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United Airlines CEO confirms he approached American Airlines about merger

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United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby (L) and American Airlines CEO Robert Isom listen as U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy speaks to reporters outside the White House on October 30, 2025 in Washington, D.C.

Kevin Dietsch | Getty Images

United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby confirmed on Monday that he approached American Airlines about a potential merger, a possibility American rejected.

“I approached American about exploring a combination because I thought we could do something incredible for customers together,” Kirby said in a statement. He said he shared his “big, bold vision” because he was confident it could win regulatory approval.

American rejected the idea and its CEO, Robert Isom, last week said such a merger would be bad for customers and “anticompetitive.”

Kirby had floated the idea to the Trump administration earlier this year, according to a person familiar with the matter, in hopes that that the combination would mean a big global airline to compete with foreign rivals.

“I was hoping to pitch that story to American, but they declined to engage and instead responded by publicly closing the door,” Kirby said in his statement on Monday. “And without a willing partner, something this big simply can’t get done.”

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Art Gathers in Beijing, Harmony Embraces All: 2026 Beijing Art Season to Open in May

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BEIJING, April 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The content of the 2026 Beijing Art Season was unveiled this week at Beijing’s 798 Art District. Running from May 21 to June 15, the festival will feature over 400 events, drawing hundreds of art institutions from roughly 20 countries.

Beijing 798 Art District gears up for the 2026 Beijing Art Season
Beijing 798 Art District gears up for the 2026 Beijing Art Season

Themed “Art Gathers in Beijing, Harmony Embraces All,” the Art Season aims to bring together artistic resources from China and abroad, creating a platform where different regions, media and artistic ideas can meet through exhibitions, forums and other cultural events.

At the center of the festivities are two powerhouse events-Gallery Weekend Beijing and Beijing Dangdai Art Fair, while also linking art districts, museums, and galleries across the city. Participants from nearly 20 countries and hundreds of art institutions are expected to take part, with more than 400 events planned. Actress Zhu Zhu is appointed Ambassador of the 2026 Beijing Art Season

2026 Beijing Art Season will introduce, for the first time, a structure connecting the primary gallery market with the secondary auction market, a move intended to strengthen the path from artistic cultivation to market circulation and support the continued development of Beijing’s art ecosystem. The Art Season is expected to generate an industry worth hundreds of millions of yuan and attract over 5 million participants.

For the first time, Beijing Art Season will extend across six districts of Beijing, combining exhibitions, art transactions, public education programs, city walks and consumer activities into a broader urban cultural festival.  Digital artworks will be on display at various commercial led throughout Beijing, bringing art beyond traditional venues and into everyday life.

The program will also connect with museums and more than 500 partner businesses across Beijing. Through NFC-enabled ticketing, visitors will be able to move between different scenes, with customized subsidy aimed at boosting consumption in tourism, dining and retail.

As 2026 marks the China-Brazil Year of Culture, the season will feature exhibitions and exchange programs centered on Brazilian culture. It will also include a children’s painting exhibition developed in collaboration with UNESCO, focusing on ecological awareness and intergenerational dialogue, alongside programming from international cultural institutions including the Instituto Cervantes Beijing, the Danish Cultural Center, the Korean Cultural Center and the Goethe-Institut.

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Archaeologists pinpoint site of doomed ‘Spanish Roanoke’ colony after unearthing single clue

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Archaeologists pinpointed the exact location of the so-called “Spanish Roanoke,” a doomed colony that collapsed within years — after they uncovered a single coin that helped confirm the site.

A group of Chilean researchers recently announced the discovery of the exact location of Rey Don Felipe, later known as Port Famine, along the Strait of Magellan in Chilean Patagonia.

The colony was established by King Philip II of Spain in 1584 in an effort to control the strait, a critical passage between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.

LONG-LOST SOLDIER’S GRAVE DISCOVERED AT REMOTE US NATIONAL PARK AFTER 150 YEARS

But within three years, the site was found abandoned and its colonists dead — earning the name Port Famine.

Using metal detection and high-precision geolocation, researchers tracked variations in signal strength across the ground to pinpoint where to dig.

Split image of archaeologists, depiction of Port Famine

Researchers pinpointed the exact location of a failed Spanish settlement along the Strait of Magellan. The right image shows a 19th-century depiction of the Rey Don Felipe colony, later known as Port Famine. (Richard Bezzaza, Simón Urbina; De Agostini via Getty Images)

There, they unearthed a coin — a significant find because it was recovered in situ, meaning exactly where it was originally placed.

The find was consistent with historical accounts describing a coin placed as part of a founding ritual.

“We initially detected a very strong signal, but we didn’t know what it was,” Francisco Garrido, an archaeologist at Chile’s National Museum of Natural History, said in a press release.

