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Agoda Names Chiang Mai Asia’s Premier Culinary Destination

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SINGAPORE, April 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Digital travel platform Agoda has revealed that Chiang Mai has emerged as the top destination in Asia for culinary activities, based on activities booked on Agoda from January to March this year. For travelers eager to explore cooking classes, Bangkok, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City, and Hanoi round out the top five, underscoring the appeal of Thailand and Vietnam as culinary hubs in Asia.

It’s clear that food-forward activities are increasingly driving travel decisions. Agoda’s 2026 Travel Outlook Report highlights that culinary experiences have climbed into the top three motivators for Asian travelers, jumping from sixth place last year. Cooking classes, in particular, offer a unique way to immerse oneself in a destination’s culture, providing hands-on experiences that bring local traditions and flavors to life.

Here are the top five destinations for culinary enthusiasts, as identified by Agoda:

1. Chiang Mai, Thailand

Travelerscan engage in a hands-on culinary course in a local home and learn about traditional Thai ingredients through a guided tour of an organic farm. Before cooking, select fresh eggs or learn a unique coconut scraping technique. Travelers can discover authentic northern Thai specialties such as Khao Soi (coconut curry noodles) and Kaeng Hang Lei (ginger-tamarind pork curry).

2. Bangkok, Thailand

In the bustling district of Silom, travelers can participate in cooking classes led by expert instructors. These sessions include market visits to select fresh ingredients and lessons on preparing iconic dishes such as Tom Yum, Pad Thai, and various curries. Each day of the week features a different set menu, allowing participants to explore a wide range of Thai flavors and take-home recipes to recreate their favorite dishes.

3. Hoi An, Vietnam

Hoi An offers an exciting blend of cultural and culinary experiences for the food-lover and adventurer alike. At Cam Thanh coconut water village, travelers can enjoy a basket boat ride through the Bay Mau Nipa forest and discover traditional crab fishing methods. The experience provides a unique glimpse into the countryside and daily life of central Vietnam, with opportunities to master Vietnamese cuisine under the guidance of skilled local chefs.

4. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

In the heart of the city, travelers can partake in a 3-course cooking class to prepare classic Vietnamese dishes, each menu carefully curated to highlight the unique flavors and cultural heritage of Vietnam. Those that prefer a specialty drink can opt for the egg coffee class, celebrating Vietnam’s renowned coffee culture. Travelers can also take a day trip to the Mekong Delta to explore local villages and sample regional specialties, including a workshop to learn how to make coconut candies.

5. Hanoi, Vietnam

Participants will prepare dishes like Pho bo (beef noodle soup), Bun cha (grilled pork with vermicelli), and Nem ran (fried spring rolls), enjoying their creations alongside classmates and sampling local rice wine. The experience includes a cookbook and certificate, allowing travelers to take home a piece of Hanoi’s culinary heritage.

Krishna Rathi, Associate Vice President at Agoda, shared, “Culinary experiences are a gateway to understanding a culture, and at Agoda, we are thrilled to connect travelers with these enriching opportunities. In Asia, Thailand and Vietnam stand out as culinary hubs, with rich flavors and an exciting selection of immersive experiences to choose from. Agoda makes it easy to book a wide range of activities alongside flights and accommodations for a seamless connected trip.” 

Travelers seeking unique experiences can browse over 300,000 activities, along with more than 6 million holiday properties and over 130,000 flight routes, all of which can be combined in the same booking. Discover the best deals on Agoda’s mobile app or visit Agoda.com for more.

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For cruise lines, Iran conflict and oil prices threaten to dent profits

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The Carnival Miracle cruise ship is anchored of the Big Island of Hawaii on Jan. 14, 2024.

Kevin Carter | Getty Images

The global cruise industry is reporting record demand and renewed consumer enthusiasm, but the leaders helming the world’s largest cruise companies say the sector is also facing some of the most complex challenges it has seen in decades.

“We are not an alternative vacation anymore. We are a vacation,” Carnival Corp. CEO Josh Weinstein said during a keynote panel Tuesday at Seatrade Global, a cruise industry conference.

As demand rises, passengers are getting younger; one-third of cruise travelers are now under 40, according to the 2026 State of the Cruise Industry report released by Cruise Lines International Association, or CLIA. One-third of trips are multigenerational, often families traveling together. And nearly a third of cruisers take vacations by ship multiple times a year, according to the report.

The cruise industry hosted 37 million passengers worldwide last year and anticipates reaching 42 million annually by 2029, CLIA found.

“That mainstream demand sets us up very well for volatility,” Weinstein said.

A resilient business in an uncertain world

At least six cruise ships remain stranded in the Persian Gulf by the impasse at the Strait of Hormuz. One of them is the MSC Euribia.

Though roughly 1,500 passengers were safely evacuated amid Dubai airport shutdowns and missile warnings after the U.S. and Israel launched an attack on Iran in late February, there are still some crew on board to maintain the vessel.

