Monday, June 15, 2026
Google search engine
Home Blog Page 48

TSA officers lose homes, can’t pay medical bills, can’t afford Easter baskets for their children

0

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

FIRST ON FOX  — Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers are receiving their third paycheck of zero dollars on Friday as the DHS shutdown drags on — with President Donald Trump saying late Thursday he would sign an executive order to “immediately pay our TSA Agents in order to address this Emergency Situation” and “quickly stop the Democrat Chaos at the Airports.”

TSA exclusively shared with Fox News Digital stories of officers stationed at various airports across the nation who have been experiencing great personal hardship as a result of the shutdown and its consequences, with names omitted for privacy reasons.

One officer at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Georgia had his dream of owning a home abruptly shattered — forcing him to make life-altering decisions.

AIR TRAVELERS ARE HACKING TSA LINES DURING HOURS-LONG MAJOR AIRPORT WAITS

His bank denied him a loan for a home in Georgia due to his current inability to make rent payments.

The officer now has to move nearly 1,000 miles to go live with family in New York.

Here are other stories. 

TSA agents at Airport

Numerous TSA agents are experiencing great personal hardship as the DHS shutdown has dragged on — with one officer (not pictured) losing her home, belongings, car and a beloved pet due to a fire and now, a lack of salary.  (Valerie Plesch/Getty Images)

Devastating house fire on top of no pay

Yet another TSA officer, this one working at Tulsa International Airport in Oklahoma, suffered a devastating house fire last week on top of the challenges of receiving no pay.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER

As a result, she lost her home, her belongings, her car and a beloved pet. 

She and her family now have to rebuild their lives without knowing when she’ll be paid. 

No electricity, can’t get it restored

Another TSA officer had uprooted her life to move to New York to work at Albany International Airport.

Now, due to the back-to-back shutdowns and her lack of steady pay, her credit score has dropped from 800 to 500.

To survive, she moved into a camper, the agency reported. The electricity in the camper has since gone out — and she can’t afford to have it fixed.

The TSA logo

Multiple TSA officers working at Detroit Metropolitan Airport have been left with damaged homes and vehicles. The officers cannot afford to fix them. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Homes and cars damaged, can’t get them fixed

At the beginning of the month, powerful storms ripped through Michigan, with tornadoes reducing some homes to rubble and causing widespread damage in the Great Lake State.

Multiple TSA officers working at Detroit Metropolitan Airport were left with damaged homes and vehicles. Today, these officers cannot afford to fix them, the TSA told Fox News Digital. 

Serious medical expenses that are going unpaid

A TSA agent working at Portland International Airport in Oregon is the sole caregiver for his mother. He also supports his brother.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIES

Now, his mother has been diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer and his brother has suffered a severe leg infection — putting him out of work.

The TSA officer is responsible for these family members’ medical expenses.

TSA agent at LaGuardia

More than 480 TSA officers have quit since the start of the shutdown. (Charly Triballeau/AFP via Getty Images)

Can’t afford Easter baskets for her children

A TSA agent at Bismarck Airport in North Dakota has worked there for nearly 10 years — enduring multiple government shutdowns.

She has had to make the tough choice now of leaving the job she loves after realizing she can’t even afford to buy Easter baskets for her children this year.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Since the start of this partial government shutdown, more than 480 TSA officers have been forced to quit their jobs. 

The agent realized she cannot afford to buy Easter baskets for her children this year.

“I can tell you right now that the reverberations that will be felt from this will be long-standing,” TSA Deputy Administrator Adam Stahl told Fox News Digital this week.  

“They will continue for days [even] after we get a re-appropriation and funding, particularly for the TSA.”

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

“We are already taking proactive measures to make sure that we’re going to get our people paid as quickly as possible,” he added.

Fox News Digital’s Preston Mizell contributed reporting. 

Source

Cameron Ciraldo disappointed in stadium’s lack of response to glass incident

0

Cameron Ciraldo is disappointed he is yet to hear from GIO Stadium officials after the Canterbury coach required five stitches when a window shattered, injuring his hand mid-game.

Ciraldo joked he was in no doubt for Saturday’s follow-up game against Newcastle following his post-match medical procedure in Canberra.

But more than a week on from the incident, Ciraldo had not been contacted by stadium management.

Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today Arrow

“I would have liked someone to probably ring me and ask what happened, maybe check if it was all right,” Ciraldo said.

“But if you can’t look after your stadium, you’re probably not thinking about those things either.”

Late in last Thursday’s 14-10 win over Canberra, Ciraldo was an unexpected addition to the injury report when he attempted to open a window in the coaches’ box, which then shattered, cutting his hand.