WARRIORS FOUND STACKED IN ANCIENT WELL REVEAL VIOLENT TALE OF BATTLEFIELD DEFEAT: ARCHAEOLOGISTS

“With the data we gathered, we selected the excavation point — and that’s where we found the coin.”

The silver coin is a real de a coho, or “piece of eight” — commonly used across the Spanish Empire.

Split image of female archaeologists digging, view of silver coin

A single silver coin helped archaeologists confirm the exact site of Rey Don Felipe, a doomed Spanish colony in Patagonia. (Richard Bezzaza, Simón Urbina)

Pictures of the more than 400-year-old coin show it has an irregular, hand-cut shape, typical of early Spanish colonial minting.

In a press release, researchers called Port Famine “one of the most tragic and mysterious colonial experiments in the Americas.”

They added, “The discovery highlights the fragility of early colonial ventures, showing how settlements like Rey Don Felipe and Roanoke were shaped by isolation, limited resources, and uncertain support from distant imperial centers.”

LOST 18TH-CENTURY SPANISH MISSION UNEARTHED AFTER DECADES OF SEARCHING OFFERS ‘RARE SNAPSHOT’

The site was discovered in the 1950s, but it hasn’t been excavated in more than half a century, said Soledad González Díaz, a researcher at Bernardo O’Higgins University in Santiago.

González Díaz told Fox News Digital in a translated email that since then, historians have uncovered multiple historical documents, including a 16th-century map — and that survey and analysis technologies “have advanced greatly in precision.”

“These ceremonies were solemn occasions through which the Spanish monarchy marked its presence and took possession of new territories.”

She added, This demonstrates the importance of returning to already known sites with new questions and tools.”

She also noted that the coin indicates “the exact point where the colonizing project was materialized,” referring to a ceremonial placement described in historical records.

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“Its discovery not only coincides with documentary descriptions, but it also has deep symbolic value, since it forms part of a foundational rite,” added González Díaz.

“These ceremonies were solemn occasions through which the Spanish monarchy marked its presence and took possession of new territories.”

View of patch of soil where coin was found

A small but significant coin discovery played a central role in identifying the long-lost Patagonian settlement. (Richard Bezzaza, Simón Urbina)

The researcher hopes that the excavation will reveal more why the colony failed — and shed light on the lives of the colonists and Indigenous populations in Patagonia.

“The most widespread version of the story of Rey Don Felipe states that the colony failed due to hunger and desolation. …  While there is some truth to that, the reality was much more complex,” she said.

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“What we see instead is a scenario also marked by tensions, conflict and violence — elements that must be incorporated into the analysis in order to understand the failure of the project.”

Despite excavating in a remote environment, the historian noted that her team only faced “logistical challenges, nothing impossible to overcome.”

Split image of archaeologists working, stone where coin was found

“The most widespread version of the story of Rey Don Felipe states that the colony failed due to hunger and desolation and, while there is some truth to that, the reality was much more complex,” said a researcher. (Richard Bezzaza, Simón Urbina)

González Díaz said the project has been documented in audiovisual format from the start — and that the team is working on a documentary set to be released next year.

“The research began in a very spectacular way. During our first campaign, in 2019, two bronze artillery pieces belonging to the expedition came to light,” she added.

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“This finding marked a very strong starting point for the work we have carried out since then.”

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Ben Hollands makes raw admission amid son Elijah’s mental health struggles: ‘I hit a wall’

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Ben Hollands has admitted he “hit a wall” last week after his son Elijah was admitted to hospital following his much-publicised mental health episode.

The father posted a raw and emotional admission on social media, saying he had been “carrying too much” and needed to “let go” to best help his family move forward.

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Hollands was admitted to hospital last Monday night, four days after his erratic and concerning performance against Collingwood.

Carlton said that Hollands suffered a mental health episode, but there was widespread commentary about how he was allowed to stay on the field for so long.

On Thursday, Carlton coach Michael Voss launched a passionate defence of his team, claiming they had been “bullied”. The club have since submitted the findings of their investigation to the AFL for review.

His father Ben and brother Ollie, also a Carlton player, publicly showed their support with emotional social media posts last week.

Ben Hollands (middle) with sons Ollie (left) and Elijah (right).
Ben Hollands (middle) with sons Ollie (left) and Elijah (right). Credit: Instagram

But Ben, who played eight AFL games for Richmond in 1999, has revealed the toll it took on himself as a father and leader.

“Last Thursday, I hit a wall,” he wrote on Instagram on Monday.

“Deep down, I knew it was coming. A lot of people had warned me… but it was my boys, strong, wise beyond their years, who said it most clearly.

