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Max Verstappen’s mentor Helmut Marko retires from Formula One role after 20-year stint

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Red Bull’s influential motorsport adviser Helmut Marko is retiring from his role at the age of 82, ending a 20-year stint in which he helped Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen develop into four-time Formula One champions.

Marko was a key figure who prepared Verstappen to become the youngest driver in F1 history when he made his debut aged just 17 in 2015, and the pair have been close ever since.

“Thank you, Helmut,” Verstappen wrote on Instagram.

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“We’ve achieved everything we ever dreamed of together. I’m forever grateful for your belief in me.”

Marko was the last man standing of a top ‍trio that ran the team during a dominant period in its history.

Team boss Christian Horner was ousted in July and design supremo Adrian Newey departed last year, moving to Aston Martin.

Marko leaves after Verstappen missed out on winning a fifth title at last week’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

“Narrowly missing out on the world championship this season has moved me deeply and made it clear to me that now is the right moment for me personally to end this very long, intense, and successful chapter,” Marko said in a statement.

An F1 driver in the early 1970s before he was blinded in one eye when a rock pierced his helmet visor, Marko was an influential figure in team politics and close to his fellow Austrian, Red Bull co-founder Dietrich Mateschitz, who died in 2022.

Red Bull's Helmut Marko talks with Max Verstappen ahead of November's Qatar grand prix.
Red Bull’s Helmut Marko talks with Max Verstappen ahead of November’s Qatar grand prix. Credit: AAP

Marko’s blunt style and criticism of drivers sometimes led to controversy. In 2023, he apologised to then-Red Bull driver Sergio Perez for comments which suggested his Mexican heritage was to blame for inconsistent results on the track.

More recently Marko accused Mercedes’ rookie Kimi Antonelli of moving aside for Norris in Qatar this month in the battle for fourth place. Antonelli received ‍abuse and death threats on social media prompting a retraction from Red Bull and Marko.

On behalf of the wider Red Bull corporate group, Marko oversaw its driver development program for two decades. He guided drivers such as Verstappen and Vettel through junior series to F1 debuts with Red Bull’s second team, variously known over the years as Toro Rosso, AlphaTauri and Racing Bulls.

However, more recent recruits Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda have struggled to make an impact,

“It is very sad news that Helmut is leaving us,” Horner’s successor Laurent Mekies said in a statement on ⁠X.

“He has been such an integral part of our team and of Red Bull’s entire motor racing programme for more than two decades.”

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Deadly bat disease fungus confirmed in key tourist destination as officials warn of impacts

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The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) confirmed the presence of a fungus linked to white-nose syndrome in bats.

The fungus, Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd), was discovered by officials during routine monitoring of the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, according to an NDOW press release.

Pd was confirmed in the sample by officials. But they stated that no bats “showed clinical signs” of white nose syndrome.

The disease shows visible white fungal growth on infected bats’ muzzles and wings.

Fox News senior medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel told Fox News Digital the disease has no impact on humans – unless it were to mutate.

OFFICIAL LOOKING UP AT BATS IN WEST VIRGINIA CAVE

Pseudogymnoascus destructans fungus is confirmed in Nevada bats, with officials monitoring areas for a white-nose syndrome outbreak (not pictured).  (Ricky Carioti/The Washington Post via Getty Images)

“It spreads easily from bat to bat during hibernation, and humans unintentionally spread it from cave to cave by tracking the spores on their shoes,” said Siegel.

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He added, “Fungus likes cold blood, and the bats cool down when they are hibernating. But the fungus forms a fuzz on their wings and muzzles. As they wake up from hibernation, they start behaving strangely and often die of starvation.”

Bat flying

The disease has no impact on humans, unless it were to mutate, said a medical expert.  (iStock/Getty Images Plus)

White-nose syndrome was first detected in New York in 2006.

It spread across the country until most recently being detected in Nevada for the first time, according to NDOW.

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“Nevada’s bats are incredibly important, and this fungus could have serious implications for their conservation,” said NDOW specialist Jonathan Young.

“We knew it was a matter of time before Pd arrived in Nevada, and we have been vigilantly surveying bats for many years now, not only for this fungus but also to track their population trends,” said Young.

white nose bats NYSDEC

White-nose syndrome shows visible white fungal growth on infected bats’ muzzles and wings (pictured). (NYSDEC/Nancy Heaslip)

Young said officials are continuing to monitor the situation.

