Friday, June 19, 2026
Google search engine
Home Blog Page 57

Cleanest cruise lines revealed after CDC surprise sanitation inspections

0

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

The cleanest cruise ships have been revealed in a new study — and some of the findings may surprise cruise lovers.

The study, which compiled data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) annual health and hygiene inspections, ranked a number of popular cruise lines as the most sanitary.

“The data shows that independent brands tend to score higher than large conglomerates, and, surprisingly, the age of the ship doesn’t appear to influence a cruise line’s ability to achieve a perfect score,” according to the study by Florida-based Squaremouth Travel Insurance.

OUTRAGED CRUISE PASSENGERS BLAST COMPANY’S ‘IDIOTIC’ NEW DRESS CODE CRACKDOWN

Cruise ships were graded on a 100-point scale. To pass inspection, ships must score 86 or above. 

The Viking Ocean Cruises II Ltd., Viking Expedition Operations and Crystal Cruises were tied as the cleanest cruise lines, according to the study. Each cruise line scored a 99 out of 100.

The cleanest cruise ships of 2026

“Surprisingly, the age of the ship doesn’t appear to influence a cruise line’s ability to achieve a perfect score,” a new study said.  (Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group)

“The federal government’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP), established in 1975 to work with the cruise industry to protect travelers’ health, is critical for the health and safety of passengers, staff and the locations that cruise ships visit,” Gavin Macgregor-Skinner, an infection prevention expert and epidemiologist, told Fox News Digital.

Oceania Cruises, P&O Cruises, Japan Grace, Virgin Voyages, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean International completed the top 10 cleanest cruise line list.

DINERS RANK THE 10 ‘DIRTIEST’ STATES FOR RESTAURANTS — SEE IF YOURS MADE THE LIST

Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas ship, which premiered in 2001, ranked high in the CDC’s list — proving that age is not necessarily linked to cleanliness.

All the ships in the top 10 scored higher than 97.12.

“Ships participating in the VSP can expect two unannounced inspections every year, with a focus on medical facilities, potable water systems, swimming pools and whirlpool baths, galleys and dining rooms, child activity centers, cabins, ventilation systems and common areas,” Macgregor-Skinner said.

Clean cruise ships in 2026

Cruise ships were graded on a 100-point scale. Ships must score 86 or above to pass inspection. (Jeff Greenberg/Universal Images Group)

Viking, Virgin and Norwegian were the corporations that ranked the highest, with sanitation scores of 98.75, 97.67 and 97.39, respectively, according to the study.

“Without strong cleaning and hygiene practices, germs can spread quickly.”

Disney was No. 4 in the list of corporations — averaging a 97.

Royal Caribbean and Carnival had average sanitation scores of 96.74 and 94.82, respectively.

DREAM VACATION BECOMES NIGHTMARE AS DOZENS FALL ILL IN SUSPECTED NOROVIRUS OUTBREAK ON CRUISE SHIP

Viruses can spread quickly on a cruise ship. 

But the CDC implements strict cleaning protocols for all vessels.

Cleanest Ships

All the ships in the top 10 list of cleanest cruises scored higher than 97.12. (Horacio Villalobos/Corbis)

“Cruise ships are shared environments where thousands of people touch the same surfaces every day,” Brian Sansoni, senior vice president of communications at the American Cleaning Institute in Washington, D.C., told Fox News Digital.

“Without strong cleaning and hygiene practices, germs can spread quickly, increasing the risk of illness among passengers and crew,” he continued.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIES

Surprisingly, the study found no link between viruses and the lack of cleanliness.

Cruise ships are often ravaged by norovirus and other gastrointestinal illnesses. In 2025, the CDC reported 23 onboard outbreaks, according to the study.

Cleanest cruises

Overall, the cruise industry is cleaner than other travel sectors, an expert said. (Jens Büttner)

However, “the data shows no correlation between the number of onboard viral outbreaks and sanitation scores, proving that viral illness can easily spread on the cleanest of ships,” the study said.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

Macgregor-Skinner said cruise lines are the only part of the travel sector that routinely report illnesses to the federal government.

“It is very important not to confuse the wider availability of cruise health data with a higher incidence rate on cruise ships compared to settings like restaurants, hotels and planes,” Macgregor-Skinner said.

Clean Cruise Ships

Viruses can spread quickly on a cruise ship, but the CDC enforces strict cleaning protocols. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel/Tribune News Service)

Overall, the cruise industry is actually cleaner than other travel sectors, he said.

Nevertheless, Sansoni asserted, “Inadequate cleaning can allow viruses and bacteria to linger on high‑touch surfaces like railings, elevator buttons and bathroom fixtures. When cleaning protocols break down, those germs can spread rapidly in close quarters.”

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER

According to the study, here are the top 10 cleanest cruise lines. 

Top 10 list

Viking Ocean Cruises

Viking Expedition Cruises

Crystal Cruises

Oceania Cruises

P&O Cruises

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Japan Grace

Virgin Voyages

Norwegian Cruise Line

Celebrity Cruises

Royal Caribbean International

Source

Marcus Bontempelli allowed to run free as Bulldogs demolish Giants

0

Western Bulldogs superstar Marcus Bontempelli has put on a clinic to lead his side to an 81-point demolition of the GWS Giants on Saturday afternoon.