“It was just fogging up and we were trying to open the window to see what was happening,” Ciraldo recalled.

“We had the ball there and all of a sudden the window just shattered.

“So, a bit of a surprise and a bit of a chaotic last six or seven minutes but happy to get the win in the end.”

The shattered coaches' box window at GIO Stadium which left Cameron Ciraldo with a hand injury.
The shattered coaches’ box window at GIO Stadium which left Cameron Ciraldo with a hand injury. Credit: AAP

For the Bulldogs coach, the treatment may not be over quite yet.

“A couple (of stitches) have fallen out yesterday, so I might have to get (them) redone,” Ciraldo said.

Canberra coach Ricky Stuart was scathing of the Raiders’ home stadium’s “s***house” condition when he spoke after the game.

Ciraldo is confident the Accor Stadium coaches’ box should hold up better when the Bulldogs look to continue their unbeaten start to the season in Round 4.

“Accor’s a beautiful stadium,” Ciraldo said ahead of the Bulldogs’ first game at their Sydney home base this year.

“Beautiful stadium, love being there.”

Source

Zimmer Biomet Wins Three Awards at Healthcare Asia Medtech Awards 2026

0

Awards Recognize Innovations in Infection Measures, AI-Driven Recovery and Surgeon Engagement across Asia Pacific.

SINGAPORE, March 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Zimmer Biomet (NYSE and SIX: ZBH), a global medical technology leader, today announced it received three awards at the Healthcare Asia Medtech Awards 2026, recognizing the company’s innovations across orthopedic product development, digital health and surgeon engagement.

Zimmer Biomet earned honors in the following categories:

  • Orthopedic Product Innovation Award for its new iodine-treated hip implant;
  • Digital Innovation of the Year in Australia for its WalkAI knee replacement recovery tracking platform; and
  • Marketing & Communications Initiative of the Year in Thailand for its You’ll Be Back awareness campaign featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger as the company’s Chief Movement Officer.

“These awards reflect the strength of Zimmer Biomet’s innovation and the relevance of our solutions across Asia Pacific,” said Sang Yi, Group President, Asia Pacific. “From addressing infection risk with advanced implant technologies, to enabling more proactive, data-driven recoveries and strengthening how we engage surgeons, we are focused on solving the most meaningful health care challenges and improving outcomes for patients across the region.”

Advancing Infection Measures in Orthopedics
Zimmer Biomet received the Orthopedic Product Innovation Award for its implants treated with iodine technology, the iTaperloc Complete and iG7 Hip System. These implants are designed to inhibit bacterial adhesion1,2 and reduce the risk of periprosthetic joint infection, a serious complication affecting approximately 1%–2% of primary procedures.3

Iodine, a biocompatible nutrient, helps prevent biofilm formation without contributing to antibiotic resistance.4,5 The technology has received regulatory recognition globally, including approval from Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare in September 2025 and Breakthrough Device Designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in October 2025.

Advancing Recovery Through AI
Zimmer Biomet’s WalkAI platform received the Digital Innovation of the Year – Australia award. The application uses artificial intelligence to analyze real-world mobility data and predict a patient’s 90-day gait speed following total knee replacement surgery.

By identifying deviations in recovery between days 15 and 40 post-surgery, a typically “lower-touch” period in care, WalkAI is designed to flag patients who may not be recovering as expected and enable earlier clinical intervention. This added visibility allows surgeons to prioritize patients who may require closer monitoring or adjustments to rehabilitation, helping reduce the risk of complications.

The platform is currently used by more than 180 surgeons across Australia and New Zealand to support over 20,000 knee replacement patients, demonstrating strong clinical adoption and scalability in practice.

Raising Awareness of Movement and Treatment Options
The Marketing & Communications Initiative of the Year – Thailand award recognized the “You’ll Be Back” campaign, which builds on Zimmer Biomet’s partnership with Arnold Schwarzenegger as the company’s Chief Movement Officer.

Launched at the Royal College of Orthopaedic Surgeons of Thailand Annual Conference, the campaign was adapted specifically for a highly regulated market through close collaboration across corporate communications, marketing, legal and compliance teams. Rather than focusing on product promotion, the initiative centered on the importance of movement and aimed to raise awareness of available treatment options for people living with pain.

The message resonated strongly by shifting conversations beyond products toward recovery, longevity and quality of life. The campaign significantly increased engagement, with booth interactions tripling year over year and strong resonance among surgeons.

The Healthcare Asia Medtech Awards recognize leading companies and innovations across the region, highlighting advancements in medical devices, digital health and patient care solutions.