They’re working to reduce the spread of the fungus with equipment sterilization, habitat protection and public education, he indicated. 

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Officials are urging visitors to avoid entering abandoned mines for their own safety, and to prevent unintentionally carrying the fungus to new bat sites.

Lake Mead National Recreation Area spans over 1.5 million acres of mountains, canyons and valleys, and has two reservoirs, according to the National Park Service (NPS).

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The park is open year-round, located in southeastern Nevada and northwestern Arizona.

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CES 2026 Reveal: Makalot’s StyTrix, Where Decades of Garment Mastery Meet Real-Time AI Innovation

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LAS VEGAS and TAIPEI, Dec. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Ahead of CES 2026, Makalot Industrial Co., Ltd. (TWSE#:1477), a leading garment innovator and manufacturer, today announced a major step in its strategic investment in digital transformation. Moving to solidify its role as a tech innovation leader, Makalot is leveraging its deep industry knowledge and partnering with specialized startup Meta Intelligence, through its digital subsidiary Portal:M, to launch StyTrix, the industry’s first end-to-end, real-time AI platform. This enterprise-grade AI solution is designed to revolutionize the fashion development lifecycle, marking a significant milestone for Makalot’s evolution in technological innovation built on its core manufacturing excellence. The companies are teaming up with Taiwan Tech Arena to showcase StyTrix at CES 2026 (January 6-9, 2026).

CES 2026 Reveal: Makalot's StyTrix, Where Decades of Garment Mastery Meet Real-Time AI Innovation
CES 2026 Reveal: Makalot’s StyTrix, Where Decades of Garment Mastery Meet Real-Time AI Innovation

“Makalot is channeling over three decades of garment design and manufacturing expertise to power StyTrix — the proprietary AI design engine made by designers, for designers,” commented Vanessa Chou, Director of Strategic Planning, Makalot. “From designers to consumer brands to e-commerce sites, StyTrix will unleash major possibilities for the fashion industry — by accelerating production and marketing, reducing costs, and boosting sustainability, all while enabling the virtual experiences younger consumers increasingly seek.” 

Makalot’s commitment to solving industry pain points

The fashion industry currently faces critical development problems. Traditional workflows are slow and unsustainable, with difficulties in visualizing design ideas, the high cost and time required for physical sampling, and a process where up to 80% of development effort is ultimately wasted before production even begins.

Recognizing that decades of accumulated manufacturing experience and unmatched industry expertise must be paired with cutting-edge digital solutions, Makalot is actively seeking and investing in innovative technology. Through its digital subsidiary, Portal:M, the company is forging strategic partnerships with nimble, specialized startups like Meta Intelligence. This latest collaboration is Makalot’s commitment to translating its real-world manufacturing intelligence — covering complex garment construction, fabric behavior, pattern-making know-how, and supply chain workflows — into a robust AI solution. This effort ensures StyTrix is built for production alignment, offering an unparalleled understanding of garment structure, seams, and proportions to tackle inefficiencies in the industry head-on.

StyTrix: The secret to slashing waste and boosting productivity

StyTrix is poised to disrupt the fashion industry by tackling its biggest challenges:

  • Efficiency: It radically cuts production times, projected to deliver up to 80% higher productivity and 90% lower costs.
  • Waste: To address the 92 million tons of textile waste produced globally each year (UN Environment Programme), StyTrix cuts physical garment samples by up to 70%.

To unlock the secrets of AI-powered fashion design, manufacturing speed, sustainability, and cost reduction, visit Makalot, Portal:M, and Meta Intelligence at the Eureka Park, Taiwan Tech Arena Pavilion, Hall G Booth #[62201] during CES 2026.

About Makalot

Makalot, founded in 1990 in Taiwan, has grown into a world-leading apparel manufacturer and sustainable enterprise. With over 33,000 employees globally, Makalot offers comprehensive OEM/ODM services supported by cutting-edge ERP systems and innovative design capabilities.

Responding to the evolving industry, the company has expanded into smart textiles and AI-driven fashion innovation, providing its global clothing brand clients with comprehensive, end-to-end fashion apparel solutions. As a strategic partner to major retailers in the US, Europe, and Asia, Makalot combines advanced supply chain management with a customer-oriented approach. Its commitment to sustainable practices and innovation keeps it at the forefront of the global apparel industry.

