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UKHSA warns vulnerable and elderly people may be at risk with temperatures to drop severely overnight Amber cold health alerts have been issued for northern England, with low temperatures predicted to cause a “rise in deaths” among vulnerable and elderly people. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued two amber warnings for north-east and north-west England, which will be in place between 8pm on Sunday until midday on Monday 5 January. The agency warned that expected low temperatures would probably result in the increased use of healthcare services by vulnerable people and could lead to a rise in the number of deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or those with pre-existing health conditions, such as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Vulnerable younger people and those sleeping rough may also be affected. Temperatures inside buildings such as hospitals, care homes and clinics are predicted to drop and it will be challenging for people to keep indoor temperatures at the recommended level of 18C, leading to more risk to vulnerable individuals, the agency warned. All other regions in England will be under a less serious yellow alert for this period, indicating that there is still potential for a significant impact on the health services in these regions. The agency also warned of staffing issues owing to external factors such as travel delays and said infrastructure sectors, such as transport and energy, could be affected. The Met Office forecast that most of England will be cloudy overnight, and there will be patches of frost and fog also, bringing “tricky travelling conditions” on Monday morning. Temperatures are expected to fall to as low as -1C overnight in Penrith and hover around 0C in areas of the Lake District where the amber cold health alert is in place, while temperatures in northern areas of Scotland will fall further, to -6C or -7C. There will be a “brisk northerly breeze” along the north-east coast of England. Dr Agostinho Sousa, the head of extreme events and health protection at UKHSA, recommended checking on friends, family and neighbours as cold weather sets in. “The forecasted temperatures can have a serious impact on the health of some people, leading to increased risk of heart attacks, strokes and chest infections, particularly for individuals over the age of 65 and those with pre-existing health conditions,” he said.
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Clashes broke out on Syria's coast between protesters from the Alawite religious minority and counterdemonstrators on Sunday, killing at least three people and injuring dozens of others, health officials said. The clashes came two days after a bombing at an Alawite mosque in the city of Homs killed eight people and wounded 18 others during prayers. Thousands of protesters gathered in the coastal cities of Latakia and Tartous, and elsewhere. Officials have said that preliminary investigations indicate that explosive devices were planted inside the mosque in Homs, but authorities haven't publicly identified a suspect yet in Friday's bombing. Funerals for the dead were held on Saturday. A little-known group calling itself Saraya Ansar al-Sunna claimed responsibility for the attack in a statement posted on its Telegram channel, in which it indicated that the attack intended to target members of the Alawite sect, an offshoot of Shiite Islam whom hard-line Islamists consider to be apostates. Sunday's demonstrations were called for by Ghazal Ghazal, an Alawite sheikh living outside of Syria who heads a group called the Supreme Alawite Islamic Council in Syria and the Diaspora. An Associated Press photographer in Latakia saw pro-government counterprotesters throw rocks at the Alawite demonstrators, while a group of protesters beat a counterdemonstrator who crossed to their side. Security forces tried to break up the two sides and fired into the air in an attempt to disperse them. Demonstrators were injured in the scuffles, but it wasn't immediately clear how many. Syria's state-run television reported that two members of the security forces were wounded in the area of Tartous after someone threw a hand grenade at a police station, and cars belonging to security forces were set on fire in Latakia. Later, state-run news agency SANA reported that a member of the security forces was killed by gunfire. Local health officials said that three people were killed and 60 others wounded. The country has experienced several waves of sectarian clashes since the fall of former President Bashar Assad in a lightning rebel offensive in December 2024 that brought to an end nearly 14 years of civil war. Assad, an Alawite, fled the country to Russia. In March, an ambush carried out by Assad's supporters against security forces triggered days of violence that left hundreds of people dead, most of them Alawites. Since then, although the situation has calmed, Alawites have been targeted sporadically in sectarian attacks. They have also complained of discrimination against them in public employment since Assad's fall and of young Alawite men detained without charges. During the rein of the Assad dynasty, Alawites were overrepresented in government jobs and in the army and security forces. Government officials condemned Friday's attack and promised to hold perpetrators accountable, but haven't yet announced any arrests. © 2025 Cable News Network. A Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All Rights Reserved. CNN Sans ™ & © 2016 Cable News Network. Scan the QR code to download the CNN app on Google Play. Scan the QR code to download the CNN app from the Apple Store.
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There is no way to prepare. For nearly two years, I couldn't go inside one room in my house. If you had come over and cracked the door, you'd be met with stale air, a changing table and a tiny, crib-size mattress still ensconced in its brown cardboard shipping package. I was 18 weeks' pregnant nearly four years ago when I learned of my miscarriage during a routine ultrasound. I saw the image of my baby boy on the screen floating inside me, with no telltale flicker of a heartbeat. As soon as I got home from the doctor's office, still numb with shock, I gathered up the parenting books strewn about the house. I fished the handful of gifted onesies and baby blankets from their places nestled in colorful tissue paper and celebratory gift bags. I retrieved the sonogram images of my baby from my top dresser drawer. I shoved all that evidence of our baby and the life we were planning into one of those gift bags, before my brain had time to fully register the pain radiating through my body. I knew I had to do this while I was still in a state of disbelief, before the wave of grief drowned me. I pushed past the feeling that my body was collapsing, sweeping up all these items and depositing them into the would-be nursery, alongside the changing table and crib mattress. I closed the door and didn't go back in that room for months. Being pregnant is hard work — even metabolically, study shows Between 10% and 20% of known pregnancies end in miscarriage, but the vast majority — 80%, according to the Cleveland Clinic — occur in the first 13 weeks. After we made it past the first trimester mark, I thought I had nothing to worry about. But my baby died anyway. I learned of the miscarriage in the morning. By that afternoon, I was scheduled for surgery to remove the fetal tissue the next day. It was too much — the shock of the loss, the immediate surgery. I felt I didn't have time to process any of the information. Tomorrow? But I just lost my baby today. I knew he was gone, but I still wanted more time with him. I felt so deeply connected to the tiny body growing within me. Not having him as a part of me anymore felt unfathomable. I cried, not speaking, for 45 minutes after scheduling the surgery. My husband held my hand and cried, too. He also had nothing to say. As I got into bed that night, an overwhelming sense of dread gripped me. I had the realization that my dead child was inside of me. I didn't sleep that night, not at all. I lay in bed, staring at the clock, waiting for the morning to come. 1 in 10 women will have a miscarriage. They shouldn't be told to ‘just try again,' new research says I can't remember much about that winter. I do know there were many days when it felt impossible to get out of bed. But I did, often getting dressed and putting on makeup, hoping that would make me feel some sense of normalcy. Many days, I crawled back in bed in the afternoon. Every pillowcase I had at the time was streaked with mascara stains from my tears that winter. It took months to get the stains out. Part of my pain came from the blame around pregnancy loss. Although 15% of respondents in one 2015 study reported that “they or their partner suffered at least one miscarriage,” most of those surveyed said they thought miscarriage happened in just 5% or fewer pregnancies. Not only did respondents underestimate the frequency of miscarriage — 22% blamed the mother for the loss. “Commonly believed causes of miscarriage included a stressful event (76%), lifting a heavy object (64%), previous use of an intrauterine device (28%), or oral contraceptives (22%),” according to the study. It's no surprise that I felt guilty, a feeling widely shared by loss parents. My job as a mom was to keep my child safe. How had I failed so miserably so early? And that perception that it was my fault made it worse. I also questioned the validity of my own pain. Without the physical evidence of a living, breathing baby to lose, many well-meaning people who had not experienced loss brushed off the impact of miscarriage with comments such as “you can try again” or “trying is the fun part” or the cliché “everything happens for a reason.” What to say to women going through miscarriage and baby loss Yet studies have found more than half of women report exhibiting symptoms of depression following a miscarriage. I found myself falling into that category but felt at times that my grief was unearned, leading to feelings of shame and isolation. After a couple of weeks, all I could think about was getting pregnant again. My body was still healing, but I was anxious for it to hurry up. I began going on daily walks, envisioning myself sitting in the nursery, rocking a baby in my arms. Surely those who espouse the benefits of manifesting had to be onto something. Sure enough, the first month we were cleared to try again, the pregnancy test turned positive. That pregnancy lasted just five weeks. Within a week of the positive test, I was bleeding, and with the blood went the first ounce of hope and happiness I had felt in months. As someone who always looks for the silver lining, it was an especially trying time. I often had trouble believing one existed. How men hurt and grieve over miscarriage, too But if there was a silver lining to be found, it was the support my husband and I eventually discovered. The pregnancy loss community is a hellish club to join, but the most loving and supportive group I have ever been a part of. Once people learned of my miscarriage, I began hearing from family members, friends and even acquaintances who had had miscarriages I had never known about. I had tearful conversations with so many women about miscarriage and pregnancy loss and infertility that, while heartbreaking, filled me up and gave me the fuel to keep going. I had close friends who had been through it before guiding me through the darkness. I am forever grateful for these women, the love they showed me and the strength they displayed, convincing me I could find my strength, too. That's the only reason I'm writing this for you now, really. Because if one person can feel seen, if one person can feel validated in their experience, it is worth it. Pregnancy loss is an isolating experience, but for better or worse, none of us have to go through it alone. My husband and I were lucky. I ended up undergoing in vitro fertilization, or IVF, in December, and it worked in April of the following year. The pregnancy was safe and healthy, and I now have a toddler I love more than I ever thought possible. But when I was pregnant with him, I was terrified I would lose him the entire nine months. A couple tried for 18 years to get pregnant. AI made it happen But while we're playing on the playground or reading stories before bedtime, the pain of losing my first baby never goes away. I still miss the son I never got to meet out in the world. I still think about him every day. I recently found a miscarriage journal I bought shortly after the loss. One prompt suggested writing a letter to your child. In part, I had written, “I'm so sorry I couldn't keep you safe. I'm sorry I didn't get to be your mom.” So how can anyone deal with pregnancy loss? For me, what happened became part of me. Uncertainty became part of me. With the support of my loved ones and this new community, I learned to find grace there, and maybe an unsettled peace. Sometimes it's hard to breathe, but I did, and I do. I think I found a secret reserve of strength my body's been saving or borrowed some from another loss mama who has been there before. But on we go, with tears and love for my first and second sons, and all the silver linings I can find. Get inspired by a weekly roundup on living well, made simple. Sign up for CNN's Life, But Better newsletter for information and tools designed to improve your well-being. © 2025 Cable News Network. A Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All Rights Reserved. CNN Sans ™ & © 2016 Cable News Network. Scan the QR code to download the CNN app on Google Play. Scan the QR code to download the CNN app from the Apple Store.
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The chipmaker's sprawling partnerships are driving extraordinary growth but also bank its future on the AI boom paying off quickly Nvidia is, in crucial ways, nothing like Enron – the Houston energy giant that imploded through multibillion-dollar accounting fraud in 2001. Nor is it similar to companies such as Lucent or Worldcom that folded during the dotcom bubble. But the fact that it needs to reiterate this to its investors is less than ideal. Now worth more than $4tn (£3tn), Nvidia makes the specialised technology that powers the world's AI surge: silicon chips and software packages that train and host systems such as ChatGPT. Its products fill datacentres from Norway to New Jersey. This year has been an exceptional one for the company: it has struck at least $125bn in deals, ranging from a $5bn investment into Intel – to facilitate its access to the PC market – to $100bn invested in OpenAI, the startup behind ChatGPT. But even as those deals have fuelled surging stock prices and paved the way for chief executive Jensen Huang's energetic world tour, doubts have emerged about how Nvidia does business, especially as it has become increasingly central to the health of the global economy. The start of these concerns has been the circular nature of many of its deals. These arrangements resemble vendor financing: Nvidia lending money to customers so they can buy its products. The largest of these is its deal with OpenAI, which involves Nvidia investing $10bn into the company each year for the next 10 years – most of which will go to buying Nvidia's chips. Another is its arrangement with CoreWeave, a company that provides on-demand computing capacity to big AI firms, essentially leasing out Nvidia's chips. The circularity of these deals has drawn comparisons with Lucent Technologies, a telecoms company that also aggressively lent money to its customers, only to overextend itself and unravel in the early 2000s. Nvidia has aggressively rebutted suggestions of any similarity, saying in a leaked recent memo that it “does not rely on vendor financing arrangements to grow revenue”. James Anderson, a renowned tech investor, describes himself as a “huge admirer” of Nvidia, but said this year that the OpenAI deal presented “more reason to be concerned there than before”. He added: “I have to say the words ‘vendor financing' do not carry nice reflections to somebody of my age. It's not quite like what many of the telecom suppliers were up to in 1999-2000, but it has certain rhymes to it. I don't think it makes me feel entirely comfortable from that point of view.” Other high-profile recent deals include the tech firm Oracle spending $300bn on datacentres for OpenAI in the US – with the ChatGPT developer then paying back roughly the same amount to use those datacentres. In October, OpenAI and the chipmaker AMD signed a multibillion-dollar chip deal that also gave OpenAI the option to buy a stake in the Nvidia rival. There is also a deal with CoreWeave where, along with a commitment to buying $22bn of data centre capacity from the cloud provider, OpenAI is receiving $350m in CoreWeave stock. Asked this month about circularity in the AI industry, the chief executive of CoreWeave, Michael Intrator, said: “Companies are trying to address a violent change in supply and demand. You do that by working together.” All these moves form part of OpenAI's $1.4tn bet on computing capacity to build and operate models that, it argues, will transform economies – and make back that expenditure. OpenAI argues that, while the Nvidia and AMD deals have an investment component, it only kicks in once the chips have been bought and deployed, while the investments themselves create aligned incentives to build out AI infrastructure at huge scale. Nvidia has also used structures called special-purpose vehicles (SPVs) in financing deals. The best-known example is the SPV linked to Elon Musk's xAI: an entity into which Nvidia invested $2bn, money that will be used to buy Nvidia's chips. This drew comparisons with Enron, which used SPVs to keep debts and toxic assets off its balance sheets, convincing investors and creditors that it was stable while concealing ballooning liabilities. Nvidia has also strongly denied that it is like Enron: in the same leaked memo where it discussed Lucent, it said its reporting was “complete and transparent” and “unlike Enron” it “does not use special-purpose entities to hide debt and inflate revenue”. The journalist Ed Zitron, a noted sceptic of the AI boom, agrees that Nvidia is not like either company. Unlike Lucent, it does not appear to be taking on a great deal of debt to finance its circular deals, he says, and most of the customers it is supporting are not as obviously risky as Lucent's dotcom bubble partners. And it isn't like Enron, Zitron argues, because it's being fairly transparent about its own complex, off-balance sheet deals. So what could warrant a comparison? Nvidia “is not hiding debt, but it is leaning heavily on vendor-financed demand, which creates exposure if AI growth slows,” says Charlie Dai, an analyst at the research firm Forrester. “The concern is about sustainability, not legality.” Essentially, whether Nvidia is able to stick the landing depends on whether AI really takes off, generating billions for its corporate users and putting companies such as OpenAI, Anthropic and CoreWeave – Nvidia's customers – firmly in the black, and able to keep buying its systems. That possibility alone is debatable. If this does not happen, says Dai, Nvidia “could face write-downs on equity stakes and unpaid receivables”: meaning, it could lose a lot of money and its stock price could then tank. Approached for comment, an Nvidia spokesperson referred the Guardian to remarks its chief financial officer, Colette Kress, made to investors in early December. Kress said they were not seeing an AI bubble, instead gesturing at trillions of dollars of business that lie ahead for Nvidia in the next decade. In particular, Kress argued that Nvidia's recent – massive – deals are just the start for the company, and the real money will be made in the coming years, largely through replacing almost all the chips in existing datacentres with its products. There is another complexity, which is that Nvidia's health – and therefore the health of the entire global economy – also depends on whether AI takes off in time for Nvidia and its customers to service the debt from their huge datacentre buildouts and significant capital expenditures. Add to this a final category of concern: recent, big-ticket deals with countries such as South Korea and Saudi Arabia, worth multiple billions of dollars, whose terms are opaque. In October, Nvidia said that it would supply 260,000 of its Blackwell chips to South Korea's government and South Korean companies. The value of this deal was not disclosed, but is estimated to be in the billions. Likewise with Saudi Arabia. Its government-owned AI startup, Humain, has committed to deploying up to 600,000 Nvidia chips: when that deployment will involve actual purchases, and at what price, is again undisclosed. Nvidia has a number of other strategic partnerships like this – with Italy, with the French AI champion Mistral and with Deutsche Telekom, for example – all involving thousands of chips and unknown sums. Governments are likely to pay. There's nothing circular about a sovereign partnership with Germany. But the deals mean more – quite large – uncertainties nested within a straining web of commitments that require massive capital outlay, and rely on ambitious assumptions about the economy undergoing a revolution in the next years. “They concentrate risk in a few big customers,” says Dai. “If execution delays occur, Nvidia's revenue recognition and cashflow could be affected.”
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Crucial power line repairs have begun near the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant following a localalized ceasefire to allow technicians to carry out repairs, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said on Dec. 28. In a statement posted on X, the agency said that during the IAEA-brokered ceasefire, repairs to the power transmission lines between the switchyards of ZNPP and the Zaporizhzhia Thermal Power Plant are being carried out under the supervision of the IAEA team and are expected to last several days. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi thanked both sides for agreeing to this new temporary “window of silence,” which is “part of ongoing efforts to prevent a nuclear accident during military conflict.” The Zaporizhzhia plant is Europe's largest nuclear power plant. It hasn't been producing electricity for over three years since Russian troops occupied it in March 2022. The Zaporizhzhia plant has faced repeated safety concerns since Russia's invasion, including power outages, nearby shelling and staffing shortages. A monitoring mission from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has been stationed at the ZNPP since September 2022, but Russian authorities have frequently restricted its access. Who controls the plant, remains a key sticking point of the ongoing peace negotations between Ukraine and the U.S. Located in the occupied city of Enerhodar, the plant produced around 20% of Ukraine's electricity before Russia launched its full-scale invasion. Under the U.S.-backed framework, the plant would be operated jointly by Ukraine, the United States, and Russia, with all three parties sharing economic benefits. Ukraine fears that a trilateral management model would effectively legitimize Russia's occupation of the facility. Junior Investigative Reporter Linda is a Ukrainian junior reporter investigating Russia's global influence and disinformation. She has over two years of experience writing news and feature stories for Ukrainian media outlets. She holds an Erasmus Mundus M.A. in Journalism, Media, and Globalisation from Aarhus University and the University of Amsterdam, where she trained in data journalism and communication studies. U.S. President Donald Trump said on Dec. 28 that he held a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin ahead of his scheduled meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Russian troops opened artillery fire against the Kherson Thermal Power Plant (TPP), causing significant damage, head of Ukraine's Naftogaz said on Dec. 28. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi thanked "both sides" for agreeing to a temporary "window of silence," which is "part of ongoing efforts to prevent a nuclear accident during military conflict." In this year-end wrap-up of Ukraine This Week, the Kyiv Independent's Anna Belokur looks back at the moments that defined 2025, the fourth year of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine — from stalled peace efforts and escalating Russian attacks to mass anti-corruption protests and political upheaval at home. The refinery was attacked multiple times in the night, residents claimed. An electrical substation in Syzran was also hit, causing blackouts in the city. Ukrainian and Russian troops have been publishing conflicting claims and videos about who controls the front-line town of Myrnohrad, located just northeast of the embattled town of Pokrovsk. A source close to the Ukrainian delegation told the Kyiv Independent that they don't know how the meeting will unfold and are ready for "all scenarios." Russia has lost around 1,204,510 troops in Ukraine since the beginning of its full-scale invasion on Feb. 24, 2022, the General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces reported on Dec. 28. Without security guarantees, Ukraine cannot take any steps towards peace or hold presidential elections, which Trump's administration has pressured Zelensky to implement. Myrnohrad in Donetsk Oblast and Huliaipole in Zaporizhzhia Oblast are not under Russian control, Ukraine's General Staff said, dismissing the Kremlin's claims as "the weapon of disinformation." Canada will provide Ukraine with $2.5 billion Canadian dollars ($1.8 billion) in economic aid to Ukraine, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on Dec. 27. Russia has fulfilled its mobilization goals in 2025 and has set its mobilization target to recruit 409,000 Russian soldiers in 2026, Ukraine's military intelligence chief, Kyrylo Budanov, told Suspilne in a year-end interview.
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Residents in Kyiv salvage what they can from an apartment that was badly damaged during Russian air strikes on Saturday.Elise Blanchard/Getty Images Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. President Donald Trump will meet in Florida on Sunday to hammer out a plan ​to end the war in Ukraine, but face major differences on crucial issues and ‍provocations from Russian air attacks. Trump ‍said ​on Sunday he ⁠had “a good and very productive” ‌phone call ‍with ‍Russian President ‌Vladimir ⁠Putin ​before his meeting Zelensky in Florida later ⁠in the ⁠day. Trump did not provide details about what was discussed. The Kremlin confirmed the call took place, according to the Interfax news agency. Earlier, Russia struck Kyiv and other parts of war-torn Ukraine with hundreds of missiles and drones on Saturday, knocking out power and heat in parts of the capital. Zelensky called it Russia's response to the ongoing U.S.-brokered peace efforts. Zelensky has told journalists that he plans to discuss the fate of eastern Ukraine's contested Donbas region during the meeting at Trump's Florida residence, as well as the future of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant and other topics. The Ukrainian president and his delegation arrived in Florida late on Saturday, Ukraine's Deputy Foreign Minister Serhiy Kyslytsya said on X. Ukraine, U.S. negotiators discussed how to end war, Zelensky says Moscow has repeatedly insisted that Ukraine yield all of the Donbas, even areas still under Kyiv's control, and Russian officials have objected to ⁠other parts of the latest proposal, sparking doubts about whether Putin would accept whatever Sunday's talks might produce. Putin said on Saturday Moscow would continue waging its war if Kyiv did not seek a quick peace. Russia has steadily advanced on the battlefield in recent months, claiming control over several more settlements on Sunday. The Ukrainian president told Axios on Friday he hopes to soften a U.S. proposal for Ukrainian forces to withdraw completely from the Donbas. Failing that, Zelensky said the entire 20-point plan, ‌the result of weeks of negotiations, should be ‍put to a referendum. UN human rights worker Danielle Bell on a career in conflict zones, from Iraq to Ukraine A recent poll suggests that Ukrainian voters may reject the plan. Zelensky's in-person meeting with Trump, scheduled for 1 p.m. (1800 GMT), follows ‍weeks of diplomatic efforts. European allies, while at times cut out of the loop, ‌have stepped up efforts to sketch out the contours of a post-war security guarantee for Kyiv that the United States would ⁠support. On Sunday, ahead of his meeting with Trump, Zelensky said he held a detailed phone call with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Trump and Zelensky were also expected to hold a phone ​call with European leaders during their Florida meeting, a spokesperson for the Ukrainian president said on Sunday. Kyiv and Washington have agreed on many issues, and Zelensky said on Friday that the 20-point plan was 90% finished. But the issue of what territory, if any, will be ceded to Russia remains unresolved. While Moscow insists on getting all of the Donbas, Kyiv wants the map frozen at current battle lines. The United States, seeking a compromise, has proposed a free economic zone if Ukraine leaves ​the area, although it remains unclear how that zone would function in practical terms. It has also proposed shared control over the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, where power line repairs have begun after another local ceasefire brokered by the International Atomic Energy Agency, the agency said on Sunday. A Russian service member stands guard at a checkpoint near the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant before the arrival of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) expert mission during the Russia-Ukraine war outside Enerhodar, in the Zaporizhzhia region, June 15, 2023.Alexander Ermochenko/Reuters Zelensky, whose past meetings with Trump have not always gone smoothly, worries along with his European allies that Trump could sell out Ukraine and leave European powers to foot the bill for supporting a devastated nation, after Russian forces took 12 to 17 square km (4.6-6.6 square miles) of its territory per day in 2025. Russia controls all of Crimea, which it annexed in 2014, and since its invasion of ⁠Ukraine nearly four years ago has taken control of about 12% of its territory, including about 90% of Donbas, 75% of the Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions, ⁠and slivers of the Kharkiv, Sumy, Mykolaiv and Dnipropetrovsk regions, according to Russian estimates. Putin said on December 19 that a peace deal should be based on conditions he set out in 2024: Ukraine ‌withdrawing from all of the Donbas, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions, and Kyiv officially renouncing its aim to join NATO. Ukrainian officials and European leaders view the war as an imperial-style land grab by Moscow and have warned that if Russia gets its way with Ukraine, it will one day attack NATO members. The 20-point plan was spun off from a Russian-led 28-point plan, which emerged from talks between U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff, Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner and Russian special envoy Kirill Dmitriev, and which became public in November. Subsequent talks between Ukrainian officials and U.S. negotiators ‌have produced the more Kyiv-friendly 20-point plan. Report an editorial error Report a technical issue Authors and topics you follow will be added to your personal news feed in Following. © Copyright 2025 The Globe and Mail Inc. All rights reserved. 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The next presidential election is several eternities away from now in terms of politics. Only a fool would try to predict the form of the political conversation in three years, much less a few months in the unpredictable Trump era. But we do know the next election will offer Americans new choices on the right and the left. There won't be a Trump, a Clinton or a Bush anywhere near the ballot. About half of Americans said in a new CNN Poll that the 2028 presidential election has been on their mind at least somewhat. At Turning Point USA's annual AmericaFest conference in Arizona last weekend, the conservative group's leader Erika Kirk all but endorsed Vice President JD Vance, even though he has not launched a campaign. Assuming he does run, Vance will have to hold together President Donald Trump's fragile voter coalition — cracks were on display at Turning Point — and fend off other Republicans who want their shot at the White House. I talked to CNN's Eric Bradner, who covers Republicans, about the current state of play, who we expect to launch a 2020 presidential campaign and where the party will head in the looming post Trump era. Our conversation, conducted by phone and edited for clarity, is below. And for a look at the Democratic field, check out this conversation with CNN's Edward-Isaac Dovere. WOLF: Democrats will have a wide-open field with no clear leader in 2028. What will Republicans have? BRADNER: Republicans have a sitting vice president in JD Vance, and in recent months, it has become increasingly clear that he holds the 2028 starting gun in his hand. He has said he doesn't plan to do anything until after the midterm elections next year, and then he plans to sit down with President Trump and talk about 2028. So the timeline for Vance to become an active candidate, if that's what he chooses to do — and I think just about everyone expects that he will — is probably at least a year away. But it seems increasingly clear that a lot of Republicans are going to be waiting on him, and some big names are going to defer to him. WOLF: Trump likes to make jokes about Vance and Rubio running together. Vance made a joke recently about the idea that Rubio could run. Could two Trump officials challenge each other or come out with a unified ticket? BRADNER: I'm not sure President Trump is actually joking. One of the many newsy tidbits in the Vanity Fair profile of White House chief of staff Susie Wiles was Marco Rubio saying that if JD Vance runs for president, Vance will be the Republican nominee, and he will support him. Rubio is obviously someone who is in President Trump's good graces; who has run for president before, knows how to do it, and would be a viable candidate in any race he entered. But he does not seem to have an appetite to take on JD Vance, at least at this early stage of the Trump presidency. Now, Vance is the vice president. He is attached to President Trump for all four years. Marco Rubio, like many Cabinet officials, could leave at some point. He could leave after the midterms. But as of right now, President Trump keeps floating this idea of a joint Vance-Rubio ticket, and Rubio says he's not going to take on Vance. It certainly shouldn't be ignored when two of the key players in all of this don't seem to be pouring any cold water on it. It's worth remembering, Marco Rubio — despite running for president more than eight years ago — is still only 54 years old. He could be a vice presidential nominee and still run for president again one day. WOLF: Vance is ascendant in taking up Trump's mantle. It's actually pretty rare for a vice president to be elected president straight out of the vice presidency. The last person to do it was George H.W. Bush. Before that, you have to go back more than 100 years. It's almost a curse. How would Vance deal with it? BRADNER: It's tricky, because Vance would have to own everything the Trump administration does. There's no way for him to separate himself from it, unlike some other names who could be 2028 contenders. For example, (Texas Sen.) Ted Cruz on Capitol Hill this week went hard after Trump's TV regulator. (Gov.) Ron DeSantis in Florida is saying that state has the right to move forward on artificial intelligence regulations, despite President Trump wanting to institute a single national policy. Other Republicans in other positions have the ability to break with the president and get some separation on unpopular policies or policies where they see the political ground shifting. JD Vance isn't going to have that ability. When Vance becomes a candidate, there will probably be conversations between him and the president over whether and how he can split with President Trump on some issues without incurring the president's wrath. WOLF: It might behoove Vance to distance himself from Trump on some things, but that's almost impossible to do and stay inside of Trump's inner circle, where everything is about Trump. BRADNER: He might need to look for ways to demonstrate that he is his own man, a different kind of political figure than Trump, without necessarily disagreeing with the president publicly on policy issues. WOLF: Vance is someone whose politics and allegiances have shifted multiple times in his relatively short political career. So you could see him evolving pretty easily yet again. BRADNER: When he ran for Senate, he very quickly rejected a number of positions he'd taken in the past, and that's a history that Republican rivals in that Senate primary certainly used against him, and I would not be surprised to see revisited ahead of 2028. WOLF: Let's talk a little bit about some of the Republicans that are that are showing some of their independence. You mentioned DeSantis and Ted Cruz. There was an interesting story about the White House being a little frustrated about an anti-abortion group backed by Sen. Josh Hawley (Missouri). Who do you think Republicans view as the most likely non-White-House Republican that could make a run against somebody like Vance? BRADNER: Having run for president before would be an advantage for some potential candidates, like Ron DeSantis and Ted Cruz, not just because they have already made their introductions in the early states, but because they've had to figure out answers to some of these questions. DeSantis is interesting; 2024 was a colossal failure for him. He probably got into the race too late, burned a ton of money and didn't have much to show for it at the end of that race. But he has not clashed publicly with President Trump in the same way that some of these other figures on Capitol Hill, like Ted Cruz, Josh Hawley and (Kentucky Sen.) Rand Paul have. DeSantis also has a chance to deliver a big win for Republicans in the spring if Florida joins the nationwide redistricting arms race. WOLF: You said it can be a benefit to have run before. I've always thought it must be a net negative to appear like you're a loser. Do you need a trial run to get good as a candidate? BRADNER: There's been a split between the parties on this. With 2020 as an obvious exception, Democrats have tended to favor a fresh face, and Republicans have nominated people who have run before and failed. Ronald Reagan is a great example of this. George H.W. Bush is a great example of it. WOLF: Donald Trump, arguably, who won, lost and then won again. BRADNER: Throughout modern American history, I think you'll find Republicans much more willing to seriously consider and nominate someone who has run before and failed. WOLF: People have talked about Hawley as a potential presidential candidate for his entire career. Does he seem to be somebody that is destined to run for president? BRADNER: There's been an expectation around him essentially since he was elected to the Senate, that one day he will run for higher office. The anti-abortion-rights group that he started is obviously frustrating the White House. They view this issue as a drag on Republicans in the midterms, whereas Hawley views it as a foundational position for the party, and it's also one that is his position. Hawley's position is extremely popular with Christian conservatives in Iowa, for example, a state that has long been the first to weigh in in the presidential nominating process. Whether he's doing this with an eye on 2028 specifically or is just keeping his options open, it's tough to tell at this point. WOLF: You mentioned Rand Paul. His father ran a couple of times as a Republican and a libertarian. Paul is out of the Republican mainstream, but an interesting political character because he's so true to his ideology. What would be the path for somebody like that? Would a Rand Paul presidential campaign just be to drag the party toward the libertarian cause, or would it be a serious campaign? BRADNER: He would like it to be a serious campaign. What's worth keeping in mind about Rand Paul is that he was one of the earliest and most vocal Republican critics of President Trump on tariffs and on the spending levels in the so-called One Big Beautiful Bill. The state of the economy would be key to his chances of getting much of a hearing from Republican voters. Right now, the political environment is such that a lot of Republicans, including early-state voters I've talked to, are turned off by seeing him criticizing the president on some of these issues. However, three years is an eternity. Two years is an eternity in politics, and by the time the 2028 race is really shaping up and people are preparing to head to the polls, the state of the economy could be much different. Republicans could go conservative or MAGA; nobody is talking about moderates WOLF: Democrats have this debate over whether the party is going to go in a progressive or a moderate direction. You don't really hear that among Republicans whether it's going to go in a conservative or moderate direction. It seems like it's just going to go in a in a conservative or a MAGA direction. Are there any moderate Republicans who could run for president? BRADNER: A lot of these differences are being kept in-house, in part because the party is in power, and a lot of 2028 potential contenders are in the Trump administration. But in terms of moderates, I think it'll be interesting to see how some Trump loyalists position themselves. There are also some people on the periphery of 2028 who could be interesting factors. For example, (Georgia Rep.) Marjorie Taylor Greene is not someone anyone would ever describe as moderate, but she has had an enormous falling-out with President Trump, and has taken a moderate position on health care spending, at least. Nikki Haley is still involved in politics. She's working at the Hudson Institute, occasionally publishing commentary on foreign policy, national security, antisemitism. She's still active on social media. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is someone who has obviously run for president as an independent before. His wife recently told NewsNation that he won't run in 2028, but he is an interesting person to watch. he No. 1 predictor that someone is going to run for president is that they have run for president before, and that he has. So I don't know that there will be a moderate versus conservative framework to the 2028 election. I think it could be more about emphasis and personalities. Ted Cruz, for example, is very conservative, but he has been jabbing at Tucker Carlson, who's certainly a JD Vance ally. Those kinds of divides over personality, over issues of importance … could be where we see bigger and more public divides early on, at least. WOLF: That list of people you went through is a remarkably loose political coalition. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has his MAHA movement. Marjorie Taylor Greene has been a conspiracy theorist and is flirting with being a more mainstream person. There's Rand Paul, who is all but libertarian. There's Josh Hawley, who's this kind of evolving plains populist. I feel like Republicans used to stand for limited government and lower spending, but the breadth of ideas in that list is vast. What is the next Republican ideology? BRADNER: Republicans are going to have to decide what kind of party they want to be once President Trump is no longer the dominant figure within it. I'm not sure how much they're going to be able to sort that out in 2028 because he will loom large as the sitting president and the Republican with the biggest megaphone in the country. But it's the right question to ask, and it's going to be one that Republicans are sorting through over these next few years. There was a party before Trump, and there's the modern Republican Party in which Trump has thrown off so many of these dogmas that what we traditionally thought the Republican Party had. What it looks like moving forward is a huge unanswered question. WOLF: What are the signs you're looking for from potential candidates? BRADNER: The first thing I'm going to be watching is when some of these cabinet officials depart the Trump administration. Most of the time, in most administrations, there is a shake up after the midterms that could potentially free some of them to work toward their own political ambitions. Book deals are always worth watching when they're announced, because most politicians don't just write a book for no reason. And then I think political moves that are designed to allow potential presidential candidates to stake out some of their own ground, the way (California Gov.) Gavin Newsom did among Democrats on redistricting, right? It's much easier for Democrats to do that right now, but I do think that some Republicans will be looking for their own ways to establish territory they can claim as their own. That's why I think DeSantis is worth watching on redistricting; Ted Cruz on issues like free speech and taking on Tucker Carlson. WOLF: Trump is so unique because he has this committed following of supporters. I can't think of a Democrat or a Republican — maybe RFK Jr.? — that has any kind of committed following, people who like them and are committed specifically to them? Am I missing something? BRADNER: What makes this 2028 race so fascinating is that it's wide open, right? There seem to be plenty of Republicans who assume that JD Vance will inherit the MAGA movement. Erica Kirk essentially endorsed Vance, which could clearly be a sign of the role Turning Point USA, an important advocacy group, could play. But other than RFK Jr., who built that movement running as an independent, no one really brings that kind of devoted following to the table. That's why any polls that you see right now … are of extremely limited value, because whether anyone can build that kind of movement and the issues that would allow them to put it together or maybe be seen. © 2025 Cable News Network. A Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All Rights Reserved. CNN Sans ™ & © 2016 Cable News Network. Scan the QR code to download the CNN app on Google Play. Scan the QR code to download the CNN app from the Apple Store.
