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State launches ‘America First’ license plate as others unveil patriotic America 250 designs

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State launches ‘America First’ license plate as others unveil patriotic America 250 designs

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As the United States approaches its 250th birthday, the Peach State isn’t just rolling out commemorative license plates — it’s offering an “America First” one, too.

The new license plate was first introduced in Senate Bill 291 by state Sen. Steve Gooch, a Republican, and signed by Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp in May.

The plate features an American flag background, with the words “America First” shown at the bottom.

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It costs $90.

“This license plate represents the tangible expression of patriotism and putting the needs of our country at the forefront,” said Gooch at the time.

GA state senator steve gooch with america 250 plate

State Sen. Steve Gooch of Georgia introduced a bill to add a new America 250 plate to drivers’ options. (Georgia Senate)

“It provides Georgians with an opportunity to express their national pride and underscores the importance of emphasizing domestic concerns like economic stability, national security, strong borders and the protection of the rights of our citizens,” he added.

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Gooch shared that Georgians can “show [their] support for President [Donald] Trump and his movement with every mile [they] drive.”

The state also offers a USA Semiquincentennial license plate to celebrate America 250 for $20.

Georgia offers 'America First' license plate

Georgia is offering an “America First” license plate for $90.  (GA Department of Revenue )

Frank O’Connell, Georgia’s revenue commissioner, said in a press release the plate offers a “meaningful way to recognize our nation’s founding and the pivotal role our state played in it.”

SEWN WITH PRIDE: FLAG FACTORY GEARS UP FOR 250TH ANNIVERSARY OF NATION

The design was created by Georgia middle school students in a statewide civics education campaign, according to the GRC.

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The design by the winning student, Eden Pethel, features an American flag on the left, with an outline of the state featuring seven red stars and the year “1776.”

Georgia has launched a commemorative license plate in honor of the nation’s 250th anniversary this year.

Georgia has launched a commemorative license plate in honor of the nation’s 250th anniversary this year. (GA Department of Revenue )

“The red stars on the design represent the following Georgia Revolutionary War sites from north to south: Fight at Van’s Creek/Hornet’s Nest, Battle of Kettle Creek, Sieges of Augusta, Battle of Brier Creek, Battles of Savannah, Fort Morris and the Frederica Naval Action,” Pethel said.

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Nine states are currently offering commemorative plates to honor America 250.

The winning design for the Georgia plate was created by middle school students in a statewide civics education campaign. 

The states are Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Virginia, according to their respective government websites. 

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Within the first hour of Michigan’s plate launch, the Great Lakes State sold nearly 1,000, according to Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson’s Facebook post.

Fox News Digital reached out to state Sen. Gooch for comment.

Ashley J. DiMella is a lifestyle reporter with Fox News Digital. 

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He’s been walking around the world for 27 years. Here’s one of the biggest lessons he’s learned about happiness

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He’s been walking around the world for 27 years. Here’s one of the biggest lessons he’s learned about happiness

Karl Bushby has been walking around the world over the last 27 years.

Anadolu | Anadolu | Getty Images

Karl Bushby was 29 when he left his home city of Hull, England and took off for the adventure of a lifetime. With $500 in his pocket and some survival gear, he went on a mission that no one else in history had ever completed: walking an unbroken path around the world.

Bushby’s journey, called the “Goliath Expedition,” began in 1998 in Punta Arenas, Chile, a city near the southern tip of South America. It’s brought him across continents including the Americas, Asia and Europe, and ultimately ends with the goal of arriving back in the United Kingdom.

“The objective was simply to get home unassisted by any form of transport,” Bushby told CNBC Make It.

Throughout the journey, Bushby has followed two rules: He can only walk or swim, unassisted by any form of transportation, and he cannot return home to Hull, England, until he arrives entirely on foot.

“These sounded like two simple rules from the early days, but you know, once those two rules meet the reality of the real world, things can get mighty complicated, especially [with] visas and difficult governments and regimes and some of the controversial borders that [I’ve] had to cross,” he said.

After walking about 30 kilometers a day, along with some unexpected setbacks, Bushby has now made his way into Europe and expects to complete his journey and return home to England next year, he told CNBC Make It.

Life as a wanderer

Bushby has always been an adventurer. He says he used to go explore all day with his brother before returning home for dinner.

Growing up in a military family, he was inspired by his father who served in the British army. Bushby also joined the army at age 16 and served as a parachute regiment for about 12 years before taking off on his expedition.

At some point, I started drawing lines on maps and daydreaming about great distances and distant horizons, and one thing led to another.

Karl Bushby

World Explorer

At a certain point during his tenure in the British army, Bushby got bored.

“I spent my 12 years in the British army waiting to go somewhere we never really went, other than Northern Ireland,” he said. “We happened to be living through one of the most peaceful times in history,” he said.

“So we got bored and tired and became wondrous and mischievous,” he said. “At some point, I started drawing lines on maps and daydreaming about great distances and distant horizons, and one thing led to another.”

