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ROE Visual Celebrates 20 Years of Pioneering LED Technology

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SHENZHEN, China, Jan. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — ROE Visual, a globally recognised leader in LED display technology for live events, touring, broadcast, and installation, is proud to announce its 20th anniversary in 2026, celebrated under the theme “Beyond Stages. Passion On.” Since its founding in 2006 by Jason Lu as Radiant Opto Electronics Technology in Shenzhen, the company has continually redefined visual experiences and set new benchmarks for LED innovation.

ROE 20 - Key Visual
ROE 20 – Key Visual

Over two decades, ROE Visual has grown from a small, pioneering team into a global force, consistently delivering high-performance LED solutions to creatives, designers, technicians, and production professionals worldwide. From early breakthroughs such as the LINX line and the Magic Cube series to iconic products like Black Pearl, Carbon, and the innovative Topaz platforms, ROE Visual has shaped how audiences experience live visual storytelling. 

“As we approach this milestone, we see it not just as a celebration of time passed, but as an opportunity to renew our drive for innovation and deepen the partnerships that shape our industry,” said Jason Lu. “Our focus remains on creating meaningful solutions and growing alongside our community. Together, we’ll continue pushing the boundaries of visual technology and bringing bold ideas to life.”

ROE Visual will kick off its anniversary celebrations at Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) 2026 in Barcelona (3–6 February). Throughout the year, a series of anniversary events, product showcases, and partner collaborations will highlight both the company’s heritage and future direction, bringing the ROE Visual story to audiences across the globe.

Looking ahead, ROE Visual reaffirms its commitment to supporting the evolution of live events, broadcast environments, virtual production stages, and fixed installations with LED platforms that blend performance, reliability, and creative flexibility.

“For us, the future of LED displays is not about chasing trends, but about enabling creativity under real conditions,” said Grace Kuo, CSO at ROE Visual. “This 20-year journey of success is a shared one, made possible by our valued clients, partners, and every dedicated ROE team member. Whether it’s a touring show, a permanent installation, or a hybrid digital performance, the expectation is the same: absolute reliability, visual precision, and flexibility. At ROE Visual, we believe visual excellence is more than technology—it’s emotion. We are passionate about creating moments of wonder that bring people together.”

More information: https://www.roevisual.com/en/roe-visual-celebrates-20-years-of-pioneering-led-technology

CONTACT:
marketing@roevisual.com
janice@roevisual.com
viki.yang@roevisual.com
Kathy.xia@roevisual.com

ROE Visual Founder
ROE Visual Founder

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Wyndham Enhances Position in South Korea with First Managed Hotel Opening

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Accelerates growth with new signings in Seoul and Busan

SINGAPORE, Jan. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Wyndham Hotels & Resorts is stepping up its expansion in South Korea, opening its first managed hotel and adding two new development projects as it seeks to build scale in a market rebounding faster than much of Northeast Asia.

The company recently opened the 529-room Wyndham Goseong Gangwon, near Seoraksan National Park, and has signed agreements for Howard Johnson by Wyndham Seoul, expected to open in 2028, and Wyndham Busan, slated for 2030.

Wyndham’s expansion comes as South Korea’s tourism sector continues to rebound, supported by resilient domestic travel and a steady recovery in international arrivals. According to the Korea Tourism Organization, the country recorded 15.821 million inbound visitors between January and October, a 15.2% increase from a year earlier. Industry executives expect international demand to continue improving into 2025, supporting increased investment in branded accommodation across urban and resort markets.

“South Korea’s booming tourism market presents a compelling opportunity for Wyndham, which is why we’re focused on strategic expansion and strengthening our presence through high-caliber additions like Wyndham Goseong, Gangwon. With global scale, an industry-leading loyalty platform, and deep local expertise, Wyndham has a proven record of helping owners not only drive performance, but generate long-term value while delivering exceptional guest experiences.”

— Ben Schumacher, Regional Vice President, Operations, APAC, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts

Wyndham Goseong, Gangwon: A Coastal Retreat for Relaxation and Events

The opening of Wyndham Goseong, Gangwon marks Wyndham’s first managed hotel in South Korea and a key milestone in the Company’s local operations. Located adjacent to Bongpo Beach and Seoraksan National Park, the 529-room, ocean-view property is designed to serve leisure travelers, families, and MICE groups.

