worth of the stock. Cathie Wood. Image source: Getty Images. Wood’s history with Netflix Most investors believe that Netflix’s days as a disruptor are over, as it has become the incumbent in streaming, with legacy media companies now challenging it. The traditional cable ecosystem is quickly becoming a relic of the past. Wood seems to have made a similar conclusion. Ark first invested in Netflix in 2016, and Ark accumulated its stake through 2020. As the business seemed to mature in 2021 and then briefly declined in 2022, Ark cut its stake and eventually exited the position by the third quarter of that year. However, attracted by the company’s launch of an advertising tier and its push into live
KBR (KBR) stock trades up, here is why What happened? Shares of government and sustainable technology solutions company KBR (NYSE:KBR) jumped 6% in the afternoon session after the company announced it was awarded contracts to support the revamp of two AGF Nitrogen ammonia plants in Germany and Austria. Under the agreements, the company will deliver proprietary engineering design, technology licensing, process equipment, and catalyst supply for the facilities, which are owned by AGF Nitrogen through SKWP in Germany and LAT Nitrogen in Austria. KBR will deploy its Reforming Exchange System technology to modernize reforming operations. The project is designed to reduce natural gas consumption and lower emissions at both ammonia production plants. The shares closed the day at $39.55, up 6% from the previous close. Is now the time to buy KBR? Access our full analysis report here, it’s free. What is the market telling us KBR’s shares are not very volatile and have only had 9 moves greater than 5% over the last year. In that context, today’s move indicates the market considers this news meaningful, although it might not be something that would fundamentally change its perception of the business. The biggest move we wrote about over the last year was 6 months ago when the stock dropped 7.6% on the news that it reported first-quarter results that, despite beating analyst expectations, showed year-over-year declines in key financial metrics. The company surpassed consensus estimates for both revenue and adjusted earnings per share, reporting $1.92 billion and $0.96, respectively. However, investors appeared to focus on the weaker performance compared to the same period last year. Notably, revenue fell 4.7% year on year, and adjusted earnings per share were also slightly down from $0.98 in the prior-year quarter. While KBR reaffirmed its full-year guidance for both revenue and earnings, the
LAM Research CEO Tim Archer said in the earnings call with investors that going into 2027, the company sees “supply chain constraints for certain components continuing to limit chip makers.” Shares of Nvidia, Micron Technology, and Advanced Micro Devices plunged following the comments, alongside other chip stocks. Semiconductor companies had turned green earlier this week after a sharp selloff last week. Semiconductor stocks reversed an early-week leg up, with major companies and exchange-traded funds plunging on Thursday after LAM Research CEO Tim Archer stoked supply chain concerns. In the earnings call with investors, Archer said that going into 2027, the company sees “supply chain constraints for certain components continuing to limit chip makers and equipment companies’ ability to fully meet end demand.” See what 10M+ investors are talking about. Get the Stocktwits Daily Rip for what retail is watching right now, free to your inbox Chip Stocks Plunge Following Remarks Shares of major chipmakers plunged at Thursday’s close amid growing concerns about supply chain constraints in the industry. Nvidia Corp. (NVDA) shares fell more than 4% at close, while Micron Technology Inc. (MU) tumbled more than 6% and Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (AMD) fell by over 8%. Shares of other prominent semiconductor companies, including Intel Corp. (INTC), Broadcom Inc. (AVGO), Marvell Technology Inc. (MRVL), and Qualcomm, Inc. (QCOM) also closed lower. Meanwhile, chip-related ETFs also declined at Thursday’s close. The iShares Semiconductor ETF (SOXX) fell nearly 7% at close and continued to decline overnight. The Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bull 3X Shares (SOXL) plunged more than 20%, while VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH) fell nearly 6% at close. Chip Stocks Pare Back Early Week Gains Semiconductor companies reversed to green earlier this week after a sharp selloff last week. “Investors have rotated from Mag Seven to tech more broadly as the AI
SpaceX (SPCX) stock slid on Thursday, giving back Wednesday’s post-earnings gain. Shares jumped 7.8% on Wednesday following SpaceX’s upbeat third quarter results and AI commentary. The stock is under pressure — down 9% — along with the broader tech trade, following Meta (META) earnings and more headlines suggesting new strikes in the US/Israeli war with Iran. 144.75 -14.56 (-9.14%) At close: October 22 at 4:00:00 PM EDT 147.01 +2.26 (+1.56%) Overnight: 10:14:42 PM EDT As for SpaceX, it guided fourth quarter capital expenditures to $35 billion to $40 billion, up from $19.6 billion in the third quarter, as more compute capacity comes online. The company ended the quarter with $36.1 billion in debt. “The earnings call served to amplify the enormous calls on capital that loom over the next few years,” MoffettNathanson analyst Julie Zhu wrote in a note to clients. “We are investment grade, have a very strong balance sheet, and there are a number of available pools of debt capital,” SpaceX CFO Bret Johnsen said on the earnings call. Then there’s the merger talk. Musk said SpaceX and Tesla (TSLA) have each formed special committees of independent directors to study a tie-up, and that he is recused as a conflicted party. “Do I think it would be a good idea? Yes,” Musk said. FILE PHOTO: Tesla CEO Elon Musk attends the “A New Golden Age” summit at the US Institute of Peace, renamed The Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace by the Trump administration, in Washington, DC, US, October 8, 2026. REUTERS/Evan Vucci/File Photo · REUTERS / REUTERS That endorsement created a “mess” for the process, a person with direct knowledge of the talks told Reuters. Insiders worry the resulting shareholder scrutiny could delay talks by several weeks. Bloomberg separately reported that the companies are aiming to announce
Meta (META) stock closed out the trading day Thursday down 7% on, despite reporting better-than-anticipated Q3 revenue results Wednesday, as AI bubble fears remerged across Wall Street. Investors pulled back on semiconductor and other AI stocks across the board on questions about whether massive investments in AI data centers will pay off in the long run. Meta raised the lower end of its capital expenditure estimates to between $135 billion and $145 billion from $130 billion and $145 billion. The company also has $825 billion in various spending commitments related to cloud capacity arrangements, energy service agreements, and consumer hardware products. 648.85 -48.67 (-6.98%) At close: October 22 at 4:00:01 PM EDT 646.50 -2.35 (-0.36%) Overnight: 9:14:16 PM EDT Despite Wall Street’s reaction to Meta’s earnings, analysts were largely bullish on the company’s outlook, owing to its prospects for its Muse AI agent and models. CEO Mark Zuckerberg repeatedly pointed to Muse as a source of growth potential during the company’s earnings call, saying “Muse will be highly profitable over multiple years,” as long as compute efficiency in AI systems continues to improve. Read more: Meta’s Muse says it can manage your money. Should you let it? Meta posted an all-time high revenue of $64 billion in the quarter, well ahead of the $63.3 billion analysts anticipated. GAAP earnings per share came in at $3.83 versus expectations of $3.56, but would have been $7.40 without legal charges related to the company’s teen mental health settlement. The company also announced it will issue new non-voting Class C shares to all Class A stockholders, effectively creating a 2-for-1 stock split. The move is meant to ensure Zuckerberg stays in California and retains voting control of the company if the state’s Proposition 40 passes on Election Day. Prop. 40 calls for a 5%
The latest shudder for stocks in the AI industry pulled markets lower worldwide on Thursday, while oil prices hit their highest levels since May on worries about the war with Iran. The S&P 500 fell 1.2% for its worst day since July, while the Nasdaq composite tumbled 2.6%. The weakness for tech stocks was so overwhelming that it masked strength for the rest of the US market, in which the majority of stocks actually rose. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 11 points, or less than 0.1%. AI-related stocks have been swinging on worries that their boom may be under threat because of how expensive it’s become to borrow money to build datacenters and buy more AI chips. Concerns also remain that their prices shot too high following a years-long frenzy, even though companies in the industry continue to report growth. Lam Research, whose equipment and services help make semiconductors, reported gains in profit and revenue for the summer that were slightly stronger than analysts expected, for example. Usually, that helps boost a stock’s price, but Lam Research’s tumbled 11.8%. Other big tech stocks likewise fell following quarterly reports that included at least some encouraging nuggets. Meta Platforms, which is pushing its Muse AI agent, lost 7% after reporting stronger revenue for the latest quarter than analysts expected, shedding tens of billions in market value, though its profit fell short. The company behind Facebook and Instagram also said it was creating a new class of stock to raise money to pay for AI investments and other expenses. Tesla fell 3.1% after reporting a stronger profit for the summer than analysts expected, though its revenue was weaker than forecast. The global tide against AI stocks knocked Nvidia down 4.4%. Because the chip giant is the largest company on Wall Street by
RNS Number : 8677K Prudential PLC 03 July 2026 1 Details of the person discharging managerial responsibilities / person closely associated a) Name Naveen Tahilyani 2 Reason for the notification a) Position/status Regional CEO, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, India, Africa; Group Agency and Health (PDMR) b) Initial notification /Amendment Initial notification 3 Details of the issuer, emission allowance market participant, auction platform, auctioneer or auction monitor a) Name Prudential plc b) LEI 5493001Z3ZE83NGK8Y12 4 Details of the transaction(s): section to be repeated for (i) each type of instrument; (ii) each type of transaction; (iii) each date; and (iv) each place where transactions have been conducted a) Description of the financial instrument, type of instrument Identification code Ordinary shares of 5 pence each GB0007099541 b) Nature of the transactions (i) Acquisition of shares for nil consideration following the release of an award made in 2025 under the Prudential Restricted Stock Plan by the trustee of the Prudential plc Employee Share Trust (the “Trustee”) c) Price(s) and volume(s) (i) Price(s) Nil Volume(s) 41,153 d) Aggregated information – Aggregated volume – Price 41,153 N/A e) Date of the transactions 2026-06-30 f) Place of the transaction Hong Kong Stock Exchange About Prudential plc Prudential provides life and health insurance and asset management in Greater China, ASEAN, India and Africa. Prudential’s mission is to be the most trusted partner and protector for this generation and generations to come, by providing simple and accessible financial and health solutions. The business has dual primary listings on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong 2378 and the London Stock Exchange PRU. It also has a secondary listing on the Singapore Stock Exchange K6S and a listing on the New York Stock Exchange PUK in the form of American Depositary Receipts. It is a constituent of the Hang Seng
Core Grade A Offices Lead Rental Recovery, Hong Kong Island High Streets Outperform Kowloon Residential Market: Q2 residential transaction numbers increased by 19% q-o-q and 32% y-o-y to reach more than 22,150 units. Home prices rose by 2.5% during April and May, bringing a cumulative 7.4% increase for the first five months, with growth recorded across different segments. Grade A Office Market: Citywide net absorption reached 396,100 sq ft in Q2, with new leases mainly driven by the banking & finance and insurance sectors. Core areas such as Greater Central witnessed significant rental pick up, offsetting rental corrections in non-core submarkets. Cushman & Wakefield expects the overall office market rental level to rise by +4% to +6% in 2026. Retail Market: Overall retail sales maintained steady growth on the back of sustained rises in inbound visitors and a stronger RMB. High street vacancy rates in Causeway Bay and Central remained at 0% in Q2, with Hong Kong Island leading a rental growth recovery. Capital Markets: Hong Kong’s commercial real estate investment market sustained the momentum carried over from late 2025. Supported by demand from end-users and still-attractive pricing levels across property sectors, total large-sized (>HK$100 million) non-residential transaction volume for the 1H 2026 period recorded HK$23.2 billion, up 84% y-o-y. HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 July 2026 – Global real estate services firm Cushman & Wakefield today held its Hong Kong Property Markets 1H 2026 Review and 2H 2026 Outlook press conference. Residential market activity remained robust as transaction numbers surpassed 22,000 cases in Q2, the highest quarterly record since Q2 2021. Grade A office market net absorption reached 396,100 sq ft in Q2, with rental level recovery mainly driven by core areas. Greater Central rents continued to pick up by 4.1% q-o-q in Q2, supporting
Chinese artificial intelligence company Knowledge Atlas Technology JSC, better known as Zhipu AI, is seeking to raise around $4 billion through a share placement in Hong Kong. The share sale comes after its stock surged following its market debut earlier this year. The fundraising comes as investor interest in Chinese AI companies remains strong and technology firms increasingly tap Hong Kong’s capital markets to finance research, hiring and expansion amid China’s push to narrow the artificial intelligence gap with the United States. Zhipu launches $4 billion share placement According to a term sheet seen by Reuters, Zhipu is offering 19.78 million new shares at HK$1,588 to HK$1,698 each. The offer represents a 7% to 13% discount to Wednesday’s closing price of HK$1,825. The accelerated bookbuild, a rapid share sale typically targeted at institutional investors, would increase the company’s share capital by about 4.2%, according to the term sheet. The deal follows another strong trading session for the stock. Zhipu shares climbed 13.4% on Wednesday, extending gains in one of Hong Kong’s hottest AI stocks. The company’s shares have surged nearly 1,500% since its January listing in Hong Kong. The company plans to use the proceeds for research and development, including hiring, computing capacity and technical services, as well as business expansion, strategic investments, mergers and acquisitions, working capital and general corporate purposes. Bloomberg reported that the company intends to optimize its capital structure. China International Capital Corp. is acting as the sole overall coordinator for the offering. AI investment boom fuels fundraising Chinese technology companies have increasingly turned to Hong Kong’s equity markets to fund AI development as competition with US technology companies intensifies. This week alone, several technology firms advanced Hong Kong fundraising plans. Nexchip Semiconductor priced an initial public offering expected to raise about HK$6.98 billion ($890 million).
HONG KONG, July 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — CSOP KOSPI 200 Covered Call Active ETF (3537.HK) will list on Hong Kong Stock Exchange on 31st July 2026. 3537.HK seeks to achieve its investment objective by primarily (i) using a synthetic representative sampling strategy to obtain an exposure to the KOSPI 200 Index through KOSPI 200 futures; and (ii) selling call options on the KOSPI 200 Index to receive call options premium. 3537.HK has a listing price of around HK$7.8 per unit, trading unit of 100, and management fee of 0.99%. CSOP KOSPI 200 Covered Call Active ETF Option premiums tend to increase with market volatility. Amid elevated annualized volatility of 60.1% in the KOSPI 200 Index, the KOSPI 200 Index covered call strategy delivered a strong return of 25.4% YTD in 2026[1]. In parallel, global quarterly net inflows into KOSPI 200 Index Covered Call ETFs accelerated, reaching around KRW 2 trillion (around HK$10.5 billion) in 2026 Q1[2], reflecting growing investor interest in the strategy. CSOP KOSPI 200 Covered Call Active ETF (3537.HK) aims to provide monthly distributions primarily through the collection of option premiums, offering an income-oriented solution for investors seeking potential yield enhancement[3]. By generating option premium income, the strategy may provide a partial buffer during market downturns compared with holding the KOSPI 200 Index alone. At CSOP Asset Management (“CSOP”), our US$34.8 billion (around HK$272.8 billion) in derivatives exposure reflects our extensive derivatives management capabilities[4]. 3537.HK offers investors professionally managed access to a covered call strategy, without the complexity of managing options positions themselves. A covered call strategy is an options trading strategy that involves holding a long position in a particular asset (for example, a stock, a commodity, a bond, a currency, or an index) while simultaneously writing call options on the same asset. Covered call strategies have
HONG KONG, Oct. 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Horizon Robotics (HKEX: 9660), a leading provider of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving (AD) solutions for passenger vehicles, today officially listed on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Horizon Robotics is a key enabler for the smart vehicle transformation and commercialization with its integrated solutions deployed on mass scale. According to data from CIC (China Insights Consultancy), Horizon is the first and has consistently been the largest Chinese company providing integrated ADAS and AD solutions, leading in overall solution installation volume since the mass deployment began in 2021. Its solutions are adopted by 27 OEMs across 42 brands for implementation in 290 car models, with all of China’s top ten OEMs choosing Horizon’s smart driving solutions for mass production into their passenger vehicle models. A moment from the listing ceremony, celebrating Horizon Robotics’ debut on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. As a pioneer in the smart driving technology sector, Horizon offers a comprehensive portfolio of ADAS and AD solutions, namely Horizon Mono, Horizon Pilot and Horizon SuperDrive, to address different consumer needs from mainstream assisted driving to advanced level autonomous driving. In his speech at the ceremony, Dr. Yu said: “After nine years of effort, we have become the preferred partner for numerous OEMs in China, and a major force in advancing the transformation towards smarter automotive technology. The successful listing in Hong Kong marks a critical step towards our international market expansion.” The ceremonial striking of the Gong marks the official listing of Horizon Robotics and a new chapter in its growth journey. In 2023, the global smart driving penetration rate in new passenger cars reached 65.6%, projected to rise to 80.3% and 96.7% by 2026 and 2030, respectively. In China, the rate was 57.1% in 2023,
Shein is preparing to make its Hong Kong stock-market debut on August 28, turning one of the world’s most closely watched listing sagas into an important test of how far the city’s IPO revival can stretch beyond Chinese technology and industrial companies. The fast-fashion retailer could begin taking orders as early as August 19 and has been discussing a valuation around $30 billion to $40 billion, although some investors are pushing for a figure below $30 billion. The listing could raise as much as $2.8 billion, according to people familiar with the plans cited by the South China Morning Post. The valuation will set the first market signal Shein’s final pricing will matter as much as the listing itself. A $30 billion to $40 billion valuation would represent a dramatic reset from the $98.2 billion value attached to the company in 2022. Investor resistance has reportedly centred in the mid-to-high $20 billion range, reflecting concerns that the business investors are buying today is considerably less profitable than the one that attracted pandemic-era valuations. Shein reported a $99 million loss in the first quarter, compared with a $395 million profit a year earlier. A $328 million fair-value charge contributed heavily to the loss, but the operating backdrop has also weakened after the US ended its duty exemption for low-value packages. Revenue increased just 1.1% in the quarter, while 2025 sales growth slowed sharply from the rates achieved earlier in Shein’s expansion. A discounted IPO could therefore help attract buyers, but it would also formalise how dramatically investors have repriced high-growth ecommerce businesses. Also read: Apple supplier’s blockbuster Hong Kong debut turns sour with 5% slide Hong Kong gets a major test of investor appetite Shein arrives when Hong Kong’s equity-capital market is already enjoying one of its strongest periods in years.
香港 – Media OutReach Newswire – 2026年5月7日 – 信和集團（「集團」）欣然宣布，信和置業有限公司（「信和置業」）（股票代號：0083.HK）於標普全球《可持續發展年鑑（中國版）2026》中，獲評為「中國企業標普全球可持續發展評估（CSA）評分最佳1%」，成為房地產管理與開發行業內唯一獲得最高表彰級別的企業。同時，信和置業連續第二年獲納入道瓊斯領先全球指數成份股，標誌著集團在可持續發展方面的努力及領導地位備受國際權威機構的肯定。 信和置業於標普全球《可持續發展年鑑（中國版）2026》中，獲評為「中國企業標普全球可持續發展評估評分最佳1%」，成為房地產管理與開發行業內唯一獲得最高表彰級別的企業。 標普全球《可持續發展年鑑（中國版）2026》旨在表彰於各自產業中展現出可持續發展優勢的中國企業，評選涵蓋近1,800間企業，當中僅約190家企業獲納入年鑑。繼今年早前於標普全球《可持續發展年鑑2026》中獲評為行業中「標普全球CSA評分最佳5%」，信和置業亦於中國版年鑑中成為房地產管理與開發行業中唯一獲評為「最佳1%」的企業。道瓊斯領先全球指數同樣屬市場上具指標性的可持續發展指數體系之一，基於長期經濟、環境和社會標準，從標普全球廣泛市場指數（BMI）中最大的2,500間公司中選出排名前10%的企業。多項國際認可反映集團一直以來將可持續發展理念融入業務策略及日常營運的努力，並在多個可持續發展範疇持續取得實質進展。 信和集團主席暨環境、社會及管治督導委員會主席黃永光先生表示：「非常榮幸在標普全球這個具高度公信力及嚴謹的國際評選機制下獲得肯定，尤其是能夠成為中國房地產管理與開發行業中評分位於首1%的企業。這對我們而言，既是一份鼓勵，也印證了在可持續發展的工作上與國際標準接軌。這些成果有賴同事們的專業付出，以及業務夥伴和社區的積極參與，才能貫徹落實集團的可持續發展策略。面對國家『十五五』規劃加快經濟社會發展全面綠色轉型，我們也希望從中學習，探索如何在業務上作出更合適的配合，推動國際經驗與本地實踐相結合，攜手建設更低碳、更宜居的社區。未來，將秉持謙虛學習的態度，與各方夥伴一起實踐企業文化與核心價值，在可持續發展的道路上穩步前行。」 除了透過氣候行動、建築規劃及設計及創新解決方案等方面締造更可持續的環境，信和集團亦秉持以人為本的理念，持續透過員工參與推動可持續發展實踐。集團已連續第二年舉辦「信和可持續發展月」，聯同環保社企、綠色科技初創、學界代表及專業機構等近十五個合作夥伴，推出一系列參觀、工作坊及實地體驗等多元化活動，鼓勵同事及其家人在工作與生活中實踐可持續原則，並逐步將相關理念擴展至家庭及業務夥伴層面。今年活動進一步由香港推展至新加坡及悉尼，吸引近300名同事的參與，並透過「可持續發展學堂」累計培訓時數逾650小時，凝聚三地團隊員工共同推動可持續行動。 Hashtag: #SinoLand The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Source link
發佈日期: 2026-04-17 21:36 TVB News 粵 已複製連結 Link Real Estate Investment Trust, also known as Link REIT is reportedly testing investor interest in selling a batch of local assets through off-market deals. The company is reportedly inviting bids for around ten properties. The assets are understood to encompass shopping malls, car parks and office units.
住宅市場：農曆新年過後香港住宅市場更見活躍，一手新盤銷情理想並帶動二手成交，反映樓市購買力持續釋放；第一季度住宅成交量按年大升53%至超過18,650宗；各類型住宅單位價格均錄得升幅，市場氣氛似乎暫未受到中東地緣政治局勢影響 甲級寫字樓：淨吸納量連續十個季度錄得正數，第一季錄得約21.7萬平方呎正吸納量，新租賃成交主要受銀行及金融行業的租賃活動帶動；中區寫字樓租金見底按季回升5.5%，推動整體租金升2.4% 零售市場：訪港旅客數字持續增長，零售業表現繼續回暖；第一季核心區一線街舖平均空置率進一步下調至4.2%，其中銅鑼灣和中環一線街舖更見滿租 香港 – Media OutReach Newswire – 2026年4月14日 – 全球領先的房地產服務商戴德梁行 | Cushman & Wakefield 今天發表香港房地產市場2026年第一季回顧及展望。縱使中東地緣政治局勢緊張，住宅樓市持續向好，一二手成交均見持續增長，本季度住宅成交宗數分別按季及按年升9%和53%。甲級寫字樓方面，在銀行及金融行業的租賃需求支持下，第一季錄得約21.7萬平方呎正吸納量；然而核心區與非核心區的租金表現持續分化，租金復蘇主要由核心區驅動。零售方面，零售業總銷貨額繼續平穩上升，核心區一線街舖平均空置率進一步回落，當中以港島區表現更爲亮眼，而中環和銅鑼灣一線街舖租金亦分別按季升1.1%和0.8%。 甲級寫字樓租賃市場：連續十個季度錄得正淨吸納量 中區租金持續上升 受銀行及金融業和保險業需求的支持，香港甲級寫字樓市場氣氛在2026年第一季保持正面。第一季新租務錄得約866,000平方呎，當中銀行及金融和保險業佔新租面積的70%以上。雖然第一季整體淨吸納量降至217,100平方呎，但仍是連續第十季保持正數。 中區和尖沙咀的租金水平持續回升，按季分別上漲5.5%和0.4%，帶動第一季整體租金水平按季升2.4%，為2019年第一季以來整體租金首次連升兩季。然而，期內非核心區的租金持續走軟，這種兩極化表現反映市場的復甦主要由核心區帶領。由於第一季沒有新項目完成，香港甲級寫字樓整體待租率大致維持於20.0%，較前一季輕微下跌0.3個百分點。 戴德梁行香港董事總經理蕭亮輝先生表示：「儘管近期股市表現波動，但預計香港在2026年仍然是全球領先的IPO融資市場之一，截至3月底仍有超過400宗上市申請在處理中。我們預計銀行及金融業的租戶仍將是今年寫字樓租賃需求的重要支柱。同時，中東地區的地緣政治發展可能促使投資者重新審視其資產配置策略，並將部分資金重新配置至香港，從而支撐銀行及金融業和財富管理相關企業的租賃需求。我們將2026年中區的租金預測從先前的升2%至4%，上調至升6%至8%。這亦可望帶動2026年全年整體香港甲級寫字樓租金按年升1%至3%。」 商舖租賃市場：零售業表現繼續靠穩 核心區一線街舖平均空置率進一步回落至疫情以來低位 受惠於訪港旅客數字持續增長及人民幣走強，加上本地消費氣氛維持穩定，本港零售業表現穩健，今年1至2月香港零售業銷售貨額總計約724億港元，較去年同期錄得11.8%的明顯升幅。在各主要零售類別中，以”珠寶及鐘錶”表現最為突出，按年增長27.8%；其次為”藥物及化妝品”和”服裝及配飾”，分別按年升8.3%和6.6%，反映以旅客主導的消費類別正在復甦。 空置率方面，第一季四個核心區一線街舖平均空置率進一步回落至4.2%，再創疫情以來新低，當中港島區的表現優於九龍區，本行所追蹤的銅鑼灣和中環一線核心街舖已被租滿，季內尖沙咀一綫核心街舖空置率亦下調至7.1%；而旺角則維持在6.1%水平。 租金走勢方面，租金復甦步伐同樣以港島區領先九龍區，中環和銅鑼灣一線街舖租金按季分別升1.1%和0.8%，旺角按季亦錄得0.6%輕微升幅；惟尖沙咀一線街舖新進駐的商戶組合越趨大衆化，致該區舖租按季下調1.1% (圖二)。餐飲舖租受待租樓面積壓影響，表現持續疲弱。核心區如銅鑼灣、中環、尖沙咀及旺角，本季租金均錄得 1% 以內的輕微跌幅。 蕭亮輝表示：「本季度各區租賃氣氛不俗，其中港島區的表現尤其亮眼。我們預計中環和銅鑼灣將率先復甦，主因銅鑼灣較能聚集本地年輕族群及遊客，而中環則擁有穩定的本地高端消費力支持。至於尖沙咀和旺角，只要業主叫價合理，預料空置舖位亦將陸續有承接。展望後市，本港零售市場走勢趨向樂觀，惟核心區租金未必會迅速反彈，而將呈溫和穩步上升之勢。利好因素方面，樓價回升帶來的財富效應有助提振本地消費情緒；同時，今年盛事將接踵而至，訪港旅客數字有望持續增長，配合人民幣走強，將能為一線街道迎來更多人流及消費動力。然而，受限於顧客消費模式的結構性改變，加上進駐核心區街舖的品牌更趨大衆化和年輕化，一線街舖租金難以在短時間內大幅反彈。我們維持原先預測，預期2026上半年整體租金將溫和上升2%至3%。」 住宅市場：中東緊張局勢下樓市氣氛仍然熾熱 各類型住宅樓價均延續升勢 本港樓市氣氛持續改善，農曆新年過後香港住宅市場更見活躍，一手新盤去貨速度理想，二手市場潛在買家亦加快入市決定，市場購買力進一步釋放。此外，中東地緣政治局勢雖然緊張，惟暫未對本港樓市構成明顯影響。自去年3月起，住宅買賣合約數字已連續13個月錄得超過5,000宗，其中今年2月交投量更逼近6,700宗。第一季住宅成交宗數總計約18,650宗，比去年同期大升53%，按季升9%(圖三)。季內多個焦點新盤銷情理想，一手成交約佔整體住宅交投數目的30%。 戴德梁行香港估價及顧問服務部高級董事黎劍明先生指出：「住宅市場交投繼續活躍，進一步支持樓價上行。根據政府差估署數據（截至2月數據），整體住宅樓價指數在今年首兩個月累升2.6%。若按本行追蹤的中小型住宅單位售價指數計算，截至第一季度，本季樓價較去年年底升近5%。至於受歡迎屋苑樓價表現，各類型物業樓價升勢持續，當中代表細價盤的沙田第一城按季升5.6%；代表中價市場的太古城按季升8.6%；而代表豪宅市場的貝沙灣亦錄得7.1%的按季升幅。另一方面，在各類來港人才的住宅需求帶動下，住宅租賃需求持續強勁，租金指數再創有紀錄以來新高，現時息口處於相對較低水平，既吸引投資者入市，亦促使租樓客及準買家加快入市。」 戴德梁行執行董事及香港研究部主管鄧淑賢女士表示：「今年第一季，樓市大致延續去年年尾的熾熱氣氛，呈現價量齊升的走勢。儘管近日中東地緣政治局勢反覆，但整體住宅市場仍展現一定韌性，住宅買賣合約數字於2、3月份均錄得超過6,000宗。展望後市，預期或有更多避險資金流入本港，支持本港拆息維持相對低位，對本港樓市構成一定支持。此外，本行詢價量指數連升三個月，反映樓市氣氛及買家入市意欲持續改善。成交方面，預計今年住宅成交量有望達65,000至70,000宗水平。至於樓價走勢，若中東地緣政治局勢能於短期內緩和，相信對本港樓市影響將屬有限，全年樓價升幅有望達7%至10%；惟若局勢進一步升溫，或對息口及買家入市心態構成壓力，全年樓價升幅則預計約為5%。」 請按此下載活動照片及簡報 圖片說明：（由左至右）戴德梁行執行董事及香港研究部主管鄧淑賢女士、戴德梁行香港董事總經理蕭亮輝先生及戴德梁行香港估價及顧問服務部高級董事黎劍明先生。 Hashtag: #戴德梁行 The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Source link
There’s still plenty to play for across Europe as we head into the final matches of the club season. Here are all the title races, Champions League fights, and relegation battles left to be decided in the top leagues this month. This story will be updated until the end of the campaign. 👉 Jump to:EPL | LA LIGA | SERIE A | BUNDESLIGA | LIGUE 1 | GOLDEN SHOE Premier League 🏴 Title race Manchester City cut the gap to two points with a comfortable victory over Crystal Palace on Wednesday, but Arsenal still control their own destiny. If the Gunners win their final two matches – at home against Burnley and away to Palace on the final day of the campaign – they’ll be champions no matter what Pep Guardiola’s men do the rest of the way. The Gunners are desperately trying to claim their first Premier League title since the vaunted 2004 “Invincibles” team. If Arsenal beat beat Burnley on May 18, they can be crowned champions as early as the following day if Man City don’t beat Bournemouth. Otherwise, the race will go to the final day of the season (May 24). The Premier League’s first
Manchester United have opened talks with Michael Carrick over continuing as head coach beyond the end of the season. It is understood that, even though there is still much to complete in legal and contractual issues, an agreement could be reached before United’s game against Nottingham Forest on Sunday. The club’s hierarchy, director of football Jason Wilcox and CEO Omar Berrada, believe he is the right man to continue leading Man Utd after an impressive 15 games having secured Champions League football and earning wins against Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea. The former Manchester United midfielder has been the frontrunner for the role for some time now, with his bosses impressed by his popularity with the playing squad, his handling of the media, his inherent understanding of the heritage and size of the football club – but also, crucially, the results he has achieved on the pitch. Monterosa This content is provided by Monterosa, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Monterosa cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your
Ryan O’Hanlon Close Ryan O’Hanlon ESPN.com writer Ryan O’Hanlon is a staff writer for ESPN.com. He’s also the author of “Net Gains: Inside the Beautiful Game’s Analytics Revolution.” and Bill Connelly Close Bill Connelly ESPN Staff Writer Bill Connelly is a writer for ESPN. He covers college football, soccer and tennis. He has been at ESPN since 2019. Multiple Authors May 15, 2026, 10:19 AM At the start of the Premier League season, the top questions were clear: Could Liverpool repeat? The defending champions had spent over $500 million to deepen and freshen up their squad, but did that throw off their balance? And what might Mohamed Salah have in store after the contract year of all contract years? The answers: No, yes, and not much. Liverpool lost six of seven league matches in a spell from late-September through late-November, then went another five matches without a win in January. Their rapid demise opened the door for a different champion, and Arsenal marched right in. We think. The Gunners lead a charging Manchester City by two points in the table, they probably still have to win their last two matches, and they really haven’t been the best team in the
BARCELONA, Spain — The streets of Barcelona turned into a “sea of blaugrana” Monday to celebrate the team’s La Liga title win. Spanish media reported that over 750,000 people turned out to honor Barcelona, who defeated Real Madrid 2-0 on Sunday at Camp Nou to clinch a second consecutive league title. Editor’s Picks 1 Related The win gave the Catalan club an insurmountable 14-point lead over second-placed Madrid with three matches remaining. The team paraded on open buses through city streets to celebrate the club’s 29th league title. “Barcelona once again showed its passion for Barça,” the club said. “The streets became a sea of blaugrana devoted to a team that continues to write successful chapters in its history and that celebrated these new titles surrounded by its people.” Barcelona still have three games left and can become just the third team in LaLiga history to hit the 100-point mark if they win the rest of their games. Hansi Flick’s side is currently on 91 points. Information from The Associated Press was used in this report. Source link
BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Nearly 750,000 people took to the streets of Barcelona on Monday to celebrate the team’s La Liga title parade, according to Spanish media citing local authorities. Barcelona defeated Real Madrid 2-0 on Sunday at Camp Nou and clinched its second consecutive league title. The Catalan club earned an insurmountable 14-point lead over second-placed Madrid with three matches remaining. The team paraded on open buses through city streets to celebrate the club’s 29th league title. “Barcelona once again showed its passion for Barça,” the club said. “The streets became a sea of blaugrana devoted to a team that continues to write successful chapters in its history and that celebrated these new titles surrounded by its people.” Source link
Sergej Jakirovic says taking Hull to the Sky Bet Championship play-off final is “maybe the best thing that happened in football in my life” and that leading the Tigers out at Wembley will be “a dream come true”. After a goalless semi-final first leg against Millwall at the MKM Stadium on May 8, the 49-year-old masterminded a 2-0 win on the night at The Den, courtesy of goals from Mohamed Belloumi and Joe Gelhardt. On Saturday May 23, live on Sky Sports Football, Hull will face either Southampton or Middlesbrough, with a place in the Premier League on the line. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Highlights of the Championship play-off semi-final, second leg match between Millwall and Hull City It marks a stunning turnaround for the Tigers, who survived relegation on goal difference alone just over a year ago and have been under a transfer embargo for the past two windows. Speaking on Sky Sports Football after the final whistle, Jakirovic said: “Since day one, they have been a very nice group. Togetherness is very high. This embargo maybe even stuck us together even more. “Also, (there is) chemistry between the players. Nobody is angry
LONDON – Tottenham Hotspur took a small but potentially crucial step towards retaining its Premier League status after drawing at home with Leeds United 1-1 on Monday. Spurs, just above the drop zone, moved two points clear of relegation rival West Ham. Tottenham went ahead in the 50th minute with an assured finish from Mathys Tels. However, Tels’ foul on Ethan Ampadu with 15 minutes left led to a Leeds penalty that Dominic Calvert-Lewin converted with aplomb. Spurs takes on Chelsea away and Everton at home in its last two games, while West Ham is away at Newcastle before facing Leeds at home on the final day of the season. One of the two will join the already relegated Burnley and Wolves in next season’s Championship. Spurs came into the game on a high after two consecutive victories but though it dominated the first half in terms of possession and shots on goal it didn’t break the deadlock until five minutes into the second half. Pedro Porro’s corner kick was cleared to an unmarked Tels, who coolly struck into the far corner of the net from 20 meters out. It was the center forward’s first goal since Jan. 7. Tels,
Tens of thousands of Barcelona fans pack streets of Spanish city during open-top bus parade after domestic football league victory. Published On 11 May 202611 May 2026 Spanish teenage superstar Lamine Yayal has garnered praise from football fans for expressing solidarity with Palestine during Barcelona’s celebrations for winning the La Liga title. In several clips widely shared online Monday, the 18-year-old could be seen waving a Palestinian flag from inside an open-top bus to cheers from jubilant crowds. Recommended Stories list of 3 itemsend of list Tens of thousands of people lined the streets of Barcelona to greet their heroes during the parade around the Spanish city. Barca won their 29th La Liga title with a 2-0 victory over bitter rivals Real Madrid on Sunday, marking the second time the league’s outcome has been decided by the result of an El Clasico match. Since the start of Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza in October 2023, the city of Barcelona has served as a major hub for pro-Palestinian activism in Spain. It has also been the site of large regular pro-Palestine protests and served as a departure point for aid flotillas attempting to break the blockade of the besieged and bombarded territory.