“What I was striving for didn’t need to be the priority.

“I thought I was leading. Being strong. Setting the example.

“But in that moment, my leadership had to look different.

“It was simpler. It was healing. It was peace. It was rest.

“Not just for me, for all of us.

“As a man, and as a dad, I’ve carried too much more times than I can count.

“But I’m learning, truly learning, the importance of letting go.

“Of sharing the load. Of stepping back. Of remaining strong in my faith in the pause.”

Ben went onto to say that he is feeling better after the much-needed rest.

“I took that rest… and I feel it,” he continued.

“Clearer. Lighter. Rejuvenated.

“And in that space, I’ve been able to see the past week for what it really was – an incredible outpouring of love, support, and strength around us.

“As I continue to lead my family, I now understand something deeper:

“Leadership isn’t just knowing when to step forward, it’s knowing when to let go.

“To trust. To hand things over. To seek rest when it’s needed.

“This journey, back to alignment, to restoration, isn’t something to carry alone.

“It’s something to share.”

Hollands suffered a mental health episode during the loss to Collingwood.
Hollands suffered a mental health episode during the loss to Collingwood. Credit: Getty

Meanwhile, the AFL will take its time on the report from Carlton, given the delicacy of the issues involved.

Asked about the league’s review of the Carlton report, AFL general manager of football performance Greg Swann offered his best wishes to Hollands after a “harrowing week for him and his family”.

He added his fellow AFL football department boss Laura Kane and her team were reviewing the Carlton report, which the league requested.

“There’s no rush on this. This is a really delicate matter … I haven’t seen anything play out like this, like it has publicly in this instance,” Swann said on Monday.

“So it will take as long as it does.”

– With AAP

If you need help in a crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. For further information about depression contact beyondblue on 1300224636 or talk to your GP, local health professional or someone you trust.

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Madame Tussauds Hong Kong Celebrates the Arrival of Two Major Chinese Superstars: Hua Chenyu and Luo Yunxi’s Permanent Wax Figures

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Bring a Touch of Stardom to Music and Fashion Zones

HONG KONG, April 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Madame Tussauds Hong Kong is thrilled to announce the official debut of two multi-talented icons from Mainland China — powerhouse singer-songwriter Hua Chenyu and popular actor-singer Luo Yunxi. Set to become the must-see highlights for fans, their wax figures are now officially part of the permanent collection, settling into the “Music Icons” zone and “Fashion Zone” just in time for the Labour Day Golden Week.


Since his debut, Hua Chenyu has garnered numerous accolades in the music industry for his distinct creative vision and explosive vocal power. From Aliens and Qi Tian to I Really Want to Love This World, his works have consistently topped the charts, resonating with countless listeners through lyrics that reflect a profound understanding of life. When he’s not in the limelight, Hua also dedicates his time to charity and social causes, inspiring those around him with his genuine passion.

Dressed in a sleek black outfit for the stage, the newly arrived Hua Chenyu wax figure is showcased in a striking pose in the “Music Icons” zone, capturing the energy of his live performances. 


Also making a highly anticipated debut is the popular Chinese actor and singer, Luo Yunxi. Since his breakout role in Ashes of Love in 2018, Luo has become a household name, a status further solidified by his performance in Till The End of The Moon, where he received high praise for skilfully portraying three distinct roles (Tantai Jin, Ming Ye, and Cang Jiumin). The show achieved top results in online drama rankings and was released in over 30 countries and regions worldwide. In 2025, his lead role in Whispers of Fate had set a new benchmark for cultural exports, once again topping prime-time TV ratings and reaching over 120 countries and regions.

His wax figure, permanently displayed in the Fashion Zone, features a refined tailored look that reflects his graceful on‑ and off‑screen persona, inviting guests to admire and capture memorable moments with the star.

To celebrate the arrival of these two new figures, Madame Tussauds Hong Kong has introduced updated ticket offers across several popular combinations, now available via the official website and WeChat Mini Programs, including Peak Tram and VR experience bundles.

From 30 April to 5 May 2026, guests purchasing any Peak Tram or VR Experience combo ticket via official channels will also receive a HK$50 Shake Shack cash coupon (while stocks last), adding even more value to a star‑studded day at The Peak.

— End —

 

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Ronan Androgenic: Brisbane looksmaxxing influencer arrested during livestream over extreme body modification advice

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A controversial influencer known for promoting extreme body modification techniques has been arrested during a livestream, sparking fresh warnings from experts about a dangerous subculture taking social media by storm.

Just after midnight on Sunday in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane-based Ronan Androgenic was arrested by police despite being flanked by his own security.

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“The situation’s f***ed. Guys, the situation is f***ed,” he told viewers during the arrest.