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Ranchers praise US president for crackdown on illegal migrants Copy link twitter facebook whatsapp email Copy link twitter facebook whatsapp email Copy link twitter facebook whatsapp email Copy link twitter facebook whatsapp email Sue Chilton was home alone last year when a group of four migrants with sinister face tattoos appeared on her doorstep. Recognising the markings, the diminutive 83-year-old refused to let them into the house but put together a picnic for them to eat outside. “Sue hosted MS-13 for lunch,” howled Jim, her husband, referring to the brutal Salvadorian gang. The Chiltons are fifth-generation ranchers who have farmed cattle on the Tucson sector of the Arizona border for nearly four decades. But their 50,000 acre ranch fell prey to the Mexican cartels, who exploited the undulating scrubland and a five-mile gap in the border wall that Mrs Chilton refers to as “the door”, to traffic migrants and drugs into the country. During the first four months of 2024, the remote Tucson sector became the number one hotspot in the US for migrant crossings, with the border patrol apprehending more than 250,000 people. Throughout last year, 2,000 people came across the Chiltons' land – sometimes hundreds a day – many of them wearing camouflage, carpet-shoes to hide their footprints and large backpacks stuffed with methamphetamine, fentanyl and cocaine. But since Donald Trump returned to the White House and pledged to close the border, encounters are down 90 per cent while just 155 have been caught on the Chiltons' ranch, all of whom were sent back to Mexico. “Thank you President Trump,” Mr Chilton enthused. “We're no longer worried about riding through this country. We're no longer worried about running into a group with an AK-47. “That's the kind of people you see here coming across the border.” Life on the frontier can be hard, and the Chiltons are well aware of the dangers. Entering their Thunderbird lair of a house which presides over the rugged terrain, a taxidermied mountain lion, shot by Mr Chilton himself, crouches menacingly in the entranceway. A few feet away, his Ruger Mini-14 ranch rifle leans against the wall. But illegal migration has forced them to contend with a whole new set of risks. Last year, a group apprehended by border patrol while crossing their land was caught with an assault rifle and 100lb of cocaine. One of Mr Chilton's cowboys was riding along 18 months ago when he discovered a decapitated body with its head lying around 10ft away. That's not to mention the economic impact. From employing an extra cowboy to check for migrants and repairing damaged water pipes and fences through which cattle escape, to cows dying from eating plastic left behind by those crossing the ranch, Mr Chilton estimates illegal crossings cost him around $100k a year. “I don't want to sell my ranch, but if it were located 100 miles north, it would be worth twice as much as it is now,” he said. “Who wants to buy into this border issue?” Brandishing a series of poster boards, Mr Chilton claimed Joe Biden's “outrageous” decision to scrap Mr Trump's border wall the day he entered office led to cartels bringing in groups of people around the end of the wall through their land. Those in civilian clothes headed west, looking to hand themselves in to the authorities and claim asylum, he said. Using them as decoys to distract the border force, drug cartels then crept north, trekking through rocky ravines in the gruelling heat to smuggle their deadly cargo into the US undetected. “Druggers bringing goods into the United States through my ranch were killing people in DC, New York, Detroit and Minnesota,” Mr Chilton said. “I find it very outrageous.” Critics have accused the Biden administration of operating an “open border” policy that allowed more than eight million migrants into the country. In Mr Chilton's view, the former president “developed policies which rewarded people coming in and avoiding the law”. “I really praise President Trump for taking existing law and shutting the border down,” he said. While the Chiltons wish to see the border wall completed, they are sympathetic to those travelling to the US for a better life, employing Mexican cowboys on their ranch and filling 24 wells to provide relief to migrants suffering from heat exhaustion. “Immigrants are wonderful, but they need to come in legally,” said Mr Chilton. Sixty miles away outside Nogales, the border force has beefed up security. The small city is one of the largest points of entry into the US, with almost 50 per cent of the nation's fresh produce passing through its gateways each year. Under the Biden administration, it became a bottleneck for migrants waiting for appointments via the CBP One mobile app to find out if they are eligible for asylum. Now, agents in SUVs perch on hilltops for miles around, surveying the 30ft-border wall: a double-layered sheath of rust-brown metal reinforced with concertina wire that stretches as far as the eye can see. The station, one of nine in the Tucson sector, has dramatically reduced crossings over the past year by implementing a “layered approach”, deploying drones and cameras, as well as more agents travelling by quad bike, mountain bike, helicopter and horseback. “The bottom line is, if you sneak in and we don't catch you right here, we're going to be pursuing you,” said agent Ben Braker. The local force has benefited from the administration's recruitment drive to hire 3,000 new border patrol agents, while front-line staff have been reassigned from processing migrants to making arrests. But agents say the most important factor has been Mr Trump's decision to implement tough consequences for migrants, who now face being permanently barred if they cross into the country illegally. “When you implement consequences, you change behaviour, and that's the baseline of why we've had such a reduction,” said agent Teresa Fast. Since returning to office, Mr Trump has declared an “invasion” on the southern border, halted all asylum claim decisions apart from for white Afrikaners, imposed travel bans on 19 countries, ramped up deportations, deployed the military to the southern border and resumed construction of the border wall. Mr Braker added: “If you're detected crossing the border illegally, you will be arrested. We will prosecute you under immigration statutes, and it will end up in deportation.” So often the main talking point of Mr Trump's first campaign, discussion of the border wall has drifted out of focus in recent times. A 27-mile stretch of new wall is under construction to the east of the town, while gaps near the Sasabe crossing point to the West have been plugged. But a 30-mile stretch of the border remains unfenced, which ranchers and immigration hawks would like to see blocked off. In the sun-scorched hills near Arivaca, Tim Foley has just finished fixing the fence to his plot of land after it had been cut by migrants travelling across. With his leathery brown skin, sparkling white veneers and a handgun strapped to his leg, Mr Foley leads a team of volunteers called Arizona Border Recon, a vigilante group of mostly military veterans who have made it their business to stop people coming into the country. Despite efforts to close off the border by the authorities, Mr Foley said “there's people getting through”. Marching along the border in November, he stumbled across a migrant stopping point littered with hundreds of square yards of trash from mobile phones to passports “from every freaking country you can think of”. He has also discovered a 20kg pack of cocaine. Although things are “much better” under this administration, Mr Foley said he wants to see more physical presence on the border around the clock and for the remaining gaps in the wall to be filled in. “What they've done is created a big f---ing funnel there for 26 and a half miles” he said. “That's hanging wide f---ing open. “Things are changing, but there's always going to be people crossing.” Copy link twitter facebook whatsapp email
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MOSCOW, December 28. /TASS/. The European Union makes no secret of its plans to prepare for war with Russia and Brussels has become the main obstacle to peace, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in an interview with TASS on 2025 results. "After a new administration came to power in the United States, Europe and the European Union emerged as the main obstacles to peace," Lavrov stated. "They are making no secret of the fact that they are getting ready to fight it out with Russia on the battlefield." "The other day, there was an effort to force the European Union to approve a decision for handing over Russia's foreign exchange reserves to the Vladimir Zelensky regime. This effort failed," Russia's top diplomat added.
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Italian authorities have arrested nine people on suspicion of financing Hamas through a network of charities operating in Italy, prosecutors and police said on Dec. 27, in an investigation that uncovered what officials described as a large-scale diversion of donations meant to help the Palestinian people but that instead flowed to terrorists. Prosecutors in the northern city of Genoa said the suspects are accused of “belonging to and having financed” Hamas. The arrests followed a two-year investigation that traced the alleged diversion of funds raised for ostensibly humanitarian purposes to entities linked to the terror group.
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Editor's note: The story has been updated with confirmation from the General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces. Ukrainian drones attacked the Syzran Oil Refinery in Russia's Samara Oblast and a number of Russian military facilities in temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine overnight on Dec. 28, the General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces said. "Strikes from attack UAVs have been recorded hitting the territory of the plant, followed by a fire," the report on Telegram states. The refinery was attacked multiple times in the night, the Exilenova-Plus Telegram channel reported, citing video footage from local residents. Locals posted videos of fire trucks heading to the refinery after explosions. The strike may have hit the Syzran Oil Refinery's ELOU-AVT-5 installation, a primary oil processing facility at the plant. An electrical substation in Syzran was also reportedly targeted overnight. Residents reported blackouts in the city after the drone attack, with one video purporting to show a direct hit on the substation. Multiple explosions were heard in Syzran during the night and air defenses were active in the area, the Russian Telegram channel Shot reported. The Russian Defense Ministry later reported that 12 Ukrainian drones were shot down over Samara Oblast overnight. Moreover, the Ukrainian military successfully struck a storage and maintenance facility for uncrewed boats in the area of Chornomorske in Russian-occupied Crimea, a repair unit from the 1435th Motor Rifle Regiment near the settlement of Antratsyt in Luhansk Oblast, a pontoon crossing near Nikonorivka, and a storage facility for Shahed-type UAVs in Makiivka, Donetsk Oblast. "Additionally, the results of the recent strike on the Lukoil-Volgogradneftepererabotka oil products refinery in Volgograd Oblast, Russia, have been confirmed — a pipeline and an oil production unit for manufacturing lubricants were damaged," the General Staff added, presumably referring to the recent strike by Ukrainian drones on Dec. 26. The Syzran Oil Refinery lies around 700 kilometers (430 miles) from the Russia-Ukraine border. Opened in 1942, the facility belongs to the Russian state oil giant Rosneft and has an annual processing capacity of 7 to 8.9 million tons of oil. The refinery has been targeted in previous drone attacks as part of Ukraine's campaign against the Russian oil industry, which provides funding and fuel for Moscow's war effort. A recent attack reportedly forced the refinery to halt operations on Dec. 5, according to Reuters. Ukraine's military confirmed the Dec. 5 strike, saying it carried out the operation to "reduce the military and economic potential of the Russian aggressor." Kyiv has also carried out strikes against electrical substations and other infrastructure facilities in Russia and Russian-occupied regions of Ukraine. The attacks come as Moscow attempts to cripple Ukraine's energy and heating systems in the fourth winter of the full-scale invasion. Senior News Editor Junior Investigative Reporter U.S. President Donald Trump said on Dec. 28 that he held a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin ahead of his scheduled meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Russian troops opened artillery fire against the Kherson Thermal Power Plant (TPP), causing significant damage, head of Ukraine's Naftogaz said on Dec. 28. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi thanked "both sides" for agreeing to a temporary "window of silence," which is "part of ongoing efforts to prevent a nuclear accident during military conflict." In this year-end wrap-up of Ukraine This Week, the Kyiv Independent's Anna Belokur looks back at the moments that defined 2025, the fourth year of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine — from stalled peace efforts and escalating Russian attacks to mass anti-corruption protests and political upheaval at home. The refinery was attacked multiple times in the night, residents claimed. An electrical substation in Syzran was also hit, causing blackouts in the city. Ukrainian and Russian troops have been publishing conflicting claims and videos about who controls the front-line town of Myrnohrad, located just northeast of the embattled town of Pokrovsk. A source close to the Ukrainian delegation told the Kyiv Independent that they don't know how the meeting will unfold and are ready for "all scenarios." Russia has lost around 1,204,510 troops in Ukraine since the beginning of its full-scale invasion on Feb. 24, 2022, the General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces reported on Dec. 28. Without security guarantees, Ukraine cannot take any steps towards peace or hold presidential elections, which Trump's administration has pressured Zelensky to implement. Myrnohrad in Donetsk Oblast and Huliaipole in Zaporizhzhia Oblast are not under Russian control, Ukraine's General Staff said, dismissing the Kremlin's claims as "the weapon of disinformation." Canada will provide Ukraine with $2.5 billion Canadian dollars ($1.8 billion) in economic aid to Ukraine, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on Dec. 27. Russia has fulfilled its mobilization goals in 2025 and has set its mobilization target to recruit 409,000 Russian soldiers in 2026, Ukraine's military intelligence chief, Kyrylo Budanov, told Suspilne in a year-end interview.
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MOSCOW, December 28. /TASS/. Russia continues to advocate a just settlement of the conflict between Palestine and Israel and one of the key factors in this regard is the establishment of a viable Palestinian State, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in an interview with TASS on 2025 results. "No matter how the situation in and around Gaza unfolds, we reaffirm our commitment to a just settlement of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict on the basis of the universally recognized legal framework," he stated. "The main thing here is to remedy the historical injustice and provide for establishing a viable Palestinian State, which would coexist with Israel," Lavrov pointed out adding that "the instability of what is happening on the ground is exacerbated by the uncertainty regarding further steps in implementing peace agreements." "Without solving this issue, it is difficult to imagine what could guarantee lasting peace for Palestinians and Jews, and indeed for all other nations in the Middle East.
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Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional details. Ukraine's future hinges on Western security guarantees, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told journalists on Dec. 27 as he was en route to meet U.S. President Donald Trump in Florida to discuss a peace proposal. Security guarantees for Ukraine will be at the forefront of these talks, Zelensky said. Without them, Ukraine cannot take any steps towards peace or hold presidential elections, which Trump's administration has pressured Zelensky to implement. "If the American side raises the issue of a referendum or elections, this absolutely cannot take place under the conditions in which we are living today — particularly regarding air attacks," Zelensky said, adding that he is "politically ready" for elections. "I'm not clinging to my chair," Zelensky said, answering journalists' questions through a WhatsApp group managed by his press service. Before meeting Trump on Dec. 28, Zelensky had a stopover in Canada to meet with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and hold an online meeting with European and NATO leaders. Zelensky will present allies with his 20-point peace proposal, a revised version of a 28-point plan drafted in November by Trump's negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Zelensky and Carney held bilateral talks, and Canada pledged an additional $1.8 billion in economic aid to Ukraine. European leaders also said after the conference called that they shared Zelensky's view on the importance of security guarantees. "All participants in the discussions ... agreed that security guarantees for Ukraine are crucial," Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said on social media after the call. "These guarantees must be concrete and reliable. Such guarantees would also mean a safer Poland." European leaders will resume talks following the meeting between Trump and Zelensky, Tusk added. The meeting with Trump will take place at his Florida residence, Mar-a-Lago, at 1 p.m. EST, or 8 p.m. Kyiv time, on Dec. 28. Zelensky will be joined by Ukraine's secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, Rustem Umerov, Economy Minister Oleksii Sobolev, chief of Ukraine's General Staff Andrii Hnatov, Non-Staff Advisor to the Head of the Presidential Office Oleksandr Bevz, and First Deputy Foreign Minister Sergiy Kyslytsya. "The most important thing — if we take any steps — is that security guarantees must be strong and that we are protected," Zelensky said.His comments come right after another mass attack Russia launched at Ukraine on the morning of Dec. 27. The 10-hour-long attack primarily targeted Kyiv, injuring dozens and killing at least one person in the capital.Zelensky said that progress has been made between Kyiv and Washington, with the U.S. side open to discussing security guarantees. Now, both Witkoff and Kushner better understand Ukraine's situation following meetings with the Kyiv delegation, he added. But the final trigger remains with Trump, and Zelensky said it's still not clear what the American leader is prepared to give Ukraine. Zelensky noted that while Kyiv's relationship with Trump's administration has improved, Washington's relationship with Moscow is "complicated."Trump recently told the New York Post that he thinks there's a good shot at reaching peace, saying he believes Russia wants to come to an agreement. But Moscow has shown little indication that it's ready to come to the table. "We want sustainable peace. One that is safe for the entire world. If someone — the United States or Europe — is on Russia's side, that means the war will continue," Zelensky said. Business Reporter U.S. President Donald Trump said on Dec. 28 that he held a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin ahead of his scheduled meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Russian troops opened artillery fire against the Kherson Thermal Power Plant (TPP), causing significant damage, head of Ukraine's Naftogaz said on Dec. 28. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi thanked "both sides" for agreeing to a temporary "window of silence," which is "part of ongoing efforts to prevent a nuclear accident during military conflict." In this year-end wrap-up of Ukraine This Week, the Kyiv Independent's Anna Belokur looks back at the moments that defined 2025, the fourth year of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine — from stalled peace efforts and escalating Russian attacks to mass anti-corruption protests and political upheaval at home. The refinery was attacked multiple times in the night, residents claimed. An electrical substation in Syzran was also hit, causing blackouts in the city. Ukrainian and Russian troops have been publishing conflicting claims and videos about who controls the front-line town of Myrnohrad, located just northeast of the embattled town of Pokrovsk. A source close to the Ukrainian delegation told the Kyiv Independent that they don't know how the meeting will unfold and are ready for "all scenarios." Russia has lost around 1,204,510 troops in Ukraine since the beginning of its full-scale invasion on Feb. 24, 2022, the General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces reported on Dec. 28. Without security guarantees, Ukraine cannot take any steps towards peace or hold presidential elections, which Trump's administration has pressured Zelensky to implement. Myrnohrad in Donetsk Oblast and Huliaipole in Zaporizhzhia Oblast are not under Russian control, Ukraine's General Staff said, dismissing the Kremlin's claims as "the weapon of disinformation." Canada will provide Ukraine with $2.5 billion Canadian dollars ($1.8 billion) in economic aid to Ukraine, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on Dec. 27. Russia has fulfilled its mobilization goals in 2025 and has set its mobilization target to recruit 409,000 Russian soldiers in 2026, Ukraine's military intelligence chief, Kyrylo Budanov, told Suspilne in a year-end interview.
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This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. ©2025 FOX News Network, LLC. All rights reserved. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Market data provided by Factset. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Legal Statement. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. James Cameron told Fox News Digital Leonardo DiCaprio almost passed on playing Jack Dawson in "Titanic" because he thought the role was too easy. Leonardo DiCaprio spent the holiday week leaning into love. The actor was seen getting cozy with his girlfriend Vittoria Ceretti during a Los Angeles lunch and shopping date — showing rare PDA that turned heads and fueled relationship buzz. DiCaprio, 51, and Ceretti, 27, kicked off their outing with lunch at Architecture Café, where the pair sat close, as she appeared to wrap her arm around the Hollywood actor. They looked relaxed and affectionate during their intimate outing. The notoriously private actor seemed at ease, as the Italian model leaned in toward her beau as they chatted and shared the moment away from the spotlight. LEONARDO DICAPRIO WARNS YOUNG ACTORS ABOUT ONE CAREER-DAMAGING MISTAKE THEY MUST AVOID Leonardo DiCaprio and Vittoria Ceretti were spotted enjoying lunch, shopping, and sweet PDA during a rainy day out on Melrose Place. (SPOT / GAMR / BACKGRID) PDA has long been a rarity for DiCaprio, who typically keeps his relationships low-key. But during the lunch stop, the couple appeared unbothered by attention, appearing comfortable together. Following their meal, the pair strolled over to the A.P.C. store for some shopping. Inside the boutique, DiCaprio and Ceretti were seen sharing a sweet kiss — another uncommon moment from the usually reserved Hollywood star. LEONARDO DICAPRIO, 50, CALLS HIMSELF 'EMOTIONALLY 32' IN CANDID INTERVIEW ON AGING This past summer, the "Titanic" star was spotted spending time with his girlfriend as the two cruised off the coast of Spain. (Andreas Rentz/Getty Images, Moritz Scholz/Getty Images) The affectionate exchange offered a glimpse into the couple's growing comfort together, even in public settings. DiCaprio kept things casual in a black sweatsuit and matching hat, while Ceretti opted for an understated look and was photographed with a Chanel bag by her side. The two appeared to be all smiles during their rare outing. The sighting comes after the Hollywood couple were seen enjoying a sun-soaked summer yacht trip in August, where they were also seen keeping things relatively low-profile. LEONARDO DICAPRIO SAYS SECRET TO HOLLYWOOD SURVIVAL IS TO 'DISAPPEAR AS MUCH AS YOU POSSIBLY CAN' Natasha Poonawalla, Christian Louboutin, Jamie Foxx, Leonardo DiCaprio and Vittoria Ceretti attend the Summer Gala by Gala One Saint-Tropez 2025. (Arnold Jerocki/Getty Images for Amend) This past summer, the "Titanic" star was spotted spending time with his girlfriend as the two cruised off the coast of Spain. The couple were photographed on board taking in the summer sun together. Ceretti wore an animal-print bikini while DiCaprio kept it simple in a black bathing suit. Vittoria Ceretti walks the runway during the 2024 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. (Taylor Hill/WireImage/Getty Images) The two were first romantically linked in 2023. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER Earlier this year, Ceretti gave a rare and intimate look into what it's like dating the famous actor. As the 27-year-old opened up about their whirlwind relationship, she confessed the one thing that irked her the most about their romance. PDA has long been a rarity for DiCaprio, who typically keeps his relationships low-key. (Antony Jones/Getty Images for Warner bros.) LIKE WHAT YOU'RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS When asked if she believes there's a "risk" in being labeled DiCaprio's "girlfriend," she replied, "Yes." "As soon as you're in a relationship with someone who has a larger following than you, you become 'girlfriend of' – or 'boyfriend of,' for that matter. And that can be extremely annoying," Ceretti said in an interview with Vogue France. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP "Suddenly, people are talking about you as so-and-so's girlfriend who was so-and-so's ex. So, it's not nice to think that you can't love whoever you want, because of the labels people need to stick on you." Ceretti revealed that the two had met in Milan but declined to share any specific details. Stephanie Giang-Paunon is an entertainment writer for Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to stephanie.giang@fox.com and on Twitter: @SGiangPaunon. Get a daily look at the top news in music, movies, television and more in the entertainment industry. By entering your email and clicking the Subscribe button, you agree to the Fox News Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and agree to receive content and promotional communications from Fox News. You understand that you can opt-out at any time. Subscribed You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. ©2025 FOX News Network, LLC. All rights reserved. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Market data provided by Factset. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Legal Statement. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper.
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Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. A subway rider swipes his MetroCard in a turnstile as he enters the 34th St. subway station, July 23, 2007, in New York. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer, File) Russell Chin, left, helps Angie Hoyle, 3, of the Brooklyn borough of New York, as she tries on a hat made of MetroCards shaped as the Brooklyn Bridge during the Easter Parade on New York's Fifth Avenue, March 23, 2008. (AP Photo/Tina Fineberg, File) Democrat presidential candidate Hillary Clinton holds her MetroCard as she goes through the turnstile to enter the subway in the Bronx borough of New York, April 7, 2016. (AP Photo/Richard Drew, File) Lev Radin poses for a picture with his MetroCard collection, Dec. 10, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura) Shoppers swipe their MetroCards as they enter the subway turnstiles, Nov. 29, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Heather Khalifa, File) NEW YORK (AP) — When the MetroCard replaced the New York City subway token in 1994, the swipeable plastic card infused much-needed modernity into one of the world's oldest and largest transit systems. Now, more than three decades later, the gold-hued fare card and its notoriously finicky magnetic strip are following the token into retirement. The last day to buy or refill a MetroCard is Dec. 31, 2025, as the transit system fully transitions to OMNY, a contactless payment system that allows riders to tap their credit card, phone or other smart device to pay fares, much like they do for other everyday purchases. Transit officials say more than 90% of subway and bus trips are now paid using the tap-and-go system, introduced in 2019. Major cities around the world, including London and Singapore, have long used similar contactless systems. In the U.S., San Francisco launched a pay-go system earlier this year, joining Chicago and others. Stay up to date with the news and the best of AP by following our WhatsApp channel. The humble MetroCard may have outlasted its useful life, but in its day it was revolutionary, says Jodi Shapiro, curator at the New York Transit Museum in Brooklyn, which opened an exhibit earlier this month reflecting on the MetroCard's legacy. Before MetroCards, bus and subway riders relied on tokens, the brass-colored coins introduced in 1953 that were purchased from station booths. When the subway opened in 1904, paper tickets cost just a nickel, or about $1.82 in today's dollars. “There was a resistance to change from tokens to something else because tokens work,” Shapiro said on a recent visit to the museum, housed underground in a decommissioned subway station. “MetroCards introduced a whole other level of thinking for New Yorkers.” The Metropolitan Transportation Authority launched public campaigns to teach commuters how to swipe the originally blue-colored cards correctly, hoping to avoid the dreaded error message or lost fares. Officials even briefly toyed with the idea of an quirky mascot, the Cardvaark, before coming to their senses. The cards quickly became collectors items as the transit system rolled out special commemorative editions marking major events, such as the “Subway Series” between baseball's New York Mets and the New York Yankees in the 2000 World Series. At the time, a fare cost $1.50. Artists from David Bowie and Olivia Rodrigo to seminal New York hip hop acts, such as the Wu-Tang Clan, the Notorious B.I.G. and LL Cool J, have also graced the plastic card over the years, as have iconic New York shows like Seinfeld and Law & Order. “For me, the most special cards are cards which present New York City to the world,” said Lev Radin, a collector in the Bronx. “Not only photos of landmarks, skylines, but also about people who live and make New York special.” Perfecting the correct angle and velocity of the MetroCard swipe also became something of a point of pride separating real New Yorkers from those just visiting. During her failed 2016 presidential campaign, Hillary Clinton, a former U.S. Senator from New York, took an excruciating five swipes at a Bronx turnstile. In fairness, her chief Democratic opponent at the time, U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, a native Brooklynite, didn't even appear to realize tokens had been discontinued. Unlike the MetroCard rollout, OMNY has required little adjustment. Riders reluctant to use a credit card or smart device can purchase an OMNY card they can reload, similar to a MetroCard. Existing MetroCards will also continue to work into 2026, allowing riders to use remaining balances. MTA spokespersons declined to comment, pointing instead to their many public statements as the deadline approaches. The agency has said the changeover saves at least $20 million annually in MetroCard-related costs. The new system also allows unlimited free rides within a seven-day period because the fare is capped after 12 rides. It'll max out at $35 a week once the fare rises to $3 in January. Still, new changes come with tradeoffs, with some critics raising concerns about data collection and surveillance. Near Times Square on a recent morning, Ronald Minor was among the dwindling group of “straphangers” still swiping MetroCards. The 70-year-old Manhattan resident said he's sad to see them go. He has an OMNY card but found the vending machines to reload it more cumbersome. “It's hard for the elders,” Minor said as he caught a train to Brooklyn. “Don't push us aside and make it like we don't count. You push these machines away, you push us away.” John Sacchetti, another MetroCard user at the Port Authority stop, said he likes being able to see his balance as he swipes through a turnstile so he knows how much he's been spending on rides. “It's just like everything else, just something to get used to,” he said as he headed uptown. “Once I get used to it, I think it'll be okay.” ___ Follow Philip Marcelo at https://x.com/philmarcelo Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.