Over the past two years, Wyndham has expanded its footprint in South Korea through new brands and operating models, including the introduction of Wyndham Grand in 2023 and more recently, Trademark Collection by Wyndham in 2024. These additions build on an established portfolio of 30 hotels with more than 9,200 rooms across brands such as Days Inn®, Howard Johnson®, Ramada Plaza®, Ramada®, Ramada Encore®, Ramada Hotel & Suites®, Wyndham Grand® and Trademark Collection®, enabling Wyndham to serve diverse traveler segments while supporting owners with scalable, globally recognized brands.

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Kane Cornes rehashes theory on reason behind AFL ‘injury carnage’ during pre-season training

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Channel 7 AFL commentator Kane Cornes has once again rehashes his theory behind the spate of injuries around the league during pre-season.

On Monday, Carlton young gun Jesse Motlop and North Melbourne defender Jackson Archer were both ruled out for the season on after suffering ACL tears.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: AFL pre-season injury chaos strikes four players.

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Port Adelaide youngster Tom Cochrane will also be sidelined for a lengthy period after a serious hamstring injury, while Collingwood pair Darcy Moore and Jeremy Howe both suffered calf strains.

Moore and Howe are believed to be only on the minor end, but will still miss at least two weeks of pre-season.

Adelaide star Ben Keays also suffered a hamstring injury recently.

Cornes believes the “injury carnage” is down to a lack of conditioning after lengthy off-season breaks.

“What happens when players are given a ridiculous 93 days off post-season + a Christmas break and then launch back into competitive training unconditioned? Absolute injury carnage across the league,” he tweeted.

It’s not the first time Cornes has taken aim at the breaks AFL players are given in the off-season.

On an episode of Channel 7’s The Agenda Setters last year, St Kilda champion Nick Riewoldt said “AFL footy will remain a part-time job in 2026” with players being afforded such a generous vacation time.

Cornes said it was a “joke”.

“Their (Sydney’s) last game is on August 23,” Cornes said at the time.

“Their senior players are back on November 24.

“That is a 93-day break for our AFL players and you are telling me these are full-time players.

“It is a joke and no wonder the skill level (is questionable and) injuries are high. It’s for that reason.

“(AFL players) get far too much time off (and) that’s not including Christmas.”

Cornes previously highlighted the link between injuries and lack of pre-season training.

“It’s been one of my biggest frustrations for a long time,” Cornes said on SEN last year.

“I actually have been writing about this for seven years.

“Players get far too much time off and the lack of preparation is leading to this significant spate of injuries.”

Cornes said back then the AFL Players’ Association had “far too much power in the game” and things needed to change.

“Who is going to stand up to them?” he asked.

“If you’re wondering why everyone is getting injured and why it’s never been worse, this is why.”

Annual leave for most Australians is a four weeks per year.

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Vacation destination slapped with increased travel advisory due to ‘violent crime’

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The U.S. State Department has issued an increased travel advisory pertaining to Grenada, due to the “risk of crime.”

The Level 2 advisory was updated Jan. 5, with a warning about “violent crime.” Americans have been victims of armed robbery, assault, burglary and rape.

“In some cases, American citizens have been killed. Police response times are not as fast as one may expect in the United States,” the advisory says.

US OFFICIALS SOUND ALARM ON ‘GOLDEN’ VISAS, CITING SECURITY RISKS, RELAXED REQUIREMENTS

Grenada lies in the eastern Caribbean Sea as part of the West Indies. 

It’s about 125 miles north of Venezuela.

Aerial view of grenada during the day

The State Department has issued a Level 2 travel advisory for Grenada. (iStock)

“Do not answer your door at your hotel or residence unless you know who it is,” the advisory states.

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Officials also warn travelers to physically avoid resisting any robbery attempt and to “keep a low profile.”

“Response time to law enforcement and security requests can at times be quite slow.”

Travelers are also advised to use caution when walking or driving at night and to stay aware of their surroundings.

Woman with backpack just landed on sandbar in Grenada.

“In some cases, American citizens have been killed. Police response times are not as fast as one may expect in the United States,” the new advisory notes. (iStock)

About 16.8 million Americans visited the Caribbean in 2024, according to the Caribbean Tourism Organization.

The U.S. Embassy is located in the country’s capital of St. George, which is the biggest city on the island.

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The State’s Bureau of Diplomatic Security’s Grenada report noted that regional police forces do usually cooperate with U.S. counterparts. 

“However, response time to law enforcement and security requests can at times be quite slow due to inadequate funding, lack of equipment and training, and staffing shortages,” the report said.

