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HKSH Cancer Centre’s Precision Targeting Technologies Leading the Evolution of “Hypofractionation”

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Asia’s First Study: 5 Sessions of Proton Therapy to Control Early-Stage Prostate Cancer

HONG KONG, March 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — HKSH Medical Group (HKSH) today announced the results of Asia’s first clinical study on early-stage prostate cancer patients receiving five-session of proton therapy.* The results show significant efficacy, with a marked decline in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels and only mild side effects. Proton therapy for prostate cancer generally requires about 30 treatment sessions over 8 to 9 weeks. Since the launch of proton therapy service in 2023, HKSH Cancer Centre has advanced the precision of treatment to achieve “hypofractionation”, drastically reducing the number of treatment session by 80%. For early-stage prostate cancer, there is an option of 5 sessions of proton therapy within 2 to 3 weeks to achieve disease control. The unique physical properties of proton beam can precisely target the tumour with minimal damage to nearby vital organs such as the bladder and bowel, thereby helping to enhance patients’ quality of life throughout their cancer journey.

(From left) Dr. Ben YU, Head of Medical Physics Department of HKSH, Dr. Joseph CHAN, Chief Medical Officer, HKSH Medical Group and Deputy Medical Superintendent, Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital, Mr. Wyman LI, Chief Operating Officer, HKSH Medical Group and Director, Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital, Dr. Darren POON, Associate Director, HKSH Comprehensive Oncology Centre announced the data from Asia’s first MRI-guided five-session proton therapy study for early-stage prostate cancer patients.
(From left) Dr. Ben YU, Head of Medical Physics Department of HKSH, Dr. Joseph CHAN, Chief Medical Officer, HKSH Medical Group and Deputy Medical Superintendent, Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital, Mr. Wyman LI, Chief Operating Officer, HKSH Medical Group and Director, Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital, Dr. Darren POON, Associate Director, HKSH Comprehensive Oncology Centre announced the data from Asia’s first MRI-guided five-session proton therapy study for early-stage prostate cancer patients.

Mr. Wyman LI, Chief Operating Officer of HKSH Medical Group and Director of Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital, remarked, “The integration of proton therapy and targeting technologies is the cornerstone to the successful implementation of hypofractionation. This achievement also reflects HKSH’s ongoing commitment to advancing clinical application, enabling cancer patients to benefit from even more advanced precision treatments with less side effects. Taking a further leap forward, the HKSH research team is now exploring the feasibility of further reducing treatment of early-stage prostate cancer using proton therapy from 5 to 2 sessions. HKSH has also introduced the world’s first Photon-Counting CT Simulation System (PCCT-Sim) with advanced simulation capabilities which can be applied in prostate cancer proton therapy planning for even more effective disease control.”

Asia’s First Study: Five Sessions of Proton Therapy to Target Prostate Tumours

Prostate cancer predominantly affects older adults, but risk does not simply rise with age, the incidence is highest among those aged 65–74.  Local data in 2023 shows that new cases in this age group account for about half of all diagnoses, underscoring the urgent need for more effective cancer management strategies. To assess the clinical efficacy of five-session proton therapy, HKSH commenced a clinical study to analyse the data of 94 early-stage prostate cancer patients who received Stereotactic Body Proton Therapy between June 2024 and January 2026. The report covers a median follow-up of 10.93 months (range: 0.9 to 25.5 months). After five sessions of proton therapy, the patients’ PSA levels dropped sharply from a baseline of 12.57 ng/mL (±13.59 ng/mL) to 1.13 ng/mL (±2.07 ng/mL) three months post-treatment, maintaining high efficacy despite fewer treatment sessions.

Dr. Darren POON, Associate Director of HKSH Comprehensive Oncology Centre and Specialist in Clinical Oncology, who led this study explained that due to the high concentration of proton beams and precise delivery to the target area striking the tumour, the majority of patients in the study did not experience adverse reactions of Grade ≥2 toxicities after treatment. Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) indicated favorable urinary and bowel function scores three months post-treatment, suggesting minimal impact on quality of life. The most common adverse reactions were related to the urinary system. During the acute phase, 33.0% (31/94) of patients experienced relatively mild Grade 1 dysuria i.e. having difficulty in urination, which subsequently improved. This study is still ongoing to gather long-term follow-up data. As Asia’s first study on magnetic resonance imaging-guided five-session proton therapy, it further establishes HKSH’s leading position in the field of proton therapy within the region and provides an important foundation for developing more precise and safer treatment options across Asia in the future.