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This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. ©2025 FOX News Network, LLC. All rights reserved. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Market data provided by Factset. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Legal Statement. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Petty Officer Scott Ruskan speaks with Fox News' Lawrence Jones in Kerrville, Texas, to reflect on the heroic rescue mission as Central Texas continues to reel from the devastation left by the flash floods. In a year marked by disaster and devastation, it was quiet bravery, from Coast Guard rescue swimmers to local firefighters, emergency crews and everyday citizens, that turned moments of crisis into stories of survival. On July 4, 2025, catastrophic flash flooding along the Guadalupe River in Kerr County, Texas, devastated Camp Mystic, a Christian girls' summer camp that had been operating for nearly a century. Dick Eastland, the longtime director and co-owner of Camp Mystic, died while trying to save campers as fast-rising floodwaters tore through the campgrounds before dawn. Eastland, who had led the camp since the 1970s, was widely remembered by former campers and staff as a father figure and selfless leader whose final moments reflected a lifetime spent protecting children in his care. CAMP MYSTIC DIRECTOR DIES WHILE TRYING TO SAVE KIDS DURING TEXAS FLOODING Debris and damage in Camp Mystic cabin split with a photo of Dick Eastland (Reuters/Sergio Flores; LeslieEastland/Facebook) "It doesn't surprise me at all that his last act of kindness and sacrifice was working to save the lives of campers," said Paige Sumner, a former camper and friend of Eastland. At the time of the flooding, more than 700 campers and counselors were at Camp Mystic. Twenty-seven girls and counselors were killed when the Guadalupe River surged through a low-lying area of the camp, rising from 14 feet to 29.5 feet in just 60 minutes. The camp did not fully evacuate before the floodwaters hit. The destructive flooding ultimately killed at least 136 people across Central Texas, triggering widespread scrutiny of emergency preparedness and warning systems. Community leaders and lawmakers paid tribute to Eastland's bravery, calling his final actions emblematic of the quiet heroism displayed during one of the deadliest natural disasters of the year. A United States Coast Guard rescue swimmer from New Jersey was hailed as a hero for his role in lifesaving efforts during the deadly flash floods in Central Texas. Petty Officer 3rd Class Scott Ruskan, 26, was credited with saving 165 people as the only triage coordinator on the ground amid the chaotic flood response near Camp Mystic and surrounding areas. NEW JERSEY COAST GUARD SWIMMER RESCUES NEARLY 200 PEOPLE IN DEADLY TEXAS FLASH FLOODS Destroyed cabin at Camp Mystic after flooding hit Texas. (Eli Hartman/AP Photo, File) "United States Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer and Petty Officer Scott Ruskin [sic], directly saved an astonishing 165 victims in the devastating flooding in central Texas. This was the first rescue mission of his career and he was the only triage coordinator at the scene. Scott Ruskin is an American hero. His selfless courage embodies the spirit and mission of the @USCG," Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem posted on X. Ruskan described spotting a large crowd of "about 200 kids at a campsite" and focusing rescue efforts there to get as many people to safety as possible. A decorated former police officer and former Baltimore Orioles minor league player died while rescuing swimmers caught in a rip current off the coast of South Carolina in July, according to authorities and family members. Chase Childers, 38, entered the water near Pawleys Island on July 13, 2025, after people were reported in distress. While others who attempted to help were able to return to shore, Childers was caught in the rip current and did not make it back, police said. FORMER GEORGIA POLICE OFFICER DEAD AFTER SAVING 5 IN BEACH RIP CURRENT Former police officer Chase Childers died in a rip current in Pawleys Island, SC after attempting to rescue others. (GoFundMe) "We would like to provide additional information on Sunday's incident," the Pawleys Island Police Department said in a statement. "The victim, Chase Childers, and another person entered the water to help individuals who were in distress. Sadly, Mr. Childers was caught in the rip current, as well. He died trying to save others." Emergency responders recovered Childers' body about 90 minutes after the initial distress call, with assistance from Midway Fire Rescue and the U.S. Coast Guard. Officials praised first responders for their efforts and offered condolences to the family. According to a GoFundMe created in Childers' memory, he was a devoted husband and father who displayed "extraordinary courage and selflessness" while saving a family of five, putting their lives above his own. During his law enforcement career in Cobb County, Georgia, Childers received a lifetime achievement award for saving several lives, the page said. On Feb. 1, 2025, an active shooter incident erupted during a band competition at Pasadena Memorial High School in Texas, when an 83-year-old man, identified as Dennis Brandl, opened fire inside the school auditorium. One person, a 26-year-old percussion technical consultant, was shot in the shoulder and transported to a Houston-area hospital, where he remained conscious and was expected to recover. Before police could fully respond, a group of four fathers known as the "band dads" — all of whom had military or law enforcement backgrounds — sprang into action. The men rushed toward the gunfire, tackled the suspect and disarmed him, preventing further injuries at the crowded event. HERO 'BAND DADS' TAKE DOWN ELDERLY ACTIVE SHOOTER AT TEXAS HIGH SCHOOL A group of four tactically-trained band dads jumped into action and apprehended an active shooter at a band competition at Pasadena Memorial High school. (FOX 26 Houston) "As soon as everyone was screaming and yelling, gunshots fired, Joe and myself looked at each other and ran straight to the door," Army veteran Adam Curow told FOX 26. "By the time we got inside, Polo and Abram were right behind us as a band-dad team." Pasadena ISD police officers, along with civilians and community members, helped restrain Brandl until law enforcement secured the scene. Authorities later said Brandl told police he believed he was being chased and feared that he and his wife would be killed. The Houston Police Department praised the men involved, including HPD Sgt. Joe Sanchez, who was attending the event, for their decisive actions. "When danger struck, HPD Sergeant Joe Sanchez didn't hesitate," the department wrote in a statement on X. "While attending a band competition at a Pasadena school, Sgt. Sanchez was among those who quickly stepped up to protect lives. This month, he marks 33 years with HPD. We're grateful for his service." A dramatic ocean rescue unfolded aboard a Disney Dream cruise ship after a 5-year-old girl fell overboard while the vessel was sailing in international waters between the Bahamas and Port Everglades, Florida, authorities said. The incident occurred around 11:30 a.m. on June 29, 2025, when the child lost her balance while sitting on a railing near a porthole on Deck 4 and fell backward into the ocean, according to the Broward Sheriff's Office. After the girl's mother alerted her husband, the child's 37-year-old father jumped into the water to save her. GIRL ON DISNEY CRUISE FELL THROUGH PORTHOLE AS DAD JUMPED TO SAVE HER IN 20-MINUTE FIGHT FOR SURVIVAL: POLICE A father and his daughter were rescued after falling overboard from the Disney Dream cruise ship, June 29, 2025. (Janice Martin-Asuque) Investigators said the father located his daughter and treaded water with her until rescue crews arrived, as the ship's "man overboard" alert sounded and crew members launched an emergency response. The total time from the child's fall to the rescue was about 20 minutes, authorities said. Security video corroborated the family's account, and officials credited the ship's crew with executing a swift rescue due to their man-overboard training. "The crew aboard the Disney Dream swiftly rescued two guests from the water," a Disney Cruise Line spokesperson told Fox News Digital, praising the crew's prompt actions. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP The father and daughter were evaluated by the ship's medical staff and later transported to a hospital after the ship docked. Authorities said the family, who live out of state, requested privacy, calling the outcome a blessing in what could have been a tragic incident. Fox News Digital's Stephen Sorace, Rachel Wolf, Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, Christina Shaw and Michael Dorgan contributed to this report. Stepheny Price covers crime, including missing persons, homicides and migrant crime. Send story tips to stepheny.price@fox.com. Stepheny Price is a Writer at Fox News with a focus on West Coast and Midwest news, missing persons, national and international crime stories, homicide cases, and border security. The hottest stories ripped from the headlines, from crime to courts, legal and scandal. By entering your email and clicking the Subscribe button, you agree to the Fox News Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and agree to receive content and promotional communications from Fox News. You understand that you can opt-out at any time. Subscribed You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. ©2025 FOX News Network, LLC. All rights reserved. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Market data provided by Factset. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Legal Statement. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper.
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This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. ©2025 FOX News Network, LLC. All rights reserved. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Market data provided by Factset. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Legal Statement. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Burt Kearns has written a new book on the late Oscar winner, "Marlon Brando: Hollywood Rebel." Johnny Carson's tenure on NBC's "The Tonight Show" produced many iconic moments. In the new book, "Love Johnny Carson," Carson's superfan Mark Malkoff details some of the most legendary moments on the show, including a blowup between Hollywood juggernauts, Zsa Zsa Gabor and Marlon Brando. According to the book, Brando and Gabor appeared on the show alongside one another in May 1963, when Carson filmed episodes of the show live from Burbank, California. "Brando walked out drunk and sat down next to Johnny's previous guest, socialite and actress Zsa Zsa Gabor, who had been promoting her new face cream," Malkoff wrote. Brando and Gabor came to blows during an episode of "The Tonight Show" in 1963. (Santi Visalli/Getty Images; Herb Ball/NBC via Getty Images; Hulton-Deutsch Collection/CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images) FLASHBACK: JOHNNY CARSON WARNED AGAINST DANGER OF LATE-NIGHT SHOWS PREACHING ON 'SERIOUS ISSUES' While the two started off cordial, with Brando "calling Zsa Zsa fascinating and charming," the love between them quickly faded, as Gabor began interrupting Brando constantly. Things continued to spiral downward after Brando "told a weak knock-knock joke that garnered polite applause," which Gabor pointed out, saying, "Only for Marlon Brando would they applaud for that." "Zsa Zsa changed the subject back to her face cream, rehashing the product's incomparable benefits. 'Are we going to have to sit here all night and listen to your crappy plugs?' Brando asked," according to the book. Malkoff continues by saying that the conversation soon turned into an exchange of insults, after which "Zsa Zsa got up and stormed off the set," while a still-drunk "Brando offered a sly smile." Gabor ended up storming off set after the conversation turned to exchanging insults. (Fred A. Sabine/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images) CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER Brando is often regarded as one of the best actors of all-time. Throughout his career, the actor received eight Academy Award nominations, winning in 1955 and 1973 for his roles in "On the Waterfront" and "The Godfather," respectively. The actor worked in Hollywood for over 50 years and had over 40 credits to his name, including both feature films and television projects. The new book revisits Zsa Zsa Gabor and Marlon Brando's infamous appearance together. (Carson, 1960, Archive Photos/Getty; Carson, 1969, by Ron Galella/Getty; Carson, 1985, Donaldson Collection/Getty; Carson, 1964, Keystone Features/Getty; Carson, 1992, by Jim Smeal/Getty) While he continued to act, Brando's career slowed down in the 1980s and into the early 2000s, with his final on-screen performance being in the 2001 movie, "The Score." He died in July 2004 at the age of 80 from respiratory failure related to pulmonary fibrosis and congestive heart failure. "Marlon Brando is one of the great men of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, and we lesser mortals are obligated to cut through the s--- and proclaim it," Jack Nicholson told Rolling Stone in August 2004. "This man has been my idol all of my professional life, and I don't think I'm alone in that. The impact of movies is enormous, and his impact in the movies was bigger than anybody else's – ever. Mr. Brando will be there forever – that's all there is to it. He might not like that, but he'll be there forever anyway." LIKE WHAT YOU'RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS Nicholson called Brando "one of the great men of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries." (United Artists/Getty Images) "To me, Marlon Brando was the greatest ever," he later added. "That's a truth I hold to be self-evident. But it's like what Bum Phillips said once: 'If he isn't in a class by himself, it sure takes a very short time to call the roll.'" CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP Lori Bashian is an entertainment writer for Fox News Digital. Get a daily look at the top news in music, movies, television and more in the entertainment industry. By entering your email and clicking the Subscribe button, you agree to the Fox News Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and agree to receive content and promotional communications from Fox News. You understand that you can opt-out at any time. Subscribed You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. ©2025 FOX News Network, LLC. All rights reserved. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Market data provided by Factset. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Legal Statement. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper.
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Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. Sunday marks the initial phase of Myanmar's first general election in five years, held under the supervision of its military government while a civil war rages throughout much of the country. Critics say the election is designed to add a facade of legitimacy to military rule, which began after the army ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021. Voting is underway in Myanmar's controversial general election. Doors opened at 6 a.m. local time and so far, at this polling station in Yangon at least, it's been slow-going. The vote comes almost five years after the military overthrew the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi, claiming it had cheated its way to power. (AP Video by Tian Macleod Ji) Officials of the Union Election Commission prepare to count votes at a polling station, during the first phase of general election, in Naypyitaw, Myanmar, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Aung Shine Oo) An official of the Union Election Commission counts ballots at a polling station, during the first phase of general election, in Naypyitaw, Myanmar, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Aung Shine Oo) Voters line up to cast their ballots at a polling station in Naypyitaw, Myanmar, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Aung Shine Oo) Voters line up to cast their ballots at a polling station, in Naypyitaw, Myanmar, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Aung Shine Oo) Official of the Union Election Commission prepare to close a polling station after the votes are counted, during the first phase of general election, in Naypyitaw, Myanmar, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Aung Shine Oo) YANGON, Myanmar (AP) — Voters went to the polls Sunday for the initial phase of Myanmar's first general election in five years, held under the supervision of its military government while a civil war rages throughout much of the country. Final results won't be known until after two more rounds of voting are completed later in January. It's widely expected that Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, who has governed Myanmar since an army takeover in 2021, will then assume the presidency. The military government has presented the vote as a return to democracy, but its bid for legitimacy is marred by the absence of formerly popular opposition parties and reports that soldiers used threats to force voters' participation. While more than 4,800 candidates from 57 parties are competing for seats in national and regional legislatures, only six are competing nationwide with the possibility to gain political clout in parliament. The military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party is by far the strongest contender. Voting is taking place in three phases, with Sunday's first round being held in 102 of Myanmar's 330 townships. Subsequent phases will take place on Jan. 11 and Jan. 25, but 65 townships won't participate in the election because of ongoing armed conflicts. Final results are expected to be announced by February. It wasn't clear if or when the authorities would release aggregate figures of Sunday's voting, although counts were publicly announced at local polling stations. Stay up to date with the news and the best of AP by following our WhatsApp channel. Critics of the current system say that the election is designed to add a facade of legitimacy to the status quo. Military rule began when soldiers ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021. It blocked her National League for Democracy party from serving a second term despite winning a landslide victory in the 2020 election. They argue that the results will lack legitimacy because of the exclusion of major parties and government repression. The expected victory of the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party makes the nominal transition to civilian rule a chimera, say opponents of military rule and independent analysts. “An election organized by a junta that continues to bomb civilians, jail political leaders, and criminalize all forms of dissent is not an election — it is a theater of the absurd performed at gunpoint,” Tom Andrews, the U.N.-appointed human rights expert for Myanmar, posted on X. However, the election may provide an excuse for neighbors like China, India and Thailand to say that the vote represents progress toward stability. Western nations have maintained sanctions against Myanmar's ruling generals because of the military's anti-democratic actions and the brutal war against opponents. According to a count carried out at one polling station in Yangon after the polls closed, only 524 of 1,431 registered voters — just under 37% — cast their ballots. Of those, 311 voted for the pro-military Union Solidarity and Development Party, suggesting that opposition calls for a voter boycott may have been heeded. Khin Marlar, 51, who cast her ballot in Yangon's Kyauktada township, said that she felt that she should vote, because she hoped that peace would follow afterward. She explained that she had fled her village in the town of Thaungta in the central Mandalay region because of the fighting. “I am voting with the feeling that I will go back to my village when it is peaceful,” she told The Associated Press. A resident of southern Mon state, who asked to be identified only by her first name, Khin, for fear of arrest by the military, told the AP that she felt compelled to go to a polling station because of pressure from local authorities. “I have to go and vote even though I don't want to, because soldiers showed up with guns to our village to pressure us yesterday,” Khin said, echoing reports from independent media and rights groups. Suu Kyi, Myanmar's 80-year-old former leader, and her party aren't participating in the polls. She is serving a 27-year prison term on charges widely viewed as spurious and politically motivated. Her party, the National League for Democracy, was dissolved in 2023 after refusing to register under new military rules. Other parties also refused to register or declined to run under conditions they deem unfair, and opposition groups have called for a voter boycott. Amael Vier, an analyst for the Asian Network for Free Elections, noted a lack of genuine choice, pointing out that 73% of voters in 2020 cast ballots for parties that no longer exist. According to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, more than 22,000 people are currently detained for political offenses, and more than 7,600 civilians have been killed by security forces since 2021. Armed resistance arose after the army used lethal force to crush nonviolent protests against its 2021 takeover. The ensuing civil war has left more than 3.6 million people displaced, according to the U.N. A new Election Protection Law imposes harsh penalties and restrictions for virtually all public criticism of the polls. There were no reports of major interference with the polls, though opposition organizations and armed resistance groups had vowed to disrupt the electoral process. Both the military and its opponents believe power is likely to remain with Min Aung Hlaing, who led the 2021 seizure of power. “I am the commander in chief. I am a civil servant. I cannot say that I want to serve as a president. I am not the leader of a political party,” he told journalists after casting his vote. “There is a process for electing a president from parliament only when it is convened. I think it is appropriate to speak about it only then.” ___ Grant Peck reported from Bangkok. Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.
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This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. ©2025 FOX News Network, LLC. All rights reserved. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Market data provided by Factset. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Legal Statement. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Fox News correspondent Madeleine Rivera joins ‘America Reports' to report on the Trump administration's efforts to crack down on illegal immigration. A Honduran national had an "unlucky" encounter with Border Patrol enforcement on Friday. The woman allegedly ran a red light in Slidell, Louisiana, and rammed into an Immigration, Customs and Enforcement (ICE) vehicle, U.S. Border Patrol Commander Greg Bovino wrote on X. ICE AGENTS OPEN FIRE ON VAN DRIVER WHO ALLEGEDLY TRIED TO RUN THEM OVER ON CHRISTMAS EVE "Apparently she never learned the lesson that red means stop," Bovino wrote. "Not ‘accelerate and collide with a government vehicle actively enforcing federal law.'" A Honduran national was allegedly behind the wheel of a car that ran a red light and crashed into an ICE vehicle in Louisiana, according to officials. She was then arrested by federal agents. (Greg Bovino via Facebook) No injuries were reported as a result of the crash, according to the post, but Bovino said she was "certainly taken into custody" following the accident. "Unlucky for her. Lucky for us," Bovino continued in the post. ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT BITES ICE OFFICER IN 'GROSS ATTACK' WHILE RESISTING ARREST: DHS Federal agents were reportedly in the area as part of the Operation Catahoula Crunch. The operation targets illegal immigrants in the New Orleans area, according to officials. "Catahoula Crunch targets include violent criminals who were released after arrest for home invasion, armed robbery, grand theft auto and rape," Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement. Photos, posted on social media, appear to show the woman's vehicle damaged near the front driver's side of the car. (Greg Bovino via Facebook) ICE has reportedly apprehended approximately 370 people in the area, according to a Dec. 18 update. ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT TRUCK DRIVER ACCUSED IN FATAL WASHINGTON CRASH RELEASED ON $100,000 BOND "DHS is making the New Orleans community safer as it continues to arrest illegal alien drug dealers, hit-and-run criminals, and one monster who was convicted for arson and threatening a person with intent to terrorize," McLaughlin said. Border Patrol Commander Greg Bovino at a New Orleans convenience store Dec. 3. (John Rudoff/Anadolu via Getty Images) The DHS reported that it has deported more than 622,000 individuals in 2025 as of Dec. 19. The department also reported that 2.5 million illegal immigrants have left the country, and an estimated 1.9 million self-deportations have occurred since President Donald Trump's crackdown on immigration. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP Details about the Honduran woman were not made publicly available. DHS did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment. Get the latest updates from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews and more Fox News politics content. By entering your email and clicking the Subscribe button, you agree to the Fox News Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and agree to receive content and promotional communications from Fox News. You understand that you can opt-out at any time. Subscribed You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. ©2025 FOX News Network, LLC. All rights reserved. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Market data provided by Factset. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Legal Statement. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper.
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This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. ©2025 FOX News Network, LLC. All rights reserved. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Market data provided by Factset. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Legal Statement. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, speaking at the Israel National Security Studies conference, says President Donald Trump has been clear that Iran will not be allowed to go nuclear. (Video: Israel National Security Studies.) Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said his country is engaged in what he described as a "total war" with the U.S., Israel and Europe. In an interview published Saturday by Iranian state media, Pezeshkian said that he believes the Western powers want to bring Iran "to its knees," The Times of Israel reported. "In my opinion, we are at total war with the United States, Israel and Europe," Pezeshkian said. "They want to bring our country to its knees." Pezeshkian argued that the current conflict is more complex than the Iran-Iraq war of the 1980s, saying his country is now under pressure "from every angle," according to The Times of Israel. IRANIAN FOREIGN MINISTER REITERATES 'SERIOUS DAMAGE' TO NUCLEAR FACILITIES, DESPITE AYATOLLAH'S COMMENTS Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian speaks with Fox News Channel's Martha MacCallum during an interview on Sept. 25 in New York City. (John Lamparski/Getty Images) "If one understands it well, this war is far more complex and difficult than that war. In the war with Iraq, the situation was clear, they fired missiles, and we knew where to hit," Pezeshkian said, according to The Jerusalem Post. "Here, they are besieging us from every aspect, they are creating problems for us in terms of livelihood, culturally, politically, and security-wise." Despite the strain, Pezeshkian claimed Iran's military emerged stronger following its June conflict with Israel, according to The Times of Israel. "Our beloved military forces are doing their jobs with strength and now, in terms of equipment and manpower, despite all the problems we have, they are stronger than when they attacked. So if they want to attack, they will naturally face a more decisive response," he said. IRAN'S LEADER THREATENS 'EVEN BIGGER BLOW' AGAINST US, TRUMP SAYS HE'S IN ‘NO RUSH' TO TALK Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu participates in a joint press conference with President Donald Trump at the White House, Sept. 29, in Washington, D.C. (Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images) The interview with Pezeshkian was released ahead of a planned meeting this coming week at Mar-a-Lago between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Donald Trump, according to The Jerusalem Post. Tensions remain high following a brief but intense air conflict in June that was kicked off by Israel. The fighting resulted in roughly 1,100 deaths in Iran, including senior military commanders and nuclear scientists, while Iranian missile attacks killed 28 people in the Jewish State. TRUMP'S BIG ACHIEVEMENT IN BOMBING IRAN, STILL SLAMMED BY CRITICS – AS HE SUGGESTS ‘REGIME CHANGE' President Donald Trump will meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu next week. (Andrew Harnick/Getty Images) On June 22, President Donald Trump announced U.S. forces had launched attacks on Iranian nuclear sites, including Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan. "Our objective was the destruction of Iran's nuclear enrichment capacity and a stop to the nuclear threat posed by the world's number one state sponsor of terror," the president said. "Tonight, I can report to the world that the strikes were a spectacular military success. Iran's key nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated." CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP A U.S.-brokered ceasefire between Iran and Israel took effect on June 24. Fox News Digital's Landon Mion contributed to this report. Sophia Compton is a Writer at Fox News Digital. Sophia was previously a business reporter covering finance, energy and tourism and has experience as a TV news producer. She graduated with a journalism degree in 2021 from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Fox News' Antisemitism Exposed" newsletter brings you stories on the rising anti-Jewish prejudice across the U.S. and the world." By entering your email and clicking the Subscribe button, you agree to the Fox News Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and agree to receive content and promotional communications from Fox News. You understand that you can opt-out at any time. Subscribed You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. ©2025 FOX News Network, LLC. All rights reserved. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Market data provided by Factset. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Legal Statement. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and U.S. President Donald Trump will meet in Florida on Sunday to forge a plan to end the war in Ukraine, but face differences over major issues including territory as Russian air raids pile pressure on Kyiv. Russia hit the capital and other parts of war-torn Ukraine with hundreds of missiles and drones on Saturday, knocking out power and heat in parts of the capital. Zelenskyy called it Russia's response to the U.S.-brokered peace efforts. Zelenskyy has told journalists that he plans to discuss the fate of eastern Ukraine's contested Donbas region during the meeting at Trump's Florida residence, as well as the future of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant and other topics. The Ukrainian president and his delegation arrived in Florida late on Saturday, Ukraine's Deputy Foreign Minister Serhiy Kyslytsya said on X. "Good evening, Florida!" Kyslytsya wrote, accompanying the post with a photo of an aircraft bearing the U.S. president's surname on the fuselage. Moscow has repeatedly insisted that Ukraine yield all of the Donbas, even areas still under Kyiv's control, and Russian officials have objected to other parts of the latest proposal, sparking doubts about whether Russian President Vladimir Putin would accept whatever Sunday's talks might produce. Putin said on Saturday that Moscow would continue waging its war if Kyiv did not seek a quick peace. Russia has steadily advanced on the battlefield in recent weeks and months, claiming control over several more settlements on Sunday. The Ukrainian president told Axios on Friday he still hopes to soften a U.S. proposal for Ukrainian forces to withdraw completely from the Donbas. Failing that, Zelenskyy said the entire 20-point plan, the result of weeks of negotiations, should be put to a referendum vote. Axios said U.S. officials viewed Zelenskyy's willingness to hold a referendum as a major step forward and a sign that he was no longer ruling out territorial concessions, although he said Russia would need to agree to a 60-day ceasefire to allow Ukraine to prepare for and hold such a vote. A recent poll suggests that Ukrainian voters may also reject the plan. Kyiv residents interviewed by Reuters on Sunday expressed a mix of hope and skepticism over the talks. "I want for this to be over - but this is what our side wishes for," said Stanyslav, a 44-year-old soldier who declined to provide his last name. "We don't have any leverage in this situation." Zelenskyy's in-person meeting with Trump, scheduled for 1 p.m. (1800 GMT), follows weeks of diplomatic efforts. European allies, while at times cut out of the loop, have stepped up efforts to sketch out the contours of a post-war security guarantee for Kyiv that would be supported by the United States. Writing on X ahead of talks, Zelenskyy said that "a lot can be decided before the New Year" but that peace depended on strong support from Kyiv's partners. Kyiv and Washington have agreed on many issues, and Zelenskyy said on Friday that the 20-point plan was 90% finished. But the issue of what territory, if any, will be ceded to Russia remains unresolved. While Moscow insists on getting all of the Donbas, Kyiv wants the map frozen at current battle lines. The United States, seeking a compromise, has proposed a free economic zone if Ukraine leaves the area, although it remains unclear how that zone would function in practical terms. It has also proposed shared control over the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, where power line repairs have begun after another local ceasefire brokered by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the agency said on Sunday. Zelenskyy, whose past meetings with Trump have not always gone smoothly, worries along with his European allies that Trump could sell out Ukraine and leave European powers to foot the bill for supporting a devastated nation, after Russian forces took 12 to 17 square km (4.6-6.6 square miles) of its territory per day in 2025. Russia controls all of Crimea, which it annexed in 2014, and since its invasion of Ukraine nearly four years ago has taken control of about 12% of its territory, including about 90% of Donbas, 75% of the Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions, and slivers of the Kharkiv, Sumy, Mykolaiv and Dnipropetrovsk regions, according to Russian estimates. Putin said on December 19 that he thought a peace deal should be based on conditions he set out in 2024: Ukraine withdrawing from all of the Donbas, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions, and Kyiv officially renouncing its aim to join NATO. Ukrainian officials and European leaders view the war as an imperial-style land grab by Moscow and have warned that if Russia gets its way with Ukraine, it will one day attack NATO members. The 20-point plan was spun off from a Russian-led 28-point plan, which emerged from talks between U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff, Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner and Russian special envoy Kirill Dmitriev, and which became public in November. Subsequent talks between Ukrainian officials and U.S. negotiators have produced the more Kyiv-friendly 20-point plan. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who spoke with Zelenskyy along with other European leaders on Saturday, said on X that their shared objective remained "a just and lasting peace" that preserved Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, while strengthening the country's security and defence capabilities. Zelenskyy said he would speak with European leaders after his meeting with Trump. Got a confidential news tip? 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In this article Heading into 2026, investor focus could shift from fixed-income instruments to attractive dividend stocks, given a lower interest rate backdrop. Picking the right names from a vast universe of dividend-paying companies is a challenging task. Tracking the stock picks of top Wall Street analysts can help investors make the right choices, as these experts assign their ratings after conducting a thorough analysis of a company's fundamentals. Here are three dividend-paying stocks, highlighted by Wall Street's top pros, as tracked by TipRanks, a platform that ranks analysts based on their past performance. Oil and gas giant Chevron (CVX) is this week's first dividend pick. The company returned $6 billion of cash to shareholders in the third quarter via $3.4 billion in dividends and $2.6 billion in share repurchases. With a quarterly dividend of $1.71 per share (annualized dividend of $6.84 per share), Chevron offers a yield of about 4.5%. Following meetings with Chevron's management, Piper Sandler analyst Ryan Todd reiterated a buy rating on CVX stock with a price target of $178. Interestingly, TipRanks' AI Analyst is also bullish on the energy company, with an "outperform" rating and a price target of $164. Todd noted that while the ongoing scenario of an unfavorable crude backdrop and positive refining business has affected Chevron's performance, his meetings with the management reflected the company's solid position. The analyst contends that Chevron's capital efficiency is underappreciated. Notably, the company's upstream capital expenditure/boe (barrel of oil equivalent) produced is 29% below the peer average. He added that given the declining capex and operating expenses, the benefits from artificial intelligence (AI) that have yet to materialize, and a resource base that is better than feared, Chevron's free cash flow (FCF) annual growth outlook of 10% per year seems conservative. Additionally, Todd argued that "while investors may continue to worry about TCO [Tengizchevroil joint venture] contract extensions, lingering post-2030 resource depth questions are misguided." In this matter, the analyst noted that aside from the projects included in Chevron's official plan, management is upbeat about additional opportunities presented by improved global access (especially in the Middle East), a rise in exploration activities, and expansion and technology-driven prospects. Todd ranks No. 868 among more than 10,200 analysts tracked by TipRanks. His ratings have been profitable 58% of the time, delivering an average return of 8.5%. See Chevron Ownership Structure on TipRanks. Restaurant company Darden Restaurants (DRI) owns a portfolio of brands, including Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse and Yard House. It recently announced a quarterly dividend of $1.50 per share, payable on Feb. 2, 2026. At an annualized dividend of $6 per share, DRI offers a yield of 3.2%. Following the company's mixed results for the second quarter of fiscal 2026, BTIG analyst Peter Saleh reiterated a buy rating on Darden stock with a price target of $225. In comparison, TipRanks' AI Analyst has a price target of $218 with an "outperform" rating. Saleh noted that Darden posted a mixed, but "mostly positive," quarter, with better-than-anticipated comparable sales fueled by improved traffic at the company's major brands. "Its strategy of under-pricing inflation, leaning on delivery, and offering a desirable menu resonated with guests, driving another quarter of sizable industry outperformance," said Saleh. The five-star analyst highlighted that high beef prices continued to be a headwind and weighed on the quarter's restaurant margins and earnings per share (EPS). That said, Saleh is optimistic about Darden achieving its guidance, as beef costs appear to have peaked, labor cost pressures are easing, and management is relying slightly on price increases to offset commodity costs. Overall, Saleh continues to be impressed by the momentum in Darden's sales, and although earnings haven't kept pace yet, they are expected to improve going forward. Saleh ranks No. 641 among more than 10,200 analysts tracked by TipRanks. His ratings have been profitable 61% of the time, delivering an average return of 10.5%. See Darden Restaurants Statistics on TipRanks. This week's third dividend pick is Ares Capital (ARCC), a specialty finance company that provides direct loans and other investments to private middle-market companies. The company announced a dividend of 48 cents per share, payable on Dec. 30, 2025. At an annualized dividend per share of $1.92, ARCC stock offers a yield of 9.5%. In his latest research note on business development companies (BDCs), RBC Capital analyst Kenneth Lee called Ares Capital one of his favorite BDC names for 2026 and reaffirmed a buy rating with a price target of $23. TipRanks' AI Analyst has assigned an "outperform" rating to ARCC stock with a price target of $24. While Lee is less constructive on the BDC space heading into 2026 due to a potential decline in net interest income (NII) and return on equity (ROE) from lower base rates, he remains bullish on Ares Capital. In particular, he cited management's confidence in sustaining dividends at current levels despite expectations of lower base rates. Among the key strengths, Lee noted ARCC's dominant position in the BDC market, its extensive scale, and strong originations in the Ares direct lending platform. He also highlighted Ares Capital's more than 20 years of experience. "In our view, ARCC's dividends are well supported by the company's core earnings per share generation plus potential net realized gains," said Lee to support his bullish stance. Lee ranks No. 341 among more than 10,200 analysts tracked by TipRanks. His ratings have been successful 66% of the time, delivering an average return of 11.5%. See Ares Capital Insider Trading Activity on TipRanks. Got a confidential news tip? We want to hear from you. Sign up for free newsletters and get more CNBC delivered to your inbox Get this delivered to your inbox, and more info about our products and services. © 2025 Versant Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. A Versant Media Company. Data is a real-time snapshot *Data is delayed at least 15 minutes. Global Business and Financial News, Stock Quotes, and Market Data and Analysis. Data also provided by