Bontempelli had 18 touches and three goals by half-time to lay the platform for the 21.8 (134) to 7.11 (53) victory.

The captain did as he pleased throughout the match, racking up big numbers and then pushing forward to get on the scoreboard.

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

Bontempelli’s first-half performance, which was the second highest rated in his career, left commentators wondering why he was afforded so much space.

“It’s an intriguing thing … he’s waltzed around all by himself once again,” St Kilda great Nick Dal Santo said on Fox Footy at half-time.

“He is two steps ahead of everyone else in the competition … he’s always had poise, but what he has is great decisions, so when he makes that decision to sneak forward, he goes so hard, and it puts his opponent in really vulnerable positions.

“We spoke about a few things the Giants have to tidy up, maybe pay a bit of respect for No.4.”

Fellow commentator Ben Dixon couldn’t believe no Giants player paid close attention to him.

“I’m staggered (nobody has gone with him),” he said.

“I’ve been tracking him, and no one has gone to him. (Harry) Rowston went to him early, but it wasn’t a run-with (role).”

Bontempelli finished with 33 disposals, while Tom Liberatore (29) and Matthew Kennedy (27) also got plenty of the ball.

Aaron Naughton feasted up forward to finish with a bag of six goals, while Sam Darcy booted four.

The Bulldogs are now two from two after defeating two-time reigning premiers Brisbane last week.

It was a disappointing day for the Giants, who were completely outclassed.

Skipper Toby Greene worked hard for the Giants, winning 26 disposals as a starting midfielder, and Lachie Ash racked up 31 touches, but GWS never looked up for the fight.

There were few positives for the Giants, though Finn Callaghan showed no signs of rust after missing training with soreness during the week, kicking two goals and winning 27 disposals.

A sickening head clash in an aerial contest in the Bulldogs’ forward 50 left three players feeling worse for wear, with Dogs debutant Will Lewis and Giants defenders Harry Himmelberg and Jayden Laverde all coming to the bench as a result.

Multiple players were injured in a hectic collision.
Multiple players were injured in a hectic collision. Credit: Fox Footy

The Giants can ill-afford to lose any more players to injury, with a handful of key players already on the sidelines.

Co-captain Tom Green (ACL) has been ruled out for 2026, Josh Kelly (hip) is expected to miss most of 2026, and star defender Sam Taylor (hamstring) is still at least six weeks away.Tagger Toby Bedford (hamstring) and forward Aaron Cadman (pelvis) are also unlikely to be seen before the Giants’ Round 4 bye.

Luke Beveridge’s side managed just two wins from 11 matches against top-eight teams in 2025, but with wins against the Lions and Giants to start 2026, the Bulldogs have already taken two scalps from last year’s finalists.

– With AAP

Source

Fingerprint and photo scans to be fully enforced for American travelers headed to one continent

0

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

European vacation destinations will begin requiring all travelers to have prints of their fingers taken, as well as photos, upon arrival in a new screening process.

France, Italy, Portugal, the United Kingdom and 25 other countries began implementing a new Entry/Exit System (EES) on Oct. 12 — and come April 10, it will be fully enforced.  

The program will be introduced “in phases,” officials say. 

AIRPORTS SET UP DONATION DRIVES FOR UNPAID TSA OFFICERS DURING DHS FUNDING CRISIS 

“These European countries will introduce the different elements of the EES in phases, including the collection of biometric data, such as facial image and fingerprints,” the European Union’s (EU) website notes.

“This means that biometric data (facial image and fingerprints) might not be collected at every border crossing point right away, and [travelers’] personal information may not be registered in the system,” it continued.

europe travel fingerprint and photo requirements

Europe’s new biometric border system will be fully enforced on April 10 and will require fingerprints and facial scans for all visitors. (Jaimi Joy/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Manual passport stamping is being replaced by automatic digital registration.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

“As passport stamping will no longer exist once the EES is operational, carriers must use an online interface to perform these checks instead,” reads the EU site.

passports with papers on table

Manual passport stamping is being replaced by automatic digital registration. (iStock)

It’s anticipated that the new policy will help modernize border management across Europe, including security improvements to combat fraud and terrorism.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

The system will be able to track if visitors overstay their welcome in the Schengen Area, which is a zone of 29 European countries that allow movement.

europe travel fingerprint and photo requirements

In March 2025, nearly 1.6 million Americans traveled to Europe. (Jaimi Joy/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

A self-service system is offered for those with a biometric passport, which contains a “chip” of the personal biometric information collected.

This time last year — in March 2025 — nearly 1.6 million Americans traveled to Europe, according to the International Trade Administration.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIES

Roughly 16 to 18 million Americans traveled to Europe in all of 2025, according to industry estimates. 

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER

The U.S. is one of Europe’s biggest tourism markets, according to the World Tourism Guide. 

Source

Flights are already getting more expensive after a jet fuel spike. When should you book?

0

Travelers wait in line at a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoint at William P. Hobby Airport in Houston, Texas, US, on Monday, March 9, 2026.

Mark Felix | Bloomberg | Getty Images

The surge in fuel prices since the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran nearly two weeks ago is already driving up airfare. Consumers’ appetite for travel this year will dictate just how much.