Hypofractionation: Precision Planning and Targeting

Dr. POON pointed out that the core technologies behind “hypofractionation”: “For every case and treatment, our proton therapy team would utilise Intensity Modulated Proton Therapy (IMPT) with pencil-beam scanning. Before treatment, the tumour’s shape and size are delineated, and the radiation intensity of each beam at different positions within the tumour is precisely calculated. Patients would also undergo MRI and CT scans before treatment, which are cross-referenced with the proton therapy system’s real-time X-ray imaging to ensure accurate targeting.” To further protect nearby organs, doctors may use rectal spacers to increase rectum-prostate distance. Bladder volume scans are also performed to assess bladder filling before each treatment session, aiding in accurate tumour targeting to minimise unnecessary radiation exposure.

Hypofractionation: Overcoming Tumour Movement, Minimising Side Effects

Proton beam accurately targeting the tumour according to treatment plan can greatly reduce side effects. However, prostate tumours may shift slightly due to soft-tissue movement. Even though these movements are slight, HKSH strives to minimise any deviation to the smallest possible range, further reducing the risk of side effects. Multiple techniques are applied clinically, including implanting fiducial markers within the prostate to track the tumour’s position real-time, ensuring precise radiation delivery to the tumour.

The number of treatment sessions and potential side effects are primary factors for cancer patients when considering radiotherapy. The promising clinical results of HKSH’s five-session proton therapy provide strong reassurance to patients, allowing greater flexibility for personalised treatment plans. Building on this, HKSH has already commenced a clinical study on two-session proton therapy. This study will enroll 35 patients with histologically diagnosed low-to-intermediate risk localised prostate cancer and will follow them for five years. The aim is to investigate both the short-term and long-term safety and efficacy of the treatment. These findings will help doctors and patients make more informed decisions about “hypofractionation”.

HKSH firmly believes that talent and technology are equally important. HKSH collaborated with the National Cancer Centre to organise the ‘Proton Therapy Joint Training Course’ in June 2025 and subsequently commenced the 10-month ‘HKSH Cancer Centre Proton Therapy Training Programme’. In November 2025, HKSH hosted the Annual Conference of the Asia-Oceania Particle Therapy Co-operative Group (PTCOG-AO) as a platform to integrate clinical expertise with a global perspective. HKSH aims to establish a premier platform for continuous learning and advancement in the Asia-Pacific region, elevating the overall standard of proton therapy to benefit more patients.

Patient Sharing – Mr. Li

Mr. Li, a 69-year-old retired teacher, discovered elevated PSA levels (>12 ng/mL) and an enlarged prostate during a routine checkup in December 2024, despite no symptoms. The checkup also revealed coronary artery blockage, requiring an angioplasty procedure and anticoagulant medication in March 2025, delaying prostate cancer treatment. In September 2025, Mr. Li underwent a biopsy at a public hospital and was diagnosed with early-stage prostate cancer with no metastasis. As Mr. Li and his family preferred to avoid surgery, the public hospital considered conventional radiotherapy more suitable for Mr. Li’s overall health condition than the shorter-course stereotactic body photon radiotherapy, and advised him to undergo 20 sessions of treatment.

Although his PSA had risen to over 14 ng/mL by then, Mr. Li and his family were concerned about the relatively long course of conventional radiotherapy and its potential side effects. After learning more about proton therapy with minimal impact on surrounding vital organs and the prospect of controlling the tumour with just five sessions, he decided to proceed with proton therapy and commenced his 2.5-week course of treatment in December 2025. Mr. Li shared that he experienced almost no discomfort during or after the treatment, with just some markings on his hip, describing it as “feel like haven’t undergone any treatment at all”. His PSA level has also dropped significantly. Mr. Li is grateful for the opportunity to receive proton therapy as he can now continue to enjoy jogging and travelling with his wife, spending quality time with his grandchildren.

*Stereotactic Body Proton Therapy (SBPT) for Localized Prostate Cancer: Preliminary Clinical Results of Clinician- and Patient-Reported Outcomes [source – PTCOG-AO 2025]

# Please email to RCH-StudyInquiry@hksh-hospital.com for more information about HKSH’s proton therapy clinical study. 

About HKSH Medical Group

Officially launched in September 2017, HKSH Medical Group promotes public health and advanced medicine through a multi-faceted, coordinated approach across clinical services, medical education, scientific research and public health education. Members of the Group, including Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital, HKSH Healthcare, HKSH Eastern Medical Centre, HKSH Cancer Centre and HKSH Institute for Innovation & Professional Development, are dedicated to offering top-quality holistic care to patients.