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Got a confidential news tip? We want to hear from you. Sign up for free newsletters and get more CNBC delivered to your inbox Get this delivered to your inbox, and more info about our products and services. © 2025 Versant Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. A Versant Media Company. Data is a real-time snapshot *Data is delayed at least 15 minutes. Global Business and Financial News, Stock Quotes, and Market Data and Analysis. Data also provided by
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Every time Charissa publishes a story, you'll get an alert straight to your inbox! Enter your email By clicking “Sign up”, you agree to receive emails from Business Insider. In addition, you accept Insider's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. As the AI revolution continues to disrupt white collar jobs, many of us are looking for ways to get ahead. As part of my first-person coverage for Business Insider in 2025, I asked people with aspirational jobs their formulas for success — including how tech workers in various stages of their careers landed cutting-edge AI jobs. These conversations covered a variety of topics, from whether you need a Ph.D. to break into the field to how to earn big as an AI contractor. But one remarkably simple piece of advice kept coming up: gain real-world experience with AI technology to help get your foot in the door. They didn't view AI as something that can be mastered from a textbook or in a lecture hall. Instead, play around with AI, like an infant tinkering with a new toy, or "get your hands dirty," to borrow a phrase from a couple of the techies I interviewed. But what does that look like in practice? Here's how they applied this principle in their own careers. When Patrick Leung, who joined Google in 2007, first saw a demo for a calling assistant that used AI, which would later be called Google Duplex, he was blown away by how realistic the voice sounded. Leung joined the Duplex team in 2017. Although he'd been exposed to machine learning and AI concepts during previous company projects, he'd never worked on building models and had to retool himself on the job. Leveraging the expertise around him, including by having lengthy conversations with colleagues who explained how the system worked, helped him become proficient in AI. Leung witnessed Google Duplex's public launch in 2018, before leaving Google in 2019 to join a financial sciences company. He's continued to work with AI in the later stages of his career. At the time of his interview with Business Insider, Leung said the barrier to getting into AI was lower than ever, and encouraged people to apply LLMs to real business problems. For instance, a friend with no coding experience used AI to personalize outreach messages for recruitment purposes at her job and improved her response rate. If there aren't opportunities to do something like this in your current job, use AI in your spare time and put it on your résumé, Leung said, adding that people who can demonstrate they can wield LLMs effectively are going to find jobs. Read Leung's full story here. Sophia Sun essentially put Leung's advice into action when she pitched a project that would use AI to help customers at Kajabi, the creator commerce platform she worked for as a senior product manager. The tool Sun envisioned would help content creators generate marketing content, such as blog posts and short-form videos, for TikTok and Instagram. She started working on the project in April 2023, alongside engineering and marketing teammates. Seeing it through to its March 2024 launch was a learning curve for Sun, who had never built an AI product before. That July, Sun started a new job at Microsoft as a senior AI product manager, and told Business Insider she thought her end-to-end experience with building an AI product helped her land the role. Sun's playbook for breaking into AI was to find a real user problem, design a lightweight AI solution, and turn it into proof of work. Having good grades is one thing, she said, but building a product that demonstrates your abilities is another, she said. Read Sun's story here. When OpenAI released ChatGPT in 2022, Mostofa Adib Shakib knew the world was going to change. He started his career in traditional software engineering at Snap Inc. and then ZipRecruiter, but became convinced he needed to build AI skills. Shakib spent time learning about AI from books, videos, and research papers, and he built software projects to gain proficiency with agentic AI, such as a tool to help Bangladeshi professionals optimize their résumés. In February 2025, he started an AI contractor role with Mercor, which, around the time of his interview with Business Insider, earned him a handsome sum of $6,400 a week. Shakib decided not to go back to a full-time traditional software engineering job. He said he thought focusing on building AI skills before the market gets crowded was the right bet for him. While being a full-time employee at a company offers stability and benefits, it would restrict his time, meaning he could only focus on gaining agentic AI skills on weekends, he said. As a full-time AI contractor, he can spread out his hours as he pleases, he added. Shakib advised people interested in staying relevant in the tech industry to embrace change, rather than fear it, and to focus on upskilling. Read Shakib's full story here. Although Devi Parikh completed a Ph.D. in computer vision in 2009, before going on to become a senior director of GenAI at Meta years later, she said not to assume you need a Ph.D. to break into AI. As the cofounder and co-CEO of the AI company Yutori, she doesn't consider Ph.D.s much when hiring, but looks for people with relevant practical experience, such as training models, she said. Other potential avenues into interesting AI work include spending time at startups or big labs, or trying side projects that make use of open source code and online communities. Starting and executing projects has been instrumental to her career success, Parikh said. For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, she started working on a YouTube series called "Humans of AI," where she interviewed AI researchers about their daily habits. This gave her more professional visibility than her research alone could. Read Parikh's full story here. Do you have a story to share about breaking into AI? Contact this reporter at ccheong@businessinsider.com Jump to
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Every time Dan publishes a story, you'll get an alert straight to your inbox! Enter your email By clicking “Sign up”, you agree to receive emails from Business Insider. In addition, you accept Insider's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. YouTuber MrBeast is a social-media superstar, with hundreds of millions of subscribers and a business valued at around $5 billion. He also may be one of the last creators to amass such a large fan base, according to his former talent manager Reed Duchscher. As social-media algorithms get better at tailoring content to individual user interests, the opportunity for stars like MrBeast, Charli D'Amelio, or Khaby Lame to show up across feeds becomes much harder, Duchscher said. "If you like travel content, if you like automotive content, if you like health and beauty content, your algorithms kind of stay in that vertical," he said. Social-entertainment platforms like YouTube and TikTok benefit from diversifying their talent pools with more creators rather than becoming too reliant on megastars to drive consumption, he said. Every time Dan publishes a story, you'll get an alert straight to your inbox! Stay connected to Dan and get more of their work as it publishes. By clicking “Sign up”, you agree to receive emails from Business Insider. In addition, you accept Insider's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Duchscher's talent management firm, Night, works with other large creators like Kai Cenat and Hasan Piker, but the company is thinking about finding new talent who dominate a particular content niche, even if that means they have a smaller set of loyal fans. "It's much easier to build businesses when you have a hyper-niche, scaled audience because the product makes a lot more sense," Duchscher said. A food creator could launch a cookbook, while a plant creator could sell a line of gardening tools, for example. Night operates a separate venture arm that invests in creator businesses. Duchscher ended his role as MrBeast's talent manager last year, but he continues to work with the creator on his chocolate business, Feastables. The strategy of finding niche creators who can sell products is increasingly popular among creator economy businesses. For example, the investment firm Slow Ventures is writing $1 million to $3 million checks for creators who are popular in a particular content category and have plans to expand beyond media. "There's going to be a subset of creators that are very entrepreneurial, have deep trust and expertise in a specific vertical, and are builders," Slow's Megan Lightcap told Business Insider earlier this year. "They're founders." Jump to
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Russian President Vladimir Putin said Ukraine was in no hurry for peace and if it did not want to resolve their conflict peacefully, Moscow would accomplish all its goals by force. Putin's remarks on Saturday, carried by state news agency TASS, followed a vast Russian drone and missile attack that prompted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to say Russia was demonstrating its wish to continue the war while Kyiv wanted peace. Zelenskiy is to meet U.S. President Donald Trump in Florida on Sunday to seek a resolution to the war Putin launched nearly four years ago with a full-scale invasion of Russia's smaller neighbour. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Putin's remarks. Russian commanders told Putin during an inspection visit that Moscow's forces had captured the towns of Myrnohrad, Rodynske and Artemivka in Ukraine's eastern region of Donetsk, as well as Huliaipole and Stepnohirsk in the Zaporizhzhia region, the Kremlin said on the Telegram messaging app. Ukraine's military rejected Russia's assertions about Huliaipole and Myrnohrad as false statements. The situation in both places remains "difficult" but "defensive operations" by Ukrainian troops are ongoing, the General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces said in a statement on social media. The Southern Command of Ukraine's Armed Forces said on Telegram that "fierce fighting" continued in Huliaipole. "However, a substantial part of Huliaipole continues to be held by the Defence Forces of Ukraine." Verifying battlefield claims is difficult as access on both sides is restricted, information is tightly controlled and front lines shift quickly, with media relying on satellite and geolocated footage that can be partial or delayed. Got a confidential news tip? We want to hear from you. Sign up for free newsletters and get more CNBC delivered to your inbox Get this delivered to your inbox, and more info about our products and services. © 2025 Versant Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. A Versant Media Company. Data is a real-time snapshot *Data is delayed at least 15 minutes. Global Business and Financial News, Stock Quotes, and Market Data and Analysis. Data also provided by
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Online retailer Coupang's founder Kim Bom apologized for the first time for a recent leak of customer data and pledged to unveil a compensation plan as soon as possible, in a statement posted on the South Korean company's website. Coupang's U.S.-based chairman said in Korean that he "sincerely apologizes" for the data breach, which was first revealed in November, and also pledged investments and reforms to prevent data breaches. Kim has faced intense criticism in South Korea for failing to attend parliamentary hearings held in Seoul earlier this month on one of the country's worst data breaches. On Sunday, Rep. Choi Min-hee of the ruling Democratic Party posted on Facebook a photo of a document that Kim sent to the National Assembly saying he would again be unable to attend a hearing, scheduled for this week, citing other appointments. "What in his schedule could be more important to him than this hacking incident?" Choi said. "Kim is insulting the public." Kim said the company, in cooperation with the government, has restored all leaked personal information and confirmed that data from 3,000 of Coupang's 33 million customers had been saved by a suspect on his personal computer but was neither transferred nor sold to any third party. Coupang will announce a compensation plan for South Korean customers as soon as possible, he said, without elaborating. South Korean lawmakers are seeking to take legal action against the company's billionaire founder, arguing the New York-listed online retailer earns most of its revenue from sales in South Korea. Kim said Coupang had worked closely with the South Korean government's investigation into the breach, while maintaining confidentiality. The comment followed a complaint by the government that the firm unilaterally disclosed information that the suspect was a former employee. Got a confidential news tip? We want to hear from you. Sign up for free newsletters and get more CNBC delivered to your inbox Get this delivered to your inbox, and more info about our products and services. © 2025 Versant Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. A Versant Media Company. Data is a real-time snapshot *Data is delayed at least 15 minutes. Global Business and Financial News, Stock Quotes, and Market Data and Analysis. Data also provided by
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Every time Noah publishes a story, you'll get an alert straight to your inbox! Enter your email By clicking “Sign up”, you agree to receive emails from Business Insider. In addition, you accept Insider's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. While traversing the narrow, winding roads outside the Japanese town of Fujikawaguchiko, I stopped by a farm with a view of Mount Fuji, where a few locals were picking fruit. Most were older, and one was walking with a cane as she bent down to put berries into a bag. At an udon shop, drivers and construction workers — some of whom looked to be in their 60s — were slurping noodles. The server said she knew people who have owned nearby restaurants and shops for decades. After settling back at Shinjuku Station in Tokyo, I noticed that the older workers I had encountered in the city worked as crossing guards, cleaners, gift shop owners, taxi drivers, or wholesale workers. Only a handful of the older Tokyoites I observed were wearing the white-collar uniform of suits and ties. When I visited Japan in early December, I had just finished the capstone story of my 80 Over 80 series, the most in-depth look at America's older workers that I know of in modern press or academia. In the months prior, I interviewed nearly 200 Americans working past 80 in dozens of professions. I discovered that nearly 550,000 Americans in this demographic work, according to Census data, and the number is expected to continue increasing as the US workforce ages and the cost of living rises. In interviews, dozens of American researchers said government benefits fall short for millions of older Americans each year, adding that the US could look to countries like Japan for inspiration. Business Insider's "80-over-80" series draws on interviews with the growing group of Americans working past their 80th birthdays. They discussed their careers, retirement planning, living expenses, healthcare, and life lessons. If you are 80 and older and still work, fill out this form to contribute to the series. Read our capstone story from the series and watch our video. Japan, like many of its neighbors, has experienced rapid aging over the last few decades. Nearly 30% of Japan's population is 65 and older, the highest of any country, according to government data. About one in four in this demographic works, meaning that about one in seven Japanese workers is 65 and older. Every time Noah publishes a story, you'll get an alert straight to your inbox! Stay connected to Noah and get more of their work as it publishes. By clicking “Sign up”, you agree to receive emails from Business Insider. In addition, you accept Insider's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Comparatively, this demographic comprises about 18% of the US population, and roughly one in five works. The US has not aged as rapidly as East Asia, although increased longevity and lower birth rates have propelled aging enough that by 2030, the Census Bureau projects there will be more Americans 65 and older than under 18. Japan has adapted in many ways to its hyper-aging population. Its government has actively supported older worker employment, especially among older women. Seven researchers studying aging workforces in Japan and South Korea told Business Insider that keeping older workers employed at higher levels has helped both countries mitigate economic disaster and severe labor shortages. The Japanese case is much different from the US, though, some researchers said. While the US will continue to experience lower growth rates, the workforce is unlikely to decline as much due to aging, assuming that comparatively higher fertility rates and immigration levels hold steady or rise. The desire to hire younger people is often stronger in the US than in Japan, though the US also has a younger population. The US also lacks a comprehensive healthcare system like Japan's, with worse general health metrics. Researchers agreed Japan still has a long way to go in supporting its aging workers and preparing mid-career workers for a stable retirement. For the US, Japan may offer a different glimpse into what an older workforce can look like. Japan is often the first country many think about when discussing aging. It boasts the world's highest number of centenarians per capita and advocates for active lifestyles, healthier diets, and reliable healthcare. Many older Japanese people work in manufacturing and retail, with an increasing number in service roles, construction, and medical-related services. America's oldest workers also frequently worked in these professions, particularly construction and education, according to Business Insider's analysis of Census Bureau data. Japan has mandated that companies provide more employment opportunities for workers aged 65 and above through its Act on Stabilization of Employment of Elderly Persons. Legislation has encouraged companies to offer work opportunities until the age of 70, while former Prime Minister Fumio Kishida committed one trillion yen over five years for reskilling efforts. Japan also has Silver Human Resource Centers, which provide part-time work and skills training for older people, as well as the government's Lifetime Employment Support Office. The World Economic Forum notes that 80% of Japanese workers hope to continue working in some capacity after retirement. Some companies have implemented policies that enable workers to extend their retirement age and offer promotions and salary increases beyond 60. Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare provides employers with subsidies if they can convert older contract workers to permanent jobs. Jacob Funk Kirkegaard, a nonresident senior fellow with the Peterson Institute for International Economics, argued in a paper from April that Japan has alleviated many potentially disastrous economic outcomes of hyper-aging. Kirkegaard told Business Insider that despite Japan's unique socioeconomic and aging circumstances, the country may be a model for its neighbors, as it raised female employment levels, expanded immigration pathways, and became more integrated with foreign economies. "In many ways, the Japanese labor market was always much more receptive to the idea of employing workers at high ages because they tend to be healthy and motivated and do the type of service-sector jobs that you could do at a high age," Kirkegaard said. Japan isn't without its challenges, though. "Even if Japan has done better than any other country, it doesn't mean that older workers in Japan have the same labor force participation or earnings potential as does prime-age workers," Kirkegaard said. Many older Japanese workers are employed in low-wage jobs, as many companies remain reluctant to hire older workers for higher-paid positions. Much like in the US, many Japanese companies assume older workers require more training and costs. Japan's hierarchical workplace structure also means it's often harder for an older worker to climb the ranks. Population aging contributes to critical labor shortages, according to Haruki Seitani, an economist at the International Monetary Fund and coauthor of a working paper on aging and AI in Japan. His research found that as Japan's labor force ages, productivity growth at work falls. Many older Japanese workers earn money out of necessity, said Yasuo Takao, a political scientist at Curtin University in Australia. Government survey data shows that over half of older Japanese workers were predominantly motivated by money, compared to under 16% who worked to feel fulfilled. Japan has struggled to expand employment among its older population, he said. Many companies are incentivized to "retire" their older workers, then rehire them at lower pay, which Takao said discourages them from "remaining fully engaged." "Japan's wage structure is harsh for older workers because it is built on an aging seniority system that inflates wages in mid-career and then resets them sharply at retirement age to control labour costs," Takao said. Takao said that older Japanese work at rising rates because labor shortages sometimes force firms to retain workers. Each year, more people leave the workforce than enter, and the working-age population has declined by over 10 million since 1995. Projections put the labor shortage at upwards of 6.4 million by 2030, and many companies have opted to automate tasks or give employees more work instead of hiring older workers. Pension reforms have also made work more imperative for some older workers. Japan has a two-tier mandatory public pension system that relies on contributions, which is "highly sensitive to population aging," Takao said. Older Japanese workers tend to put in fewer hours compared to their younger peers, although this may be partly due to cuts in pension benefits that apply if they exceed a specific threshold. "If Japan can transition from quantity-driven senior employment to quality-driven, skill-aligned senior employment, it stands to gain a powerful long-term demographic dividend: higher productivity, lower fiscal strain, stronger innovation capacity and a healthier, more engaged older population," Takao said. "In this sense, treating older workers as a source of economic strength, not a cost to be managed, may be one of Japan's most important growth strategies in the decades ahead." Japan's approach to managing its aging workforce — and its shortcomings — can offer some valuable insights into what the US can do. Takao said the US can avoid the "Japan trap" of older workers needing to work by acting earlier to expand phased-retirement opportunities and protect older workers' earnings. Takao added that the US should invest earlier in training and job redesign so that older workers can secure jobs that match their skill sets. About 40% of female Japanese workers of all ages hold part-time jobs, compared to about a quarter of US female workers, and this rate increases with age. The US can learn from this discrepancy by providing more assistance to women who want to hold steady employment during their parenting and caregiving years. When it comes to AI, Japan may be a cautionary tale. Japan has a relatively low exposure to AI, as determined by usage rate, compared to the US and China. Seitani said that AI could help aging-related labor shortages in occupations like transportation services, construction, and clerical work. Long-term, this could mean older workers may be less pressured to stay on the job or may have more flexible hours. Additionally, the research suggests limited mobility between jobs with high and low AI exposure among Japanese occupations. The US can do more to promote technological education for older workers to improve their work outcomes. Kirkegaard said many countries may have to adjust their lower retirement ages and more robust safety nets as they age, so older residents aren't as reliant on the social safety net, which might crumble if the demand exceeds the available resources. "Ultimately, Japan's experience shows that aging societies require more than labor-supply fixes. They demand a broader redesign of pensions, work norms, care systems and urban infrastructure," Takao said. "The United States still has time to adapt, but the window for proactive reform is narrowing." Jump to
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The growing wealth and enhanced spending power of the over-50s is poised to accelerate a range of investment opportunities across multiple sectors in the U.K., according to investors. Market pros say this age group — dubbed the "Grey Pound" or "Silver Spenders" — is gaining greater control over its assets. With greater wealth and more discretionary income, a larger chunk of this demographic is increasingly seen as the new "idle rich." Dan Coatsworth, head of markets at AJ Bell, said that the over-50s were an increasingly influential demographic within the consumer space. "Those still working might be well advanced in their career, paid off their mortgage, and have lots of disposable cash. They might have worked hard for decades and feel like they deserve to splash the cash," Coatsworth told CNBC. "Those in retirement might be in the generation that received generous defined benefit pension schemes and collect a tidy sum to fund an extravagant lifestyle," he added. Coatsworth said the group wants to protect as much of their wealth as they can from taxation, which means seeking advice on tax, investments, and general financial planning. Alyx Wood, co-founder and chief investment officer at Kernow Asset Management, said there was a clear subset of winners and losers within this cohort. Day-to-day life for "a lot of" them is still "quite tough and normal," but there are others who are "just absolutely nailing it in terms of compounding their assets," he said. This latter wealthier segment is developing an appetite for luxury goods "that they've never had before," as well as for "higher-end" wealth management and insurance services. These customers are increasingly seeking out "content, story, getting involved, a purpose" that extends beyond traditional passive returns, Wood added. He highlighted names like insurance group Hiscox and privately-owned wealth managers Evelyn Partners as potential winners as older consumers turn to certain premium wealth management and insurance products. "The banks are trying to buy back into the wealth management industry," said Wood, pointing to the reported interest in Evelyn Partners from NatWest Group and Barclays as private equity owners Permira and Warburg Pincus seek to exit. "I expect you'll see a few of those." Wood, a contrarian stock picker whose hedge fund specializes in U.K. equities, last month outlined a major position on Saga plc at the annual Sohn London investment conference, which he said was also partly a wager on the strength of the "Silver Pound." He said people living their "Saga years," a reference to the travel and insurance brand that focuses on the over-50s, will account for about 60% of all U.K. consumer spending by 2030. Saga — which makes up about 10% of Kernow's portfolio — is a "materially undervalued" business, whose share price could surge over 400% in the next few years, Wood added. Wood said that Pets At Home, the London-listed specialist retailer of pet food, toys, and accessories, was another name facing near-term pressures that could ultimately emerge as a beneficiary of the trend, as older consumers buy more for their pets and spend less on their children. "Experiences and material goods will rank highly on their list of places to spend money – such as holidays, nice meals, fancy cars, home renovations, beauty products, wellness," Coatsworth said of the cohort. "The list goes on." Coatsworth also said that the healthcare sector was a likely winner, as an ageing population will mean rising demand for medicine and treatment. "Private care homes, retirement villages and property investors with medical providers as tenants are among the winners from this trend," Coatsworth told CNBC via email. Got a confidential news tip? We want to hear from you. Sign up for free newsletters and get more CNBC delivered to your inbox Get this delivered to your inbox, and more info about our products and services. © 2025 Versant Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. A Versant Media Company. Data is a real-time snapshot *Data is delayed at least 15 minutes. Global Business and Financial News, Stock Quotes, and Market Data and Analysis. Data also provided by
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Home - Blockchain & Digital Assets December 28, 2025 @ 7:55 am By Omar Faridi The Securities and Exchange Commission recently filed charges against purported crypto asset trading platforms Morocoin Tech, Berge Blockchain Technology, and Cirkor, and investment clubs AI Wealth Inc., Lane Wealth, AI Investment Education Foundation, and Zenith Asset Tech Foundation alleging that they defrauded retail investors “out of more than $14 million in an elaborate investment confidence scam.” Laura D'Allaird, Chief of the Cyber and Emerging Technologies Unit said: “This matter highlights an all-too-common form of investment scam that is being used to target U.S. retail investors with devastating consequences. Our complaint alleges a multi-step fraud that attracted victims with ads on social media, built victims' trust in group chats where fraudsters posed as financial professionals and promised profits from AI-generated investment tips, then convinced victims to put their money into fake crypto asset trading platforms where it was misappropriated. Fraud is fraud, and we will vigorously pursue securities fraud that harms retail investors.” According to the complaint, from at least January 2024 to January 2025, AI Wealth, Lane Wealth, AIIEF, and Zenith “operated so-called investment clubs using WhatsApp and solicited investors to join the clubs with ads on social media.” The clubs gained investors' confidence with supposedly “AI-generated investment tips before luring investors to open and fund accounts on purported crypto asset trading platforms Morocoin, Berge, and Cirkor, which falsely claimed to have government licenses, as alleged.” The investment clubs and platforms then allegedly offered “Security Token Offerings” that were “purportedly issued by legitimate businesses.” In reality, no trading took place on the trading platforms, which “were fake, and the Security Token Offerings and their purported issuing companies did not exist, according to the complaint.” When investors tried to withdraw their funds, the complaint “alleges that the defendants further defrauded victims by demanding that they pay advance fees.” In all, the defendants misappropriated at least “$14 million from U.S.-based retail investors and funneled those funds overseas through a web of bank accounts and crypto asset wallets, as alleged.” The complaint, filed in the United States District Court for the District of Colorado, charges the defendants “with violating the anti-fraud provisions of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.” The SEC seeks permanent injunctions and civil penalties “against all of the defendants, and disgorgement with prejudgment interest against Morocoin, Berge, and Cirkor.” The SEC's Office of Investor Education and Assistance has issued an investor alert warning investors that fraudsters may “use popular social media platforms and messaging apps to lure investors into scams, and never to rely solely on information from group chats in making investment decisions.” The SEC noted that it encourages investors to “use Investor.gov to check the background of anyone offering or selling them an investment.” Crowdfund Insider is the leading news website covering the emerging global industry of disruptive finance including investment crowdfunding, Blockchain, online lending, and other forms of Fintech. StartEngine to Tokenize $3B in Real-World Assets Using ERC-1450 Smart Contract Standard The milestone coincides with acrypto-friendly SEC championingcompliant, on-chain ownershipBURBANK, CA, NOVEMBER 18, 2025 — ... American Fintech Council (AFC) Announces Full List of Distinguished Speakers for 9th Annual Fintech Policy Summit Summit brings together policymakers,regulators, and industry leaders toadvance responsible innovation and ... Regulated Investment Crowdfunding Summit 2025 The Regulated Investment CrowdfundingSummit 2025 is approaching soon! Joinus October 21–22 at the NationalUnion Building (6th Floor, 918 FStreet NW, Washington, D.C.) for ... Home Frosting launches Oct. 5th Kickstarter for the American Prosperity Pillow™—a patriotic collectible honoring America's 250th birthday TAMPA, FL – September 2025 – HomeFrosting, the Tampa-based luxury ... StartEngine Prepares to Launch Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs) Under Proposed CLARITY Act BURBANK, CA, SEPTEMBER 15, 2025 —StartEngine, a renowned alternativeinvestment platform, is preparing tolaunch Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs) ... Contact Us Crowdfund Insider Fintech Insider® Disclosure Quest Digital Assets Insider® C/O Crowded Media Group, LLC 2422 Palm Ridge Rd, #252 Sanibel FL 33957 USA Info: info@crowdfundinsider.com Support: support@crowdfundinsider.com Advertising: advertising@crowdfundinsider.com CI on Twitter CI on Facebook CI on LinkedIn CI on Instagram CI on Telegram Categories Featured Headlines General News Marketplaces Politics Strategy Offerings Global Fintech Real Estate Asia Women Changing Finance Services Submit a Tip Advertise on Crowdfund Insider About Us Crowdfunding Guide FAQ Terms of Service Privacy Policy © 2025 Crowded Media Group. All Rights Reserved.
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© 2025 THE COOL DOWN COMPANY. All Rights Reserved. Do not sell or share my personal information. Reach us at hello@thecooldown.com. Bitcoin's value has risen to roughly $1.1 billion. Photo Credit: Depositphotos.com Bitcoin's recent rebound is reshaping the conversation around digital assets and prompting some in the industry to rethink long-standing investment habits. As prices climb and interest returns, a representative from LCPC AI described responsible blockchain computation as "a long-term requirement" for the sector's future. The surge in bitcoin values has attracted both seasoned investors and newcomers, highlighting how quickly digital markets can recover from downturns and why infrastructure stability is increasingly in focus. Bitcoin's value has risen to roughly $1.1 billion, reflecting renewed investor confidence and fresh capital flowing into the market. LCPC AI in November cited anticipated Federal Reserve rate cuts and rising interest in decentralized finance as key drivers of this momentum. At the same time, cryptocurrency consultant Daniel Wong warned that "the wave of leveraged liquidations highlights the extreme risks of traditional speculative methods." This insight underscores why some investors are seeking more stable, infrastructure-oriented platforms. For everyday users, this shift changes how crypto participation works. Bitcoin's volatility — often amplified by thin liquidity and speculative trading — makes short-term moves unpredictable and can lead to rapid losses for investors who rely on quick trades. LCPC AI offers an alternative: automated contracts that execute and record activity directly on the blockchain. Users can independently verify how each contract runs and settles, making the system more transparent and less reliant on outside intermediaries. The environmental impact of crypto continues to draw attention. While some operations remain energy-intensive, especially when powered by fossil fuels such as coal and natural gas, newer systems are experimenting with lower-impact designs. LCPC AI powers its computing network with renewable energy and uses automated monitoring to optimize efficiency. While this doesn't eliminate the broader environmental challenges of crypto, it demonstrates how blockchain infrastructure can move toward cleaner, more accountable operation, highlighting the environmental costs of mining and the potential for more sustainable designs. Such approaches not only reduce carbon impact but also make digital investments more reliable and appealing to risk-conscious participants. LCPC AI also incorporates multiple security measures, including multisignature verification, Cloudflare protection, and McAfee certification. As the market fluctuates, the company frames consistent, verifiable processes and energy-aware computing as tools to help stabilize an industry long defined by rapid swings and speculation. What do you think the future of cryptocurrency is? It is the future of currency 😎 It will become more mainstream 🤑 It will never be mainstream 😒 It will fade away completely 🙅 Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips to save more, waste less, and make smarter choices — and earn up to $5,000 toward clean upgrades in TCD's exclusive Rewards Club. 💡Upway makes it easy to find discounts of up to 60% on premium e-bike brands Starting at $599 Starting at $849 Starting at $1,119 Starting at $749 Starting at $849 © 2025 THE COOL DOWN COMPANY. All Rights Reserved. Do not sell or share my personal information. Reach us at hello@thecooldown.com.