Luca Percassi Vice Chairman of Atalanta (Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images) Atalanta CEO Luca Percassi confirms director Tony D’Amico ‘is courted by other clubs and could leave’ with Milan and Roma interest, while they’d be ‘very happy’ to replace him with Cristiano Giuntoli. There are numerous reports that the summer will have a series of changes in directorial roles, and La Dea could be at the centre of it. Director of sport D’Amico has been in Bergamo for four years, but has been heavily linked with a potential move to Roma for a reunion with Gian Piero Gasperini, or even Milan in case Igli Tare is dismissed. Atalanta ready to part with D’Amico epa11702421 Atalanta CEO Luca Percassi (L) and Atalanta Sporting Director Tony d’Amico watch a training session of the team at the Bortolotti training center in Zingonia, Italy, 05 November 2024. Atalanta will face VFB Stuttgart in the UEFA Champions League on 06 November in Stuttgart. EPA-EFE/MICHELE MARAVIGLIA “I have an extraordinary rapport with D’Amico, what he has done for us over the years is something I’ve seen up close,” Percassi told Sky Sport Italia when attending an awards ceremony this evening. “Since he arrived, Atalanta
The Premier League is to reject widening the scope of VAR next season after talks with the refereeing body Professional Game Match Officials (PGMO). Under a regulation change approved by the International Football Association Board (Ifab) in February, the video assistant referee will be permitted to rule on the award of corners and second yellow cards from next month, with referees to use the powers at the World Cup after a request from Fifa. Ifab has made the new law discretionary, however, allowing leagues and competitions to decide whether to adopt it. The Premier League’s final decision will be made by the clubs at their annual general meeting next month, but PGMO has advised against extending the use of VAR. There are concerns at PGMO that using VAR to rule on corners and bookings could significantly increase the length of matches, which may alienate the Premier League’s broadcast partners and put more pressure on match officials. The potential for additional disruption and longer matches is also a problem for the clubs, with sources indicating there is little appetite to overrule PGMO’s guidance and add to VAR’s responsibilities. Fifa has taken a different view, with the chair of its referees committee,
“Today, I have realized how difficult and how big a referee’s job is,” Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta acknowledged after watching Chris Kavanagh come to a decision, which afforded his side an almighty advantage in the Premier League title race. Had the on-pitch official not agreed with the advice dished out by his video assistant referee (VAR) Darren England, the Gunners would have been consigned to a 1–1 draw with West Ham United at the London Stadium. The gap to Manchester City would have stood at just three points, and Pep Guardiola’s side could have recaptured the division’s summit before Arsenal played again. At the other end of the table, Callum Wilson’s disallowed goal would have taken the Hammers to the same points tally as Tottenham Hotspur on the other side of the drop zone while keeping Crystal Palace, Leeds United and Nottingham Forest mathematically in the relegation battle. “You’re talking about a moment that can decide the history of two massive clubs that are fighting with their lives to achieve their objectives, and the pressure is huge,” Arteta surmised. If just one VAR intervention had enough power to dramatically change the face of the entire division, think about the impact
COMO, ITALY – MAY 02: Kevin De Bruyne of SSC Napoli looks on during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and SSC Napoli at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on May 02, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images) There are reports Kevin De Bruyne could be ruled out of tonight’s Serie A match between Napoli and Bologna with a fresh fitness issue. It kicks off at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona at 19.45 UK time (20.45 CEST). The Partenopei need a victory to consolidate second place and break free of the increasingly close fight for a Champions League spot. De Bruyne problem for Napoli NAPLES, ITALY – MARCH 06: Kevin De Bruyne of SSC Napoli during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Torino FC at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on March 06, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images) According to Sky Sport Italia, there is a late surprise problem for coach Antonio Conte to contend with, as De Bruyne might not be ready to participate. Radio Kiss Kiss also report that De Bruyne will not be in the starting XI, as Giovane is expected to step into the front three with
May 11 (Reuters) – Germany’s Daniel Siebert, who officiated the second leg of Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final against Atletico Madrid, will be the referee when the English side take on holders Paris St Germain in the final on May 30, UEFA said on Monday. Francois Letexier from France, who refereed the Euro 2024 final, will have the whistle during the Europa League final between Freiburg and Aston Villa on May 20. The Conference League final between Crystal Palace and Rayo Vallecano will be refereed by Italian Maurizio Mariani a week later. UEFA named two compatriots as assistants for each referee. Sweden’s Tess Olofsson will referee the Women’s Champions League final between Barcelona and Olympique Lyonnais on May 23. (Reporting by Chiranjit Ojha in Bengaluru, editing by Ed Osmond) Source link
May 11, 2026, 10:15 a.m. ET Tottenham Hotspur produced one of their best displays of the season against Aston Villa to move out of the botttom three. But Monday’s game against Leeds United is at home, where Tottenham has an abysmal record. Here’s how to watch the fixture and some predictions: Tottenham vs Leeds how to watch Kickoff: Monday, May 11 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (London, England), 3 p.m. ET Channel/streaming: Telemundo, USA Network (Watch on Sling TV) Expert MLB daily picks: Unique MLB betting insights only at USA TODAY 3 predictions for Tottenham Hotspur vs Leeds United The Independent: “It is hard to see Spurs not putting in a decent performance as they fight for survival, and this game might be the one that shows whether or not De Zerbi has managed to truly improve his failing side.” Prediction: Spurs win, both teams will score.” Racing Post: “Tottenham’s decision to bring in Roberto De Zerbi has started to pay off and it is no coincidence that his first two wins came away from home…But home advantage has been virtually non-existent for Tottenham this term.” Prediction: Over 2.5 goals with both teams scoring. Action Network: “My Tottenham vs Leeds prediction is for both
Barcelona, Spain — Draped in club flags and with their faces painted blue and maroon, Barcelona fan Max Dour and his father Nico joined thousands of others celebrating their team’s crowning as La Liga champions under the glow of flares lighting up the night sky at the famous Plaza Catalunya in the Catalan capital. Playing at home, the football giants sealed their second consecutive Spanish league title with a 2-0 win over bitter rivals Real Madrid in a highly-anticipated El Clasico on Sunday. Recommended Stories list of 2 itemsend of list The league triumph was made all the sweeter by a lacklustre performance from Madrid and the tens of thousands of cules – as Barcelona supporters are known – packed inside the Camp Nou stadium. The iconic venue carried an air of anticipation for what fans believed was an inevitable victory. They chanted “Campeones, campeones (champions, champions)” throughout the match and well past the referee’s full-time whistle. Come Monday afternoon, Barca fans will once again pack the city streets when the players join their celebrations with an open bus parade through the streets. “I promised my son if we won La Liga, then we would go to the Canaletas [fountain]
CREMONA, ITALY – MAY 10: Jamie Vardy of US Cremonese celebrates after scoring the 1-0 goal during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and Pisa SC at Stadio Giovanni Zini on May 10, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Marco M. Mantovani/Getty Images) The Serie A race for survival still involves three clubs, Cremonese, Lecce and Cagliari, and the last team dropping to Serie B could be determined by a relegation play-off: here are all the possible scenarios. Serie A Round 36 saw Jamie Vardy’s Cremonese earn three points over direct rivals Lecce and Cagliari. Cremonese defeated Pisa 3-0 on Sunday, with Vardy scoring the opening goal, while Lecce lost 1-0 to Juventus and Cagliari lost 2-0 to Udinese. Cremonese still sit 18th, but just one point below Lecce and six from Cagliari. The Sardinians are by far the better-placed team in the race for survival, needing just one point to confirm their Serie A status. If all three teams finish level on points, the Classifica Avulsa will determine the better-placed team, only considering matches against direct opponents. Once again, it would be Cagliari emerging on top with seven points earned against Lecce (six) and Cremonese (four). If just two teams
There is plenty of work left to do, but the tenor has changed significantly for Tottenham Hotspur. It always felt like earning a singular win could finally turn the tides, and Roberto De Zerbi has now claimed two straight victories at the most crucial of moments. Yes, a lame duck Wolves side and a heavily rotated/demotivated Villa are not the strongest of opponents, but plenty of other lower sides have been too difficult for Spurs this season. De Zerbi cannot let Leeds United fall into that bucket. An impressive run of form has removed Leeds from the relegation battle, but they could have a substantial impact on the race with contests remaining against both Tottenham and West Ham. This was the fixture circled weeks ago that absolutely must result in three points; anything less would (again) drain the goodwill from the past two weekends. Date: Monday, May 11Time: 3:00 pm ET, 8:00 pm UKLocation: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, LondonTV: USA Network (US), Sky Sports Premier League (UK) Knock on wood, but this is the opponent Spurs have arguably fared best against over the past six seasons. After a split in 2020/21, Tottenham swept the fixtures in each of the next two
The 55th-minute incident proved the last straw for the broadcaster: Eric García’s challenge on Jude Bellingham in the penalty area went unpunished, and the White House pundits labelled it a proper scandal. “Perhaps a push at neck height is a bit more, but we didn’t see that. What we did see, however, was an elbow from Eric García, which clearly warrants, firstly, a penalty and, secondly, a red card,” raged the pundits at RMTV. Their ire then shifted to referee Alejandro Hernández, but that was only the prelude. The real fury was reserved for the video assistant referee’s failure to intervene: “It is further proof of the VAR’s inaction, failing to correct a potential injustice. If this is deemed a game situation, then anything can be a game situation. Anyone who has ever played football knows that Eric García did that on purpose.” Source link
Cinematic endings, outstanding quality and big moments: there are ways we all want matches and Premier League titles to be decided. But a five-minute VAR delay to analyse a possible foul on Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya at a corner is not very Hollywood. There was furore in the final minutes at the London Stadium on Sunday, as Callum Wilson’s late equaliser for West Ham was eventually ruled out. One West Ham player, Pablo, had his arm across Raya’s chest and a hold of his left forearm and another, Jean-Clair Todibo, was pulling his shirt at the shoulder. That scenario, of goalkeepers being swarmed by attackers, has been prevalent in the Premier League all season. The share of inswinging corners has risen from 48 per cent in 2022-23 to 71 per cent this term. Meanwhile, outswingers head toward extinction — they are as (in)frequent as short corners now — with most corners resembling a rugby scrum or wrestling match of physical duels and bodies packed around the ’keeper. So forget the ceaseless debate about VAR for a moment. The Premier League has a deeper problem to solve: corners are broken. Three stats sum up the state of play. Even with two
Under Flick’s management Raphinha, despite a season interrupted with injuries, has developed into a more consistent and influential attacker. Flick has increased the Brazilian’s attacking responsibility and refined his role, encouraging quicker decision-making in transition and a more direct style of play that suits his strengths. Pedri has remained a central figure in midfield, thriving in a system built around quick progression. Robert Lewandowski, meanwhile, has rediscovered his sharpness within Flick’s system. With better service and more structured attacking patterns around him, the veteran Poland striker, 37, once again looks decisive. His future at the club is still unknown with his contract expiring in June. Eric Garcia has emerged as one of the season’s most valuable tactical players, filling multiple positions seamlessly, while Gerard Martin has exceeded expectations after being placed into a key defensive role. Even in defeat, Barcelona consistently responded. Following losses to Girona and Real Madrid in October, they immediately launched long winning streaks in the league, rather than allowing setbacks to spiral. Flick has also shown a strong willingness to rotate and trust squad players, which has helped Barcelona maintain intensity and consistency across a demanding season. Marcus Rashford has been one of those players. Although
Barcelona players lift the trophy after winning the Spanish La Liga soccer match against Real Madrid to clinch the Spanish league title in Barcelona, Spain, Sunday, May 10, 2026. (AP Photo/Joan Monfort) Watched by its grieving coach, Barcelona won its second straight Spanish league title and 29th overall with a comfortable 2-0 win over Real Madrid at Camp Nou on Sunday, adding to its rival’s troubled season. Goals by Marcus Rashford in the ninth minute and Ferran Torres in the 18th gave Barcelona the victory and an insurmountable 14-point advantage over its fierce rival with three rounds remaining in La Liga. Article continues after this advertisement Barcelona coach Hansi Flick was in the dugout for Sunday’s clasico following the death of his father, which Barcelona announced hours before kickoff. Players from both teams wore black armbands and there was a moment of silence before kickoff. READ: Barcelona can clinch La Liga title with win, Real Madrid stumble The league is 𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗦 💙🏆❤️ pic.twitter.com/tRI9jlVOnr — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) May 10, 2026 A draw would also have been enough for the Catalan club to seal its third league title in four seasons. Madrid, which remains the most successful club in the league
Former Premier League assistant referee Darren Cann on Match of the Day: “I don’t think anyone would want to trade places with Darren England. Nobody would want to be sitting in that chair. He stepped up to the plate, he made the right decision and it’s the biggest VAR call in Premier League history.” Former Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given on Match of the Day: “The thing that grates {on] me is we have seen on numerous occasions with Arsenal this season, goalkeepers and defenders getting blocked off and the goal stands. Everyone is frustrated about the consistency of the refereeing decision. Why are some goals allowed to stand and this was disallowed? There is so much at stake at the bottom of the league and the very top. “The other thing is Gabriel is holding, Odegaard is holding, Trossard is holding before the foul even happens on Raya. When does the referee decide that’s the foul he wants to pick and not the previous foul?” Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy on Match of the Day: “The controversy and discontent around West Ham not being given the goal is because it’s Arsenal. They can’t be held accountable for decisions in the
The men’s major season has already opened with another compelling chapter, with Rory McIlroy’s win adding to the Augusta National history books. The world No 1 and world No 2 occupied the top two places on the leaderboard, with McIlroy’s back-to-back wins matching the two Green Jackets that hang in Scottie Scheffler’s locker. Five of the top six came from the top 10 in the world rankings that week and I believe we are in for another exciting major championship, with many players in form heading to Pennsylvania. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Highlights from the final round of The Masters, where McIlroy held on to successfully defend his title The PGA Championship returns to Aronimink Golf Course, where Gary Player triumphed when it was last held there some 64 years ago. This fine course was carved and created by a legendary Scotsman, Donald Ross, and celebrates its centenary in two years’ time. Many of you who have watched Sky Sports through the years will remember Aronimink for Justin Rose’s win in the AT&T National in 2010 and Keegan Bradley’s extra-time win over Rose in the 2018 BMW Championship. Aronimink traditionally has generous fairways, so
By Carolyn Jones, CalMatters This story was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters. Until last month, California was poised to join nearly a dozen other states that ban cell phones in K-12 schools. But under pressure from school boards and administrators, lawmakers scaled back a bill that would have required such a blanket ban. “I was disappointed, but I take the long view on this,” said Torrance Democratic Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi, an author of the bill. “There’s still a growing global concern that too much cell phone use has detrimental effects on students.” The bill, AB 1644, builds on an existing law in California that requires schools to limit, if not outright ban, students’ cell phone use during the school day. A slew of studies have shown that cell phone use is a serious distraction for students that affects their mental health, social-emotional development and ability to concentrate in class. Confusing and unnecessary legislation? Muratsuchi’s bill would have required all schools to draw up policies banning students from using cell phones while they’re on campus or on a school-related trip. School board and school administrator groups opposed the bill because they said a “one-size-fits-all” policy undermines districts’
The Google Fitbit Air is very much the talk of the fitness tracking town right now, not only because it’s the first new Fitbit device that we’ve had in years, but it’s also one of the first big brands to go head-to-head with the established Whoop Strap (if you don’t count the Polar Loop and the Amazfit Helio Strap). If you’re considering picking one up, then there’s a good chance that you’re trying to decide if it’s worth it against the latest Whoop Strap 5.0. So to that end, we’ve put together this Fitbit Air vs Whoop comparison guide to help you out. For a bit of wider context, it’s worth knowing right off the bat that the Fitbit Air and the Whoop Strap don’t include an on-device display, and are instead designed as distraction-free trackers that can be worn discreetly, and are only really meant to be interacted with when it comes time to charge them up. This is the main selling point of this style. If that doesn’t sound like your cup of tea then there are plenty of great options to check out in our guide to the best fitness trackers overall. Then again, if you think
Latest research by the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) showed a sharp rise in global sales of light-duty electric vehicles (EVs), which crossed 20 million units in 2025. The study noted that EVs accounted for nearly 25% of new light-duty vehicle (LDV) sales globally, up from around 19% in 2024 and 15% in 2023. Nearly 90% of EVs sold worldwide were concentrated in the four largest LDV markets by sales volume — China, the United States, Europe, and India. Together, these four markets accounted for 71% of global LDV sales in 2025. Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) continued to dominate the global EV market, with 14 million units sold, accounting for 67% of all new EVs and 17% of all new LDVs sold in 2025. In India, EV sales jumped from approximately 125,000 units in 2024 to 202,000 units in 2025, accounting for 4% of new LDV sales. Photograph: (ICCT) 11 Emerging Markets Account For 5% Of Global EV Sales Between 2020 and 2025, the study tracked EV sales growth across the four major markets and 11 selected emerging markets. In 2025, these 11 emerging markets collectively sold around 1 million EVs, accounting for nearly 5% of global EV sales,
xAI xAI has launched a coding agent of its own to serve as competitor to its rivals’ products, such as Anthropic’s Claude Code. It’s called Grok Build, and it’s still in its early beta version that’s initially only available to SuperGrok Heavy subscribers paying $300 per month for the service. xAI describes Grok Build as a “powerful new coding agent and CLI for professional software engineering and complex coding work.” It says it will take user feedback from the early beta release to improve the product. SuperGrok Heavy users can install the beta from xAI’s website and then log into their account to be able to access it. As Bloomberg notes, xAI has been trying to catch up to its rival companies like Anthropic and OpenAI. Elon Musk, the company’s founder and CEO, previously admitted that it has fallen behind its competitors when it comes to coding. A couple of months ago, Musk said he was rebuilding xAI “from the foundations up” after several co-founders had left the company. One of the company’s executives reportedly told staffers to work on getting Grok to match Claude’s performance across various tasks. Grok has somewhat of a
ChatGPT-maker OpenAI introduced Codex desktop application in February this year. The company has now announced that its AI coding assistant, Codex is now available on mobile via the ChatGPT app. This will enable the developers to manage and approve coding tasks directly from their phones. The rollout, currently in preview for iOS and Android, expands Codex’s reach beyond desktops and remote environments. “Codex is now in the ChatGPT mobile app so you can stay in the loop from anywhere. More than 4 million people now use Codex every week, and we’re seeing how much those small moments matter. A quick check-in can keep a thread moving, prevent unnecessary rework, or help Codex make progress with the right context. Now you can do that from your phone,” said OpenAI. Codex while on the go With the access of Codex on mobile, the developers can now connect to laptops, devboxes, or managed remote environments and new live states from those machines. Updates such as screenshots, terminal output, diffs, and test results are streamed to mobile devices, enabling quick approvals or corrections even when away from a workstation. Under the hood, Codex uses a secure relay layer that keeps trusted machines reachable across
Spectrum and Warner Bros. Discovery announced that the discovery+ streaming app is now included at no additional cost for customers with eligible Spectrum TV plans. Now Spectrum TV customers can immediately begin streaming their favorite discovery+ hit shows, from 90 Day Fiancé to Gold Rush and Ghost Adventures. This builds on Spectrum’s Seamless Entertainment experience, which brings together live TV and popular streaming apps and includes more than $125 per month in retail streaming value. Spectrum TV customers can activate ad-supported discovery+, which retails for $5.99 per month, for no extra cost to begin streaming hit shows from HGTV, Food Network, TLC, Investigation Discovery, Animal Planet and more. Customers can also upgrade to discovery+ (Ad-Free), which retails for $9.99 per month, by paying the $4 difference. Additionally, Spectrum customers without an eligible TV plan can use The Spectrum App Store to purchase discovery+ and other streaming apps à la carte. Spectrum’s Seamless Entertainment experience delivers more than $125 in retail streaming value, paired with The Spectrum App Store, where customers seamlessly activate and manage their apps, and the Xumo Stream Box, which provides an all-in-one place to search, discover and watch TV.
BBC’s Maya Even greeted viewers on a February evening in 2000 with a simple question about the future. She introduced a report from The Money Programme that examined how phone companies and tech giants poured billions into linking mobile devices to the internet. Nils Blythe took the story from there, traveling first to Tokyo where the shift already showed real momentum. Masakuri Bayashi, a Tokyo student, pulled out his i-mode phone for the camera shot. Talk about getting mainstream: nearly 4 million of these things were sold in Japan in just the last year. The phone proved useful for checking email, keeping track of bank balances, and even transferring money without having to go to the bank. He also emphasized the cool factor, such as sending fast messages or playing a game with your friends while out and about, and how everyone appeared to like the ease of having these little websites right on their home screens. Sale Samsung Galaxy S26+, Unlocked Android Smartphone, 256GB, Powerful Processor, Galaxy AI, Immersive… TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details… MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE
In the space of a few months, Verizon got a new CEO who lowered prices and AT&T revamped its entire postpaid phone plan lineup, then separately added a new top-tier plan. If you’re considering jumping to AT&T or Verizon for your phone service, or thinking about changing your existing plan, we’re here to compare their offerings. (Are you reading this because you were affected by the massive Verizon outage and are looking for other options? Such events are limited, but be sure to also check our recommendations for Best Cellphone Plans and Best Unlimited Data Plans.) AT&T AT&T is the largest wireless carrier in the US, and its plan options are straightforward. In addition to updating its unlimited phone plans, it also recently enabled a block of spectrum licenses it bought from EchoStar that have boosted 5G performance across its network. AT&T Like Broad network coverage Straightforward plan lineup ActiveArmor spam blocking Recent spectrum acquisition means better 5G performance in most areas Don’t like Added taxes and fees on top of a plan’s price No streaming deals or other perks beyond basic service It still irks that AT&T displays “5GE” on a phone when it’s actually connected to 4G LTE Verizon Verizon wrapped up 2025 on shaky footing, following an
Razer Razer’s latest Blade 18 laptop may look the same, but its updated internals make it about as powerful as you can get in 2026. This year’s model adds the Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus (24 cores, 5.5GHz boost) as a top-tier processor option. However, to say its pricing isn’t for the faint of heart would be an understatement. You’re looking at an ungodly $7,000 for the top-tier model. (Cue spit take.) RAM starts at 32GB in the base model, which “only” costs $4,000. As you might expect, prices rise dramatically as you add more. You’re looking at an extra $600 to jump to 64GB of memory, and another $1,000 to go from 64GB to 128GB. Be sure to thank your local AI data center for that. Graphics options are unchanged from the 2025 model. You’re looking at the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Ti in the base model, or the RTX 5090 on the high end. Razer’s dual-mode display is back: It lets you switch between UHD+ at 240Hz and FHD+ at 440Hz. However, Razer says the screen in this year’s upgrade gets 20 percent brighter. Still a heavy battery
Support our independent tech coverage. Chrome Unboxed is written by real people, for real people—not search algorithms. Join Chrome Unboxed Plus for just $2 a month to get an ad-free experience, access to our private Discord, and more. Learn more about membership here.START FREE TRIAL (MONTHLY)START FREE TRIAL (ANNUAL) When it comes to the success of any new computing platform, hardware is only half the battle. Arguably, the more important half is the app ecosystem. For years, the ChromeOS experience has been a tough sell for some. While I love web-based apps and prefer them, many users want and/or need a far more robust application library with things like Adobe Photoshop, Microsoft Office, and more. Android apps were poised to help this out on ChromeOS, but for a long time on Chromebooks, they’ve been a mixed bag due to emulation limitations across the board. For the most part, Android apps on ChromeOS never became the answer for the missing desktop app library users were looking for on Chromebooks. But with the upcoming launch of the Googlebook, Google is making sure the software experience matches the premium hardware right out of the box. In our recent sit-down interview with Google VP
AMD AMD has announced that its FSR 4.1 upscaling tech is coming to older Radeon RX graphics cards, starting with RDNA 3 GPUs this July. Until now, the latest version of FSR has been exclusive to Radeon RX 9000-series graphics cards, but come the summer, RX 7000 cards will benefit from superior AI-powered upscaling in their games. This is despite lacking the native specialized hardware required to run it. Jack Huynh, AMD’s Senior Vice President and General Manager of Computing Graphics, said in a video that his team had to “carefully tune, optimize and validate the model” in order to achieve the necessary performance on older cards. This process included optimizing memory usage and reducing artifacts in fast-moving scenes. Huynh also said AMD tested FSR 4.1 running on hundreds of PC configurations, and promised support for more than 300 games at launch. RDNA 2 players have to wait a bit longer, but AMD is also bringing FSR 4.1 to even older GPUs in early 2027. AMD trickling down its tech sounds a bit more straightforward than rival NVIDIA’s deployment of its upscaling strategy. DLSS 4 was made available on all RTX GPUs
iOS 26.5 is rolling out to our iPhones It includes new third-party wearables support for previously exclusive Apple Watch and AirPods features This is only available in the EU for now Apple’s latest iOS 26.5 update is bringing some AirPods and Apple Watch-exclusive features to third-party earbuds and wearables — but only for phones in the EU. This is being done so Apple can better comply with the EU’s Digital Markets Act, which means Apple has to relinquish some of the software benefits that were exclusive to its own hardware and bring it to third-party smartwatches like those made by Garmin, Amazfit and Huawei, and third-party earbuds and headphones. For smartwatch users the biggest update will be the ability to respond to message notifications with reactions or replies. Currently you can only see iOS notifications on third-party tech, whereas Apple Watch users can send a response through the notification pop-up. With this iOS 26.5 update that should start to change, providing other smartwatch makers update their hardware to support the new capabilities. Latest Videos From You may like Just note that your phone can only forward notifications to one device at a time, so if you for some reason have
Even though Alienware has been around for 30 years, the company hasn’t really made an affordable, entry-level gaming laptop. But that changes today with the succinctly named Alienware 15, and based on the rising price of seemingly every gadget, it couldn’t have come at a better time. Let’s start with the basics. The Alienware 15 will be available with both AMD and Intel CPUs, starting at $1,299 for a config with a Ryzen 5 220 processor, 16GB of RAM, 512GB M.2 SSD and an NVIDIA RTX 4050 GPU. If you opt for a system with a Core 5 210H chip and the same memory, graphics and storage, expect to pay $1,349. (Note: There will be a variant with an RTX 3050 GPU in certain regions, but not in North America.) The laptop also features a 15.3-inch LCD display with decent brightness (300 nits), a 1,920 x 1,200 resolution (16:10) and a relatively speedy 165Hz refresh rate. You also get a surprisingly wide assortment of ports including two USB-C, two USB-A (all of them are least Gen 3.1), HDMI 2.1, 3.5mm audio and even an onboard Ethernet jack. So just going by its core components, the Alienware 15 is off to
Summary created by Smart Answers AI In summary: Tech Advisor reports a Samsung Galaxy S24 allegedly exploded in a user’s hand in South Korea, causing minor burns and prompting a forensic investigation by Samsung. This incident recalls the 2016 Galaxy Note 7 recall crisis and raises concerns about ongoing battery safety issues despite Samsung’s eight-point safety checks. The explosion occurred during normal internet browsing with supporting evidence including medical records, witness accounts, and authorities finding signs of lithium battery ignition. Memories of Samsung’s infamous Galaxy Note 7 battery issue have been invoked by an alarming Galaxy S24 incident. Over in South Korea, a Samsung Galaxy S24 user has posted an astonishing claim on Reddit. User chocho-789 claims that on 11 May (that’s this Monday just gone), “My Galaxy S24 suddenly emitted smoke, extreme heat, and exploded in my hand while I was using it normally to search the internet.” They note that the phone wasn’t charging, nor had it sustained any drop damage prior to the incident. It had never been repaired or opened up, either. The Galaxy S24 user (victim?) has supplied pictorial evidence of the scorched handset on fire on the floor, as well as its scorched carcass
Modular EV Architecture Platforms Market The Global Modular EV Architecture Platforms Market Study, a comprehensive analysis of the market that spans more than 143+ pages and describes the product and industry scope as well as the market prognosis and status for 2025-2032. The marketization process is being accelerated by the market study’s segmentation by important regions. The market is currently expanding its reach. Key Players in This Report Include: Tesla , Volkswagen Group , Hyundai Motor Group , General Motors , BYD , Rivian , Stellantis , Geely , BMW Group , Mercedes-Benz Group , Nissan Motor Corporation , Toyota Motor Corporation , SAIC Motor , Lucid Motors , Canoo. Request PDF Sample Copy of Report: (Including Full TOC, List of Tables & Figures, Chart) @ 👉 https://www.htfmarketintelligence.com/sample-report/global-modular-ev-architecture-platforms-market The global Modular EV Architecture Platforms market will expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 21.3 % from 2025 to 2032, from 58.0 Billion in 2025 to 223.0 Billion by 2032. Our Report Covers the Following Important Topics: By Type Skateboard Platforms , Dedicated EV Platforms , Flexible Multi-Energy Platforms , Battery Modular Platforms , Autonomous EV Platforms By Application Passenger Vehicles , Commercial Vehicles , Luxury EVs , Autonomous
In today’s digital age, tattoo apps have become indispensable tools for both aspiring and professional tattoo artists. They give tattoo artists the ability to create designs digitally, saving them time and allowing them to present professional designs to their clients. So, what app do tattoo artists use? which one is the best? Having the right tattoo design apps can elevate your tattoo designs to the next level. Let’s take a looka at some of the 12 best tattoo design apps for Artists in 2026 to help you stay on top of your game and create amazing tattoo designs. 12 Best Apps to Draw Tattoo Designs in 2026 These 12 drawing apps allow you to create and refine tattoo designs with precision and flexibility before inking them onto your clients’ skin. 1. Procreate Procreate has become the essential tool for digital illustration on the apple iPad due to its intuitive interface and the variety of resources and artistic styles for which it can be used. Procreate is also an excellent tool for tattoo artists. Its diverse range of brushes and customizable features allow them to create highly detailed and precise tattoo art. Many Tattoo Artists also use it to prep designs
Microsoft is retiring Copilot Mode on Edge, because its features are now built directly into the browser for both desktop and mobile. If you’ll recall, Microsoft started testing Copilot Mode on Edge in July last year, allowing you to use it to search for information across multiple open browser tabs and to analyze the details on each page. Now, the feature is available not just on desktop, but also on Edge for mobile. Just ask Copilot a question or give it a command, such as “Compare the smart TVs across all my open tabs,” and it will pull info from your tabs to give you a structured, side-by-side comparison analysis. After the initial testing of Copilot Mode, Microsoft rolled out Journeys, which you can use to save projects you can revisit in the future. It’s now also available for free on mobile, so you can pick up planning trips or making purchases from where you left off days or weeks ago. You’ll also be able to use the Vision and Voice feature on mobile, letting you share the screen with Copilot and talk through what you’re seeing on Edge with the assistant. It provides hands-free
Cadillac has hit a major milestone in the luxury EV race, reaching 100,000 electric vehicle sales just a few years after launching its first all-electric model. As Motor1 noted, GM said in January 2019 that Cadillac would spearhead its EV effort. That strategy began to take shape with the 2023 Lyriq, which was Cadillac’s first EV to reach the market. In about four years, Cadillac has now sold 100,000 EVs across its expanding electric lineup. The especially notable part is that most of those buyers were new to Cadillac. According to Cadillac, about 75% of those sales were made by customers new to GM’s premier luxury automaker, per Motor1. Many of those buyers came from Tesla, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Lexus, signaling that Cadillac is carving out space in an increasingly crowded luxury market. Sales have stayed strong to start 2026. As Motor1 reported, Cadillac sold more than 9,500 EVs in the first three months of the year, up 20%. The Optiq helped lead that growth, with sales rising 65.9%. The Vistiq went from just one sale in the first quarter of 2025 to 1,902 during the same period this year. Luxury EV competition has become one of the clearest signs
On this episode of Generation AI, host Derek Staahl digs into two AI trends that are hitting close to home for families right now. First: “nudify” apps and dangerous deepfakes. These tools can take an ordinary photo and turn it into an explicit AI-generated image—and a new investigation shows students around the world are being targeted at an alarming scale. We talk about what parents and schools can do right now to reduce the risk, spot warning signs, and make it clear this isn’t a prank—it can have serious consequences. Derek is joined by Sarah Grado, CEO of the nonprofit Not My Kid, who shares practical advice for starting these conversations with kids (without turning it into an interrogation), setting healthy boundaries with devices, and creating a support system so victims feel safe speaking up. Then, the episode turns to another growing issue: people using AI chatbots as a stand-in for therapy. Jamie Vink, president of Meadows Behavioral Health Care, explains why AI can feel so comforting—and why that can become risky when it starts replacing real human connection. The takeaway: AI can be helpful, but it shouldn’t become your only source of support. Source link
The most popular phones in Samsung’s smartphone portfolio aren’t the uncannily thin Folds or the pen-touting Ultras; they are the Galaxy A-series phones that make up the bulk of Samsung’s sales and rank among the best-selling phones in the world quarter after quarter. I expect the Samsung Galaxy A37 to replace its A36 predecessor in short order. The A-series of phones isn’t aiming at feature-chasing power users who feel the need to upgrade every year or two, though. Instead, the series aims to provide a reliable device you’ll be happy keeping for a few extra years, an affordable phone that looks a heck of a lot closer to its premium flagship siblings while making a few reasonable spec sacrifices under the hood. While none of the changes between the new A37 and 2025’s A36 are earth-shattering, even the most modest of iterative updates allows the A37 to remain a worthwhile value, despite a $50 price increase. The A37’s cameras are largely unchanged outside a slight boost to the Nightography mode. Galaxy AI mostly consists of existing features (like Circle to Search) or is about a year behind the Pixel counterpart (Object Eraser and Suggested Edits). Still, it’s hard to go
May 13, 2026, 4:28 p.m. ET Trump Mobile said on Wednesday it has begun shipping its long-delayed $499 T1 smartphones to customers, several months after the gold-colored device was originally slated for release in August. The mobile venture, launched in June last year by the Trump Organization under a trademark licensing arrangement, had pushed back the T1 phone’s release first to October and later to this week, amid questions over the feasibility of manufacturing a low-cost smartphone in the United States. “Phones that were pre-ordered are starting to be delivered to customers this week,” Trump Mobile CEO Pat O’Brien said in a statement to Reuters. He said the launch was delayed as the company worked through multiple stages of development and testing to ensure the phone’s components met quality standards. The gold-colored T1 Phone features a 6.78-inch display, a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, triple-camera system and a 5,000 mAh battery, running on Android. The company did not disclose how many phones had been pre-ordered or shipped, citing competitive reasons, but said it expected outstanding orders to be fulfilled within the next several weeks. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Trump Mobile entered the crowded U.S.