Cathay Pacific on Thursday said it would roughly double fuel surcharges on tickets starting March 18.

Earlier this week, Australia’s Qantas said it is raising fares to help cover its costs, Scandinavian Airlines said the “unusually rapid and substantial increase” in fuel prompted it to raise prices, and Air New Zealand pulled its financial outlook “until fuel markets and operating conditions stabilise,” adding that it has made “initial fare adjustments.”

“If the conflict leads to continued elevated jet fuel costs, the airline may need to take further pricing action and adjust its network and schedule as required,” Air New Zealand said.

U.S. airline CEOs and other executives will update investors on Tuesday at the J.P. Morgan Industrials Conference in Washington, D.C.

Analysts expect an earnings hit at least in the first quarter if not the first half of the year, though the impact will depend on how long higher fuel prices last.

“We think a hit to 1Q EPS appears almost certain at this point,” UBS airline analysts Atul Maheswari and Thomas Wadewitz wrote in a note last week.

United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby said last week on the sidelines of an event at Harvard University that higher fares were likely on the way because of the surge in fuel prices.

Kirby said travel demand is still strong, however. Two other senior airline executives at U.S. carriers, speaking on the condition of anonymity because they weren’t authorized to speak to media, also said travel demand has held up. If those trends persist, it could give airlines more pricing power, but that will depend on the war’s duration.

“Airlines never met a higher fare they didn’t want,” said Scott Keyes, founder of flight deal company Going, previously known as Scott’s Cheap Flights.

So what should consumers do?

Keyes said travelers can’t lose by booking early, as long as they’re not buying restrictive basic economy tickets. That way, customers can try to exchange or cancel their tickets and buy cheaper ones if airfare ends up falling.

“If you book a $500 summer flight today, and two weeks from now the price drops to $350, you can call up the airline and get the $150 difference back as a credit. Heads you win; tails the airlines lose,” he said.

Read more about the Middle East conflict’s travel impact

Fuel costs

Jet fuel is airlines’ biggest cost after labor, accounting for about a fifth or more of expenses, depending on the airline.

United alone spent $11.4 billion last year on fuel, at an average price of $2.44 a gallon, according to a securities filing. U.S. jet fuel on Wednesday was going for $3.78 a gallon, according to Platts.

Jefferies airline analyst Sheila Kahyaoglu said in a note Thursday that she expects “the most acute financial impact to airlines from surging oil prices to be in the next 30-90 days as airlines have been booking yields for close-in flights assuming a much lower fuel price and carriers cannot retroactively raise fares.”

She said Delta Air Lines and United, which produce most U.S. airline profits, are better positioned than other carriers because of their high-end demand. Risks to demand, particularly for more price-sensitive customers, include the recent jump in gasoline prices.

Jet fuel has more than doubled in some regions since the first U.S.–Israel attacks on Iran on Feb. 28.

Oil prices surged to roughly four-year highs after the initial strikes. Energy prices have swung wildly since then as traders assess just how long the war — and all the logistics headaches — could last.

U.S. jet fuel prices were up more than 60% from before the attacks to a peak last week, according to pricing data assessed by Platts. Jet fuel can rise by a greater degree than crude because it includes the price of processing and ever-more difficult and costly transportation from oil fields to refineries to airplane fuel tanks.

On Feb. 27, the day before the attacks, the cost to fill the fuel tanks of a Boeing 737-800 would have would have been about $17,000 based on average prices in New York, Houston, Chicago and Los Angeles, compiled by Argus. Less than a week later, on March 5, it would have cost more than $27,000. On Tuesday, after oil prices fell following President Donald Trump‘s comment that the Iran war could end “very soon,” it would have cost around $23,000.

Line Service Technician Austin Beadles refuels a plane using a Federal Aviation Administration approved unleaded aviation fuel at Sheltair at Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport in Broomfield on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026. Sheltair, a fixed-base operator, will offer the Swift UL94 unleaded aviation alternative gas to pilots. (Photo by Matthew Jonas/MediaNews Group/Boulder Daily Camera via Getty Images)

Matthew Jonas | Boulder Daily Camera | MediaNews Group | Getty Images

After prior fuel price surges, airlines started making customers pay for bags — or charging them more. Even seemingly minor changes in weight can save airlines hundreds of thousands, if not millions of dollars, a year in fuel. United in 2018 changed to a lighter paper stock for its in-flight magazine. In 2014, American Airlines said it would switch to digital manuals for flight attendants, following changes for pilots. It said at the time that it would save $650,000 in fuel a year.

All about capacity

High fuel prices don’t automatically mean higher fares. The ongoing strong demand for travel is a key factor and so is capacity, or the amount that carriers fly.

If airlines raise fares and passengers balk, then capacity will likely go down in the form of fewer frequencies on a route or broader cuts, in more severe cases.

“Airlines love to say fuel is expensive so you have to pay more. What they’re doing is they’re setting the expectation,” said Courtney Miller, founder of Visual Approach Analytics, an airline industry advisory firm. “They price to prevent empty seats.”

If fuel prices come down, “they’re not suddenly saying ‘We’re making too much money,'” Miller added. “But they are likely to add another flight.”