“Obviously, we live day by day. The situation is very fluid,” said MSC Cruises Executive Chairman Pierfrancesco Vago during the Seatrade Global keynote.

Already, the shutdown of marine traffic in the Strait has disrupted itineraries in the Middle East and southern Europe. Threats of blockades, mines on the sea floor and on-again, off-again negotiations are keeping cruise executives guessing about when they can move their ships.

“Morning is one thing, lunchtime is another, dinner is another again,” Vago said of the numerous and often conflicting announcements from government leaders. “We need to stay cool and actually be ready to move out as soon as the possibility and opportunity comes back.”

Despite these challenges, cruise executives argue the industry has never been better positioned to absorb shocks.

“Every crisis we’ve faced — financial, geopolitical or health-related — we adapted,” Carnival’s Weinstein said. “There’s no reason to believe it will be different this time.”

Fuel costs, sustainability and the push to use less

Fuel price volatility has once again put energy strategy front and center for the cruise industry, particularly for Carnival, which does not hedge fuel prices.

“Nobody asks us about hedging when prices are low,” Weinstein said. “But our strategy has been consistent: use less fuel.” 

The cruise industry aims to have net-zero emissions by 2050, but CEOs agree that they can’t achieve that goal solely by conserving fuel.

Industry leaders see biofuels, green methanol and synthetic liquid natural gas (produced by combining captured carbon with hydrogen) as the most promising solutions to meet their fuel needs.

Fincantieri CEO Pierroberto Folgiero on ship building in America

Royal Caribbean Group CEO Jason Liberty said cruise lines are already investing hundreds of millions of dollars annually in technology and energy innovation, but availability of alternative fuels remains the bottleneck.

“It’s not about what we want to use,” Liberty said. “It’s about what’s scalable and available.” 

“We’re going to have heavy competition with other sectors for those fuels as well. There’s no guarantee we get them,” added Bud Darr, CLIA’s president and CEO.

Tail winds for growth

Even as the industry navigates choppy seas, cruise companies are looking for their next avenues for growth.

Technological advances in artificial intelligence are being used to reduce food waste, plot routes and itineraries and increase efficiency. Cruise line executives say the most important application is to reduce friction in the guest experience.

“A more flexible work environment has been a big demand driver for us,” Liberty said. Most Royal Caribbean ships now host a Starlink connection for fast internet aboard.

Private destinations, the exclusive ports or islands owned or controlled by a cruise line, continue to be a priority for investment. Royal Caribbean, for instance, currently has three private destinations on its itineraries but will have eight by 2028.

It’s developing a major land-based hub in Puerto Williams, Chile, to reduce or eliminate the amount of time passengers to Antarctica have to spend transiting the punishing seas of the Drake Passage.

And the luxury segment, though a small percentage of the overall industry, is growing rapidly. Customers are increasingly interested in exploring health, wellness and longevity — and those trends are showing up in their vacation habits, too.

Smaller ships and river cruising accommodate specialized interests in ecotourism, off-the-beaten-path locales — those not yet discovered by social media influencers — and culinary or art aficionados.

Social media driven demand in tourism has also sparked backlash from some destinations overwhelmed by the crowds. The cruise industry is working with destinations on what it calls managed, predictable tourism.

Vago said MSC worked with Dubrovnik, Croatia, for example, to coordinate the flow of visitors to the medieval town, which wants the tourism spending but without destruction of quality of life for residents.

“Many of these coastal communities actually appreciate that. We plan in advance. We create itineraries three years in advance,” Vago said.

“The strength of this industry is its ability to evolve without losing its soul,” Liberty said. “That soul is hospitality.”

Leadership change and fresh perspective

At Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, the challenge for new CEO John Chidsey is righting the ship.

In his first earnings call, just days after he took the helm in February, Chidsey acknowledged the company had committed numerous missteps.

Margins are under pressure. Shares have been volatile. Critics have questioned a push to expand cruise itineraries in the Caribbean before Norwegian’s private island destination was completed.

Earlier this year, Elliott Investment Management took an activist stake in Norwegian, which may have provided impetus for the board to make a leadership change.

Chidsey told CNBC that Elliott’s goals align with his own and that he intends to create a culture of accountability and urgency where teams are working together rather than separated into silos.

New Norwegian Cruise Line CEO John Chidsey on taking the helm

The Seatrade conference was a cruise industry debut for Chidsey, formerly the CEO of Subway, Burger King and Avis.

When asked what a “sandwich guy knows about cruising,” Chidsey didn’t miss a beat, insisting he’s a “turnaround guy not a sandwich guy.”

“I knew nothing about fast food when I went there. I think having a fresh set of eyes is really what Norwegian needs,” he said. “And it’s all about execution.”

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Shanghai’s INS LAND Crowned China’s Best Club in DJ Mag’s Top 100, Ranks #3 in Asia and #12 Worldwide

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SHANGHAI, April 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — INS Land, a multi-story nightlife and entertainment complex in the heart of Shanghai, ranks No.12 in the 2026 Top 100 Clubs poll by DJ Mag. The achievement marks the highest ranking by a Chinese club and positions INS Land as the third highest-ranked venue in Asia in 2026.