Follow us on LinkedIn for the latest updates: https://www.linkedin.com/company/makalot

For media inquiries or further information about StyTrix, please contact Emily Shen, emilyshen@makalot.com.tw

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ISLAND HOSPITAL NAMED MALAYSIA’S FIRST FLAGSHIP MEDICAL TOURISM HOSPITAL

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GEORGETOWN, Malaysia, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Island Hospital is the winner of Malaysia’s first Flagship Medical Tourism Hospital (FMTH) programme, a recognition of its consistent standards in care, safety and patient experience for international patients.

From left to right: Yang Berbahagia Dato' Sri Suriani binti Dato' Ahmad, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Health Malaysia; Ms Lim Kooi Ling, CEO of Island Hospital; Yang Berhormat Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, Minister of Health Malaysia; and Mr Suriaghandi Suppiah, CEO of the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council.
From left to right: Yang Berbahagia Dato’ Sri Suriani binti Dato’ Ahmad, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Health Malaysia; Ms Lim Kooi Ling, CEO of Island Hospital; Yang Berhormat Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, Minister of Health Malaysia; and Mr Suriaghandi Suppiah, CEO of the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council.

Launched in 2022, the three-year programme aimed to identify hospitals that can anchor Malaysia’s medical tourism growth globally. Island Hospital, selected as the top performer among four finalists, was the only hospital from Penang. The announcement was made today by Malaysia’s Minister of Health, Yang Berhormat Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.

The FMTH programme is led by the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) under the Ministry of Health and supported by the Malaysian Government. Independent experts, including IQVIA and Joint Commission International (JCI), conducted in-depth assessments covering clinical quality, patient safety, experience, innovation and operational performance. A key initiative under the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Industry Blueprint 2021-2025, the programme is part of the country’s push to strengthen its position as a trusted healthcare travel destination.

Island Hospital (IH) is a private specialist hospital that provides advanced care for complex medical and surgical needs, with more than 120 specialist doctors across varied disciplines, including cardiology, oncology, orthopaedics, gastroenterology and neurology. Serving local and international patients, it has built an ecosystem that supports medical travellers – from pre-arrival coordination to follow-up care.

IH’s focus on quality and patient safety is supported by accreditations from the Australian Council on Healthcare Standards International (ACHSI) and Malaysian Society for Quality in Health (MSQH). The hospital is also an ACHSI Centre of Excellence in Cancer Care, Cardiology and Gastroenterology. These reflect a strong framework for clinical governance, teamwork and person-centred care, which formed part of the FMTH evaluation.

“We are humbled by this recognition,” said Lim Kooi Ling, CEO of Island Hospital. “Since 2022, we have welcomed about 700,000 international patients from over 80 countries, including over 100 cities in Indonesia. This shows the continued trust placed in our teams, our partners and the Malaysian healthcare system.”

“Being part of IHH Healthcare Malaysia, a leading private healthcare provider, allows us to leverage shared expertise, digital tools and clinical collaboration to provide safe, reliable and value-driven care, while making the experience smoother for patients and their families. As a flagship medical tourism hospital, we will continue to work closely with the Government and MHTC to strengthen Penang’s and Malaysia’s position as a preferred destination for healthcare.”

Source: Island Hospital Sdn. Bhd

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Greenyn Biotechnology Launches Insumate® mcIRBP-19 Bitter Melon Peptide, Targeting the Billion-Dollar Health Supplement Market

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TAICHUNG, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Backed by New Medical Association Certification, Insumate® Becomes the Only Bitter Melon Peptide Globally Recognized by FDA-NDI, SNQ, and the Taiwan Complementary Medicine Society (TCMS).

As global demand for scientifically validated metabolic health ingredients continues to rise, Greenyn Biotechnology Co., Ltd., a publicly listed biotechnology company in Taiwan, announced today that its flagship ingredient Insumate® mcIRBP-19 Bitter Melon Peptide has been awarded the “Excellent Product Quality Certification” by the Taiwan Complementary Medicine Society (TCMS).

This recognition positions Insumate® as the only bitter melon peptide ingredient to have simultaneously obtained:

  • Certification from the Taiwan Complementary Medicine Society (TCMS)
  • U.S. FDA New Dietary Ingredient (NDI) approval
  • Symbol of National Quality (SNQ)

This combination of recognitions is currently unmatched among bitter-melon–derived functional ingredients worldwide.