One day, Bushby drew a line from the United Kingdom over Europe and Asia, through Siberia, over the Bering Strait, into North America and through to the bottom of South America.

“Once I got that on a map, there was kind of no going back … The old hairs on the back of your neck stand up,” he said.

So, in 1998, Bushby left the British army to begin the long journey. He took a military flight from the United Kingdom to the Falkland Islands, then a civilian flight to Punta Arenas, Chile, which was the starting point of his expedition.

That first day you step onto the road [is] a memorable one … You’re on a road that is about 36,000 miles long, with very little idea of what’s coming … You’re further than a man mission to Jupiter at that point.

Karl Bushby

World Explorer

“That first day you step onto the road [is] a memorable one, because at that point, you’re a long way from home. You’ve burned all the bridges. You told everyone you’d rather die than come home,” said Bushby.

“You got like 500 U.S. dollars in your pocket, no support, no idea how it is going to work out, just absolute faith that you can somehow make it work. And you’re on a road that is about 36,000 miles long, with very little idea of what’s coming. I mean … you’re further than a man mission to Jupiter at that point,” he said.

Lesson on happiness

Bushby’s journey over the last 27 years has brought him through many close encounters.

He has famously crossed the Darien Gap, been detained by Russian authorities, jailed in Panama, nearly frozen to death in Alaska and swam across the Caspian Sea over a 31-day-period.

On top of all of this, he’s gone days without food after walking for many miles, relied on strangers for medical help and ended many nights by himself in a tent he pitched on the side of the road.

“The psychology of hunger is interesting. It’s not something that most of us are really used to. When you have no idea where your next meal will come in, you just become obsessed with finding things to eat,” said Bushby.

“You’ll see food everywhere, every shadow, every rock, looks like something you can eat. You’ll end up running around, chasing hallucinations most of the time,” he said.

Despite all of the challenges he’s overcome, one of the biggest lessons he discovered throughout his journey didn’t have much to do with physical pain or endurance. Rather, it was about happiness and how it ultimately comes from your relationships.

“If you would ask me, what was the hardest thing you’ve done over the last 27 years – that is losing the women that you fall in love with hands down. That’s the toughest thing you will deal with… The physical stuff – pain is easy, suffering is different,” said Bushby.

On the other hand, he said: “The happiest of times was when I [was in] those relationships. When you’re with somebody.”

He’s also learned that people are generally very kind, across all cultures and regions in the world. Many times throughout his journey, he says he’s been taken in, fed and cared for by strangers who ask for nothing in return.

“You don’t even speak the same language, so it’s just about smiles and nods and then they send you on your way … It’s just one story after another, and it’s across every culture, across every country,” he said.

“This world is hell of a lot friendlier and nicer than it might appear.”

Want to give your kids the ultimate advantage? Sign up for CNBC’s new online course, How to Raise Financially Smart Kids. Learn how to build healthy financial habits today to set your children up for greater success in the future.

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Kelun-Biotech Receives Investigational New Drug Approval for ITGB6-Targeted ADC SKB105 from the NMPA

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Kelun-Biotech Receives Investigational New Drug Approval for ITGB6-Targeted ADC SKB105 from the NMPA

CHENGDU, China, Jan. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Sichuan Kelun-Biotech Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (“Kelun-Biotech” or the “Company”, 6990.HK) announced that its Investigational New Drug (IND) application for SKB105 (also known as CR-003), an internally developed integrin beta-6 (ITGB6)-targeted antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), has been approved by the Center for Drug Evaluation (CDE) of the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) of China for the treatment of advanced solid tumors.

In December 2025, Kelun-Biotech and Crescent Biopharma, Inc. (“Crescent”) entered into a strategic collaboration for SKB105/CR-003 and SKB118 (a PD-1 x VEGF bispecific antibody, also known as CR-001). Under the collaboration, Kelun-Biotech granted Crescent exclusive rights to research, develop, manufacture and commercialize SKB105/CR-003 in the United States, Europe and all other markets outside of Greater China. In addition, Crescent granted Kelun-Biotech exclusive rights to research, develop, manufacture and commercialize SKB118/CR-001 in Greater China. The IND application for SKB118/CR-001 has been cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) with a global Phase I/II clinical trial for the treatment of advanced solid tumors is set to commence shortly. Kelun-Biotech plans to submit an IND application for SKB118/CR-001 to the Center for Drug Evaluation of the National Medical Products Administration of China in the near future.

About SKB105 (also known as CR-003)

SKB105 is a differentiated ADC targeting ITGB6 with a topoisomerase I inhibitor payload. ITGB6 is overexpressed in many solid tumors, but shows minimal to no expression in most normal tissues, thereby potentially reducing the risk of systemic toxicity and off-target effects. SKB105 incorporates proprietary Kthiol® irreversible conjugation technology, linking an anti-ITGB6 fully human Immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) monoclonal antibody (mAb) to a clinically validated cleavable linker. This design aims to enhance stability and tumor-specific payload delivery while reducing adverse effects. In preclinical models, SKB105 demonstrated a favorable efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetic (PK) profile.