About Zimmer Biomet
Zimmer Biomet is a global medical technology leader with a comprehensive portfolio designed to maximize mobility and improve health. We seamlessly transform the patient experience through our innovative products and suite of integrated digital and robotic technologies that leverage data, data analytics and artificial intelligence.

With 90+ years of trusted leadership and proven expertise, Zimmer Biomet is positioned to deliver the highest quality solutions to patients and providers. Our legacy continues to come to life today through our progressive culture of evolution and innovation. 

For more information about our product portfolio, our operations in 25+ countries and sales in 100+ countries or about joining our team, visit www.zimmerbiomet.com or follow on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/zimmerbiomet or X/ Twitter at www.twitter.com/zimmerbiomet.

Zimmer Biomet:

1 D. Inoue et al. (2017), Inhibition of biofilm formation on iodine-supported titanium implants, Int Orthop (SICOT) 41: 1093-1099

2 D. Inoue et al. (2019), Iodine-supported titanium implants have good antimicrobial attachment effects, J Orthop Sci 24: 548-551

3 Izakovicova, P., Borens, O., & Trampuz, A. (2019). Periprosthetic joint infection: current concepts and outlook. EFORT open reviews, 4(7), 482–494. https://doi.org/10.1302/2058-5241.4.180092

4 T. Shirai et al. (2013), Antibacterial iodine-supported titanium implants, Acta Biomater 7(4): 1928-1933

5 T. Shirai et al. (2023), Iodine-supported implants in prevention and treatment of surgical site infections for compromised hosts: a prospective study, J Orthop Surg Res 18(1): 388

Source: Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc.

Source

American Airlines in talks with Starlink and Amazon for Wi-Fi upgrade, weighs return of seatback screens

0

An seatback on an American Airlines Boeing 737.

Leslie Josephs/CNBC

Bringing screens back to American Airlines‘ narrow-body planes is under “serious consideration” and a decision could be made as early as next month, according to a person familiar with the matter.

It would be part of a major revamp of American’s in-flight entertainment and Wi-Fi for narrow-body aircraft, said the person, who asked not to be named because they were not authorized to talk about the plans publicly.

Part of those plans include discussions with SpaceX’s Starlink and Amazon Leo to potentially provide in-flight Wi-Fi, according to the person.

American is also talking with Amazon about providing content for the seats, which could include Amazon Prime, music and potentially shopping, where customers could use miles for purchases, the person said.

The airline currently has a deal with Apple for customers to stream music and Apple TV+ content.

Amazon Leo declined to comment. SpaceX didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.

Pressure is mounting on American from rivals such as Delta Air Lines and United Airlines, which account for most of the U.S. airline industry’s profits, and airlines have been increasingly relying on customers willing to pay up for premium seating.

Why good Wi-Fi is so hard to get on airplanes

Those two carriers have invested for years in improving customer products with technology such as new in-flight entertainment and other perks.

Meanwhile, American decided to remove seat-back screens from its mainline narrow-body aircraft almost a decade ago to save money on the equipment cost and weight they add to the aircraft. Executives at the time said customers would likely use their own mobile phones, tablets or laptops to stream entertainment.

In recent years, however, rivals have been investing heavily in new cabins and more modern entertainment. American itself is adding more premium seats to both its narrow-body and wide-body planes, which already have screens on them.

In an interview last fall, American’s chief customer officer, Heather Garboden, told CNBC that the airline was warming to the idea of bringing screens back.

“I think of where the technology was a decade ago, and where it can be today, or even a few years from today,” Garboden said at the time. “Hopefully the complexity is less.”

Adding seatback screens to American’s planes would take years and be a costly undertaking. American has more than 790 narrow-body Boeing and Airbus jets, according to the company’s annual filing. It has more than 280 of these jets on order, and seatback screens could debut with deliveries straight from the factory.

Elon Musk‘s SpaceX has made inroads among airlines to provide in-flight Wi-Fi, gaining customers including United, Hawaiian Airlines and Qatar Airways.

United, Delta, Southwest Airlines and American in recent years have followed JetBlue Airways‘ move to offer Wi-Fi for free. Generally, customers must be members of the airline’s loyalty program to receive the complimentary Wi-Fi.

Read more about airlines’ race to win over big spenders

Choose CNBC as your preferred source on Google and never miss a moment from the most trusted name in business news.