Capacity, especially to and from the Middle East, is constrained because of airspace closures and other stop-and-start flights. More than 46,000 flights have been canceled to and from the region since the Feb. 28 attacks began, aviation data firm Cirium said.

The Iran war is causing chaos at the Dubai airport. Here’s what travelers need to know.

Those constraints are driving up fares as well as demand, as United’s Kirby said, from regions where customers are looking for alterative routes.

Airspace closures are also requiring airlines to take longer, more fuel-guzzling routes, but many have strong demand, too.

Qantas, for example, told CNBC that its flight from Perth, Australia, to London is temporarily stopping in Singapore to refuel, allowing it to pick up another 60 customers, and that its Perth-London and Perth-Paris routes are more than 90% full this month, 15 percentage points higher than normal for this time of year.

Finnair said the increased demand for travel to Asia from Helsinki has pushed up its prices by 15% on average.

“The impact of higher fuel prices will be reflected in market fares with a delay, as airlines typically hedge at least part of their fuel purchases,” it said.

Airlines have been grappling with airspace closures for years, including from on-and-off conflict in the Middle East and since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, that have left a large swath of airspace out of use for many carriers.

‘You can’t dry up an airport’

Most U.S. airlines no longer hedge fuel costs, or lock in prices using futures and other securities. Southwest Airlines was one of the last holdouts, and it quit last year. A spokesman for the Dallas-based airline told CNBC that Southwest currently has “no plans” to resume hedging.

That leaves U.S. carriers more susceptible to price swings.

Travelers at William P. Hobby Airport in Houston, Texas, US, on Monday, March 9, 2026.

Mark Felix | Bloomberg | Getty Images

Kirby said there would likely be an impact to United’s first-quarter results and to the second quarter if the war — and blockage of the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping channel — persists. However, he said demand was increasing sharply from regions that have been affected by the thousands of flight cancellations and airspace closures in the Middle East.

Because of airlines’ upbeat outlooks on demand to start the year, “the environment is conducive for passing along fare increases. Further, should jet fuel stay higher for longer, it should help push off-peak capacity lower,” supporting unit revenues, UBS analysts said.

Rick Joswick, who heads of near-term oil research and analytics at S&P Global Energy, told CNBC that “demand for jet fuel is inelastic. You cannot shortchange an airport. If the cost of jet fuel goes up, it’s not like the plane will choose not to fly that day.

“You can’t dry up an airport,” he said.

Read more CNBC airline news

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

Source

Biophytis-LynxKite Alliance Expands to Turbocharge AI-driven drug discovery for next generation longevity therapeutics

0
  • Biophytis and LynxKite launch new modalities beyond MASSIVE: AI-driven drug discovery for next-generation longevity therapies
  • This partnership will generate revenue through:
    • A computational longevity platform, including unique curated datasets and accelerated computation methods relevant for longevity research
    • Next-generation drug candidates against sarcopenia
    • Next generation drug candidates for dry age-related macular degeneration 

SINGAPORE, PARIS and CAMBRIDGE, Mass., March 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Lynxkite is expanding its partnership with Biophytis SA (Euronext Growth Paris: ALBPS) (“Biophytis”), starting with  the MASSIVE project (MAS Receptor Synthetic Innovation & Virtual Engineering for Sarcopenia therapy) and plans to expand the platform to other modalities. This strategic initiative, also supported by Singapore’s Enterprise Singapore, is aligned with priority target areas in Singapore’s Research, Innovation and Enterprise (RIE) 2030 plan.

LynxKite Technologies, a leader in advanced analytics and artificial intelligence, known for its flagship open-source platform LynxKite, will integrate AI computational methods relevant for longevity research into its computational orchestration platform. With over a decade of experience, the founding team of LynxKite has supported more than 100 global enterprises — including major players such as Roche, AstraZeneca and Hummingbird Biosciences — in analyzing complex data using graph-based and generative AI approaches.

The first MASSIVE project aims to identify and develop Mas receptor (MasR) activator drug candidates targeting sarcopenia, a degenerative muscle disease associated with aging that affects millions of elderly people worldwide. Biophytis contributes its deep expertise in age-related diseases, its preclinical experience in MasR-linked indications, and its expertise in Mas receptor pharmacology. LynxKite brings state-of-the-art AI technologies, chemoinformatics, and software engineering coupled with scaling GPU computation on the latest generation of NVIDIA toolkits and neoclouds such as Nebius. Together, the partners strengthen Biophytis’ strategic drug discovery program, aligned with its longevity-focused strategy and positioning.

The project’s key objectives include:

  1. Modeling the Mas receptor for structure-based drug design using AI and protein prediction tools.
  2. Designing and prioritizing synthetic drug candidates through AI-guided molecule generation and predictive filtering.
  3. Synthesizing and testing promising MasR activators to assess biological activity, safety, and pharmacokinetics.
  4. Selecting and protecting the lead candidate through patent filings in preparation for preclinical development.
  5. Developing and validating the AI software via feedback loops from in vitro and in vivo validation of candidates.

“The launch of MASSIVE marks a decisive step in our longevity strategy, combining our clinical expertise with LynxKite’s innovative AI to accelerate the discovery of transformative therapies against sarcopenia,” said Stanislas Veillet, CEO of Biophytis.