Stock all/Shutterstock OpenAI, which is currently facing a raft of lawsuits over alleged safety lapses in ChatGPT, has endorsed the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA). The company said that its endorsement was part of a broader commitment to create “AI-specific rules” for kids safety. OpenAI’s endorsement comes as KOSA, which passed the Senate in 2024, appears to be gaining some momentum. KOSA, which was first introduced in 2022, is one of several online safety bills that would require social media companies and other online platforms to implement stronger protections for children. The bill has been revised a number of times, but the current version includes a requirement for social media apps to allow minors to opt out of “addictive” features and algorithmic recommendations. Online platforms also have a “duty of care” to mitigate mitigate harmful content that promotes eating disorders, suicide and sexual exploitation. Apple, Microsoft, Snap and X have also endorsed the bill. NetChoice, a trade group whose members include Meta and other platforms, has said the measure would enable censorship without making kids safer online. Privacy and digital rights groups, like the Electronic Frontier Foundation, also oppose the bill. Though
The golden Trump phone is finally shipping out this week to people who preordered it, according to an emailed statement given by Trump Mobile CEO Pat O’Brien to USA Today. Trump Mobile expects phones will be delivered within the next few weeks after months-long production delays, the report said. “Those delays were worth it in our minds as we are delivering an amazing product,” O’Brien reportedly said. Trump Mobile and The Trump Organization did not immediately respond to CNET’s requests for comment or confirmation. CNET Director of Content Patrick Holland put down a $100 deposit to preorder the T1 phone in June 2025 so CNET can review the phone, but he has yet to hear from the company about a shipping date. However, he logged into his Trump Mobile account on Wednesday morning, where he was alerted that he needed to update his outdated payment method. Holland says his preorder was “confirmed but not processed.” Screenshot by CNET Trump Mobile launched in June 2025 with a $47.45-a-month mobile phone plan, and announced that a Trump phone would be made in the US and launch in August 2025. But when it became obvious that domestic large-scale smartphone manufacturing would not be possible,
Chef-approved frozen breakfasts with more protein and better ingredients. Eating a healthy breakfast every morning is a great way to start the day, but most people don’t have time to cook. Whether you’re rushing out the door in the morning for work, taking the kids to school or both, there’s usually not much time in between to get a hot meal on the table. That’s where the freezer section comes in handy. There are so many breakfast options, but many are filled with junk ingredients and too much fat and salt. However, there are actually good choices that chefs recommend. Here are the top five to stock up on. Kodiak Cakes English Muffin, Turkey Sausage, and Cheddar Cheese Kodiak Cakes Kodiak Cakes has built a loyal following around protein-forward, whole-grain foods, and the Kodiak Cakes English Muffin, Turkey Sausage, and Cheddar Cheese is a delicious and satisfying breakfast that’s good to grab on the go. “This English Muffin breakfast sandwich is easy to heat up, has a good texture and is flavorful, and provides a good amount of protein to kick off the morning,” says Abbie Gellman, MS, RD, CDN, Owner of Chef Abbie Gellman and the Director of Culinary
BATTLE CREEK, MICH. —The Kellogg Co. donated food to 28 million people experiencing food insecurity in 2022, according to a recently published company report. The report reviewed the company’s hunger relief efforts that are part of Kellogg’s Better Days Promise, which initially launched in 2015 with the goal to provide one billion servings of cereal and snacks to children and families in need around the world. “Our company’s vision is a good and just world where people are not just fed but fulfilled,” said Stephanie Slingerland, senior director, Philanthropy and Social Impact. “That’s why we work hard to create positive futures for families and those experiencing food insecurity around the world.” In 2022, Kellogg reached more than 1 million children through feeding programs and volunteered more than 12,000 hours of community service work. In addition, the company engaged more than 369 million people to advocate for sustainable and equitable access to food. Since 2015, Kellogg has fed more the 247 million people in need of nutrition assistance. The company has pledged to feed 375 million people experiencing food insecurity by the end of 2030. Source link
LONDON — Vevey, Switzerland-based Nestle SA is once again the world’s most valuable brand, according to “Food & Drink 2022,” which highlights the top 10 global food and beverage brands as measured by consultancy company Brand Finance. Brand Finance evaluates 5,000 of the world’s largest brands annually and ranks them according to value, brand strength, growth rate and emergence. Nestle came in first for value at $20.8 billion, up from $19.4 billion in 2021 and worth nearly twice as much as the second-place company, China-based dairy brand Yili Group, which was valued at $10.6 billion. “Nestle credits their decentralized structure as the reason for its agility in responding to changes in consumer needs, customer demands and supply chain challenges, which is correlated with its brand value growth,” Brand Finance said. In addition, Nestle’s investments in digital transformation and long-term brand strategy have helped it stay in the top position, according to the company. Yili specializes in high-status dairy products, which have seen a surge in the past year from an increased perception of immunity building and general health benefits. Coming in third was Lay’s, which is part of Purchase, NY-based PepsiCo, Inc. According to the report, Lay’s increased its value
Jing has more delicious recipes coming soon, and we have many exciting plans for 2024! As we close out 2023, I thought it would be fun to see which recipes were the most searched and requested in the past 12 months. Since most of our readers come from the United States and Canada, I created two lists: one for the top 10 Chinese recipes worldwide, and the other for the most popular Chinese recipes in North America. I am proud to say that most of the recipes on the list are Jing’s own creation. Some, like the pickled radishes, are old family recipes. Others are dishes she makes for herself and friends. Thank you to our loyal readers for your steady support and comments, and best wishes for a healthy, prosperous 2024! Image credit: Glenn Emerson for My Chinese Home Kitchen, 2023. Top 10 Chinese Recipes, Worldwide 1 Chinese Deep-fried Garlic Pork Ribs When Chinese people think of pork, they always think of pork ribs first. Pork ribs are a delicious part of pork, how do you like to cook ribs? Fried, boiled, barbecued, or other cooking methods? Today in my Chinese home kitchen, I will cook Chinese deep-fried pork ribs. This is
CHICAGO — The 2023 Sweets & Snacks Expo took place May 22-25 in Chicago, where more than 17,000 people registered to attend and over 800 companies exhibited their latest innovations. The assorted brands and products on display showed off their latest trending innovations, from indulgent treats to iconic partnerships. Market research company Mintel found 95% of US adults snack at least once a day, with 70% snacking two or more times, according to the company’s “Snacking motivations and attitudes” report. The report also noted those who snack four or more times, known as “super snackers,” is also on the rise. “Sometimes we’re grabbing that indulgent treat, and then sometimes we’re looking for that power-up or that better-for-you experience, but what we’re finding is that people want both,” said Allison Mason, associate manager, corporate communications at The Hershey Co. “It’s not one or the other, which is great news for retailers.” Companies like Chocxo are homing in on those consumers who are toeing the line between functionality and indulgence. At Sweets & Snacks, the chocolate brand debuted its dark milk chocolate toffee almond and sea salt snaps, the latest product to join the company’s low-sugar chocolate line. “Consumers want indulgence they
ATLANTA —Jennifer Mann will be the next president of the Coca-Cola Co.’s North America operating unit, the company announced Aug. 23. Ms. Mann will take over the role from Alfredo Rivera effective Jan. 1, 2023. Mr. Rivera will step down from the role but will remain with Coca-Cola as a senior adviser through March 2023. “Jennifer has emerged as a strong business leader during her 25-year career with the company,” said James Quincey, chairman and chief executive officer of Coca-Cola. “Her background in operations across the United States and globally makes her a great fit to lead the company’s largest operating unit.” Ms. Mann holds a degree in accounting from Georgia State University and joined Coca-Cola in 1997. She started as a manager in the national customer support division and has held various leadership roles since. In 2019, she became the president of global ventures and was responsible for globally scaling acquisitions and brands. Source link
As a busy executive and mom, Clara Paye, chief executive officer of UNiTE Food, Yorba Linda, Calif., relied on protein bars to get her through the day. However, she noticed most protein bars only offered such basic flavors as chocolate, peanut butter and vanilla. “That’s when I had a realization, wellness shouldn’t be exclusive,” Ms. Paye said. “Everyone should be invited to the table, no matter their background or culture. That’s why UNiTE Food Bars was created with a mission to offer unique and inclusive flavors that celebrate different cultures and cuisines.” The line includes baklava, bubble tea, churro, Mexican hot chocolate, and peanut butter and jelly. The bars contain, on average, 10 grams of protein from nuts, seeds and whey. The churro variety includes a blend of cinnamon and sugar, reminiscent of the fried dough dessert from Spanish and Portuguese cuisine. Churro was also one of the most popular flavors at the 2023 Sweets and Snacks Expo held May 22-25 in Chicago. Global flavors appeal to what Toya Mitchell, cultural and inclusive insights manager, Kellogg Co., Battle Creek, Mich., refers to as “flavor chasers.” The majority of flavor chasers are multicultural and part of the Gen Z demographic. Diversification
BOSTON — James Robert B. Quincey, chief executive officer, ranked the Coca-Cola Co. by buckets or podiums in a Sept. 8 presentation at the Barclays Consumer Staples Conference in Boston. He listed the Coke brand as the first bucket, or gold medal podium. Recently launched alcoholic drinks were ranked as the fourth bucket but with potential to move up to a medal-winning podium. “(Coke is) a huge share of the beverage industry, clear gold medalist, far exceeds any other in that,” Mr. Quincey said. “Then you got the silver medal, if you like, where we are No. 2 or No. 1, but we’re not a distant No. 1 as we might be with Coke.” He put Fanta, Sprite and tea in this second bucket. The third bucket revolves around a company vision to create scale for the company and what strategies are worth executing long term. Mr. Quincey called the fourth bucket the “true experimentation bucket.” “For me, alcohol is in this bucket,” he said. Topo Chico Ranch Water Hard Seltzer, created through a partnership with the Molson Coors Beverage Co., is doing well in the United States, Mr. Quincey said. Fruit-flavored alcoholic drinks, including Simply Spiked alcoholic drinks created
LONDON — Dealing with disruptions within the consumer landscape are a constant concern for food and beverage companies, according to “Pursuit of harmony in turmoil: working together to make a difference,” a new report from the EY Global Consumer practice in conjunction with The Consumer Goods Forum. The EY Future Consumer Index surveyed more than 20,000 consumers across 27 countries about the changing landscape. Many of these consumers had cost and price on their minds, with 74% anxious about rising living costs, 56% worried about affording household necessities, 54% expecting rising living costs to continue increasing in the next six months and 64% expressing worries about the US economy. According to the report, these worries are about more than just increasing prices. Some customers are concerned about sustainability and living with less during the pandemic, which in turn is making them question the need to own more. Other consumers “may want to do more things, but they might not want to own more things,” the report said, which is driving up interest in experiences, services, renting, repairing and peer-to-peer selling. The EY Global Consumer practice also identified 200 drivers of change that may influence the consumer landscape over the next
ATLANTA — Barry Simpson is stepping down from his position as chief platform services officer and senior vice president at the Coca-Cola Co. Mr. Simpson will leave the role Sept. 30, but he will remain in a senior advisory role until February 2023. “Barry has played an important role during his 14-year career with the Coca-Cola system, including establishing Platform Services,” said James Quincey, chief executive officer of Coca-Cola. “I thank Barry and join my colleagues in congratulating him for his contributions to the company.” Mr. Simpson has held the role since 2021, working to scale services, data and technology across the company’s network. He has held a variety of leadership positions since he joined Coca-Cola in 2008, including chief information officer of the Coca-Cola Amatil Group and global chief information and integrated services officer. Prior to joining Coca-Cola, he received a degree in economics and computer science from the University of Sydney and worked in IT leadership for Colgate-Palmolive. Following his departure, the company plans to restructure the platform services division under two new leaders that will both report to John Murphy, the soon-to-be president and chief financial officer at Coca-Cola. Neeraj Tolmare, the company’s current global chief information
WHEN HONG KONG FINALLY reopened to the post-covid world in March 2023, it did so with a bang. Clockenflap, Art Basel and the rugby Sevens were held in quick succession, and it seemed the good times were back. But the expected visitor rebound didn’t go to plan, and by year’s end, numbers are still well down both on Hong Kong’s pre-pandemic levels and compared to destinations such as Singapore and Thailand. That’s meant tough times for the hospitality sector, leading to some high-profile closures. This is not a city, however, to wallow in the past. A slew of major openings took place in 2023, including by star French chefs, affirming the Fragrant Harbour’s reputation as a global culinary capital. Here then, are 2023’s best new restaurants, hotels, bars and spas to bookmark for your next visit to Hong Kong. Best New Restaurants in Hong Kong 2023 Leela FROM LEFT: Chef Manav Tuli; interiors by lauded designer Andre Fu. Courtesy of Leela Must try menu at Leela. Courtesy of Leela FROM LEFT: Bone marrow biryani; boneless masala chicken wings. Courtesy of Leela When Manav Tuli left Chaat at the Rosewood, fans of his were left guessing what would come next. The
CHICAGO — New salty snacks reigned at the Sweets & Snacks Expo, which took place in Chicago May 22-25 with over 800 exhibitors attending. Salty snacks always have been popular, but the 2023 Sweets & Snacks Expo saw companies combine consumers’ craving for salt with other popular flavors, like sweet and spicy. The Kellogg Co., for example, is expanding into spice with its Pringles brand, which debuted two Mexican-inspired flavors, as well as a scorchin’ sour cream flavor. “I think it’s just a merger of trends,” said Jessica Watson, director portfolio marketing, snacking at the Kellogg Co. “I think our palates are evolving, spiciness is evolving. And I think that really kind of just hits an intersection of a multitude of different trends that our consumers are craving right now.” Other salty and spicy snacks that made their debut at the show include cheddar jalapeño SkinnyPop popcorn, jumbo Frank’s RedHot sunflower seeds from David Seeds and spicy nacho puffs from the Hershey Co.’s better-for-you One brand. On the other side of the flavor palate. there were plenty of salty-sweet snacks introduced at the show, as well. The Hershey Co. debuted its Dot’s Homestyle Pretzels brand, with a cinnamon sugar-flavored addition,
On the menu: konbini-style egg salad sandwiches, store-bought onigiri, home-made smoked salmon, and lots of fresh fruit and vegetables to begin January 1 in the most wholesome way possible. A New Year’s Day breakfast on top of Cape Collinson. Photo: Charmaine Mok And now we come to the end of 2023, with hundreds of restaurants visited and meals eaten, and a handful of holidays taken around Asia, with memorable plates from each destination. While there were some unforgettable one-off dishes that were available for a limited time only, these are my dishes of the year that you’ll hopefully still be able to enjoy in 2024. 1. Smoked olives from Bar Leone I’d estimate that I’ve had an average of two bowls of these incredibly moreish smoked olives on every visit to this Hong Kong bar. So good are these little green orbs – smoked in-house until they’re imbued with this insanely intense umami character that almost tastes like bonito – that they’ve turned olive haters into olive lovers. House-smoked olives at Bar Leone in Hong Kong. Photo: Bar Leone They have such a cult following that owner Lorenzo Antinori aims to start selling them in jars soon. 15 Bridges St,
BATTLE CREEK, MICH. — Pringles is reimagining its potato crisps with a line of multigrain and sweet potato-based snacks. The brand’s Harvest Blends crisps are aimed at consumers seeking the usual crispy, crunchy texture of Pringles mixed with unique flavor profiles. Available in varieties like multigrain Farmhouse cheddar, multigrain Homestyle ranch, sweet potato sea salt and sweet potato smoky BBQ, the products are launching in retailers nationwide this month. “From our classic favorites to our sizzling Scorchin’ collection — Pringles fans have long enjoyed our great taste and insanely accurate flavors,” said Mauricio Jenkins, US marketing lead for Pringles. “With our new Pringles Harvest Blends collection, we’re ecstatic to bring our fans an elevated tasting experience — one that is both familiar with the bold flavors our fans know and love, and completely unique with its irresistibly crunchy texture and flavorful blends of sweet potato and multigrain.” Source link
ATLANTA — The Coca-Cola Co. has promoted Evguenia (Jeny) Stoichkova to president of global ventures, effective Jan. 1, 2023. Ms. Stoichkova joined Coca-Cola Bulgaria in 2004 and was most recently the president of the company’s Eurasia & Middle East division, a role she has held since 2021. She was also president of Coca-Cola’s former Turkey, Caucasus & Asia unit from 2017-2020. In her new role, Ms. Stoichkova will focus on globally scaling brands and acquisitions, such as Costa Coffee. Sedef Salingan Sahin, president of nutrition, juice, dairy and plant categories at Coca-Cola, will take over Ms. Stoichkova’s previous role. Source link
The commission in June warned that Foodpanda and Deliveroo’s contracts could constitute a breach of anti-monopoly regulations, with the companies proposing remedial terms that were later discussed at public consultations. Competition Commission CEO Rasul Butt has described the changes as a significant step in levelling the industry playing field. Photo: David Wong Watchdog CEO Rasul Butt on Friday described the changes as a significant step in levelling the industry playing field. “While restaurants can enjoy more flexibility in partnering with small platforms and pricing menu items across their dine-in and other delivery channels, new entrants and small platforms can partner with more restaurants and grow their network,” he said. “Ultimately, end customers will reap the benefits of increased competition between platforms, which include more choices, potentially better services and lower menu prices.” Under the updated deals, eateries under contract will be allowed to offer their dishes at cheaper prices through their own direct delivery and dine-in channels, as well as on smaller rival platforms. The latter arrangement was previously prohibited under Foodpanda’s exclusivity deals. Deliveroo and Foodpanda offer to amend exclusivity deals with Hong Kong restaurants According to the watchdog, eateries could lower menu prices based on the commission rates
KANSAS CITY — Better-for-you snacks are making their way to shelves in time for the summer season. Kellogg Co.’s Pringles brand is expanding with multigrain and sweet potato-based snacks. The crisps are available in multigrain Farmhouse cheddar, multigrain Homestyle ranch, sweet potato sea salt and sweet potato smoky BBQ. “From our classic favorites to our sizzling Scorchin’ collection — Pringles fans have long enjoyed our great taste and insanely accurate flavors,” said Mauricio Jenkins, US marketing lead for Pringles. “With our new Pringles Harvest Blends collection, we’re ecstatic to bring our fans an elevated tasting experience — one that is both familiar with the bold flavors our fans know and love, and completely unique with its irresistibly crunchy texture and flavorful blends of sweet potato and multigrain.” Blue Diamond Growers added a “better-for-you option of chocolate-dipped almonds,” according to the company. The thin dipped almonds are available in double dark chocolate and dark chocolate sea salt caramel. “We are so excited to present our customers with yet another incredible innovation within Blue Diamond’s iconic snack almond portfolio,” said Raj Joshi, senior vice president of global consumer division, Blue Diamond Growers. “Whether you’re a health nut or not, Thin Dipped Almonds offer a
ATLANTA — Higher prices for food and beverages are leading to shifts in consumer purchasing patterns. The Coca-Cola Co. sees those shifts and, in part, is relying on its momentum in fiscal 2022 to adapt and continue to grow. That momentum prompted management to raise its guidance for the year to 15% organic revenue growth from 14% and currency-neutral earnings per share growth from 15% to 16%. “In an operating environment that increasingly puts more variables into the equation than we’ve seen in the past, we are focused on delivering and executing for growth,” said James Robert B. Quincey, chairman and chief executive officer, during an Oct. 25 conference call to discuss third-quarter results. “We are encouraged by what we are seeing in the business.” Mr. Quincey said during the call that consumer elasticities in core categories have continued to hold up, but cracks are starting to appear. “The short answer is, yes, we’re seeing some changes in consumer behavior,” he said. “I mean, overall, in the third quarter, (the) consumer remained pretty resilient and elasticities were at the better end of the spectrum.” But, he added, changes are starting to show up in the US retail dollar channel and
PARIS — Minneapolis-based General Mills, Inc.’s cereal portfolio is playing a winning game against its competitors, said Jeffrey L. Harmening, chairman and chief executive officer of the company, in a June 7 presentation at the Deutsche Bank dbAccess Global Consumer Conference in Paris. In a conversation with research analyst Stephen Powers, Mr. Harmening had a positive outlook on the company’s cereal segment, specifically citing the company’s recent Minis cereal launches. “Our new products have led the category, including the launch of Minis cereals more recently, Reese’s Puffs and Trix and Cinnamon Toast Crunch Minis, but soon to become Lucky Charms Minis and Cocoa Puffs Minis,” Mr. Harmening said. “And so that whole line has done really well. Our innovation pipeline in cereal looks really good.” When asked about the impending separation of the Kellogg Co.’s cereal business into an independent branch, Kellanova, Mr. Harmening agreed that it is important to keep a close eye on competitors’ moves while maintaining a focus on development and innovation. “I would start by saying that the most important thing that we can do in cereal is continue to play our game,” Mr. Harmening said. “I mean it’s been a winning game. And the worst
LONDON — As the end dates to achieve specific sustainability goals near, many large food and beverage companies are accelerating their investments in sustainable packaging initiatives. A poll conducted by the market researcher GlobalData in April showed that nearly 35% of companies have changed their behavior in the past 12 months to achieve environmental, social and governance goals. “As we step into a post-COVID-19 pandemic world, consumers are reassessing their purchases and manufacturers are aligning their products to the 4Rs of sustainability — reduce, reuse, recycle, and recover — given the target date for various ESG standards edge closer,” said Kiran Raj, practice head of disruptive technology for GlobalData. “Sustainability seems to have outgrown corporate social responsibility (CSR) tokenism to stand at the top of manufacturers’ business agenda, thus accelerating the shift toward a circular economy.” Nestle SA, Vevey, Switzerland is scheduled to pilot a program featuring paper-based, compostable Nespresso capsules in France and Switzerland next year. After three years of research and development, Nespresso has developed a home compostable paper-based capsule that delivers the coffee with no compromise on the taste experience, according to the company. Consumer demand for compostable packaging is increasing, and an estimated 45% of French
Hong Kong-born and Vancouver-raised Flora Ma is the co-founder of Only Beverages, the sugar-free, carb-free premium vodka soda brand produced in Hong Kong. She spoke to Andrew Sun. I was born in Hong Kong and moved to Vancouver at a very young age, where I grew up enjoying traditional Chinese dishes at home. However, as I grew older, my taste expanded to include a wide variety of dishes from around the world, with a particular love for Japanese. My favourite restaurants offer both a fantastic vibe and top-notch food. I love Zuma (Shop 501-503, The Landmark, 15 Queen’s Road Central. Tel: 3657 6388) for their brunch – and yashoku night brunch – with free-flow food and champagne. Tokio Joe (16 Lan Kwai Fong, Central. Tel: 2525 1889) and Sushi Kuu (1/F, M88, Wellington Place, 2-8 Wellington Street, Central. Tel: 2971 0180) are other favourites for their relaxed environment, excellent sushi and lunch sets. Marinated black cod from Zuma. Photo: Zuma Spicy Tuna Crunchy at Tokio Joe in Central. Photo: Xiaomei Chen Restaurants on heavy rotation for dinner include Carbone (9/F, Lan Kwai Fong Tower, 33 Wyndham Street, Central. Tel: 2593 2593), which I love for its charming decor and ambience,
LONDON — Technological development has been “fast-changing and sustained” since the onset of COVID-19, emerging as a hot-button topic for the consumer goods industry in many forms, according to “Pursuit of harmony in turmoil: working together to make a difference,” a new report from the EY Global Consumer practice in conjunction with the Consumer Goods Forum. With the COVID-19 pandemic forcing more consumers and companies to adopt e-commerce and remote working, both consumer behavior and the industry’s enterprise technology also underwent a significant shift, generating a “tidal wave of data” that provides a much more nuanced understanding of consumers and operations, the report noted. Recent technology investments have accelerated several capabilities, such as transparency and efficiency, in several important areas including e-commerce, data management, supply chain and even cybersecurity. “Structurally, this is one of the most underestimated topics in the economy,” said Steffen Greubel, PhD, chairman of the management board for Metro AG. “No one is really talking about it and it won’t go away. Cyberattacks inflict damages of around €200 billion on the German economy every year and it is also a massive act of economic sabotage.” According to the report, the market turmoil of the last few years
ATLANTA — The Coca-Cola Co. denied any wrongdoing after a Jan. 9 article from Politico said Coca-Cola and PepsiCo, Inc. were under preliminary investigation by the Federal Trade Commission over potential price discrimination in the soft drink market. “The Coca-Cola Co.is committed to fair and lawful competition in the marketplace,” Coca-Cola said. “Any assertion that the company has done anything unlawful with respect to the sale and distribution of its products is unfounded, and we are prepared to defend any specific accusations accordingly.” PepsiCo, Purchase, NY, as of Jan. 11 had yet to respond to a request for comment. The FTC is investigating PepsiCo and Coca-Cola under the Robinson-Patman Act, which prohibits suppliers from offering better prices to large retailers at the expense of smaller retailers, according to Politico. Source link
The annual list, unveiled on Oct. 20, features 25 destinations and travel experiences around the world for travelers to explore in the coming year. The selections were made following a nomination, research and reporting process involving National Geographic’s travel experts and Nat Geo Traveler’s international editorial teams. National Geographic highlighted Penang’s unique mix of natural beauty and cultural heritage, from George Town’s UNESCO-listed historic streets to lush, rainforest-backed beaches, traditional villages and meandering rivers lined with mangroves. Part of Malaysia’s Penang Island. Photo courtesy of Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board Penang is celebrated across Asia for its vibrant food scene, featuring local favorites such as Char Koay Teow, a wok-fried flat rice noodle dish, and Penang Assam Laksa, a tangy, fish-based noodle soup. The island boasts acclaimed dining establishments, including Auntie Gaik Lean’s Old School Eatery, known for its traditional Nyonya cuisine, and Au Jardin, recognized for its contemporary fine dining experience. In a statement issued on Oct. 21, State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai described Penang’s inclusion in NatGeo list as a proud achievement, highlighting the recognition as an opportunity to introduce the state’s unique attractions to a global audience, Bernama reported. Other destinations featured in
While Halloween is marked in many countries around the world on October 31, some people love sticking to the dark and mysterious theme when travelling any time of year. And of course, some nations are more spooky than others for a creepy visit. Experts at Holafly investigated and have now revealed the most eerie places around the world to go. Here are the top 10. 10. Belgium The small European nation is home to 45 gothic attractions and places to stay. One of the most renowned places to visit is Château Féodal de La Roche-en-Ardenne said to be haunted by Countess Berthe who stalks the ramparts. iStock 9. Ireland Ireland has 52 chilling spots. They’re mostly castles like Kinnitty Castle. You can stay the night if you’re brave enough to meet Monk Hugh the Phantom Monk, a tall figure in a black hooded robe who sometimes spooks staff and guests. iStock 8. USA The nation has 125 haunted sights, including castles, caves and lighthouses. One of the most famous haunted hotels is The Stanley Hotel in Colorado which is said to have been an inspiration for horror writer Stephen King’s book and film The Shining. iStock 7. Germany Ramping up in the spooky
Health insurance giants are cutting back on benefits to maximize their profit. UnitedHealthcare and Humana — the two largest private health insurance companies for older adults in the US — are canceling several Medicare Advantage plans, affecting nearly 1 million people. The two major health insurers are ending specific plans in areas where they make less money to protect their corporate profits, according to Healthcare Brew. According to company reports, they are primarily discontinuing Preferred Provider Organization (PPOs) — flexible doctor-network plans — and ending coverage in less profitable regions. More than 70 million people are enrolled in Medicare, which insures Americans 65 and over and some people with disabilities. Prostock-studio – stock.adobe.com UnitedHealth Group spokesperson Eric Hausman confirmed to Healthcare Brew via email that about 390,000 members will lose their current plans. Unexpectedly high healthcare usage and rising medical costs caught the company off guard and lowered its stock value in 2025. About 600,000 people are enrolled in a Humana Medicare plan that is ending in 2027, Humana Chief Financial Officer Celeste Mellet said during a July financial call, representing about 8% of the company’s 7.2 million Medicare members, according to Fortune. When insurance companies end a plan, their
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 21 (Bernama) — The World Health Organisation (WHO) will bring its global public health expertise to the 6th Malaysian Lifestyle Medicine Conference 2026, highlighting the role of preventive healthcare in promoting healthy ageing and tackling chronic diseases. The conference, to be held at Berjaya Times Square Hotel here from Oct 24 to 26, will feature a dedicated WHO symposium themed “Building Health Where Life Happens – Advancing Lifestyle Medicine Approaches in Healthy Settings through the Life Course”. Malaysian Society of Lifestyle Medicine (MSLM) president Adjunct Prof Dr Siva Poobalasingam said the conference would bring together local and international experts to explore how lifestyle medicine could help prevent chronic diseases and promote healthy ageing. “Lifestyle medicine uses evidence-based lifestyle changes, including healthy eating, regular physical activity, adequate sleep and stress management to prevent and manage diseases and improve overall health,” he said in a statement to Bernama. WHO Representative to Malaysia, Brunei and Singapore Dr Rabindra Abeyasinghe will deliver the keynote address and participate in an expert panel discussion at the conference. The WHO symposium builds on a joint pilot project by WHO and the Health Ministry in Seremban 2, which demonstrated the potential of lifestyle interventions in helping
A giant panda plays in a tree in Chengdu, Sichuan province, China – Photo: REUTERS Drawing on input from National Geographic ‘s global network of writers, photographers, and explorers, the magazine’s annual Best of the World list showcases 25 outstanding destinations across the continents. These are places offering new avenues of discovery , reviving cultural values, or significant commemorative events, making 2027 an ideal time to visit. “A new national park at the ends of the earth , an ancient city looking back at its past in a new way, or a legendary travel route—all these places offer new reasons to stop. Your next memorable trip could begin from any of these locations,” writes National Geographic . Destinations in Asia One of the familiar destinations for Vietnamese tourists on this list is Japan , specifically Niigata Prefecture. National Geographic recommends that tourists visit in 2027 because it will feature a unique art festival and centuries-old traditions of sake and fermented foods, opening up new ways to explore this peaceful region of Japan. Niigata Prefecture is located in the heart of Japan’s snowy region, a coastal area in central Japan known for its heavy snowfall, attracting skiers from around the world.