Established in 1922, Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital is one of the key members of HKSH Medical Group and a leading private hospital in Hong Kong. Living up to its motto of ‘Quality in Service, Excellence in Care’, the Hospital is committed to serving the public as well as promoting medical education and research.

For more information about HKSH Medical Group, please visit http://www.hksh.com.

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Manulife Named “Asia’s Best Insurance Provider for Wealth Management” by Euromoney

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HONG KONG, March 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Manulife today announced it has been named “Asia’s Best Insurance Provider for Wealth Management” at the 2026 Euromoney Private Banking Awards. The award recognizes Manulife’s excellence in delivering tailored and innovative wealth and legacy planning solutions to High-Net-Worth (HNW) individuals and families across the region.

The win reflects the company’s strong growth momentum, innovative product suite, unmatched cross-border service capabilities, and deep relationships with its distribution partners. It comes as demand for HNW wealth planning services continues to grow across the region. According to McKinsey analysis, an estimated US$5.8 trillion in assets is projected to transfer between generations across Asia-Pacific by 2030*, while regional financial wealth is expanding at approximately 9% CAGR through 2029#. This growth is being driven in part by a rising segment of global Asian citizens—internationally mobile families managing assets across multiple jurisdictions—who require cross-border insurance and legacy planning solutions at scale.

“We are honoured to be recognized by Euromoney as Asia’s leading life insurance provider for Wealth Management. This award reflects our continued commitment to meeting the unique needs of our HNW clients and partners. As intergenerational wealth transfer accelerates, we see a new generation of clients—today’s global Asian citizens—who prioritize flexibility, geographic diversification, and holistic solutions that combine wealth planning with health and longevity. Our strategy is built to meet these exact needs, leveraging our multi-hub platform and omni-channel distribution to deliver best-in-class solutions that help our clients protect their legacy and secure their future across borders and generations.”

— Bonnie Qiu, CEO, Global High-Net-Worth, Manulife

During the award assessment period, Manulife achieved high double-digit sales growth in business generated from private banks and international brokers serving HNW clients in Asia. Manulife’s success is underpinned by a comprehensive product proposition and policy structuring expertise, as well as strong underwriting capacity backed by its strong relationships with re-insurers.

In June 2025, Manulife was ranked first in the life insurance sector for artificial intelligence (AI) maturity in the inaugural Evident AI Index for Insurance, ranking in the top five across the insurance industry overall. Applied directly to its HNW business, Manulife has embedded generative AI into the HNW underwriting process, significantly reducing turnaround times for large and complex cases.

Manulife’s HNW strategy integrates its four hubs—Hong Kong, Singapore, Bermuda, and Dubai—to provide seamless multi-jurisdictional access and specialist local execution for globally mobile families.

“As HNW clients’ needs in Hong Kong become increasingly sophisticated, our role has evolved beyond product provision. As a leading international financial centre, Hong Kong continues to attract HNW families with complex wealth and legacy planning needs. By bringing together our diversified distribution model, bespoke innovative solutions, and strong underwriting capabilities—supported by our Private Client Wealth Planning team—we are able to provide integrated guidance on complex matters such as trust and legacy structuring. We are uniquely positioned to help globally mobile families protect and grow their wealth across generations.”

— Patrick Graham, CEO, Manulife Hong Kong & Macau

The business also saw strong momentum in Singapore, another key pillar of its regional HNW strategy.

“Singapore’s reputation as a secure and stable wealth hub continues to attract HNW families with increasingly complex needs, and they require an insurer with proven capabilities. Our recent issuance of a landmark US$300 million policy demonstrates the market’s confidence in our financial strength and deep technical expertise. It underscores our ability to structure and underwrite large, sophisticated cases, while helping high net worth families address their wealth and legacy priorities with tailored, well structured solutions.”

— Benoit Meslet, CEO, Manulife Singapore

Looking ahead, Manulife plans to continue its investment in the HNW segment by expanding its service capabilities across the region, driving ongoing product innovation with a focus on flexibility and liquidity, and further building out its health and longevity ecosystem.