INS Land ranks No.12 in DJ Mag's Top 100 Clubs 2026, claiming the title of China's best club and ranking #3 in Asia.
INS Land ranks No.12 in DJ Mag’s Top 100 Clubs 2026, claiming the title of China’s best club and ranking #3 in Asia.

In its debut year on the list, INS Land is Asia’s highest new entrant—a sign of its rapid global rise and second worldwide. The annual ranking, publicly voted by electronic music fans worldwide, is widely regarded as a key benchmark in global nightlife culture.

“This is an incredible achievement for our venue for China’s entertainment industry,” said Leo Liu, the Partner and Head of Global Business at INS Land.

 “As our first year participating, we are proud to stand alongside some of the world’s most established clubs. INS Land is more than a party destination—it has become a cultural landmark in Shanghai. We continuously reinvent the space with new concepts, and last November, it was the afterparty for Tomorrowland’s first China show.”

“As we celebrate our third year, we look ahead to updating the space with new concepts and expanding across Asia. Together with our partner Hero Esports, we aim to bring innovative and immersive experiences to audiences in China and beyond,” said Leo Liu.

Approaching its third anniversary on June 16, INS Land has redefined nightlife with its ‘club cluster’ concept. The venue brings together nine distinct clubs within a single building, each dedicated to different music genres and immersive environments. From electronic and hip-hop to live performances, the space offers a dynamic experience under one roof.

Beyond nightlife, INS Land has become a cultural landmark, integrating music, design, dining, and social experiences. The venue also played a destination for major esports launch events like the Hero Esports’ Asian Champions League and the official afterparty destination for Tomorrowland’s first edition in China. These partnerships further highlight INS Land’s global cultural connections and dedication to bringing exciting global concepts to China.

INS Land, together with its partners at Hero Esports—Asia’s largest esports organization—continues to expand  entertainment and youth culture.

Looking forward, INS Land plans to accelerate its expansion, launching sister venues in major Asian cities while continuing to push the boundaries of next-generation entertainment experiences.

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Datasea Inc. (NASDAQ: DTSS) Advances International Commercialization of Acoustic + AI Wellness Care Robots and Prepares U.S. Launch of Acoustic Disinfection Products

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Based on preliminary internal assessments, these initiatives may contribute approximately $10 million in incremental revenue in the next fiscal year, subject to execution and market conditions

BEIJING, April 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Datasea Inc. (NASDAQ: DTSS) (“Datasea” or the “Company”), a technology company specializing in acoustic high-tech innovation and AI-driven multimodal digitalization, today announced continued progress in the international commercialization of its acoustic technology-enabled head-focused health and wellness care robot business, alongside preparations for the U.S. market launch of its acoustic disinfection product line.

Building on previously disclosed developments, Datasea is advancing the commercialization of its wellness care robot solutions across China, broader international markets, and the United States through collaboration with strategic partners. In China, related products and services have been deployed in more than 50 cities across approximately 300 service locations. Internationally, the Company has established market cooperation in multiple Asian markets, including South Korea, Hong Kong SAR, Taiwan region, Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia. In the United States, Datasea has initiated early-stage commercial rollout activities, including pilot deployments and customer engagements in Boston, New Jersey, Los Angeles, and Phoenix. These developments reflect the Company’s efforts to establish a scalable commercialization pathway for its acoustic technology-enabled wellness solutions across multiple geographic markets.

In parallel, Datasea announced that its acoustic disinfection products, including its Smart Air Sterilizer, have completed overseas testing and certification procedures and are now preparing for commercial launch in the United States. As disclosed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2025, the Company plans to advance U.S. market sales of these products through Datasea Acoustics LLC, its wholly owned Delaware subsidiary.

The Smart Air Sterilizer is designed for air disinfection and environmental hygiene applications, supporting pathogen reduction and improved air quality in both household and commercial settings. The product is intended for use across a range of environments, including homes, healthcare-related settings, hotels, airports, schools, and other public spaces. The Company believes that the combination of its acoustic technology capabilities, smart-environment application potential, and adaptability across multiple usage scenarios may provide a differentiated value proposition as it prepares for U.S. market entry.

The Company’s commercialization approach is centered on proprietary products and intellectual property, acoustic technology-enabled solutions, and scalable deployment across healthcare, wellness, beauty service, and consumer care environments. Datasea believes that, as market access and customer adoption continue to expand, this model may support multiple revenue streams, including hardware product sales, technical service fees, solution integration revenues, and recurring service-based revenues associated with deployed terminals and operating scenarios. The Company believes that the parallel advancement of its wellness care robot business and acoustic disinfection product line further demonstrates the expanding commercial applicability of its acoustic technology platform, and that these two product and solution lines may serve as complementary components of its broader acoustic high-tech commercialization strategy across the United States and international markets.