The 25-year-old was taken into custody over an altercation that occurred in February, which was also caught on camera while he was livestreaming to his fans.

“I was arrested. This is serious business,” he said.

Androgenic has become a rising star among a generation increasingly obsessed with extreme beauty improvement known as “looksmaxxing”.

He provides methods for young men to alter their appearance, including so-called “bonesmashing” to reshape facial features, as well as promoting plastic surgery and peptides.

Ronan Androgenic.
Ronan Androgenic. Credit: 7NEWS

“It’s dangerous in as much as any kind of body modification is dangerous,” Yves Saint James Aquino of the University of Wollongong warned.

Condemned by health professionals, the subculture has links to the so-called “manosphere”, promoting toxic masculinity and misogyny.

“They feel that physical features are something that they can now control,” Aquino said.

Androgenic was fined for public nuisance and banned from Fortitude Valley’s nightlife precinct for 28 days.

7NEWS has attempted to contact the 25-year-old for comment.

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CHANDO Launches 7th Generation Rejuvenation Repair Essence

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The Brand Sets a New Benchmark for Chinese Skincare

SHANGHAI, April 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Late nights, revenge bedtime procrastination, and back-to-back social plans on weekends — these modern habits are taking a visible toll on skin. New data shows that the average age at which early signs of aging first appear in China has shifted earlier by about four years between 2018 and 2023. Researchers point to a clear link between premature wrinkles and today’s high-stress, sleep-deprived lifestyles[1]

CHANDO unveils the seventh-generation Rejuvenation Repairing Essence.
CHANDO unveils the seventh-generation Rejuvenation Repairing Essence.

On April 23, the second China Anti-Fatigue-Aging Tech Forum and the launch of CHANDO’s seventh-generation Rejuvenation Repairing Essence (Xiao Zi Ping) concluded at TANK Shanghai. The event brought together experts from various fields to discuss skin aging and rejuvenation in the context of Chinese consumers’ skincare needs. In the spotlight: the upgraded seventh-generation version of CHANDO‘s signature fatigue-related anti-aging essence. Powered by HiMurchaSin® Yeast, the formula helps consumers achieve better skincare results without changing their daily routines. The launch also featured a surprise appearance by AI-native virtual singer YURI, along with other celebrities. Modern light-and-shadow artistry blended with Himalayan-inspired natural elements, delivering a distinctly tech-forward aesthetic. 

Scientists Examine the Drivers of Accelerated Skin Aging
Fast-paced lives are accelerating skin aging among Chinese consumers. According to a study reported by China National Radio (CNR), a research team led by Wang Sijia at the Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, analyzed facial skin aging and related lifestyle factors using large-scale, multi-time-point data from the Chinese population. The study found that the inflection point for overall wrinkle aging in the Chinese population arrived about four years earlier in 2023 than in 2018 — signaling a pattern of earlier onset, faster progression, and a shortened aging cycle[1]. The research also noted declining sleep duration and younger ages for starting smoking and drinking, pointing to a rise in fatigue-driven lifestyles. Multiple fatigue-related lifestyle factors were closely tied to earlier appearance of facial wrinkles.

In fact, skin aging from a fatigue-driven lifestyle is a biological process that can be scientifically addressed. Deng Haiteng, a tenured professor at Tsinghua University School of Life Sciences, explained the science behind modulating the skin’s aging process. According to Deng, life stress can impair mitochondria — the energy factories inside human cells. The key to rejuvenating skin, he said, is activating the cellular energy switch: PGC1α, a core target for mitochondrial regeneration. 

From Lab to Vanity: How a Chinese-Made Ingredient Became the Core of a New Anti-Aging Formula
To address this biological mechanism, the R&D team led by Dr. Zou Yue, Vice President and Chief Scientist of CHANDO Group, used AI-powered computational biology to screen and engineer over 2.8 million yeast proteins. The result was HiMurchaSin® Ultra Anti-Peptide, a recently developed proprietary ingredient. According to CHANDO, HiMurchaSin® Ultra Anti-Peptide penetrates skin 8.5 times better than traditional tetrapeptides[2]. It targets PGC1α — the mitochondrial energy switch, increasing its expression by 1.7x[3]. This supports cellular energy production, promotes cell and collagen renewal, and helps improve skin firmness and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

Zheng Chunying, Chairman and President of CHANDO Group, said, “Core ingredients are the heart of beauty in cosmetics.” He stressed that CHANDO has always prioritized in-house R&D and manufacturing. The goal is to control costs, efficiency, and supply stability — so Chinese consumers can access products that match or exceed global top-tier standards at more affordable prices. “We want to make advanced skincare technology accessible to everyone,” Zheng said.