About Manulife

Manulife Financial Corporation is a leading international financial services provider, headquartered in Toronto, Canada. Anchored in our ambition to be the number one choice for customers, we operate as Manulife across Canada and Asia, and primarily as John Hancock in the United States, providing financial advice, insurance and health solutions for individuals, groups and businesses. Through Manulife Wealth & Asset Management, we offer global investment solutions, financial advice, and retirement plan services to individuals, institutions, and retirement plan members worldwide. At the end of 2025, we had more than 37,000 employees, over 106,000 agents, and thousands of distribution partners, serving over 37 million customers with operations across 25 markets globally. We trade as ‘MFC’ on the Toronto, New York, and the Philippine stock exchanges, and under ‘945’ in Hong Kong. Not all offerings are available in all jurisdictions. For additional information, please visit manulife.com.

* https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/financial-services/our-insights/asia-pacifics-family-office-boom-opportunity-knocks

# https://www.bcg.com/press/24june2025-organic-growth-advantage-financial-wealth-hits-record-high#:~:text=Asia%2DPacific%20is%20poised%20to,reaching%20%2414.4%20trillion%20in%202024

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The future of the Middle East as a sports and event hub remains bright: Al-Kholood FC owner

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Ben Harburg, owner of Al-Kholood Club says there has been some “overblown narratives” around the safety of the Middle East region as a result of the Iran war, and that things will bounce back following a structural resolution of the conflict.

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Chinese Publishing Industry Showcases Global Vision and Forges Deeper Ties at 2026 London Book Fair

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BEIJING, March 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The 2026 London Book Fair drew to a close on 12 March at Olympia London. As one of the world’s most influential publishing gatherings, the fair provided a key global platform for Chinese publishers to showcase their latest achievements, exchange ideas with international partners, and deepen cross‑cultural understanding. This year’s highlighted the high-quality development of China’s publishing industry and its commitment to stronger exchanges between civilisations.

A Strategic and Immersive Showcase: The Reading China Pavilion

At the centre of the Chinese Publishing Delegation’s display was the Reading China pavilion, supported by joint and independent stands from major domestic publishing groups. A diverse selection of high-quality books – including a significant number of foreign-language editions – was presented across five carefully designed sections integrating display, copyright negotiation and cultural communication.

The Premium Books Exhibition presented award‑winning literary works including The Last Quarter of the Moon and Daughter of Dunhuang, which represent the creative achievements of contemporary Chinese literature. The Traditional Culture Exhibition featured classic texts such as Yongle Encyclopedia and the immersive VR experience Digital Representation and Experience of A Comprehensive Collection of Ancient Chinese Paintings, enabling international visitors to engage with traditional Chinese art through advanced technology.

The Outstanding Journals Exhibition showcased leading English‑language academic journals under the China Science and Technology Journals Excellence Action Plan, demonstrating China’s growing strength in scholarly publishing. The China IP Exhibition highlighted creative products developed from Dunhuang and Sanxingdui cultural elements, exploring the global commercial potential of original Chinese intellectual property.

Fostering High-Level Dialogue and Literary Connections

The delegation hosted a series of over 40 high-profile professional events, facilitating substantive exchanges between Chinese and international thought leaders.

A flagship event on the opening day was the Symposium on China and the World in the New Era and Book Launching Ceremony, hosted by China National Publications Import & Export (Group) Co., Ltd.

At the event, China Under the Global Development Initiative: An Economic Perspective was officially unveiled in English, with a signing ceremony also held for its Spanish edition.

Leading experts including John Ross, former economic advisor to the Mayor of London, and Kerry Brown, Director of the China Institute at King’s College London, joined in in-depth discussions on China’s part in global development.

Another highlight of the cultural exchange programme was the Where Stories Meet History: Book Launch on the Works with Cultural Heritage, which explored innovative modern expressions of cultural heritage.

Chinese author Li Shanshan shared insights into the creation of her Sanxingdui-inspired work The Millennial Vessel.

Together with Manon Steffan Ros, winner of the Wales Book of the Year and the Carnegie Medal, and Zhang Huaicun, Lifetime Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, she discussed how historical relics can be reimagined through children’s literature.

Also attracting strong international interest was the Mai Jia Translated Works Showcase @ LBF 2026 and a rights exchange session at this year’s London Book Fair. Penguin Random House is set to reissue English editions of Mai Jia’s classic novels Decoded and In the Dark. Publishers, editors and rights agents from across Europe gathered to discuss translation strategies and market partnerships, underscoring the global appeal of contemporary Chinese fiction.