Penang has earned further international recognition in tourism after being named one of the world’s 25 best places to visit in 2027 by National Geographic, highlighting the state’s rich heritage, cultural diversity and renowned food scene. The recognition places Penang on the prestigious list of destinations recommended by the internationally acclaimed publication, making it the only destination in Malaysia and Southeast Asia to be featured. State executive councillor Wong Hon Wai, who oversees tourism, culture and the creative economy, said the recognition would further strengthen Penang’s position as an international tourism destination. “Penang is proud to be among the destinations featured in this prestigious annual list, which offers travellers inspiration and compelling reasons to explore the world in the coming year,” he said. Wong explained that the selection followed a comprehensive nomination, research and reporting process involving National Geographic’s travel experts and Nat Geo Traveler’s international editorial teams. He added that National Geographic’s global reach and storytelling have long inspired travellers to discover new destinations, experience different cultures and develop a deeper understanding of the world. Penang’s latest achievement builds on its previous recognition in National Geographic’s 2025 coverage of the best islands in Southeast Asia for food, which celebrated
It’s been a big year for Melbourne on the international accolades front. Earlier this year, Melbs was crowned the very best city in the world by Time Out’s team of global editors, and now the Victorian capital has another trophy to add to its collection. National Geographic’s Best of the World list for 2027 has just dropped, and Melbourne was the only place in Australia to make the list. The annual guide highlights 25 destinations across six continents that are worth travelling to in the year ahead, with Melbourne recognised for its buzzy neighbourhoods, diverse dining scene and growing collection of green spaces. So what was it about Melbourne that caught the attention of the Nat Geo team? While Sydney has traditionally attracted more international visitors, National Geographic says Melbourne is increasingly stepping into the spotlight – and we have to agree. With the city’s stacked sporting calendar and amazing new nature experiences in the works, there are a heap of reasons to put Melbs on your travel wishlist if you don’t already call the city home. First up, of course, there’s the food. Melbourne’s culinary identity has been shaped by successive waves of migration since the 1800s, creating a
A client satisfaction survey rarely asks about training. It asks whether the person who came to the house was gentle, respectful and easy to understand. Those answers depend on skills a caregiver learns, practices and has been checked by a supervisor. For home-based care organisations, that makes training one of the clearest levers on the experience clients report. This guide links the questions clients answer to the skills behind them, and shows how to build training and supervision that hold up visit after visit. Key takeaways Satisfaction surveys ask about gentleness, respect, listening and medicines, and each of these rests on skills caregivers can be trained in. The revised Home Health Care CAHPS Survey, in use since April 2026, adds questions on whether staff cared about the patient as a person and kept family informed. Online courses build knowledge, while observed competency checks confirm the hands-on skills clients notice. Reading results measure by measure points supervisors to the skill that needs attention. What client satisfaction surveys actually ask For Medicare-certified home health agencies, the main yardstick is the Home Health Care CAHPS (HHCAHPS) Survey. CMS publishes the results on the Medicare.gov Care Compare tool and updates them quarterly, and consumers
Very good boys deserve very good gifts. But if the ‘dunno’ to your lovingly-asked ‘What do you want for Christmas?’ has you questioning your initial assumption, our gift guide is here to step in and do the thinking for him. Whether you’re a time-conscious gifter shopping with nothing to go off, or an under-the-cosh giftee searching for inspiration, we’ve taken cues from our tried-and-tested buyer’s guides, as well as tips from the Men’s Health team, to compile this ultimate list of gifts worth giving and receiving, whatever the occasion. If you’ve arrived on this page as an eleventh hour shopper, no need to panic – skip to the ‘last-minute’ section where you’ll find a collection of crowd-pleasers with next day delivery. Otherwise, peruse the categories below at your leisure. For the Men’s Health Reader Gym goers can be picky about their kit. If you know someone who tracks his macros as closely as his one-rep-maxes, these are bound to earn a spot in his gym bag – or, in the case of the first pick, replace it entirely. If he bikes or runs to the office, he’ll love Stubble & Co’s Motion Backpack. It’s waterproof, comfortable to wear when moving
FOX Weather meteorologist Stephen Morgan gives his best place in America for Oct. 28. We’re nearing the end of 2026 and next year’s vacation planning is likely already underway for some people. Expedia’s Unpack 2027 report puts together a list of places in the world that are gaining attention or might be flying under the radar as a vacation destination in 2027. Two places in the U.S. are on the list, with others in Europe, Asia, South America, Canada, Mexico and Australia joining. See which 10 places made the final list: South Lake Tahoe, California This destination is great for visits all year, with skiing and snowboarding options in the winter and paddle boarding, hiking, camping and kayaking in the summer. Expedia said searches for South Lake Tahoe were up 195% year-after-year, making it a perfect destination for outdoor lovers in 2027. 10 OFF-THE-BEATEN-PATH NATIONAL PARKS YOU MAY NEVER HAVE HEARD OF AND ARE WORTH VISITING STATELINE, NV – FEBRUARY 12: The California side of South Lake Tahoe is viewed at sunrise from Harvey’s Hotel & Casino on February 12, 2024, in Stateline, Nevada. (George Rose / Getty Images) Hyogo, Japan Hyogo is what Expedia calls “one of Japan’s most
Dr. Nguyen Hong Truong, MD, discusses with the press about the activities of the 2026 “Nutrition and Development” Week. (Photo: Thu Phuong) On October 19th, at a press briefing, Dr. Nguyen Hong Truong, Deputy Director of the National Institute of Nutrition, stated that the “Nutrition and Development” Week is an activity in response to World Food Day (October 16th) aimed at conveying the message “Innovating the food system towards sustainability, implementing a healthy diet for health today and tomorrow.” This week encourages each family to improve the quality of their meals, ensure food safety, and reduce waste through diverse eating habits, a balanced combination of food groups, utilization of local food sources, and appropriate cooking methods. Notably, improving meals doesn’t necessarily mean choosing expensive foods or increasing spending. To achieve this, families need to create meal plans, shop according to their needs, and control costs while avoiding excess. Diets should be appropriate for age, health, activity level, and economic conditions; those with medical conditions or special needs should seek professional advice. Schools, meal providers, businesses, and regulatory agencies need to cooperate and create conditions for people to access and maintain healthy eating habits. The rational use of food resources is
When people think about weight loss, they often picture dramatic transformations: a major drop on the scale, a new clothing size or a before-and-after photo. But when it comes to overall health, some of the biggest benefits can begin long before those milestone moments. Image for illustration purposes Mega Doctor News – Advertisement – By American Heart Association When people think about weight loss, they often picture dramatic transformations: a major drop on the scale, a new clothing size or a before-and-after photo. But when it comes to overall health, some of the biggest benefits can begin long before those milestone moments. Research shows that even small changes in weight may improve health markers such as blood pressure, blood sugar and other measures. – Advertisement – “Doctors care about weight control, weight loss and preventing obesity for reasons far beyond aesthetics,” said Dr. Francisco Lopez-Jimenez, a professor of medicine and preventive cardiologist at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. He is also the chair-elect for the Obesity Science Committee of the American Heart Association’s Council on Lifestyle and Cardiometabolic Health. Obesity or excess weight, he said, is often the root cause of many conditions that affect heart health. Excess weight can
Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai Mumbai, Oct 14: Changing food habits, excessive screen time and reduced outdoor activity may affect children’s gut health, with recurring digestive problems sometimes going unnoticed by parents, according to Dr Ekansh Agarwal, Consultant Paediatric Gastroenterologist, Hepatologist and Endoscopist at Girish Nursing Home and Endoscopy Centre in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh. Dr Agarwal emphasises that the gut plays an important role beyond digestion. Microorganisms in the digestive system help break down food, absorb nutrients and protect the body against harmful organisms. Maintaining a healthy balance of these microbes is particularly important during childhood, when the body undergoes significant growth and development. Frequent consumption of packaged foods and sugary snacks, excessive screen time, inadequate physical activity and limited outdoor play may influence the balance of gut microbes. Frequent or unnecessary use of medicines, particularly antibiotics, can also affect the gut microbiome. According to Dr Agarwal, parents should pay attention to recurring abdominal discomfort, feeling full quickly, changes in bowel habits and reduced appetite. Persistent tiredness, frequent illness, difficulty concentrating and changes in mood may also warrant attention when accompanied by digestive complaints. These symptoms can have several causes and should not automatically
Chronic pain already asks enough of a person without adding fear over the very device implanted to ease it. A 2025 retrospective study out of Saint Louis University found failure rates as high as 44% among patients with spinal cord stimulators. Broader research shows complication rates ranging between 30% and 40%, with nearly 29% of patients reporting reduced effectiveness over time that requires reprogramming or additional surgery. Federal adverse event data tied to these devices run into the hundreds of thousands of reports, many involving lead migration, fractures, or unexpected shocks. For residents in St. Louis, MO, dealing with unexplained pain, numbness, or device malfunction after implantation, these numbers carry real weight. Patients and their families are increasingly exploring legal options, and a spinal cord stimulator side effects lawsuit has become a path some are pursuing to hold manufacturers accountable. Understanding how these devices can fail and what warning signs to watch for is the first step toward protecting your health and your rights. Why Problems Develop Complications may begin soon after surgery or appear months later. A fall, strenuous movement, charging failure, or programming adjustment can change how stimulation feels. New symptoms may also reflect nerve irritation or infection
Hundreds benefit from Ayurvedic health camp organised at Minister’s residence under Seva Sankalp Abhiyan Faridabad: An Ayurvedic health camp was organised at the residence of Haryana Food and Supplies Minister Rajesh Nagar under the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan, with hundreds of people availing themselves of the services. The camp included blood pressure and blood sugar tests. Doctors also advised visitors on balanced nutrition, healthy eating habits and adopting a healthier lifestyle. Reviewing the arrangements, Rajesh Nagar said the initiative aimed to raise public awareness about health, encourage regular check-ups and promote wellness through Ayurveda and balanced nutrition. He said a balanced lifestyle could help prevent several illnesses. He added that events marking the completion of 25 years of PM Narendra Modi’s public life were spreading awareness among people. He expressed hope that the Ayurvedic camp would positively impact people’s lives. The camp was organised under the leadership of Dr Gajendra Adhana. Ayurvedic Medical Officer Dr Ratnesh Shukla, Dr Chitralekha and others were present. Source link
Multicultural Health Week 2026 Launch Event © Salty Dingo 2026 Multicultural Health Week 2026 has encouraged people across NSW to consider how everyday physical activity can support mental health, while highlighting the need for accessible health information for culturally and linguistically diverse communities. Held from 31 August to 6 September, the annual campaign focused on the theme “Improving our mental health and wellbeing through physical activity”. This year also marked 17 years of leadership and coordination by the NSW Multicultural Health Communication Service (MHCS). The week was launched on 31 August at the State Library of NSW by Health Minister Ryan Park and Mental Health Minister Rose Jackson. More than 250 guests attended, including NSW Health Secretary Susan Pearce, Chief Cancer Officer and Cancer Institute NSW chief executive Tracey O’Brien, and Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant. Representatives from multicultural community organisations, high schools, multicultural health services and media organisations also took part, promoting equitable health outcomes for multicultural communities. The campaign shared practical ways people can include movement in their daily routines and highlighted its potential benefits for mental wellbeing. A promotional video, subtitled in seven languages including English, follows individuals and families through their day to demonstrate how
Until last decade, dementia was regarded as a grim lottery. If you made it into your twilight years, you’d wait and see if it came for you. If you carried a gene linked to Alzheimer’s, it was your destiny. Medical science could offer no treatment and there was nothing you could do as an individual to lower your risk. This fatalism wasn’t borne of ignorance. The world-leading National Institutes of Research laid out this dispiriting position at its Preventing Alzheimer’s Disease and Cognitive Decline conference in 2010. “There is currently no evidence considered to be of even moderate scientific quality supporting the association of any modifiable factor … with reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease,” it said. Today, it’s a very different story. We’re no longer considered hostages to neurodegeneration as we age: at least 45 per cent of dementia risk can be attributed to modifiable factors, according to latest World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines. In Australia, that figure rises to 50 per cent based on our health data, according to Professor Kaarin Anstey, the only Australian on the World Health Organisation’s dementia guidelines panel. “I think it will increase because there are some risk factors that researchers are aware of
McLaren’s Medicine Residency Center hosted a community event at Flint Farmers Market centered around Lifestyle Medicine. FLINT, Mich. (WJRT) – McLaren’s Medicine Residency Center hosted a community event at Flint Farmers Market centered around Lifestyle Medicine. Organizers say that Lifestyle Medicine is built on six pillars designed to prevent and manage chronic diseases. This includes eating, physical activity, restorative sleep, stress management, social connection and avoidance of harmful substances. The event featured activities like a whole-food, plant-based cooking demonstration and stress screenings. The McLaren Flint Behavioral Health Academic Director stresses that lifestyle medicine is effective. “This is an evidence-based, holistic approach that uses therapeutic lifestyle interventions- the pillars- to treat chronic conditions,” the director said. Source link
The Northwestern Health Unit says it finds some encouraging trends emerging from its latest student health survey. It finds that fewer youth in the Kenora and Rainy River districts are using cannabis, binge drinking and smoking. Students also report having stronger connections to their schools, with nearly seven in ten students (69%) feeling they are part of their school community. This is up from 65% noted in last year’s survey and 6% higher than three years ago. A large number of students are also physically active. The Health Unit says three-quarters of students (75%) report meeting the national recommendation of at least 60 minutes of physical activity per day. This is up 3% from last year, and slightly above the Ontario average. Students are mixed when it comes to their mental health. Fifty-five percent rate their mental health as good or better, an increase from 46% three years ago. However, 39% report being nervous, anxious or on edge most days in the previous two weeks, and 35% feel lonely most days in the past week. Vaping remains a concern. More than one in four students (26%) report vaping in the past 30 days, more than double the Ontario average. Many
For women with diabetes who are planning a pregnancy, the rise of GLP-1 medicines has created a very modern sort of uncertainty. These drugs can help with weight reduction and blood sugar control before conception, yet their place around pregnancy has remained less clear than anyone would like. Now, a new study published in The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology & Women’s Health offers a measure of reassurance on GLP-1 pregnancy safety, while also making it rather difficult for anyone to declare the matter settled. The international review and meta-analysis looked at seven studies involving more than 43,000 participants exposed to glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, better known as GLP-1 RAs. These medicines are increasingly used for diabetes and weight management, including by women of reproductive age. The main finding is cautiously encouraging: in women living with diabetes, GLP-1 RA exposure was not significantly associated with several adverse pregnancy outcomes assessed in the analysis. That is not the same as saying every question has been answered. In pregnancy research, the small print tends to be where the plot lives. What The Study Found The meta-analysis suggested no significant associations between GLP-1 RA exposure and the risk of preterm birth, stillbirth or neonatal death,
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. The rise in costly disease management, avoidable hospitalizations, clinician burnout and polypharmacy are symptoms of a healthcare system in crisis. Addressing these challenges requires more than incremental fixes; it demands a fundamental shift in how we deliver and prioritize healthcare. Today, an estimated 60% of Americans, including children, live with at least one chronic disease, contributing to the $4.5 trillion in annual healthcare costs funded by taxpayers, even though many of these conditions are preventable and treatable in the early stage. This epidemic also takes a toll on medical professionals, with 62% of physicians reporting feelings of burnout. The study of how personal habits and actions affect disease prevention and treatment is known as “lifestyle medicine.” It provides the foundation for a reimagined, high-value healthcare system that is cost-efficient, patient-centric and equitable. Health systems are now beginning to integrate lifestyle medicine into their care plans. There is no longer any serious doubt that
Veterinarian P.S. Rajeev examines a captive elephant at a medical camp organised by the Kerala Elephant Owners Federation in Thrissur on Friday. | Photo Credit: K.K. NAJEEB Diabetes, cholesterol, and kidney ailments are no longer concerns confined to humans. Keralam’s captive elephants are now being put through an equally detailed health check-up, as a new preventive-care initiative seeks to understand and address health problems behind a worrying pattern of elephants sudden collapsing and dying. The Kerala Elephant Owners Federation, with technical support from the Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (KVASU), organised an extensive medical camp at the Sree Vadakkunnathan temple in Thrissur on Friday. Seventeen elephants brought from different parts of the State underwent the first round of screening. The team of veterinarians led by T.S. Rajeev, Professor, Department of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Extension, and Director of Entrepreneurship at KVASU, conducted the examinations. Though health examinations of captive elephants have been conducted earlier, the scale and range of investigations undertaken at the camp make this an unusually comprehensive exercise. The elephants were screened for blood sugar, cholesterol and creatinine levels, besides the functioning of their liver and kidneys. Blood, urine and faecal samples were collected from the elephants
New digital magazine aims to provide readers with practical information, helpful insights and ideas across a range of topics. Toronto, Ontario, Canada, October 10, 2026 — Daily Home Magazine is pleased to announce the launch of its new online publication, offering readers informative articles, practical advice and fresh perspectives on topics that shape everyday life. Designed for readers looking for useful information and inspiration, Daily Home Magazine will cover a diverse range of subjects, including home improvement, real estate, health, lifestyle, personal finance, travel, technology and more. The publication aims to make it easier for readers to discover ideas, explore new topics and find information relevant to their daily lives. While its name reflects an interest in the home and everyday living, Daily Home Magazine extends beyond traditional home and renovation content. Its editorial direction embraces the many aspects of modern life, providing a place for readers to explore subjects ranging from creating a more comfortable home to managing household finances, improving personal well-being and planning for the future. The magazine will feature articles focused on practical takeaways, accessible explanations and topics relevant to individuals, families, homeowners, renters and professionals. By covering a broad selection of subjects, Daily Home Magazine
A follow-up to Daredevil: Born Again Season 2 on Disney+ has become a massive streaming success within days of its launch. The Punisher: One Last Kill has quickly climbed to the top of multiple charts, beating out other titles on the platform. The MCU television special follows the gun-toting vigilante, who finds himself targeted by multiple criminals when a crime lord puts a bounty on him in revenge for the former killing the latter’s loved ones. The Punisher: One Last Kill tops multiple Disney+ charts As of May 15, The Punisher: One Last Kill is the #1 title on Disney+, both in the United States and internationally, as per FlixPatrol. Accordingly, it beats other MCU titles present in the top 10 lists. In the overall section, it beats Daredevil: Born Again, placed at #6, and Spider-Man: No Way Home, resting at #8 as of writing. Meanwhile, when considering movies alone, One Last Kill surpasses No Way Home (#4) and Spider-Man: Homecoming (#7). Finally, in international markets, as of May 14, it surpasses two Avengers films — Endgame (#5) and Infinity War (#9). The special premiered on May 12, 2026, one week after the Daredevil: Born Again Season 2 finale aired.
Netflix is building out the cast for its upcoming crime thriller centered on international football corruption, adding another recognizable face to the project. The film already stars Mark Wahlberg. Now, a well-known actress from Game of Thrones is stepping into the growing ensemble as production continues to take shape behind the scenes. Natalie Dormer and more join the cast of The Big Fix Netflix is loading up its upcoming thriller The Big Fix with major star power. According to Deadline, Natalie Dormer has officially signed on to the project alongside Susan Lynch and Gabriel Leone. Mark Wahlberg and Venom fame Riz Ahmed are also part of the ensemble. Filmmaker Baltasar Kormákur is helming, while Guy Bolton and Justin Haythe are putting together the screenplay. Production duties are being handled by Peter Chernin and David Ready through Chernin Entertainment, with Kormákur and Samantha Nisenboim also producing the film. The thriller pulls inspiration from real-life events and adapts Brett Forrest’s book into a globe-trotting crime story. The plot follows a former Interpol investigator who now works at FIFA in a desk-job role, only to stumble onto a massive match-fixing network operating behind the scenes of international football. Once he starts digging deeper,
Fox’s culinary reality competition, Next Level Chef Season 5, just concluded its semi-final episode, and one contestant was eliminated. The semi-final was an intense cook-off between four highly-skilled professional chefs. Since the final round will feature only three contestants, one of them had to head home after coming so close to the title and cash prize. Who was eliminated in Next Level Chef Season 5 semifinal? At the end of Next Level Chef Season 5 semi-final, the Florida-based professional Chef Gabrielle Coniglio Fricker was eliminated. The episode began with a time-bound challenge where the Top 4 — Darian Bryan, Cole Lawson, Connor Caine, and Gabrielle — were given a mystery protein. They all had 30 minutes to come up with a semi-final worthy dish. Since Darian had an advantage from a previous challenge, he decided to use it and get a head start. At the end of the challenge, Gabrielle and Connor’s dishes were the least impressive, leading them into the elimination round. There, the two had the complete freedom to cook whatever they wanted, but had only 25 minutes to do it. While Gabrielle presented a veal schnitzel, Connor made pan-roasted veal chops. All three judges, Gordon Ramsay, Nyesha
The brand new look at HBO’s upcoming Lanterns series has finally been released. Three new photos from the DC Studios production are out, showing Kyle Chandler as Hal Jordan, Aaron Pierre as John Stewart, and Kelly Macdonald as Sheriff Kerry in scenes that seem more terrestrial crime drama than intergalactic adventure. Aaron Pierre and Kyle Chander’s Green Lanterns get new look The Green Lantern’s new looks paint a restrained picture. One shows Hal Jordan mid-gesture, arm extended, ring visible, his face set with quiet intensity. Another places both Lanterns side by side on a set of wooden bleachers while Sheriff Kerry twists around to glance at something behind her. The third one focuses entirely on John Stewart, walking alone along a ruined road, smoke hanging in the air, the Green Lantern Power Battery gripped in one hand and a backpack in the other. Chris Mundy on Lanterns:“It’s a Green Lantern show, so there’s green. I think Green Lantern fans will not feel like we’ve somehow made a brown show of their green comic at all. It’s very much ‘we’re in the world,’ and then when we use the constructs, they’re what people would… pic.twitter.com/XFYqQw5guC — Home of DCU (@homeofdcu) May
Frank Castle has turned a corner, and it only took one small gesture from a child to get him there. Jon Bernthal has opened up about the ending of The Punisher: One Last Kill, explaining how the Disney+ special rewrote what drives the character. Jon Bernthal explains how The Punisher: One Last Kill ending changes Frank Castle For years, Frank Castle operated on a single frequency: vengeance. The Netflix series and early parts of this special painted him as a man who could only honour his dead family through violence. That changes in The Punisher: One Last Kill ending, when he places a pressed flower on his daughter’s grave. Jon Bernthal walked through what makes this moment different. “Through the course of this day with that little girl sort of giving him the gift that she does, and for him to go pass that along and put that trinket of hope, that trinket of life, of gratitude, of love on his daughter’s grave, it’s the first time he hasn’t put a trinket that belonged to somebody that he killed for his daughter,” he said. “And so maybe by helping other families stay together, by fighting for justice, by keeping people
The numbers are in, and Mortal Kombat 2 is unfortunately fighting just to break even at the box office. The martial-arts action flick underperformed in its opening weekend, earning $63 million worldwide, missing its expected projection of $80 million. This is despite the movie breaking records with its Red Band trailer in July 2025 that received over 100 million views on YouTube and the sequel earning a 64% critics rating on Rotten Tomatoes compared to the 55% rating for its 2021 predecessor. As for what went wrong, Mortal Kombat 2 squandered its early advantage, effectively spending too much time charging its super move and whiffing badly when the moment mattered most. Mortal Kombat 2 had exceedingly bad timing as a summer release Delving deeper into the box office numbers for Mortal Kombat 2, it struggled to grab audiences overseas. Domestically, the sequel brought in $40 million in its opener, falling near the low end of its predicted range of $40 million to $60 million. Internationally, it only made $23 million for a $63 million worldwide haul. Since then, as of May 14, this has improved to $71 million, according to Box Office Mojo, but its international haul of $26 million
Fans of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit are eager to learn what’s next for the iconic procedural after NBC officially confirmed the show’s future. With the series continuing its historic television run, many viewers are now wondering what Season 28 could bring for the SVU team. Additionally, audiences are eager to discover whether the franchise has more tales to share. Here’s the latest update on Law & Order: SVU Season 28’s renewal status and the future of the hit NBC drama. Has NBC canceled Law & Order: SVU or renewed it for Season 28? Law & Order: SVU has been officially renewed for Season 28 by NBC. NBC has officially renewed Law & Order: Special Victims Unit for its 28th season. This long-standing procedural remains one of the network’s most significant and dependable shows, further extending its record-breaking presence on television. The renewal announcement came in April 2026. It assured viewers that they will be treated to more narratives focused on Olivia Benson and the Special Victims Unit team. Mariska Hargitay is anticipated to reprise her role as the face of the franchise. She will continue her legendary portrayal that has shaped the series for many years. NBC’s choice
出版：2026-May-14 18:28 更新：2026-May-14 18:28 佘詩曼以超性感的造型出席活動。(娛樂組攝) 佘詩曼今日(14日)以超性感的造型出席活動，她以一條淺綠色吊帶露背連身裙示人，更是「有前有後」非常養眼。她表示今日的性感程度可以接受，直言昨晚食生日飯時，也不禁提醒自己不要食得太多，驚凸出胃腩。她坦言自己頗愛鑽石，影相閃閃下非常漂亮。談到她在活動上透露自己非常愛戒指，每次出街一定會戴，她表示至少已經很喜歡，試過太急出門忘記戴戒指，會立即走到店舖買合心水的戒指，笑謂戴上手之後會「舒服晒」，家中亦珍藏百隻戒指。 期待跟子華再合作 今個月28日生日的她去年及前年則在拍攝中度過，最近陸逐和朋友食飯，互相交流近況。她說︰「有啲朋友通常係一年先見一、兩次，唔係我生日就係佢生日，生日飯變咗好重要交換狀況嘅環節，呢排可以一、兩個人食就可以傾下近況，互相關心下。」 早前阿佘跟黃子華一齊現身農夫演唱會，她表示當日是大家撞到，很開心可以跟子華再見面，大家在後台等農夫訪問時，二人差不多傾了一個多小時。問到二人有沒有傾合作，她表示沒有只是交流近況。她表示見到好多網民提到二人合作《絕代商嬌》、《棟篤特工》，自己都希望可以再跟子華再合作。她又提到當日是母親節，媽媽去了家燕姐的活動，自己雖然已提早一日慶祝，但也希望給媽媽驚喜，於是在農夫演唱會之後再到尖沙咀現身家燕姐活動。 佘詩曼透露跟子華在後台傾足一個多小時。(娛樂組攝) 湯盈盈不捨《愛．回家》 她亦好感謝農夫，因為他們治好了她的「草蜢演唱會完騷失落後遺症」，「草蜢個騷真係好正，encore再encore，睇完之後好失落，去到睇農夫可以又跳又笑！十月佢同張繼聰會再搞，我都會睇呀！」在圈中出名孝順的她被問到有沒有留意李家鼎的新聞，她表示家家有本難唸的經，每個家庭都有自己的問題，盼每個家庭都可以和睦相處。 談到她的好姊妹湯盈盈參演的《愛．回家之開心速遞》大結局，她表示在群組收到她的通知，坦言很不捨，眾人都大感驚訝。她表示自己雖然對劇集沒有甚麼太大感覺，但對演員來說拍了十年會是非常不捨的事，自己也間中收看。 ADVERTISEMENT 【👇送3M靜電空氣濾網體驗包4包👇】 Source link
The Batman 2 cast continues to grow, with Matt Reeves once again taking to social media and revealing some major casting announcements for the highly anticipated DC movie. Who has joined The Batman 2 cast? As he did yesterday, Reeves has been taking to social media all day to confirm and reveal casting information for the upcoming movie. He’s been doing so with a number of different GIFs, each showcasing an actor for the movie. So far, he’s just been confirming previous reported casting, but today, he revealed two new stars coming to the movie. In his most recent post, Reeves revealed that Brian Tyree Henry would be appearing in the movie. Reeves’ post welcomed him to the party, along with a GIF of what looks to be Henry in the FX series Atlanta. Henry has starred in a number of big movies, including in the MCU as Phastos in Eternals. Just who he’ll play in The Batman’s sequel, though, is unknown. Reeves also revealed that Homeland star Sebastian Koch would be appearing in the film in some capacity. Reeves shared a GIF of Koch, with his caption for the post hinting that Koch could potentially be joining the movie
HBO is home to some of the greatest TV shows ever made, and one of its latest releases just broke a 15-year-old viewership record. What HBO TV show has hit an impressive milestone? Steve Carell’s newest comedy series Rooster hit an impressive milestone, with Variety revealing an average of 6.5 million viewers in its debut season. The stat has been surpassed only by Hung (2009) and Sex and the City (1998). Rooster is the latest show from Ted Lasso creator Bill Lawrence and Scrubs producer Matt Tarses. It follows author Greg Russo (Carell) and his complicated relationship with his daughter Katie, played by Charly Clive. After a strong reception, HBO recently renewed it for a second season, with many critics hailing it as Carell’s best comedy since The Office. Following his exit from The Office at the end of its seventh season, Carell has featured in both comedic and dramatic roles across shows like Space Force and, most recently, The Four Seasons. Fans can also look forward to a new release of The Office, which will include over two dozen hours of previously unaired footage. Bill Lawrence and Matt Tarses also serve as showrunners on Rooster. The series is executive
The Boys killed off one of its primary members in the penultimate episode this week, pushing shocked fans to mourn a valuable member of the team. As the series heads into its finale, showrunner and head writer Eric Kripke has commented on why the loss was necessary. Eric Kripke addresses Frenchie’s death in The Boys Season 5 In an interview with ScreenRant, Kripke addressed Frenchie’s death towards the end of episode 7 and what it means for the finale. “I can’t say much without spoiling it,” said Kripke. “What I will say is that it’s the biggest blow the Boys have suffered, and it’s just as they’re heading into the finale in their final battle with Homelander. The question really becomes: can they stand back up and pull together? Because there can be no victory without sacrifice. There can be no wins without losses. I think people feel that in their bones, and I think everyone’s experience with victory is that it never is easy. When they feel something’s too easy in TV and movies, the audience smells something false there. My hope is, heading into the finale, that it’ll feel earned. The message, if the show has any message,
Prime Video has released the official Your Fault: London trailer along with a release date. The upcoming film, a sequel to last year’s My Fault: London, follows Nick and Noah’s adventures as they face new challenges in their relationship. “After the explosive events of My Fault: London, Nick and Noah return—stronger, closer, and more in love than ever,” reads the sequel’s synopsis. “But as life begins to pull them in different directions, their relationship faces its toughest challenge yet. Noah heads to Oxford to pursue her studies, while Nick finds himself consumed by the growing demands of work. When new people enter their lives, stirring unexpected emotions and lingering jealousy, cracks begin to form. Trust is tested, passions flare, and the bond they once thought unbreakable starts to strain. Now standing at a crossroads, Noah and Nick must decide: fight for the love that brought them together… or risk losing it forever.” Check out the Your Fault: London trailer below (watch more trailers): What happens in the Your Fault: London trailer? The trailer opens with Nick and Noah happily together before Noah leaves for Oxford, which starts straining their relationship. Like the first film, the sequel will also feature underground racing.