Choose products with national and international certifications to minimize health risks from excessive or unknown ingredients from the source.
Choose products with national and international certifications to minimize health risks from excessive or unknown ingredients from the source.

According to Greenyn Biotechnology’s General Manager and R&D lead Dr. Pang-Kuei Hsu, this certification confirms that the ingredient has passed stringent reviews covering raw materials, manufacturing, scientific validation, and clinical research—establishing it as a trusted reference for medical professionals selecting nutritional support ingredients. Greenyn expects the new certification to further enhance the medical community’s confidence in clinically supported functional ingredients and accelerate the company’s expansion across the Asia-Pacific region.

Growing Demand for Metabolic Health Solutions: Greenyn Sets a New Benchmark with Evidence-Based Bitter Melon Peptide Research

Recent data from the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) highlights the increasing global need for metabolic health solutions. As of 2024, 589 million adults worldwide—approximately 1 in 9 people—are living with diabetes, a number projected to reach 853 million by 2050.

Over 12 Years of Research, Three Major Certifications: Insumate® mcIRBP-19 Builds Strong Trust Among Professionals and Consumers

Greenyn spent over a decade collaborating with medical schools and biomedical research institutions in Taiwan to develop Insumate®. Using low-temperature supercritical extraction, the team successfully isolated the bioactive mcIRBP-19 peptide, a precisely sequenced small-molecule peptide extracted from bitter melon. This solvent-free process preserves peptide integrity and bioactivity, setting it apart from conventional solvent extraction methods that produce undefined polypeptide mixtures.

Patented 19-Peptide Directly Interacts with Insulin Receptors to Support Glucose Control

Research conducted by Greenyn shows that mcIRBP-19 directly interacts with insulin receptors through a unique binding site, activating downstream signaling pathways that support efficient glucose utilization.

Clinical studies in Taiwan demonstrated that consuming mcIRBP-19 for 12 weeks resulted in:

  • around 14% reduction in fasting blood glucose
  • over 22% reduction in triglycerides
  • significant improvement in HbA1c

For sub-health populations, including aging individuals or those experiencing metabolic slowdown, international studies have shown that high doses of bitter melon components help maintain stable blood glucose levels and significantly improve HbA1c and triglycerides in older subgroups.

To date, more than seven SCI-indexed papers and three large-scale clinical trials involving over 200 subjects have validated its efficacy.

Dr. Tao-Ming Chen, President of the Taiwan Complementary Medicine Society (TCMS), emphasized:

“Products certified by the Taiwan Complementary Medicine Society have met strict standards in scientific validation, clinical evidence, and quality management, offering healthcare professionals a trustworthy reference for supportive nutrition. In recent years, bitter melon has become one of the most studied ingredients for metabolic and blood glucose support. Many products on the market claim to contain bitter melon; however, only by choosing patented formulas that carry the Society’s certification can consumers truly support daily metabolic management and maintain better overall health.”

This certification establishes Insumate® as a clinically supported functional ingredient suitable for long-term metabolic health management.

Expanding Globally: Strengthening International Presence

According to Fortune Business Insights, the global nutraceutical market is expected to grow from USD 458.5 billion in 2024 to USD 986.8 billion by 2032, with a CAGR of 10.18%. The Asia-Pacific region is projected to exceed 30% of global market share by 2026, driven by rising demand for science-backed, clinically effective functional ingredients.

Greenyn has established multiple international collaborations and continues strengthening its presence across the Asia-Pacific region and global markets.

Insumate® has now expanded into more than ten countries, achieving commercial launches and demonstrating strong market acceptance across diverse regions.

The company will continue deepening and broadening its global partnerships while advancing regulatory pathways across Asia, the U.S., and the EU to support long-term international compliance.

Driving Taiwan’s Biotech Industry from Manufacturing to Innovation

Dr. Hsu emphasized that Greenyn has developed multiple patented ingredients including Insumate® mcIRBP-19 Bitter Melon Peptide, Antromax® Antrodia cinnamomea mycelia, and other proprietary innovations. The company holds over 100 international patents, more than 30 global invention awards, and is certified under HACCP, ISO 22000, FSSC 22000, and Halal. Greenyn provides end-to-end services from raw material development to formulation design and full ODM/OEM manufacturing.