CHANDO‘s New Rejuvenation Repairing Essence Delivers Visible Results: Up to 5 Years Younger-Looking Skin in 8 Weeks[4] Built on technological innovation and ingredient-driven beauty, CHANDO officially unveiled the seventh generation of its Rejuvenation Repairing Essence. The new serum offers comprehensive upgrades in efficacy, user experience, and packaging.

Formula Highlights:

  • Contains the world’s first HiMurchaSin® Ultra Anti-Peptide
  • Features 2x concentrated HiMurchaSin® (7 million yeast essences per drop)
  • Precisely targets PGC1α, the mitochondrial energy switch, to help restore a more youthful skin appearance
  • Blended with 99.9% L-Ergothioneine and polar probiotic extracts

Key Benefits: Firming, anti-wrinkle, brightening, and repair — all in one bottle. According to CHANDO, the formula targets fatigue-driven aging linked to modern lifestyles. Clinical claim: up to five years younger-looking skin in just eight weeks.

User Experience: The serum has a lightweight, water-like texture that absorbs quickly with no sticky residue. A subtle, calming fragrance helps reduce the sensation of stress and fatigue. The redesigned dropper and reservoir ensure every last drop gets used without waste. Every detail, from efficacy to experience, directly responds to real consumer feedback.

To validate performance, CHANDO partnered with SGS, a third-party testing organization, to conduct the 21-Day Anti-Aging Record real-user test. Participants reported visibly brighter skin, fewer fine lines, and a younger, more radiant complexion after consistent use. For those who frequently stay up late or work long hours, the seventh-generation Rejuvenation Repairing Essence is a targeted solution for fatigue-related skin concerns.

AI Performer and Celebrity Appearances Bring Energy to the Launch Event
The launch of CHANDO Rejuvenation Repairing Essence was conceived as a high-tech, immersive experience, reshaping consumer perceptions of the beauty brand. YURI, the AI-native virtual singer, opened with a science-themed stand-up routine. The virtual performer delivered a sharp, witty breakdown of skincare ingredients, offering a science-based perspective on the new serum. CHANDO’s youth brand ambassador then made a surprise appearance, interacting with the audience and sharing personal experience with the product, embodying the idea of staying energized and looking great despite a busy, stressful lifestyle. From science-led innovation to interactive storytelling, CHANDO revealed a new, more youthful side of Chinese beauty brands — bold, connected, and fun. The message to consumers: a skincare brand can be both results-driven and engaging.

With this technology-driven launch, CHANDO has demonstrated the strength and imagination of a Chinese skincare brand. By harnessing science and technology, the company aims to help consumers achieve a more effective skincare routine without changing their existing lifestyles. The seventh-generation CHANDO Rejuvenation Repairing Essence could well be a compelling solution for addressing visible skin aging in today’s fast-paced urban life.

Notes:

[1] Source: According to a report by China National Radio (CNR), a research team led by Wang Sijia at the Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, conducted a quantitative analysis of facial skin aging and related lifestyle factors using large-scale, multi-time-point data from the Chinese population.
https://apicnrapp.cnr.cn/html/share.html?id=30687118&ui=yzWva2G1DHw49wo0f/pp9haqPnZ6DIoiW2Up2eJMHi2EIHsLiC3DUMJpXyyTBwUL&action=share&type=1 

[2] 8.5x: Refers to the penetration of HiMurchaSin® Ultra Anti-Peptide being 8.5 times that of tetrapeptide-10. CHANDO R&D Center internal data.

[3] 1.7x: HiMurchaSin® Ultra Anti-Peptide increased PGC1α mRNA expression to 1.76 times the level of the control group — approximately 170% of baseline. CHANDO R&D Center internal data.

[4] “Five years younger in just eight weeks”: Based on third-party efficacy testing. Instrumental test results from 32 Chinese volunteers aged 22–50 after eight weeks of product use. Individual results may vary. 

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Wynn Honors the Top-Tier Wines of China at the 2026 Wynn Signature Chinese Wine Awards Ceremony

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Wynn reveals 36 trophy winners, hosts celebratory wine dinners and commences global promotional tour for the award-winning wines 

MACAO, April 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — With the support of the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO), the Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute of the Macao Special Administrative Region (IPIM), and the Macao Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macao SAR Government (ICM), the 2026 Wynn Signature Chinese Wine Awards ceremony was held at Wynn Palace on the evening of April 24. More than 200 wine experts, representatives from Chinese wineries, industry professionals, international media, and wine enthusiasts gathered in Macao to witness the third annual awards event, where 36 trophies were awarded to China’s top-tier wineries. This year, Amethyard Petit Manseng Sweet White Wine 2024 received the highest honor of “Best Wine of China”

All 36 “Wynn Signature Trophy” winners from the 2026 Wynn Signature Chinese Wine Awards
All 36 “Wynn Signature Trophy” winners from the 2026 Wynn Signature Chinese Wine Awards

In celebration of Wynn’s 20th anniversary milestone in Macao and to highlight the award-winning wines from this year’s competition, Wynn’s acclaimed restaurants and bars presented an unprecedented 20-hands celebratory feast for guests to discover the exceptional quality of the wines. Following the awards ceremony, Wynn will now implement an array of global promotional initiatives to build brand awareness and boost market expansion for top-tier Chinese wines on a global scale.