About SKB118(also known as CR-001)

SKB118/CR-001 is a tetravalent bispecific antibody being developed for the treatment of solid tumors that combines two complementary, validated mechanisms in oncology via a blockade of PD-1 and VEGF. PD-1 checkpoint inhibition is aimed at restoring T cells’ ability to recognize and destroy tumor cells, and blocking VEGF is intended for reducing blood supply to tumor cells and inhibiting tumor growth. In preclinical studies, SKB118/CR-001 demonstrated cooperative pharmacology with increased binding to PD-1 and signal blockade in the presence of VEGF as well as robust anti-tumor activity. SKB118/CR-001’s anti-VEGF activity may also normalize the vasculature at the tumor site, which has the potential to improve the localization and effectiveness of combination therapies, particularly in conjunction with ADCs. 

About Kelun-Biotech

Kelun-Biotech (6990.HK) is a holding subsidiary of Kelun Pharmaceutical (002422.SZ), which focuses on the R&D, manufacturing, commercialization and global collaboration of innovative biological drugs and small molecule drugs. Kelun-Biotech focuses on major disease areas such as solid tumors, autoimmune, inflammatory, and metabolic diseases, and in establishing a globalized drug development and industrialization platform to address the unmet medical needs in China and the rest of world. Kelun-Biotech is committed to becoming a leading global enterprise in the field of innovative drugs. At present, Kelun-Biotech has more than 30 ongoing key innovative drug projects, of which 4 projects have been approved for marketing, 1 project is in the NDA stage and more than 10 projects are in the clinical stage. Kelun-Biotech has established one of the world’s leading proprietary ADC and novel DC platforms, OptiDC™, and has 2 ADC projects approved for marketing, and multiple ADC and novel DC assets in clinical or preclinical research stage. For more information, please visit https://en.kelun-biotech.com/.

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Colgate Honors Over 200 Years of Heritage with the Launch of the “Hong Kong Sentiments” Limited Edition Collection

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Colgate Honors Over 200 Years of Heritage with the Launch of the “Hong Kong Sentiments” Limited Edition Collection

Introducing the Industry’s First Oral Care “Blind Box” Series: Miniature City Landmarks Designed to Inspire Greater Smiles; Interactive 3D Posting Boxes and and Themed Pop-up Stations to Debut Across Hong Kong

HONG KONG, Jan. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Authentic ‘Hong Kong Sentiments’ are often found within the most intimate details of daily life. As a global leader in oral care with a legacy spanning over 200 years, Colgate has grown alongside generations of Hong Kong families, witnessing the city’s evolution firsthand. To reinforce its commitment to professional care, Colgate is proud to unveil the ‘Hong Kong Sentiments’ Themed Toothbrush Collection in early 2026. This pioneering series reimagines iconic local landmarks through a lens of vibrancy and youthful creativity. By integrating these miniature city icons into premium toothbrush design, Colgate is also introducing the industry’s first ‘Blind Box’ concept, featuring limited-edition collectibles. This initiative seeks to transform the essential daily routine into an immersive journey of urban exploration, blending nostalgic sentiment with the element of surprise.

Colgate Honors Over 200 Years of Heritage with the Launch of the "Hong Kong Sentiments" Limited Edition Collection
Colgate Honors Over 200 Years of Heritage with the Launch of the “Hong Kong Sentiments” Limited Edition Collection

In conjunction with the product launch, Colgate will deploy a series of large-scale, toothbrush-themed ‘3D Posting box’ installations across Hong Kong, Kowloon, and the New Territories. These interactive landmarks, alongside a series of ‘Hong Kong Sentiments’ pop-up brand activations, are designed to engage the public in the heart of the city’s busiest districts. Visitors are invited to participate in these immersive experiences, where they can collect exclusive postcards and promotional vouchers. Through this campaign, Colgate encourages citizens to preserve their cherished memories of Hong Kong and embrace the New Year with a healthy, confident smile.

The collection is not merely a retrospective of the past, but an appreciation of the nuanced details that still resonate within our contemporary daily routines.

True ‘Hong Kong Sentiments’ extend beyond archival photographs, residing deeply within our collective sensory memories. Recognizing this unique urban pulse, Colgate has intentionally moved away from a somber, retrospective aesthetic for its new collection. Instead, the brand has chosen a vibrant, spirited design language to reinterpret the city’s essence. By artfully capturing the leisurely pace of the Star Ferry, the luminous skyline of Victoria Harbour, and the exuberant atmosphere of the Cheung Chau Bun Festival, Colgate has distilled these iconic silhouettes into minimalist designs, seamlessly integrating the spirit of Hong Kong into the daily oral care experience.