Greenyn aims to accelerate global collaborations and become the leading provider of scientifically validated functional ingredients across the Asia-Pacific and beyond.

Source: Greenyn Biotechnology Co., Ltd.

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CDC reports 21st cruise ship norovirus outbreak this year, with nearly 100 people infected

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The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed another norovirus outbreak aboard a cruise ship.

Aida Cruises’ AIDAdiva cruise ship was hit with a norovirus outbreak that sickened nearly 100 passengers during its Nov. 10–Dec. 16 voyage.

The cruise notified the CDC of the outbreak on Nov. 30, according to the agency’s report.

CDC REPORTS 19TH CRUISE SHIP NOROVIRUS OUTBREAK THIS YEAR, AFFECTING PASSENGERS AND CREW

The vessel departed from Hamburg, Germany, and was heading to England, the U.S., Mexico and Costa Rica, according to CruiseMapper.

Ninety-five passengers and six crew reported diarrhea and vomiting, the CDC’s data shows.

A family is waving at a large red, white and blue cruise ship that has just docked.

Aida Cruises’ AIDAdiva was hit by a norovirus outbreak during its almost month-long voyage, leaving nearly 100 passengers sick. (Krisztian Bocsi/Bloomberg)

Over 2,000 passengers, plus 640 crew members, were on board.

In response to the outbreak, Aida Cruises said it increased cleaning and disinfection efforts across the ship. It also isolated sick passengers and crew, and collected stool samples for testing.

NOROVIRUS SICKENS OVER 200 CRUISE SHIP PASSENGERS ON MONTH-LONG VOYAGE

“Seasonal illness peaks between November and April, and the AIDAdiva report reflects infection patterns on land,” an AIDA spokesperson told USA TODAY

“Therefore, we’ve added more hygiene protocols onboard, and cases are already going down.”

A large cruise ship, decorated with a painted mouth and eye, moves across the ocean.

Ninety-five passengers and six crew members reported symptoms, according to CDC data. (iStock)

The cruise line also consulted with CDC Vessel Sanitation Program officials about sanitation procedures and case reporting.

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Scott Weisenberg, M.D., medical director of the NYU Langone Infectious Disease Associates and the NYU Travel Medicine Program, previously told Fox News Digital that the virus is highly contagious — and that it can spread quickly in crowded settings such as cruise ships.

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“If people have acute vomiting, they should avoid public areas, since even if they don’t touch anything, the virus can spread through the air,” he said.

Large AIDA cruise ship departing a harbor as people watch and take photos from the waterfront promenade.

As a result of the outbreak, enhanced sanitation measures were implemented on board, along with isolating those who became ill. (Krisztian Bocsi/Bloomberg)

Weisenberg also noted that proper hygiene plays a key role in preventing transmission. Shared surfaces can easily become contaminated, putting anyone who touches them at risk of infection.

He added that washing hands with soap and water offers better protection than using alcohol-based sanitizers.

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This latest incident adds to a growing number of norovirus outbreaks reported on cruise ships this year.

There have now been a total of 21 outbreaks, according to the CDC.

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Fox News Digital reached out to Aida Cruises for comment.

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COSRX Joins the Inaugural Korean American Leaders in Hollywood (KALH) Honors to Celebrate Global Creativity and Representation

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LOS ANGELES, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — COSRX, the award-winning K-beauty brand trusted worldwide for its science-backed and skin-friendly formulations, proudly served as the official skincare partner of the inaugural Korean American Leaders in Hollywood (KALH) Honors, a landmark event recognizing Korean American leadership and expanding diversity shaping today’s entertainment landscape.

COSRX Joins the Inaugural Korean American Leaders in Hollywood (KALH) Honors to Celebrate Global Creativity and Representation
COSRX Joins the Inaugural Korean American Leaders in Hollywood (KALH) Honors to Celebrate Global Creativity and Representation

Celebrating Leaders Shaping Global Entertainment

The first-ever KALH Honors marked a meaningful moment for the industry. It brought together hundreds of Korean American actors, directors, producers, and cultural leaders redefining modern storytelling. Standout honorees included Director Park Chan-wook, Actor Lee Byung Hun, and Filmmaker Maggie Kang, each recognized for their distinctive contributions across film, television, and animation, from Park Chan-wook’s international acclaim for No Other Choice, to Lee Byung Hun’s standout performance, to Maggie Kang’s record-breaking success with K-Pop Demon Hunters.