Gyorgy Lajtai, CEO of LynxKite, added: “We are proud to collaborate with Biophytis on pioneering computational longevity through our LynxKite platfom, which demonstrates how LynxKite can revolutionize discovery by designing, integrating and orchestrating relevant computational tools in diverse modalities.”

About LynxKite

LynxKite Technologies Pte Ltd, headquartered in Singapore with offices in the United States, Switzerland The LynxKite platform combines graph analytics, biological language models, while directly managing, optimizing, and autoscaling GPU resources to efficiently run complex pipelines such as NVIDIA NIM Microservices. Building on more than a decade of experience in graph and enterprise AI, LynxKite collaborates with research institutions, technology partners, and industry leaders to accelerate scientific discovery and advanced analytics. For more information, please visit https://lynxkite.com.

About BIOPHYTIS

Biophytis SA is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing drug candidates for age-related diseases. BIO101 (20-hydroxyecdysone), our lead drug candidate, is a small molecule in development for muscular diseases (sarcopenia, Phase 3 ready to start) and metabolic disorders (obesity, Phase 2 ready to start). The company is headquartered in Paris, France, with subsidiaries in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA, and Brazil. The Company’s ordinary shares are listed on Euronext Growth Paris (ALBPS – FR001400OLP5) and its ADS (American Depositary Shares) are listed on the OTC market (BPTSY – US 09076G401). For more information, visit www.biophytis.com.

About Nebius
Nebius, the AI cloud company, is building the full-stack platform for developers and companies to take charge of their AI future — from data and model training to production deployment. Founded on deep in-house technological expertise and operating at scale with a rapidly expanding global footprint, Nebius serves startups and enterprises building AI products, agents, and services worldwide. Nebius is listed on Nasdaq (NASDAQ: NBIS) and headquartered in Amsterdam. For more information, please visit www.nebius.com.

Source

Showbiz Pros Gather at Shenzhen Festival

0

SHENZHEN, China, March 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — More than 2,000 film and TV companies and over 5,000 showbiz professionals are gathering at a heavyweight industry event that kicked off this morning in Shenzhen.


Founded in 2010, the China International New Media Short Film Festival (CSFF) is the country’s only nationally recognized international short film festival, held every year in Shenzhen. Shenzhen Media Group is one of the organizers of the festival. The city also hosts the China (Shenzhen) International TV Drama Trading Fair, which was initiated in December 2014.

Last year, the two events merged into one, with a conference added to the schedule for discussions on policies, directions, and trends for the industry.

During the opening ceremony this morning, the National Radio and Television Administration announced the establishment of a “Ju Hao Kan” (“Good Dramas”) Big Screen On-Demand Alliance. The alliance, which adopts blockchain technology, will ensure that high-quality content — including web series and short or medium-length dramas — can easily reach mainstream broadcasting platforms across the country. It also guarantees that content creators can view broadcast data and that revenue-sharing records are traceable.

Industry heavyweights, including iQiyi founder and CEO Gong Yu, gave speeches on topics such as the impact and empowerment of AI in film and drama production.

A report on the short drama industry, a study on its future growth, and a white paper on the overseas expansion of Chinese short dramas will be released during the conference.

Meanwhile, China’s State TV, Mango TV, Hunan Satellite TV, and premium video platforms like iQiyi, Youku, Tencent, and Hongguo Short Drama will announce their production plans for 2026.

In addition to the platforms, leading production firms, including Daylight Entertainment (“Nirvana in Fire”), Huace Film & TV, and Linmon Media (“A Little Reunion,” “Nothing But Thirty”), are participating alongside Hengdian World Studios and other shooting bases. More than 30 of these firms will release trailers for new shows. The event also pools resources from Crazy Maple Studio, the company behind ReelShort, and Jiuzhou Culture, operator of 99TV.

Nearly 200 companies and institutions have set up booths in a 3,000-square-meter space, including tech and media giants Google, Sony, and Amazon. Over 150 professional buyers and representatives from more than 80 investing firms are expected to attend.

Exhibition spaces devoted to companies from Hong Kong and Macao, as well as nine seminars focusing on the integration of the film and drama industry in the Greater Bay Area, aim to create synergy in the region’s showbiz revival.

An AIGC and Digital Technology Zone, covering over 1,000 square meters, will feature cutting-edge imaging solutions from major players including Volcengine, Tencent Cloud, and Alibaba Cloud. Among the highlights is Seedance, an AI-powered motion capture system previously featured at China’s Spring Festival Gala.

This year, the CSFF has received more than 500 short films submitted by creators from all APEC economies. The festival’s prestigious KingBonn Director Supporting Program has selected 15 winners from a total of 4,306 submissions. This year will also see the addition of the Annual Premium Short Drama award and the APEC Economies Premium Short Films and Drama award.

Shenzhen, which produced the popular short TV series “Miracle” and the “Boonie Bears” films, is a leader in the film and drama industry. According to DataEye founder Wang Xiangbin, from January to October 2025, overseas in-app purchase revenue for short dramas exceeded US$1.847 billion, with Shenzhen enterprises contributing over 50% of China’s exports.