Based on preliminary internal assessments, the Company believes that, if current commercialization initiatives progress as expected, these businesses may have the potential to contribute up to approximately $10 million in incremental revenue in the next fiscal year. Such estimates are based on current internal expectations and are subject to significant uncertainties, including the pace of market adoption, execution progress, customer demand, channel performance, regulatory considerations, and other factors. There can be no assurance that such results will be achieved.

Ms. Zhixin Liu, Chief Executive Officer of Datasea Inc., commented:

“We believe the continued expansion of our acoustic technology-enabled wellness care robot business across China, international markets, and the United States, together with the planned U.S. launch of our acoustic disinfection products following overseas testing and certification, represents meaningful progress in the commercialization of our acoustic technology platform.

By advancing multiple product and solution lines in parallel, we are establishing a broader commercial foundation for our acoustic high-tech business across healthcare, wellness management, intelligent service, and environmental hygiene applications. We remain focused on disciplined execution and market rollout as we continue to expand our presence across domestic and international markets.

Based on our preliminary internal assessments, we believe these initiatives may create an incremental revenue opportunity of approximately $10 million in the next fiscal year, although actual results will depend on market adoption, execution progress, and overall operating conditions.”

The Company notes that both the expansion of its wellness care robot business and the U.S. commercialization of its acoustic disinfection products remain subject to execution progress, market conditions, and other uncertainties, and there can be no assurance regarding the timing, scale, or financial impact of these initiatives.

For additional information regarding the Company’s financial results and operations, please refer to the Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

About Datasea Inc.

Datasea Inc. (“Datasea”) is a leading provider of products, services, and solutions for enterprise and retail customers in two innovative industries, acoustic high tech and 5G-AI multimodal digitalization. The Company’s advanced R&D technology serves as the core infrastructure and backbone for its products. Its 5G multimodal digital segment operates on a cloud platform based on AI. Datasea leverages cutting-edge technologies, precision manufacturing, and ultrasonic, infrasound and directional sound technology in its acoustics business to combat viruses and prevent human infections, and it is also developing applications in medical ultrasonic cosmetology. In July 2023, Datasea established a wholly-owned subsidiary, Datasea Acoustics LLC, in Delaware, in a strategic move to enter the U.S. markets and to mark its global expansion plan. For additional information, please visit www.dataseainc.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will”, “expects”, “anticipates”, “future”, “intends”, “plans”, “believes”, “estimates”, “target”, “going forward”, “outlook,” “objective” and similar terms. Such statements are based upon management’s current expectations and current market and operating conditions, and relate to events that involve known or unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, all of which are difficult to predict and which are beyond Datasea’s control, which may cause Datasea’s actual results, performance or achievements (including the RMB/USD value of its anticipated benefit to Datasea as described herein) to differ materially and in an adverse manner from anticipated results contained or implied in the forward-looking statements. Further information regarding these and other risks, uncertainties or factors is included in Datasea’s filings with the SEC, which are available at www.sec.gov. Datasea does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under law.

Investor and Media Contact: 

Datasea Investor Relations
Email: investorrelations@shuhaixinxi.com 
sunhezhi@shuhaixinxi.com 

Precept Investor Relations LLC

David Rudnick
+1 646-694-8538
david.rudnick@preceptir.com

Source: Datasea Inc.

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Fremantle veteran Jaeger O’Meara suffers multiple facial fractures after incident at training

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Fremantle midfielder Jaeger O’Meara is facing a stint on the sidelines after suffering multiple facial fractures following an incident at training.

The 32-year-old was helped from the the Dockers’ training facility on Wednesday morning after copping a knock to the face, and was sent for scans later that day.

It’s a frustrating blow for the veteran on-baller, who had returned from a hamstring injury only three weeks ago.

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Fremantle footy boss Joe Brierty said the club is yet to determine a timeline for O’Meara’s recovery.

“Unfortunately, this was one of those innocuous incidents at training and you feel for Jaeger who’s such a professional,” Brierty said.

“He’s a popular and valued leader at Fremantle and we’ll put all the support he needs around him while he recovers.

“Our medical team will now consult with the appropriate specialists to consider if surgery is necessary and we will then set the appropriate return to play timelines.”

O’Meara was a solid contributor in Fremantle’s thrilling six-point win over Collingwood at a rain-soaked Adelaide Oval last Friday night, collecting 21 disposals.

He will miss Fremantle’s derby against West Coast on Sunday night.

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Sistine Chapel Masterpieces Come to Life in Groundbreaking Immersive Exhibition in Sydney

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One of the world’s most extraordinary artistic achievements is set to be experienced in a completely new way, as Sistine Chapel: Revelations – An Immersive Exhibition prepares to open in Sydney.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – 16th May – 19th July

SYDNEY, April 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Developed by the Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney with the express permission and support of the Vatican, the exhibition brings together immersive technology, large-scale projection, and spatial storytelling, enabling audiences to experience the beauty of the Sistine Chapel like never before.