Through this distinctive design, Colgate aims to imbue the daily routine with a sense of the city’s singular charm and vitality. By celebrating these refined details of local life, the collection serves as a daily reminder for consumers to cherish their heritage while prioritizing professional oral health. Colgate‘s ultimate vision is to empower the people of Hong Kong to showcase their most healthy and confident smiles, embracing each day with a revitalized spirit and a profound appreciation for the city’s vibrant narrative.

Product Detail

A Highly Anticipated City-Wide Launch: Introducing the First-Ever ‘Miniature Landmark’ Blind Box Collection

To enhance the collectible value and engagement of the ‘Hong Kong Sentiments’ campaign, Colgate is pioneering the integration of the ‘Blind Box’ trend into the oral care category with the debut of the ‘Miniature Landmark’ Collectible Series. Each intricately crafted model artfully replicates Hong Kong’s iconic landmarks while playfully incorporating elements of Colgate‘s signature oral care products. Beginning January 2, 2026, customers can participate in this highly anticipated event. Upon purchasing any ‘Hong Kong Sentiments’ themed products or any Colgate/Plax products totaling HK$68 or more at major retail platforms, customers will receive one complimentary Blind Box* (distributed at random). Furthermore, ecom exclusive, limited-edition Blind Box^ will be available for online shoppers with any purchase of Colgate/Plax products totaling HK$128 or more at designated e-commerce stores—an initiative poised to ignite a city-wide collecting phenomenon.

*Wellcome, ParknShop, Mannings, Watsons. 7-11

^HKTVmall, Wellcome Online, PNS Online, Mannings Online, Watsons Online

Colgate envisions these miniature collectibles as versatile companions, whether displayed as calming desk ornaments or carried as functional keychains. By integrating these familiar silhouettes of the city into daily life, the brand seeks to provide a gentle reminder for individuals to embrace a confident, healthy smile. Ultimately, these collectibles serve as an inspiration to maintain a positive and optimistic perspective, empowering the community to navigate daily life with resilience and joy.

Limited-Time Engagement: Discover the Colgate “Hong Kong Sentiments” 3D Posting Box Installations

The excitement of the collection extends from the home to the streets of Hong Kong. To build on this momentum and encourage the community to share the spirit of the city alongside their healthy smiles, Colgate is proud to announce a series of interactive installations from January 9 to February 22, 2026. Strategic brand activations featuring the Colgate “Hong Kong Sentiments” 3D Posting boxes will debut at high-traffic urban hubs across Hong Kong, Kowloon, and the New Territories. These installations will showcase two exclusive commemorative designs: the “Tramway Heritage” edition and the “Victoria Harbour” edition. Members of the public are invited to capture creative photography with their miniature collectibles and share these moments of nostalgia and confident smiles across social media platforms.

Colgate Promotional Campaign: Experiencing Local Heritage Firsthand with a Series of Engaging City-wide Surprises

Furthermore, from January 10 to January 24, 2026, Colgate will host a series of promotional activations across four strategic urban hubs, including Tseung Kwan O, Ma On Shan, Aberdeen, and Tsuen Wan West. In a significant show of support for community wellness, in the upcoming Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon, Colgate is also setting up a dedicated cheer point in Tin Hau station to energize participants and spectators alike. These events will center on four interactive highlights: large-scale landmark installations and mascot for public engagement, the distribution of commemorative Hong Kong Sentiments postcards and product vouchers, and an exclusive opportunity to redeem a Colgate Total Plaque Release Toothpaste 18g upon presentation of a same-day purchase receipt. Through these vibrant initiatives and its marathon cheering event, Colgate seeks to integrate oral health awareness into the community’s active lifestyle, encouraging everyone to embrace challenges with a confident and healthy smile.

Colgate captivates social media with a visionary, larger-than-life tribute to Hong Kong, magnifying the city’s iconic landmarks alongside your healthy, confident smile.

To expand the reach of this campaign and share its energy with every corner of Hong Kong, Colgate is launching a series of breathtaking surrealist social media content. Designed to ignite online conversation through powerful visual impact, the campaign features larger-than-life “Hong Kong Sentiments” toothbrushes and oversized miniature landmarks. These visuals use a stunning scale to transform familiar urban silhouettes into extraordinary spectacles, perfectly embodying the brand’s unique philosophy: “Minimizing City Landmarks, Maximizing Healthy Smiles.” By bringing an unprecedented level of visual entertainment to the city, Colgate encourages the public to immerse themselves in this whimsical experience while showcasing their most confident and healthy smiles.

For more high-resolution images, please visit the link: http://bit.ly/4jhS5eB

Tags & Hashtags:

@colgate.hongkong #Colgate #ColgateHK #ColgateHKSentiments #ColgateHKSentimentsToothbrush #ColgateHKSentimentsBlindbox #HongKongSentiments #ColgateHealthySmiles #200YearsOfCare #MinimizingCityLandmarks #MaximizingHealthySmiles

About Colgate-Palmolive

Colgate-Palmolive is a global leader in household and personal care products, offering a wide range of products in oral care, personal care, home care, and pet nutrition. Colgate’s well-known brands are sold in over 200 countries and regions worldwide, including Colgate, Palmolive, Softsoap, Irish Spring, Protex, Sorriso, Kolynos, Sanex, Ajax, Axion, Soupline, Suavitel, Hill’s Science Diet, Hill’s Prescription Diet, and Hill’s Ideal Balance.