Source

/C O R R E C T I O N — 50 Best/

0

In the news release, THE CHAIRMAN IN HONG KONG IS NAMED NO.1 IN THE LIST OF ASIA’S 50 BEST RESTAURANTS 2026, issued 25-Mar-2026 by 50 Best over PR Newswire, we are advised by the company that there has been an update to the release and PDF. The complete, corrected release follows:

THE CHAIRMAN IN HONG KONG IS NAMED NO.1 IN THE LIST OF ASIA’S 50 BEST RESTAURANTS 2026

  • Hong Kong’s The Chairman reclaims the title of The Best Restaurant in Asia, sponsored by S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna, for the first time since 2021
  • Hangzhou’s Ru Yuan (No.10) takes the Highest New Entry Award
  • Lamdre (No.17) in Beijing soars 33 spots to take the Highest Climber Award, sponsored by Lee Kum Kee
  • Asia’s Best Female Chef 2026 is Cho Eun-hee from Seoul’s Onjium (No.14)
  • Ardika Dwitama from Jakarta’s August (No.42) wins Asia’s Best Pastry Chef Award, sponsored by Valrhona
  • Restaurateur Zhang Yong is honoured with the SevenRooms Icon Award
  • Thitid ‘Ton’ Tassanakajohn, from Nusara (No.5) and Le Du (No.36) in Bangkok, is recognised with the Inedit Damm Chefs’ Choice Award
  • Lesley Liu from Odette (No.19) in Singapore is the winner of the Asia’s Best Sommelier Award, sponsored by Vik
  • Baan Tepa (No.53) in Bangkok wins the Sustainable Restaurant Award

For the full 1-50 list, click here.

HONG KONG, March 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Cantonese cuisine trailblazer The Chairman is named The Best Restaurant in Asia, sponsored by S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna, at the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026 live awards ceremony. Celebrated for honouring heritage Cantonese ingredients and traditions from southern China, The Chairman continues to champion refined regional cuisine rooted in seasonality.

50_Best_Chairman_Hong_Kong
50_Best_Chairman_Hong_Kong

Voted by the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants Academy, an influential, gender-balanced group of more than 350 industry experts, this year’s list features restaurants from 17 cities across the region with three cities appearing on the 1-50 ranking for the first time, alongside eight new restaurant entries and three re-entries. Bangkok leads this year’s list with nine restaurants, followed by Tokyo with seven entries. Hong Kong, Seoul and Singapore are each represented with six establishments. 

Rikki Tidball, Managing Director – Events, 50 Best, says: “Heartfelt congratulations go to all the restaurants featured on this year’s list, especially The Chairman on being named No.1 in Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026. The commitment to boundary-pushing gastronomy across the ranking is a tribute to the exceptional talent and innovative spirit that define Asia’s vibrant restaurant scene.”

The evening also celebrated the winners of pre-announced awards, including Peggy Chan as this year’s winner of the Champions of Change Award, Masque (No.15) in Mumbai as the Art of Hospitality Award winner and San in Seoul as the One To Watch Award winner.

Media centre:
https://mediacentre.theworlds50best.com/

PDF: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2943326/50_Best.pdf

Source

La Bourriche 133 Makes a Strong Debut in Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026

0

SHANGHAI, March 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Following the much-anticipated reveal of the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026, La Bourriche 133 has achieved a milestone leap, securing its place in the prestigious 50 Best at No. 48. Driven by a distinct original philosophy and a continuously evolving culinary expression, the modern seafood destination has achieved this recognition just over two years after opening in 2023. It has quickly become one of the most closely watched Western restaurants in Mainland China and one of the fastest-rising new entries on the list.

La Bourriche 133 ranked No. 48 on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026
La Bourriche 133 ranked No. 48 on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026

Located in Shanghai’s historic Rockbund, La Bourriche 133 is a modern seafood restaurant defined by its original philosophy. Since its opening, the restaurant has distinguished itself from traditional fine dining by anchoring its creative narrative in the proposition: “Seafood and Seafood only.” By placing seafood at the center of its identity, La Bourriche 133 combines refined technique with contemporary sensibilities, continuously expanding the boundaries of modern seafood cuisine to offer a focused, ingredient-driven experience.

A premier entry into the 50 Best list not only underscores La Bourriche 133’s strategic milestones over recent years but also brings global recognition to its unwavering commitment to originality. At La Bourriche 133, originality goes beyond mere culinary innovation or the pursuit of trends. It is a holistic philosophy that informs every aspect of the experience, from brand positioning and culinary direction to the chef’s creative expression, menu design, and the overall dining experience.

From Ingredient to Plate: Translating Philosophy into Practice

This commitment to originality is most tangibly expressed through the restaurant’s rigorous approach to its daily operations. Founder Shen Jialin brings extensive experience in premium seafood sourcing, providing a strong foundation for the restaurant’s ingredient-driven approach.