Sistine Chapel Revelations
Sistine Chapel Revelations

Created for a broad audience—including art and culture lovers, families, students, tourists, and the spiritually curious—it seeks to bring to life the iconic works of Michelangelo and other Renaissance masters through a guided encounter with the story and symbolism behind the art.

This exhibition offers a rare opportunity to encounter one of the greatest treasures of Western civilisation in a new way. “This is about giving people the chance to experience one of the great works of human genius in a way that feels intimate and alive,” said Juliette Khoury, Archdiocesan Project Lead. “The Sistine Chapel is more than a masterpiece; it is a place where art, story, and the sacred meet. This exhibition invites people to step into that encounter.”

The Sydney opening marks the beginning of a global journey for the exhibition, with the potential to reach international audiences in the years ahead.

Visitors will be guided through the narrative that adorns the ceiling and walls, from Creation to the Fall, from Redemption to Judgement, illuminating the meaning behind the imagery and its enduring relevance today.

Sistine Chapel: Revelations is expected to be one of Sydney’s most significant cultural events in recent years, offering an experience that bridges art, faith, technology, and history in a way rarely seen at this scale. It will stand alongside leading immersive experiences worldwide, the likes of the recent Van Gogh exhibitions, Japan’s teamLab, and the United States’ Meow Wolf.

The exhibition runs from 16 May to 19 July at the forecourt of St Mary’s Cathedral, Sydney, housed in a custom-built truss structure that captures the breathtaking proportions of the Sistine Chapel.

For more information, please visit https://sistinechapelsydney.com.au/?utm_source=Pi&utm_medium=Newswire&utm_campaign=awareness&utm_id=Sistenechapelsydney&utm_term=masterpieces&utm_content=prarticle

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Dangerous water warnings hit trendy vacation spot after powerful storm pounds area

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Hawaii health officials have issued multiple brown water advisories across the islands as the state deals with the aftermath of a Kona Low storm.

The storm moved through the islands earlier last week, bringing heavy rainfall and runoff that has kept coastal waters contaminated in several areas, the Hawaii Department of Health Clean Water Branch said. 

Officials say the advisories are layered on top of lingering impacts from an already wet March.

COAST GUARD RESCUES STRANDED FAMILY FOR DAYS IN PACIFIC AFTER BOAT FAILURE SETS THEM ADRIFT

This was the third Kona Low storm in a month, Fox Weather reported.

Advisories remain in place across several islands, including an island-wide warning on Kaua‘i and multiple affected areas on O‘ahu, Maui and the Big Island, the department says.

Visitors playing on Waikiki Beach in Honolulu with waves and cloudy sky

The state of Hawaii issued brown water advisories after storm runoff contaminated coastal waters. (Eugene Tanner/AFP)

The warnings come as visitors continue to arrive in Hawaii during the spring travel season, when beaches are a major draw for tourists.

Health officials warn that brown water conditions can pose serious risks to swimmers and surfers.

FAMOUS VOLCANO BLASTS LAVA 1,000 FEET HIGH, TRIGGERING EMERGENCY CLOSURES AT NATIONAL PARK

“If the water is brown, turn around,” the department said.

Runoff from heavy rain can carry sewage, pesticides and animal waste into the ocean, increasing the risk of exposure to bacteria such as E. coli and salmonella.

“If the water is brown, turn around.”

Storm conditions can also wash debris into coastal waters, while murky conditions may attract marine life, including sharks.

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Officials recommend staying out of the ocean for at least 48 to 72 hours after rainfall ends, though that timeline may be extended due to continued unsettled weather and saturated ground conditions.

Aerial view of brown water at Laniakea beach in Haleiwa, Hawaii

Heavy rain runoff can wash sewage, chemicals and animal waste into the ocean — raising the risk of bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella. (Stephen Lam/San Francisco Chronicle)

With recent heavy rainfall, conditions may remain unsafe as runoff continues to affect coastal waters, according to Fox Weather.

Authorities advise avoiding the water if it appears brown or murky, even if advisories are lifted.

Officials say travelers should monitor local updates, as advisories are lifted on a beach-by-beach basis once water quality improves.

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The advisories come as Hawaii recovers from severe flooding caused by back-to-back Kona Low storm systems that drenched the state in recent weeks. The storms triggered evacuations across parts of O‘ahu, where residents were forced from their homes amid rising floodwaters.

Some travelers expressed frustration on social media over the advisories, particularly those visiting affected areas during their trips.

Volunteers loading debris and damaged household items onto a truck in Waialua Hawaii

Volunteers load debris and damaged household items onto a truck during cleanup efforts following flooding on March 24, 2026, in Waialua, Hawaii.  (Mengshin Lin/AP)

“We are staying in Kīhei, a little bummed,” one user wrote on Reddit. “I hope the storm passes quickly.”

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Others turned to locals for guidance, asking whether it was safe to enter the water under current conditions.

Many residents strongly advised against it, warning the risks can be serious even if conditions appear calm.

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“Local, and I am absolutely not going in the water,” one user wrote.

Never swim in storm water,” another added.