The awards ceremony celebrates the very best of Chinese wines

To officially launch the 2026 Wynn Signature Chinese Wine Awards, many distinguished guests gathered together for a lively opening ceremony at Wynn Palace. Ms. Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Director of the Macao Government Tourism Office; Ms. Elaine Wong, Acting President of the Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute of the Macao Special Administrative Region; Ms. Shu Huan, Chief Representative of China Council for the Promotion of International Trade in Macao; Ms. Linda Chen, President, Vice Chairman and Executive Director of Wynn Macau, Limited; Mr. Michael Weaver, Chief Communications Officer of Wynn Resorts, Limited; and Mr. Eddie McDougall, Chairman of the Wynn Signature Chinese Wine Awards officiated the opening ceremony. Prominent guests attending the opening ceremony included Mr. Yang Yi, Deputy Director of the Economic Affairs Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao Special Administrative Region; Dr. Ray Ng, Executive Chairman of The Industry and Commerce Association of Macau.

In her speech at the awards ceremony, Ms. Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Director of the Macao Government Tourism Office said: “This year’s wine competition is once again a success as leading players from China’s wine industry unite in Macao to “connect through wine”, strengthen industry exchanges, and forge new collaborations. The awards event also further elevates Macao’s global reputation as a “Creative City of Gastronomy”. The Macao Government Tourism Office welcomes the efforts of industry partners to proactively organize diverse events, develop innovative tourism products and services, and offer diverse travel experiences as they expand into overseas markets.”

Ms. Linda Chen, President, Vice Chairman and Executive Director of Wynn Macau, Limited said, “Since its debut in 2024, the Wynn Signature Chinese Wine Awards has upheld the visionary principle of ‘International Standards, Chinese Ingenuity’ to align China’s diverse wine terroirs with global culinary and wine evaluation standards in accordance with the Macao SAR Government’s development strategy under the national 15th Five-Year Plan. The Awards helps bring the Chinese gastronomy and beverages to a global stage and injects new momentum into Macao’s moderate economic diversification and sustainable development. Moving forward, Wynn will continue to leverage Macao as a window to deepen international exchanges and bridging China to the world, while placing a strong emphasis on understanding and implementing the General Secretary’s strategic blueprint for the development of the service sector. Through these targeted efforts, we will unlock the potential and upgrade the quality of more ‘China Services’ brands, elevate the global competitiveness of the service sector, and continuously improve the public’s sense of fulfilment. We look forward to powering the future of China’s service industry by driving greater awareness around China’s diverse cultures and industries across the world, setting the stage for Hong Kong and Macao to be a ‘window to the world’ for all of China, and collaborating with more Chinese brands to shine on the global stage.”

International judging panel conducted rigorous blind tastings to evaluate the best of Chinese wine

This year’s judging panel comprised 23 of the world’s leading wine authorities, including 11 Masters of Wine (MW), 2 Master Sommeliers (MS), one industry expert with dual MW and MS certifications, as well as industry professionals from around the world including renowned winemakers, educators, wine buyers, and media professionals.

The panel evaluated more than 800 wines from approximately 180 Chinese wineries. All wines were assessed through blind tastings using the internationally recognized 100-point system. Medals have been awarded to wines based on a tiered scoring system: Bronze (85-89 points), Silver (90-94 points), and Gold (95-100 points). All of the gold medal winners in the competition competed for 36 trophies including the highly coveted “Best Wine of China Trophy”; trophies for wines across three divisions: “Wynn Signature Trophies”, “Varietals Champion Trophies” and “Regional Champion Trophies”; as well as trophies for the winners of the “Wynn Sommelier’s Choice” and “Best Young Winemaker” categories. 