Source

Year of the Horse Kicks Off with a Multi-Category Procurement Boom on Yiwugo

0

YIWU, China, March 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Yiwugo.com, the official website of the Yiwu Commodity Market, is the largest commodity wholesale market in the world. With the 2026 Lunar New Year barely behind us, Yiwu International Trade City has set out on a new journey amid the festive atmosphere of its market reopening, carrying forward the strong momentum of 2025 and igniting a fresh wave of global procurement. As a core platform anchored in Yiwu’s physical marketplace and bridging supply and demand across the world, Yiwugo has seen rising demand across multiple product categories, including perler beads and pet toys. Orders are pouring in, painting a vivid picture of the “world’s supermarket” kicking off the Year of the Horse with remarkable vitality. It also underscores Yiwugo’s role in empowering the real economy and linking domestic and global markets.

Product images from relevant stores on Yiwugo.com
Product images from relevant stores on Yiwugo.com

Since the reopening, perler bead toys have become one of the market’s standout categories, extending the explosive growth recorded in 2025. Demand has remained strong both at home and abroad, leaving many merchants in the hectic yet enviable position of scrambling to keep up with customers’ requests for restocking.

Yan Lijuan, owner of Bright Toys on Yiwugo, has been in the industry for seven years. The company specializes in 2.6 mm perler beads, handmade beaded products, and related items. Since the perler bead market surged in the second half of 2025, her business has entered a period of rapid expansion. Orders from domestic and international markets are now roughly evenly split, including purchases from several high-quality Amazon clients. On peak days, order volumes can reach as high as RMB 20,000. Such a robust demand has carried over from last year into the new market-opening season, keeping her workshop running at full capacity.

With Yiwugo’s support, Set Sail DIY Gift Firm, another business long engaged in the perler bead industry, has grown from an export-oriented enterprise into one thriving in both domestic and international markets. Its owner, Wu Yin, has been involved in the production and sales of perler beads since 2013. In the early years, she capitalized on Yiwugo’s strengths to introduce 5 mm perler beads to overseas markets. Known for their premium quality—eco-friendly and non-toxic, free of burrs and holes, and featuring a high melting point and remarkable durability—the products quickly gained popularity in Spain, Mexico, Chile, Japan, and the Republic of Korea (ROK). Through Yiwugo’s precise business matchmaking, these high-quality perler beads have built a stable and loyal customer base, including a Spanish client who has maintained the partnership for more than a decade, with monthly purchases consistently ranging from RMB 30,000 to RMB 50,000.

As demand for perler beads surges in China, Yiwugo’s market insights and extensive customer network have also encouraged overseas buyers to source 2.6 mm perler beads, creating a positive cycle in which domestic and international markets energize and empower each other. Today, Set Sail DIY Gift Firm offers up to 296 color options for the Chinese market, while its international product line includes more than 70 varieties. Such a broad portfolio enables the company to meet the diverse needs of customers across different markets.

Since the beginning of the Year of the Horse, one of Wu Yin’s long-standing clients in Wuhan has referred 15 owners of brick-and-mortar handmade craft stores from across China to her. Meanwhile, a steady flow of accurately matched Yiwugo customers from Wuhan, Shanghai, Lanzhou, and other regions has provided fresh impetus for the growth of Set Sail DIY Gift Firm. On the day of our interview alone, Wu Yin secured two trial orders from new clients via Yiwugo, each valued at RMB 10,000. The outstanding quality of her products has left her highly confident in winning repeat orders.

The surging popularity of perler beads is by no means an isolated phenomenon. On Yiwugo, other categories such as pet toys have also seen a strong start to the trading season. Their emergence as frequently searched products in overseas markets highlights Yiwugo’s diversified and forward-looking category strategy.

With Yiwugo’s support, Ninghai Dougez Pet Products Co., Ltd. is exporting its products to Europe, the United States, South America, Southeast Asia, Japan, the ROK, and other countries and regions. Its operator, Lu Yanfei, has devoted 18 years to this industry and runs a modern factory integrating manufacturing and sales. Recently, procurement demand for pet toys on Yiwugo has continued to grow, while customer preferences have become increasingly segmented: some buyers prioritize premium quality, whereas others place greater emphasis on value for money. Among these products, electric cat teaser wands have seen particularly strong demand in the US and Southeast Asian markets, with Dougez’s top-performing clients purchasing up to 20,000 units per month. At the same time, a steady stream of high-quality overseas buyers, precisely matched and connected through Yiwugo, has provided the company with sustained confidence in expanding its global presence.

From the perler bead boom at home and abroad to the growing overseas demand for pet toys, each wave of activity on Yiwugo offers a vivid testament to the dynamism of the “world’s supermarket”. Anchored in Yiwu’s physical marketplace and powered by digital technology, the platform bridges offline stores with buyers around the world. It helps local merchants bring their premium products beyond Chinato the international stage, while enabling overseas buyers to source directly from primary suppliers without ever leaving home. With the Year of the Horse off to a strong start, Yiwugo will continue to capitalize on its strengths to help more merchants capture business opportunities, enhance the global influence of Yiwu’s small commodities, and usher in a new chapter in the high-quality development of the “world’s supermarket”.