Advancing Academic Collaboration and Strategic Partnerships

Academic publishing and global collaboration formed a core part of China’s presentation at this year’s fair.

In partnership with Taylor & Francis Group, China Social Sciences Press officially launched the English edition of The Belt and Road Handbook (Third Edition). Distinguished scholars Cai Fang and Peter Nolan joined the launch event, marking an important milestone in the global outreach of Chinese social science research.

Hosted by China National Publications Import & Export (Group) Co., Ltd, the China-UK Publishing and Creative Industries Exchange brought together senior industry figures from both countries. Participants explored practical cooperation across IP development, digital content innovation, children’s publishing, and global distribution, drawing on the UK’s leading expertise in the creative industries.

On the fair’s official International Stage, Beijing Institute of Graphic Communication held the academic forum Beyond Borders: Breaking-through and Reshaping of the Future Publishing. Experts from Springer Nature, Oxford Brookes University and the Publishers Association (UK) discussed intelligent publishing, digital transformation and cross-border copyright issues, helping shape the future of the global publishing ecosystem.

Enriching Engagement Through Cultural Experiences

Beyond formal forums and commercial discussions, Chinese publishers offered a rich programme of immersive cultural activities for international visitors. These included displays of traditional Chinese picture-story books and Suzhou embroidery, together with interactive sessions of tea tasting and seal carving.

A series of book launches and copyright signing ceremonies were held throughout the fair, exploring themes from urban culture and history to intangible cultural heritage. Major titles included foreign-language versions of The Chinese Path and Jade: A Window into Chinese Civilization from the Place Museum.

The BIBF Reception & Premiere of the Video Series “Hello, Beijing also served to deepen ties with partners across the global publishing industry. Talks with winners of the BBC National Short Story Award and the English-language launch of the children’s book The Bronze Sacred Tree underscored the growing international presence of Chinese children’s literature.

Conclusion: A New Chapter in Global Publishing Exchange

China’s participation in the 2026 London Book Fair was a resounding success, vividly portraying a publishing industry that is at once deeply rooted in its rich culture and energetically engaged with the world. By seamlessly blending content excellence, strategic dialogue, and immersive experiences, the delegation not only showcased its current achievements but also proactively paved the way for the next chapter of wider exchange, deeper partnership, and strengthened cultural connectivity in the years ahead.

 

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Australian teen sensation Emerson Jones overcome with emotion after making tennis history

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Australian rising star Emerson Jones has made tennis history with a clutch win over Linda Fruhvirtova at the multimillion-dollar Miami Open.

Jones, just 17, dropped the first set but fought back to claim a 3-6 7-6 (7-3) 7-6 (7-4) in just under three hours.

The wildcard is in her first appearance at a WTA 1000 tournament and is the youngest Aussie to win a main-draw match at the level, the highest below the grand slams, since Jelena Dokic in 1999.

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Jones is also just the second woman born in 2008 to win a main-draw match in a WTA 1000 tournament.

The world No.147 edged out Fruhvirtova in a wobbly match that featured a total of 13 breaks of serve, with Jones saving 11 of 18 break points while converting six of her own 10 chances.

The Aussie raced out to a 4-1 lead in the third set behind three breaks.

Fruhvirtova fought back and saved a match point to level it up at 5-5 before being just two points away herself on Jones’s serve.

But Jones held firm to send it to a tiebreak, where she quickly trailed 1-3 but claimed six of the next seven points to seal an emotional victory.

The teenager dropped her racquet and sunk into a kneel before standing and briefly turning to compose herself.

Her reward is a second-round clash with Australian Open semi-finalist Elina Svitolina, who had a first-round bye.

Svitolina made a final in Dubai last month and reached the semis at Indian Wells last week.

Elsewhere among the Aussies in Miami, Talia Gibson continued her hot run with a 6-0 6-1 rout of Sara Bejlek.

Gibson will face four-time grand slam champion Naomi Osaka in the second round, with the Japanese star seeking to bounce back from being knocked out of Indian Wells by world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka.

Australian Kim Birrell went down to American Ann Li 2-6 6-2 3-6.

There was also history on the men’s side of the draw at Miami with Moise Kouame becoming the first player born in 2009 to win an ATP Tour match.

The 17-year-old Frenchman, like Jones, fought back from losing the first set to claim a 5-7 6-4 6-4 win over American qualifier Zachary Svajda.