Celebrating Global Creativity and Communities, A Partnership Rooted in Purpose

COSRX’s role as official skincare partner reflects its ongoing dedication to empowering individuals and championing diversity. Rooted in Korean innovation and embraced globally, the brand supports communities that drive meaningful cultural progress.

“Community has always been at the heart of COSRX,” said a brand Representative. “Beauty resonates most deeply when it celebrates who really you are, and the KALH Honors remind us of the influence and importance of representation.”

COSRX Showcases Peptide Innovation

Recognized as a leader in next-generation K-beauty, COSRX is gaining global attention for its peptide-powered skin and haircare innovations. Once considered a premium ingredient category, peptides now anchor COSRX’s accessible, high-performance formulations engineered for visible results.

About COSRX

COSRX is a globally acclaimed K-beauty powerhouse known for its accessible, high-performance skin, body, and hair care designed with results and user experience at the forefront. With a philosophy centered on minimal yet highly effective, science-backed actives, the brand delivers formulas that give skin and hair exactly what they need—and nothing they don’t—for healthy, radiant results. COSRX has redefined modern beauty, introduced snail mucin to the global stage, pioneered next-generation peptide innovation, and created countless TikTok-viral hits.

Find COSRX best-selling products at retailers nationwide, including COSRX.com, Amazon, ULTA, Revolve, Dermstore, Nordstrom, and Target. COSRX is also on Instagram and TikTok.

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United maintains elite status requirements for 2027, but here’s what’s changing

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A traveler speaks to an agent at the United Airlines desk at O’Hare International Airport in Chicago, Illinois, on November 25, 2025, ahead of the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday.

Kamil Krzaczynski | Afp | Getty Images

United Airlines is joining Delta Air Lines in holding steady its requirements to earn elite frequent flyer status next year after it raised the bar in 2025.

Airlines have spent years making it more expensive to get high-tier status, which comes with perks like early boarding, free first-class upgrades (when they’re available), waived baggage fees or even airport lounge access.

But hordes of elite travelers in the wake of the pandemic — when airlines let many customers hold onto their status — have meant more crowded early boarding groups. And a rise in premium credit card-toting customers has led to longer waits at some airport lounges than at TSA checkpoints.

Airline executives have also said that more customers are willing to pay cash to sit in first class, making fewer seats available for complimentary upgrades that are a draw for many consumers to chase status.

The rise of airport lounges

For United, its program is more in balance now, said Luc Bondar, president of United’s MileagePlus loyalty program.

“When you have benefits like upgrades, if everyone has status, then … fewer and fewer customers are going to get access to upgrades,” he said in an interview. “We feel good that they’re at the right level.”

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United is making some changes next year, when the status flyers earn will apply to travel in 2027. The airline is changing how its so-called Plus Points — a currency beyond regular miles that can be earned by top-tier Platinum and 1K loyalty program elites — can be used.

The carrier currently has a mileage chart, where customers need to earn set amounts for certain cabins, like its top Polaris long-haul business class. In 2027, it will move instead to dynamic pricing based on demand. United next year will also allow elites with high-level 1K status to earn Plus Points through co-branded credit card spending.

The carrier also said status holders and United Chase credit card holders will also have “increased access” to Polaris Saver Award fares, which the airline said will make it easier to book in the top cabin.

Airlines’ lucrative loyalty programs bring in billions in profits, in part when the carriers sell miles to banks when customers earn them through credit card spending.

Last year, United raised the amount customers had to spend to reach frequent flyer status in 2026. The thresholds to reach elite status in the airline’s MileagePlus program went up about 25% and include either spending on a co-branded card or a combination of spending and flying.

Last week, Delta said it would keep its earning requirements the same next year for 2027 status.

American Airlines hasn’t announced a change to its frequent flyer program elite thresholds this year. The carrier trails Delta and United in profits and is trying to win over more big spenders with refreshed cabins and lounges, though its rivals’ decision to hold elite-earning requirements steady could pressure American to do the same.

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Beatles legend Paul McCartney in battle over EU’s vegan burgers and sausages plan

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Paul McCartney has joined a bid to halt plans from the European Union banning the use of terms such as “burger” and “sausage” for plant-based foods.