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Imagine snagging one of the best altcoins to buy now at a discount while a fresh GameFi contender heats up, right as holiday liquidity floods back in. Solana trades around $124 on December 26, 2025, after a 57% drop from its $293 all-time high, yet fresh signals point to a rebound. Enter the Tapzi presale, which has sold nearly 111 million tokens in its group stage, drawing eyes to blockchain gaming's next wave. Among the best altcoins to buy now, Tapzi stands out in Web3 gaming with its skill-to-earn model. This moment matters for 2025 investors because GameFi projections hit $39 billion by year-end, per industry trackers, up from stagnant play-to-earn setups. Traditional models burned player time without real rewards, leaving a gap for skill-based platforms like Tapzi. Key players like Hedera and Sui paved the way, Hedera at $0.111 with an enterprise focus, Sui scaling DeFi, but they sidestep gaming's retention woes. Tapzi fills that void, blending chess and checkers challenges with a vibrant NFT marketplace powered by TAPZI, the best gaming crypto currently in the market. Key Takeaways: Best Altcoins to Buy Now Solana holds firm at the $118-$120 support zone, December 26, 2025, with RSI at 41.82, neutral but climbing from oversold territory above 30. This hints at easing sell pressure over the next 24-48 hours, especially with trading volume up 94% in the last day. Analysts eye a 13% push to $140 if support sticks, fueled by Bitcoin's 1.3% daily gain and post-holiday rallies. Spot ETFs launched in recent months add tailwinds, even with modest inflows amid risk-off moods. Grayscale and Bernstein forecast Bitcoin at $150,000 in 2026, pulling Solana along—SOL often mirrors BTC moves. A Solana-Cardano bridge looms, promising liquidity boosts and cross-chain hype. These factors make Solana one of the best cryptos to invest in right now, trading as a top crypto under 1 cent alternative when viewed against its growth trajectory. The Tapzi presale captures this energy, advancing through group stages with 111 million tokens sold from its 5 billion fixed supply. Developers allocate 20% to presale, 20% to liquidity, and the rest to team and rewards, creating scarcity that drives circulation and long-term token value. No gas fees let players focus on skill-to-earn matches, from strategy games to quick challenges, building a user retention loop rare in blockchain gaming. This setup contrasts with play-to-earn pitfalls, where inflation erodes rewards. Tapzi rewards skilled play, fostering NFT demand and community stickiness. Early backers already eye 3x unrealized gains versus traditional projects that drain funds without payoff. As altcoins to watch in 2025, Tapzi's model aligns with Web3 gaming's shift to sustainable ecosystems. Hedera thrives on low-fee enterprise apps but risks 2026 stagnation at $0.111 amid saturation. Sui pushes DeFi scalability yet contends with price slides in choppy markets. Tapzi carves a GameFi niche, prioritizing skill over speculation, players govern via decentralized models, unlocking NFT avatars and mobile upgrades by early 2026. These features ramp up token utility, boosting presale demand. Solana's ecosystem, with its speed for DeFi and NFTs, indirectly elevates Tapzi-like projects. Together, they spotlight the best altcoins to buy now amid the crypto revolution, positioning Tapzi as the next crypto to explode for gamers and investors. Solana's dip offers entry into one of the best altcoins to buy now, while the Tapzi presale accelerates as a top GameFi bet, with 111 million tokens gone, signaling momentum. Join Tapzi's $500,000 community giveaway and compete across nine prize categories to earn $TAPZI tokens—sign up today and become an early adopter! Media Links: Website: https://www.tapzi.io/ Whitepaper: https://docs.tapzi.io/ X Handle: https://x.com/Official_Tapzi Michelle is an editor at CoinCentral & Blockonomi, covering the latest trends in crypto, blockchain, and digital finance. With a sharp eye for detail and a passion for emerging technologies, Michelle ensures every story delivers clarity, accuracy, and insight to our readers. BNB Chain is rolling out a major upgrade, but the market barely reacted. Despite the… Never Miss Another Opportunity. Get hand selected news & info from our Crypto Experts so you can make educated, informed decisions that directly affect your crypto profits! Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel. BC Game Crypto: 100% Bonus & 400 Free Casino Spins, Claim Here!
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Log in to access your notifications and stay updated. If you're not a member yet, Sign Up to get started! Writer by choice, CryptoCurrency Writer, and Researcher by chance. Currently, focusing on financial news and analysis, as well as cryptocurrency news and data. One may not call me a crypto “Enthusiast” but trust me I'm getting there. Russia's largest bank, Sberbank, has taken a new step into the crypto space by issuing the country's first loan secured by cryptocurrency. The pilot loan was given to Intelion Data, one of Russia's biggest Bitcoin mining companies. Sberbank confirmed that the loan was backed by digital currency mined by Intelion Data. However, the bank did not reveal how large the loan was, how long it will last, or how much crypto was used as collateral. To manage the risk, Sberbank stored the crypto collateral using its own custody system called Rutoken. This system keeps the digital assets locked and protected until the borrower fully repays the loan. According to the bank, using an in-house storage solution helped ensure the safety of the assets throughout the loan period. Sberbank described the deal as a “pilot,” meaning it is mainly a test. The bank said the goal is to understand how crypto-backed lending could work in practice under Russian conditions. The bank also hinted that similar loans could be offered in the future, not just to miners but also to companies that already hold cryptocurrencies on their balance sheets. Intelion Data's CEO, Timofey Semenov, welcomed the move and called it an important moment for the mining industry. He said the deal shows that the market is becoming more mature and trusted. He added that if this model works well, it could be expanded across Russia's growing mining sector. Sberbank's deputy chairman, Anatoly Popov, said that crypto regulation in Russia is still developing. He explained that the bank is ready to work closely with the Central Bank to build clear rules and proper infrastructure for digital asset services. Earlier this month, Sberbank said it was also experimenting with decentralised finance tools and supports a gradual approach to legalising cryptocurrencies in Russia. At the same time, the Russian central bank has said it may allow everyday citizens to trade crypto, but only within strict yearly limits. CoinPedia has been delivering accurate and timely cryptocurrency and blockchain updates since 2017. All content is created by our expert panel of analysts and journalists, following strict Editorial Guidelines based on E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness). Every article is fact-checked against reputable sources to ensure accuracy, transparency, and reliability. Our review policy guarantees unbiased evaluations when recommending exchanges, platforms, or tools. We strive to provide timely updates about everything crypto & blockchain, right from startups to industry majors. All opinions and insights shared represent the author's own views on current market conditions. Please do your own research before making investment decisions. Neither the writer nor the publication assumes responsibility for your financial choices. Sponsored content and affiliate links may appear on our site. Advertisements are marked clearly, and our editorial content remains entirely independent from our ad partners. Search keywords to find relevant companies. Search keywords to find relevant market exchanges.
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XRP Ledger has set the blockchain security ball rolling with quantum-resistant transactions powered by Dilithium cryptography. The rise of quantum computing has sparked growing concern in the blockchain community, as traditional cryptographic methods face the risk of becoming obsolete. In a proactive move, the XRP Ledger (XRPL) is pioneering quantum-resistant transactions through the implementation of Dilithium cryptography, positioning itself as a frontrunner in next-generation blockchain security. RippleXity reports that XRP Ledger's adoption of Dilithium cryptography prioritizes long-term resilience, providing quantum-resistant security essential for today's enterprise-grade blockchain applications. Quantum-resistant security is no longer optional. As blockchains power banks, corporations, and critical infrastructure, vulnerabilities to quantum attacks could threaten transactions, assets, and trust. By integrating quantum-safe cryptography today, XRP Ledger safeguards its network for the future, staying ahead of evolving technological risks. Dilithium cryptography, a lattice-based algorithm built to resist quantum attacks, positions the XRP Ledger as a forward-thinking, secure blockchain. By adopting it, enterprises can trust that transactions and sensitive data remain protected, today and in the quantum future. XRP Ledger's focus on quantum-resistant security underscores a pivotal shift in blockchain: robust protection is now essential, not optional. By proactively addressing emerging threats, it not only fortifies its network but also sets a new standard for the industry, leaving legacy-reliant projects at risk of lagging behind. This development coincides with Ripple's latest Asian initiative, which explores XRP-based yield infrastructure and real-world asset (RWA) tokenization on the XRP Ledger. As quantum computing evolves, quantum-resistant blockchains will shape the future of secure digital infrastructure. By adopting Dilithium cryptography, XRP Ledger showcases forward-looking security, establishing itself as a trusted platform for enterprises and investors seeking long-term protection in a complex technological landscape. By adopting Dilithium cryptography, XRP Ledger leads in quantum-resistant, enterprise-grade security, protecting assets today while setting the standard for the next era of secure, resilient digital finance. Don't miss out and join our newsletter to get the latest, well-curated news from the crypto world! Brian Njuguna Brian Njuguna is a seasoned crypto journalist at Coinpaper, specializing in blockchain innovation, market trends, and regulatory developments. With a background in economics and years of experience covering the digital asset space, Brian delivers sharp, data-driven insights that cut through the hype. His reporting bridges global crypto narratives with emerging market perspectives, making complex topics accessible to a wide audience. https://coinpaper.com/13424/xrp-ledger-leads-the-way-with-quantum-resistant-blockchain-security Read more about Coinpaper key links News Misc Stories Learn Popular © 2025 Coinpaper
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About us Copy link Sberbank, Russia's largest bank, has issued the country's first-ever crypto-backed loan. The bank says it issued the loan to Intelion Data, one of Russia's biggest Bitcoin miners. It did not disclose the size of the loan, nor the amount of crypto used to secure it. “The loan was secured by digital currency mined by [Intelion Data],” Sberbank wrote in an official release. “We believe this product will be relevant not only for cryptocurrency miners, but also for companies that own cryptocurrencies.” As Bitcoin mining continues to grow apace in Russia, banks appear keener than ever to back the industry with financing and a wider range of options for investors. Sberbank was careful to call the loan a “pilot.” It did not reveal the type of cryptocurrency used as collateral, nor the length of the loan period. However, Sberbank hinted that it will look to issue similar loans in the future. The bank said it used its own cryptocurrency custody solution, named Rutoken, as part of the loan process. “This guarantees the assets' safety during the loan period,” Sberbank wrote. “The regulation of the digital currency market is still in its infancy in Russia,” said Anatoly Popov, Sberbank's deputy chair. “We are ready to work with the Central Bank to develop relevant regulatory solutions and create the infrastructure for launching similar services.” “This pilot deal allows us to test mechanisms for working with digital security, which could form the basis for future regulation,” Popov added. The Russian media outlet RBC quoted the Intelion Data CEO Timofey Semenov as calling the loan deal “an important practical example for the industry.” The Intelion Data chief said it was “an indicator that the market is reaching a new level.” “If proven effective, this [kind of financing] could be scaled up and used [widely] in the Russian mining industry,” Semenov said. Earlier this month, Sberbank said it was testing a range of decentralised finance, or DeFi, tools. It also said that it supports the “gradual legalisation of cryptocurrencies in the Russian legal framework.” Sberbank rivals like VTB, meanwhile, have gone a step further, suggesting they want to accommodate their customers' desire to buy and sell “real crypto.” In May, RBC revealed that Intelion Data made $79 million in revenue in 2024, with its data centres using almost 300 MW of power. The firm is building a mining centre near the Kalinin Nuclear Power Plant in the Tver Oblast. It is also developing its own gas power station, as well as turnkey mining data centre construction projects for industrial enterprises with idle power capacity. The central bank, meanwhile, said this month that it is prepared to let ordinary Russians trade crypto within an annual limit of just over $3,800. Tim Alper is a news correspondent at DL News. Got a tip? Email at tdalper@dlnews.com.
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About us Copy link Sberbank, Russia's largest bank, has issued the country's first-ever crypto-backed loan. The bank says it issued the loan to Intelion Data, one of Russia's biggest Bitcoin miners. It did not disclose the size of the loan, nor the amount of crypto used to secure it. “The loan was secured by digital currency mined by [Intelion Data],” Sberbank wrote in an official release. “We believe this product will be relevant not only for cryptocurrency miners, but also for companies that own cryptocurrencies.” As Bitcoin mining continues to grow apace in Russia, banks appear keener than ever to back the industry with financing and a wider range of options for investors. Sberbank was careful to call the loan a “pilot.” It did not reveal the type of cryptocurrency used as collateral, nor the length of the loan period. However, Sberbank hinted that it will look to issue similar loans in the future. The bank said it used its own cryptocurrency custody solution, named Rutoken, as part of the loan process. “This guarantees the assets' safety during the loan period,” Sberbank wrote. “The regulation of the digital currency market is still in its infancy in Russia,” said Anatoly Popov, Sberbank's deputy chair. “We are ready to work with the Central Bank to develop relevant regulatory solutions and create the infrastructure for launching similar services.” “This pilot deal allows us to test mechanisms for working with digital security, which could form the basis for future regulation,” Popov added. The Russian media outlet RBC quoted the Intelion Data CEO Timofey Semenov as calling the loan deal “an important practical example for the industry.” The Intelion Data chief said it was “an indicator that the market is reaching a new level.” “If proven effective, this [kind of financing] could be scaled up and used [widely] in the Russian mining industry,” Semenov said. Earlier this month, Sberbank said it was testing a range of decentralised finance, or DeFi, tools. It also said that it supports the “gradual legalisation of cryptocurrencies in the Russian legal framework.” Sberbank rivals like VTB, meanwhile, have gone a step further, suggesting they want to accommodate their customers' desire to buy and sell “real crypto.” In May, RBC revealed that Intelion Data made $79 million in revenue in 2024, with its data centres using almost 300 MW of power. The firm is building a mining centre near the Kalinin Nuclear Power Plant in the Tver Oblast. It is also developing its own gas power station, as well as turnkey mining data centre construction projects for industrial enterprises with idle power capacity. The central bank, meanwhile, said this month that it is prepared to let ordinary Russians trade crypto within an annual limit of just over $3,800. Tim Alper is a news correspondent at DL News. Got a tip? Email at tdalper@dlnews.com.
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One of the biggest coordinated inflows of the year was recently seen in Ethereum staking, and it was not from anonymous wallets engaging in gaming. As the market chops sideways, Bitmine, Tom Lee's Fundstrat-backed company, is aggressively pushing ETH into staking, thereby locking up supply at scale. A lot staked Bitmine has staked 342,560 ETH over the last two days or about $1 billion at current prices, according to on-chain data. Additionally, these deposits were not arbitrary. Batch deposit contracts were used to route the transfers, which were divided into clean repeated tranches of 28,320 ETH each. It is not retail noise, that is operational discipline. Bitmine staked 74,880 ETH or roughly $219.2 million in a short amount of time on Dec. 27. BINANCE:ETHUSDT Chart by TradingView"> About four hours prior, SharpLink Gaming went in the opposite direction, redeeming 35,627 ETH (roughly $104.4 million). As a result, staking inflows continued to predominate, supporting the larger trend of long-term positioning as opposed to short-term liquidity hunting. This is significant because staking at this level is a structural bet on Ethereum's base layer economics rather than merely a yield play. Each ETH that is locked into staking is taken out of circulation right away. Ethereum stays trapped When that occurs during a phase of consolidation or correction, the available supply tends to be compressed just as volatility is beginning to dry up. Ethereum's price is presently trapped below important moving averages, and the chart displays a contracting structure following a protracted decline. Volume is muted, price is coiling rather than trending, and momentum indicators are flat. That seems dull on its own. Given the billion-dollar inflows for staking, it could be beneficial. Big organizations do not unintentionally stake themselves into vulnerability. When they anticipate that time will favor them, they stake. Ethereum as a yield-bearing infrastructure rather than merely a speculative asset is the longer-term thesis that Bitmine's operations support. It does not really matter if the price moves sideways for another month or breaks higher the following week. What's important is that a sizable portion of ETH recently became illiquid. Select market data provided by ICE Data Services. Select reference data provided by FactSet. Copyright © 2025 FactSet Research Systems Inc.Copyright © 2025, American Bankers Association. CUSIP Database provided by FactSet Research Systems Inc. All rights reserved. SEC fillings and other documents provided by Quartr.© 2025 TradingView, Inc.
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What are Yuga Labs' goals with this acquisition? This acquisition is poised to not just strengthen Yuga Labs' technical capabilities but also significantly expand its potential to merge NFTs with gaming. By acquiring Improbable's Unreal Engine platform, Yuga Labs can build an enhanced ecosystem for its products, most notably something significant for the Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC). With a robust integrated gaming infrastructure in place, the company looks to build advanced experiences using NFTs. The goal isn't just for the immediate need of bolstering a gaming title. There's also a broader intent to leverage blockchain technology to facilitate real-time, decentralized finance (DeFi) functionalities. Why would Yuga Labs need this technology? We know that Yuga Labs is ambitious, and its plans call for complex and concurrent transactions. It also means that Yuga needs tech that can support a greater number of users without suffering performance issues. This is especially pertinent in the realm of NFTs where high volume, expensive item sales can result in a spending frenzy. What are the notable features of Improbable's technology? Improbable's tech is particularly known for its high-fidelity graphics as mentioned earlier. This means the user experience in Yuga products should be top-notch. Combine that with functional game mechanics, and it becomes a platform that might keep players engaged for extended sessions, which translates to extended periods of potential transactions. There's a lot of promise here. How does this acquisition impact the broader NFT and gaming discussions? The need for high-performance tools for NFT projects at this scale is becoming increasingly important. As NFTs are making their way into the mainstream, it is becoming clear that video game capable of producing rich environments is a core component of this broader crypto narrative. The concerns about spending and transaction volume are not baseless. If Yuga Labs can marry those two components—performance and transaction volume—there may be a recipe not just for successful, continued NFT adoption but an evolution in how games and crypto work together. Is Yuga Labs the standard for blockchain gaming? Specifically, if Yuga Labs is able to provide an example of something done well, will everyone else follow suit? It's a conundrum. On one hand, the industry likely experiences some leaks in user experience and transactions through this effort. On the other hand, can this experience make blockchain gaming viable? Right now, most crypto games have a reputation for being pricey, often featuring low-quality experiences to the average user. If Yuga is able to sidestep this through Improbable's technology, what does it mean for the future of the games and the crypto industry that's slowly maturing and becoming better? What did Yuga Labs say about the acquisition? When Yuga Labs publicly commented on this, they provided a slight clue. They wrote, “This acquisition gives us access to foundational technology that will make way for deeper and richer DeFi use cases in our ecosystem.” This hints that they're building something larger than the moment, as is Yuga Labs' style. What might we see come from this acquisition? If we dive into what we might see, it's possible we see NFT-backed loans or financial applications for the projects themselves. But it raises important questions—a higher ceiling doesn't preclude a risk of repeated failures in execution. There's something teasingly elusive about such a concentration of technical and market power. But Yuga is betting that that will influence things in ways that don't merely encourage repeated failures in other projects. Is this the future of gaming? We are still very much in the infancy of how this might look, but as Yuga Labs champions these gaming technologies, is this the future of gaming? Will crypto entities look to build with these high-performance capabilities? The company is building a new frontier, and they'll need to avoid tripping over their own feet to pave the way. Can other NFT projects replicate this? The intersection of crypto and gaming is likely to deepen as others watch Yuga Labs cement its gaming prowess. There's bound to be some wanting to mimic the model, those that can replicate this model will try. But how many companies have an established IP like BAYC? Are others going to find a similar product? Or are we going to see others reach to higher standards in quality? Final thoughts and emerging questions Unless they find a way to turn it into fiat for cash in the process, it's a tough slog ahead. Even we see that as a serious issue as there is potential risk of users being pushed away as NFTs make their foray into gaming. The metaverse needs its own bid to provide a way for these products to generate their own revenues. It's going to be interesting how this plays out over time, but there's probably miles yet to travel this year. Get started with Web3 Busineses effortlessly. OneSafe brings together your crypto and banking needs in one simple, powerful platform. Explore the impact of recent Bitcoin ETF outflows on market psychology, navigating liquidity challenges and adapting investment strategies for growth. Kazakhstan's Digital Assets Law reshapes crypto investments, allowing trading while prohibiting payments. Learn how the AIFC directs compliance in this evolving landscape. As Bitcoin nears 2026, explore its bearish trends, market consolidation, and institutional investment influences shaping future price targets. Begin your journey with OneSafe today. Quick, effortless, and secure, our streamlined process ensures your account is set up and ready to go, hassle-free
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Bitcoin is holding steady within a descending range, showing little directional conviction, while several altcoins are quietly building strength. As the market consolidates, these smaller assets could hint at early upside moves before BTC breaks out. Key Resistance In Focus: $90,588 And The Descending Trendline According to a recent update by Kamile Uray, there are no changes in the key levels being tracked on the daily chart, as the focus remains on the $90,588 level and the descending blue trendline. Unless BTC can close above these levels, the current decline may continue. Any upward moves below the blue descending trend are considered corrective rather than a trend reversal. The first support zone to monitor during the decline is between $83,822 and $82,477. A daily close below $82,477 would signal a continuation of the downtrend and could open the door toward the $74,496–$71,237 zone, marked by the blue box. This lower zone is viewed as a strong support area where buyers may step in. Thus, a clear reversal confirmation is key before considering any significant upward move. Once confirmed, a rally toward the blue descending trendline could follow, testing resistance levels along the way. For the uptrend to resume decisively, BTC would need to close above $90,588 and break the descending resistance. Meanwhile, a daily close above $94,130 would confirm that the blue descending trend has been broken, potentially signaling a shift to sustained bullish momentum. LTF Moves Show Less Impulse, But Structure Holds Crypto analyst The Penguin noted that the lower time frame (LTF) is showing slightly less impulsive action, though the overall count remains unchanged. The recent moves on the LTF appear more like noise and do not affect the broader wave count, and confidence in a leading diagonal for wave 1 remains intact. Putting Elliott Wave analysis aside for a moment and leaning on standard technical analysis, BTC is clearly respecting a defined range. As a result, a minor deviation toward the 0.886 level marked on the chart is being closely watched as a potential entry point. Bullish confirmation will come if BTC manages to close and hold above $90,500, which would invalidate the current bearish scenario and signal the potential for a more sustained upward trend. Until then, the short-term fluctuations are considered normal noise, especially with the yearly open approaching. On the altcoin side, momentum appears to be holding, suggesting potential upside. Outperformance is already visible in altcoins like XPL, indicating that while BTC consolidates, some alts are starting to push higher. Select market data provided by ICE Data Services. Select reference data provided by FactSet. Copyright © 2025 FactSet Research Systems Inc.Copyright © 2025, American Bankers Association. CUSIP Database provided by FactSet Research Systems Inc. All rights reserved. SEC fillings and other documents provided by Quartr.© 2025 TradingView, Inc.
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The most wide ranging quantitative analysis of research on complementary and alternative treatments for autism has found no strong evidence that these approaches are effective. The review also found that safety was often overlooked, with many treatments never properly evaluated for possible risks. The study was led by researchers from Paris Nanterre University, Paris Cité University, and the University of Southampton and published in Nature Human Behaviour. It examined 248 meta analyses, drawing on results from 200 clinical trials that together involved more than 10,000 participants. What Treatments Were Examined The researchers focused on complementary, alternative and integrative medicines (CAIMs) used to treat autism. In total, they evaluated 19 different types of interventions. These included animal assisted therapies, acupuncture, herbal medicine, music therapy, probiotics, and Vitamin D supplementation. Alongside the analysis, the research team developed an online platform designed to help the public explore the scientific evidence behind different CAIMs more easily. Why These Treatments Are Widely Used Autistic people may experience challenges with communication, understanding others' thoughts or emotions, managing sensory overload, coping with unfamiliar environments, and engaging in repetitive behaviors. These difficulties can affect daily life and overall wellbeing. As a result, interest in alternative treatments is widespread. Studies suggest that up to 90 percent of autistic individuals report having tried at least one CAIM at some point in their lives. "Many parents of autistic children, as well as autistic adults, turn to complementary and alternative medicines hoping they may help without unwanted side effects," says Professor Richard Delorme, Head of the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Unit at Robert Debré Hospital in Paris. "However, it is necessary to carefully consider evidence from rigorous randomized trials before concluding that these treatments should be tried." How the Evidence Was Evaluated To assess the full scope of existing research, the team conducted an umbrella review, a method that combines findings from multiple meta analyses to provide an overall big picture assessment. Dr. Corentin Gosling, Associate Professor at the Paris Nanterre University and first author of the study, explains: "Rather than looking at individual trials, we reviewed all the available meta-analyses, which are a compilation of many trials. This allowed us to evaluate the full body of evidence across different treatments. "Importantly, we also developed a free and easy-to-use online platform, which we will continue to test. Ultimately, we hope this tool will support autistic people and practitioners in choosing together the best treatment." Weak Evidence and Limited Safety Data Although a small number of treatments showed signs of potential benefit, most were backed by weak or low quality evidence, making the reported effects unreliable. The researchers also raised concerns about safety, noting that fewer than half of the treatments had been assessed for acceptability, tolerability, or adverse events. Professor Samuele Cortese, NIHR Research Professor at the University of Southampton and co senior author, emphasized the importance of looking beyond individual studies. "This study shows that when people want to know whether a treatment is effective, they shouldn't just look at one single study. It's essential to consider all the available evidence and how good that evidence is. Drawing conclusions from one low-quality study can be misleading." Study Details and Funding The study Complementary, alternative and integrative medicine for autism: an umbrella review and online platform is published in Nature Human Behaviour and is available online. The online platform is available at: https://ebiact-database.com The research was funded by Agence Nationale de la Recherche (ANR). Story Source: Materials provided by University of Southampton. Note: Content may be edited for style and length. Journal Reference: Cite This Page: Stay informed with ScienceDaily's free email newsletter, updated daily and weekly. Or view our many newsfeeds in your RSS reader: Keep up to date with the latest news from ScienceDaily via social networks: Tell us what you think of ScienceDaily -- we welcome both positive and negative comments. Have any problems using the site? Questions?
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Latest AI Amazon Apps Biotech & Health Climate Cloud Computing Commerce Crypto Enterprise EVs Fintech Fundraising Gadgets Gaming Google Government & Policy Hardware Instagram Layoffs Media & Entertainment Meta Microsoft Privacy Robotics Security Social Space Startups TikTok Transportation Venture Staff Events Startup Battlefield StrictlyVC Newsletters Podcasts Videos Partner Content TechCrunch Brand Studio Crunchboard Contact Us Nalden, who co-founded the file transfer service WeTransfer in 2009 along with Rinke Visser and Bas Beerens, is not pleased with the company's direction after the service was acquired by Bending Spoon last year — and he doesn't mince his words about it. “Bending Spoons doesn't really care about people, and even though I get that it is their private equity strategy, I notice that since I left [WeTransfer] in 2019, there were a lot of updates that were basically killing the product, in my point of view,” he told TechCrunch. Post-acquisition, WeTransfer made a confusing move related to transfer link experiences and laid off 75% of its staff. This year, the company was caught in a controversy around using its users' content to train AI models and had to backtrack on changes to its terms. Around this time, Nalden had creatives reaching out to share their frustration with WeTransfer. He realized that he wanted to build an alternative to WeTransfer with the original ethos of the service around simplicity. The service is called Boomerang, and you can use it to transfer files without logging in. “Why do tech companies always make things so complicated? I've always struggled with this, and I just wanted to offer another tool that is just, it's all about user experience, it's ease of use, it's the simplicity of sharing something quickly, and that just saves time. You don't need to sign up, you don't need to verify via email,” Nalden told TechCrunch about the ethos of the service. For casual users, the non-login experience would be sufficient, but it has its limits. You can have 1GB of total space, and upload files of up to 1GB in size with a seven-day expiration. If you want a bit more, you can choose to create a free account. That will get you 3GB of total space with a file upload limit of 3GB per file. You'll asl get access to your upload history, the ability to add and delete files anytime, and the ability to customize emojis on the page while sending the file. If you want even more, there is a €6.99 per month paid tier, which will give you 200GB per space (folders) and 500GB total storage with a file upload limit of 5GB per file. Plus, you'll get custom covers for spaces, password protection for files, up to 90 days of expiry, and the ability to invite unlimited users to access files in a space. Nalden is clear that with this new service, he doesn't want to offer advertising to users and keep a simple structure for payment. He feels that there is a lot of complexity in the advertising business, and with Boomerang, he wants to get the least amount of data he can from users. “I just want to offer a tool that works for users. It's like buying a hammer. You possibly don't want to buy a fancy hammer, but a hammer that just works,” he noted. Boomerang's site and interface are barebones, and that is by design. Nalden noted that a lot of design is to please investors, and he feels that stripping down the experience is a refreshing change. While companies are looking to add more and more AI features, Nalden said that he is largely using AI to build the product, but he doesn't want to use it around user-facing features. Boomerang is available on the web, but the company said it is planning to release a dedicated Mac app soon. Topics Ivan covers global consumer tech developments at TechCrunch. He is based out of India and has previously worked at publications including Huffington Post and The Next Web. You can contact or verify outreach from Ivan by emailing im@ivanmehta.com or via encrypted message at ivan.42 on Signal. Plan ahead for the 2026 StrictlyVC events. Hear straight-from-the-source candid insights in on-stage fireside sessions and meet the builders and backers shaping the industry. Join the waitlist to get first access to the lowest-priced tickets and important updates. NY Governor Hochul signs bill requiring warning labels on ‘addictive' social media How reality crushed Ÿnsect, the French startup that had raised over $600M for insect farming Nvidia to license AI chip challenger Groq's tech and hire its CEO Waymo explains why its robotaxis got stuck during the SF blackout Marissa Mayer's new startup Dazzle raises $8M led by Forerunner's Kirsten Green Inside Uzbekistan's nationwide license plate surveillance system ChatGPT launches a year-end review like Spotify Wrapped © 2025 TechCrunch Media LLC.