Halsey, who has been pursuing a career in the film industry in recent years, has locked in her next venture. According to a new report, she will co-write and star in a “psycho-sexual” horror. Additionally, one of the directors of The Matrix will be involved in its development. Halsey to star in new psycho-sexual horror movie Replacer Halsey is reportedly set to headline Replacer, co-written by her fiancé and actor-filmmaker, Avan Jogia, who is also directing, as per Deadline. Independent Edge’s Kyle Mann is producing with Isabelle Deluce (Soft Focus Films) and Damiano Tucci (Getaway Entertainment), in association with Anarchists United. Olivier Picard and David Pierrat of Parce Que Films serve as co-producers. Meanwhile, Lilly Wachowski will serve as an executive producer alongside Anthony Li, Lawrence Mattis, Sarah Flores, Christopher Rentia, Emily McCann Lesser, and Clay Epstein. Sales are scheduled to take place at the Cannes market this week. CAA Media Finance and UTA Independent Film Group are repping North American rights. Meanwhile, Film Mode Entertainment is overseeing international sales. Halsey and Jogia will both be present to support the launch and meet with buyers. Jogia has described the film’s tone and style as “a bright and electric club horror
The third and final installment of a Marvel villain actor’s Amazon Prime Video show has received mixed critical reception upon its return. Several critics have highlighted the glaring flaws present in Good Omens Season 3, although some have viewed it positively. The divided views have resulted in a Rotten Tomatoes score much lower than that of its predecessors. Good Omens Season 3 reviews are mixed Reviews for David Tennant and Michael Sheen’s Good Omens Season 3, released as a single 90-minute special, are mixed, unlike its predecessors. Some critics view it as a disappointment, criticizing the script and execution in particular. However, others have found it a decent if not superb watch. The Guardian‘s Jack Seale, in his review, called the third outing a “puzzling mess.” He added that the story had been shortened “to the point of incoherence.” Furthermore, he opined that the episode had “the biggest imbalance in TV history between dazzling cast and stale script.” However, he noted that the cast, particularly Sheen and Tennant, almost “[redeemed] it.” Meanwhile, Tessa Smith (Mama’s Geeky), who had high hopes for the concluding chapter of the fantasy comedy, took issue with the subpar writing and pacing, although she praised the
Abbott Elementary star Lisa Ann Walter opened up about her choice not to join The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills after being offered five times. Walter had a rather simple reason for turning down the offer, and explained the same in an interview posted on Instagram by Betches. Walter portrays Melissa Schemmenti on Abbott Elementary. She has already received a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Ensemble in a Comedy Series for her role. Lisa Ann Walter reveals why she turned down Real Housewives five times Lisa Ann Walter is renowned for her portrayal of Melissa Schemmenti on Abbott Elementary. The actress recently spoke out about why she rejected starring in The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Walter revealed that she turned down the offer to join the show as many as five times. During her interview with Betches, a part of which was posted on Instagram, the 62-year-old dissected why she chose not to be a part of the show. “I said, ‘I’m not a Housewife,’” Walter said about rejecting the reality TV show. “I don’t have a house, I don’t live in Beverly Hills. I’m not a wife. The only thing I’ve got is real,” she added. Even
During a new interview, Colman Domingo recalled the kind words his Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom co-star Chadwick Boseman once shared with him. Domingo, who is widely regarded as one of the most acclaimed actors of his generation, revealed how Boseman publicly praised him at a Hollywood party during Black Panther’s box office run. Boseman passed away in 2020 at the age of 43. Colman Domingo recalls how Chadwick Boseman praised him In a new interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Colman Domingo reflected on what Chadwick Boseman told him years ago during the theatrical run of Black Panther. “We did a couple of play readings together, so we knew each other, but not super well,” Domingo said about his early connection with Boseman. Domingo explained how he approached Boseman at the Hollywood party. The Sing Sing star greeted Boseman and asked if he remembered him. “I’m so proud of all your success and everything you’re doing. It’s so beautiful to watch your ascension,” Domingo recalled telling Boseman. However, Boseman immediately turned the attention back to Domingo. “He literally looked at me like this, [and he] said: ‘Y’all need to know this guy right here. This guy is the truth,’” Domingo recalled.
Chicago Fire Season 14’s finale ended on an explosive note (literally), putting several fan-favorite characters’ fates in uncertainty until Season 15 arrives. This was one of the biggest incidents the team has faced, and not everyone will likely make it through. Here are the details on the situation. Everyone trapped in Chicago Fire’s explosion who could die Season 14 finale of Chicago Fire, titled “Thank You,” featured a large explosion during a structure fire that trapped multiple members of Firehouse 51. The episode delved into a non-linear narrative: while the present time builds toward an impending catastrophe, the flashbacks unravel multiple plotlines. In the end, it all culminated in a massive explosion that engulfed several members. This included the entire Rescue Squad 3 team, consisting of Mouch McHolland, Kelly Severide, Joe Cruz, Harold Capp, and Tony Ferraris. In addition to Firehouse 51, Truck 81’s Stella, Herrmann, Ballard, and Sal Vasquez are also caught in the incident. Given the nature of the explosion, Chicago Fire Season 15 might ultimately kill one or two characters. But who will it be? That remains to be seen. However, based on recent reports, certain characters are sure to return. Reportedly, Taylor Kinney, who plays Kelly
Guy Ritchie has given an update on the release date of MobLand Season 2, and the news is decidedly mixed. The producer and director confirmed when the Tom Hardy crime drama will be back. MobLand Season 2 release date won’t be in 2027, but in end of 2026 MobLand Season 2 will release before the end of 2026, ruling out a lengthy wait until 2027. But for fans hoping to see new episodes this summer, the timeline points to a longer hold than early production wraps had suggested. Ritchie mapped out a busy release schedule to ScreenRant that has MobLand in the latter part of the year. “We’ve got MobLand before the end of the year,” he said. The update is the first time someone directly involved has narrowed the release date window since a Paramount+ promo voiced by Helen Mirren teased the return. Filming wrapped in March 2026 after roughly six months of production across Spain and London. Set photos from December 2025 showed Pierce Brosnan and Mirren in costume on location. By February, leaked photos showed Hardy shooting along the River Thames with Joanne Froggatt. Cast members began confirming the wrap in March, with Emmett J. Scanlan, who
Viewers are wondering if there’s a Chicago Med Season 11 Episode 22 release date and time, and whether there’s a possibility of a Part 2. Many fans worldwide are eager to know what’s next for the long-running medical drama after the latest episode delivered intense medical emergencies and emotional developments at Gaffney Chicago Medical Center. Here’s everything we know so far about Chicago Med Season 11’s future and whether another episode or Part 2 is on the way. Chicago Med Season 11 Episode 22 release date and time explained There isn’t a release date or time for Chicago Med Season 11 Episode 22. This is because Chicago Med Season 11 has already completed its scheduled run of episodes, with episode 21 serving as the latest and final release of the season. In the final episode, titled “Heaven Help Us,” released on May 13, 2026, we see Hannah tackling one of her career’s most difficult deliveries. Meanwhile, Frost manages through challenging times. Has Chicago Med Season 11 ended? Yes, Chicago Med Season 11 has finished. The medical drama series Chicago Med Season 11 premiered in 2025 and continued following the intense personal and professional lives of the doctors and staff at Gaffney Chicago
Ben Stiller, Nicholas Galitzine, and more are set to star in an upcoming Netflix movie, with the first details revealed for the project. What do we know about the newest Netflix movie starring Ben Stiller? During Netflix’s upfront presentation (via Deadline), it was announced that Stiller, Galitzine, and Bella Maclean (Sex Education) have all joined onto the upcoming project A Matter of Time. The movie will be directed by Enola Holmes director Harry Bradbeer. According to Netflix, the movie will follow “an unlikely angel who is sent from heaven to convince a reclusive man to give up his life for the greater good. The man agrees, only for his impending death to trigger a new lease on life, and a romance that threatens to change the course of history.” The film’s script was written by Justin Haythe, Madeleine George, Peter Bryne, and Simon Beaufoy. The film will be produced by Sony, as part of Netflix and Sony’s partnership. Stiller will next star in the upcoming, long-awaited Meet the Parents Focker-In-Law, as well as the Apple TV series The Off Weeks. Galitzine will next star in the Masters of the Universe live-action movie, but is also currently starrring in The Sheep
M. Night Shyamalan fans should forget Split, Unbreakable, and Glass because his next movie could be his most compelling yet. The director has fueled excitement around his star-studded upcoming project featuring Jake Gyllenhaal, Phoebe Dynevor, and more. What did M. Night Shyamalan say about his new movie? M. Night Shyamalan’s new movie, in collaboration with author Nicholas Sparks, is titled Remain. It’s a romantic thriller that follows an architect recovering from depression who, after moving to Cape Cod, encounters a mysterious woman. In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, the famed director revealed that Remain could be the most ambitious film of his career. He and Sparks initially started working on the movie through conversations and simple questions. “We traded ideas and slowly wove two very different perspectives into a single, thrilling, supernatural love story. In the end, we get to tell it our own way. Mine through film, Nicholas through his novel.” Shyamalan added, “Just between us, it’s my highest-testing movie of my career. We’re now in post-production, finding every detail. Honestly, my hope is that when you experience Remain, you feel both sides of it at once — full of love and that quiet, lingering unease that doesn’t
出版：2026-May-12 17:32 更新：2026-May-12 17:32 李泳漢結婚的影片成為熱門影片。 施明離開後，李家鼎一家爆發爭產風波，大仔泳漢斥細佬泳豪拿了老竇三百幾萬，其後鼎爺表示不想成為第二個施明，所以日後百年歸老之後，會由細仔全權負責。泳漢則指老竇被細佬操控，又拿出一些剪接過的錄音俾泳豪兩夫婦對鼎爺態度欠佳。 李泳漢自泳豪公開完整錄音之後，再未有任何回應。因為演算法的關係，李泳豪的YouTube頻道有哥哥2016年結婚片段，該片再度翻hit。影片直擊整個過程，鼎爺在台上致辭時表示「我多謝咁多位夾錢請我個仔娶太太，我都老懷安慰，等咗30幾年終於有杯茶飲。」期間更透露泳漢的老婆原來是鼎爺的騎馬學生。鼎爺其後又謂︰「我唔幫個仔講說話，出糧俾啲啲？點叫啲啲？至少要俾三分二！我講嘅！」未知泳漢是否在婚禮上向太太承諾將人工分一些給她。不過，可能太多人入內留言鬧，李泳豪就關閉了留言功能。 曾父子檔上陣 另外，一條是鼎爺於2019年與泳漢回母校聖保羅書院一齊炒飯，為學校籌款。當時報道指泳漢於2018年下旬跟鼎爺學廚，由基本功學起，每日工作十多小時。兩父子接受訪問時，泳漢表示自己只是爸爸的助手，自言有遺傳阿爸的廚藝DNA，在旁的鼎爺先黑面鬧道︰「食嘢嗰啲DNA呀？」隨即笑笑口，並指大孖對煮食的確有天份，細孖則對車、電腦方面有天份。 你唔好咁折墮 然而，泳漢在訪問中近乎句句都被老竇窒住，當記者稱泳漢很有口福時，鼎爺鬧道︰「你睇佢死牛咁大隻！」，泳漢則謂︰「賣花姑娘插竹葉！(意思大約為東西都為別人而準備，自己一點也享受不到)」鼎爺即嬲嬲地拍了泳漢的面謂︰「你唔好咁折墮，你尋日食咗啲乜嘢？賣花姑娘插竹葉！前晚食生滾燉雞！(此時拍打泳漢的心口！)仲有專機飛過嚟嘅榴槤！你仲話係賣花姑娘插竹葉？插到你成隻浮屍咁？」當時問到孫仔孫女有冇得食，鼎爺繼續好好火指泳漢食埋兩個小朋友個份。 ADVERTISEMENT 【👇送3M靜電空氣濾網體驗包4包👇】 Source link
Vertical has shared the official trailer for the upcoming U.S. debut of The Magic Faraway Tree, the fantasy adventure movie starring Golden Globe winners Andrew Garfield and Claire Foy. The film is set to arrive in theaters on August 21, 2026. “The film follows Polly, Tim, and their three children – a modern family forced to relocate to the remote English countryside. As they adapt to their new lives, the children discover a magical tree and its extraordinary and eccentric residents, including treasured characters Moonface, Silky, Dame Washalot, and Saucepan Man,” reads the official synopsis. “At the top of the tree, they are transported to spectacular, fantastical lands, and through the joys and challenges of their adventures, the family learns to reconnect and value each other for the first time in years.” Check out The Magic Faraway Tree trailer below (watch more trailers): What happens in The Magic Faraway Tree? The video features Garfield and Foy as a married couple who decided to move to a remote countryside with their three children in hopes of giving them a childhood away from the bustling city. At their new home, they suddenly discover an enchanted tree that takes them to different fantastical
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 October 2026 – Louis Vuitton unveils a new hoarding in Hong Kong following the iconic ones on the Champs-Élysées in Paris in September 2023, in New York in November 2024, and in Shanghai in June 2025 Louis Vuitton unveils in October 2026 a spectacular hoarding inspired by one of the House’s most emblematic themes: the Art of Travel. Throughout the refurbishment, the façade is transformed into a grand train station, evoking the romance and golden age of travel. In celebration of the 130rh anniversary of the Monogram, this reimagined station will also be decorated with the House’s distinctive Monogram motif. Conceived as a tribute to the House’s enduring fascination with travel, and as a nod to Hong Kong’s comprehensive transportation history, the installation brings together heritage, imagination and architectural presence. In keeping with Louis Vuitton’s commitment to more mindful creation, all materials used in the construction of the façade will later be reused or recycled. Designed to capture the city’s vibrant energy, this striking installation will be established as a new monument for all. Hashtag: #LouisVuitton The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About Louis Vuitton Since
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 October 2026 – Louis Vuitton unveils a new hoarding in Hong Kong following the iconic ones on the Champs-Élysées in Paris in September 2023, in New York in November 2024, and in Shanghai in June 2025 Louis Vuitton unveils in October 2026 a spectacular hoarding inspired by one of the House’s most emblematic themes: the Art of Travel. Throughout the refurbishment, the façade is transformed into a grand train station, evoking the romance and golden age of travel. In celebration of the 130rh anniversary of the Monogram, this reimagined station will also be decorated with the House’s distinctive Monogram motif. Conceived as a tribute to the House’s enduring fascination with travel, and as a nod to Hong Kong’s comprehensive transportation history, the installation brings together heritage, imagination and architectural presence. In keeping with Louis Vuitton’s commitment to more mindful creation, all materials used in the construction of the façade will later be reused or recycled. Designed to capture the city’s vibrant energy, this striking installation will be established as a new monument for all. Hashtag: #LouisVuitton The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About Louis Vuitton Since
The Anguilla Tourist Board (ATB) strengthened its engagement with the United Kingdom’s luxury travel market at Virtuoso On Tour London 2026, where Deputy Director of Tourism Chantelle Richardson delivered a destination presentation to 200 travel professionals during the event’s lunch program. Virtuoso On Tour London, held Oct. 20-21, brought together Virtuoso travel advisors and preferred partners to exchange industry insights, explore evolving luxury travel preferences and build business relationships. For Anguilla, it provided an opportunity to deepen established partnerships, develop new trade connections and increase destination awareness among advisors serving discerning travelers. Source link
US President Donald Trump on Thursday claimed that Elon Musk had restored Ukraine’s access to a military-grade version of his Starlink internet service, called Starshield, but Ukrainian officials have said restrictions remain in place that are complicating Kyiv’s war effort. Trump asked Musk in a phone call in recent days to restore Ukraine’s full access to the Starshield satellite system, a person familiar with the matter told CNN. Trump had been seeking out information about the slowdown and went to Musk after Ukrainian officials reported disruptions, the source said. However, Trump has declined to comment on the call publicly, telling reporters at the White House, “Whether I called or whether somebody else called, doesn’t make any difference, I guess. The bottom line – he put it back.” But those restrictions remain in place despite the comments from Trump, Ukrainian officials said on Friday morning. For more than a week, the restrictions have disrupted any military ordnance moving at high speeds – hindering interceptor drones in defending against Russian attacks and upending Ukrainian military operations in many areas of the front line, Ukrainian officials have said. “The speed limits on Starlink and Starshield are still there, and the speed has not
London: His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik departed the friendly United Kingdom (UK). At Stansted Airport, His Majesty was seen off by the Lord Chamberlain of the British Royal Household; members of the British Mission of Honour accompanying His Majesty and members of the Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman in London. His Majesty the Sultan sent a cable of thanks and appreciation to His Majesty King Charles III of the United Kingdom, expressing his sincere thanks for the warmth of the reception and the generosity of hospitality extended to him and his accompanying delegation. His Majesty the Sultan lauded the deep-rooted historical relations and close bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two friendly countries, wishing His Majesty the King continued good health and happiness, and the friendly British people continued progress and prosperity. Source link
Hong Kong’s decision on October 20, 2026, to issue an amber outbound travel alert for France has focused new attention on weeks of nationwide protests that have disrupted parts of Paris and other major cities, prompting tour cancellations and itinerary changes for travelers with near-term plans. Get the latest news straight to your inbox! How the amber alert system applies to France Publicly available information from Hong Kong’s Security Bureau describes the amber outbound travel alert as the first tier in a three-level system, indicating signs of threat rather than an immediate or widespread emergency. The alert for France, announced on October 20, 2026, advises residents to exercise caution, monitor developments closely and avoid non-essential travel to areas directly affected by unrest. The alert follows several weeks of demonstrations that began with student-led protests over school conditions and expanded into a broader movement over living costs and public services. Coverage in regional media notes that marches and rallies have taken place in multiple French cities, with some events giving way to clashes, property damage and looting in busy commercial districts. Government statements cited in local news reports underline that the alert is focused on safety around protest hotspots rather than
Typhoon Champi has forced more than 200 flight cancellations across Taiwan and Japan, also disrupting travel to Okinawa and surrounding islands, Hong Kong and China as authorities warn of destructive winds, heavy rain and dangerous seas. Taiwan issued a land warning on Wednesday, 22 October 2026 as the powerful typhoon approached with airlines cancelling services and ferry operators suspending sailings across parts of the region. Once classified as a super typhoon and among the strongest Pacific storms in 2026, Typhoon Champi weakened slightly on Thursday, 23 October but continued to generate wind gusts exceeding 227km/h near its centre, according to Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration (CWA). Satellite image of Typhoon Champi. Image: US Naval Meteorology & Oceanography Command The storm was approximately 520km southeast of Taiwan’s southern tip during Thursday’s earlier weather briefing. Its wind radius had expanded to 320km, large enough to cover most of Taiwan, with forecasters warning that the impacts could last almost two days. Coastal communities received mobile alerts warning of waves exceeding six metres, while mountainous areas in northern Taiwan, including areas near Taipei, could receive almost a metre of rainfall. Typhoon Champi was forecast to pass close to northeastern Taiwan before moving north towards waters
US travelers planning trips to conflict zones and other high-risk destinations are being urged by new guidance and legal commentary to prepare formal wills and organize key documents before they depart. Get the latest news straight to your inbox! Rare warnings in the starkest US travel advisories Publicly available information shows that the US government’s four-tier advisory system now ranges from routine cautions for popular vacation spots to firm “do not travel” alerts for countries where armed conflict, kidnapping and state detention present heightened risks. At the highest Level 4 tier, recent coverage highlights unusually explicit language directed at Americans who choose to go despite the warnings, including recommendations to have a will in place and to designate insurance beneficiaries before departure. Reports focused on Afghanistan note that advisory language goes beyond standard reminders about crime or terrorism and moves into estate-planning territory, urging travelers to consider how their assets and medical decisions would be handled if they are killed or incapacitated. According to material reviewed by travel and security analysts, these references appear alongside guidance to draft advance directives, share detailed itineraries and ensure that families understand how to reach local embassies or consulates if contact is lost. Coverage
Passport in hand, bags half-packed, and a Disney park on the itinerary: that’s the dream. But before you board a plane, there’s one page worth a few minutes of your time. According to a recent report, the U.S. Department of State has recently added or changed several travel advisories, and some of the places on the list overlap with where Disney fans like to travel. Credit: Hong Kong Disneyland We can’t verify the advisories ourselves, so everything below is attributed to the report, and we’ll say plainly where it doesn’t give details. Here’s how the system works, what’s changed, and how to read it carefully if your vacation takes you abroad. One caution up front: an advisory level is a short label attached to a much longer explanation. The report summarizes both, and the official wording on the State Department’s site is the final word. How the Advisory System Works Credit: Disney Travel advisories are issued by the U.S. Department of State. According to the report, they typically warn about areas that could be unsafe for Americans to visit, and they also include precautions to take when traveling abroad. You can find the list and a corresponding map in the
Ever thought about what it feels like to travel beneath the sea? At Ocean Park Hong Kong, travellers can experience something similar aboard the Ocean Express, a submarine-themed train that takes them through a 1.3-kilometre tunnel in just four minutes. Scroll down to learn more. Inside Hong Kong’s Underwater Ocean Express Train Connecting the Waterfront and the Summit areas of the theme park, the Ocean Express transforms a simple ride between two attractions into an underwater adventure. As the train moves through the tunnel, underwater visuals and images of marine life create the impression of travelling through the ocean in a submarine. Part of Ocean Park Hong Kong, the tourist attraction combines themed experiences with transport, allowing guests to move between different sections of the park while enjoying an immersive journey. The train can carry up to 5,000 passengers per hour, making it an important part of the park’s visitor experience. The Ocean Express is designed to resemble a submarine journey, with themed interiors and underwater scenes that make the four-minute ride more than just a way to get around. It connects the Ocean Express Waterfront Station with the Summit station, giving visitors access to attractions spread across the park.
President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday announced the release of Stephen James Hubbard, an American teacher who was taken from his home in Ukraine after Russia’s full-scale invasion, as the Kremlin leader met with U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff in St. Petersburg to discuss restarting negotiations to end the war in Ukraine. Putin told Witkoff that Hubbard, convicted in Russia on allegations of serving as a mercenary for the Ukrainian military, was already preparing to board a flight back to the United States. Washington had maintained that the 74-year-old Michigan native and former teacher was wrongfully detained and sentenced to six years in prison. U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters at the Oval Office earlier in the week that he had personally asked Putin to release Hubbard ahead of Witkoff’s trip to St. Petersburg. “I’ve been talking to him at length. I’ve asked him to release him,” Trump said. Trump, writing on Truth Social following Hubbard’s release, said the U.S. was “not required to give anything in return,” as he sought to quell speculation that Moscow and Washington had agreed to conduct another tit-for-tat prisoner exchange. “This major return should have taken place long ago through the Biden Administration, which got
Published on October 22, 2026 Drawing upon nearly a decade of local experience, Forbes Australia‘s lifestyle correspondent reveals his own black book of best-in-class luxury accom in the +852… A world-class public transport infrastructure, singular cultural experiences, and robust access to parkland/green spaces underpin the quality of Hong Kong’s luxury hospitality — and the city-at-large. (Supplied: Swire / Four Seasons / Rosewood Hotels) It’s no exaggeration to say there have been dozens of travel lists dedicated to Hong Kong hotels written over the past several years. With resources such as our very own star-rated Forbes Travel Guide to hand, the possibility of penning yet another listicle — with the goal of it being both exhaustive and materially novel — feels vageuly futile. That is unless, of course, it comes spring-loaded with an informed point of view. Inspired by their lived insights, and the power of a strong opinion (albeit loosely held), I’ve opted to unpack five luxury properties in Hong Kong worthy of our readers’ time and money. All things considered, my calculus for each hotel’s inclusion is fairly straightforward. In contrast to a lot of the ‘best hotel’ coverage you’ll see concerning the Asian financial hub (especially in Australia),
If you’re looking for a trip that combines vibrant festivals with unique culinary experiences and stunning natural scenery, Hong Kong ( China ) this season will surely make you want to go immediately. The streets were filled with lively Halloween festivities. In late October, visitors to Hong Kong can immerse themselves in the vibrant Halloween atmosphere at the two nightlife hubs of Lan Kwai Fong and Soho, where restaurants and bars simultaneously launch themed menus and entertainment programs. Parks in Hong Kong are brightly decorated with Halloween themes. Photo: Hong Kong Tourism Board Additionally, the Knutsford Terrace neighborhood, with its more than 30 vibrant restaurants and bars, is also a great option for those who want to experience a colorful Halloween party. For families with young children or amusement park enthusiasts, the Disney Halloween Time program at Hong Kong Disneyland offers a colorful Halloween experience, featuring encounters with famous Disney villains, themed entertainment, and seasonal food . Hong Kong Wine & Food Festival The most anticipated highlight of late October is the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival, taking place over four days from October 29th to November 1st, organized by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) in collaboration with
Forget Europe or Manhattan or even Alaska—Priceline says try Birmingham, Alabama. Yes, the unassuming Southern city has officially claimed the top spot on the booking platform’s list of trending domestic destinations for 2027, according to its new Where to Next? Travel Trends Report. The ranking draws on year-over-year growth in Priceline searches between May 2025 and May 2026. So why Birmingham? A combination of affordability, a rich cultural history and a food scene that gives travelers plenty of reasons to arrive hungry. Visitors can explore the Birmingham Civil Rights District, including the 16th Street Baptist Church Education and Visitor Center and Kelly Ingram Park, before turning their attention to the city’s celebrated restaurants. A history lesson followed by an excellent meal? That’s a vacation itinerary we can get behind. RECOMMENDED: Expedia’s top travel destination for 2027 is this stunning California mountain escape The report’s other domestic destinations offer a mix of small-town charm, outdoor adventure and art-world credentials. Block Island, Rhode Island, promises windswept beaches, historic lighthouses and Victorian-era inns, while Beacon, New York, pairs galleries and antique shops with the sprawling contemporary art collection at Dia. Snoqualmie, Washington, and Bayfield, Wisconsin, round out the domestic top five for travelers
Hong Kong has issued an amber outbound travel alert for France following weeks of nationwide protests and sporadic unrest, a move that is prompting travelers worldwide to reassess upcoming trips and pay closer attention to fast-changing conditions on the ground. Get the latest news straight to your inbox! Alert triggered by widening protest movement The amber alert, announced on October 20, 2026, advises Hong Kong residents to avoid non-essential travel to protest-affected areas of France and to exercise heightened caution if already in the country. According to information released by Hong Kong’s Security Bureau and reported by local media, the decision follows persistent demonstrations that have spread across multiple French cities and led to clashes and property damage. Coverage from Hong Kong-based outlets indicates that the latest unrest grew out of high school and student protests over conditions in education, which have intersected with wider grievances about living costs and public services. In several urban centers, peaceful marches have reportedly been overshadowed at times by vandalism, looting and confrontations between small groups of protesters and police. Under Hong Kong’s outbound travel alert system, an amber notice signals signs of threat and calls for extra vigilance but stops short of urging
With just two weeks until Election Day, the race for Texas’ U.S. Senate seat is heating up as Republican Ken Paxton and Democrat James Talarico bring their campaigns to the Houston area. Both candidates are making a final push to win over voters in one of the country’s most closely watched Senate races. Texas hasn’t elected a Democrat to the U.S. Senate since 1988, and with early voting already underway, both campaigns are urging supporters to head to the polls before Nov. 3. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is scheduled to make two stops in the Houston area Tuesday, Oct. 20, as part of his statewide “Come and Take It” bus tour. His scheduled appearances include: Conroe: 11:30 a.m. at The Table at Madeley Fort Bend County: 5:30 p.m. at Safari Texas Ranch Paxton, who campaigned in Fort Worth on Monday, is highlighting his record as attorney general and his conservative priorities. “I’m asking you to look at my record and compare that with a guy named James Talarico,” Paxton said. He has also emphasized affordability and economic opportunities for Texas families. “My agenda is very simple. I’m going to fight so that every Texan can buy a home, raise
People walk past a looted store after violence erupted during nationwide protests against rising living costs and poor conditions in schools in Paris, Oct 19, 2026. (PHOTO/AP) HONG KONG – The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government on Tuesday issued an amber outbound travel alert (OTA) for France. The move was made in view of the latest protest situation in France. The amber OTA signifies signs of threats, a spokesperson for the HKSAR government said. READ MORE: French unrest tapers off after security measures imposed The HKSAR government advised Hong Kong residents currently in France, or planning to visit, to monitor the situation, exercise caution, attend to personal safety, and avoid large gatherings of people. The Security Bureau of the HKSAR government will continue to monitor the situation closely in France. Source link
Several Hong Kong schools are considering withdrawing from next month’s iGEM competition in Paris amid concerns over unrest in France, as the Education Bureau stressed that student safety should remain the top priority for overseas study activities. More than 30 secondary schools and universities, involving nearly 600 students and teachers, had been scheduled to travel to Paris for the international synthetic biology competition from November 13 to 16. The concerns follow nationwide unrest in France over the weekend, during which shops were looted. Curfews were imposed in several cities from Monday night into early Tuesday, although the situation was largely calm afterward. The Hong Kong government on Tuesday issued an amber outbound travel alert for France, advising residents who are in the country or planning to travel there to monitor developments and avoid protest areas unless necessary. The Education Bureau said schools had been repeatedly reminded that safety should be the primary consideration when organizing overseas study tours and that they must ensure the well-being of all participants. It said schools should make appropriate adjustments based on the nature of the activities, the abilities and circumstances of participants, and conditions at the destination, while maintaining communication with relevant stakeholders and
Published on 20/10/2026 – 21:04 GMT+2 The United Kingdom has pledged to provide “additional defensive military support” to Saudi Arabia as it continues to come under attack from Yemen’s Houthi rebels, the Ministry of Defence announced on Tuesday. ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT In a statement, the department said Typhoon fighter jets would fly “defensive counter air missions” in an effort to support the defence of Saudi cities and “critical national infrastructure” from aerial attacks. “These aircraft will operate in a defensive role and will not conduct offensive strikes against the Houthis,” it said. “The UK will provide an RAF A400M to support the movement of defence materiel within Saudi Arabia, alongside UK military advisers to support Saudi staff officers.” British Defence Secretary Wes Streeting branded Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia as “absolutely despicable and dangerous for the region.” “In particular, people will bring to mind the bombing of civilian airports that led to hundreds of casualties,” he told British media as he outlined the move, calling the attacks an “intolerable escalation.” The Saudi-led coalition forces – which were formed in 2015 to back Yemen’s internationally recognised government – have reported increasing Houthi missile attacks on Saudi Arabia in recent weeks. The Houthis
Holiday travel has become quite the chore. Between high check-in fees, long security lines and middle seats that seem to only get tighter, you may find yourself feeling more stressed than excited about your next trip. To mitigate travel-related mishaps and to make your time en route to wherever you’re headed easier, the NBC Selected editorial team rounded up our 100 most essential travel products. As shopping editors, we’ve tried almost every major brand and random accessory you’ve heard good (or even so so) things about. We’ve tested neck pillows to find which ones are the most comfortable and pushed the limits of what a carry-on suitcase can actually fit, top-loaders included — all to find the most helpful tools that make travel, whether by plane, train or car, better. Bookmark this as you prepare for your holiday vacations and thank us later. Bon voyage. Want more from NBC Selected? Sign up for our newsletter, The Selection, and shop smarter. Luggage & baggage Backpack are always my go-to for travel because they distribute the weight more evenly for my bad back than a tote. I recently treated myself to this one and am so glad I did. It looks sleek
The United States has issued a new round of travel advisory updates for multiple destinations, sharpening warnings for parts of the Middle East and other regions while keeping in place a worldwide caution that urges Americans to remain alert to evolving security risks abroad. Get the latest news straight to your inbox! Fresh Advisories Highlight Regional Flashpoints Publicly available information on the U.S. State Department’s Travel Advisories portal shows that several countries and territories have seen their guidance updated in recent weeks, including destinations in the Middle East, Africa and Asia. The revisions come as analysts track shifting security conditions, armed conflict and political unrest across a number of corridors that are traditionally popular with U.S. travelers. Recent security alerts referenced by regional media and public monitoring forums indicate that multiple countries across the Middle East remain at elevated advisory levels, in several cases at Level 3, or “Reconsider Travel,” due to risks associated with terrorism, missile or drone activity, and potential for sudden airspace disruptions. Discussions on open-source channels also reference security alerts circulated through the U.S. government’s consular messaging systems, urging Americans in parts of the region to identify nearby shelter options in case of escalating hostilities. Beyond
Published On 21 Oct 202621 Oct 2026 Britain’s King Charles III has welcomed Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq for a state visit, praising the Gulf Arab monarch’s efforts to broker peace in the region. Haitham bin Tariq said his country has chosen the path of diplomacy in a region rife with conflict, following a day of ceremonies including a reception by a red-uniformed military honour guard at Windsor Castle. Recommended Stories list of 3 itemsend of list “In a region that has known too much conflict, Oman has chosen a different path, an independent path,” the Omani ruler said during a state banquet on Tuesday. “Britain has been a friend on this path and has stood beside us in this duty,” he added. King Charles III praised Oman’s peacemaking attempts in the Middle East, paying tribute to Muscat’s “noble efforts” to help reopen the choked Strait of Hormuz. “I would especially like to recognise, at a time when conflict has returned so painfully to the region, Oman’s enduring commitment as a trusted interlocutor to all parties,” Charles told about 160 guests at the lavish dinner. “Oman’s role across the Gulf and her ‘constructive neutrality’, as you put it, matters far
China-US ocean freight rates hold steady as post-holiday space tightens Published 3:20 pm Tuesday, October 20, 2026 by Mike Emiliani for Freight Right Mid-October 2026 saw the global trading landscape focus heavily on technical compliance and long-term litigation management, reports Freight Right, a freight forwarder and licensed customs broker based in Los Angeles. U.S. Customs and Border Protection launched Phase 3 of its automated CAPE portal to process remaining back-duty refunds from struck-down tariffs, even as the U.S, Court of International Trade froze pending Section 122 importer lawsuits while appellate courts review executive authority. Concurrently, cross-border supply chains operating under Washington’s centralized trade architecture shifted attention to auto manufacturing, with industry leaders launching urgent campaigns in Detroit to avert a proposed 50% automotive tariff hike threatened for early 2027. This Week’s Ocean, Air & Freight Markets China-U.S. Ocean Freight Market: China to U.S. ocean freight rates remain unchanged week over week as carriers extend first-half October pricing. However, space has become harder to secure following China’s National Day holiday, making booking lead times and schedule reliability more pressing concerns. CEA to USWC: Standard market rates are hovering around $8,000/FEU. However, secondary volume discount rates are available at $6,900 to $7,000/FEU for multi-container commitments. Rates have
發佈日期: 2026-05-14 20:23 TVB News 粵 已複製連結 In Beijing, an academic believes that President Xi Jinping’s reiteration of the “Thucydides Trap” is a plea for the US to refrain from suppressing China, and that for China and the US to coexist peacefully. President Xi Jinping had earlier mentioned the “Thucydides Trap” during his state visit to the US in 2015, saying that it was not an inevitable reality. Thucydides was an ancient Greek historian who described the relationship between then “superpowers” Athens and Sparta in the 5th century BC. He pointed out that Athens’ rapid rise to power prompted a Spartan response, ultimately leading to war that destroyed both city-states. Harvard University scholar Graham Allison first applied this concept to Sino-US relations in 2012. An academic in international relations believes that Xi Jinping’s revisiting of the “Thucydides Trap” is a hope that the US will not misjudge and suppress China. Wang Yiwei from Renmin University said President Xi’s point is that the countries should not repeat historical tragedies, and that China and the US should find a way to coexist peacefully. He said some conservatives in the US think China could use American semiconductors to launch a smart attack against
(中央社訊息服務20260422 16:25:04)The “Taiwan–U.S. International Joint Symposium & NHRI 30th Anniversary Series: Big Data and Cancer,” co-organized by the Cancer and Immunology Research Center of National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) and the Institute of Molecular and Genomic Medicine of National Health Research Institutes (NHRI), was successfully held on April 10, 2026, at the HO YING TSAI Memorial Hall, Shou-Ren Building, Yangming Campus of NYCU. The event brought together leading experts from NYCU, NHRI, and the University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine) for in-depth discussions on key areas including precision medicine, immunotherapy, and big data analytics. An international academic exchange bringing together leading scholars from Taiwan and the United States to explore new frontiers in cancer therapy. The strong academic ties between NYCU’s Cancer and Immunology Research Center and UC Irvine date back to late 2024, when Professor Xing Dai from UC Irvine’s Department of Biological Chemistry, School of Medicine, was invited to deliver a lecture at NYCU. In 2025, Senior Vice President Muh-Hwa Yang, the Center’s Director, was also invited to visit UC Irvine and deliver a lecture. Since then, ongoing academic exchanges have facilitated a research partnership in cancer biology and precision medicine. This solid foundation has helped
發佈日期: 2026-04-02 20:37 TVB News 粵 已複製連結 Some Chinese academics and analysts believe US President Donald Trump gave his latest speech as a means to give the military a “way out” and reduce American losses in the war. This as a Chinese resident in Iran said Trump’s words have contributed nothing to ending the conflict. Mr. Yin, who has lived in Iran for the past 15 years, briefly returned to China in February to spend time with his family, but was unable to make his way back to Iran when the conflict ignited earlier this year. Having listened to US President Donald Trump’s latest speech, Yin and his wife of Iranian-descent said the couple and their friends share the same sentiment towards the Trump. He called the speech void of meaning — stressing that Washington seemingly lacks any new strategies to defeat Iran. He noted that the Iranian people have learned to observe Trump’s actions instead of listening to his words. Some academics believe Trump’s speech aimed to adjust Washington’s earlier approach to the war, with the new strategy requiring the US to abandon its goal of capturing the Strait of Hormuz in hopes of reducing further losses. Han Jianwei,
EpicQuest Education Group International Limited is a holding company. The Company provides comprehensive education solutions for domestic and international students seeking university and college degrees in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. It owns and operates EduGlobal University, based in British Columbia, Canada, which focuses on English proficiency educational programming for students pursuing academic degrees. It operates and is a 70% owner of Davis University, a career training University located in Toledo, Ohio. In addition, it has a recruiting relationship with the Miami University Regional campuses, where it maintains residential facilities, a full-service cafeteria, recreational facilities, shuttle buses and an office for the regional campuses that provides study abroad and post-study services for its students. It is also a recruiting agent for the University of the West of Scotland (through The Education Group (London) Ltd) and Coventry University. 公司代碼EEIQ 公司名稱EpicQuest Education Group International Ltd 上市日期Mar 25, 2021 CEOZhang (Jianbo) 員工數量43 證券類型Ordinary Share 年結日Mar 25 公司地址1209 N. University Blvd. 城市MIDDLETOWN 上市交易所NASDAQ OMX – NASDAQ BASIC 國家United States of America 郵編45042 電話15138355394 網址https://www.epicquesteducation.com/ 公司代碼EEIQ 上市日期Mar 25, 2021 CEOZhang (Jianbo) 近5年累計派現 0.00 美元 暫無數據 Source link
發佈日期: 2026-03-28 22:32 TVB News 粵 已複製連結 Forensic scientist Henry Chang-Yu Lee, also known as the “Chinese-American Sherlock Holmes,” has died at his home in Nevada in the U.S. on Friday. He was 87. Lee earned international acclaim through his involvement in a list of high-profile cases like the shooting of former Taiwanese leader Chen Shui-bian and the O.J. Simpson murder trial. The shooting of Chen Shui-bian took place on March 19th, 2004, on the eve of Taiwan’s general election. A bullet grazed Chen’s abdomen and another injured then-vice president Annette Lu during a campaign parade in the city of Tainan. Dr. Henry Lee was asked to view evidence on the shattered car windshield, the bullets’ trajectory and the crime scene. Lee’s team determined Chen had gunshot injury after examining, but said it cannot be further conjectured as the wound started to heal. They also deduced that the suspect probably fired from afar, reporting that no gunpowder residue was found on Chen’s clothing. In 2005, Lee said in an interview that the case was still mystery-riddled. This as Chen Yi-hsiung, who was named to be the shooter, died by an allegedly suicide shortly after the incident and was cremated immediately.