Source

MOVA Unveils the “Infinite Smart Universe” at AWE, Presenting the Vision of All-Scenario Smart Living

0

SHANGHAI, March 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — After its stunning debut at AWE last year, global premium smart technology brand MOVA is set to make a strong return in 2026 with significant technological and brand evolution. This year, MOVA’s exhibition scale has expanded sixfold compared to its debut, unveiling a 768㎡ “Infinite Smart Living Pavilion” and a 744㎡ “Immersive Technology Experience Pavilion”. From deep specialization in the cleaning sector, MOVA now extends across multiple product domains, including major kitchen appliances, consumer electronics, and eVTOLs. This expansion goes far beyond physical scale, representing the strategic concentration of MOVA’s technological innovation and ecological vision. The brand is evolving from a creator of excellent products into a builder of a smart ecosystem that is shaping future lifestyles.

This year, two themed Pavilions are designed to work in synergy to present MOVA’s comprehensive ecosystem. At the Infinite Smart Living Pavilion, the famous Chinese actor Song Weilong will engage with MOVA products and share his user experience, offering a personal perspective on how technology enhances daily life. Meanwhile, the Immersive Tech Pavilion debuts the MOVA chip.


Deep Evolution: From Single-Task Cleaning to All-Scenario Awareness in an Infinite Smart Ecosystem

At this year’s AWE, MOVA’s 768㎡ “Infinite Smart Living Pavilion” fully showcases the brand’s strategic evolution from a leader in smart cleaning to a builder of comprehensive smart living. The pavilion brings together 20 product lines, including cleaning appliances and kitchen appliances, forming an integrated ecosystem spanning cleaning, dining, creation, and climate control. This expansion underscores MOVA’s transformation from a single-category technology leader into a comprehensive architect of full-scenario smart living.

After attracting global attention at CES, the MOVA Pilot 70 overcomes the single-floor cleaning limitations of traditional robot vacuums through the innovative integration of a drone and a transport module. The drone is equipped with a flight control system, a fusion perception system, and a 6-fold active protection design, enabling it to safely and precisely transport the vacuum to upper floors, balconies, or even glass-roofed sunrooms. This breakthrough significantly extends cleaning coverage to previously inaccessible areas.

MOVA unveils its new flagship robot vacuum, the Z70 Pro, delivering a smart evolution in whole-home cleaning with three MOVA-first* innovations. The Z70 Pro features MOVA’s first InfiniteEye™ technology, allowing users to label specific objects and customize cleaning strategies—getting closer to trash cans and table legs for deep coverage while keeping a safe distance from vases and mirrors to avoid collisions. For battery performance, it introduces MOVA’s first* Smart-Protect Fast Charging Technology. A 6,400mAh battery with intelligent temperature control enables 30%* faster charging and smart recharging during cleaning cycles, extending runtime and lifespan. To address edge-cleaning challenges, MOVA’s AI-Powered Dynamic Edge Technology automatically retracts the roller by 10mm* upon wall contact, ensuring thorough edge coverage while protecting walls.

Designed to tackle the challenges of deep cleaning, the X60 Ultra Steam floor washer resolves three major pain points: sterilization and stain removal, edge-to-edge coverage, and flexible maneuverability. It debuts* a dual-mode steam and hot water cleaning system, combining the sanitizing power of 200°C* steam with the rapid stain-dissolving ability of 90°C* hot water. The result is ultra-hygienic deep cleaning—instantly breaking down stubborn grease and sauce stains while delivering bacterial removal. The product features the industry-leading Fin AI Mechanical Arm and Running Water Cleaning Disc, breaking the structural limitations of traditional floor washers to achieve zero-gap* edge cleaning on the left, right, and front sides. With an ultra-slim 9.9cm body design, it can easily reach traditional cleaning blind spots such as under beds and cabinets.

In the vacuum category, MOVA has unveiled its next-generation flagship model, the Z200 Ultra, featuring the revolutionary “Handheld Station” technology. The core breakthrough lies in MOVA’s first* handheld vacuum with a large-capacity integrated dust bag. It eliminates the need for frequent dust cup emptying, enabling vacuuming and dust collection in one go. The innovative dust bag design, combined with a dedicated hygiene mode and H14-grade HEPA filtration, forms a comprehensive hygiene protection system that maintains a consistently clean internal environment. Users can enjoy up to 45 days* of maintenance-free operation, making daily cleaning more effortless and worry-free. In addition, the Z200 Ultra is equipped with MOVA’s first* Dynamic Dual-Action Pressure System, which automatically adjusts brush performance to different floor conditions, enhancing cleaning efficiency with every push and pull. Working in tandem with the front-mounted mechanical arm structure, it further improves front-edge precision cleaning, making it easier to reach tight areas such as corners and table legs for a more effortless and efficient cleaning experience.

MOVA T1 Station window cleaning robot elevates the cleaning dimension from horizontal surfaces to vertical facades. T1 Station introduces MOVA’s first* warm water window cleaning technology, using 40°C water to soften stains and adhesive residue on glass surfaces for deep cleaning. It is equipped with NooksErasing™ edge-cleaning technology—integrating side brushes into the four corners of the square cleaning pad to ensure real-time edge-to-edge fit along window frames, significantly improving edge coverage. The BoostBay™ multi-function base station supports long runtime and automatic cable retraction for enhanced convenience.