The wildcard became the youngest Miami match winner and the youngest ATP Masters 1000 winner since Rafael Nadal in 2003.

“It’s huge,” Kouame told the Tennis Channel.

“First main draw at a Masters 1000 here in Miami, it’s such a cool place. I’m really happy to win that match today and hopefully I can win many more.

“It’s my first time, so I didn’t expect all of this, but here I am. I need to get used to it pretty fast. It brings me a lot of confidence. It shows me that I’m on the right path. I just need to keep working.”

At a career-high world No.385, Kouame is the youngest player inside the top 900 and has soared to fourth in the Next Gen Race.

Next up in Miami is Czech 21st seed Jiri Lehecka, as he looks to extend his dream debut.

But while Kouame marches on, Aussie Alexei Popyrin’s slow start to the year continued with a 6-4 6-4 loss to revitalised three-time grand slam finalist and 2014 US Open champion Marin Cilic.

After cracking the world’s top 20 last year, Popyrin — the only Australian since Lleyton Hewitt more than two decades ago to conquer Novak Djokovic — has only won two matches thus far in 2026.

James Duckworth also lost to a veteran, bowing out 7-6 (7-3) 7-6 (7-4) to Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut.

In other matches, former French and Australian Open runner-up Stefanos Tsitsipas beat French-born British qualifier Arthur Fery 6-1 7-6 (7-4) to set up a second-round showdown with Australia’s world No.6 Alex de Minaur.

World No.3 Iga Swiatek was a shock first-round loser in the women’s event, the five-time grand slam champ falling 1-6 7-5 6-3 to Polish compatriot Magna Linette.

– with AAP

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Major city hikes hotel tax to nearly 20% as tourism bosses eye future events

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The Chicago City Council has agreed to raise its tourist tax in an effort to grow traveler marketing programs.

The vote on Ordinance 2026-0022544 will raise the tax on hotel rooms within that district to 19% from the rate of 17.5% — which includes a combined city, county and state tax, according to the Chicago Sun Times.

The increase will be applied to hotel stays at properties in the downtown and surrounding areas that contain over 100 rooms.

LAS VEGAS TOURISM PLUMMETS AS OFFICIALS CONSIDER $6M PLAN TO WIN BACK CANADIAN VISITORS

The increase will apply to room rates at hotels with 100 or more rooms that agree to opt in.

The city council also passed the formation of the Tourism Improvement District (TID) — which will fund Choose Chicago, the city’s official destination marketing organization.

A scenic view of Chicago, Illinois

Chicago is raising tourist taxes on downtown hotel bookings to 19% to boost tourism marketing efforts. (iStock)

Revenue will be used for city marketing campaigns and to cover bid fees for conventions and major events.

Chicago is already targeting the Democratic National Convention, which requires a $1 million bid. 

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The Windy City previously hosted the DNC in August 2024.

Earlier this month, the Democratic National Committee (DNC) advanced bids from Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Denver and Philadelphia.

Boats on the Chicago River

The City Council also passed the formation of the Tourism Improvement District. (Robert Knopes/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

Its advisory board is considering several factors, the DNC said — including a “commitment to selecting a city that shares Democratic values.”

Mayor Brandon Johnson issued a press release after the City Council’s vote, praising the decision.

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“Chicago is a premier city for tourism, business travelers, conventions and large-scale events,” said Johnson.

“My administration will continue our collaboration with Choose Chicago, as we continue to build up Chicago’s tourism and hospitality industry while leveraging economic growth and development to continue building safe and affordable communities across our city,” he added.

Democratic National Convention

Chicago is already targeting the Democratic National Convention, which requires a $1 million bid. (David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Choose Chicago president and CEO Kristen Reynolds said in a press release that this marks a “transformative moment” for the city.

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“With the TID in place, we now have the enhanced resources to match the ambition and vibrancy of our city,” said Reynolds.

She added, “This investment will allow us to amplify our marketing efforts, attract more conventions and events and ultimately deliver significant benefits to Chicago’s economy and communities.”

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Guy Chipparoni, chair of the Choose Chicago board of directors, said in a statement, “It sends a message to our competing cities that when it comes to attracting visitors, Chicago means business.”

Reacting on social media to the news about the tax hike, one person wrote, “19% tax on a hotel room, making it the highest in the nation. Vacations can get pricey, especially for a family. How would this help tourism?”

Another X user wrote, “Democrats in Chicago will even dream up a breath tax. It’s not far away.”