The awards shine a light on stand-out wine producers and the diversity of Chinese wine

After a week of intensive judging, the award-winning wines of 2026 span across many wine-producing regions, showcasing the rich diversity of Chinese wines in terms of varietal expression, stylistic innovation, and nuanced interpretation of terroir. Several stand-out awards this year are:

  • Amethyard Petit Manseng Sweet White Wine 2024: This Hebei white wine garnered the highest title of “Best Wine of China” as well as two more trophies: “Best of North China” and “Best Sweet Wine”
  • He Lan Hong Dry Red Wine 2019: This red wine from Ningxia scooped four trophies this year: “Best of Ningxia”, “Best Red Blends”, “Best Value Wine” and “Best Cabernet Sauvignon Blends”
  • Shangri-La Sacred Land Red Wine 2019: This red wine from Yunnan earned three trophies: “Best Red Wine”, “Best Cabernet Sauvignon” and “Best of Southwest High Mountain Area”
  • Li Guojun, winemaker atSacred Snow Mountain Winery: Mr. Li earned the “Best Young Winemaker” award this year for his exceptional winemaking skills and for opening a new chapter in the craftsmanship of Chinese wine

The complete list of the 2026 Wynn Signature Chinese Wine Awards trophy winners
The complete list of the 2026 Wynn Signature Chinese Wine Awards trophy winners

In celebration of 20 years, Wynn hosted a 20-hands celebratory feast, a Chinese wine forum and a walkaround tasting event

In a special tribute to this year’s competition and Wynn’s 20th anniversary in Macao, 10 of Wynn’s culinary masters hosted a 20-hands celebratory feast at the awards ceremony. Executive Chef Tam Kwok Fung of Chef Tam’s Seasons, Executive Chef Hironori Maeda of Mizumi, Executive Chef Kevin Zhu of Lakeview Palace, Executive Chef Helder Sequeira Amaral of SW Steakhouse, Executive Chef Marco Pacetta of Sole e Mare at Fontana from Wynn Palace; Executive Chef Chan Tak Kwong of Wing Lei and Executive Chef Henry Zhang of Drunken Fish from Wynn Macau; Mark Lloyd, Director of Bars at Wynn Macau and Wynn Palace, as well as Executive Pastry Chef Cyril Dupuis and Master Pastry Artist Bob Tay, all partnered to present exceptional dishes paired with award-winning wines selected from “Wynn Sommelier’s Choice”.

After the awards ceremony, Xing Wei MW – the competition’s panel chair and a next-generation Master of Wine in China – moderated a forum titled: “Wynn Signature Dialogue: Beyond the Awards – Charting the Future” on April 25. Representatives from several award-winning wineries discussed the long-term development of the industry. The Gold Medal winners also gathered with industry professionals and wine enthusiasts for a walkaround tasting event to savor the diverse flavor profiles of Chinese wines in a relaxed ambience.

On the same evening, Chef Tam’s Seasons, famed for its Cantonese cuisine and Lakeview Palace, renowned for its modern take on Jiangnan dishes each hosted wine dinners to showcase the diverse flavor profiles of the award-winning wines paired with thoughtfully curated dishes.

Post-event global promotions: Macao brings Chinese wines to the world

Upholding its mission to accelerate the globalization of the Chinese wine industry, the Wynn Signature Chinese Wine Awards will continue to leverage Wynn’s extensive global network as well as the expertise of world-renowned wine judges to spread brand awareness and boost market expansion, paving the way for a more robust future for Chinese wines in the global marketplace.

This year, even more award-winning wines will feature on the wine lists of Wynn’s signature restaurants and bars. They will also be presented at Wynn’s diverse themed dining events, including wine tastings, themed wine dinners, as well as food and wine pairing events to boost the brand visibility of Chinese wines through immersive experiences. This year’s promotional events will also expand beyond Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Singapore, venturing to new destinations in China and around the world. The aim is to build even greater ties between top-tier Chinese wines and the international wine industry, while also showcasing China’s remarkably diverse wine terroirs on a global scale.

For more information on this year’s winners and the global promotional events for the 2026 Wynn Signature Chinese Wine Awards, please visit the official Wynn website.

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Airline CEO sparks backlash after revealing what’s really driving sky-high ticket prices

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Air travelers hoping for some relief on soaring ticket prices may not get it anytime soon — even if fuel costs drop, according to reports.

One airline CEO in particular is facing backlash after suggesting the company may not lower the high fares even if oil prices stabilize, comments that quickly sparked anger among travelers online.

During an earnings call earlier this month, Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian indicated the airline would “retain any of the pricing strength” gained amid the current environment, even if fuel prices decline. 

He added that lower fuel costs would “help us boost our margins this year and clearly into next year,” according to multiple reports.

HIGHER FARES COULD SLAM FLIGHT PASSENGERS TO POPULAR REGION AS AIRLINES SHIFT COSTS: ‘NOT A FAN’

He also said “it’s hard to call anything temporary” given the current fuel levels, The Guardian reported.