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Telix Doses First Patient in Phase 3 IPAX-BrIGHT Trial of TLX101-Tx for Recurrent Glioblastoma

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MELBOURNE, Australia and INDIANAPOLIS, April 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Telix Pharmaceuticals Limited (ASX: TLX, NASDAQ: TLX, “Telix”) today announces that the first patient has been dosed with TLX101-Tx (¹³¹I-iodofalan) in Telix’s pivotal IPAX BrIGHT trial[1], marking the first radiopharmaceutical therapy to enter Phase 3 development for glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer.

The patient was dosed at Austin Health in Melbourne, Australia, under the supervision of Professor Hui Gan. IPAX BrIGHT is assessing the safety and efficacy of TLX101-Tx in combination with chemotherapy (lomustine), compared to chemotherapy alone. The global, multicenter, open-label study will enroll patients with radiographically confirmed recurrent glioblastoma at first recurrence.

Telix’s commitment to advancing care for patients with glioblastoma is driven by the significant unmet need in this space. In the past 25 years, only two drugs have been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for glioblastoma[2], and no standard treatment currently exists for recurrent disease. Patients therefore face limited treatment options after initial therapy. TLX101-Tx offers a novel approach by targeting the L-type amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1), a transporter that enables the radiopharmaceutical to cross the blood-brain barrier and delivers therapy directly to the tumor.

IPAX BrIGHT expands upon promising data from earlier trials in the recurrent glioblastoma setting, including IPAX-1[3], which reported a median overall survival (OS) of 13 months from the initiation of treatment with TLX101-Tx, or 23 months from initial diagnosis[4]. Preliminary results from the IPAX-Linz investigator-initiated trial of TLX101-Tx were consistent and confirmatory to IPAX-1, with a median OS of 12.4 months from initiation of treatment and 32.2 months from initial diagnosis[5]. Beyond the clinical trial setting, an early access program for TLX101-Tx in Europe has dosed 18 patients at first recurrence or later, further establishing the clinical utility of TLX101-Tx.

Professor Gan, Director of Cancer Clinical Trials at Austin Health, said, “Based on the prior safety profile and early efficacy data for TLX101-Tx in the IPAX-1 and IPAX-Linz studies, I am pleased to continue to explore this therapeutic modality in the first radiopharmaceutical pivotal trial in recurrent glioblastoma, where there are currently few effective treatment options.”

Dr. David N. Cade, Group Chief Medical Officer, Telix, added, “Through the IPAX BrIGHT trial, we aim to offer a new option for patients affected by glioblastoma. This registration-enabling study represents a major step forward in our mission to improve therapeutic options in neuro-oncology. With very limited innovation in treatment in recent decades, TLX101-Tx has the potential to become a first-in-class therapy that meaningfully improves patient outcomes.”

The IPAX BrIGHT study has received regulatory approval in Australia, Austria, Belgium and the Netherlands with approval being sought in additional jurisdictions. Telix’s investigational PET[6] imaging agent for glioma, TLX101-Px (floretyrosine F 18) will be used for patient selection in IPAX BrIGHT, as well as assessing metabolic tumor response according to PET RANO 1.0[7].

About TLX101-Tx

TLX101-Tx (131I-iodofalan) is a systemically administered radiopharmaceutical therapy that targets L-type amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1), which is typically over-expressed in glioblastoma. TLX101-Tx utilizes a small molecule approach due to the need to cross the blood brain barrier, the normal protective barrier that prevents many potential drug candidates entering the brain. In addition to the IPAX-1 and IPAX-Linz studies, TLX101-Tx is also under investigation in the IPAX-2 Phase 1 study in combination with post-surgical standard of care treatment in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma[8]. TLX101-Tx has received orphan drug designation in the U.S. and Europe for the treatment of glioma. TLX101-Tx and TLX101-Px have not received a marketing authorization in any jurisdiction.

About glioblastoma  

Glioblastoma (GBM), is a high-grade glioma and the most common and aggressive form of primary brain cancer, with approximately 22,000 new cases diagnosed annually in the U.S.[9]. The mainstay of treatment for GBM comprises surgical resection, followed by combined radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Despite such treatment, recurrence occurs in almost all patients[10], with an expected survival duration of 12-15 months from diagnosis[11].

About Telix Pharmaceuticals Limited

Telix is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of radiopharmaceuticals with the goal of addressing significant unmet medical need in oncology and rare diseases. Telix is headquartered in Melbourne (Australia) with international operations in the United States, United Kingdom, Brazil, Canada, Europe (Belgium and Switzerland) and Japan. Telix is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX: TLX) and the Nasdaq Global Select Market (NASDAQ: TLX).

Visit www.telixpharma.com for further information about Telix, including details of the latest share price, ASX and U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings, investor and analyst presentations, news releases, event details and other publications that may be of interest. You can also follow Telix on LinkedIn, X and Facebook.

Media Contact

Eliza Schleifstein
917.763.8106 (Mobile)
Eliza@schleifsteinpr.com

Legal Notices

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements. 