Establishing aerial shot of sunny St George houses, boats and cruise ship port

About 16.8 million Americans visited the Caribbean in 2024. (iStock)

Tourism is a major contributor to regional economies, and there is a level of police protection that regional governments provide to tourist areas, the same source noted. 

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The State Department has four travel advisory levels to help travelers assess safety risks before visiting other countries.

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The advisory levels are: Level 1 – Exercise Normal Precautions; Level 2 – Exercise Increased Caution; Level 3 – Reconsider Travel; and Level 4 – Do Not Travel.

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“IN SNOOKI WE TRUST” – NICOLE ‘SNOOKI’ POLIZZI HEADS NORTH IN NEW SERIES, CANADA SHORE

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CANADA SHORE premieres January 22 with two back-to-back episodes on Paramount+

Check out the CANADA SHORE “This Season On” Trailer HERE

 Follow @CANADASHORE on INSTAGRAM and TIKTOK for the Latest News, Exclusive Content and more 

Snooki Images HERE
Key Art, Promo Trailer and Cast Images HERE
Photo credit Paramount+

TORONTO, Jan. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Paramount+ announced today that the legendary JERSEY SHORE original cast member Nicole ‘Snooki’ Polizzi will bring her small stature and big personality to the Shore house, making several powerhouse guest appearances during the first season of CANADA SHORE, premiering January 22 on Paramount+ in all markets globally.  Bringing her signature sparkle to the CANADA SHORE crib, she parties, hands out job duties and shares her ‘Shore’ expertise with the new cast across several episodes.

NICOLE ‘SNOOKI’ POLIZZI HEADS NORTH IN NEW SERIES, CANADA SHORE
NICOLE ‘SNOOKI’ POLIZZI HEADS NORTH IN NEW SERIES, CANADA SHORE

Paramount+ also announced today the release of the can’t miss “This Season On” CANADA SHORE Trailer HERE.

“I cannot wait for you guys to see me drop in on ten crazy Canadians as they party their way through the summer!” – Nicole ‘Snooki’ Polizzi

And when Snooki is not around, Kelowna’s own Dane Rupert (aka the Prince of Kelowna) will serve as Snooki’s eyes and ears on the ground, putting the roomies to work and keeping the chaos in check (or not!).

Just like the original JERSEY SHORE series, CANADA SHORE brings together 10 larger-than-life roommates from coast to coast to coast onto the sun-soaked shores of Kelowna, B.C. They’re ready to party, flirt, and turn every night into a once-in-a-lifetime memory. But between all the hookups and hangovers, this wild crew becomes a family that laughs together, fights together, and supports each other.

Chosen from a nationwide casting call last spring and fresh off being introduced to Canada after filming this past summer in Kelowna, B.C. – this crew is ready for their debut.

The CANADA SHORE cast include:

Bauer, 22
City: Prince Albert, Saskatchewan
IG: @bauerswystun
TikTok: @bauerswystun 

Christopher, 22
City: Toronto, Ontario
IG: @christopher.brownn
TikTok: @itschristopherbrown_

Emmett, 25
City: Vancouver, British Columbia
IG: @emett_watson
TikTok: @bleach_boayy

Emmy, 21
City: Fredericton, NB
IG: @emmysharpe
TikTok: @emmysharpe

Ethan
City: Newmarket, Ontario
IG: @ethanmayz
TikTok: @ethanmayz

Gizelle, 25
City: Mississauga, Ontario
IG: @gizelleemariee
TikTok: @girlfromtheislands

Isaiah, 26
City: Calgary, Alberta
IG: @50gold_60platinum

Keyaira, 23
City: Halifax, Nova Scotia
IG: @keysnow_
TikTok: @keyairasnow

Lila, 20
City: Toronto, Ontario
IG: @lilaromanin
TikTok: @lilaromanin

Ryleigh, 25
City: Bridgewater, Nova Scotia
IG: @ryleighgregory
TikTok: @rygregs

Fans can now relive all the ‘Shore’ vibes on Pluto TV’s MTV Jersey Shore Channel. The channel makes every day feel like “Jersday” and is packed with classic moments and Shore chaos to get viewers hyped for the Canadian edition. The first episode of CANADA SHORE will also be available for free sampling on Pluto TV beginning January 22.

CANADA SHORE is the first-ever Canadian edition of the global MTV “Shore” phenomenon. Produced by Insight Productions (A Blue Ant Studios Company) and filmed last summer on the shores of Kelowna, British Columbia, the series brings together ten bold and unapologetic Canadian singles for a whirlwind season of romance, friendships, and full-throttle fun.