發佈日期: 2026-03-26 23:30 TVB News 粵 已複製連結 Dozens of first spouses from around the world attended a technology-focused summit at the White House. A human-shaped robot “Figure 3” manufactured in America joined US First Lady Melania Trump in the East Room. The robot said: “It is an honour to be at Fostering the Future Together’s Global Coalition inaugural meeting. I’m Figure 3, a humanoid built in the United States of America. I am grateful to be part of this historic movement to empower children with technology and education. Welcome.” Melania Trump said: “We must balance our tech optimism with caution. The safety of our next generation is always paramount. Knowledge is the foundation of civilization, but although academia is interesting, business is compelling. For real growth in technology and education, I encourage you to bring the private and public sector worlds together.” Melania Trump urged greater use of artificial intelligence in education during her address. She ramped up her call on countries to hold regional meetings, conduct research studies, and start new partnerships with other nations to “cultivate the skills young people need to be successful in this rapidly evolving world.” Source link
發佈日期: 2026-03-21 20:49 TVB News 粵 已複製連結 The U.S. Justice Department (DOJ) is filing a new lawsuit against Harvard University saying its leadership failed to address antisemitism on campus creating grounds for the government to freeze existing grants and seek repayment for grants already paid. The DOJ wrote in the lawsuit that “The United States cannot and will not tolerate these failures and brings this action to compel Harvard to comply with federal civil rights law.” The lawsuit comes after negotiations appear to have bogged down in the months-long battle with the Trump administration that has tested the boundaries of the government’s authority over American’s universities. What began as an investigation into campus antisemitism escalated into the Trump administration slashing more than 2.6 billion dollars in research funding. Source link
(中央社訊息服務20260311 16:48:03)Students from National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) have captured first place at the Kibo Robot Programming Challenge (Kibo-RPC) global final, hosted by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), marking the third time Taiwan has won the international competition. The final round took place on Feb. 28 at the Tsukuba Space Center in Japan, where the Taiwanese representative team “iTron,” composed of NYCU Department of Mechanical Engineering students Lin Ying-Pei, Wu Dian-Mou, Zheng Li-Qi, and Chen Chang-Jun, outperformed teams from 13 countries and organizations to claim the championship. (Photo credit: Taiwan Space Agency) Organized by JAXA and open to members of the Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum (APRSAF), the Kibo-RPC is an international educational competition that engages students in real-world space robotics challenges. Participants develop programs for Astrobee, a free-flying robotic system aboard the International Space Station (ISS), helping astronauts complete tasks while sharpening their skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The sixth Kibo-RPC competition began accepting registrations in early 2025 and attracted 738 teams worldwide. Taiwan’s preliminary round was organized by the Taiwan Space Agency (TASA) and hosted by the Department of Mechanical Engineering at National Cheng Kung University, drawing 307 students across 77 teams.
您喜歡這個節目嗎? In May 2025, Harvard University in the United States was barred by the government from admitting foreign students from around the world and was instructed to transfer its currently enrolled foreign students to other institutions, an incident that attracted widespread international attention. For a long time, prestigious universities in the United Kingdom and the United States have been the top study destinations pursued by students worldwide. Overseas education consultants note that, as traditional elite universities face political and economic uncertainties, Hong Kong has emerged as another highly regarded study hotspot. Child Home Alone In recent years, a number of incidents involving children left unattended have resulted in accidents, drawing public concern. At present, Hong Kong has no legislation that explicitly prohibits leaving children at home alone. Are the existing laws sufficient to safeguard children? What expectations do members of the public have regarding government and community support? The Lost Classroom According to the latest figures provided by the Education Bureau, in 2025, there are currently over 5,000 absenteeism cases across Hong Kong, the highest in nine years. However, children who attend school only one or two days a week, or even just a few hours, are not included
BCCTaipei CEO 吳禹萱 Vicki Wu (左)、英國在台辦事處代表Ruth Bradley-Jones (右)產業中心/綜合報導 British Chamber of Commerce in Taipei（台北市英僑商務協會，BCCT）今宣布，原執行總監 Vicki Wu（吳禹萱）即日起升任執行長（Chief Executive Officer），展現董事會對其領導能力與長期貢獻的高度肯定。 吳禹萱Vicki Wu自擔任執行總監以來，在強化商會營運制度、財務重整、會員互動及整體策略定位方面表現卓越。其任內，英僑商務協會不僅維持穩健營運，更成功提升多項核心活動、政策倡議及會員服務的品質與影響力。 此次人事任命經董事會一致通過，以表彰吳禹萱Vicki Wu展現出的專業領導力、卓越執行力，以及對商會使命與英國社群的深度投入。 英僑商務協會主席、TutorABC 執行長 Samuel Yang 表示，在吳禹萱Vicki Wu的帶領下，商會多項核心活動皆創下歷史新高，包括「優良企業獎（Better Business Awards）」、「聖安德魯舞會（St Andrew’s Ball）」、「聖誕慈善拍賣（Christmas Charity Auction）」及「Women in Business」等活動，不論是出席人數、贊助參與度或公益募款金額皆顯著成長。 他指出，這些成果不僅來自優秀的執行能力，更展現吳禹萱Vicki Wu凝聚人心、建立信任，並為會員與更廣泛社群創造實質影響的關鍵角色。 此外，吳禹萱Vicki Wu亦在推動英僑商務協會董事會與 British Office Taipei 共同的核心策略目標上扮演重要推手，即「整合所有在台英國資源」。此策略涵蓋商務、貿易、教育、文化、英國大學校友等網絡及專業社群，強化英國社群及組織機構在台灣與各個領域的跨步合作與整體影響力。 英國在台辦事處代表 Ruth Bradley-Jones 表示，吳禹萱Vicki Wu是一位值得信賴且極具效率的合作夥伴，其領導力不僅為在台英國社群帶來實質改變，也深化了與台灣產、官、學界在地夥伴的互動關係。 升任執行長後，吳禹萱Vicki Wu將持續負責商會日常營運，並與董事會及英國在台辦事處密切合作，共同推動英台交流、深化雙邊連結，為會員與合作夥伴創造更高價值。 吳禹萱Vicki Wu執行長表示，能夠接任執行長一職深感榮幸，感謝董事會的信任以及與英國在台辦事處的緊密合作，未來將持續服務會員，為打造更團結、前瞻且具影響力的在台英國社群貢獻心力。 英僑商務協會強調，未來將持續致力於促進英國與台灣之間的雙邊貿易、投資與多元合作，並在吳禹萱Vicki Wu的領導下，迎接商會發展的新篇章。 關於台北市英僑商務協會（BCCT） 英僑商務協會為台灣主要的國際商會之一，代表眾多英國及國際企業，橫跨多元產業領域，透過政策倡議、交流平台與思想領導，協助會員發展，並深化英台經貿關係。Website：https://www.bcctaipei.com/ British Chamber of Commerce in Taipei Appoints Vicki Wu as Chief Executive Officer The British Chamber of Commerce in Taipei (BCCT) is pleased to announce the promotion of Vicki Wu from Executive Director to Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Vicki Wu has served as Executive Director of BCCT with distinction, playing a pivotal role in strengthening the Chamber’s operations, financial discipline, member engagement, and strategic positioning. Under her leadership, BCCT has maintained operational stability while expanding the quality and impact of its flagship events, policy engagement, and member services. The Board unanimously approved the promotion in recognition of Vicki’s leadership, professionalism, and deep commitment to the Chamber’s mission and community. “Under Vicki’s leadership, the Chamber has achieved record results across our flagship activities,” said Samuel Yang, Chairman of BCCT and CEO of TutorABC. “We have seen the highest-ever attendance, sponsorship participation, and charitable
US consumer sentiment deteriorated slightly in November as Americans fretted about high prices, weaker incomes, and mounting layoffs, nearing record lows. That’s according to the University of Michigan’s final reading of its survey of consumers. Preliminary data released earlier this month showed plunging sentiment for November, with overall sentiment hitting 50.3 amid concerns about the effect of the government shutdown on the economy. Sentiment improved a bit after the shutdown ended Nov. 12, reaching a level of 51 — lower than October’s 53.6 and down 29% from one year ago. Read more: What is consumer confidence, and why does it matter? Still, that didn’t totally quiet consumers’ anxiety. For one, the government’s funding agreement only lasts until the end of January. In the meantime, Americans are facing the prospect of spiking health insurance premiums, an unemployment rate that’s above where it was a year ago, and stubborn inflation. What’s more, 69% of consumers now expect unemployment to rise in the year ahead, more than double the rate from this time last year. The perceived probability of losing one’s job is also worse this month and at its highest level since 2020, according to Joanne Hsu, the director of the survey
As the U.S. market navigates a complex landscape marked by rising unemployment and mixed performances across major indices, investor attention is increasingly drawn to companies where insider confidence remains robust. In this environment, high insider ownership can be a compelling indicator of potential growth, suggesting that those who know the company best are committed to its future success. Name Insider Ownership Earnings Growth Super Micro Computer (SMCI) 13.9% 50.7% StubHub Holdings (STUB) 14.2% 73.9% SES AI (SES) 12% 68.9% Niu Technologies (NIU) 37.2% 93.7% Karman Holdings (KRMN) 17.3% 78.5% Credo Technology Group Holding (CRDO) 10.4% 30.7% Corcept Therapeutics (CORT) 11.4% 52.7% Atour Lifestyle Holdings (ATAT) 18% 24.4% Astera Labs (ALAB) 11.7% 29.0% AppLovin (APP) 27.4% 27.1% Click here to see the full list of 206 stocks from our Fast Growing US Companies With High Insider Ownership screener. We’re going to check out a few of the best picks from our screener tool. Simply Wall St Growth Rating: ★★★★★☆ Overview: Prenetics Global Limited is a health sciences company dedicated to advancing consumer health in Hong Kong, the United States, and internationally, with a market cap of $268.92 million. Operations: Prenetics Global Limited generates revenue through its health sciences operations, focusing on
The USGS said Wednesday it found 28.3 trillion cubic feet of gas and 1.6 billion barrels of oil in the Woodford and Barnett areas of the larger Permian Basin, which straddles West Texas and New Mexico. (USGS) The U.S. Geological Survey, the federal government’s earth sciences arm, discovered new oil and gas reserves in the Permian Basin – enough to supply the United States for 10 months. The USGS said Wednesday it found 28.3 trillion cubic feet of gas and 1.6 billion barrels of oil in the Woodford and Barnett shale formations, part of the larger Permian Basin, which straddles West Texas and New Mexico. The USGS began assessing available petroleum reserves 50 years ago after the Arab oil embargo sent the U.S. into a supply crisis. Domestic oil supplies have exploded since then, especially after fracking ushered in the shale boom in the early 2000s, turning the U.S. into an oil-producing powerhouse. OIL: Trump threatens to freeze Exxon out of Venezuela for ‘playing too cute.’ Here’s why But whether the U.S. will have enough oil and gas to meet growing demand in the decades to come has been increasingly in question. Declining availability of shale reserves has begun challenging
FTC DECODE Qualifier and FRC REBUILT Kickoff brought hands-on STEM competition to Bridgeport, highlighting new pathways into engineering and technology careers BRIDGEPORT, Conn., Jan. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont and U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal joined University of Bridgeport (UB) leaders, Bridgeport Mayor Joseph Ganim, and regional educators on January 10 as the University hosted two major FIRST Robotics competitions, bringing hundreds of middle and high school students to campus for hands-on STEM challenges and a first look at the University’s new robotics space. University of Bridgeport’s Mohammed Aljamal, President Danielle Wilken, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont, Connecticut State Senator Herron Gaston, Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim, and Goodwin University President Mark Scheinberg pose together during FIRST Robotics events hosted on campus on January 10, 2026. The event included: FTC DECODE — FIRST Tech Challenge Bridgeport Qualifier (presented by RTX), where teams in grades 7–12 designed, built, and programmed classroom-scale robots to compete in fast-paced alliance matches. FRC REBUILT — FIRST Robotics Competition Kickoff (presented by Haas), as part of the New England FIRST kickoff celebration for the 2026 season. The contests marked the first major event held in UB’s new robotics hub — a new space developed in partnership
As online enrollment grows, the university is scaling peer-to-peer support using InScribe’s digital communities to improve student success and retention. DENVER and TERRE HAUTE, Ind., Feb. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — InScribe Education, a provider of digital communities for higher education, today announced a partnership with Indiana State University to support online student success through scalable, peer-to-peer engagement. The partnership brings InScribe’s digital community platform to Indiana State’s online programs as the university continues to expand access and enrollment. Indiana State University and InScribe logos. Indiana State University is a public four-year institution serving a rapidly growing population of fully online learners, with enrollment approaching 2,000 students. As their online programs scale, university leaders want to ensure that student support, connection, and engagement also continue to grow. Through InScribe, Indiana State has launched Sycamore Grove, the university’s InScribe-powered digital community for online learners. Sycamore Grove serves as a centralized virtual student lounge where students can connect with peers, ask questions, share experiences, and access guidance throughout their academic journey. The community is designed to reinforce belonging and engagement beyond traditional course interactions. Sycamore Grove complements Indiana State’s learning management system, Canvas, by providing a space intentionally designed for student success. Learners
This 9- to 12-month programme equips current and aspiring revenue leaders to integrate cross‑functional strategy, analytics and AI to drive sustainable growth. CAMBRIDGE, United Kingdom, Feb. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Cambridge Judge Business School Executive Education announces the launch of the Chief Revenue Officer Programme , a 9- to 12-month programme that equips current and aspiring chief revenue officers (CROs) to successfully integrate revenue-impacting functions and become transformational growth drivers. Launched in collaboration with Emeritus, a global leader in making high-quality education accessible and affordable, the programme begins in March 2026. CJ logo (PRNewsfoto/Emeritus) As customer expectations evolve and digital‑first buying journeys reshape markets, organisations need leaders who can combine strategic vision, an innovative mindset, analytical prowess and AI to deliver measurable revenue impact. The Chief Revenue Officer Programme positions revenue leaders as key drivers of organisational value by integrating marketing, product, pricing and data functions to uncover new revenue streams and strengthen resilience. Participants will explore data-driven frameworks and emerging technologies, including AI, alongside innovative approaches to align traditionally siloed functions. Through a blend of curated learning content delivered through live online sessions, peer learning, applied exercises, success coaching, and an in-person capstone module in Cambridge, UK, participants will
– Every UK private school has been targeted by a fee payment scam or attempted fraud in the past five years according to IRIS Education research– On average, parents lose £3,200 per successful scam, with one in five cases involving losses of up to £10,000– More than a third of schools lack confidence in the security of their fee collection processes as threat levels rise LONDON, Jan. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Parents at fee-paying schools are losing thousands of pounds each year to sophisticated fee payment scams, with independent schools in the UK experiencing at least one scam or attempted fraud over the past five years, according to new research from IRIS Education*. IRIS Software Group Logo (PRNewsfoto/IRIS Software Group) The research, which surveyed 100 bursars at UK private schools, found that scammers are routinely impersonating schools and sending fake fee payment requests to parents. All bursars polled said their school community had been targeted at least once, with the average bursar reporting five separate scam incidents over the period – equating to roughly one event per school, per year. When scams succeed, the financial impact on families can be severe. Bursars polled by IRIS estimate that parents have lost an average
The Human Capability Initiative Conference will return to Riyadh from 03–04 May, convening more than 15,000 global leaders to drive future human capability development under the theme “The Human Code.” The United Kingdom has been named Country of Honor, reflecting the strategic partnership between Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom in education, workforce development, and economic cooperation. RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Feb. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Saudi Arabia’s Human Capability Development Program (HCDP) today announced the third edition of the Human Capability Initiative (HCI) Conference, to be held on 03–04 May 2026 in Riyadh, bringing together global leaders to drive the future of human capability development under the theme “The Human Code.” The launch of the third edition of HCI 2026, with the United Kingdom as Country of Honor, coincides with Prince William’s visit to Saudi Arabia. Held under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia and Chairman of the HCDP Committee, HCI 2026 will feature the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland as the Country of Honor, underscoring the strategic partnership between Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom in education, workforce development, and
英僑商務協會長期領袖斯瑞奇 Rich Smith產業中心/綜合報導 英國在台灣教育界的重要推手、英僑商務協會長期領袖斯瑞奇 Rich Smith，榮獲英王查爾斯三世（King Charles III）頒授2026新年「大英帝國官佐勳章」（Officer of the Order of the British Empire, OBE），表彰他多年來對英國教育產業以及在台英國僑民社群的卓越貢獻。此項殊榮名列英國 2026 年新年授勳名單（2026 New Year’s Honours List），為英國最高國家級榮譽之一。 英國新年授勳制度旨在表揚對國家及民眾福祉作出傑出貢獻的人士。對於非政府體系、且長期服務於台灣的英國民間領袖而言，獲此皇家榮譽實屬罕見，也使斯瑞奇的獲獎在台灣英國僑民社群中格外具有代表性與指標性意義。 在斯瑞奇之前，在台灣有數位與台灣淵源深厚，於台英關係、教育、科技及公共事務領域具重要影響力的人士名列英國授勳人士之列， 在台灣籍獲獎者方面，包括： 張忠謀（Morris Chang）CBE（2013），台積電創辦人，因促進英台商業合作及對全球科技產業的貢獻，獲頒榮譽大英帝國司令勳章。 王文洋（Winston Wen-Yang Wong）OBE（2016），因透過教育與科學研究促進英台關係而獲獎，為倫敦帝國學院校友，長期支持英國學術機構。 Lynn Li MBE（2009），前英國在台辦事處員工，因推動英台重大基礎建設合作而獲表揚。 英國籍獲獎者則包括： Ruth Bradley-Jones MBE（2023），英國駐台代表，因推動性別平權與多元共融而獲獎。 Wayne Ive MBE（2024），英國駐台副代表，因其在多邊與外交事務上的領導表現獲得肯定。 John Nixon MBE（2007），台北歐洲學校執行長，因對教育及在台英國社群的貢獻獲獎。 這樣的背景更突顯 Rich Smith 此次名列 2026 年新年授勳名單的非凡意義。 Rich Smith 於 1993 年共同創辦英國教育顧問服務機構 UK Education Advisory Services（UKEAS，後更名為 Intake Education），並擔任董事長長達三十年。他所建立的「免費、高品質留學諮詢服務」模式，為國際教育顧問產業帶來革命性改變，讓來自不同經濟背景的優秀學生，都能獲得專業且公正的升學指引，進入世界級的英國高等教育體系。 三十多年來，Rich Smith 所領導的機構直接協助超過 10 萬名國際學生赴英深造，為英國高等教育與相關產業創造約 35 億英鎊的學費、生活與住宿經濟效益。 其中，無數台灣學生在他的協助下前往英國求學，並於完成學業後，活躍於商業、政府、學術、醫療及公民社會等領域，成為各行各業的中堅力量。更重要的是，Rich Smith 的長期投入，不僅培育全球化人才，也深化了英國教育在台灣的影響力，為台英關係奠定穩固的人才與價值基礎。 作為國際教育產業的先驅，UKEAS 透過與超過 100 所英國大學的合作夥伴關係，建立由大學支持的營運模式，確保學生能在不受財務條件限制的情況下，獲得專業且中立的升學建議，深刻改變整體產業生態。 除了教育領域的卓越貢獻，Rich Smith 自 2009 年加入台北市英僑商務協會British Chamber of Commerce in Taipei, BCCT）董事會以來，曾擔任董事、監事及財務長等多項要職，近二十年來持續投入商會治理與社群發展。 在其領導與個人承諾下，BCCT 的企業社會責任（CSR）計畫已為台灣公益團體募得超過新台幣 3,000 萬元，支持青少年服務、教育計畫、無家者援助，以及弱勢學生的長期獎學金機制，對台灣社會產生深遠而實質的正面影響。 台北市英僑商務協會主席、TutorABC 執行長 Samuel Yang 表示：「Rich Smith 在英王新年授勳名單中獲頒 OBE，是對其一生奉獻於教育、服務與社群領導的高度肯定。他對英國教育在全球，尤其是台灣的貢獻，無可比擬。多個世代的台灣學生因他的努力而與英國建立深厚連結，進一步強化英台關係。他對在台英國社群及公益事業的長期投入，已留下深具意義的永續典範。這是屬於 Rich、與他的家人，以及整個在台英國社群的榮耀時刻。」 Rich Smith OBE 則表示：「能夠獲得英王查爾斯三世的肯定，我感到無比榮幸與謙卑。我始終相信，教育是一股能創造機會並帶來正向改變的力量。多年來能與如此多敬業的同仁、大學夥伴，以及台灣的英國社群攜手合作，是我最大的福氣，這份榮耀屬於所有與我同行的人。」 台北市英僑商務協會對 Rich Smith 獲頒此項皇家榮譽與有榮焉，並高度肯定他透過教育、商業與社群服務，持續深化英台關係的長遠貢獻。 英國王室授勳制度旨在表揚在公共生活中具卓越成就，並長期致力於服務英國與社會的個人。更多關於 2026 年新年授勳名單的資訊，可至英國政府官方網站 GOV.UK 查詢。 British Education Leader in Taiwan Rich Smith Awarded OBE in King Charles III’s 2026 New Year’s Honours List The British Chamber of Commerce in Taipei (BCCT) is pleased to announce that Rich Smith has been awarded an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in His Majesty King Charles III’s 2026 New Year’s Honours List. He is being recognised for his outstanding services to the UK education industry and the British community in Taiwan. The New Year’s Honours List represents one of the highest forms of national
CHENNAI, India, Feb. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — India’s No: 1 Ranked institution, Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras), has established a new entity, IIT Madras Global Research Foundation (IITM Global) which was launched by Dr. S. Jaishankar, Hon’ble Minister of External Affairs, Government of India, on 2nd January 2026. Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar (3rd L) releases a book on ‘India’s Innovation Ecosystem Going Global’ on 2 Jan at IITM, India At the event, a key strategic partnership with Durham University to establish an ‘IITM Global’ Centre at Durham was announced. It will serve as a gateway for the institute’s academic, research and innovation outreach across the United Kingdom and Europe. IITM Global as a charter to transform the institute into the world’s first multinational university and position it as a globally networked hub for education, research, innovation and entrepreneurship. The collaboration will focus on joint research, startup exchange and high-impact academic and skilling programs, leveraging the complementary strengths of both institutions to co-create globally scalable models of innovation and education. Addressing the IITM Global launch event at IIT Madras Campus on 2nd Jan 2026, Dr. S. Jaishankar said, “An IIT Madras Campus in Tanzania is a way
A new international pathway connecting Miami and Italy through innovative higher education MIAMI, Feb. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Doral College and UNINETTUNO International Telematic University announced the launch of their Italy–USA Dual Degree Program, an international academic partnership that expands global learning opportunities for students in the United States and Europe. Judith Marty, President of Doral College, and Prof. Maria Amata Garito, Rector of UNINETTUNO University The Dual Degree Program allows students to earn two accredited bachelor’s degrees—one awarded in the United States and one in Italy—through an integrated academic pathway. The collaboration brings together Doral College’s Bachelor of Business Administration and UNINETTUNO’s Bachelor in Economics and Business Management, aligned through a formal Learning Agreement between the institutions. Through a clearly defined credit-transfer framework that bridges U.S. credits and the European ECTS system, students complete coursework across both institutions using advanced online learning platforms. Doral College students may pursue the Italian degree by completing approved coursework through UNINETTUNO’s digital university environment, while UNINETTUNO students may earn the U.S. credential through Doral College’s online campus based in Florida. “The launch of this Dual Degree Program reflects Doral College’s vision for higher education without borders,” said Judith Marty, President of Doral College. “By
UChicago Medicine Ralph Lauren Center to provide greater access to high-quality cancer care and preventative services for Chicago’s South Side and Southland communities NEW YORK, January 21, 2026–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The Ralph Lauren Corporate Foundation today announced it has awarded a grant to the University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center to establish the UChicago Medicine Ralph Lauren Center, building on the Foundation’s commitment to expand or open five cancer centers across the United States. The UChicago Medicine Ralph Lauren Center will enhance access to high-quality cancer screening, comprehensive cancer care and support services, serving a catchment area of more than 900,000 community members in Chicago’s South Side and Southland communities. The new UChicago Medicine Ralph Lauren Center – the fourth Ralph Lauren-named center in the U.S. and first in the Midwest – will comprise two locations. The first, located within the outpatient cancer facility at UChicago Medicine Ingalls Memorial Hospital in Harvey, Illinois, is expected to open in 2026. A second location will be inside UChicago Medicine’s new AbbVie Foundation Cancer Pavilion, which will be Illinois’ first freestanding cancer care and research facility when it opens in April 2027. The UChicago Medicine Ralph Lauren Center will also be supported by a
US News & World Report rankings place W. P. Carey School of Business among the nation’s top 10 for online undergraduate, graduate, and MBA programs. TEMPE, Ariz., Jan. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Choosing the right online business program can shape a learner’s career for years to come, and the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings continue to point students and veterans toward the W. P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University. (PRNewsfoto/W. P. Carey School of Business ) In the U.S. News & World Report’s latest online program rankings, W. P. Carey earned top 10 recognition across its online undergraduate, graduate, and MBA programs. W. P. Carey’s online undergraduate business programs held steady at No. 2 in the nation, placing the school ahead of peer institutions such as Penn State World Campus and Indiana University Online. The school also earned a new No. 3 ranking for its online master’s in business for veterans — ahead of George Washington University, Syracuse University, and Indiana University Online — underscoring its growing impact and commitment to supporting military-connected learners as they advance their careers. At the graduate level, W. P. Carey ranked No. 4 overall for online graduate business programs,
For the past year, the Smithsonian Institution has found itself in the awkward position of telling the nation’s story while being supported in part by a government that wants to narrow how that story is told. In December, the White House threatened to revoke funding to the institution if it did not hand over a trove of wall texts and exhibit plans for a review. So when a permanent exhibition of presidential portraits closed for a refresh earlier this spring, whether some important but unsavory facts about the current president would be there when it reopened was unclear. Now we know: The “America’s Presidents” galleries at the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C., are back, and President Trump’s two impeachments are technically there. But they are mentioned without context, in a way that underlines the Smithsonian’s touchy relationship with an administration that has not hesitated to strong-arm the institution. Last summer, the Smithsonian National Museum of American History quietly took down references to Trump’s two impeachments from a display on presidents who had faced the removal process. The change came amid a content review that the Smithsonian had begun under pressure from the White House, but following a public outcry,
This report is from this week’s The Tech Download newsletter. Like what you see? You can subscribe here. One look at the roster of U.S. execs that cozied up to U.S. President Donald Trump on the 20+ hours flight from Alaska to China on Wednesday and you get a sense of the American delegation’s key focus in Beijing. Nvidia‘s Jensen Huang, Tesla‘s Elon Musk and Apple‘s Tim Cook were all onboard, as were execs from Meta, Micron, Qualcomm and Coherent. It’s fair to assume tech was a topic that came up on the trip. The visit got off to a strong start for the group of execs, with Chinese President Xi Jinping saying that China would open up to U.S. businesses. Execs also had their chance to make a pitch directly to the Beijing premier, according to U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. The U.S. business leaders had the “opportunity yesterday in a meeting with President Trump and President Xi to come in and talk a little bit about their companies,” Greer said in an interview with Bloomberg TV on Friday. He specifically name-checked Nvidia’s Jensen Huang as being there. Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump attend a welcome
It’s the dawn of a new era on Wall Street — and I’m not talking about the imminent change at the Federal Reserve. After more than half a century at the helm of Berkshire Hathaway (BRKA 0.07%)(BRKB 0.32%), billionaire Warren Buffett has stepped out of the spotlight and handed the reins to his successor, Greg Abel. But even though the Oracle of Omaha is no longer steering the ship and seeking to add to his greater-than-6,000,000% outperformance of the benchmark S&P 500 (^GSPC +0.77%) since the mid-1960s, it doesn’t mean his investing principles and wisdom don’t continue to echo on Wall Street. Warren Buffett retired as Berkshire Hathaway’s CEO on Dec. 31, 2025. Image source: The Motley Fool. If there’s one “Buffett investing rule” that, arguably, has more bearing than others, it’s his emphasis on valuation. While Berkshire’s former boss occasionally bent or broke some of his unwritten rules, he never chased after an investment that he didn’t feel offered a good deal. Value is of the utmost importance — and based on Warren Buffett’s preferred valuation tool, the stock market isn’t offering much in the way of value. The Buffett indicator has entered uncharted territory Since 2026 began, we’ve
Elon Musk may have just called Jensen Huang as his ‘true friend’. X user DogeDesigner recently shared a split-image of the Tesla CEO and Nvidia CEO from 2016 and 2026, showing their decade-long friendship with Jensen in his signature leather jacket. The post is captioned: “The most important thing in life is having true friends”. Musk reshared the post on his timeline with a single-word: ‘True’, kind of admitting the ‘true friendship’ between the two. Huang and Musk are widely regarded as two of the greatest tech entrepreneurs of the modern era, with the two working in conjunction as Tesla vehicles run Nvidia chips. The two have exchanged praises for each other over years. Huang once called Musk ‘the ultimate GPU’ adding that “Even without a Neuralink implant, Elon Musk has a lot going on in his head”.During an appearance on Joe Rogan Experience podcast last year, Jensen Huang talked about his relationship with Elon. He then said:“I was lucky because I had known Elon Musk, and I helped him build the first computer for Model 3, the Model S, and when he wanted to start working on an autonomous vehicle. I helped him build the computer that went into
Open this photo in gallery: Prime Minister Mark Carney meets with Premier of Alberta Danielle Smith at his office in Ottawa on May 8.Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press Keep calm and… Re “The Iran war has shown why Canada shouldn’t just take the world as it is” (May 8): Our Prime Minister is criticized for putting trade before our beliefs. But a lot has changed over the past year. We do have to “take the world as it is.” No one seems more aware of the potential damage idealism can do to the economy than our Prime Minister, who helped guide Britain during Brexit. Every new job created gives a family financial support to enjoy life with a minimum of anxiety. What change did our involvement in Afghanistan bring about? Has China changed because we criticized its human rights abuse? As long as the world nurtures authoritarian leaders, Canadian foreign policy should be directed through the United Nations. Foreign aid should continue being our main approach. And our Prime Minister supports international law, which is a quiet rebuke of Mr. Trump’s foreign policy of might is right. May God continue to give him the strength to carry on. Ken Stock Port
SpaceX CEO Elon Musk recently alleged Delta Airlines of rejecting its space internet service Starlink over Amazon’s Leo. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the world’s richest man alleged that the real issue was the airline requiring passengers to access the in-flight Wi-Fi using the Delta Sync portal, which forces customers to log in with an account number for SkyMiles, the airline’s frequent-flyer program. Now, Delta Airlines has responded to Musk’s claim. In a statement to PC Mag, the airline said “The assertion in question is not accurate”, claiming that incorporating Delta Sync with Starlink would have been permitted under SpaceX’s in-flight Wi-Fi agreement. It further stated that it want to deepen work with “a global leader that shares our ambition to build what’s next.”Replying to this, Musk wrote on X: “They will lose passengers over this”. Delta Airlines on why it chose Amazon’s LEO As quoted by X user Sawyer Meritt, Delta Airlines explained why it chose Amazon’s Leo saying:“This agreement gives us the fastest and most cost-effective technology available to better connect the world today, and it deepens our work with a global leader that shares our ambition to build what’s next.”The airline is reportedly targeting 2028
Readout of President Trump’s Meeting With Chinese President Xi Jinping – U.S. Embassy & Consulates in China Skip to main content An official website of the United States government Here’s how you know Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock A locked padlock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Travel Advisory Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution Travel Advisory Level 2: Updated to reflect a shift to Level 2 “Exercise increased caution” for Mainland China. Read More… Worldwide Caution – Enroll in STEP President Trump had a good meeting with President Xi of China. The two sides discussed ways to enhance economic cooperation between our two countries, including expanding market access for American businesses into China and increasing Chinese investment into our industries. Leaders from many of the United States’ largest companies joined a portion of the meeting. The Presidents also highlighted the need to build on progress in ending the flow of fentanyl precursors into the United States, as well as increasing Chinese purchases
On 9 May, Russia held its iconic annual Victory Day parade to honour the sacrifices of its soldiers and civilians during its four-year war against Nazi Germany. When the president, Vladimir Putin, invaded Ukraine on 24 February 2022, he didn’t anticipate a fight that would last longer than the Red Army’s epic struggle against the Wehrmacht. But his war drags on. Worse, it’s failing and threatening his grip on power. Despite Putin’s boasts about Russian troops advancing on every front, even pro-war military bloggers are criticising military mismanagement. Some say the momentum favours Ukraine and at least one warns that Russia could lose. With the frontline stalled, an estimated 1.3 million Russian troops dead or wounded, and ordinary Russians under increasing economic pressure, the war Putin believed would produce his crowning achievement may prove to be his undoing. For Russians, the war was once something that happened over there. Now it’s happening inside Russia itself. Ukraine’s drones and missiles routinely hit targets deep inside the country – often more than 1,000 miles from the border. They include Moscow, Yekaterinburg, Chelyabinsk, Perm, Rostov-on-Don, Yaroslavl, Murmansk and the Baltic Sea oil-loading ports at Primorsk and Ust-Luga. The refineries at Tuapse, on the
May 14 (Reuters) – A bidder agreed to pay $9,000,100 at auction to dine with billionaire investor Warren Buffett and basketball superstar Stephen Curry in a charity fundraiser. The winning bid came in a weeklong auction on eBay that ended on Thursday, according to eBay’s website. The winner’s identity could not immediately be determined. Buffett, Curry and his wife Ayesha Curry will join the winner and up to seven guests chosen by the winner on June 24 in Omaha, Nebraska, where Buffett’s conglomerate Berkshire Hathaway is based. Proceeds will be divided between the Glide Foundation and Eat. Learn. Play. The nonprofits said Buffett will match the winning bid for each of them, boosting the total donation to about $27 million. Berkshire, Glide and Eat. Learn. Play. did not immediately respond to requests for comment outside business hours. Glide is a nonprofit in San Francisco’s Tenderloin district that helps people who are poor, homeless and battling substance abuse. Buffett raised about $53.2 million for Glide in 21 auctions between 2000 and 2022. He began supporting Glide after his first wife Susan volunteered there. She died in 2004. The $19 million winning bid in the 2022 auction remains by far the largest