You should read this announcement together with our risk factors, as disclosed in our most recently filed reports with the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX), U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC, or on our website.

The information contained in this announcement is not intended to be an offer for subscription, invitation or recommendation with respect to securities of Telix Pharmaceuticals Limited (Telix) in any jurisdiction, including the United States. The information and opinions contained in this announcement are subject to change without notification. To the maximum extent permitted by law, Telix disclaims any obligation or undertaking to update or revise any information or opinions contained in this announcement, including any forward-looking statements (as referred to below), whether as a result of new information, future developments, a change in expectations or assumptions, or otherwise. No representation or warranty, express or implied, is made in relation to the accuracy or completeness of the information contained or opinions expressed in the course of this announcement.

This announcement may contain forward-looking statements, including within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, that relate to anticipated future events, financial performance, plans, strategies or business developments. Forward-looking statements can generally be identified by the use of words such as “may”, “expect”, “intend”, “plan”, “estimate”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “outlook”, “forecast” and “guidance”, or the negative of these words or other similar terms or expressions. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to differ materially from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on Telix’s good-faith assumptions as to the financial, market, regulatory and other risks and considerations that exist and affect Telix’s business and operations in the future and there can be no assurance that any of the assumptions will prove to be correct. In the context of Telix’s business, forward-looking statements may include, but are not limited to, statements about: the initiation, timing, progress, completion and results of Telix’s preclinical and clinical trials, and Telix’s research and development programs; Telix’s ability to advance product candidates into, enroll and successfully complete, clinical studies, including multi-national clinical trials; the timing or likelihood of regulatory filings and approvals for Telix’s product candidates, including TLX101-Px and TLX250-Px, manufacturing activities and product marketing activities; Telix’s sales, marketing and distribution and manufacturing capabilities and strategies; the commercialization of Telix’s product candidates, if or when they have been approved; Telix’s ability to obtain an adequate supply of raw materials at reasonable costs for its products and product candidates; estimates of Telix’s expenses, future revenues and capital requirements; Telix’s financial performance; developments relating to Telix’s competitors and industry; the anticipated impact of U.S. and foreign tariffs and other macroeconomic conditions on Telix’s business, including as a result of war or other geopolitical conflicts; and the pricing and reimbursement of Telix’s product candidates, if and after they have been approved. Telix’s actual results, performance or achievements may be materially different from those which may be expressed or implied by such statements, and the differences may be adverse. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.

Trademarks and Trade Names. All trademarks and trade names referenced in this press release are the property of Telix Pharmaceuticals Limited (Telix) or, where applicable, the property of their respective owners. For convenience, trademarks and trade names may appear without the ® or ™ symbols. Such omissions are not intended to indicate any waiver of rights by Telix or the respective owners. Trademark registration status may vary from country to country. Telix does not intend the use or display of any third-party trademarks or trade names to imply any affiliation with, endorsement by, or sponsorship from those third parties.

©2026 Telix Pharmaceuticals Limited. All rights reserved.

[1] ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT07100730.

[2] Temozolomide approved in 2005 and Bevacizumab in 2009.

[3] ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT03849105.

[4] Pichler et al. Neurooncol Adv. 2024. https://doi.org/10.1093/noajnl/vdae130

[5] Telix ASX disclosure April 16, 2025. Date presented by Professor Josef Pichler at the Nuclear Medicine and Neurooncology (NMN) Symposium in Vienna (Austria), May 2025.

[6] Positron emission tomography.

[7] Response Assessment in Neurooncology practice guidelines for the clinical use of PET imaging in gliomas.

[8] ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT05450744.

[9] Ostrom 2022, CBTRUS (Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States) Statistical Report.

[10] Park et al. Journal of Clinical Oncology. 2010.

[11] Ostrom et al. Neuro Oncol. 2018.

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What a United-American merger would mean, from antitrust hurdles to airfare

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American Airlines and United Airlines airplanes at the Terminal A at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in Newark, New Jersey, US, on Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023.

Aristide Economopoulos | Bloomberg | Getty Images

United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby reportedly floated the idea of a potential tie-up with rival American Airlines to the Trump administration earlier this year, a suggestion that if acted upon, would create the world’s largest airline.

While the Trump administration has appeared more open to mega deals than its predecessors, such a merger would face heavy regulatory scrutiny with the top four airlines (those two carriers, plus Delta Air Lines and Southwest Airlines) already dominating about 80% of domestic capacity. If they combined, American and United would have a roughly 40% domestic share, according to airline data firm OAG.

“This would be the biggest of all time. I can’t even see the slightest chance that a court would allow it,” said George Hay, a law professor at Cornell University.

Department of Transportation has no comment on possible United, American Airlines deal

American and United declined to comment on the discussion of a merger, which was reported Monday by Bloomberg. The White House didn’t immediately comment on the reported discussion.

American shares rose 8% Tuesday, but are still down more than 20% since the start of the year. United’s shares rose just over 2%, trimming its losses this year to about 13%.