The original series, JERSEY SHORE, was a pioneering cultural phenomenon that Canadians embraced. It launched the career of several fan-favourite, party-going housemates, including Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino; Paul DelVecchio a.k.a DJ Pauly D; Jenni “JWOWW” Farley; Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi; Sammi “Sweetheart” Giancola; Deanna Cortese; Ronnie Ortiz-Magro; Angelina Pivarnick; and Vinny Guadagnino. Including the new Canadian version, the format has now spawned 18 spin-offs, with recent additions being AUSSIE SHORE and FRENCHIE SHORE.

Paramount+ in Canada is the go-to destination for all seasons of JERSEY SHORE and JERSEY SHORE FAMILY VACATION and is the home to AUSSIE SHORE and ACAPULCO SHORE. And new to the service this month, fans can binge all their favourite “Shore” shows including; GEORDIE SHORE (Seasons 1-5) and DOUBLE SHOT AT LOVE (Seasons 1-3) with FLORIBAMA SHORE (Seasons 1-4) and BUCKHEAD SHORE (Season 1) available as of Jan. 13 and SNOOKIE & JWOWW (Seasons 1-4) beginning Jan. 20.

About Paramount +
Paramount+ is a premium streaming subscription service delivering live sports, breaking news, and a Mountain of Entertainment™, and is a cornerstone of the Direct-to-Consumer division of Paramount, a Skydance Corporation (Nasdaq: PSKY), a leading, next generation global media and entertainment company. The Company’s portfolio unites legendary brands, including Paramount Pictures, Paramount Television, CBS – America’s most-watched broadcast network, CBS News, CBS Sports, Nickelodeon, MTV, BET, Comedy Central, SHOWTIME®, Paramount+, Pluto TV, and Skydance’s Animation, Film, Television, Interactive/Games, and Sports divisions. For more information, please visit www.paramount.com.

Follow @CanadaShore and #CANADASHORE on Instagram and TikTok for the latest news, exclusive content and more. For more information about Paramount+, please visit www.paramountplus.com and follow @ParamountPlusCA on social media.

Photo – https://mma.prnasia.com/media2/2859555/CANADA_SHORE_Snooki_Entrance.jpg?p=medium600
Photo – https://mma.prnasia.com/media2/2859554/CANADA_SHORE.jpg?p=medium600
Logo – https://mma.prnasia.com/media2/2859553/Paramount_Logo.jpg?p=medium600 

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Dr.stretch Malaysia partners with NHA athlete Saif Nordin, brings elite mobility and performance to all Malaysians

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KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Jan. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Dr.stretch Malaysia, the country’s leading specialised assisted-stretching brand, is proud to announce a new partnership with national fencer Saif Nordin, one of Malaysia’s most promising young athletes who is also a News Hub Asia (NHA) athlete. This collaboration supports Dr.stretch’s mission to make professional mobility, recovery, and performance care accessible to Malaysians of all ages and activity levels.

Malaysian fencer Saif Nordin (left), with Azri bin Khairudin, Area Manager at Dr.stretch Malaysia (right), at the partnership commemoration session held at Dr.stretch in Sunway 163 Mall, Mont Kiara, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. | Photo by News Hub Asia
Malaysian fencer Saif Nordin (left), with Azri bin Khairudin, Area Manager at Dr.stretch Malaysia (right), at the partnership commemoration session held at Dr.stretch in Sunway 163 Mall, Mont Kiara, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. | Photo by News Hub Asia

Data suggests that across Malaysia, poor mobility and insufficient recovery practices are quietly becoming an economic challenge. According to the Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF), companies recorded 10.7 million lost working days in a single year due to sick leave. This point to an opportunity to improve on a national basis. People are simply not moving enough or not moving properly, resulting in preventable pain, stiffness, fatigue, and chronic discomfort and ultimately days off work.

Dr.stretch aims to address exactly this challenge. By improving range of motion, reducing physical strain, and promoting proactive recovery, assisted stretching offers a practical solution for athletes and everyday Malaysians alike supporting performance while reducing preventable work-day loss.

As an emerging figure in Malaysian sports, Saif Nordin embodies the discipline, precision, and physical intelligence central to Dr.stretch’s philosophy. His sport, fencing, demands speed, accuracy, balance, and exceptional mobility making him an ideal representative for the brand’s focus on long-term movement health.