It was reported in October that members of the European Parliament had voted to reserve these names for meat products, and it is understood the European Commission may decide on the ban later this week.

McCartney, 83, is a staunch advocate for vegetarianism and co-founded the Meat Free Monday campaign alongside his daughters Mary and Stella in 2009.

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His late wife Linda McCartney set up a food brand in the 1990s that sells plant-based sausages, burgers, pies and more.

“To stipulate that burgers and sausages are ‘plant-based’, ‘vegetarian’ or ‘vegan’ should be enough for sensible people to understand what they are eating,” the Beatles star said.

“This also encourages attitudes which are essential to our health and that of the planet.”

Paul McCartney and his band have played a 575-capacity venue in New York. (AP PHOTO)
Paul McCartney and his band have played a 575-capacity venue in New York. (AP PHOTO) Credit: AAP
John Lennon, George Harrison, Ringo Starr and Paul McCartney on The Beatles.
John Lennon, George Harrison, Ringo Starr and Paul McCartney on The Beatles. Credit: AP

A letter signed by the McCartney family and a cross-party group of UK MPs said while the UK is no longer in the European Union its markets, companies, consumers and regulatory conversations remain closely intertwined.

“Decisions taken at EU level continue to influence global norms, international trade and the direction of sustainable food innovation,” the letter read.

“We urge you not to adopt these restrictions as we are deeply concerned about the significant global impact they could have.”

McCartney has previously called for an end to mandatory meat in England’s school meals and earlier in the year he sent a letter to COP30 president Andre Correa do Lago and asked that the conference adopt a fully meat-free menu.

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The operator of India’s largest airline sees shares tumble after thousands of cancelations

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Passengers seen in heavy rush and chaos at the IndiGo counter at Indira Gandhi International Airport Terminal 1 after a technical glitch at IndiGo caused delays and cancellations of multiple flights on Dec. 4, 2025 in New Delhi, India.

Hindustan Times | Hindustan Times | Getty Images

Shares of Interglobe Aviation, operator of India’s largest airline Indigo, fell more than 8% Monday as the carrier grapples with multiple flight cancellations.

Indigo, which operates more than 2,300 flights daily, could only fly 706 flights on Friday following a change in rules about pilots’ rest time for pilots, leading to massive disruptions.

On Sunday, the company said in a release that it operated 1,650 flights and it expects “stabilization of the network” by Wednesday.

India’s civil aviation minister Ram Mohan Naidu said on Monday that the government has ordered an investigation into the disruptions of Indigo’s flight services.

“We will take strict action,” the minister said, warning the airline of consequences for “non-compliance.”

Passenger woes

Chirag Shah, an EY consultant who was travelling from Abu Dhabi to Mumbai with his family, faced an 11-hour delay.

He said travellers, especially those with a single-entry visa, were left stranded.

That 11-hour delay exposed “a worrying lack of passenger support,” Shah told CNBC, adding that a few passengers were re-seated on a different Indigo flight “after hours of follow-ups with the airport authorities.”

Indigo has not said whether it has issued all refunds for cancelled and severely delayed flights, after a government directive gave it until Sunday, 8 PM India time to do so. Indigo had processed 6.10 billion rupees (USD 67.6 million) as of 5 pm that day.

Shah said that the only conciliatory offer he had had was a McDonalds’ free meal coupon.

Indigo Airlines and the Civil Aviation Ministry had not responded to requests for comment from CNBC when this article went live.

The rule change

On Thursday, the airline told the ministry that cancellations were due to “challenges in crew planning and implementation of the revised Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) norms.”

Under the rules, announced in January 2024 and in effect since Nov. 1, pilots are expected to fly fewer late-night flights and rest time for crew has been increased from 36 hours to 48 hours.

On Friday, after disruptions due to flight cancellations by Indigo peaked, the government temporarily suspended its implementation of Flight Duty Time Limitations rules.

Indigo’s CEO, Pieter Elbers, was ordered by India’s aviation watchdog to explain the disruption and has been granted an extension for sending his responses, according to local media reports.

There were 1.3 million scheduled flights in India in 2024, of which 1.1 million were domestic flights, per the International Air Transport Association.

Indigo dominates Indian air transport in terms of scheduled seat capacity with a market share of around 53.4%, up from 23% in 2016.

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