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Researchers tout potential medical and microscale manufacturing applications. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here's how it works. Fully programmable, autonomous robots “smaller than a grain of salt” have been developed in a collaborative effort between research teams from the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Michigan. Claimed to be the world's smallest of their kind, these nanoscale robots are expected to find applications in medicine, microscale manufacturing, and other areas. Remarkably, the researchers contend that these robots will cost only one penny each to manufacture. Penn Engineering was responsible for the physical structure and features of these microscopic robots, while Michigan scientists gave the robots their ‘brains.' The Michigan lab involved in this collaboration also holds the record for creating the world's smallest computer. Let's look at Penn Engineering's work first. Scientists there designed the physical aspects of the tiny robots, each measuring about 200 x 300 x 50 micrometers. This is similar to the scales of many microorganisms, and as such, they face different physical challenges than the robots with which we are most familiar. With the challenges of drag and viscosity that such tiny robots will face, it was decided to make them ‘swimmers.' However, to keep them small, the scientists designed an entirely new propulsion system so that moving parts (such as limbs) wouldn't be needed for locomotion. Interestingly, these robots generate an electric field that “nudges ions in the surrounding solution,” allowing them to “swim.” Adjusting this ion field can help robots move in complex and/or coordinated patterns. Having no moving parts also makes them highly durable; for example, they can be picked up with a micropipette without being damaged. Another challenge of their tiny size was the power supply. The design that was adopted uses solar power, with the solar cells making up the majority mass of the robot body. Even though solar was maximized, it yields only 75 nanowatts of power, underscoring the importance of efficiency. To be fully programmable, autonomous robots, these tiny machines need on-board processing, and this is where the expertise of the University of Michigan was applied. Get Tom's Hardware's best news and in-depth reviews, straight to your inbox. According to the source blog, the robot's physical components get their smarts courtesy of a highly efficient processor, memory, and sensors. To program the robots, pulses of light are used – thus the solar panels do double duty. Meanwhile, to retrieve data from the robots and their sensors, they have been programmed to perform a honeybee-like waggle dance using their propulsion systems. These robots can be deployed in their hundreds to get their tasks completed. Their autonomous operational life is measured in months, thanks to solar power and their level of efficiency. The first test sample carried a temperature sensor, which is good for all kinds of analytical tasks. However, it would not be challenging to switch the sensor. Despite all this advanced technology at play, the researchers say that these fully programmable, autonomous robots “can be fabricated cheaply at scale,” costing only a penny each to produce. What we are seeing now is “just the first chapter” of micro-robots, promise the researchers. Follow Tom's Hardware on Google News, or add us as a preferred source, to get our latest news, analysis, & reviews in your feeds. Mark Tyson is a news editor at Tom's Hardware. He enjoys covering the full breadth of PC tech; from business and semiconductor design to products approaching the edge of reason. Tom's Hardware is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site. © Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036.
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Latest AI Amazon Apps Biotech & Health Climate Cloud Computing Commerce Crypto Enterprise EVs Fintech Fundraising Gadgets Gaming Google Government & Policy Hardware Instagram Layoffs Media & Entertainment Meta Microsoft Privacy Robotics Security Social Space Startups TikTok Transportation Venture Staff Events Startup Battlefield StrictlyVC Newsletters Podcasts Videos Partner Content TechCrunch Brand Studio Crunchboard Contact Us Every year, TechCrunch's Startup Battlefield pitch contest draws thousands of applicants. We whittle those applications down to the top 200 contenders, and of them, the top 20 compete on the big stage to become the winner, taking home the Startup Battlefield Cup and a cash prize of $100,000. But the remaining 180 startups all blew us away as well in their respective categories and compete in their own pitch competition. Here is the full list of the health and wellness Startup Battlefield 200 selectees, along with a note on why they landed in the competition. What it does: Uses AI sensors and autonomous UV disinfection robots to prepare operating rooms for surgery faster. Why it's noteworthy: Doing more surgeries in a day not only helps patients but also makes more money for the hospitals. What it does: This Armenian startup develops 3D-printed prosthetic arms. Why it's noteworthy: The bionic arm is relatively affordable, making it highly accessible within its region. What it does: Develops electronic artificial skin with sensors to restore the sense of touch for people with prosthetic limbs. Why it's noteworthy: The technology is noninvasive and can be integrated with existing prosthetics. What it does: Ear-worn EEG device monitors and provides feedback on chronic stress. Why it's noteworthy: Just like a Fitbit tracks steps, this wearable helps people take charge by measuring brain activity to guide them in reducing stress levels. What it does: Developing a tiny brain implant that communicates with the nervous system to treat severe neurological conditions. Why it's noteworthy: The soft material helps the technology safely connect to the nervous system for many years to treat serious diseases. What it does: Facilitates a tech-empowered caregiver network for the elderly and disabled. Why it's noteworthy: Addressees the shortage of caregivers by using technology to maximize how many patients a caregiver treats. What it does: This Ugandan startup develops medical devices, including NeoNest, an affordable transport warmer for preterm babies. Why it's noteworthy: Because rural areas of Africa don't have access to transport incubators. What it does: Provides technology that uses AI and image analysis to adjust posture on seats for ergonomic fit. Why it's noteworthy: It eliminates the need to manually adjust chair settings, reduces injures, and enhances productivity. What it does: Provides at-home health assessments to predict heart health and metabolic disease. Why it's noteworthy: Potential for early disease detection without going to the doctor. What it does: Cleaning, compressing, and harmonizing of fragmented data stored in electronic medical records. Why it's noteworthy: Standardizing medical data can help improve AI model performance. What it does: Offers personalized food and grocery shopping guide. Why it's noteworthy: The startup's app helps consumers choose foods that support their specific health needs with scientific certainty. What it does: Uses video games to collect brain data for health research, especially for Alzheimer's. Why it's noteworthy: Gamifying cognitive testing to create a large dataset. What it does: Uses AI to analyze social media and flag disruptive key narratives. Why it's noteworthy: The tool helps companies quickly notice unfavorable sentiment and reputation risks about their brand. What it does: Provides a multilingual, AI-powered medical interpretation. Why it's noteworthy: Fast and cost-efficient medical translations can save lives. What it does: Developing a bloodless, rapid diagnostic tool for the early detection and treatment of malaria in sub-Saharan Africa. Why it's noteworthy: Its bloodless technology removes the reliance on medical technicians, accelerating diagnosis in rural areas. What it does: A tech-enabled recovery program for people suffering from long Covid. Why it's noteworthy: The company's drug-free approach has been clinically proven to improve patients' symptoms. What it does: An AI-powered platform that uses a smartphone camera to analyze a user's eyelid to monitor and reduce the risk of anemia and iron deficiency. Why it's noteworthy: The company's noninvasive test claims to easily and quickly catch anemia. What it does: This startup's noninvasive, handheld device claims to be able to measure oxygen saturation and hemoglobin concentrations. Why it's noteworthy: This is a less painful and faster way to collect some of the vital biomarkers. What it does: Developing a noninvasive brain-computer interface that allows paralyzed patients to instantly communicate essential and custom messages via a “blink-to-speak” function. Why it's noteworthy: Unlike invasive devices, it can restore communication for paralyzed patients quickly and cost-effectively. What it does: A B2B precision nutrition AI platform that converts an individual's complex health data into evidence-based food, grocery, and recipe recommendations. Why it's noteworthy: The company's recommendations can help food delivery, e-commerce, diagnostic, health, and insurance sector clients offer better food choices to ultimate customers. What it does: Saliva-based hormone monitor for helping manage fertility, menopause, and medical conditions like PCOS. Why it's noteworthy: Unlike alternatives, the noninvasive device is reusable. What it does: Automates the extraction of patient safety data from medical records for reporting to regulatory agencies. Why it's noteworthy: By using AI, Pharos helps free up clinical staff time while simultaneously preventing patient deaths and harm. What it does: Uses AI to deliver personalized, science-backed health recommendations by analyzing your gut microbiome data. Why it's noteworthy: The microbiome is full of rich data that could provide insights into personalized dietary recommendations for better health. What it does: This Oxford spinout uses AI to transform routine CT scans into PET-like scans, bypassing the need for scarce, costly PET imaging. Why it's noteworthy: Obtaining PET-level insights from a regular CT scan is much faster and cheaper. What it does: A simple, minimally invasive procedure to permanently stop snoring and treat sleep apnea. Why it's noteworthy: Tackles the widespread problem of snoring and sleep apnea, a condition that could otherwise require the use of bulky devices like CPAP masks. What it does: This startup, which recently rebranded as Hug, connects users with trained, empathetic human listeners for real-time peer support. Why it's noteworthy: People often feel better after they share worries and emotional burdens without judgment. What it does: An at-home cancer breath test that uses AI technology and trained dogs to sniff out multiple early-stage cancers from compounds in a patient's breath sample. Why it's noteworthy: Based on studies showing that dogs can use their strong sense of smell to detect cancer, this startup is creating a novel method to integrate that unique ability into an early-detection diagnostic. What it does: Offers science-backed, holistic therapies, alongside lifestyle adjustments, to help women manage hormonal changes during menopause. Why it's noteworthy: Consults women how to control menopausal symptoms with hormones or through complementary alternative and naturopathic therapies. What it does: Uses bioacoustics technology to capture vital signs like heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory metrics from short voice samples. Why it's noteworthy: Enables health systems to monitor thousands of patients, especially ones in remote regions. What it does: Uses AI- and VR-powered technology to make speech and language therapy for children more accessible. Why it's noteworthy: Helps bridge the gap created by the shortage of speech therapists. What it does: Uses voice AI to diagnose fatigue in the frontline workforce. Why it's noteworthy: The company's technology could increase productivity and help prevent accidents. What it does: Matches families with birth and postpartum doulas and care providers. Why it's noteworthy: Part of a wave of digital maternal health and postpartum startups. What it does: Develops “smart clothing” for athletes that can capture and analyze heart, muscle, skin, and movements of athletes. Why it's noteworthy: Unlike wearable devices, Zemi's clothing captures a broad range of biosignals, which could ultimately help performance. Topics Reporter, Venture Marina Temkin is a venture capital and startups reporter at TechCrunch. Prior to joining TechCrunch, she wrote about VC for PitchBook and Venture Capital Journal. Earlier in her career, Marina was a financial analyst and earned a CFA charterholder designation. You can contact or verify outreach from Marina by emailing marina.temkin@techcrunch.com or via encrypted message at +1 347-683-3909 on Signal. Plan ahead for the 2026 StrictlyVC events. Hear straight-from-the-source candid insights in on-stage fireside sessions and meet the builders and backers shaping the industry. Join the waitlist to get first access to the lowest-priced tickets and important updates. NY Governor Hochul signs bill requiring warning labels on ‘addictive' social media How reality crushed Ÿnsect, the French startup that had raised over $600M for insect farming Nvidia to license AI chip challenger Groq's tech and hire its CEO Waymo explains why its robotaxis got stuck during the SF blackout Marissa Mayer's new startup Dazzle raises $8M led by Forerunner's Kirsten Green Inside Uzbekistan's nationwide license plate surveillance system ChatGPT launches a year-end review like Spotify Wrapped © 2025 TechCrunch Media LLC.
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Can your GPU even keep up? When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here's how it works. We've seen a lot of brands launch high refresh rate monitors this year, pushing ever closer to that 1,000 Hz barrier, a feat that HKC has now also achieved. Previously, we saw the company tease a 1,000 Hz monitor a few months ago, and now it has been unveiled as the AntGamer ANT275PQ MAX. It's a Fast TN panel with a native 1440p resolution that can boost to 1,080 Hz at 720p thanks to dual mode. Pushing over 1,000 FPS at 1080p would be challenging for most GPUs, and most game engines don't yet support those levels. So, if 1,080 Hz seems too much in a situation, you can always switch to the monitor's native 1440p resolution that will still offer you 540 Hz, plenty for cutting-edge esports gaming. To support that, the monitor is said to feature DisplayPort 2.1 UHBR20 connectivity. We don't know anything apart from those specs, but we can speculate that it's a 27-inch monitor given the "275" naming convention. As a TN panel, we can only expect so much in terms of color accuracy and contrast levels, and we doubt there will be any local dimming on a model focused solely on gamers. Black frame insertion can help; however, it's not really useful at such high refresh rates. For further context, AntGamer is HKC's sub-brand, while HKC itself is a prominent display manufacturer based in China. They control roughly 10% of the global monitor market and are well-regarded in the Asian region. At the time this monitor was first teased, its price in China was close to $1,000, putting it above several high-end OLED and Mini-LED options. Speaking of, HKC is also developing the M10 Ultra, in many ways the antidote to the 1,080 Hz Fast TN monitor, since the firm claims it will be the world's first RGB Mini-LED panel. Instead of a white backlight, it will have separate red, green, and blue mini-LEDs making up the 4,788 dimming zones, offering unparalleled color performance. Both the M10 Ultra and the AntGamer ANT275PQ Max will be at CES 2026. That makes the "world's first" moniker a bit cloudy because many vendors are supposed to show off their 1,000 Hz gaming monitors at CES, including Samsung, which just announced the Odyssey G6 that can achieve 1,040 Hz at 1080p, and that's an IPS panel at that. Before this, TCL CSOT has demo'd a 4K 1,000 Hz panel as well, followed up by an 8K 1,000 Hz option, albeit those were not production models. Follow Tom's Hardware on Google News, or add us as a preferred source, to get our latest news, analysis, & reviews in your feeds. Get Tom's Hardware's best news and in-depth reviews, straight to your inbox. Hassam Nasir is a die-hard hardware enthusiast with years of experience as a tech editor and writer, focusing on detailed CPU comparisons and general hardware news. When he's not working, you'll find him bending tubes for his ever-evolving custom water-loop gaming rig or benchmarking the latest CPUs and GPUs just for fun. Tom's Hardware is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site. © Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036.
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Latest AI Amazon Apps Biotech & Health Climate Cloud Computing Commerce Crypto Enterprise EVs Fintech Fundraising Gadgets Gaming Google Government & Policy Hardware Instagram Layoffs Media & Entertainment Meta Microsoft Privacy Robotics Security Social Space Startups TikTok Transportation Venture Staff Events Startup Battlefield StrictlyVC Newsletters Podcasts Videos Partner Content TechCrunch Brand Studio Crunchboard Contact Us Every year, TechCrunch's Startup Battlefield pitch contest draws thousands of applicants. We whittle those applications down to the top 200 contenders, and of them, the top 20 compete on the big stage to become the winner, taking home the Startup Battlefield Cup and a cash prize of $100,000. But the remaining 180 startups all blew us away as well in their respective categories and compete in their own pitch competition. Here is the full list of the fintech, real estate, and proptech Startup Battlefield 200 selectees, along with a note on why they landed in the competition. What it does: Uses AI to detect fraud (such as tampering and forgery) in digital documents. Why it's noteworthy: Helps companies, especially in finance and lending, to automate the entire document verification process faster. What it does: Provides cloud-based fractional CFO and accounting services for startups and high-growth tech companies. Why it's noteworthy: Unlike generalist accounting firms, Cypher focuses on financial metrics that matter to startups and investors, offering services like cap table management and investor reporting. What it does: An AI-powered platform built for commercial banks and credit unions that consolidates the functionality of multiple systems (including CRM, business intelligence, and sales enablement). Why it's noteworthy: Replaces the need for community banks to purchase and integrate multiple expensive, generalist tools like Salesforce, Tableau, and Seismic. What it does: Uses AI to automate the entire VC and private equity investment process, from deal screening and due diligence to portfolio monitoring and reporting. Why it's noteworthy: The AI analyst allows investment firms to scale their operations and decision-making capacity. What it does: Helps parents manage and control their kids' spending on video games with prepaid debit cards linked to funds earned to kids' chore performance. Why it's noteworthy: Teaches kids responsibility by allowing them to earn digital allowance through chores. What it does: AI-powered tax platform that provides automated, personalized tax strategies and financial insights to banks, payroll, and other financial institutions. Why it's noteworthy: The company claims its AI can solve the complex problem of tax optimization and compliance much faster than humans. What it does: An AI-powered investment research and trading platform that provides individual and active traders with real-time stock forecasts, price predictions, and automated trading signals. Why it's noteworthy: Claims to make institutional-quality AI tools and other sophisticated predictive analytics accessible to individual, non-professional traders. What it does: Uses AI to transform architectural drawings into building code-compliant, physics-validated structural designs. Why it's noteworthy: Claims to slash the time it takes to calculate and draft structural design by 10x. What it does: An AI-driven optimization platform that helps data center operators maximize hardware performance and cooling efficiency. Why it's noteworthy: Ensures that the infrastructure powering the future is both as efficient and as profitable as possible. What it does: Dubai-based AI-powered real estate investment platform that analyzes residential and commercial properties in the UAE and the United States to help individual investors discover high-return investments. Why it's noteworthy: Expedites real estate investment process by analyzing millions of data points daily and surfacing only the most valuable properties to clients. What it does: Technology-enabled music infrastructure startup that provides professional and affordable creative spaces for the “creative middle class.” Why it's noteworthy: Instead of traditional hourly rentals, its recurring credit system makes professional studio time as accessible as a gym membership. What it does: An AI copilot designed for construction development that allows companies to more quickly automate the design, documentation, and cost-projection of repeatable projects. Why it's noteworthy: Eliminates the manual bottlenecks of construction development by automating design and documentation, allowing companies to scale high-volume infrastructure projects faster. What it does: An AI-powered “pre-market” platform that creates searchable profiles for every home in the U.S., allowing buyers to join waitlists for properties not currently for sale. Why it's noteworthy: Unlike Zillow's “Buy Now” feature, Unlisted Homes includes about 21 million homes tracked via public records, allowing buyers to express interest in specific properties years before they hit the market. What it does: An AI-powered real estate brokerage that promises to return up to 1.5% of the broker's commission (up to $25,000) back to buyers. Why it's noteworthy: Unlike most competitors, Zown provides commission rebates before closing, helping first-time buyers satisfy their down payment requirements and increase their purchasing power. Topics Reporter, Venture Marina Temkin is a venture capital and startups reporter at TechCrunch. Prior to joining TechCrunch, she wrote about VC for PitchBook and Venture Capital Journal. Earlier in her career, Marina was a financial analyst and earned a CFA charterholder designation. You can contact or verify outreach from Marina by emailing marina.temkin@techcrunch.com or via encrypted message at +1 347-683-3909 on Signal. Plan ahead for the 2026 StrictlyVC events. Hear straight-from-the-source candid insights in on-stage fireside sessions and meet the builders and backers shaping the industry. Join the waitlist to get first access to the lowest-priced tickets and important updates. NY Governor Hochul signs bill requiring warning labels on ‘addictive' social media How reality crushed Ÿnsect, the French startup that had raised over $600M for insect farming Nvidia to license AI chip challenger Groq's tech and hire its CEO Waymo explains why its robotaxis got stuck during the SF blackout Marissa Mayer's new startup Dazzle raises $8M led by Forerunner's Kirsten Green Inside Uzbekistan's nationwide license plate surveillance system ChatGPT launches a year-end review like Spotify Wrapped © 2025 TechCrunch Media LLC.
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Rainbow Six Siege goes completely offline as unknown attackers wreak havoc inside the game by giving away billions in credits and more. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here's how it works. Ubisoft has been forced to take all Rainbow Six Siege servers offline after the game was hacked by unknown entities. The company confirmed on X at around 9:10 AM EST on Saturday, December 27, that there was an incident with the title, with its Service Status page reporting an Unplanned Outage across all platforms as of the time of writing. While the company is yet to acknowledge what caused the disruption, there have been numerous reports of players receiving 2 billion R6 credits and Renown, as well as developer-only skins and Glaciers — one of the rarest weapon skins in the game. There have also been claims of random bans and unbans, affecting everyone from ordinary players to high-profile and streamer accounts. BREAKING: Ubisoft Rainbow Six Siege servers have been breached.Players are reporting massive amounts of R6 Credits, Renown, Alpha Packs, and exclusive items unexpectedly.Numerous accounts even Ubisoft, including streamers' and possibly official ones, have received random or… pic.twitter.com/9hGNbBCMAmDecember 27, 2025 Because of the ongoing chaos, players have been advised to stay offline, especially as it seems that this is more than just a simple hack. Instead, it looks like it's a massive breach with Ubisoft losing total control of the game's backend. The company has yet to explain what is happening, especially as it's likely still trying to figure out what's going on and how it can regain control of the game, but this silence has led to frustration among players. Still, it's likely fighting one fire after another, so we don't expect it to make any announcements anytime soon. While we don't know the extent of the damage yet, it's advisable for anyone with a Ubisoft account, especially one tied to Rainbow Six Siege, to change and update their passwords as a precaution. In the meantime, there's nothing we can do except wait. While there have been larger, more damaging hacks in the past, this is one of the first instances in recent history where an apparent breach has taken down an entire game. The last big game hacks we remember were in 2011, when the bad actors attacked the PSN and made off with data from 77 million accounts. Online services for the PS3 and PSP were taken down, and it took Sony over a week to explain what happened. Steam was also a victim of a cyberattack in the same year, with hackers potentially stealing information from over 35 million users. However, those attacks weren't as brazen as the ones we've seen today, with the people behind them giving away billions of credits and skins, as well as trolling the ban service as if they're taunting Ubisoft with the amount of control they have. Follow Tom's Hardware on Google News, or add us as a preferred source, to get our latest news, analysis, & reviews in your feeds. Get Tom's Hardware's best news and in-depth reviews, straight to your inbox. Jowi Morales is a tech enthusiast with years of experience working in the industry. He's been writing with several tech publications since 2021, where he's been interested in tech hardware and consumer electronics. Tom's Hardware is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site. © Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036.
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It just keeps getting better. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here's how it works. If it was becoming too easy for you to navigate the ongoing DRAM shortage, there's another entry on the leaderboards for the most expensive memory you can buy. Nemix, an American company, has just listed a whopping 2 TB of DDR5 ECC RAM on Amazon for $38,999, while you can also find the same sticks in a 4 TB configuration for $76,999.99 on Nemix's website. Spec-wise, you're looking at four kits of 2 x 256 GB sticks for two terabytes — 512 GB per box, eight sticks total — and eight kits of 2 x 256 GB sticks for four terabytes, running at 6400 MT/s with a CAS latency of 52 across both configs. Nemix offers a lifetime warranty on these, but a quick Google search shows mixed online reviews, which should weigh on a customer's decision if they're spending this amount on memory. Regardless, the prices are still the main highlight here. You don't need us to tell you that's car money for server RAM. You can get a Ford Mustang in lieu of that 2 TB setup, or a Tesla Model S instead of the 4 TB option. Even before the current component crisis, server memory has always been more expensive than standard desktop memory because it's registered and error-correcting (ECC), which makes it RDIMM rather than UDIMM. See, in normal DDR5 RAM that we use in our gaming computers, bit flips occur rarely, but they're mostly harmless beyond a crash. Servers can't afford that; they need the utmost stability, so they choose ECC memory that can actively correct single-bit errors on the fly. The sticks also have an extra buffer chip sitting between the memory and the CPU which helps reduce the load on the latter, and allow for higher capacities. Therefore, server memory is fundamentally still DDR5, still using the same modules, but it's different enough to warrant the added cost. You've been able to purchase high-capacity DDR4 server RAM for some time. We found Nemix's own 2 TB kit for $13,468.89 on Amazon, which was only hiked by around $6,000 in the past few months. Relatively generous, if you consider the rest of the market. The DDR5 RAM we're highlighting is new, though, as it landed on Amazon just 29 days ago, when it was $32,997 at the start, then $34,012, and finally $38,999 today, when it was spotted by @FanlessTech. Over the past month, even this kit has experienced a similar ~$6,000 increase. Get Tom's Hardware's best news and in-depth reviews, straight to your inbox. We should point out that you can build a Mac Studio cluster with 2 TB of RAM for around $50,000, so this might actually not be a great deal depending on who you are. However, if you're running a server and need this kind of pool, you're already past being shocked at these prices. The world moves differently up there. Follow Tom's Hardware on Google News, or add us as a preferred source, to get our latest news, analysis, & reviews in your feeds. Hassam Nasir is a die-hard hardware enthusiast with years of experience as a tech editor and writer, focusing on detailed CPU comparisons and general hardware news. When he's not working, you'll find him bending tubes for his ever-evolving custom water-loop gaming rig or benchmarking the latest CPUs and GPUs just for fun. Tom's Hardware is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site. © Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036.
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When you've worked in the sleep industry long enough, you're going to hear one question resurface time and time again: “How much melatonin should I take?” The answer will vary from person to person, and the best person to deliver it is your doctor. To be clear, I'm not a doctor (although my family really wishes I were), but I am a certified sleep science coach and professional mattress tester of five years and some change. Over the years, I've conversed with and attended lectures by many medical professionals on sleep aids and supplements. I also asked David Kuhlmann of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine to give insight into best practices when it comes to melatonin (and sleep supplements, for that matter). First of all, let's back up. What is melatonin? It's the hormone your brain produces naturally as part of its circadian rhythm, or the internal clock your body has to keep you on a natural, daily sleep schedule. Your pineal gland is in charge of making it, and sunlight signals it to slow down production so you can wake up and go about your day. Though your brain is already producing melatonin, the idea of taking a supplement is that it jump-starts your sleep cycle. If you've taken melatonin before and felt it didn't work for you, or are considering starting it, this is where you should consult your doctor. And do it before starting any supplement, melatonin included. You may be on medications that won't let it work as well, giving you the impression that you need more. Or you could experience side effects from mixing melatonin and medications. Let's avoid the late-night WebMD doomscrolls and check off that box first. Another reason to talk to a licensed health care provider ahead of jumping on the melatonin train is that they can give you a tailored recommendation on how to go about getting melatonin, either in supplement or even nutritional form. Or, as Kuhlmann recommends to me, bypassing it altogether, for many reasons—one of which is possible unforeseen side effects, like GI upset. More on that in a minute. The reality is, supplements are not regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration. The University of Pennsylvania's Regulatory Review has reported that the FDA evaluates supplements on a dietary basis, pretty much like what is done for food or medication. According to Pieter Cohen in an interview for the American Medical Association, the FDA actually evaluates supplements as a “subcategory of food” and not medication. Kuhlmann corroborated this for me, emphasizing that “increased access” and the fact that brands are not as “tightly regulated” in the market have led to dangerous outcomes. He described the uptick in melatonin poisoning cases that medical professionals have seen over the past decade, primarily in kids under the age of 5. There's a whole lot of gray area for what's OK and what's not before a product hits the market, and even after it's sold to customers. So if an extra (and questionable) ingredient weasels its way into the formula, and the supplement hits the market, there's not much the FDA can do besides send companies a warning letter to recall the supplement. It's the equivalent of shrugging, saying “Whoopsie, your fault,” and putting responsibility on a brand to make it right—which, as The Regulatory Review also points out, they don't always do. “There's this misperception that because we can buy it over the counter, it means it's safe,” says Kuhlmann. He describes it as a toss-up on how much melatonin you are actually ingesting versus what the product is actually advertising, not to mention any other additives being used and how that will react with your body chemistry. And the crowd is now … worried. Kuhlmann also expressed to me that he personally “wishes that melatonin would be available as a prescription, not to limit access, but it could help with the quality of melatonin people are able to get.” This is yet another reason why it's much better to get a doctor involved than to throw caution to the wind and get a product that might not be effective or could even be counterfeit. Brands may try to sell you their “secret sauce” with all sorts of claims, and that's not just for melatonin, but for all supplements. Be oh so careful about this. Two things I always watch for with supplements, even with guidance from my doctor: Does it have a CGMP certification, and is there any data to back up the marketing claims? CGMP stands for “Current Good Manufacturing Process,” which are FDA guidelines put in place for a product's safety. This includes where and how it was made, as well as what it was made of. But even with this kind of baseline, it's hard to tell what additives are used in a supplement and how that can counteract its effects or react with your body chemistry. I tell you these things out of an abundance of caution. If your doctor gives you the go-ahead to use melatonin, follow their advice. Kuhlmann says he advises his patients to start at 3 milligrams but to never take more than 10 milligrams. For kids, he also urges speaking to a pediatrician and/or a sleep medical professional. Melatonin also can't do all the heavy lifting, and timing is crucial. As part of maintaining good bedtime habits, he also emphasizes the importance of taking it on time, at the same time, nightly. This will help establish the wind-down routine your brain follows via its circadian rhythm; as we established earlier, melatonin is supposed to lead this process. Onnit Amazon If you're keen on keeping melatonin in your bedtime routine, WIRED reviewer Molly Higgins tested and recommends Onnit's Instant Melatonin Spray, which comes in two flavors: mint and lavender. (She tested the latter.) The standard serving size—six oral sprays—equals 3 milligrams of melatonin, which she found immediately made her sleepy. She did find she needed to increase her dosage over time to attain the same result, but, as we established above, it's best to stay within the 10 milligram threshold. For those of you who are just researching options, consider these alternatives. Diet and exercise, as tired as you may be of hearing that, really are essential to getting good, quality sleep. Case in point: You took a CrossFit class for the first time and are ready to conk out right after you manage to get dinner and a shower. Something else to consider: Perhaps relying on melatonin or a sleep supplement is treating a symptom you're dealing with, as opposed to the actual issue impacting your sleep. LectroFan Amazon It's hard to overstate the importance of sleep hygiene and bedtime routine habits—a sleep supplement won't be the end-all and be-all. Also, no caffeine after a certain time of day—you know your body best, but I'd say early afternoon at the very latest. Also, I'm sorry to my fellow readers and late-night scrollers, but devices need to be put away an hour or more before bedtime. Blue light that radiates from devices' screens mimics that of sunlight, and your brain can't discern the difference. All it knows is there's still “daylight” that you need to be awake for, and that prolongs the falling-asleep process. Other alternatives to supplements in the pursuit of better sleep can include sound machines (my favorite is above), where various frequencies of noise lull you to sleep. We've also tested sleep gadgets pretty extensively to not only get us to sleep, but also maintain deep sleep. Oura Oura Amazon Best Buy And maybe melatonin is a different sort of band-aid over the reality of your sleep situation, meaning that your mattress may need to be replaced. We have plenty of mattresses we've tested for every kind of sleeper, along with the best sheets and pillows. Supplements may not be the answer, after all, but more of a sleep space upgrade—all things to consider! Exclusive 10% Off Squarespace Promo Code 10% off Dell Coupon Code for New Customers Samsung Promo Code: 10% off TVs 10% off Canon promo code with upgrade $25 off $25+ DoorDash Promo Code for New Customers LG Promo Code: 20% Off Your First Order © 2025 Condé Nast. All rights reserved. WIRED may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Condé Nast. Ad Choices
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And it will continue to do so. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here's how it works. In 2023, reports of dead Navi 21 GPUs began to surface, raising questions about the cause of the surge. While this was essentially a contained, isolated event that has since been put to bed, we've now received an update to the story more than a year later. Zephyr, a GPU brand from China, has just revealed that it has replaced numerous high-end RDNA 2 GPUs under warranty to date, all of which had dead cores. The company also displayed GPU dies that had died due to cracking, bulging, or shorting, saying there was "a 1% chance of it exploding every year" in reference to the odds of this occurring to users. zephyr西风, a gpu brand in china, showed a tray of dead rdna2 (6800/6900xt) gpu dies, to prove that zephyr is willing to handle rma regardless of whether the gpu die is shorted / cracked / has the substrate blistered.afaik, this is the first time a gpu brand confirmed these… pic.twitter.com/YjgAz1h1JfDecember 27, 2025 The company posted pictures of a tray of these seemingly dead GPUs, all from the RX 6000 family, that it has RMA'd so far. It stated that while other vendors often deny warranty coverage under these circumstances, Zephyr has always honored it and will continue to do so. The post was quite earnest, admitting the brand has taken missteps in customer service while highlighting the good it has done. There were also two videos showing these cores up close, with various deformities. Most are short-circuited; some are visibly bulging ("growing muscles," as titled on Bilibili); and some have cracked dies. All these dead GPUs sit in Zephyr's offices as a reminder of the customers they've helped, regardless of the severity of the damage. At the time when the terminal RX 6000 series fiasco was unfolding, a German retailer had already attributed their death to a combo of the crypto boom and high-humidity storage. However, no manufacturer had come forward to make a statement, as this wasn't a large-scale issue that ever took precedent. Therefore, it's interesting to see a vendor-side corroboration so many years later. We can argue that the primary goal of Zephyr's post was to flex its muscles as the only brand that will take on warranty claims for dead GPU cores. However, we finally learn that AIBs may have received various fatal Navi 21 cards at the time, making this incident more widespread than previously imagined. Many people still rock RDNA 2 GPUs for their incredible value proposition, so don't let this turn you away from them. Follow Tom's Hardware on Google News, or add us as a preferred source, to get our latest news, analysis, & reviews in your feeds. Get Tom's Hardware's best news and in-depth reviews, straight to your inbox. Hassam Nasir is a die-hard hardware enthusiast with years of experience as a tech editor and writer, focusing on detailed CPU comparisons and general hardware news. When he's not working, you'll find him bending tubes for his ever-evolving custom water-loop gaming rig or benchmarking the latest CPUs and GPUs just for fun. Tom's Hardware is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site. © Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036.