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Mondevo Group Announces Phiphen International, a New International Media Partnership

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Joint Venture with Award-Winning Producer Molly Conners Establishes International Media Fund and Co-Production Platform Across EMEA and APAC

ABU DHABI, UAE, MILAN and NEW YORK, March 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Mondevo Group, the AI-native wealth and innovation platform, today announced the formation of Phiphen International, a joint venture between MondeVita — a subsidiary of Mondevo Group — and Phiphen LLC, the entertainment company founded by award-winning producer Molly Conners.

The venture establishes an international co-production platform and media fund operating across EMEA and APAC, and marks Mondevo Group’s first dedicated partnership in the international film and media space. Molly Conners will serve as Global CEO of Phiphen International, overseeing operations across the United States and an international media fund supporting ventures in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia-Pacific.

Phiphen International will leverage Mondevo Group’s global infrastructure — including its ITTIKAR AI-native platform and its active relationships with over 120 leading family offices worldwide — to access international co-production incentives, launch a cross-border media fund, and expand Phiphen Games into EMEA and APAC markets.

Phiphen’s US operations remain unchanged under this partnership. Conners, who has produced or executive produced dozens of award-winning and nominated feature films — including Birdman and Frozen River — founded Phiphen in 2015. The company’s upcoming slate includes Midge, WTF: What the F**k Is My Password, Mattress Mack, The Stalemate, and Somedays.

“Film and media are among the most powerful forms of expression a group like ours can engage with seriously. Phiphen brings a track record of genuine creative excellence and courage – exactly the standard Mondevo Group holds for every partnership it builds across its MondeVita platform. It is the beginning of something we intend to build seriously, over time, together.”

Fabio Brambilla
Co-Founder and Group CEO, Mondevo Group

“This partnership allows us to take what we’ve built and expand our global footprint by finding and working with talented filmmakers, developing content across all genres and at all budget levels and providing funding to make their vision a reality that can be shared with the international audience. Mondevo’s network and infrastructure give us the reach to do that in a way we couldn’t on our own, and support the auteurs and storytellers across the regions that are producing some of the best new content. I’m looking forward to providing our expertise on a global scale.”

Molly Conners
CEO, Phiphen International

“Phiphen has built something genuinely rare — a track record of creative excellence across more than thirty film and television projects, and a producer in Molly whose instincts I respect enormously. Within MondeVita, we have built a pillar dedicated entirely to culture, film and media – because we believe that the work, when it is made with genuine conviction, is the most enduring thing a group like ours can put its name to. We will be watching what Phiphen International produces with exactly that in mind.”

Sherin Shaker Otaibi
Chairwoman, MondeVita Creative Board

About Mondevo Group

Mondevo Group is a multi-divisional holding company headquartered in Abu Dhabi, operating at the intersection of AI-native technology, wealth management, venture capital, and lifestyle. Mondevo’s mission is to harness its AI-native capabilities and a global network of over 120 ultra-high-net-worth families to build enduring businesses across sectors with high barriers to entry and strong long-term growth potential.

About MondeVita

MondeVita is the creative and cultural division of Mondevo Group, operating across four sovereign pillars: MondeVita Spirits, Fashion & Lifestyle, Hotels & Hospitality, and Culture, Film & Media. MondeVita’s founding acquisition is Raffaele Caruso S.p.A., the Parma-based tailoring house founded in 1964. The division is governed by a Creative Board chaired by Sherin Shaker Otaibi, with a founding philosophy built on craft, tradition, teamwork, and uncompromising quality.

About Phiphen

Phiphen is an independently owned film and television production company founded by award-winning producer Molly Conners. The company creates content across all genres and budget levels, supporting innovative talents and telling bold stories for a global audience. Phiphen has produced more than 30 film and television projects. Phiphen Games, a division of the company, publishes independent video games including Blue Fire and Ruffy and the Riverside.

Contact:

Investor Relations | ir@mondevogroup.com  

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Transportation Sec. Duffy on TSA exodus: Small airports could begin to shut down

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Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy joins ‘Squawk Box’ to discuss the state of DHS shutdown, impact of TSA staffing shortages on air travel, and more.