“We are delighted to support Saif’s journey as an athlete,” said Azri bin Khairudin, Area Manager at Dr.stretch Malaysia. “His commitment to excellence reflects what we believe in: that mobility and proper recovery are essential foundations for anyone striving to reach their peak. In fencing, every movement must be fast, accurate, and fluid, a perfect match with what we aim to achieve at Dr.stretch.”

“As a brand, our focus has always been to help people move better,” continued Azri. “The same techniques that help elite athletes like Saif enhance flexibility, reduce injury risks, and perform at higher levels are equally beneficial for corporate professionals, students, active individuals, and those seeking relief from daily aches. Assisted stretching isn’t just for athletes, it’s for everyone.”

For Saif, this partnership represents an important step in his development. “I’m honoured to collaborate with Dr.stretch Malaysia,” he shared. “Mobility and recovery form a huge part of my training routine. Working with the Dr.stretch team helps me stay flexible, strengthen my movement patterns, and prepare confidently for competitions. Many athletes underestimate the importance of flexibility but training smarter is just as important as training harder. Proper mobility work should be a priority for athletes at every level.”

To commemorate the partnership, Dr.stretch Malaysia hosted an official logo presentation and photo session at Dr.stretch at Sunway 163 Mall in Mont Kiara, Kuala Lumpur, featuring Saif Nordin alongside Azri, Dr.stretch’s Area Manager, who is also a qualified stretch trainer.

This collaboration further reinforces Dr.stretch Malaysia’s commitment to promoting better movement, athletic development, and community wellness. By working with public figures and athletes who champion mobility and longevity, the brand aims to inspire more Malaysians to take charge of their physical well-being.

For more information about Dr.stretch Malaysia or to book a session, please visit https://my.doctorstretch.com/. For media enquiries on Dr.stretch, contact Ms Riko Yoshida at rikodrstretch@gmail.com.

— ENDS —

About Dr.stretch

Dr.stretch’s origins are rooted in professional sports and performance therapy. The brand was founded on the belief that elite-level recovery techniques should not be limited to professional athletes. Drawing on methods used in competitive sports where poor mobility can mean lost medals, stalled careers, or chronic injury, Dr.stretch developed a specialised assisted-stretching methodology designed to improve flexibility, prevent strain, and enhance overall biomechanical efficiency. Today, those same principles are made accessible to the public, helping Malaysians move better, feel better, and perform better in their work and daily lives.

About Saif Nordin

Saif Nordin is part of Malaysia’s new wave of young sporting talent, a fencer with sharp instincts, clean technique, and the kind of discipline. Having represented Malaysia and Selangor across multiple competitive competitions, he will soon compete in the Cadet & Junior Asian Championships and the Cadet & Junior World Championships respectively. Saif is steadily carving out his place in the national fencing landscape. More than just an athlete, Saif is thoughtful about the science behind performance. He believes mobility, recovery, and smart training are just as important as time spent on the piste. It’s this balanced, modern approach to sport that makes him a standout voice among Malaysia’s next generation of competitors. In October 2024, Saif joined forces with regional news portal, News Hub Asia (NHA), through a media partnership. The Saif x NHA partnership is part of a larger effort by NHA to support young Asian athletes with a focus on bridging gaps between talent and opportunities in sports.

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Hero police officer who stopped Bondi Junction attacker diagnosed with rare and aggressive breast cancer

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The hero police officer who shot dead a knife-wielding murderer has been diagnosed with breast cancer.

Police Inspector Amy Scott was hailed a national hero after she shot dead Bondi Junction Shopping Centre attacker Joel Cauchi, saving countless lives in April 2024.

Cauchi killed six people and injured several others in the stabbing attack before he was stopped by Scott.

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On Monday, NSW Police said they had “some tough news to share” and announced that Scott had been diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer.

“And just as she is so much more than her diagnosis, she is so much more than ‘the hero of Bondi Junction’,” they said.

“She is a loving wife, mother of two young boys, devoted to serving the community through her work as a NSW Police Officer, and widely known as selfless, compassionate, and kind.”

Amy Scott with her wife and two children.
Amy Scott with her wife and two children. Credit: NSW Police

In a fundraiser created to help Scott through her medical treatment, her workmates said their “beautiful friend and colleague” is “every bit the remarkable human you would think”.

“She is fiercely independent and the first to champion others,” they said.

“Whilst she is being well supported by her family, friends and colleagues, Amy has a long uphill battle ahead to beat this insidious disease.”

The fundraiser surpassed its $25,000 goal within hours of being launched.