Ed Bastian smiling during a keynote at CES 2020 in Las Vegas

Delta CEO Ed Bastian is facing backlash over comments suggesting fares may not drop even if fuel costs ease. (Bridget Bennett/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

The ongoing war in Iran has disrupted a key global oil supply route, spiking airfare in recent weeks. About 20% of the world’s oil usually passes through the Strait of Hormuz, which is now under a U.S. naval blockade that has sharply reduced ship traffic, making it a key factor driving up airline fuel costs, according to industry reporting.

Analysts say some airline carriers have already tacked fuel surcharges onto longer routes, while others have raised baggage fees to offset rising expenses.

FLIGHT PASSENGERS WARN NEW BOARDING OVERHAUL COULD TRIGGER MORE CHAOS AT THE GATE

Delta alone expects its fuel bill to jump by about $2 billion this quarter after jet fuel prices have spiked dramatically since late February, according to CNBC.

Delta Airlines Airbus A350-900 taxiing on runway at Milan Malpensa airport

Rising jet fuel costs tied to the Iran conflict are pushing airlines to increase fares and fees. (iStock)

But Bastian’s remarks about what happens next quickly sparked outrage across social media.

“Delta CEO saying the quiet part out loud,” one widely shared post on X said, accusing the airline of using the crisis to permanently raise prices.

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Others were more blunt.

“If you give them an inch, they will rob you,” one commenter wrote.

Travelers waiting in line at a Delta Airlines counter at Ronald Reagan National Airport

Strong travel demand is helping airlines maintain higher ticket prices despite rising costs. (Ting Shen/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Another user criticized the broader airline industry, writing that companies “never miss a chance to price gouge,” while others pointed to past government bailouts and consolidation among major carriers.

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The backlash comes as airlines navigate high travel demand paired with volatile costs.

Despite higher fares, Delta says bookings remain strong, with demand — particularly for premium seats — continuing to rise, according to CNBC.

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Fox News Digital reached out to Delta for comment.

Passengers presenting boarding passes to a gate agent at Denver International Airport

Passengers present their boarding passes to a gate agent as they board a United Airlines plane at Denver International Airport in Denver, Colo. (Robert Alexander/Getty Images)

The airline, however, is not the only one warning of steep fare hikes.

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United Airlines said it is raising ticket prices by as much as 20% to offset soaring jet fuel costs tied to the Iran war, with executives noting customers are already booking future travel at significantly higher prices, FOX Business reported this week.

CEO Scott Kirby said the airline aims to “recover 100%” of increased fuel costs, while other executives indicated fares may need to stay elevated and could become more permanent if high fuel prices persist.

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139th Canton Fair: Creativity and Innovation Sparks New Possibilities in Gifts & Decorations Category

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GUANGZHOU, China, April 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Phase 2 of the 139th Canton Fair is spotlighting a new generation of creativity in the Gifts & Decorations category, where exhibitors are blending craftsmanship, technology, sustainability, and cultural storytelling to redefine modern gifting and home décor.

A standout theme this session is the transformation of historical icons into functional, everyday objects. Designers have reimagined the famous Changxin Palace Lamp from the Han Dynasty as a contemporary accessory, bridging a 2,000-year cultural gap. Similarly, the Tile Cat Security Monitor cleverly integrates high-definition surveillance lenses into the mouth of a traditional folk mascot from Yunnan. By softening traditional motifs into adorable cartoon forms, exhibitors are giving advanced home security a warmer, more human touch.

Environmental responsibility remains a primary driver for product evolution. New modular eyewear systems feature a patented “quick-release” hinge that allows users to swap temples without replacing the entire frame. This not only offers endless style customization but also extends the product’s lifespan. Furthermore, these frames utilize GRS-certified recycled materials, reducing carbon emissions by up to 30% and supporting global circular economy goals.

The integration of smart technology into traditional materials has given rise to new products. The world’s first Solid Wood Wi-Fi Photo Frame combines the warm, organic texture of real wood with cloud-based connectivity. This allows family members to share photos remotely in real-time, transforming a classic decorative item into a modern communication hub that maintains a high-end, premium aesthetic.

For the global commuter and traveling family, efficiency is key. This session introduces ergonomic 30oz vacuum-insulated tumblers featuring patented “dual-drinking” lids that switch between straw and direct-sip modes with a simple twist. For younger travelers, a multi-functional children’s suitcase doubles as an ergonomic seat with a fold-out backrest—specifically designed to meet airline carry-on standards while providing a safe resting spot for children during transit.

At the 139th Canton Fair, these innovations reflect the evolving direction of China’s gift and décor industry, where sustainability, cultural expression, and user‑centered design converge to shape the next generation of meaningful, modern products.

For pre-registration, please click: https://buyer.cantonfair.org.cn/register/buyer/email?source_type=16


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