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Little Mix singer Jesy Nelson speaks out after twin daughters diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy

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Little Mix singer Jesy Nelson speaks out after twin daughters diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy

British pop star Jesy Nelson has made a heartbreaking admission about her twin baby daughters revealing they will “probably never walk”.

In a new Instagram video shared on Sunday, the former Little Mix band member confirmed her eight-month-old girls have been diagnosed with a rare genetic condition called spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).

The singer gave birth to Ocean Jade and Story Monroe Nelson-Foster prematurely in May with musician Zion Foster.

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In the emotional clip, Nelson described SMA as the “most severe muscular disease”.

“It does affect every muscle in the body, down to legs, arms, breathing, swallowing,” she said.

Little Mix singer Jesy Nelson’s makes heartbreaking admission about twin baby girls.
Little Mix singer Jesy Nelson’s makes heartbreaking admission about twin baby girls. Credit: Instagram
The singer gave birth to Ocean Jade and Story Monroe Nelson-Foster prematurely in May with musician Zion Foster.
The singer gave birth to Ocean Jade and Story Monroe Nelson-Foster prematurely in May with musician Zion Foster. Credit: Getty

Nelson explained it was her mum who first noticed the girls were not showing as much movement in their legs.

They were also having difficulty feeding.

While doctors initially warned her premature babies reach milestones differently and told her not to “compare my babies to other babies”, months of testing eventually led to the devastating diagnosis.

“After the most gruelling three, four months, and endless appointments, the girls have now been diagnosed with a severe muscular disease called SMA type 1,” she said.

“Essentially, what it does is, over time, it kills the muscles to the body, and if it’s not treated in time, your baby’s life expectancy will not make it past the age of two.”

Nelson paused during the video, apologising through tears for crying, before going on to explain the twins were assessed at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London.

There, she was told her daughters were “probably never going to be able to walk. They probably will never regain their neck strength, so they will be disabled”.

“The best thing we can do right now is get them treatment, and hope for the best,” Nelson said.

“Thankfully the girls have had their treatment, which I’m so grateful for.

“Because if they don’t have it, they will die.”

Little Mix singer Jesy Nelson welcomed her ‘precious’ twins after 10-week stay in hospital.
Little Mix singer Jesy Nelson welcomed her ‘precious’ twins after 10-week stay in hospital. Credit: Instagram

Nelson said the hospital has become her second home and she has had to become a nurse to care for her daughters.

“This is the most heartbreaking time of my life, I’m grieving a life I thought I was going to have with my children,” she said.

“But at the end of the day they’re still here and that’s the main thing.

“I truly believe my girls will defy all the odds.”

Nelson is speaking publicly to raise awareness about the condition, explaining early detection is crucial.

She said the treatment helps replace the gene her daughters don’t have, working to preserve the muscles that have not yet been destroyed.

The 34-year-old gave birth to her twins at 31 weeks after previously revealing she experienced rare complications during her pregnancy.

In an Instagram post in October, Nelson said she had “never felt prouder” of her body following the birth of her girls, adding becoming a mother made her “realise how incredible my body actually is”.

According to Better Health, spinal muscular atrophy is an inherited condition in which the nerve cells that control muscles do not work properly, leading to muscle weakness and wasting.

A child with SMA type 1 rarely lives beyond three years of age.

There is currently no cure for SMA, but several promising treatments are being tested in clinical trials.

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Airlines scramble to add Caribbean flights after airspace restrictions strand tens of thousands of travelers

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Airlines scramble to add Caribbean flights after airspace restrictions strand tens of thousands of travelers

Flights delayed and cancelled due to U.S. strikes on Venezuela overnight, at Luis Munoz Marin International Airport
Passengers rest on the floor, after flights were delayed and cancelled when the airspace was closed due to U.S. strikes on Venezuela overnight, at Luis Munoz Marin International Airport in Carolina, near San Juan, Puerto Rico Jan. 3, 2026.

REUTERS/Ricardo Arduengo

Airlines scrambled to add dozens of extra flights for tens of thousands of stranded travelers throughout the Eastern Caribbean on Sunday after the Federal Aviation Administration’s flight restrictions in the area though some customers found no seats available for days.

The FAA had closed airspace in the region to U.S. commercial flights after the United States’ strikes in Venezuela. The restrictions expired overnight, allowing flights to resume.

The flight curbs forced airlines to cancel hundreds of flights in the region on Saturday, stranding customers at the end of the busy holiday period.

FlightAware showed about 20 cancellations in San Juan on Sunday, compared with 400 a day earlier. However disruptions for some travelers could last for days because seats were scarce and previously scheduled flights were packed for the end of the New Year holiday weekend and school vacations.