“Amy now needs the strength, compassion, and support of her community,” the fundraiser said.

“This is a powerful reminder that even our strongest people are human.”

An outpouring of public support has flooded the NSW Police Facebook page following the announcement.

“Amy has touched the lives of some many in NSW and Australia,” one supporter wrote.

“A heroine who deserves our support,” added another.

A retired British police officer also commented on the announcement, saying, “all your police family throughout the world support you now as they did on that day at Bondi Junction”.

Scott was the first police officer on the scene the day of the Bondi Junction Shopping Centre attack.

Amy Scott shot Joel Cauchi's dead stopping his deadly mall rampage.
Amy Scott shot Joel Cauchi’s dead stopping his deadly mall rampage. Credit: AAP

As Cauchi ran at her with a knife, Scott fired, stopping the attack less than 90 seconds after entering the mall.

Two shots felled Cauchi, while a third hit was said to have hit a pot plant behind him.

Giving evidence at the NSW Coroners Court in May last year, Scott said she had resigned herself to the fact that “I was probably going to die” as she ran in to confront Cauchi.

“People started saying to me … ‘he’s killing people, you’ve got to help us, please get in there’,” she said at the time.

“It changed my response immediately. I considered it to be an active armed offender and I also knew that I couldn’t wait any more for my colleagues to arrive — I just had to go in.”

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Cruise ship insider reveals simple booking trick for scoring a better cabin

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A woman who travels on cruise ships regularly says one simple booking move can help passengers get a better cabin.

Mollie Finlon, 38, originally from Seattle, is able to sail at little or no cost through her husband’s job as a maritime engineer — which covers food, accommodation and other living expenses while onboard, she told news agency Jam Press.

She also works as a guest presenter on high-end cruise liners for several months out of every year.

LUXURY CRUISE LINE GOES ‘ADULTS ONLY’ TO CREATE MORE ‘TRANQUIL ENVIRONMENT’ FOR GUESTS

Finlon said her experiences at sea have taught her how passengers can improve their onboard experience — starting with when and how they book.

Her top tip? Book your next cruise while you’re already aboard your current one.

Mollie Finlon and her husband smiling on cruise ship deck overlooking calm water.

Mollie Finlon, pictured with her husband, says a simple booking trick can help passengers get a better cabin. (Jam Press/Mollie Finlon)

“If you book onboard with a future cruise consultant, [he or she] can give you great [information] and better cabins,” Finlon said.

She also recommends speaking with a cruise consultant face to face — plus researching cruise lines before booking.

LITTLE-KNOWN ‘SECONDHAND TRAVEL’ TRICK HELPS TOURISTS SCORE LUXURY VACATIONS FOR LESS

Amenities, layouts and onboard experiences can vary widely, she noted.

“Every cruise line is different, so watching YouTube [videos], reading articles, looking on social media — these are the best ways to see what fits an individual’s liking,” Finlon said.

Couple relaxing inside a cruise ship cabin with large ocean-view window overlooking the sea.

A cruise expert advises meeting with consultants in person and researching cruise lines, as experiences vary. (iStock)

Many travelers book cruises without fully understanding the cruise line or what’s included, she also said.

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Finlon’s perspective is shaped by a career connected to cruise ships and time spent largely aboard them. 

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She said amid her constant travel and experiences at new destinations, there are also challenges.

Large white cruise ship sailing through open ocean under a cloudy blue sky.

Researching cruise lines through videos, articles and social media may help travelers ensure the experience matches their expectations, an expert says. (iStock)

“When my husband [or I] work, there are no days off — it’s an everyday job while onboard,” Finlon said.

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Finlon has worked on cruise ships since 2011, she said, after deciding that a traditional nine-to-five job was not for her.

Over the years, she’s visited more than 100 countries.

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“Each day you’re in a new place or have a new location to explore,” she said. 

“There’s always something to do — and you meet new people from all over the world.”

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Boeing’s airplane deliveries are the highest in 7 years. Now it’s about to pick up the pace

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A Boeing Co. 737 Max airplane at the company’s manufacturing facility in Renton, Washington, US, on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025.

David Ryder | Bloomberg | Getty Images

Boeing is set to report this week that it delivered the most airplanes since 2018 last year after it stabilized its production, the clearest sign of a turnaround yet after years of safety crises and snowballing quality defects.

Now, the aerospace giant is planning to ramp up production.