While sourcing from some of the world’s finest fishing regions, the restaurant also places strong emphasis on its connection with China’s local supply chain. From selecting seasonal coastal catch to assessing freshness, consistency, and suitability within the local market, La Bourriche 133 seeks to strike a thoughtful balance between global sourcing and local resources, ensuring its original concept is meaningfully rooted in the Chinese market.

In response to the unique characteristics of different seafood and evolving guest preferences, the restaurant continuously refines its dishes, placing emphasis on expressing texture, aroma, and umami with precision and clarity. Compared to its opening menu, approximately 70–80% of dishes have since been updated, underscoring that La Bourriche 133’s commitment to originality is not a one-time concept, but an ongoing and evolving creative process. Each dish is not an isolated offering, but the result of brand philosophy, culinary judgment, and deep ingredient understanding working in unison.

A Seafood-Centric Philosophy with a Clear and Cohesive Identity

Beyond operational precision, originality at La Bourriche 133 transcends the mere introduction of new dishes; it is a holistic integration of brand identity and culinary expression. Since its inception, the restaurant has distinguished itself from traditional fine dining by placing seafood at the core of its narrative. Rather than relying on a vast variety of ingredients, it prioritizes a focused creative direction that defines its unique position in the competitive market.

This philosophy also informs its culinary approach. The “modern seafood cuisine” championed by La Bourriche 133 is not simply about showcasing rare or premium ingredients, but about creating a style of expression that resonates with contemporary tastes and dining habits. Here, “modern” is not about adding complexity for its own sake, but is grounded in a continued understanding of ingredient integrity, flavour layering, and precision in cooking.

Executive Chef Lee Jia Wei: Bringing Philosophy to Life Through Cuisine

As Executive Chef of La Bourriche 133, Lee Jia Wei is both a key practitioner of the restaurant’s original philosophy and the driving force behind its culinary expression. Coming from a family with a long heritage in the country’s hawker culture, Lee’s professional journey began during his university years in business school, when he took time off to train in Australia and pursued seasonal apprenticeships in acclaimed kitchens. Over a 14-year career, Lee has worked in some of the most celebrated Michelin-starred restaurants in Singapore, London and the Maldives before arriving in Shanghai in 2018.

His cross-cultural experience has shaped a distinctive culinary style that integrates French technique, open-fire cooking, respect for ingredient purity, and an Asian sensibility. At La Bourriche 133, he presents a contemporary seafood expression that highlights the unique characteristics of seafood from different regions and in varying conditions. In recognition of his work, he was included in the Tatler Gen.T list (2023) and the Forbes China Top 30 Chefs (2023), honours that spotlight emerging culinary leaders in the region.

Building Long-Term Brand Value Through Originality

La Bourriche 133’s commitment to originality is also reflected in its spatial design and overall dining experience. Elements such as its seafood-led design concept, the “133 Seafood Market” display, as well as a service style and wine programme tailored to the cuisine, come together to form a cohesive and immersive brand identity.

Its wine philosophy mirrors its culinary approach: “terroir-led, pairing-driven.” The restaurant focuses on representative wines from leading regions around the world, prioritising character and compatibility over trends or ratings. Given its seafood focus, Champagne and white wines feature prominently on the list—styles that are fresh, refined, and vibrant, enhancing the natural flavours and complexity of seafood while contributing to a more harmonious dining experience.

This positioning is also reflected in its guest profile, with approximately 40% new guests and 60% returning diners. The balance underscores strong loyalty within the premium dining segment, while continued menu evolution keeps regular guests engaged and offers new diners a clear point of entry.

In a culinary landscape as mature and competitive as Shanghai’s, La Bourriche 133 represents more than just a distinctive modern seafood restaurant. By championing a focused, original concept, the restaurant offers a compelling new perspective on the long-term value of fine dining. Rooted in Shanghai, the restaurant aspires to grow into a globally recognised culinary destination, supported by the city’s spirit of innovation and the continued enthusiasm of guests from across China and around the world.

Appendix: La Bourriche 133 Signature Dishes

Pengqi Crab Pâté | Aged Citrus Peel

Sourced from Guangdong, Pengqi crab roe is meticulously hand-extracted, then sieved and emulsified in the style of a classic French pâté to achieve a smooth, mousse-like texture. Paired with a ten-year aged citrus peel sauce and chrysanthemum crumble, it balances richness with gentle sweetness and herbal notes. Served with kombu butter brioche for added depth.