Airlines received complaints from some users on X that they couldn’t find available seats back to the U.S. until the end of the week. Some said they didn’t have places to stay or couldn’t afford additional nights at Caribbean hotels.

Passengers sleep on the floor, after flights were delayed and cancelled when the airspace was closed due to U.S. strikes on Venezuela overnight, at Luis Munoz Marin International Airport in Carolina, near San Juan, Puerto Rico January 3, 2026. REUTERS/Ricardo Arduengo REFILE – CORRECTING LOCATION FROM “RAFAEL HERNANDEZ INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT IN AGUADILLA” TO “LUIS MUNOZ MARIN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT IN CAROLINA”.

Ricardo Arduengo | Reuters

American Airlines told CNBC it added 17 extra flights between San Juan, Puerto Rico, as well as Aruba, the U.S. and British Virgin Islands, Antigua, Barbados, Dominica and Barbados, and its hubs in Miami and Charlotte, North Carolina. Southwest Airlines added six extra round-trips between San Juan on Sunday and another eight on Monday as well as two additional flights to Aruba on Sunday.

“We are looking for opportunities to add more capacity to both places in the coming days,” the airline said in a statement.

But as of Sunday morning, even new flights were listed as unavailable on airline websites, as seats sold out quickly in the demand surge.

United Airlines and Delta Air Lines plan to add additional flights on Sunday. Carriers were evaluating using larger planes, like those normally used for Europe or Asia, to accommodate the surge in demand. 

American said it would use two Boeing 777-300s, the largest aircraft in its fleet and that sits 304 passengers, for two San Juan-Miami roundtrips on Monday.

Airlines generally add flights and send bigger planes ahead of evacuations for hurricanes but had little time to prepare after the United States’ attack in Venezuela.

The airlines waived change fees and fare differences for customers affected by the closures if they rebooked flights later in the month. More than a dozen airports in the region were included in the waivers.

Read more CNBC airline news

Major U.S. airlines have not served Venezuela directly for years. American Airlines was the last major carrier to halt flights to the country in 2019 amid unrest.

The temporary restrictions were set to expire at midnight ET, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said in a post on X.

The United States’ attack on Venezuela resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife. Maduro was indicted on narco-terrorism conspiracy and other charges in the Southern District of New York. His indictment was unsealed and posted online by U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi on Saturday.

The flight restrictions after the U.S. attacks underscored how quickly military action can disrupt civilian air travel, forcing airlines to suspend operations well beyond the immediate conflict zone.

Airlines have been forced to take longer routes to avoid airspace if not periodically halt flights altogether due to conflicts in the Middle East as well as after Russia‘s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

— CNBC’s Victor Loh contributed to this article.

An inside look at how the FAA and airlines deal with bad weather

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History’s most famous tapestry may have been viewed in unusual setting, new research suggests

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History’s most famous tapestry may have been viewed in unusual setting, new research suggests

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New historical research is challenging centuries of assumptions about why the Bayeux Tapestry — one of the most iconic pieces of medieval art — was created.

The tapestry vividly depicts the Norman Conquest and the Battle of Hastings — and is widely believed to date to the 1070s.

The scenes show how the Normans invaded England from France and seized power from the Anglo-Saxons, all culminating in the death of Harold Godwinson at Hastings.

ANCIENT ROMAN FORT YIELDS 2,000-YEAR-OLD FRUIT THAT SURVIVED THE CENTURIES, PLUS OTHER TREASURES

Scholars have traditionally believed that the Bayeux Tapestry was meant to be hung inside the nave of Bayeux Cathedral, which was built in 1077 — but new research suggests it was meant for monks’ mealtime viewing instead.

Benjamin Pohl, a medieval history professor at the University of Bristol, published his research in the journal Historical Research on Dec. 12.

Split image of medieval monk, Bayeux Tapestry

New research suggests the Bayeux Tapestry may have been designed for monastic dining halls rather than cathedral display. (Universal History Archive/Universal Images Group via Getty Images; Ann Ronan Pictures/Print Collector/Getty Images)

Speaking to Fox News Digital, Pohl said he believes the tapestry was designed specifically for the monastic refectory of St. Augustine’s Abbey in Canterbury.

Pohl’s research suggests the masterpiece “only came to Bayeux in the 15th century, more by accident than by design.”

“From a practical perspective, a cathedral nave does not offer a particularly suitable space for hanging an embroidery of this length and weight in such a way that its contents can be seen and understood easily,” he said.

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On the other hand, he said a monastic refectory would have been “a much better-suited space, one in which the artifact could have been suspended easily at head height so that its images and text could be appreciated most effectively.”

The expert also noted that the Bayeux Tapestry’s text is written in a particular type of Latin — one that he says “matches the diverse levels of literacy found in a medieval monastery.”