“It’s a long road back from a … shall we say, a rather dysfunctional culture, but they’re making big progress,” said Richard Aboulafia, managing director at AeroDynamic Advisory, an aerospace industry consulting firm.

Boeing was forced to scale back production in recent years following two fatal crashes of its popular 737 Max aircraft in 2018 and 2019 and a midair blowout of a door plug from one of its planes in the first week of 2024. The Covid pandemic snarled airplane assembly at both Boeing and its chief rival, Airbus, with supply chain delays and loss of experienced workers, even after the worst of the health crisis subsided.

A Boeing 737 approaches San Diego International for a landing, May 10, 2025.

Kevin Carter | Getty Images

Boeing’s leaders, including CEO Kelly Ortberg — a longtime aerospace executive who came out of retirement to take the top job months after the midair door plug accident — are gearing up to increase production this year of its cash cow 737 Max aircraft and the longer-range 787 Dreamliners.

That could help the manufacturer, the top U.S. exporter by value, return to profitability, as analysts expect this year, territory that was out of reach for seven years as its leaders focused on damage control and were stuck reassuring frustrated airline executives who were awaiting late planes.

Their tone has changed as Boeing has become more predictable and increased production, with the Federal Aviation Administration’s blessing. In a sign of the FAA’s increased confidence in Boeing, the agency in September said Boeing could issue its own air worthiness certificates before customers receive some of its 737s and 787s after years of restrictions.

Boeing’s commercial aircraft business is its largest unit, accounting for about 46% of sales in the first nine months of last year, with the rest coming from its defense and services business. Boeing last reported a full-year profit in 2018.

Investors are optimistic for further improvement. Boeing shares have gained 36% over the last 12 months, outpacing the S&P 500‘s nearly 20% advance.

“Boeing is definitely better and more stable,” said Bob Jordan, CEO of all-Boeing airline Southwest Airlines, in an interview Dec. 10.

The company is scheduled to outline its production plans for 2026 later this month when it reports quarterly results on Jan. 27.

Getting into gear

For Boeing, the recent turnaround has taken place largely on the assembly floor.

Under Ortberg, the manufacturer has slashed so-called traveled work, in which assembly tasks are done out of order, to avoid costly mistakes. The company has made other manufacturing changes, as well, including added training.

The National Transportation Safety Board in June said inadequate training and management oversight had been among the problems at the company, according to its investigation into what led to the door plug blowout in January 2024.

On Dec. 8, Boeing also completed its acquisition of fuselage maker Spirit AeroSystems, which Boeing had spun out of the company two decades ago. It now has more direct control of the crucial supplier.

Moving out jets

Boeing handed over 537 aircraft in the first 11 months of last year. It reports December deliveries on Tuesday, but Jefferies estimates the company delivered 61 commercial jets last month, 44 of them Boeing’s bestseller, the 737 Max.

Boeing delivered 348 aircraft in 2024 and 528 in 2023. Last year’s total would still be far off the 806 airplanes it handed over in 2018.

Last October, the FAA raised its production cap on Boeing’s 737 Max from 38 a month to 42. (The FAA required its sign-off after the door plug accident.) CFO Jay Malave said at a UBS conference on Dec. 2 that he expects the company to get to that rate in early 2026. Ortberg told investors in October that further rate increases are on the table, in increments of five planes.

Kelly Ortberg, chief executive officer of Boeing Co., during a media event at the Boeing Delivery Center in Seattle, Washington, US, on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026.

M. Scott Brauer | Bloomberg | Getty Images

Handovers to airlines in 2026 will likely be new production, compared with clearing out older inventory, Malave had said. Boeing is also likely to produce about eight Dreamliners a month as of early this year, he added.

Deliveries are key for airplane makers, because airlines and other customers pay the bulk of an airplane’s price when they receive the aircraft. Boeing’s chief competitor, Airbus, is scheduled to report 2025 orders and deliveries on Monday.

Still, several planes that were expected to already flying passengers aren’t certified yet, including the Boeing 777X as well as the Max 7 and Max 10 variants, depriving Boeing of cash and driving up costs.

Southwest is awaiting the delayed Max 7, the smallest plane of the Max family. The model is important for airline routes that have lower demand so airlines can avoid oversupplying the market with seats, pushing down fares.

Southwest CEO Jordan last month said that he doesn’t expect the airline to fly the Max 7 before the first half of 2027 as Boeing certification work continues. Boeing at one point expected it to enter service in 2019.

“They’re still very short in terms of delivering the aircraft that we need, but I’m glad to see the progress on the Max 7,” Jordan told CNBC.