Bigfin Reef Squid | Olive Seed “Ajo Blanco”

Bigfin reef squid from the East China Sea is valued for its tender texture and natural sweetness. It is paired with Ajo Blanco made from olive seeds and green grapes, bringing nutty depth and fresh acidity. Finished with caviar, the dish achieves a refined balance of sweetness, freshness, and marine character.

Soy-cured Swimmer Crab | Cauliflower

Fresh swimmer crab from the Yellow Sea is soy-cured for two nights, inspired by Chinese coastal techniques. The roe develops a soft, custard-like texture, while the meat becomes firmer and more pronounced in flavour. Paired with caviar and cauliflower mousse, the dish bridges classic French pairings with a contemporary expression of coastal Chinese flavours.

Whelk | Sauce Périgueux

Teochew whelk is gently slow-cooked in a concentrated chicken jus, preserving a tender yet springy texture. It is served with a classic Périgord-style black truffle sauce, lifted with Madeira wine to enhance its depth. Finished with crème fraîche for added roundness.

72% Dark Chocolate | Jus de Sardine

72% dark chocolate forms the base of this tart, filled with caramelised nut praline to balance its bitterness and acidity. The chocolate tart is paired with an ice cream that is made with in-house fermented sardine garum, bringing together savoury, umami, sweet, and chilled elements for a distinctive finish.

Source

Trailblazer Michelle Payne celebrates ‘truly extraordinary’ new honour as statue unveiled

0

Already immortalised as the first female jockey to win the Melbourne Cup, racing trailblazer Michelle Payne now has the statue to match.

Payne broke new ground in stunning fashion in 2015, steering 100-1 roughie Prince Of Penzance to one of the biggest upsets in the history of Australia’s greatest race.

The 40-year-old hopes her new likeness at Flemington — crafted by artist Judith Leman and unveiled on Thursday — can inspire the masses.

Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today Arrow

“My life changed in 2015 when I won the Melbourne Cup and it has been the most amazing journey since,” Payne said.

“To now have a statue here at Flemington is truly extraordinary. It feels very surreal.

“As a young girl, the Melbourne Cup was the race I dreamed of winning and knowing that dream came true fills me with immense pride.

“My hope is that everyone who views this statue feels encouraged to chase their dreams and ambitions, no matter how big they are.”

Victoria Racing Club chairman Neil Wilson said Payne’s legacy extends well beyond her accomplishments on the racetrack.

The Michelle Payne statue unveiled at Flemington.
The Michelle Payne statue unveiled at Flemington. Credit: AAP
Michelle Payne won the 2015 Melbourne Cup at Flemington.
Michelle Payne won the 2015 Melbourne Cup at Flemington. Credit: AAP

“Michelle is an inspiration to countless Australians and a powerful ambassador for female participation and the sport of horse racing,” Wilson said.

“We are proud to recognise Michelle’s achievements and her rightful place amongst some of the legends of our sport.”

Payne’s Cup-winning feat was matched last year when Jamie Melham became the second female jockey to win the race that stops a nation, aboard Half Yours.

Source

Inside India newsletter: Ikea has high hopes for the country as it stares at a global slowdown

0

Hello, this is Priyanka Salve, writing to you from Singapore.

Welcome to the latest edition of Inside India — your one-stop destination for stories and developments from the world’s fastest growing large economy.

This week, I dive into the world’s largest furniture retailer, Ikea, and its big plans in India even as it contends with sluggish sales in key markets as well as store closures in China.

Enjoy!

Any thoughts on today’s newsletter? Share them with the team.

The big story

Ikea, the world’s largest furniture retailer, has seen a slowdown in sales globally. And while it has closed several large stores in China, the Swedish company is doubling down on neighboring India.

Patrik Antoni, CEO of Ikea India, has been appearing in playful Instagram reels teasing store launches in India — “a priority market” for the company. Currently, there are six Ikea stores in India, and the company is aiming for around 30 within five years, which will be a mix of large and small stores and pick-up points for online deliveries.

Ikea views India not only as a potential major retail market but also as a possible export hub, supported by the India‑EU free trade agreement that was finalized on Jan. 26.

Further, 30% of the company’s India sales currently come from locally sourced raw materials, a figure it aims to lift to 50% by 2030, according to Antoni. This growing local sourcing ecosystem, strengthened by rising domestic demand and export‑friendly policies, positions India as an increasingly strategic base for Ikea.

“India is a long-term market for us, and we are building with the next 100 years in mind,” Antoni told CNBC in an email interview. He added that the India-EU trade pact signals “a strong economic alignment between two important markets,” and this could boost India’s role “as a production and export base within our global network.”