Seaport Research Partners airline analyst Daniel McKenzie said he attributed the stock move “to short covering rather than the market assigning legitimacy to the merger idea.” He added that the deal would be “be dead on arrival, though politely reviewed until the public backlash became too deafening.”

If the Justice Department “doesn’t object to that, then what would they object to? It is very hard to imagine a deal of that magnitude and concentration going through,” said Samuel Engel, senior vice president at consulting firm ICF.

He said consolidation allows carriers to better control capacity, which in turn can drive up fares, a key consideration generally with antitrust investigations

An American-United merger would likely require significant divestitures on routes where the two carriers’ combining would mean only one or two airlines are serving that route, said TD Cowen airline analyst Tom Fitzgerald, who said 289 routes fit that criteria now.

The Trump administration has shown a warmth toward mergers in the industry, however.

“Is there room for some mergers in the aviation industry? Yeah, I think there is,” Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy told CNBC’s Phil LeBeau last week, regarding industry consolidation. Duffy said President Donald Trump “loves to see big deals happen, adding that he would “have to review” a tie-up.

The deals chatter comes as the airline industry is facing a profit-eating surge in jet-fuel costs, airlines’ biggest expense after labor.

Airlines are cutting their capacity plans to save on costs, which could further drive up airfare.

“Over my career, I’ve seen many periods of disruption in this industry. And time and again, high fuel prices have been the most powerful catalyst for change, separating the winners and forcing weaker players to rationalize, consolidate or be eliminated, Delta CEO Ed Bastian said on an earnings call last week. “Delta is navigating from an advantaged position.”

Delta completed its merger with Northwest Airlines in 2008, giving it an advantage over other carriers that completed mergers later. The modern American Airlines is the product of a 2013 combination with US Airways, which was where several current airline executives worked, including both United’s Kirby and American CEO Robert Isom.

Kirby, whom American fired in 2016, has gone head-to-head with his former employer, including in key markets like Chicago.

Transportation Sec. Duffy: There's room for airline mergers in the U.S.

Delta and United already account for most of the U.S. industry’s profit.

American had fallen behind both airlines as it struggled to capitalize on higher-spending customers who are driving major airlines’ revenue in recent years. American’s net income was $111 million, on sales of $54.6 billion, last year while United reported net income of $3.35 billion, on $59 billion in sales, according to company filings.

The Biden administration challenged two major airline tie-ups, and won. A federal judge knocked down American’s partnership with JetBlue Airways in the Northeast in 2023 and in early 2024, a court ruled against JetBlue’s planned acquisition of Spirit Airlines, which is now in its second bankruptcy.

JetBlue and United formed a partnership that allows customers to book on each other’s airlines but falls short of the schedule coordination under that failed American deal. Kirby has expressed hesitation about taking that deal further.

“I like the partnership with JetBlue,” Kirby said in Boston last month. “I think highly of their team. They’ve got the right DNA and culture, but … we’re doing a great job growing. I feel really good about our standalone.

“Mergers are big and hard and complicated,” he added.

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GRAB PARTNERS WITH HO CHI MINH CITY TOURISM FESTIVAL 2026

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CONNECTING EXPERIENCES – PROMOTING CUISINE – ADVANCING DIGITAL TOURISM

HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam, April 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Following the successful conclusion of the Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Festival 2026 on April 5, Grab Vietnam’s participation stood out by enhancing visitor experiences and heavily promoting the City’s image across digital platforms to the summer tourism market.


A key highlight was the “Ho Chi Minh City Iconic Eateries” Awards 2026, honoring 60 outstanding restaurants and eateries — well-loved destinations that represent the rich culinary identity of the City. The program was developed based on data from the GrabFood platform combined with on-ground evaluations, following rigorous criteria.

The awarded establishments were categorized into three groups:

  • Local Flavor Legends (40 establishments): representing local culinary identity;
  • Customer Choice: Best Experience (10 establishments): recognized for outstanding service quality;
  • Rising Stars (10 establishments): acknowledging impressive growth and strong adaptability on digital platforms.

In addition, Grab introduced various solutions to support visitors, notably the Travel Pass package designed for international travelers. Integrated within the Grab app, it offers bundled services including transportation, dining, and shopping at optimized costs, with total benefits of up to nearly VND 2.5 million per package.

At the same time, dedicated ride-hailing support zones, interactive experience areas, and on-site promotional offers at the event enabled visitors to easily access services and discover the “Iconic” eateries.

Mrs. Nguyen Thanh Anh, Director of Marketing and Commercial Operations at Grab Vietnam, stated that the initiative aims to honor local culinary values while bringing these experiences closer to residents and tourists through technology platforms.

The collaboration between the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism and Grab Vietnam demonstrates the effectiveness of partnership models in developing tourism integrated with technology. This marks an important step toward enhancing visitor experiences, accelerating digital transformation, and positioning Ho Chi Minh City as a modern, friendly, and culturally rich destination.

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