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney posited that the world order was not experiencing a “transition” but rather a “rupture” from the global system established in the aftermath of the Second World War. For Southeast Asia, and its primary institutional forum – ASEAN – this means recognising that some of its most cherished principles might no longer be entirely valid and reassessing traditional assumptions about regional cohesion and commonality of interests. INTRODUCTION Occasionally, a single speech by a world leader can perfectly capture the zeitgeist of the moment. When Winston Churchill warned of an “iron curtain” descending across Europe in 1946, he provided a painfully accurate preview of the geopolitical framework – the Cold War – that would dominate the world stage for the next four decades. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s recent speech in Davos at the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum might ultimately be viewed by future historians in a similar vein. Carney posited that the world order was not experiencing a “transition” but rather a “rupture”, which signalled that the old global system established in the aftermath of the Second World War was gone forever. Although he never mentioned President Donald Trump by name, Carney’s speech
US President Donald Trump (R) shakes hands with China’s President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on May 14, 2026. Kenny Holston | Afp | Getty Images U.S. President Donald Trump said China has agreed to buy American oil, in a pre-recorded interview with Fox News that aired Thursday evening stateside, as the two nations push for concrete trade and business wins at their ongoing bilateral summit. “They’ve agreed they want to buy oil from the United States, they’re going to go to Texas, we’re going to start sending Chinese ships to Texas and to Louisiana and to Alaska,” Trump said in the interview that was conducted after his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Thursday. Trump and Xi are scheduled to meet Friday to close out a two-day summit that has featured pageantry as well as dealmaking including market access for U.S. businesses and purchases of American goods. Beijing also made a pointed warning that mishandling the Taiwan issue could push bilateral ties into a tailspin. Trump’s visit marks the first time a sitting U.S. president has traveled to China in nearly nine years. The two leaders are expected to share
Trump said tonight that he brought top business leaders who traveled with him to China into his meeting with Xi and discussed how to increase trade between the U.S. and China. “I suggested that before we start the meeting, I’d like to introduce them to you, and they were surprised, because it wasn’t, you know, it wasn’t scheduled,” Trump said in an interview with Sean Hannity, referring to bringing Elon Musk, Tim Cook, Jensen Huang and other CEOs into the meeting with Chinese officials. “It’s interesting, because they do business in general, most of them do business here, but probably like to do more, and I’d like to see them do more. That would be good for trade and trade balance, and they were fantastic,” Trump said.
Hello, welcome to Politics Insider. Let’s look at what happened today. Alberta must respect the rights of Indigenous peoples and individual freedoms if it wishes to hold an independence referendum, Prime Minister Mark Carney says. Matthew Scace reports that Carney made the comments today, a day after an Alberta judge struck down a separatist group’s petition. Court of King’s Bench Justice Shaina Leonard blocked separatist leader Mitch Sylvestre’s petition, which sought to force a provincewide vote this fall. The judge said the province failed to consult with First Nations about how seceding from Canada would affect treaty rights. The decision also hinged on recent changes to provincial law by Premier Danielle Smith’s government, which sought to sidestep a prior court ruling. It found residents don’t have the power to initiate an independence referendum under Alberta’s citizen-initiative laws. Carney referred to Justice Leonard’s decision when asked whether he believed an independence referendum should proceed. “We have standards and an ability for provinces to hold referenda on a variety of subjects. Obviously, we support that,” Carney said. “That means respecting the rights of Indigenous peoples, respecting the rights of people to privacy.” Carney is expected to be in Calgary on Friday to
On the National Mall, where Trump’s new tinge of paint made its way up the basin of the Reflecting Pool, three video-game consoles had been installed with an interactive game called Operation Epic Furious: Strait to Hell. It allowed players to simulate the Iran war. A few National Guard members took turns trying out the arcade game for a couple of minutes. I made my way downtown as one of the Police Week convoys sped in the opposite direction. Outside night clubs on Connecticut Avenue, girls hung out of the sunroofs of idling cars, cheering on the cops. Dozens of classic police cars from various departments were parked in front of the White House. A few men in red “Make Copcars Great Again” hats posed with the vehicles. Inside the White House complex, a slightly languid mood, typical during a President’s foreign trip, prevailed. “I had lots of weird week-long, empty, ghostly West Wing days,” an official from a previous Administration recalled to me. “The structuring principle of everybody’s day is gone. Getting decisions out of the travelling crew is extremely difficult.” These were days for doctors’ appointments, haircuts, long lunches, coming in late and leaving early. “There’s also the
Elon Musk accuses OpenAI of breaching charitable trust and prioritising profit over AI safety and nonprofit values. Published On 14 May 202614 May 2026 Lawyers for OpenAI and Elon Musk began closing arguments in a landmark trial that could impact the future of the ChatGPT maker. On Thursday, each side presented a concluding statement to jurors, who will decide whether OpenAI and its leaders profited from a venture that was meant to be a “charity”. Recommended Stories list of 4 itemsend of list The lawsuit was brought by Musk, the world’s richest man and the founder of a rival artificial intelligence (AI) model, Grok. Musk sued OpenAI, its CEO Sam Altman and its president Greg Brockman, alleging that the company strayed from its founding mission to build AI that was safe and beneficial to humanity. Musk was not present for the closing statements on Thursday, as he is currently in China on a diplomatic visit with United States President Donald Trump. His lawyer, Steven Molo, used his final remarks to accuse OpenAI of breaching its charitable trust by enriching investors and insiders at the nonprofit’s expense. He also sought to paint Altman as untrustworthy. “I confronted Sam Altman with the fact
Interview by Doug Henwood Elon Musk needs no introduction. He is one of the leading capitalists of our time. Unlike many in tech, he gets down and dirty with the physical world (or rather, his employees do), building cars and rockets, digging tunnels, even implanting chips in people’s brains. He is also a master of hype, making ludicrous claims that never come to pass. That hype aside, he has achieved a lot. And yet he has used his fame, his money, and his X platform to promote a politics that, it is no exaggeration to say, is white supremacist and exterminationist. Musk’s businesses include Tesla, the car company; SpaceX, the rocket company; X, formerly Twitter, and xAI, the artificial intelligence enterprise of which Grok is the face; Neuralink, the maker of chips implantable into human brains so they can talk directly with computers; and Boring Company, which drills giant tunnels to create subterranean highways. Of these, only Tesla and SpaceX are profitable. The current profits of the two combined are around $12 billion. These are the financial base of his fortune, estimated by Bloomberg at $655 billion, with most of it coming from SpaceX and Tesla stock. The latter is
US stocks stepped higher on Thursday as the artificial intelligence trade came back into focus and after President Trump and his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, began a high-stakes US-China summit. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (^DJI) rose 0.7%, or more than 350 points, to climb above the 50,000 level for the first time since February. The S&P 500 (^GSPC) rose about 0.8% to cross the 7,500 level for the first time, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite (^IXIC) advanced 0.9%, as Nvidia’s (NVDA) stock rose amid signs of robust AI demand. Trump and Xi called for better US-China ties on Thursday as they began a two-day summit likely to cover issues ranging from tariffs to artificial intelligence. Shares in Nvidia jumped over 4% on news that the US had approved sales of its H200 chips to several Chinese firms. That set the stage for Xi’s welcome to some of America’s top CEOs, including Nvidia’s Jensen Huang, Tesla’s (TSLA) Elon Musk, and Apple’s (AAPL) Tim Cook. Xi reportedly told the business leaders their companies could be “deeply involved in China’s reform and opening up” and that “China’s door will only open wider.” Also in focus are hopes that China can help break
Merve Aydogan 14 May 2026•Update: 14 May 2026 Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Thursday that Canada plans to double its electricity generation over the next two decades to meet rising demand and strengthen the country’s energy resilience. “Electricity demand in Canada is expected to double by 2050, so we will double our grid,” Carney said during a news conference in Ottawa. “Canada will double its electricity generation over the course of the next two decades, because the path to affordability is electrification,” he added. Carney said electrification would play a central role in Canada’s economic and environmental strategy. “The path to competitiveness is electrification,” he said, arguing that “electrification underpins everything, our emissions, our environment, our economy, our evolution.” Referring to unstable trade relations with the US, Carney said ongoing wars and tensions in Ukraine and the Middle East are “pushing up energy prices across the world, including in Canada.” Facing what he described as “huge energy demand,” Carney stressed “it’s essential and crucial that Canada develop its own resiliency and make its own contribution.” He also said Canada should unlock its “full potential as an energy superpower,” citing recent remarks by International Energy Agency chief Fatih Birol, who
These famous faces spend time in Ontario’s Muskoka region to unwind. (Images via Getty Images/Yahoo Canada Illustration) The May long weekend in Canada is the unofficial start to summer. For some, Victoria Day weekend (or “May 2-4”) means packing up the car for the ceremonial task of opening the cottage for the season. Canadian summers, specifically in the Muskoka region of Ontario, is a beacon for celebrities to head north and unwind in cottage country away from the spotlight. For years, it’s been great chance to get in some swimming time and revel in outdoor barbecues as they enjoy the hotter months of the year. Between Canadian stars like Justin Bieber and Shania Twain, to A-listers including David and Victoria Beckham, Muskoka is an area that’s often frequented by some of the most recognizable names in entertainment. Below are some of the many big names who have enjoyed trips to the Muskoka region over the years. Shania Twain Twain recently took to social media to reflect on spending time in Canada with her husband, Frédéric Thiébaud. In April, the 60-year-old country-pop icon shared some photos taken during a recent visit home. “I’ve been spending more time in Canada recently and
President Donald Trump and several top administration officials are joining with a cast of mostly conservative Christian clergy this Sunday on the National Mall in Washington for a prayer gathering billed as a “rededication of our country as One Nation Under God” upon America’s 250th birthday. But some critics call the Rededicate 250 event an effort to “hijack” U.S. history with a false, Christian nationalist narrative — one they say fuses American and Christian identities and threatens a constitutional separation of church and state. The daylong program is being organized by a nonprofit called Freedom 250. Its website describes it as a public-private partnership “leading the presidential programming for America’s 250th anniversary,” which culminates with the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence on July 4. Congressional Democrats have questioned the organization’s structure and finances, which they see as a Trump-controlled end run around a separate commission charted by Congress a decade ago to prepare semiquincentennial events. Top Republican officials promote event Organizers expect thousands of people to attend Rededicate 250, which will include worship music, prayers and speeches from Cabinet heads and other Republican officials, along with religious leaders and others. Trump and several other speakers are addressing the crowd
Elena Teslova 14 May 2026•Update: 14 May 2026 Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday that Moscow intends to create and expand mutually beneficial technological alliances with other countries despite Western sanctions and external pressure. Speaking at the 10th anniversary congress of the Union of Machine Builders of Russia in Moscow, Putin said combining the intellectual and resource potential of different countries on the basis of mutual respect for interests “will open additional opportunities.” “We intend to create and expand mutually beneficial alliances with other states and support initiatives by foreign partners that use Russian machinery, equipment, and technological platforms,” he said. Putin said Russia’s machine-building industry managed to strengthen its position in both domestic and foreign markets despite sanctions and the rupture of ties with some foreign counterparties. According to Putin, Russia’s manufacturing output in 2025 increased by 25 percent compared with the pre-sanctions level of 2021, while overall industrial production rose by 12 percent over the same period. “And speaking more broadly, industrial production in Russia in 2025 was 12 percent higher than in 2021,” he said. “I want to say that despite all the difficulties of recent years, Russian machine builders have been operating under challenging conditions, including
Topline Lei Jun, the Chinese billionaire and CEO of smartphone and electric vehicle company Xiaomi, leaned in for a selfie at a state dinner with his seemingly annoyed American manufacturing rival Elon Musk, who is one of several American billionaires accompanying President Donald Trump on a state visit. Tesla CEO Elon Musk attends a state banquet hosted by Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Getty Images Key Facts In a video circulating on social media, Jun appears to approach Musk and kneel down for a photo during a banquet at China’s Great Hall of the People, where the Tesla CEO made what appeared to be annoyed expressions for the camera. “Lei Jun and Elon Musk Posing for a Photo” was also trending in the top three terms on Chinese social media site Weibo on Thursday morning. Since the trip began, Musk has been interacting with Chinese-speaking followers posting photos and videos of him on X, the app he purchased in 2022 for $44 billion, and when a user posted a video of him walking with one of his children, Musk replied in Chinese: “My son is learning Mandarin.” Forbes Valuation We estimate Lei
Disney+ hosted the world premiere for the highly-anticipated second season of Rivals at London’s BFI IMAX on Tuesday, serving up a mix of sharp tailoring, old-school glamour, and a few styling choices I’m still trying to make peace with. Dave Benett/Getty Images for Disney+ Headmistress Chic Hayley Atwell wore an Erdem Pre-Fall 2026 suit which felt decidedly formal for the occasion, but I’m fully on board with the strict tailoring and high-collared styling. Some might say she looks like a formidable 1940s boarding-school headmistress, and honestly, I see it. Between the elongated jacket, cropped wide-leg trousers, and pinstripe detailing, the look carries a stern elegance that feels refreshingly different from the usual premiere fare. I’m also a sucker for exceptional tailoring, so this landed well for me. Styled by Jenny Kennedy. Erdem Pre-Fall 2026 Dave Benett/Getty Images for Disney+ Pink With A Problem Nafessa Williams went in the complete opposite direction, wearing Khaled & Marwan and giving us a corseted pink gown complete with another version of those draped sarong-style skirts. The colour works well on her, but I’m still not sold overall. Dave Benett/Getty Images for Disney+ The Return Of Nensi Dojaka Bella Maclean’s Nensi Dojaka Evie petal dress
From classical masterpieces to contemporary beats, this year’s French May will unfold across Hong Kong as a season of artistic exchange and cultural dialogue. Announced at a press conference on Wednesday, the 2026 edition of the French May Arts Festival, themed “Re/naissance,” will run from April to July, featuring more than 100 events across the city. The four-month program brings together artists from Hong Kong, France, and around the world, spanning visual art, music, dance, theater, immersive experiences, and film. At its core is a major exhibition, “Meet Mona Lisa & Portraying the Renaissance,” running from May 1 to July 27, which combines digital elements with significant artworks to reinterpret Renaissance themes for contemporary audiences. Beyond the gallery, large-scale performances will extend the festival’s reach into the urban landscape. International artist DJ Snake is set to headline an outdoor concert at the Central Harbourfront on May 8, adding a high-energy dimension to the program. The performing arts lineup spans a wide range of styles, from classical and jazz music to contemporary dance, theater, and circus, including family-friendly productions aimed at broadening audience engagement. Complementing these are arts education and community outreach initiatives expected to reach more than 120,000 participants. Extending
From AI-led matchmaking to sustainable materials and IP strategy, the upcoming April events show how sourcing practices are being reconfigured Trade fairs have long been built on face-to-face deals and product displays, but that model is being reworked. At upcoming HKTDC’s April lifestyle events, AI tools, sustainability requirements and intellectual property (IP) strategies are being integrated into the sourcing process. That convergence will be on display in the final week of April when the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) stages seven events across the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) and AsiaWorld-Expo. To be held from 27 to 30 April, the line-up includes the Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair, Home InStyle and Fashion InStyle, as well as the Hong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair and DeLuxe PrintPack Hong Kong. The Hong Kong International Licensing Show and Asian Licensing Conference will run from 27 to 29 April, bringing together participants from across the licensing and creative sectors. Wei Yit Vacuum Flask Manufactory Ltd unveils its Series 116 vacuum flask blind box at the Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair, featuring designs by Hong Kong illustrator Pen So and contemporary artist Jerry Cho, with each piece depicting detailed
We all love a lazy afternoon on the shore, but there’s only so much sandcastle building and sun-induced napping one can do. Thankfully, the government is looking to dial up the excitement on our coastlines with a pilot scheme that will inject a little more action to three of the city’s public beaches. Following the roadmap laid out in the 2025 Policy Address, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) is currently looking for private operators to take over the reins at Big Wave Bay Beach, Butterfly Beach, and Ma Wan Tung Wan Beach – each selected for its potential to host more than just the usual weekend crowds. According to LCSD director Manda Chan, the vision is for multiple operators to manage a range of activities across the three beaches, including everything from large-scale concerts and beach parties to international water sports competitions and boutique festivals. And if you’re worried about your casual Sunday dip becoming a ticketed affair, fret not. Chan has been quick to reassure the public that access to these beaches will remain completely free. While you might have to pay for specific activities, like front-row seats at a concert or water sports equipment, the actual sand and
Over the last few years, Hong Kong’s underground music scene has grown, with DJ-focused events drawing major artists – from Tye Turner and Sgamo closing out Arts Month with a massive afterparty to DJ Snake scheduled to headline French May Art Festival 2026’s kick-off event. Now, another massive name in the electronic music scene will be joining the lineup. Event organiser Collective Minds recently announced on Instagram that Indonesian-Australian artist Baby J will be touring Asia during May and making a stop in Hong Kong on May 15. Although the DJ was announced as one of the headlining acts at Boiler Room 2025, she was unable to attend the two-day electronic music festival. Nonetheless, fans will get another chance to see her at Pier 1929, where she’ll spin Jersey club, baile funk, and hip-hop beats throughout the night. Further details of supporting DJs throughout the night have yet to be announced, so stay tuned to this page for more information closer to the event. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: Post Malone is bringing his ‘Big Ass World Tour’ to Hong Kong
Music enthusiasts, you’ll want to perk up your ears for this one! The stylish restaurant and bar Felix on the top floor of The Peninsula Hong Kong hotel has launched a brand-new event series that focuses on DJs spinning tunes on vinyl records. Every Thursday, from 8pm to 11pm, a rotation of highly respectable DJs such as Brahms, Roy Malig, Johnny Hiller, and NeeNo will spotlight their own distinctive styles with curated playlists of both mellow tracks and upbeat grooves. Music buffs would be interested to know that this is a great opportunity to experience some deep cuts from each DJ’s extensive record collections, with genres ranging from soul and jazz to Mediterranean Balearic and funk. The Philippe Starck-designed Felix has always been a stylish, intimate space with large windows framing the city’s harbour views, and the whole experience is bound to be elevated to the next level with the vinyl series as well as special drinks and snacks that take inspiration from the 80s and 90s to go with the tunes. Photograph: Courtesy The Peninsula Hong Kong Start with the 45 & Fine, a blend of sweet peach and cranberry that’s crisp and easy to drink, before moving on
Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law Shuk-pui on Tuesday declared Hong Kong a definitive city for major sports events, highlighting the recent success of the Hong Kong Sevens and announcing a star-studded summer football lineup for the Kai Tak Main Stadium. With the Hong Kong Sevens having just concluded, drawing 110,000 local spectators and tourists, Rosanna Law shared her enthusiasm for the city’s continuous appeal as a sporting destination. She revealed that this summer would bring an exciting “football feast” to the new Kai Tak Main Stadium, promising a constant stream of high-profile events. Law confirmed that football fans should prepare for three major matchups in August. The schedule includes a game between Manchester City and Inter Milan, another clash featuring Chelsea against Juventus, and a third encounter pitting Bayern Munich against Aston Villa. She urged football enthusiasts to reserve August 1, 5, and 7, to fully immerse themselves in the passion and excitement of the sport at the state-of-the-art venue. Source link
Hong Kong’s event calendar has been packed, sustaining strong momentum in the tourism sector. The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) announced that in March, 4.35 million visitors came to HK, a 14% year-on-year increase. In the first quarter, visitor arrivals totaled 14.31 million, up 17% year-on-year. The HKTB said that the share of international visitors in March was higher than before, which it believes was linked to multiple major international arts and cultural events held during the month. The Hong Kong Sevens will kick off tomorrow (April 17). Multiple hotels in HK have launched accommodation offers for the tournament to attract visitors. Inquiries made by Ta Kung Pao reporters to several hotels showed that one hotel near Kai Tak Sports Park said that bookings during the event period are already very tight. Industry figures said that more rugby fans have begun arriving in HK in recent days, and they estimate hotel booking rates during the tournament will reach about 90%. They also said room rates are expected to rise by double digits compared with usual weekend or holiday pricing. Of the visitors in March, mainland visitors accounted for 73%, or about 3.187 million, while visitors from outside the Mainland made
As Hong Kong gears up for the upcoming National Security Education Day on April 15, a series of events have highlighted the pivotal role of coordinated development and security in sustaining the city’s prosperity and stability, as well as the collective responsibility of all sectors in safeguarding national security. In a blog published on Sunday, Paul Chan, financial secretary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government, emphasized that security is the foundation of a country’s existence and development, and the bedrock of social stability and people’s well-being. He noted that “ensuring both development and security” is enshrined as a key principle in the outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan and is also included in a white paper on safeguarding China’s national security under the framework of “one country, two systems” released this February. As an international financial, trade, shipping and innovation and technology hub, Hong Kong must strike a proper balance between development and security, Chan stressed, advocating risk prevention alongside opening-up, innovation and strength consolidation. Taking the financial sector as an example, Chan said Hong Kong’s financial system is sound and efficient, supporting the smooth operation and rapid development of the market. At the same time, it
Hong Kong will become the epicenter for Web3 and crypto innovation this April, coinciding with the highly anticipated Hong Kong Web3 Festival. Over several days, industry leaders, innovators, and institutional investors will converge to explore the future of decentralized finance, tokenization, and AI-powered economies. From discussions on RWA tokenization to deep dives into AI, DeFi, and stablecoins, these events will serve as a hub for collaboration, strategic partnerships, and market-shaping insights across both traditional finance and emerging Web3 technologies. Here is a roundup of the must-attend events shaping the conversation in Hong Kong this April: Crypto 2026: From Crypto to the Intelligent Economy 19 April Hosted by ChainCatcher and RootData, this forum will delve into the shift from traditional crypto paradigms to an AI-powered intelligent economy. The event will explore how autonomous AI agents interact with blockchain ecosystems, reshape market structures, and drive decentralized finance transactions. Attendees, including AI project founders, venture capitalists, and thought leaders, will discuss the convergence of AI, blockchain infrastructure, and decentralized finance, with a focus on intelligent settlements, future economic models, and AI-agent economics. Digital Assets Management Global Forum 20 April The Digital Assets Management Global Forum, part of RWA Week, will bring together quant
Arts Month is undoubtedly one of Hong Kong’s most happening periods, with large-scale events such as Edible Art Fair and Art Basel, as well as niche gallery showings. To cap off a jam-packed month, don’t miss the Art Week Afterparty on March 27 — the big finale you won’t want to miss. Organised by Clockenflap and Umami Events, this Pier 1929 nightlife event brings together standout names from the international DJ scene: Perth’s jersey-club and baile-funk producer Tye Turner and Italy’s multi-genre selector Sgamo. Plus, catch New York-based EDM/house DJ Hansel, Berlin’s jungle and Afro-electronica artist Katagyal, and local drum-and-bass talent Just Bee as they take over the stage throughout the night. Along with pulsating tunes to keep the vibes high, the Art Week Afterparty also promises an immersive multi-sensory experience with semi-hologram projections, old-school TV installations, hypnotic VJ visuals, and mesmerising lighting to blur the lines between music and art. Additionally, attendees will get to sip on tipples created by some of Hong Kong’s hottest bars, including award-winning speakeasy The Old Man, inventive cocktail bar Dead Poets, and restobar-slash-DJ hotspot Aer as the night unfolds. Check out Umami’s Instagram page for more updates about Art Week Afterparty’s DJ lineup, and head to
Hong Kong’s successful co-hosting of the 15th National Games has demonstrated the city’s capability to manage mega-events and has spurred a new strategic focus on developing event-related merchandise to enhance future cultural and sporting activities, according to the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Rosanna Law Shuk-pui. Law told a Legislative Council committee that the 15th National Games and the National Games for Persons with Disabilities were the largest sporting events in Hong Kong’s history. She explained that successfully holding numerous high-level competitions across different locations in a short period required extensive cross-border and inter-departmental coordination and showcased Hong Kong’s capacity for hosting major events. She also noted that visitor arrivals to the city saw a significant increase of approximately 17 to 19 percent during the games. In response to lawmaker Adrian Pedro Ho King-hong’s question about whether strong sales of licensed merchandise could help offset event costs, Law stated that officials were still finalizing the financial accounts. She clarified that while the National Games mascots were popular, the revenue generated from selling related products alone would not be sufficient to cover the substantial expenses of the events. However, Law highlighted the potential of such commercial ventures. She pointed to
Hong Kong is doubling down on efforts to attract global professionals as it continues to build on its success as an international hub for finance, shipping and trade, among others. The push comes even as the city made the leap to fourth from ninth place globally and nabbed the pole position in Asia in the IMD World Talent Ranking 2025. Building on the success, Hong Kong Talent Engage (HKTE), a dedicated office under the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, hosted the signature Global Talent Summit (GTS) Week in mid-March. The summit showcased two anchor events – the International Talent Forum and the CareerConnect Expo – on March 18 and 19, with nine satellite events that ran until March 29. The two-day summit attracted a total of 10,000 visits and 170,000 views from around the world. Over 30 speakers spanning across policymakers, businesses and academia, discussed topics centred around three key themes: technology, education and talent. Hong Kong chief executive John Lee, China’s vice-minister of Human Resources and Social Security Yu Jiadong and Hong Kong secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun at the International Talent Forum, Global Talent Summit Week 2026. PHOTO: HKTE Among those who graced
Hong Kong Talent Engage (HKTE) announced today (March 19) that the flagship events of the Global Talent Summit Week (GTS Week), the International Talent Forum and the CareerConnect Expo, were held in two consecutive days and have concluded. Nine satellite events being held concurrently will continue until March 29. The GTS Week brought together experts from the political, business and academic sectors worldwide to share insights on the future integration of education, technology and talent, and worked with local and overseas partners to organise a series of activities, successfully showcasing Hong Kong’s role and strengths as an international talent hub and the country’s gateway for talent. The outline of the nation’s 15th Five-Year Plan explicitly supports Hong Kong in building an international hub for high-calibre talent. The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, remarked that talent is the core for developing new quality productive forces. As the nation’s international gateway and a “super connector”, Hong Kong plays an important role in connecting global minds and driving innovative development. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will proactively align with the strategy for building a talent hub under the 15th Five-Year Plan, and fully leverage Hong
Hong Kong is ready to welcome the Year of the Horse with one of the world’s most vibrant Chinese New Year celebrations. On 17 February, the first day of the Chinese New Year, the Cathay International Chinese New Year Night Parade will transform the city into a glittering carnival of light, music, global cultures and festive spirit. Celebrate a Chinese New Year like no other, with colorful blossoms in Lunar New Year Fairs, incense offerings for good luck in temples across Hong Kong, horse racing on Year of the Horse Raceday, and more. Start the First Day of the Year of the Horse with a Parade of Dazzling Floats and Enticing Performances from All Around the World Get ready for the first night of Chinese New Year with a pre-parade street party, leading up to the dazzling procession of floats and performances. The Parade will start from Hong Kong Cultural Centre and travel through major roads in Tsim Sha Tsui including Canton Road, Haiphong Road, and Nathan Road beginning at 8 PM on 17 February. With the theme “BEST FORTUNE. WORLD PARTY.”, the festivities celebrate the energetic spirit of the horse, a symbol of strength, vitality, progress, and success in Chinese culture.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 March 2026 – Etiqa Insurance Singaporeand AIA Singapore today announced a strategic distribution partnership to broaden access to Shariah-compliant, values-based Takaful solutions across Singapore. This collaboration marks an important milestone in advancing the Islamic insurance landscape locally and enabling more customers, both Muslim and non-Muslim alike, to benefit from ethical, transparent and socially responsible financial solutions. Under the partnership, Etiqa Insurance Singapore’s suite of Shariah-compliant Family Takaful products will be distributed through AIA Singapore and AIA Financial Advisers, the nation’s largest tied distribution channel comprising more than 6,300 highly professional, qualified AIA insurance representatives. This expanded reach significantly increases accessibility and choice for customers seeking principled and values-aligned protection and savings options. Growing Demand for Values-Based Financial Solutions Global demand for Takaful continues to rise as consumers increasingly prioritise financial solutions aligned with their personal values. The global Takaful market is projected to grow from US$36.5 billion in 2025 to US$63.6 billion by 2030, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.7%[1]. Since launching its Takaful offerings, Etiqa Insurance Singapore has seen strong and accelerating momentum, supported by rising consumer awareness and growing confidence in Shariah-compliant financial protection. Creating a Unified Takaful