India’s furniture and home décor market, valued at over $25 billion in 2024, is projected to reach $40.8 billion by 2033, as per the Indian commerce ministry-backed organization IBEF. But Ikea forecasts even faster expansion, expecting the market to hit $48 billion by 2030 — momentum the company is keen to capture.

Globally, Ikea’s retail sales have declined over the past two years, falling to 44.6 billion euros ($51.7 billion) in the financial year ended Aug. 31 2025 from 45.1 billion euros in the prior year. Europe accounts for more than 70% of its sales, followed by North America (17%) and Asia (around 9%).

Meanwhile, in China — another major market for the company— growth has slowed sharply. Ikea is closing seven large-format stores in the country to focus on smaller outlets as a weak housing market and intensifying competition from online retailers takes a toll.

“We will shift from scale-based expansion to precision-driven penetration,” the Swedish retailer said.

Girls take selfie picture in front of IKEA store in Bangalore, India, 17 September, 2022. IKEA is the world’s leading Swedish home furnishing retailer which expands across multiple cities in India. (Photo by Indranil Aditya/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Nurphoto | Nurphoto | Getty Images

Banking on India’s growth

India is dominated by smaller furniture and interiors players, with no domestic brand operating at Ikea’s scale, as per the IBEF. Also, housing sales since the pandemic have seen strong growth, with a marginal slowdown in 2025, according to data from real estate consultancy Knight Frank.

“We are truly inspired by this potential,” Antoni said, noting that evolving lifestyles and expanding real estate categories are creating fresh opportunities.

Ikea’s India sales rose by around 6% in the financial year ended August 2025, with furniture being the leading category, the company said. The company’s EBITDA, excluding fixed costs, also improved by over 10%, it said.

Although India’s current contribution — 18.5 billion rupees ($196.7 million) — to Ikea’s global revenue remains modest, the company expects retail operations in the country to turn profitable by its financial year ending Aug. 2028 and is doubling down on its expansion plan.

Ikea currently operates three large-format stores in Hyderabad, Navi Mumbai and Bengaluru, as well as city stores in Mumbai and West Delhi. Pune, its newest store, opened earlier this month.

A new store format, known as “Lykli,” was due to open in the northern city of Gurugram in “late 2025,” described by the company as “a key destination for entertainment, social connections and retail therapy,” complete with office facilities and community spaces.

When asked about the timeline for that store, the company did not disclose details but said that Gurugram will be the first large-format store in North India and will be followed by another Lykli store in Noida in the state of Uttar Pradesh.

The in‑store “touch and feel” experience is vital for IKEA in India, where offline outlets generate 70% of sales compared with 30% from e‑commerce, Antoni said.

Ikea’s expansion strategy will prioritize six key markets: Mumbai, Delhi National Capital Region, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune and Chennai.

Last year, Ikea India recorded nearly 110 million “customer interactions,” and the Swedish firm now hopes to get a bigger share of their wallets.

— CNBC’s Anniek Bao contributed to this story.

Need to know

United Spirits sells its Indian Premier League franchise, RCB. A consortium comprising Blackstone and serial American sports investor David Blitzer among others, has acquired the Indian Premier League’s Royal Challengers Bengaluru franchise in a 166 billion rupees ($1.78 billion) deal. 

India’s private sector activity in March slowed to its lowest level since October 2022. HSBC’s flash India Composite PMI, which measures the monthly change in the combined manufacturing and services output, slowed to 56.5 in March from 58.9 in February.

Novo Nordisk faces competition from Indian generic drugmakers: The first wave of generic versions of Novo Nordisk’s GLP-1 weight-loss drugs launched in India over the weekend, with at least five domestic drugmakers undercutting the original price by up to 80%. 

Coming up

March 30: External debt data for January to March.

March 30: Industrial output data for February.

March 31: RBI releases Balance of Payment data for January to March.

Choose CNBC as your preferred source on Google and never miss a moment from the most trusted name in business news.

Source

Blokees Announces Upgrade Brand Mission at 2026 Global Partner Conference

0

SHANGHAI, March 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On March 25, 2026, Blokees, a global brand focused on assembly character toys, unveiled its upgraded brand mission — “Inspire Creativity, Share Joy” — at the 2026 Blokees Global Partner Conference, held under the theme “FORWARD, TOGETHER.”

Zhu Weisong, Founder and of Blokees, said the upgrade to the company’s brand mission is part of its long-term strategic development. Blokees will further improve product certainty, strengthen the BFC ecosystem, and accelerate the execution of its “Universally appealing; Stepwise pricing; Globally promoting” strategy.