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We have seen these types of mods on multiple generations of Nvidia cards; it was only inevitable that the RTX 5080 would get the same treatment. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here's how it works. A report has surfaced overseas confirming that modders have figured out a way to double the RTX 5080's VRAM capacity from 16GB of GDDR7 memory to 32GB. This allows gaming GPUs to be used in workstations and servers, which could ultimately increase their use for AI workloads, potentially creating supply issues. Discovered by Uniko's Hardware (h/t VideoCardz), a Chinese GPU repair technician claims modders are "successfully" modifying RTX 5080s with 32GB of memory, and deploying these mods specifically on RTX 5080 cards boasting blower-style cooler designs that are optimized for workstations and servers. The modder did not explain how the modification process is being done. Likely, modders are adding eight additional 2GB memory chips to the RTX 5080's PCB to achieve 32GB of capacity. This is something Nvidia does on existing models, such as the RTX Pro 6000 and RTX 5060 Ti 16GB, to reach their respective memory capacities using a clamshell approach. This mod will significantly improve the RTX 5080's capabilities in AI-focused workloads. Depending on how many GPUs a system can house, a workstation equipped with up to four 32GB RTX 5080s can have up to 128GB of VRAM. AI model quality and performance depend heavily on memory capacity, so having more memory enables higher-quality and more complex models to be run. a gpu repair technician in china claimed 5080 32g has already been a thing.""目前5080呢已經是可以成功改32G了改32G渦輪所以後期的拆芯片改渦輪呢應該是還是會很多的所以我感覺5080的價格有可能會起飛""bilibili 智强显卡工作室https://t.co/X9ygzxd523 pic.twitter.com/Y6TGUbbsvoDecember 26, 2025 If this mod becomes popular, RTX 5080 supply could dwindle quickly as AI-minded buyers sweep up existing inventory, as happened with RTX 5090 sales. With the 32GB mod applied, the RTX 5080 can technically run the same AI models as the 32GB RTX 5090 (albeit with longer processing times), at just half to a third of the price (based on the constantly fluctuating prices of RTX 5090 SKUs). However, the popularity of this mod could be hamstrung by the availability of GDDR7 video memory ICs. The outgoing DRAM memory shortage has created exponential price increases and availability shortages across the entire industry. In 2025 alone, memory prices increased by 246%, and they're expected to keep rising well into 2026. Graphics cards have thankfully been hit the least among the major products that use memory, but ripple effects from the aforementioned availability issues are still affecting GPUs. For instance, in Japan, shops are rationing GPUs with 16GB or more of video memory. RTX 5080s modded with 32GB of VRAM will likely be made mainly from GDDR7 chips salvaged from damaged RTX 50-series graphics cards that repair technicians have on site. Regardless, it's cool to see this mod on the RTX 5080, even if it will inevitably be used almost entirely by AI-focused customers. That said, we will likely see some gamers with deep pockets have their RTX 5080s upgraded to 32GB of GDDR7, especially with the rumored RTX 50 Super refresh likely delayed by the ongoing DRAM shortage. If true, this 32GB mod will be the only way to upgrade the RTX 5080's memory until the RTX 5080 Super arrives with its rumored 24GB of GDDR7. Get Tom's Hardware's best news and in-depth reviews, straight to your inbox. If you want to check out more stories like this, we've covered a variety of graphics card mods focused on GDDR capacity upgrades, including a 44GB RTX 2080 Ti, a 128GB RTX 5090, a 48GB RTX 4090, an 8GB GTX 9070, and many more. Follow Tom's Hardware on Google News, or add us as a preferred source, to get our latest news, analysis, & reviews in your feeds. Aaron Klotz is a contributing writer for Tom's Hardware, covering news related to computer hardware such as CPUs, and graphics cards. Tom's Hardware is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site. © Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036.
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Sarah Sajedi was visiting Phi Phi Island, Thailand, when she was dazzled by the beautiful scenery of the Andaman Sea. However, when she looked down at her feet, she saw that the white sandy beach was covered with plastic debris, most of which was from plastic bottles. After many years in the business world as the cofounder of an environmental software company, the experience inspired Sajedi to become a researcher. She had always had a passion for waste reduction, but she realized that the problem was consumption itself. Thus, as a doctoral student at Concordia University in Canada, Sajedi reviewed over 140 scientific papers to determine the effects of plastic bottles on the human body. She found that people ingest an average of 39,000 to 52,000 microplastic particles per year from food and drinking water, and those who use bottled water on a daily basis ingest nearly 90,000 more microplastic particles into their bodies. “Drinking water from plastic bottles is fine in an emergency, but it is not something that should be used in daily life,” Sajedi explains. “Even if there are no immediate effects on the human body, we need to understand the potential for chronic harm.” Microplastics are plastic particles ranging in size from 1 micrometer (1/1,000 of a millimeter) to 5 mm. Nanoplastics are even smaller, less than one micrometer. These particles are invisible to the naked eye, but are constantly being generated during the manufacturing, storage, transportation, and decomposition of bottles. Low-quality plastics, in particular, are prone to release microscopic debris due to sunlight, temperature changes, and physical manipulation. Unlike other plastic particles that enter the body through the food chain, those derived from plastic bottles are of concern because they are ingested directly with drinking water. Once in the body, microscopic plastics can enter the bloodstream and reach vital organs. This triggers a chronic inflammatory response and exposes cells to oxidative stress, which can lead to hormone system disturbances, impaired reproductive function, and damage to the nervous system. It has also been linked to various types of cancer. On the other hand, the long-term effects on health remain unclear, due to the lack of extensive testing and standardized measurement methods. Several analytical methods exist for detecting micro- and nanoplastics, but each has its own advantages and weaknesses. Some methods can detect extremely small particles but cannot determine their chemical composition, while others can analyze composition but miss the smallest particles. Moreover, the most accurate and reliable instruments are extremely expensive and not available to all institutions. Sajedi and his team point out that this technical limitation is a hindrance to uniform research on a global scale. Governments around the world are working on legislation to limit plastic waste. However, regulations are currently limited mainly to items such as plastic bags, straws, and packaging materials. In contrast, there is little regulation of plastic bottles, which are feared to have a direct impact on health. While some regions in the US and Canada have begun to take positive steps, a global regulatory framework is still in its infancy. Plastic pollution is not only an environmental issue, but also a public health challenge. Access to safe drinking water for everyone is one of the basic human rights, but in the long run, a sustainable water supply that does not depend on plastic bottles is needed. Sajedi's research, which began with a scene she saw on the sandy beaches of Phi Phi Island, may be a step toward visualizing the reality of pollution that is invisible—and at the same time, a step toward changing the consciousness of society as a whole. This story originally appeared in WIRED Japan and has been translated from Japanese. In your inbox: Maxwell Zeff's dispatch from the world of AI What does Palantir actually do? Big Story: An oral history of DOGE The dark money group secretly funding high-profile influencers Livestream: What businesses need to know about agentic AI Expired/Tired/WIRED: The Greatest Successes and Worst Flameouts of 2025 © 2025 Condé Nast. All rights reserved. WIRED may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Condé Nast. Ad Choices
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Reading time 2 minutes As first reported by Bloomberg, China's Central Cyberspace Affairs Commission issued a document Saturday that outlines proposed rules for anthropomorphic AI systems. The proposal includes a solicitation of comments from the public by January 25, 2026. The rules are written in general terms, not legalese. They're clearly meant to encompass chatbots, though that's not a term the document uses, and the document also seems more expansive in its scope than just rules for chatbots. It covers behaviors and overall values for AI products that engage with people emotionally using simulations of human personalities delivered via “text, image, audio, or video.”The products in question should be aligned with “core socialist values,” the document says. Gizmodo translated the document to English with Google Gemini. Gemini and Bloomberg both translated the phrase “社会主义核心价值观” as “core socialist values.” Under these rules, such systems would have to clearly identify themselves as AI, and users must be able to delete their history. People's data would not be used to train models without consent. The document proposes prohibiting AI personalities from: Providers would not be allowed to make intentionally addictive chatbots, or systems intended to replace human relationships. Elsewhere, the proposed rules say there must be a pop-up at the two hour mark reminding users to take a break in the event of marathon usage. These products also have to be designed to pick up on intense emotional states and hand the conversation over to a human if the user threatens self-harm or suicide. Explore more on these topics Share this story Subscribe and interact with our community, get up to date with our customised Newsletters and much more. Gadgets gifts are the best gifts to get friends and family. AI hype has lost its luster, but a lot of AI people are super rich now. What he describes is an ugly case of AI-generated mistaken identity. The McDonald's Christmas AI monstrosity has left people desperate for something to like. Chinese regulators have been slow to approve the mass production and sale of more advanced self-driving tech. Will anything online be real next year? ©2025 GIZMODO USA LLC. All rights reserved.
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Reading time 3 minutes “This will be a stressful job and you'll jump into the deep end pretty much immediately,” OpenAI CEO Sam Altman wrote on X in his announcement of the “head of preparedness” job at OpenAI on Saturday. In exchange for $555,000 per year, according to OpenAI's job ad, the head of preparedness is supposed to “expand, strengthen, and guide,” the existing preparedness program within OpenAI's safety systems department. This side of OpenAI builds the safeguards that, in theory, make OpenAI's models “behave as intended in real-world settings.”But hey, wait a minute, are they saying OpenAI's models behave as intended in real-world settings now? In 2025, ChatGPT continued to hallucinate in legal filings, attracted hundreds of FTC complaints, including complaints that it was triggering mental health crises in users, and evidently turned pictures of clothed women into bikini deepfakes. Sora had to have its ability to make videos of figures like Martin Luther King, Jr. revoked because users were abusing the privilege to make revered historical figures say basically anything.When cases related to problems with OpenAI products reach the courts—as with the wrongful death suit filed by the family of Adam Raine, who, it is alleged, received advice and encouragement from ChatGPT that led to his death—there's a legal argument to be made that users were abusing OpenAI's products. In November, a filing from OpenAI's lawyers cited rule violations as a potential cause of Raine's death.Whether you buy the abuse argument or not, it's clearly a big part of the way OpenAI makes sense of what its products are doing in society. Altman acknowledges in his X post about the head of preparedness job that the company's models can impact people's mental health, and can find security vulnerabilities. We are, he says, “entering a world where we need more nuanced understanding and measurement of how those capabilities could be abused, and how we can limit those downsides both in our products and in the world, in a way that lets us all enjoy the tremendous benefits.” After all, if the goal were purely to not ever cause any harm, the quickest way to make sure of that would be to just remove ChatGPT and Sora from the market altogether. The head of preparedness at OpenAI, then, is someone who will thread this needle, and “[o]wn OpenAI's preparedness strategy end-to-end,” figuring out how to evaluate the models for unwanted abilities, and design ways to mitigate them. The ad says this person will have to ”evolve the preparedness framework as new risks, capabilities, or external expectations emerge.” This can only mean figuring out new potential ways OpenAI products might be able to harm people or society, and come up with the rubric for allowing the products to exist, while demonstrating, presumably, that the risks have been dulled enough that OpenAI isn't legally liable for the seemingly inevitable future “downsides.” It would be bad enough having to do all this for a company that's treading water, but OpenAI has to take drastic steps to bring in revenue and release cutting edge products in a hurry. In an interview last month, Altman strongly implied that he would take the company's revenue from where it is now—apparently somewhere north of $13 billion per year—to $100 billion in less than two years. Altman said his company's “consumer device business will be a significant and important thing,” and that “AI that can automate science will create huge value.” So if you would like to oversee “mitigation design” across new versions of OpenAI's existing products, along with new physical gadgets, and platforms that don't exist yet, but are supposed to do things like “automate science,” all while the CEO is breathing down your neck about needing to make approximately the same amount of annual revenue as Walt Disney the year after next, enjoy being the head of preparedness at OpenAI. Try not to fuck up the entire world at your new job. Explore more on these topics Share this story Subscribe and interact with our community, get up to date with our customised Newsletters and much more. Gadgets gifts are the best gifts to get friends and family. A chatbot never forgets (unless you opt out of memories). The data center backlash has begun. The slop machine giveth, and the slop machine taketh away. They're betting people won't notice. The company just announced a major corporate development hire. ©2025 GIZMODO USA LLC. All rights reserved.
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The original version of this story appeared in Quanta Magazine. Standing in the middle of a field, we can easily forget that we live on a round planet. We're so small in comparison to the Earth that from our point of view, it looks flat. The world is full of such shapes—ones that look flat to an ant living on them, even though they might have a more complicated global structure. Mathematicians call these shapes manifolds. Introduced by Bernhard Riemann in the mid-19th century, manifolds transformed how mathematicians think about space. It was no longer just a physical setting for other mathematical objects, but rather an abstract, well-defined object worth studying in its own right. This new perspective allowed mathematicians to rigorously explore higher-dimensional spaces—leading to the birth of modern topology, a field dedicated to the study of mathematical spaces like manifolds. Manifolds have also come to occupy a central role in fields such as geometry, dynamical systems, data analysis, and physics. Today, they give mathematicians a common vocabulary for solving all sorts of problems. They're as fundamental to mathematics as the alphabet is to language. “If I know Cyrillic, do I know Russian?” said Fabrizio Bianchi, a mathematician at the University of Pisa in Italy. “No. But try to learn Russian without learning Cyrillic.” So what are manifolds, and what kind of vocabulary do they provide? For millennia, geometry meant the study of objects in Euclidean space, the flat space we see around us. “Until the 1800s, ‘space' meant ‘physical space,'” said José Ferreirós, a philosopher of science at the University of Seville in Spain—the analogue of a line in one dimension, or a flat plane in two dimensions. In Euclidean space, things behave as expected: The shortest distance between any two points is a straight line. A triangle's angles add up to 180 degrees. The tools of calculus are reliable and well defined. But by the early 19th century, some mathematicians had started exploring other kinds of geometric spaces—ones that aren't flat but rather curved like a sphere or saddle. In these spaces, parallel lines might eventually intersect. A triangle's angles might add up to more or less than 180 degrees. And doing calculus can become a lot less straightforward. The mathematical community struggled to accept (or even understand) this shift in geometric thinking. But some mathematicians wanted to push these ideas even further. One of them was Bernhard Riemann, a shy young man who had originally planned to study theology—his father was a pastor—before being drawn to mathematics. In 1849, he decided to pursue his doctorate under the tutelage of Carl Friedrich Gauss, who had been studying the intrinsic properties of curves and surfaces, independent of the space surrounding them. Bernhard Riemann is widely considered one of the greatest mathematicians in history. His work revolutionized geometry, topology, number theory, and more. In 1854, Riemann was required to deliver a lecture to secure a teaching position at the University of Göttingen. His assigned topic: the foundations of geometry. On June 10, despite a fear of public speaking, he described a new theory in which he generalized Gauss' ideas about the geometry of surfaces to an arbitrary number of dimensions (and even to infinite dimensions). Gauss was immediately impressed with the lecture, which involved not just math but also philosophy and physics. But most mathematicians found Riemann's ideas too vague and abstract to be of much use. “Many scientists and philosophers were saying, ‘This is nonsense,'” Ferreirós said. And so, for decades, the work was largely ignored. Riemann's lecture didn't appear in print until 1868, two years after his death. But by the end of the 19th century, mathematical greats like Henri Poincaré had recognized the importance of Riemann's ideas. And in 1915, Albert Einstein used them in his general theory of relativity, bringing them out of the realm of philosophical abstraction and into the real world. By the middle of the 20th century, they had become a mathematical staple. Riemann had introduced a concept that could encompass all possible geometries, in any number of dimensions. A concept that would change how mathematicians view space. A manifold. The term “manifold” comes from Riemann's Mannigfaltigkeit, which is German for “variety” or “multiplicity.” A manifold is a space that looks Euclidean when you zoom in on any one of its points. For instance, a circle is a one-dimensional manifold. Zoom in anywhere on it, and it will look like a straight line. An ant living on the circle will never know that it's actually round. But zoom in on a figure eight, right at the point where it crosses itself, and it will never look like a straight line. The ant will realize at that intersection point that it's not in a Euclidean space. A figure eight is therefore not a manifold. Similarly, in two dimensions, the surface of the Earth is a manifold; zoom in far enough anywhere on it, and it'll look like a flat 2D plane. But the surface of a double cone — a shape consisting of two cones connected at their tips — is not a manifold. Manifolds address a problem that mathematicians would otherwise have to deal with: A shape's properties can change depending on the nature and dimension of the space it lives in (and how it sits in that space). For instance, lay a piece of string on a table and connect its ends without lifting it. You'll get a simple loop. Now hold the string in the air and tie its ends together. By considering the string in three dimensions, you can pass it over and under itself before you connect the ends, creating all sorts of knots beyond the simple loop. They all represent the same one-dimensional manifold—the looped string—but they have different properties when considered in two versus three dimensions. Mathematicians avoid such ambiguities by focusing on the manifold's intrinsic properties. The defining property of manifolds—that at any point, they look Euclidean—is immensely helpful on that front. Because it's possible to think about any small patch of the manifold in terms of Euclidean space, mathematicians can use traditional calculus techniques to, say, compute its area or volume, or describe movement on it. “If I know Cyrillic, do I know Russian? No. But try to learn Russian without learning Cyrillic.” To do this, mathematicians divide a given manifold into several overlapping patches and represent each with a “chart”—a set of some number of coordinates (equal to the manifold's dimension) that tell you where you are on the manifold. Crucially, you also need to write down rules that describe how the coordinates of overlapping charts relate to one another. The collection of all these charts is called an atlas. You can then use this atlas—whose charts translate smaller regions of your potentially complicated manifold into familiar Euclidean space—to measure and explore the manifold one patch at a time. If you want to understand how a function behaves on a manifold, or get a sense of its global structure, you can break the problem up into pieces, solve each piece on a different chart, in Euclidean space, and then stitch together the results from all the charts in the atlas to get the full answer you're seeking. Today, this approach is ubiquitous throughout math and physics. Manifolds are crucial to our understanding of the universe, for one. In his general theory of relativity, Einstein described space-time as a four-dimensional manifold, and gravity as that manifold's curvature. And the three-dimensional space we see around us is also a manifold — one that, as manifolds do, appears Euclidean to those of us living within it, even though we're still trying to figure out its global shape. Even in cases where manifolds don't seem to be present, mathematicians and physicists try to rewrite their problems in the language of manifolds to make use of their helpful properties. “So much of physics comes down to understanding geometry,” said Jonathan Sorce, a theoretical physicist at Princeton University. “And often in surprising ways.” Consider a double pendulum, which consists of one pendulum hanging from the end of another. Small changes in the double pendulum's initial conditions lead it to carve out very different trajectories through space, making its behavior hard to predict and understand. But if you represent the configuration of the pendulum with just two angles (one describing the position of each of its arms), then the space of all possible configurations looks like a doughnut, or torus—a manifold. Each point on this torus represents one possible state of the pendulum; paths on the torus represent the trajectories the pendulum might follow through space. This allows researchers to translate their physical questions about the pendulum into geometric ones, making them more intuitive and easier to solve. This is also how they study the movements of fluids, robots, quantum particles, and more. Similarly, mathematicians often view the solutions to complicated algebraic equations as a manifold to better understand their properties. And they analyze high-dimensional datasets—such as those recording the activity of thousands of neurons in the brain—by looking at how those data points might sit on a lower-dimensional manifold. Asking how scientists use manifolds is akin to asking how they use numbers, Sorce said. “They are at the foundation of everything.” Original story reprinted with permission from Quanta Magazine, an editorially independent publication of the Simons Foundation whose mission is to enhance public understanding of science by covering research developments and trends in mathematics and the physical and life sciences. In your inbox: Upgrade your life with WIRED-tested gear The three missing minutes of the FBI's Epstein prison video Big Story: The delirious, impossible true story of the Zizians The wild story behind Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl halftime show Watch: How online scammers use AI to steal your money Expired/Tired/WIRED: The Greatest Successes and Worst Flameouts of 2025 © 2025 Condé Nast. 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https://telanganatoday.com/watch-fake-rabies-vaccine-how-an-... Rabies is quite rare in dogs in the USA. And breakthrough rabies in a previously vaccinated animal is exceptional.Unusual behaviour from infectious diseases often gets attention on HN. Unusual behaviour from infectious diseases often gets attention on HN.
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Tackle the city, with our help. Manage your settings. Tackle the city, with our help. Manage your settings. Amid never-ending criticism over the price of World Cup tickets next summer, FIFA was quick to point to a “more affordable” option when it rolled out tickets at $60 for loyal fans of individual nations. In reality, however, the new “Supporter Entry Tier” barely scratches the surface, leaving the vast majority of loyal supporters shut out from securing any affordable options. Soccer's governing body has come under intense scrutiny over the cost of World Cup tickets, primarily due to criticisms surrounding dynamic pricing, which has led to ticket prices surging to unprecedented heights, as described by Football Supporters Europe (FSE) as a “monumental betrayal” of fans. The Croatian Football Association (CFA), for example, estimated that it would cost over $4,200 to attend the World Cup Final at MetLife Stadium, while FSE estimated that it would cost over $8,000 for an individual support to follow their country all the way to the World Cup Final — and that is if they were lucky enough to secure the cheapest tickets available in every round through the participant member association (PMA) allocation. FIFA allocates 8% of match tickets to individual associations as part of the PMA allocation, but initially made no Category 4 tickets available, leading FSE to estimate that it would be five times more expensive for a fan to follow their country all the way to the World Cup Final than it was in Qatar in 2022. Meanwhile, the vast majority of tickets – sold to fans regardless of their national affiliations – can be resold on FIFA's official resale platform, which places no limit on the price that a ticket might reach, leading to some ticket prices ballooning to even greater heights as fans essentially began trading them as stock options. Criticisms of FIFA's ticketing policy appeared to force soccer's governing body to relent by introducing Supporter Entry tickets priced at $60 for all 104 matches at the World Cup. But that move does not go nearly far enough to address the affordability issues facing this tournament. The low-price tickets represent just 1.6% of tickets at each game, amounting to 0.8% per nation in any given match. For a game at the 82,500-seater MetLife Stadium, for example, that represents just 660 tickets per individual fanbase. Those tickets, available to a nation's “top cappers,” do not go far enough to cover all supporters who have loyally followed their team throughout the qualifying process. FIFA has also declined to increase allocations to individual associations, with the new low-cost tickets instead eating into the existing 8% allocation. A further 40% of a nation's PMA allocation will be designated Supporter Value Tier tickets, which are more affordable than some market-rate tickets but still rise well above $200. England's Supporter Value Tier tickets, for example, start at $220 for a group-stage game, roughly double the cost of a ticket to watch England against Spain in the Euro 2024 final. As a result, a significant number of match-going supporters will be shut out from the affordable tier and forced to pay potentially astronomical sums of money to follow their country next summer. FSE issued a statement last week welcoming FIFA's climbdown and stated that the move amounted to a recognition by FIFA of the “damage” its ticketing policies had caused. However, the organization added that the measure did “not go far enough” to address affordability issues at the competition. “Based on the allocations publicly available, this would mean that at best a few hundred fans per match and team would be lucky enough to take advantage of the $60 prices, while the vast majority would still have to pay extortionate prices, way higher than at any tournament before,” FSE said in a statement. Billy Grant, a member of England's Football Supporters Association who has followed the English national team to every World Cup since 1986, said FIFA's ticketing policy was “not justifiable,” adding that it has created “a lot of bad feeling” among match-going fans. Grant added that FIFA's climbdown was “not good enough” because it still prevents a number of loyal England supporters from securing affordable tickets allocated to the Football Association. “FIFA has, in effect, turned its nose up at fans who have made the game what it is, made the World Cup what it is,” Grant told amNewYork. FIFA, in response, pointed to unprecedented demand, with the governing body already receiving 20 million ticket requests for the tournament next summer. FIFA stated that the tournament's pricing model reflects “existing market practice” for major entertainment and sporting events in North America, also citing North America's established secondary ticket market. “This is also a reflection of the treatment of the secondary market for tickets, which has a distinct legal treatment than in many other parts of the world. We are focused on ensuring fair access to our game for existing but also prospective fans. FIFA resale fees are aligned with North American industry trends across various sports and entertainment sectors,” FIFA said in a statement. FIFA, however, did not adjust its pricing models to reflect market trends during previous World Cups held by host nations with a lower cost of living than the United States, including in South Africa in 2010, when tickets averaged $139 per game. FIFA did include a special discounted category of tickets for South African residents starting at $20, a practice it has discarded for 2026. Some commentary from US social media has defended the controversial pricing policy, with some accounts almost wearing high ticket prices as a badge of honor that reflects the economic strength of the United States. But throughout the rest of the world, soccer has its roots in working-class communities, and the idea of paying the equivalent of a month's rent on a single match ticket is not just unfathomable but opposed to everything the game stands for. In Europe, for example, supporters could avail of “Fans First” tickets at Euro 2024, which priced group stage tickets at $32 and tickets for the final at $103. UEFA, the governing body of European soccer, made 14% of all Euro 2024 tickets available through the Fan First tier and provided 37% of all tickets to individual associations, dwarfing similar categories at the upcoming World Cup. The result was a festival of soccer across Germany, with iconic scenes of orange-clad Dutch fans dancing in the streets behind a double-decker bus in Dortmund going viral across social media. Some estimates, meanwhile, placed 100,000 Scottish fans in Stuttgart ahead of their clash with Hungary at the tournament. Soccer Football – Euro 2024 – Round of 16 – England v Slovakia – Arena AufSchalke, Gelsenkirchen, Germany – June 30, 2024 England's Harry Kane celebrates scoring their second goal with Jude Bellingham REUTERS/Bernadett Szabo Grant is concerned that similar scenes will not be repeated at the 2026 World Cup if genuine supporters cannot afford or get their hands on match tickets. Soccer tourists, who do not support a particular nation but may pay an extortionate rate to experience going to a World Cup game, might wear the right colors and make noise at the games they attend, but the atmosphere could be inauthentic, Grant said. “You will have a stadium that's full, and people will make noise… but they don't know the songs, and they don't know the actions,” Grant said. He also expressed concerns about fan congregations before and after games at the tournament, stating that supporters who picked up tickets to a game involving nations they are not affiliated with will not create the same kind of scenes that genuine Dutch and Scottish fans created in Germany. “It's about everything else around it (the World Cup). That's the worry I have.” It goes without saying that the Euros do not hold the same prestige as the World Cup, but it is the second-biggest international soccer event by almost every metric. The most recent iteration of the tournament saw 50 million applications for roughly 2.3 million tickets, a figure that would have also seen ticket prices spike enormously if UEFA had deployed dynamic pricing measures. The World Cup will almost certainly dwarf that number of applicants, but the issue goes far beyond supply and demand. There appears to be some belief, among a cohort of American social media users at least, that World Cup tickets should go to the highest bidder and fans prepared to pay exorbitant sums of money. But FIFA, as a self-described non-profit organization, should recognize that a much larger proportion of tickets should be distributed at an affordable rate on merit to fans who have followed their teams around the world, not based on how deep their pockets are. For more on the 2026 FIFA World Cup, visit AMNY.com FIFA, in response, pointed to unprecedented demand, with the governing body already receiving 20 million ticket requests for the tournament next summer. FIFA stated that the tournament's pricing model reflects “existing market practice” for major entertainment and sporting events in North America, also citing North America's established secondary ticket market. Some commentary from US social media has defended the controversial pricing policy, with some accounts almost wearing high ticket prices as a badge of honor that reflects the economic strength of the United States. But throughout the rest of the world, soccer has its roots in working-class communities, and the idea of paying the equivalent of a month's rent on a single match ticket is not just unfathomable but opposed to everything the game stands for. In Europe, for example, supporters could avail of “Fans First” tickets at Euro 2024, which priced group stage tickets at $32 and tickets for the final at $103. UEFA, the governing body of European soccer, made 14% of all Euro 2024 tickets available through the Fan First tier and provided 37% of all tickets to individual associations, dwarfing similar categories at the upcoming World Cup. The result was a festival of soccer across Germany, with iconic scenes of orange-clad Dutch fans dancing in the streets behind a double-decker bus in Dortmund going viral across social media. Some estimates, meanwhile, placed 100,000 Scottish fans in Stuttgart ahead of their clash with Hungary at the tournament. Grant is concerned that similar scenes will not be repeated at the 2026 World Cup if genuine supporters cannot afford or get their hands on match tickets. Soccer tourists, who do not support a particular nation but may pay an extortionate rate to experience going to a World Cup game, might wear the right colors and make noise at the games they attend, but the atmosphere could be inauthentic, Grant said. “You will have a stadium that's full, and people will make noise… but they don't know the songs, and they don't know the actions,” Grant said. He also expressed concerns about fan congregations before and after games at the tournament, stating that supporters who picked up tickets to a game involving nations they are not affiliated with will not create the same kind of scenes that genuine Dutch and Scottish fans created in Germany. “It's about everything else around it (the World Cup). That's the worry I have.” It goes without saying that the Euros do not hold the same prestige as the World Cup, but it is the second-biggest international soccer event by almost every metric. The most recent iteration of the tournament saw 50 million applications for roughly 2.3 million tickets, a figure that would have also seen ticket prices spike enormously if UEFA had deployed dynamic pricing measures. The World Cup will almost certainly dwarf that number of applicants, but the issue goes far beyond supply and demand. There appears to be some belief, among a cohort of American social media users at least, that World Cup tickets should go to the highest bidder and fans prepared to pay exorbitant sums of money. But FIFA, as a self-described non-profit organization, should recognize that a much larger proportion of tickets should be distributed at an affordable rate on merit to fans who have followed their teams around the world, not based on how deep their pockets are. For more on the 2026 FIFA World Cup, visit AMNY.com He also expressed concerns about fan congregations before and after games at the tournament, stating that supporters who picked up tickets to a game involving nations they are not affiliated with will not create the same kind of scenes that genuine Dutch and Scottish fans created in Germany. “It's about everything else around it (the World Cup). That's the worry I have.” It goes without saying that the Euros do not hold the same prestige as the World Cup, but it is the second-biggest international soccer event by almost every metric. The most recent iteration of the tournament saw 50 million applications for roughly 2.3 million tickets, a figure that would have also seen ticket prices spike enormously if UEFA had deployed dynamic pricing measures. The World Cup will almost certainly dwarf that number of applicants, but the issue goes far beyond supply and demand. There appears to be some belief, among a cohort of American social media users at least, that World Cup tickets should go to the highest bidder and fans prepared to pay exorbitant sums of money. But FIFA, as a self-described non-profit organization, should recognize that a much larger proportion of tickets should be distributed at an affordable rate on merit to fans who have followed their teams around the world, not based on how deep their pockets are. For more on the 2026 FIFA World Cup, visit AMNY.com It goes without saying that the Euros do not hold the same prestige as the World Cup, but it is the second-biggest international soccer event by almost every metric. The most recent iteration of the tournament saw 50 million applications for roughly 2.3 million tickets, a figure that would have also seen ticket prices spike enormously if UEFA had deployed dynamic pricing measures. The World Cup will almost certainly dwarf that number of applicants, but the issue goes far beyond supply and demand. There appears to be some belief, among a cohort of American social media users at least, that World Cup tickets should go to the highest bidder and fans prepared to pay exorbitant sums of money. But FIFA, as a self-described non-profit organization, should recognize that a much larger proportion of tickets should be distributed at an affordable rate on merit to fans who have followed their teams around the world, not based on how deep their pockets are. Post an Event View All Events… Find a pro
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Front Row Soccer www.frontrowsoccer.com Christian Pulisic finished the year on a high note on Sunday, something that many U.S. soccer fans hope that he will duplicate at next year's World Cup. Christian Pulisic has been on fire for A.C. Milan, when he has been healthy. (Imagn Images) Christian Pulisic finished the year on a high note on Sunday, something that many U.S. soccer fans hope that he will duplicate at next year's World Cup. The U.S. men's national team standout tallied the opening score for A.C. Milan in its 3-0 triumph over Hellas Verona in Italian Serie A. That boosted his total to 10 goals in only 15 matches across competitions in 2025. He also has two assists. Pulisic has been hampered by injuries, limiting his time for club and country. He is tied with Inter Milan's Lautaro Martinez, whose team hosted Atalanta later in the day. His club moved into first place in the league, a point ahead of Napoli, 2-0 winners at Cremonese and two ahead of archrival Inter. Right place, right time for Captain America 🔥That's now 10 goals in only 15 matches in all competitions this season for Christian Pulisic 💪🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/mmAwPhwlXQ Pulisic volleyed home from close range at the far left post a minute into first-half stoppage time. Luka Modric started the sequence that Adrien Rabiot headed to the U.S. forward. Milan head coach Massimo Allegri told DAZN that Pulisic is far from his best due to his injuries, including a healing hamstring. “He's doing well, even though he's not yet in peak physical condition because of this minor issue with his hamstring,” Allegri said. “In fact, he makes a few wrong passing choices and is a bit slow in his play.” During the 2024-25 Serie A campaign, Pulisic recorded 17 goals and 12 assists in 50 matches. Front Row Soccer editor Michael Lewis has covered 13 World Cups (eight men, five women), seven Olympics and 28 MLS Cups. He has written about New York City FC, New York Cosmos, the New York Red Bulls and both U.S. national teams and has penned a soccer history column for the Guardian.com. Lewis, who has been honored by the Press Club of Long Island and National Soccer Coaches Association of America, is the former editor of BigAppleSoccer.com. He has written seven books about the beautiful game and has published ALIVE AND KICKING The incredible but true story of the Rochester Lancers. It is available at Amazon.com. Link Copy link
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Christopher Nkunku pulled off his trademark celebration after finally scoring his first goal in Serie A. The France international left Chelsea for AC Milan over the summer, penning a five-year contract in a deal worth £36m having failed to make an impact in west London. And while Nkunku has taken time to find his groove in Italy, celebrated his first league goal in style on Sunday. AC Milan hosted Verona in Serie A on Sunday afternoon as they sought to maintain their title pursuit. The Rossoneri made light work of Sunday's opponents, however, as they eased to a 3-0 victory at San Siro. Christian Pulisic scored his eighth league goal of the season to put Max Allegri's side ahead on the stroke of half time. Nkunku then doubled AC Milan's advantage shortly after the restart with his first Serie A goal since moving to the Italian giants to prompt his trademark balloon celebration And they say goals are like buses, as Nkunku scored his second and AC Milan's third in the 53rd minute as the Milan giants eased to a home victory to extend their unbeaten run to 15 matches. The official Serie A account posted a video of the celebration with the caption: "Out comes the balloon: Nkunku bags his first Serie A goal!" Looking for smarter football bets? Get expert previews, data-driven predictions & winning insights with GOAL Tips on Telegram. Join our growing community now! AC Milan needed to claim all the spoils at Verona's expense in an incredibly tight Serie A title race. Allegri's side are one point clear of second-placed Napoli, who claimed a 2-0 win at Cremonense on Sunday courtesy of a Rasmus Hojlund brace. Milan rivals Inter are in action on Sunday evening when they take on Atalanta at the New Balance Arena as they seek to go top of the table in their Scudetto pursuit. The Nerazzurri have won their last three league outings, and have won their last eight games against La Dea, including their last three trips to Bergamo. Juventus have also shown a much-improved run of form and are currently three points behind AC Milan, though they have played a game more than the Rossoneri. Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting AC Milan will be out to kick off 2026 in style when they take on Cagliari in the New Year and maintain their push for a first Scudetto success since 2022. Title rivals Napoli take on Lazio next weekend, while Inter face Bologna to round off the weekend's action. Juventus, meanwhile, face Lecce as they look to maintain their upturn in performances under Luciano Spalletti.