Hong Kong, SAR–(Newsfile Corp. – March 23, 2026) – Hong Kong’s annual arts season moved into its peak last weekend with ComplexCon (21-22 March) returning for its third edition at AsiaWorld-Expo, bringing an eclectic blend of pop culture to the heart of Asia. It marks the start of a flurry of themed events at landmark venues across the city, including the acclaimed Art Basel Hong Kong (27-29 March) and Art Central (25-29 March). Speaking at the opening ceremony of ComplexCon, Rosanna Law, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government said, “We are celebrating Hong Kong’s unique status as the premier East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange. Since its Hong Kong debut in 2024, made possible by the support of our Mega Arts and Cultural Events (Mega ACE) Fund, ComplexCon has established itself as a vibrant and hugely popular cultural event as you can see already, an event of a true blend of pop culture, music, art, and technology, and so much more.” Attracting thousands of fans from near and far, the two-day programme included Complex Live! Stage, featuring a powerhouse line up headlined by global icons, together with a curated mix of regional
Entertainment Expo Hong Kong 2026 Kick-off Ceremony held today The kick-off ceremony of the Entertainment Expo Hong Kong 2026 was held today (March 17) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), bringing together an array of major international entertainment events. TheChief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki; the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law; the Chairman of the Hong Kong Film Development Council (HKFDC), Dr Wilfred Wong, and representatives of the organisers of the events under the Expo officiated at the kick-off ceremony. Funded by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau (CSTB) and the Film Development Fund (FDF), the Expo is spearheaded by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. Click to Gallery The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, speaks at the Hong Kong Night @ FILMART 2026 today (March 17). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases This year’s Hong Kong International Film & TV Market has exhibitors coming from a wide range of countries and regions, including provinces and cities in Chinese Mainland, as well as major film organisations from overseas and leading film companies in Hong Kong. Photo shows the Under Secretary
Representatives from the sports sector are optimistic about Hong Kong’s growing sports scene, with many highlighting the potential of combining athletics with entertainment to boost the city’s global image and economic vitality. Kenneth Fok, vice-president of the Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China, expressed hope for a stronger event economy, especially with new world-class venues like the Kai Tak Sports Park coming online. “Now that we have Kai Tak and all these world-class stadiums in our city. So how do we change?” he said. “Not just to make the competition better, but more importantly how to add in elements of entertainment and also culture and tourism into our existing infrastructure.” Fok also revealed plans to form a research group to gather input from across the sports sector, with the goal of feeding those insights into the city’s upcoming five-year plan. “This work will start as soon as possible, and I look forward to meeting with our sports counterparts and listening to their views and see how we could contribute positively, not just to sports development, but to the overall well-being of Hong Kong,” he said. During a panel discussion, Michael Cheng, president of the Hong Kong, China
The eight LIV Golf stars who were stranded in Dubai ahead of the upcoming event in Hong Kong are reportedly clear of the danger zone now. The group, which includes Lee Westwood, Laurie Canter, Thomas Detry, Sam Horsfield, Anirban Lahiri, Tom McKibbin, Adrian Meronk and Caleb Surratt, were practicing in the Middle East over the past week in preparation for the latest LIV Golf event. When the USA and Israel launched air strikes on Iran, multiple zones in the region were put on lockdown, with airport closures impacting many people in Dubai and other Middle Eastern countries. You may like Flushing It Golf was the first to report on the situation involving the LIV players on Tuesday afternoon, posting an update on Twitter/X. 8 players on the LIV Golf League are still in the Middle East and yet to make it to Hong Kong for the 3rd event of the season after flights were cancelled and airports closed due to the ongoing war.Those players are:Lee WestwoodLaurie CanterSam HorsfieldAdrian Meronk… pic.twitter.com/nVlC7oyLwpMarch 3, 2026 Surratt had confirmed to the Golf Channel on Tuesday that he was indeed stranded after heading to Dubai from Australia but that he was hoping a plan was
When: March 10-12Where: Tea House Theatre, Xiqu Centre, Austin Road West, Tsim Sha TsuiWhat: Marking the close of WestK Cabaret Nights 2026 is a glittering three‑night finale that fuses jazz, nostalgia and stagecraft. On 10 March, Hong Kong musical‑theatre veteran Margaret Cheung joins award‑winning pianist Joyce Cheung for Technicolour Dreams, a programme of jazz and cinematic classics where light and sound mingle in vivid harmony. On 11 March, actor‑singer Crisel Consunji presents I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing, blending heartfelt storytelling with her signature warmth to celebrate community and creativity. Finally, on 12 March, singer‑songwriter Alex Lam performs Songs from a Legacy, Interrupted, inspired by his 2025 single Cassette Love. The evening reflects on memory, family and musical heritage—a tender conclusion to a season defined by artistry and soul. Source link
By AFP, AP, EPA and Reuters Published On 17 Feb 202617 Feb 2026 Click here to share on social media share2 Share plus2googleAdd Al Jazeera on Googleinfo People are celebrating the Lunar New Year with prayers, fireworks and street festivals to welcome the Year of the Fire Horse. Crowds thronged temples and festivals across Asia and beyond on Monday night, continuing into Tuesday. Devotees in Hong Kong lined up at midnight to light incense and offer their New Year wishes. Vietnam celebrated with musical countdown performances and spectacular fireworks during Tet festivities. In Taiwan, worshippers participated in the symbolic 108-bell rings and presented floral offerings. These vibrant celebrations mark the transition from the Year of the Snake to the Year of the Horse in the 12-animal Chinese zodiac cycle. The Lunar New Year represents China’s most significant holiday, with its importance extending throughout East Asia and diaspora communities worldwide. In Beijing, crowds descended on popular temples to burn incense and pray for happiness and success in the coming year. At the CCTV Spring Festival gala, a martial arts performance by children and robots also took place, where humanoids from Unitree Robotics showed different sequences and even brandished swords. At a
Hong Kong’s Lunar New Year flower markets are in full swing, transforming parks and playgrounds across the city into colourful, bustling bazaars that capture the festive spirit like nothing else. From February 11 to 17, these 14 markets offer a mix of auspicious plants, festive decorations, toys, handicrafts, gadgets, and plenty of street food stalls. Victoria Park in Causeway Bay remains the biggest market with a total of 400 stalls this year, including a special ‘Red Hot Chef’ collaboration between HSBC and Korean star chef Anh Sung-jae featuring over 20 festive bites from top local restaurants. All markets vary in size with different opening hours each day, so pop over to our complete guide for the full rundown. Source link
Wednesday, 28 October 2026, Hong Kong Henley & Partners is delighted to have been invited to participate in the Wealth Planning & Structuring Forum — Hong Kong 2026, organized by Hubbis, in October 2026. Overview: For high-net-worth families, the stakes are higher than ever, requiring sophisticated, forward-looking wealth and succession strategies. This event features a comprehensive program of six specialist presentations and four panel discussions, followed by partner-led workshops in the afternoon. It brings together senior management, product heads, and relationship managers from private banks, along with independent wealth managers, MFOs, SFOs, lawyers, tax advisors, and other licensed advisors to ultra-high-net-worth families. Attendees will benefit from insights shared by more than 25 renowned local and international speakers, with ample opportunities for networking over lunch, coffee, and refreshments. Topics: The future of wealth planning in Greater China in 2026 The intensification of compliance and transparency measures Rapidly evolving family office landscape in Hong Kong Insurance solutions such as universal life insurance and PPLI Register for the Wealth Planning and Structuring Forum — Hong Kong 2026 here. Source link
“Our Central retail portfolio is a global, brand-defining destination and we are seeing several of our tenants eyeing expansion and innovation. We will be announcing exciting plans to innovate and optimise retail space in the Central portfolio in the first quarter of 2024.” The developer has seen a 15 per cent increase in footfall in 2023 compared with 2022, while Christmas promotions are tipped to boost sales by 20 per cent during the festive period, Li added. “One example of the city’s enduring status as one of the most important luxury and lifestyle markets in the world is our exciting partnership with Sotheby’s, which will see them open a state-of-the-art immersive exhibition and retail space in Chater House in the first quarter of 2024,” Li said. “We look forward to sharing more on Sotheby’s new maison early next year.” French fashion house Chanel has committed to a portion of the retail podium at Capitol Centre in Causeway Bay. Recently Fendi, an Italian luxury fashion brand, opened a new boutique at Harbour City on Canton Road, according to Oliver Tong, JLL Hong Kong’s head of retail. “Given Hong Kong’s unique draws, such as a low tax environment, a diverse population and
Hong Kong has detected seven cases of a highly infectious Omicron subvariant that has raised alarm overseas, authorities have said, although experts have stressed that the local infections should not be a cause for concern. The Department of Health said on Monday seven cases of XBB.1.16, known as Arcturus, which was first detected in India earlier this year, were found among the samples collected in the city. Top health expert Professor David Hui Shu-cheong of Chinese University on Monday said the subvariant was highly transmissive but the number of severe cases had not risen in the regions where it had been found. “XBB.1.16 was found in a few samples in Hong Kong. I believe it can mostly be found in imported cases, as it was first found in India,” Hui told a radio programme. Professor David Hui from Chinese University. Photo: Winson Wong “The transmissibility is quite high but the severity has not gone up. In the countries that have reported cases with this subvariant, there has been no increase in patients admitted to intensive care units or deaths … We do not need to be too worried.” Hui said those who had been vaccinated or infected would be able
The group already owns nine hotels – seven in Hong Kong, one in Shanghai and one in London. If its plan to acquire more properties priced between HK$700 million and HK$1.4 billion each is realised it is likely to end up with 4,000 keys, up from 3,000 currently, which would make it one of the five largest hotel owners and operators in the city alongside the likes of the developers Sun Hung Kai Properties and CK Asset Holdings, Cheng said. The group’s latest acquisition was the Bay Bridge Lifestyle Retreat, a 435-room waterfront hotel in the western New Territories overlooking Tsing Ma Bridge. It paid HK$1.42 billion last year for the property, which is due to reopen in July in time for the summer holidays under its new name, the Grand Bayview Hotel, Cheng said. 01:33 Man in China smashes Audi into hotel after dispute with staff Man in China smashes Audi into hotel after dispute with staff The hotelier’s bet on Hong Kong’s tourism recovery may prove a wise one. The average occupancy rate in the first quarter of the year hit 70.6 per cent, one of the highest in the region and comparable to Singapore’s 73.7 per cent
“In some areas, tourists are complaining about the quality of service even after they paid a large sum of money because hotels and inns lack staff to clean up rooms or serve food.” According to the Guangzhou-based Yangcheng Evening News, some hotels in Yangshuo, a resort town in southwest China’s Guangxi province, charged guests prices more than 16 times its normal rates on April 30 as travel demand peaked. 02:17 Thousands of tourists flock to China’s Great Wall during ‘golden week’, as travel numbers rebound Thousands of tourists flock to China’s Great Wall during ‘golden week’, as travel numbers rebound In Shanghai, the Post found hotel room prices were at least twice their normal rates during the five-day break that started on April 29. The inflated room rates were enough to put some would-be tourists off travelling at all. One, surnamed Zhao, in Shanghai said she decided to postpone her trip to southwestern China’s Chongqing city until after the festive period because the hotel prices were “ridiculous”. Hotels were among the main victims of mainland China’s stringent pandemic curbs, in place since early 2020. The domestic tourism sector, with a market size of about US$1 trillion, was once an important
Sales of tickets for overseas flights were eight times higher than during the Labour Day holiday last year, Trip.com data showed. About 70 per cent of those flights were to destinations in Asia, led by Hong Kong, Bangkok, Macau and Singapore. The travel bonanza will have given a welcome boost to consumption, according to Peng Han, director of the strategic research centre of the Ctrip Research Institute. 02:17 Thousands of tourists flock to China’s Great Wall during ‘golden week’, as travel numbers rebound Thousands of tourists flock to China’s Great Wall during ‘golden week’, as travel numbers rebound “The eagerness for a long-haul holiday among Chinese travellers has been unleashed during this year’s Labour Day holiday,” said Peng. “As Chinese people have a tradition of spending more during trips than at home, long-haul travel means a brisk recovery of consumption related to travel, such as catering, hotels, transport and entertainment.” Known as the Labour Day or May Day holiday, the five-day break which ended on Wednesday, marked the first days-long break in China since Beijing shelved its zero-Covid strategy in December. It is also often referred to as “golden week”. The domestic tourism market, worth an estimated US$1 trillion, was
The centre would “adjust the process for emergency visa applications, so that applicants won’t have to queue in the scorching heat”, she said. It would move visa appointment bookings online, increase the number of daily appointments and waive any extra fees, she added. Still, it has not stopped many from braving the heat and setting up camp outside the centre. Some wanted to reunite with their families after three years, while others were keen to resume in-person business meetings. However, a number of them were not aware of the changes to emergency visa applications, which are open to those needing to travel to China for reasons such as visiting critically ill family members or conducting urgent business activities. When This Week in Asia visited at about 6am on Monday, there were more than four dozen people in the queue. Singaporean Tan Swee Gek, 68, said she and her husband had tickets to Guangzhou for a three-day trip, but could not get a visa appointment booking online. “We are going there to attend a relative’s wedding dinner on June 1. We’ve been trying to book an appointment but we weren’t able to,” she said, adding that they had joined the queue
“We are grateful for this approval decision and are committed to bringing this vaccine to people in Hong Kong as soon as possible.” Moderna’s bivalent Covid vaccine will be Hong Kong’s second such jab available for residents. Photo: Reuters The German-made BioNTech bivalent jab, targeting Omicron, was the first such vaccine to be approved for use on residents aged 12 or older in Hong Kong last December. Bivalent Covid vaccines contain a formulation based on two virus strains – the original type, as well as subvariants BA.4 and BA.5. Meanwhile, the health department said a first-generation vaccine produced by CanSino Biologics was also authorised for use, meaning the manufacturer could sell the jabs to public or private healthcare organisations. Hong Kong fatal and severe Covid cases almost double in 2 weeks It suggested medical workers refer to the registration details and guidelines on vaccine labels and consider factors such as the recipient’s age and health when administering shots, including those from Moderna and CanSino Biologics. According to the World Health Organization last year, the CanSino Biologics jab is safe and effective for people aged 18 and over. It can be administered to individuals who have received other brands of vaccines
Hong Kong health experts on Saturday warned that the Covid-19 wave might have peaked but parents should still be aware of rising cases of respiratory diseases following the lifting of the mask mandate. Paediatrics Professor Lau Yu-lung from the University of Hong Kong (HKU) told a radio programme that the city’s Covid-19 caseload should have plateaued, but he was unsure how long the period would last. “In terms of preventing deaths and severe cases, Hong Kong is among the top in the world, so we can all be reassured. However, these small waves will appear repeatedly as this is the nature of coronaviruses,” Lau said, adding that later infections were likely to be milder and the city’s vaccination rates were satisfactory. HKU Professor Lau Yu-lung has said later Covid-19 waves should be milder amid higher vaccination rates. Photo: Edmond So Secretary for Health Lo Chung-mau last Friday said the government had estimated up to 10,000 residents were infected with the coronavirus daily, but reassured the public that the outbreak remained manageable amid high vaccination rates and milder cases. Hong Kong dropped its mask mandate in March after nearly three years. However, Lau and fellow HKU paediatrician Mike Kwan Yat-wah warned
The British government on Thursday refused an order to hand over a sheaf of Boris Johnson’s personal messages to a Covid-19 pandemic inquiry that the former prime minister himself set up when he was the UK’s leader. The head of the probe, retired judge Heather Hallett, asked to see notebooks, diaries and WhatsApp messages between Johnson and other officials that represent key evidence in the inquiry. The government provided incomplete versions, saying it cut personal and private information that was “unambiguously irrelevant” to the investigation. Hallett, who has the power to summon evidence and question witnesses under oath, wants to judge for herself, and set a deadline of 4pm on Thursday for the government to hand over the unredacted documents, covering a two-year period from early 2020. Soon after the deadline passed, the government said it would seek to challenge the order in court. UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak speaks during a media interview at Mimi Castle in Bulboaca, Moldova on Thursday. Photo: PA Wire via dpa “The Cabinet Office has today sought leave to bring a judicial review” of the decision, it said. “We do so with regret.” Just before the deadline expired, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said his
The number of coronavirus infections in Hong Kong will drop in a “few more weeks” following the peak of the sixth wave, according to a leading government pandemic adviser who has also reassured residents Covid-19 has become endemic. Many Hongkongers had been infected for the first or second time in recent weeks amid a surge in coronavirus cases, Chinese University respiratory medicine expert Professor David Hui Shu-cheong on Saturday said. “It can be viewed as the sixth wave of coronavirus infections. But it already peaked last week and the wave is expected to linger for a few more weeks before it subsides,” he told a radio programme. Hong Kong parents warned about other respiratory illnesses despite Covid peaking “Among the cases, about 95.8 per cent were infected with XBB subvariant, which has rendered the first two generations of vaccines less effective. But for those who have been vaccinated, their infections were mostly mild with fewer serious cases and a reduced risk of fatality.” Speaking in a separate television show, health minister Lo Chung-mau said Hong Kong had passed a wave of Covid-19 infections. “The estimated number of infections was not low, but the impact on our healthcare system was insignificant,”
It tested a drug called metformin, which was originally developed from the French lilac flower, and has been the most common medication used to treat type 2 diabetes across the world for decades. 07:02 Understanding long Covid: why researchers are turning to gut bacteria for answers Understanding long Covid: why researchers are turning to gut bacteria for answers This means the drug is known to be safe, as well as being inexpensive and widely available. The study covered 1,126 overweight or obese people in the United States, half receiving metformin and half a placebo in the days after testing positive for Covid-19. After 10 months, 35 of the participants who took metformin were diagnosed with long Covid, compared to 58 for the placebo group, representing a 40 per cent reduction in risk. The trial was conducted between December 2020 and January 2022, meaning it included the Omicron variant, which research has suggested causes long Covid at a lower rate than previous strains. 70 per cent of Hong Kong Covid victims have long-term after-effects, survey finds The team behind the Covid-Out trial had previously shown that metformin reduced coronavirus patients’ risk of emergency department visits, hospitalisations and death by more than
China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) vice-chairman Fang Xinghai said he expects greater capital inflows to the mainland’s A-share market after talks with international asset managers to soothe their concerns about the potential for further US-China decoupling. Fang told reporters on the sidelines of the Lujiazui Forum in Shanghai on Friday that net inflows to the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges had reached 120 billion yuan (US$16.8 billion) so far this year, compared to 85 billion yuan for the whole of 2022. He added that foreign capital will continue to pour into mainland-listed equities as long as China’s economy and companies can continue to generate handsome investment returns, despite souring US-China relations. “The CSRC has constantly and actively been communicating with global investors, shedding light on what has been happening in China,” Fang said. “I believe the link [between China’s stock market and global investors] can be strengthened if we can get our [communication] jobs well done.” Fang Xinghai, vice Chairman of the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) Photo: SCMP/Simon Song The senior regulator’s remarks are in line with recent efforts by Beijing to bolster capital flows into the country’s US$11.5 trillion stock market, as policymakers grapple with stumbling growth in
He said he had “received a letter from the Privileges Committee making it clear – much to my amazement – that they are determined to use the proceedings against me to drive me out of parliament”. 03:45 Boris Johnson’s rise to power and what led to his downfall as UK prime minister Boris Johnson’s rise to power and what led to his downfall as UK prime minister He called the committee a “kangaroo court”. The resignation will trigger a special election to replace Johnson as a lawmaker for a suburban London seat. Johnson, whose career has been a roller coaster of scandals and comebacks, led the Conservatives to a landslide victory in 2019 but was forced out by his own party less than three years later. Boris Johnson admits he misled British MPs over lockdown parties He had been awaiting the outcome of an investigation by a House of Commons standards committee over misleading statements he made to parliament about a slew of gatherings in government buildings in 2020 and 2021 that breached pandemic lockdown rules. Police eventually issued 126 fines over the late-night soirées, boozy parties and “wine time Fridays”, including one to Johnson, and the scandal helped hasten
Hong Kong-based asset manager Panda Residential is seeking to raise as much as £1 billion (US$1.2 billion/HK$9.4 billion) from outside investors in the region to bet on the recovery of the UK commercial property market. The fund, whose backers include the heir of the Sasa cosmetics retail chain in the city, deems it opportune to pick up pubs, hotels and student housing amid “depressed moments” which could deliver an additional 15 to 20 per cent upside in an industry upturn. “We are already negotiating with a few smaller landlords of pubs and hotels, pubs that have residential units, or a hotel with a master lease and some retail component,” co-founder Timothy Li said. The fund aims to exit from its investments and return the money to investors within six years, he added. The UK retail property segment had been on a decline even before the pandemic in 2020, according to property consultancy Carter Jonas on May 25. Average rental values dipped 17.4 per cent below their 2018 peak, while interest-rate hikes have also derailed home prices over the past two months, official data showed. The market pullback has attracted some of Hong Kong’s biggest property investors. CK Asset Holdings, tycoon
Keith said the coronavirus pandemic had brought “death and illness on an unprecedented scale” in modern Britain. He said that Covid-19 has been recorded as a cause of death for 226,977 people in the UK “The key issue is whether that impact was inevitable,” Keith said. “Were those terrible consequences inexorable, or were they avoidable or capable of mitigation?” Relatives of Covid-19 victims have also taken aim at the investigation saying it will be a “farce” if bereaved families are not able to testify. Boris Johnson spared from UK police fine over ‘Partygate’ virus scandal A group of people who lost relatives to Covid-19 held pictures of their loved one outside the inquiry venue, an anonymous London office building. The first day of public hearings began with a 17-minute video in which people described the devastating impact of the pandemic on them and their loved ones. Members of the Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice campaign group lined up outside the inquiry in central London holding pictures of their loved ones. Launching proceedings, retired judge Heather Hallett pledged that those who suffered during the pandemic would “always be at the heart of the inquiry”. She paid tribute to the relatives’ “dignified
The abating Covid-19 pandemic could result in up to 2,000 North Koreans being sent back to their country from China to face imprisonment or worse, US lawmakers heard in testimony on Tuesday. The experts who spoke urged the international community to pressure China and the United Nations to prevent their return. Witnesses told the Congressional-Executive Commission on China that the pandemic – along with China’s increasingly sophisticated security systems – has darkened the outlook for North Koreans fleeing their country to work, escape persecution or unite with family. “We have good reason to believe that such repatriation is imminent, as North Korea reopens its border following extended closure in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic,” said Representative Chris Smith, a Republican from New Jersey. “I share this with deep concern.” Representative Chris Smith, a Republican from New Jersey, speaks during a Congressional-Executive Commission on China hearing on Capitol Hill. Photo: Bloomberg Even as Pyongyang has refused to accept foreign vaccines, it has responded to the pandemic by shutting itself off from the world. That has resulted in a backlog of North Koreans arrested by China near their shared border. They are languishing as Pyongyang refuses to take them back, witnesses
China’s civil aviation industry is still running at a loss, having been one of the hardest hit during the coronavirus pandemic, and is calling for government support as the ghosts of Beijing’s zero-Covid policy over the past three years continue to haunt the world’s second-largest economy. The struggles of the state-controlled industry, despite being among the first to recover from the pandemic, are in stark contrast with the rapid rebound seen in other services sectors and serve to reinforce market worries of an uneven recovery for an economy that is losing steam. Unlike their foreign peers, Chinese airlines are faced with complicated domestic and external challenges, including the growing competition from the country’s massive high-speed rail network and the increasingly complicated geopolitical climate, industry leaders said at a seminar hosted by the China Air Transport Association (CATA) last week. The number of flights on the China-US route will be hard-pressed to achieve significant growth by the end of the yearCATA “The number of flights on the China-US route will be hard-pressed to achieve significant growth by the end of the year,” said an article published by the CATA on Monday. “The prospects for Japan and [South] Korea routes are not
The World Health Organization (WHO) on Tuesday classified the JN.1 coronavirus strain as a “variant of interest”, but said it did not pose much threat to public health. “Based on the available evidence, the additional global public health risk posed by JN.1 is currently evaluated as low,” WHO said. JN.1 was previously classified as a variant of interest as a part of its parent lineage BA.2.86. The United Nations agency said current vaccines continue to protect against severe disease and death from JN.1 and other circulating variants of the Covid-19 virus. The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) earlier this month said that the subvariant JN.1 makes up about an estimated 15 per cent to 29 per cent of cases in the United States as of December 8, according to the agency’s latest projections. It added that currently there is no evidence that JN.1 presents an increased risk to public health relative to other currently circulating variants and an updated shot could keep Americans protected against the variant. Will Singaporeans mask up amid rise in Covid-19 cases? JN.1 was first detected in the US in September, according to the CDC. Last week, China detected seven infections of the
The World Health Organization’s European office on Tuesday warned the risk of Covid-19 has not gone away, saying it was still responsible for nearly 1,000 deaths a week in the region. The global health body on May 5 announced that the Covid-19 pandemic was no longer deemed a “global health emergency.” “Whilst it may not be a global public health emergency, however, Covid-19 has not gone away,” WHO Regional Director for Europe Hans Kluge told reporters. 02:50 World Health Organization announces Covid-19 is no longer a global health emergency World Health Organization announces Covid-19 is no longer a global health emergency The WHO counts a total of 53 countries in its European Region, including not only the EU but also countries to the east of it, as far as Central Asia. “Close to 1,000 new Covid-19 deaths continue to occur across the region every week, and this is an underestimate due to a drop in countries regularly reporting Covid-19 deaths to WHO,” Kluge added, and urged authorities to ensure vaccination coverage of at least 70 per cent for vulnerable groups. Kluge also said estimates showed that one in 30, or some 36 million people, in the region had experienced so
A key lesson Hong Kong should learn from the Covid-19 pandemic is the need to radically boost its research and development capabilities and consider setting up its own drug regulatory approval system, the health minister said, as he outlined his plans to transform the city into a biomedical innovation hub. Giving the city a powerful body that could approve products for the market would also attract pharmaceutical firms that often carried out research where the regulator was based, Lo Chung-mau told the Post on Wednesday. Looking back over his first year as health secretary, the veteran surgeon also said he had reached some targets, including devising measures to tackle the pandemic that were firmly rooted in evidence. Hong Kong must learn from the Covid-19 pandemic and boost its research and development capabilities, the health minister has said. Photo: Xiaomei Chen While that approach led to incremental changes, steady transitions were crucial to ensure the city emerged from the pandemic, he argued. “Some people said Hong Kong walked out of the pandemic with tiny steps. But small steps are in fact the safest way of walking,” Lo said. “Do you run on slippery floors? No. Fighting the pandemic is like walking
Others CEOs of feted international brands to make the trip recently include Tesla founder Elon Musk, who visited his massive Shanghai plant in May, and JPMorgan Chase boss Jamie Dimon whose visit in the same month aimed to underline the US investment bank’s commitment to the country. These visits highlight how brands and businesses are increasingly relying on China’s 1.4 billion population, the world’s second-largest, to drive growth amid uncertainties in the US and Europe, according to analysts. Bernard Arnault, CEO of LVMH, the world’s largest luxury goods group, visited one of his shops in the Shanghai IFC mall with his eldest daughter and youngest son, as well as the group’s North Asia president and Dior general manager. Photo: Weibo Mainland Chinese consumers are poised to splurge this year on expensive goods, fuelling a “luxury spring”, according to Bain and Company. But unlike the pre-pandemic trend of buying luxury goods overseas, this year they are more likely to buy high-end items within China, with between 25 and 30 per cent of their luxury purchases being made abroad. For the next four years at least, China’s luxury spending is set to outstrip that of the US and western Europe, according to
No fines were issued when it was initially investigated, but a video recently broadcast by British media, which showed people dancing and partying at the event, has prompted officers to look again. UK ex-PM Truss paid US$100,000 for 4-hour Taiwan visit Police said their approach was only to retrospectively launch investigations when there was evidence of a serious and flagrant breach and other conditions were met. The Conservative Party did not issue a fresh comment following the police announcement, and referred to a previous statement in which it said the gathering was unauthorised and that four staff had been disciplined as a result. An additional investigation was opened into a December 8, 2020 gathering in parliament, but police did not provide details about those in attendance. Police also said they had assessed information provided by the Cabinet Office regarding potential breaches of the regulations between June 2020 and May 2021 at Johnson’s then-Downing Street residence and office, and the prime ministerial country home, Chequers. They had “concluded that they do not meet the retrospective criteria for opening an investigation”, police said. Source link
The US$1 billion would be ploughed into several vaccine development and manufacturing projects, the sources said, without elaborating. A sign marks the headquarters of Moderna in Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States, pictured on May 18, 2020. Photo: Reuters Neither the Shanghai municipal government, nor Moderna has responded to queries by the Post yet. The sources said Moderna’s investment resulted from Shanghai’s ramped-up efforts to attract FDI as a way of consolidating the city’s status as a gateway for foreign businesses and investors to enter mainland China. It would also burnish the city’s status as an international business hub, which was tainted by a two-month Covid-19 lockdown between April and May 2022. Moderna has set up a Chinese subsidiary Moderna (China) Biotech in Shanghai’s southwestern Minhang district. Shanghai district plans to launch investment fund to support local tech firms On May 26, a company spokesperson said in response to a query from Reuters that it was exploring opportunities in China and was looking to “bring the power of Moderna’s mRNA platform to the people of China”. The company so far has no presence on the Chinese mainland. It opened an office in Hong Kong last year as part of its Asian expansion