View of Bayeux Tapestry panels

The Bayeux Tapestry depicts the Norman Conquest and the Battle of Hastings, culminating in the death of Harold Godwinson. (Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

“The Bayeux Tapestry’s narrative can be interpreted as a moral story in keeping with the kinds of texts monks were contemplating regularly during mealtimes,” he said.

“The surviving evidence we have… indicates that the refectory walls of St Augustine’s would have been large enough to hang the Bayeux Tapestry in its entirety, probably covering most of its four internal walls,” added Pohl.

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But if anyone is imagining medieval monks toasting mugs of beer and enjoying a royal feast while viewing the tapestry — they would be mistaken.

Instead, the artwork was probably viewed in silence, Pohl said — while the monks ate plain and simple food, like light beer, bread, fish and a rare serving of meat.

Depiction of medieval monks eating

The embroidery’s moral narrative aligns with religious texts traditionally read during monastic meals. (Heritage Art/Heritage Images via Getty Images)

“Following the rule of St. Benedict, which governed monastic life across much of medieval Europe, medieval monks were expected to maintain complete silence while eating, aside from the voice of the reader delivering the day’s text,” he said.

Pohl added, “These readings delivered moral instruction to the diners, in a setting where any visual imagery would have reinforced spoken words and offered a focus for contemplation.”

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If Pohl’s theory proves correct, it would mean the refectory of St. Augustine’s was meant to be built in the 1080s — and the Bayeux Tapestry may have been “kept in a box and was perhaps forgotten about” before the refectory was finished in 1120.

The latest research comes after the medieval masterpiece made several headlines in 2025.

“[N]obody could have foreseen that it would take almost 50 years for the refectory to be completed, so the plan might well have been to only keep it in storage for a few years,” the professor added. 

“But the massive delay may have extended this storage period for nearly two generations.”

Museum goers admiring Bayeux Tapestry

“From a practical perspective, a cathedral nave does not offer a particularly suitable space for hanging an embroidery of this length and weight in such a way,” said an expert. (Loic Venance/AFP via Getty Images)

The latest research comes after the medieval masterpiece made several headlines in 2025.

In July, officials announced that the Bayeux Tapestry would be shown in the British Museum from September 2026 to July 2027 — the first time it would cross the English Channel in centuries.

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Earlier in 2025, Newcastle University announced the discovery of Harold Godwinson’s residence in Bosham, a site that was depicted in the tapestry.

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Sports and Tourism Merge in Sanya as 2025 Marathon Wraps Up Along Scenic Coast

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Sports and Tourism Merge in Sanya as 2025 Marathon Wraps Up Along Scenic Coast

The race reflects Hainan’s broader effort to link international sporting events with economic development and global engagement

SANYA, China, Jan. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The 7th Hainan (Sanya) Marathon wrapped up on Sunday, attracting 14,000 participants from 20 countries and regions. Held under the theme “Run Past Your Limits. Straight to the Sea,” the event combined tropical coastal scenery with competitive racing through diverse race formats, enhanced services, and digital innovation. After a grueling race, China’s Yang Yuan won the women’s full marathon in 2:50:11, while Zhao Guohu claimed the men’s title in 2:23:21.

Zhao Guohu, winner of the men’s division, said the flat course and Sanya’s warm climate lend themselves to strong performances. He added that the energy and support of spectators and volunteers along the route helped create an especially memorable atmosphere.

To deliver a unique marathon experience in Sanya through the integration of sports, tourism, and culture, organizers reimagined the role of the aid stations. Cultural Tourism Experience Stations were positioned along the course. In addition to providing race support, the stations featured traditional crafts and folk arts, Li and Miao ethnic song and dance performances, tastings of local cuisine, and interactive culture-focused activities. Together, these elements offered runners a closer look at Sanya’s local character while adding cultural context and on-course engagement to the event.

In parallel, organizers provided runners with coordinated services covering accommodation, transportation, sightseeing, and shopping. Partner benefits included discounted hotel rates with late checkout, reduced airfare offers, and duty-free shopping perks. Digital initiatives included the issuance of blockchain-based digital commemorative medals, available for purchase through the Alipay platform. Virtual races hosted on Alipay, DingTalk, and Amap also enabled remote participation.

Yang Yong, General Manager of Events and Commercialization at event partner Orange Lion Sports (formerly Alibaba Sports), said organizers drew on resources across the Alibaba ecosystem – including Taobao, Fliggy, Alibaba Health, Ant Chain, and Amap – to broaden the event’s reach and connect more effectively with domestic and international running audiences, encouraging greater participation in event-related spending.

Since early 2024, Hainan has hosted over 700 sporting events, attracting more than 4 million spectators and generating over 7 billion yuan in consumer spending. With its favorable climate and natural setting, the Sanya Marathon continues to drive local economy through sport-tourism integration.

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Airlines cancel hundreds of Caribbean flights after U.S. attacks on Venezuela

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Airlines cancel hundreds of Caribbean flights after U.S. attacks on Venezuela

Passengers sleep on the floor, after flights were delayed and cancelled when the airspace was closed due to U.S. strikes on Venezuela overnight, at Rafael Hernandez International Airport in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico.