Why airlines like American are scrambling to make engines last longer

Robust demand

Orders for both Boeing and Airbus jets look solid, with demand set to continue outstripping supply into the next decade, Bernstein aerospace analyst Douglas Harned said in a note last week.

Airbus outpaced Boeing in deliveries last year, though Boeing appears to have outsold its European competitor in new orders.

Through November, Boeing logged 1,000 gross orders compared with 797 from Airbus. Airline customers have started to look beyond this decade, snagging delivery slots into the mid-2030s as they plot out growth and international expansions.

On Wednesday, Alaska Airlines said it is ordering 105 Boeing 737 Max 10 jets, the longest aircraft of the Max group. Alaska fleet chief Shane Jones told CNBC the order is a sign of “our confidence in the Max 10 certification” as well as “our confidence in Boeing and their turnaround and their ability to produce quality aircraft on time.”

Alaska also exercised options for five 787 Dreamliners for more international routes just over a year after it acquired Hawaiian Airlines — a combination that handed Alaska more Dreamliners and Airbus A330s to reach for destinations that it couldn’t get to before, like Japan, South Korea and Italy.

The wide-body aircraft market is now picking up steam, said Ron Epstein, aerospace analyst at Bank of America, with orders starting to get handed over faster to customers.

Read more CNBC airline news

International travel, especially at the high end, has been particularly strong in the years after the pandemic as travelers splash out on vacations around the world. More and more global airlines are looking at snagging long-haul jets like Boeing’s Dreamliner and Airbus’ A330 and A350s for the coming years, heating up the wide-body airplane market, analysts said.

Globally, airplanes flew nearly 84% full in November, the highest level on record, according to the latest data available from the International Air Transport Association, an airline industry group.

With travel demand still robust, orders to replace older jets and secure new ones will continue to fuel growth.

“The magic, if you will, of air transportation is until somebody comes up with a transporter, you know, [like] ‘Star Trek,’ where you sort of vaporize and show up someplace else, we’re going to be flying,” Epstein said.

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Fun2Learn childcare shut down: Western Sydney centre in Rosehill closed after decade of safety breaches

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A western Sydney childcare centre with a long history of safety and quality failures has been permanently shut down, marking the first closure under a newly empowered regulatory crackdown on the embattled early learning sector.

Fun2Learn childcare centre in Rosehill ceased operating on Friday after authorities determined it posed an ongoing risk to children following more than 12 years of non-compliance with national standards.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Western Sydney childcare centre shuts down after more than a decade of safety breaches.

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Documented breaches included emergency exits being padlocked shut, inadequate planning for children with severe allergies, and unlabelled chemicals stored in children’s bathrooms.

In one case, an unenrolled child was left at the service for several hours without staff having access to their medical history

The closure comes amid tougher enforcement measures introduced after multiple scandals exposed systemic issues across the childcare sector.

Fun2Learn in Rosehill has been shut down after more than a decade of safety breaches.
Fun2Learn in Rosehill has been shut down after more than a decade of safety breaches. Credit: Sunrise

Under the reforms, centres with persistently poor ratings that fail to demonstrate improvement can now be stripped of their approval to operate.

Acting NSW Early Learning Commissioner Daryl Currie said the centre had been given extensive opportunities to lift its standards but failed to do so.

“We will not hesitate to take action against providers who place children at risk by consistently failing to address safety and quality concerns, even where a serious child safety incident has not yet occurred,” Currie said.

While Fun2Learn has not recorded a serious incident, over 12 years, the department conducted 18 visits and provided specialist support, yet the centre never met the minimum requirements for supervision or incident management.

“The commission does not have confidence that the provider can make the necessary changes to provide the expected level of quality of early childhood education and care,” he said.

Centre owner and director Lisa Thai told the Sydney Morning Herald she had been working with the department to improve the service and was devastated by the decision to close.

She questioned why Fun2Learn was targeted ahead of other centres where serious harm had occurred.

“When I look at my centre’s history, I totally understand the department’s perspective,” Thai said, while maintaining that all previous breaches had been addressed and cleared.

She described the chemical issue as a “one-off” from 2018 and said the unenrolled child incident stemmed from a language misunderstanding.

“There are centres which have even more risky compliance, and they seem to be fine,” she said.

The closure comes as hundreds of NSW childcare centres remain under scrutiny for failing to meet basic safety and quality standards, with more decisions expected in the coming weeks and months.

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