Blokees products are designed around an “assemble–create–share” experience. After completing the assembly process, users can customize their models through painting, modification and scene creation, extending the play experience. This approach encourages users to move beyond simple assembly and share their creations with the global BFC (Blokees Family Creator) community.

Sheng Xiaofeng, President of Blokees, said the company’s playability-driven system forms the foundation of its product strategy and defines the positioning of its two core categories — Blokees Model Kits and Blokees Wheels. Products showcased at the conference included items based on globally recognized intellectual properties such as Ultraman, Kamen Rider, Transformers and Hatsune Miku.

This product framework allows Blokees to expand across major toy themes, including character-based and vehicle-based products, while continuously improving product experience and operational efficiency through user feedback and product iteration.

Blokees executives said the company will continue strengthening its core categories while exploring new series and products designed for broader audiences, including adult collectors. The company will follow an “80% core categories, 20% innovation” product strategy to balance category depth with new concept exploration.

Blokees also emphasized the growing importance of its global creator community, BFC (Blokees Family Creator), which empowers fans to showcase customized creations, photography, and original content inspired by the brand’s products.

Ye Shanshan, Vice President of Brand Marketing at Blokees, further noted during the conference that BFC will continue to evolve toward greater professionalism and globalization. Moving forward, the platform aims to integrate competitions, experiential activities, exhibitions, and community interaction into a comprehensive creative ecosystem, providing creators worldwide with a unified stage to express, connect, and grow. 

Looking ahead, Blokees plans to accelerate its global expansion while continuing to invest in product innovation, creator communities and partnerships to support long-term growth in the global toy industry.

Source

Baggage handler slammed after viral video shows guitars violently tossed on tarmac

0

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

A viral video showing an airport baggage handler tossing guitar cases roughly onto the tarmac at Los Angeles International Airport is sparking outrage online and larger concerns about how airlines may be handling passengers’ belongings.

The clip, reportedly filmed at Los Angeles International Airport, appears to show an airport worker roughly throwing multiple guitar cases from a luggage cart onto the ground.

College student Nick Ruiz, 21, who filmed the incident, said he spotted the scene while walking through Terminal 4 after arriving from Los Angeles, news agency Jam Press reported.

‘WORST PLANE RIDE’: AIRLINE PASSENGER CLAIMS SHE WAS REPEATEDLY SHOVED FOR RECLINING HER SEAT

“The whole situation felt wrong,” Ruiz told the agency.

He said he began recording his video out of concern for the instruments.

Airline worker in bright orange throws guitars on the tarmac.

A viral video of a baggage handler tossing guitar cases at LAX has sparked outrage and concern over luggage handling. (Jam Press/@goyamariacookie)

Gary Leff, a Texas-based travel expert and author of the blog “View From the Wing,” did not personally observe the incident but watched the video. He told Fox News Digital that while the video may appear shocking, this type of handling is not uncommon, in his experience.

“Airlines usually say behavior like this is unacceptable when a video comes out, but it’s actually fairly standard,” Leff said, expressing his point of view.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER

He noted that checked baggage, even when labeled “fragile,” is not always treated with the extra care some might expect.

“Bags are designed to protect their contents,” he said, adding that flight passengers should avoid checking high-value or delicate items whenever possible.

airport

Airlines often condemn the type of incident captured in the viral video, but one travel expert said he believes it’s fairly common.  (AP)

“Probably the number-one photo I see most often [on] social media about airlines is damaged bags,” he said.

The video quickly gained traction on social media, with many viewers criticizing what they described as careless handling of expensive equipment.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIES

“Absolutely disgraceful,” one user wrote on TikTok.

“It’s the fact that it takes the same amount of effort or less to place them down calmly,” another user wrote. 

“As a musician, this breaks my heart.”

Many commenters shared similar frustrations, highlighting both the financial loss and emotional impact.

“That’s easily $3,000 of equipment, by the way,” a commenter wrote.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

“As a musician, this breaks my heart,” another user noted.

Others said the clip helps explain why luggage and fragile items often arrive damaged after flights.

Airline worker in bright orange vest picking up guitars and tossing them on the tarmac.

The clip spread rapidly online, drawing criticism from viewers who said the costly gear was handled carelessly. (Jam Press/@goyamariacookie)

Airlines are required to accommodate musical instruments either as checked baggage or carry-on items, depending on size and space availability, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.

For larger instruments that cannot fit in overhead bins, some airlines allow passengers to purchase an additional seat to keep the item with them in the cabin.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

The department recommends that travelers who check their instrument mark the case as “fragile” even if in an instrument-shaped case.

Fox News Digital reached out to Los Angeles International Airport for comment.

Source