REUTERS/Ricardo Arduengo

Airlines canceled hundreds of flights to Puerto Rico and other parts of the Caribbean on Saturday, stranding thousands of travelers at the tail-end of the New Year holiday period after the Federal Aviation Administration ordered commercial aircraft to avoid airspace in parts of the region following U.S. strikes on Venezuela.

President Donald Trump said Saturday the strikes resulted in the United States’ capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife.

Cancellations included 400 flights to and from Puerto Rico’s Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, close to 60% of the day’s schedule, according to FlightAware. Fifteen flights from San Juan were listed as canceled for Sunday.

Another 91 flights, more than half of Saturday’s flights to and from Aruba’s Queen Beatrix International Airport, were also canceled Saturday.

“When appropriate, these airspace restrictions will be lifted,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said in a post on X.

Airlines affected by the flight restrictions included American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines and JetBlue Airways, United Airlines, and Frontier Airlines. Carriers waived change fees and fare differences for customers affected by the airspace closures if they change their flights to later in the month. Airlines included more than a dozen airports in region in their waivers.

JetBlue, which has a large operation in the Caribbean, said it canceled about 215 flights “due to airspace closures across the Caribbean related to military activity.” The airline noted that flights to the Dominican Republic and Jamaica were not affected by government restrictions

American Airlines said it canceled all of its flights in the Eastern Caribbean on Saturday.

Dutch airline KLM also warned travelers about disruptions because of the airspace restrictions, potentially affecting Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao and other flights.

Passengers stand next to screens displaying flight information, after flights were delayed and cancelled when the airspace was closed due to U.S. strikes on Venezuela overnight, at Luis Munoz Marin International Airport in Carolina, near San Juan, Puerto Rico.

REUTERS/Ricardo Arduengo

Though such broad restrictions are often temporary, some flight crews were also stranded, so airlines could need extra time after the flight bans lift to reposition staff.

Major U.S. airlines haven’t served Venezuela directly for years. American was the last of the major U.S. carriers to stop flying to the country in 2019 amid unrest there.

Airspace closures in response to military activity and other safety concerns have forced airlines for years to take longer routes to avoid restricted airspace, or pause service altogether in recent years, including in and around Russia, Ukraine, Israel and Iran.

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Alex de Minaur suffers first defeat to Casper Ruud during Australia’s opening United Cup clash with Norway

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Alex de Minaur suffers first defeat to Casper Ruud during Australia’s opening United Cup clash with Norway

Alex de Minaur is refusing to sweat on his Australian Open preparations, believing he can “flip that switch” after suffering his first career defeat to Casper Ruud.

World No.7 de Minaur cut a subdued figure in a sub-par 6-3 6-3 defeat to Ruud during Australia’s opening United Cup victory against Norway in Sydney on Saturday.

It was de Minaur’s first defeat to Norway’s world No.12 in three ATP matches dating back to 2019.

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The 26-year-old, who will lead the local charge at Melbourne Park alongside rising talent Maya Joint, admits he made uncharacteristic mistakes against the three-time grand slam finalist.

De Minaur delivered eight double faults on his home court as he struggled to flaunt his second-serve prowess against a “super aggressive” Ruud.

Last season on the ATP Tour, de Minaur was second only to world No.2 Jannik Sinner for the the highest percentage of points won on second serves, but he was well down on his average on Saturday.

“It’s not really part of my DNA to throw in so many faults,” de Minaur said.

“Today, more than anything, it was just getting used to the conditions.

“I struggled a little bit, playing at night a little bit heavier.

“I felt like I wasn’t able to get that feeling on my serve of kicking in, which in the past I’ve had no problem doing.

“I lost a little bit of rhythm, more than anything, and Casper came out playing super aggressive.”

But de Minaur said he hadn’t felt mentally oppressed by Ruud, despite conceding the opening three games in less than 12 minutes.

“I was in a good mindset, and even after the match, I’m able to process this match correctly,” de Minaur said.

“There are a couple of things that I can do better, but also understanding that it is the first match of the year.

“Ultimately, season’s back on, so hopefully, I can flip that switch and more than anything, execute in those important moments.”

After defeating Malene Helgo in the women’s singles as a last-minute replacement for Joint, popular veteran Storm Hunter linked up with John-Patrick Smith in the mixed doubles to snare a 2-1 win over Norway.

De Minaur will look to return to form on Tuesday for Australia’s tie against the Czech Republic, slated to face world No.19 Jakub Mensik.

Australia will also hope Joint will recover in time to face two-time grand slam winner Barbora Krejcikova after being ruled out of their Norway tie with illness.

“Look, at the end of the day, it’s not life or death,” de Minaur said.

“I’ve had numerous times when I’ve lost the first match of the year, and then come out and have found my tennis straight away.”

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