09:36

Thu, Mar 19 20269:11 AM EDT

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Woori IO, an OSR Company, Signs NDA with Sinopharm for China Market and Global Multicenter Trials

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BELLEVUE, Wash., March 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — OSR Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: OSRH), a healthcare-focused holding company advancing innovative medical technologies, today announced that its subsidiary, Woori IO Co., Ltd. (“Woori IO”), has entered into a mutual non-disclosure agreement (“NDA”) with Sinopharm Group Beijing Huahong (“Sinopharm”), the Beijing-based unit of Sinopharm Group and major state-owned healthcare and pharmaceutical distribution enterprise of China. This announcement is being made in accordance with Regulation FD to ensure broad, non-exclusionary public dissemination of this information.

The NDA establishes a formal framework for Woori IO and Sinopharm to exchange confidential information relating to Woori IO’s noninvasive near-infrared (NIR) glucose monitoring technology, allowing both parties to evaluate potential regulatory, clinical, and commercial pathways in China. Sinopharm Group, with reported 2024 revenue of approximately USD 81 billion, is generally considered China’s largest pharmaceutical and medical device distributor with the most extensive nationwide network.

China represents one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing diabetes markets, with more than 140 million people estimated to be living with the disease and rising demand for convenient glucose monitoring solutions. China’s diabetes device market is projected to expand significantly over the next decade, potentially exceeding $12 billion by 2032, according to a report by Research and Markets, as adoption of advanced glucose monitoring technologies accelerates. Woori IO’s proprietary NIR optical sensing technology addresses this demand directly, offering noninvasive, needle-free continuous glucose monitoring without the pain and adoption barriers of conventional invasive methods.

China is a highly compelling market, given its large and growing diabetes population and increasing adoption of advanced glucose monitoring technologies,” said Peter Hwang, CEO of OSR Holdings. “Our engagement with Sinopharm reflects the strategic importance of the China market and the potential role that established national distribution platforms may play in enabling future commercialization. While still at an early stage, this engagement underscores the broader global interest in Woori IO’s noninvasive glucose monitoring platform.”

Woori IO has received additional interest from healthcare organizations, pharmaceutical companies, and distribution partners across multiple regions, highlighting growing recognition of its noninvasive glucose monitoring platform and strong demand for more accessible, patient-friendly solutions. “Our NDA with Sinopharm allows us to begin evaluating potential regulatory and commercial pathways in China while continuing discussions with partners in other regions,” said Sunkie Park, CEO of Woori IO. “These interactions could help shape future clinical development programs, including potential global multicenter trials.”

While discussions remain preliminary, OSR Holdings intends to actively pursue strategic partnerships across major international markets as it advances development, regulatory strategy, and potential commercialization pathways for this next-generation glucose monitoring technology, which could represent a transformational step forward in improving accessibility and convenience in diabetes care globally.

About OSR Holdings, Inc.

OSR Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:OSRH) is a global healthcare holding company dedicated to advancing biomedical innovation approaches to health and wellness. Through its subsidiaries, OSRH is engaged in immuno-oncology, regenerative biologics, and medical device technologies. Its vision is to build a portfolio of breakthrough healthcare solutions to improve global health outcomes. Learn more at www.OSR-Holdings.com.

About Woori IO Co., Ltd.

Woori IO is a South Korea-based medical device company developing noninvasive biosensing technologies for glucose monitoring and beyond. Its proprietary NIRS-based system enables accurate, pain-free glucose tracking and is designed for integration into wearables. The company has been recognized by a leading global consumer electronics company’s startup program for its innovation in NIGM technology. Learn more at www.woori.io.

Contact:

Media & Investor Contacts
OSR Holdings, Inc.
Investor Relations
ir@osr-holdings.com

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding potential collaboration opportunities, anticipated commercialization pathways, regulatory strategy, global market demand for noninvasive CGM technology, and future business prospects. These statements are based on current expectations and assumptions and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied. Factors that may affect future results include, but are not limited to, the ability to enter into definitive agreements with prospective partners, regulatory approvals, product development outcomes, market acceptance, competitive developments, capital market conditions, and other risks described in OSR Holdings’ filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. OSR Holdings undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements except as required by law.

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Gulf airlines are burning through serious cash as airport, safety picture stays patchy: Analyst

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Aviation analyst Alex Macheras says disruption in the Gulf has far-reaching financial implications as the region handles 10% of global international passengers. He discusses how airports in Doha, Dubai and Abu Dhabi collectively handle up to 500,000 passengers daily at peak seasons and how the loss of such foot traffic amid the Iran War, as well as the patchy picture of airspace closures and limited operations, all weigh on airlines.

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