At the “Infinite Smart Living Pavilion,” visitors will experience a reality: true smart living begins with cleaning, yet opens up infinite possibilities.

Beyond Boundaries: From Chip-Level Innovation to an Expanding Smart Ecosystem

MOVA has unveiled not only the Infinite Smart Living Pavilion but also a dedicated Immersive Technology Experience Zone, showcasing its cross-category ecosystem expansion. The zone brings together multiple product lines—including 3D printing, energy storage, and eVTOLs. Through interactive displays, the space transforms into a hands-on “tech museum”. One of the highlights of this experience zone is the MOVA chip—the brand’s first publicly showcased ecosystem core.

As a key part of MOVA’s cross-category ecosystem, the Palette 300 3D printer—developed under the Atomform ecosystem brand—fully demonstrates the company’s technical expertise in precision control and system coordination. Featuring 12 fully automatically switching nozzles in a dedicated one-filament-one-nozzle configuration, it supports up to 12 materials and 36 colors when paired with six RFD-6 filament boxes, along with four different nozzle diameter options—offering unprecedented creative freedom. The streamlined design of the self-developed integrated nozzle, combined with a high-precision positioning system, ensures consistent precision during nozzle transitions. Over 50 embedded sensors and four cameras work in concert to enable five key perception systems that cover filament delivery, thermal regulation, and system stability throughout the printing process.

MOVA also introduced the MOVA LumeGret A4000 Solar Power System, an intelligent, plug-and-play home energy solution designed to maximize solar efficiency and flexibility. Featuring an integrated microinverter, battery, and solar charge controller, the system simplifies installation while supporting up to 3600W PV input and 4–20kWh scalable storage to adapt to different household energy needs. Featuring 2500W off-grid backup power, built with LumeGret Orbit™ technology, a 20-year design lifespan with up to 10,000 battery cycles, and smart energy management through app control and dynamic tariff optimization, the system helps households significantly reduce electricity costs. Under typical conditions, the system can achieve up to 79% self-consumption, enabling annual savings of over €1,500 and delivering an estimated 2–3 year payback period.

From cleaning to creation—MOVA is advancing through its core technological strengths to connect every dimension of smart living.

Towards Infinity, Defining the Ecosystem—MOVA embodies the vision of “Infinite Smart Universe,” transforming its deep expertise in cleaning into the foundation of an interconnected ecosystem. The unveiling of the two experience pavilions not only showcases MOVA’s strategic leap from a single category to full-scenario coverage but also marks the brand’s evolution into an architect and shaper of smart lifestyles. Here, technological breakthroughs are integrated into daily life, and product innovations evolve toward ecosystem synergy. A truly human-centric, borderless new world of smart living is unfolding.

Source

Former DHS Sec. Jeh Johnson: We can’t tie policy disagreements to keeping the government funded

0

Share

Former DHS Secretary Jeh Johnson joins ‘Squawk Box’ to discuss the TSA staffing shortages, impact on travel, DHS funding battle, the Iran war, and more.

09:40

Fri, Mar 13 20268:40 AM EDT

Source

DPC Dash Ltd (1405.HK) to Announce Full Year 2025 Financial Results on March 25, 2026

0

HONG KONG, March 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — DPC Dash Ltd – Domino’s Pizza China (“DPC Dash” or the “Company”) (1405.HK), Domino’s Pizza’s exclusive master franchisee in the China Mainland, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China, and the Macau Special Administrative Region of China, will release its audited consolidated financial results for the year ended December 31, 2025 on Wednesday, March 25, 2026.

The Company will hold a conference call on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at 7:00 pm Hong Kong Time (or Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at 7:00 am Eastern Time) to discuss the financial results.

A live audio-only webcast of the call can be accessed directly at https://event.choruscall.com/mediaframe/webcast.html?webcastid=nHRXnD0d.

To participate by phone, participants are strongly encouraged to pre-register for the conference call, by using the link provided below. Upon registering, each participant will receive a set of participant dial-in numbers, the event passcode, and a unique access PIN, which can be used to join the conference call.

Pre-registration Link: https://dpregister.com/sreg/10206649/1034ed20f15

An audio-only replay of the call will also be accessible through April 1, 2026, by dialing the following numbers:

United States Toll Free:

+1-855-669-9658

International:

+1-412-317-0088

Access Code:

2877882

Additionally, the earnings release and presentation slides for this conference call will be available on the Company’s Investor Relations website www.dpcdash.com

About DPC Dash Ltd.

DPC Dash is Domino’s Pizza’s exclusive master franchisee in the Chinese mainland, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China and the Macau Special Administrative Region of China. Domino’s Pizza, Inc., DPC Dash’s global franchisor, is one of the most widely-recognized global consumer brands and the world’s largest pizza company. Led by a seasoned and visionary management team, DPC Dash is a market leader that differentiates from competitors with, among others, a continually innovated and localized pizza-focused menu, unique expertise and leadership in delivery, technology focus and scalable and replicable store economic model. DPC Dash operates 1,315 stores in 60 cities in the Chinese mainland as of December 31, 2025.

For more information, please visit www.dpcdash.com 

For official company announcements, please visit www.hkexnews.hk  

CONTACTS

DPC Dash Ltd Investor Relations:
DPC Dash Ltd
IR@dominos.com.cn

Source