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connect with us Updated on December 28, 2025 By Daniel Villar Pardo Lionel Messi's Argentina has managed to remain one of the best national teams in the world against all odds. Rather than dropping in level, they arrive at the 2026 World Cup in top form, having qualified as leaders of the CONMEBOL qualifiers. Despite this strong performance, Toni Kroos opted to exclude them from his four candidates to win the tournament, instead backing a surprising national team. After announcing his retirement from professional soccer, Toni Kroos has remained quite active in the world of soccer. In a recent appearance on Romario's YouTube channel, making clear his four favorite national teams to win the 2026 World Cup: “Spain, Portugal, France, and there may be a surprise, I would say Morocco… Germany are always there. I don't see them among the top five favorites, but just like Brazil, if they surprise me, that's great.” Choosing Spain, Portugal, and France stirs little controversy, as these national teams consistently dominate on the global stage. However, Toni Kroos surprised many fans by selecting Morocco as a top contender. Despite being in top form, considering the African side as major contenders for the title seems bold, given they have yet to reach their first final in the tournament's history, but their promising roster may hint towards a historic victory. Not only did Toni Kroos's choice of The Atlas Lions surprise, but also the omission of Argentina from the candidates for the 2026 World Cup. Unlike the previous world champions, Lionel Messi's national team has managed to stay relevant, making a gradual renewal of its roster. In addition, it has been shining with a series of victories and a dominant style of play that could lead it to become two-time champions of the tournament. Toni Kroos of Germany celebrates the 2014 FIFA World Cup victory. Since the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo as a global superstar in Portugal, they have established themselves as one of the most important national teams. After winning their first three titles in history, coach Roberto Martinez now has a roster where the blend of experience and youth points to dominance in the tournament. For this reason, the veteran star stands out as a clear favorite to win the title for the first time in his career. see also Lionel Messi's participation practically confirmed? Unique tribute for Argentina captain ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup in the works Led by Vitinha and Joao Mendes, Portugal have managed to consolidate a very appealing sporting project. With strong offensive play and control of the midfield, they have positioned themselves as favorites to win the tournament for the first time in many years, as the roster no longer depends on Cristiano Ronaldo, who has become the differential player for a team that shines collectively. Although Toni Kroos does not consider Argentina a contender for the 2026 World Cup, Lionel Messi's team has shown that they are among the best national teams in the world. By keeping players like Dibu Martinez, Nicolas Otamendi, Rodrigo de Paul, and others, it aims to become two-time world champions—something that hasn't happened in 64 years, with Brazil being the last to achieve it after winning the 1958 and 1962 editions. Includes: Premier League + 84 Sports Channels Includes: Bundesliga & La Liga Includes: Champions League & Serie A Includes: Premier League Includes: every MLS game and Leagues Cup A teammate of Lionel Messi at Inter Miami spoke about what it means to play alongside him. The debate is no longer just about whether Messi can play at the 2026 FIFA World Cup — it is about whether the stage itself is being shaped with him in mind. Erling Haaland is surging with ruthless efficiency, Lamine Yamal continues his meteoric rise, and — in a twist few expected — Lionel Messi has re-entered the debate entirely. Looking to boost their competitiveness, AC Milan have already begun taking steps to strengthen Christian Pulisic's offense. However, they are also aiming to secure Mike Maignan's contract renewal, making a final offer to the Frenchman, who seems to have a clear idea of his future. World Soccer Talk © 2025. Made in Florida. World Soccer Talk, like Futbol Sites, is a company owned by Better Collective. All rights reserved. World Soccer Talk is reader-supported and may earn a commission through our partner links.
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Official: Barcelona dominate La Liga categories in Globe Soccer Awards Joan Laporta speaks on La Masia vs. Big Signings, missing Club World Cup, and La Liga hopes Girona making major push to sign out-of-favour Barcelona captain Barcelona joined by Premier League clubs in the race to sign former defender – report Survey reveals Barcelona socios would like to sell these two star players next summer Four La Masia talents poised for Barcelona first-team breakthrough in the near future Barcelona's top five most memorable matches of 2025 Injury update: When will Barcelona's sidelined players return to action? Barcelona's 2025 recap – A year of goals, trophies and immense promise Three well-known names who wore the colours of Barcelona and Villarreal Three takeaways from Villarreal 0-2 Barcelona Joan Garcia 9, Raphinha 9 | Villarreal 0-2 Barcelona: Player Ratings De Jong, Lamine start in a 4-2-3-1 – How Barcelona can line up against Villarreal Three talking points ahead of Villarreal vs Barcelona | La Liga MD17 Three takeaways from CD Guadalajara 0-2 Barcelona Barcelona mid-season ratings: Eric Garcia 9/10, Araujo gets 4.5 Opinion: Raphinha's 2024-25 season was one for the ages – it deserved better From expendable to untouchable: Eric Garcia's Barcelona reinvention From Barcelona to Miami: Jordi Alba's final run and the end of an era on the left Sergio Busquets leaves as he lived – in silence and in greatness Barcelona mid-season ratings: Eric Garcia 9/10, Araujo gets 4.5 Opinion: Raphinha's 2024-25 season was one for the ages – it deserved better From expendable to untouchable: Eric Garcia's Barcelona reinvention From Barcelona to Miami: Jordi Alba's final run and the end of an era on the left Sergio Busquets leaves as he lived – in silence and in greatness Barcelona vs Chelsea: Two clubs, two identities and two opposite ways of building success Ranking all 15 La Masia talents that made their Barcelona debut under Xavi Barcelona talented La Masia graduate's market value rises to €75 million Barcelona delighted with the progress of 15-year-old La Masia talent – report ‘La Masia is the essence of Barça' – Barcelona academy gem reacts after La Liga debut Published on By Barcelona President Joan Laporta is currently in Dubai, attending the prestigious Globe Soccer Awards. Amidst the glitz and glamour of the event, where the Blaugrana are well-represented, the club chief took time to address the media (h/t FCB World) regarding the most pressing topics surrounding the Catalan giants. One of the most frequent questions asked by Barcelona fans revolves around the club's transfer strategy. When asked if the club will continue to rely solely on the academy or look for heavy-calibre names in the future, Laporta was firm in his defence of the club's identity but left the door open for transfers. “We are working on producing players from La Masia, and we have many talents capable of reaching the first team, and we are proud of the philosophy we work according to,” Laporta began. “In fact, there are players from La Masia who reach the first team, and at the same time, we also want to sign other players and integrate them together, and we are proud of this work.” The president was keen to highlight that this philosophy extends beyond just the men's first team, pointing to the immense success of the women's section as proof of the model's viability. “We also have other teams, not just the men's football team; we also have the women's football team. And I am very happy about that, as there is a player here representing women's football, and she is also a graduate of La Masia,” he explained. “All the football sections we work on are witnessing noticeable development, and they are being worked on well and according to a clear philosophy.” Laporta emphasised that the specific DNA of a La Masia graduate is a competitive advantage that cannot be bought, though he reiterated that external signings remain part of the plan. “Each team has its own work, and we have many players, and in La Masia, there is great competition. And every player who graduates from La Masia knows the playing style of the first team, and this is very important to us,” he said. “Yes, we want to add other players; there are players we want to sign to be in the first team, alongside players who come from La Masia.“ When bluntly asked if Barcelona would be the league champion this year, Laporta kept his answer brief but hopeful, stating, “Insha'Allah.” He also talked about the FIFA Club World Cup, which Barcelona missed out on due to their UEFA coefficient standing from previous seasons. When asked if he was sad about missing the tournament financially, Laporta laughed off the suggestion that finance was the primary hurt. “No, no, it's not a matter of money, but a matter of prestige and dignity,” Laporta clarified. He acknowledged the sporting dip in recent years that led to this exclusion but vowed that the club would return to where it belongs. “Unfortunately, we didn't participate because in the previous years we weren't in good standing, but we want to participate next time and always, that's our goal.” Looking ahead, Laporta outlined the team's mindset for the remainder of the season. The objective remains not just to win, but to do so with the style that defines FC Barcelona. “We are in every competition we play.. Our goal is to play well and try to win. We will see what happens, and we are also always confident in the players to give their best, especially those who performed well last year,” he stated. “We proceed step by step, respecting the opponent and playing beautiful football. This is the primary goal, then we focus on winning,” he added. Finally, touching on the event itself, Laporta expressed his delight at being in Dubai and seeing Barcelona players recognised on the global stage. “A fantastic celebration,” he said of the event. “Proud to have 3 Barcelona players among the nominees for the Globe Soccer Awards.” Official: Barcelona dominate La Liga categories in Globe Soccer Awards Girona making major push to sign out-of-favour Barcelona captain Barcelona joined by Premier League clubs in the race to sign former defender – report Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked * Comment * Name * Email * Δ Achievements • Privacy Policy • Cookie Policy • Licensed Images • Copyright © 2017 - 2024 Barca Universal - info@barcauniversal.com Achievements • Privacy Policy • Cookie Policy • Licensed Images • Copyright © 2017 - 2024 Barca Universal - info@barcauniversal.com
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Explore GOAL Betting with Manchester United youngster Ayden Heaven has taken a major step toward defining his international future after deciding against a switch to Ghana, despite World Cup eligibility. The 19-year-old defender is instead focused on representing England at the senior level, a stance that reflects his growing confidence after an impressive run of performances at Old Trafford. Heaven has opted to commit his international future to England, ruling out a potential switch to Ghana ahead of next summer's World Cup, per the BBC. Born in London, Heaven qualifies to play for Ghana through a grandparent, and officials from the Ghana FA have been tracking his progress closely over the past year. The timing of the decision carried added intrigue given the tournament draw. Ghana have been placed in the same World Cup group as England, alongside Croatia and Panama, meaning Heaven could theoretically have faced the Three Lions had he chosen to change allegiance. However, the report indicates the teenager is determined to pursue his long-term ambition of breaking into England's senior setup. Heaven has represented England consistently at the youth level and remains firmly in that pathway. His decision comes amid a period of rapid development at club level, with the defender establishing himself in Manchester United's first-team picture following his February move from Arsenal. Ruben Amorim has been vocal in his praise of Heaven's progress, highlighting why the teenager feels confident enough to set his sights high on the international stage. Speaking after recent performances, Amorim said: "I am really pleased with Ayden. You can feel that he is improving every game." The United boss pointed to Heaven's composure and learning curve as key traits behind his rise. "He is young, but you can feel that he has a good game, slows the thinking and improves during the game," Amorim explained, underlining the defender's ability to adapt even within matches. Amorim also hinted at how quickly Heaven has gone from squad option to serious contender. "He trained really well and, if he continues to play like that, it is going to be really hard to take his place," he added, a statement that reinforces why Heaven now sees England, rather than Ghana, as the ultimate destination for his international career. Heaven's ascent has not been entirely smooth. Earlier this season, he suffered an ankle injury while playing for England's Under-20 side against Switzerland in October, forcing him off at half-time and ruling him out of November's fixture against Japan. That setback briefly stalled his momentum but did not derail his long-term trajectory. At club level, his early Premier League involvement came in the form of substitute appearances, before being handed a start against West Ham on December 4 as part of a three-man defence. That outing was a learning experience, as he was booked early and withdrawn at half-time, but it proved a turning point rather than a setback. Since then, Heaven has started four consecutive matches, improving with each performance. He impressed in defeat against Aston Villa on December 21 and then delivered a standout display in the 1-0 victory over Newcastle, earning man-of-the-match honours as United recorded only their second clean sheet of the season. Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting Heaven's decision to remain in the England setup places the focus firmly on sustaining his club form. Continued starts under Amorim will strengthen his case for higher recognition, particularly as United look to stabilise their season and push back toward European contention. Internationally, his immediate future lies with England's youth sides, but the pathway to senior consideration is now clearer. Strong Premier League performances over the coming months could place him on the radar ahead of future international windows. Explore GOAL Betting with
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Marcus Rashford has passed a Barcelona referendum as members voted in favour of signing the England forward permanently. Rashford move to the reigning La Liga champions on loan from Manchester United over the summer having been outcast by head coach Ruben Amorim. And the 28-year-old has made an impressive impact for the Blaugrana, who may be prepared to extend his stay in Spain. Rashford has been instrumental in Barcelona's fine start to the season having provided six assists and scored an additional two goals for Hansi Flick's side. After a minor blip, Barcelona capitalised upon Real Madrid's downturn in form to head into La Liga's winter break top of the table. A 2-0 victory at Villarreal last weekend extended Barcelona's winning run to eight matches as they maintained their lead at the top of the table to four points. And as Barcelona continue to shine domestically, members have voted in favour of making Rashford's move permanent. In a poll from Catalan outlet Mundo Deportivo put to Barca club members, 54.6% of those surveyed support his permanent signing, while 35.6% oppose retaining Rashford's services. A further 6.3% believe it is best to wait until the end of the season before deciding the striker's future at Spotify Camp Nou. The vote will come as a boost for Rashford, who admitted earlier this month that he wants to stay at Barcelona. Speaking with Spanish publication SPORT, Rashford said: "What I want is to stay at Barca. It's the ultimate goal, but it's not the reason I'm training hard and giving my all. The purpose is to win. Barca is a huge, fantastic club, built to win titles." Asked about his early impressions of the city and how he has settled in at the club, Rashford replied: "I'm settling in really well at the club and in the city. From the moment I arrived, I felt very welcomed. "For me, the reason I'm here is to help the team win trophies; last season was fantastic, but life moves very fast, things change, and the goal is to repeat those successes. I'm totally focused on that. Everything has been fantastic with the staff and my teammates; I have no complaints." And Rashford stated that he is in the "perfect place" to continue his career: "I'm in the perfect place and environment to continue my journey as a footballer, so I'm just trying to give my best every day and help the team win. We'll see what happens next summer." Looking for smarter football bets? Get expert previews, data-driven predictions & winning insights with GOAL Tips on Telegram. Join our growing community now! Barcelona boss Flick has also previously spoken highly of Rashford, as the German insisted that the on-loan forward had the "right mindset" to succeed with the Spanish giants. "When I talk to the players, I explain why they didn't play," Flick said recently. "When I tried to explain to Rashford why he wasn't a starter, he said: 'You don't need to explain to me.' The important thing is that the team wins and we get the three points. Nothing else matters. This is the right mindset and I'm glad it's with us." However, while the members' poll was favourable for Rashford, the same couldn't be said for teammate Robert Lewandowski. The Poland international's current deal expires at the end of the season, though Barcelona have an option to extend his deal by a further year. 59.3% of members surveyed answered 'no' to extending Lewandowski's stay at the club, while just 31.6% voted to retain the 37-year-old's services. 5.3% did not express an opinion on Lewandowski's future and 3.6% claimed they would decide based on terms of the striker's new contract. Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting The members vote comes after Lewandowski confirmed a story that Barcelona had asked the former Bayern Munich hitman to not score goals in a money-saving measure at the end of the 2022-23 La Liga season. With the title already sewn up, and Lewandowski on 23 league goals, the experienced striker was requested to refrain from hitting the back of the net in the final weeks of the season. Two more goals would have triggered an additional €2.5m to former club Bayern with Barcelona enduring financial difficulties, senior figures were keen to avoid extra outgoing costs. During an interview with Polish journalist Bogdan Rymanowski, Lewandowski admitted that the report was correct, acknowledging the request and the broader context behind the ask. "There are things I don't want to talk about. I respect Barcelona and the people who work there a lot. I was aware of the club's situation. There were many other situations that needed to be resolved for the good of the club," Lewandowski said. The striker addressed the logic directly, confirming the motivation was monetary rather than tactical, adding: "In short, it was a bonus, and it is known that at that time Barcelona looked to save every euro. It was no small thing, and for me, nothing changed either. Lewandowski, though, added the request left a lasting impression, stating: "I have no problem with that, but it stuck in my head and I wondered whether to score a goal or not."
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Published on December 28, 2025 By: Tuhin Sarkar Mexico rises with Peru, the US, Japan, Italy, Malaysia, Senegal, and more countries, sparking an electrifying global sports fever. With the 2026 Winter Olympics and FIFA World Cup on the horizon, tourism across these nations is set to soar to unprecedented heights.As sports enthusiasts around the world gear up for these monumental events, the tourism industry is bracing for a massive boom. Countries like Mexico, Peru, the US, Japan, Italy, Malaysia, and Senegal are already gearing up to welcome an influx of international visitors, eager to be part of the action. The 2026 Winter Olympics and FIFA World Cup will ignite passions and bring global attention to these countries, creating an unparalleled opportunity for tourism growth. From the winter wonderland of the Olympics to the thrilling football matches of the World Cup, the excitement is palpable. This powerful combination of global sports events is set to drive travel, boosting local economies and fostering cultural exchange.In this article, we will explore how these sporting spectacles will not only unite nations but also revolutionize tourism in Mexico, Peru, the US, Japan, Italy, Malaysia, Senegal, and beyond. Stay tuned to discover the tourism boom that's just around the corner!The year 2026 is shaping up to be a landmark for global tourism, with Peru leading the charge as one of the world's must-visit destinations. Peru's inclusion in Lonely Planet's Best in Travel list highlights its rich blend of ancient history, modern sustainability, and breathtaking landscapes, making it a top contender for travellers seeking adventure, culture, and sustainability.Machu Picchu, the Inca citadel, and the Nazca desert lines remain key attractions, but it's Peru's hidden wonders and new circuits that are set to blow visitors away. The Dominican Republic, Italy, Mexico, and other tourism giants are also preparing for record-breaking years with a series of exciting events like the 2026 Winter Olympics and the FIFA World Cup.Advertisement From luxurious beach resorts in Mexico to snowy Alpine landscapes in Italy, the race for global tourism supremacy has never been fiercer. Whether it's enjoying traditional festivals, exploring local cultures, or indulging in culinary delights, these nations are bringing their best to 2026.This official guide breaks down the best of the top 10 destinations for 2026, featuring game-changing tourism strategies and the latest entry rules you need to know. Get ready to explore the world like never before in the most exhilarating year for tourism yet!Mexico: Fiesta Fever at the 2026 World Cup and BeyondMexico is taking full advantage of the FIFA World Cup 2026, hosting 10 matches in Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey. With its rich culture, vibrant festivals, and renowned gastronomy, Mexico promises an unforgettable experience for football fans. In addition to the World Cup, Mexico continues to rise as one of the world's most visited destinations, climbing from 15th to 6th place. The government has launched a global campaign to highlight hidden gems and authentic experiences, ensuring that Mexico remains at the forefront of global tourism. Learn about Mexico's plans for 2026 tourism.Peru's Unstoppable Rise: Ancient Wonders Meet Sustainable TravelPeru has emerged as a star destination for 2026. Known for the world-renowned Machu Picchu, Peru offers visitors the perfect mix of ancient history, modern sustainability, and rich culture. According to Lonely Planet, Peru has been crowned one of the top 25 must-visit destinations for 2026. New entry rules and visa waivers are being introduced to make it even easier for travellers to visit this vibrant nation. Peru's new tourist routes, including Choquequirao and Huaraz, offer untouched beauty and fewer crowds. The government's focus on sustainable tourism ensures that the country benefits from tourism while preserving its rich heritage and natural wonders. Read more about Peru's tourism success in 2026.Italy's Winter Olympics: The Ultimate Event for 2026 TourismItaly is set to captivate the world with the 2026 Winter Olympics and Paralympics. From 4 February to 15 March 2026, Italy will host this prestigious event, attracting over two million spectators. The Games will be spread across eight cities, including Milan, Cortina d'Ampezzo, and Verona. Visitors can expect spectacular alpine landscapes, world-class skiing, and a taste of Italian culture—from art galleries to delicious cuisine. With high demand for tickets and accommodation, tourists are encouraged to book early. The Winter Olympics is expected to drive a huge spike in tourism and cement Italy's position as a winter wonderland for travellers worldwide. Explore Italy's Winter Olympics tourism plans.USA: FIFA World Cup 2026 and the 250th Anniversary of IndependenceThe USA will be co-hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico. This historic event, marking the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence, will attract millions of football fans from across the globe. With 11 cities hosting matches, including New York, Los Angeles, and Miami, this event will provide an economic boost and bring a new wave of international visitors. The U.S. is set to become the epicenter of global sports tourism in 2026, with a series of cultural festivals and celebrations complementing the sporting action. The World Cup promises to amplify American hospitality, showcasing the country's diverse culture and dynamic cities. Get the full scoop on the USA's World Cup 2026 plans.Senegal: A Youth Olympic Games Destination to WatchIn 2026, Senegal will host the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, attracting over one million tourists to the West African nation. Senegal's rich culture, stunning beaches, and vibrant music scene will be the backdrop to this international sporting event. With new infrastructure projects, including stadiums and hotels, the country is gearing up for a major tourism boost. As Senegal embraces its role on the global stage, Dakar is poised to become a must-visit destination for those seeking a unique blend of culture and sports. Discover more about Senegal's Olympic plans.Japan's Asian Games: Tradition Meets Technology in 2026Japan is preparing for the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, promising an exciting mix of tradition and modern technology. This major sporting event will highlight Japan's Sengoku-period castles, industrial heritage, and cutting-edge technology. Organizers are focusing on innovative transport and event management to provide a seamless experience for visitors. The Asian Games will serve as a platform to showcase Japan's impeccable organization and high-tech infrastructure, while visitors enjoy the country's ancient shrines and delicious food. Read about Japan's preparation for the 2026 Asian Games.Malaysia's Year-Long Party: Visit Malaysia 2026Malaysia will host a year-long celebration under the banner of Visit Malaysia 2026. From Kuala Lumpur's skyscrapers to Borneo's rainforests, Malaysia will showcase its transformation into a multicultural and dynamic society. The tourism board promises a calendar full of festivals, food fairs, and cultural events to attract visitors from across the world. With a focus on sustainable tourism and multicultural heritage, Malaysia will position itself as a must-visit destination in Southeast Asia for 2026. Find out more about Malaysia Truly Asia.Thailand's Bold Reboot: Quality-First Tourism StrategyThailand is revamping its tourism strategy for 2026, shifting its focus from sheer volume to quality experiences. The Tourism Authority of Thailand has launched a new vision that targets luxury travellers, millennials, and health-conscious visitors, with a focus on wellness, adventure, and culture. By promoting local cuisine, temples, and sustainable experiences, Thailand aims to provide unforgettable journeys that respect both nature and community. Learn more about Thailand's 2026 tourism plans.India: The Ultimate Tourism OverhaulIn 2025-2026, India will see a massive overhaul of its tourism industry, thanks to a significant budget allocation for infrastructure and tourism development. With a focus on heritage, pilgrimage, and medical tourism, India is positioning itself as a global tourism powerhouse. By offering easy e-visas, enhancing tourist infrastructure, and promoting sustainable tourism, India is set to become a top destination for 2026. The government's ambitious plans aim to boost both economic growth and job creation. Read more about India's tourism budget and initiatives.Advertisement Share On:Tags: 2026 Tourism, FIFA World Cup 2026, global tourism trends, Peru Travel, Visit Malaysia 2026 Follow Travel And Tour World in Google News As sports enthusiasts around the world gear up for these monumental events, the tourism industry is bracing for a massive boom. Countries like Mexico, Peru, the US, Japan, Italy, Malaysia, and Senegal are already gearing up to welcome an influx of international visitors, eager to be part of the action. The 2026 Winter Olympics and FIFA World Cup will ignite passions and bring global attention to these countries, creating an unparalleled opportunity for tourism growth. From the winter wonderland of the Olympics to the thrilling football matches of the World Cup, the excitement is palpable. This powerful combination of global sports events is set to drive travel, boosting local economies and fostering cultural exchange.In this article, we will explore how these sporting spectacles will not only unite nations but also revolutionize tourism in Mexico, Peru, the US, Japan, Italy, Malaysia, Senegal, and beyond. Stay tuned to discover the tourism boom that's just around the corner!The year 2026 is shaping up to be a landmark for global tourism, with Peru leading the charge as one of the world's must-visit destinations. Peru's inclusion in Lonely Planet's Best in Travel list highlights its rich blend of ancient history, modern sustainability, and breathtaking landscapes, making it a top contender for travellers seeking adventure, culture, and sustainability.Machu Picchu, the Inca citadel, and the Nazca desert lines remain key attractions, but it's Peru's hidden wonders and new circuits that are set to blow visitors away. The Dominican Republic, Italy, Mexico, and other tourism giants are also preparing for record-breaking years with a series of exciting events like the 2026 Winter Olympics and the FIFA World Cup.Advertisement From luxurious beach resorts in Mexico to snowy Alpine landscapes in Italy, the race for global tourism supremacy has never been fiercer. Whether it's enjoying traditional festivals, exploring local cultures, or indulging in culinary delights, these nations are bringing their best to 2026.This official guide breaks down the best of the top 10 destinations for 2026, featuring game-changing tourism strategies and the latest entry rules you need to know. Get ready to explore the world like never before in the most exhilarating year for tourism yet!Mexico: Fiesta Fever at the 2026 World Cup and BeyondMexico is taking full advantage of the FIFA World Cup 2026, hosting 10 matches in Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey. With its rich culture, vibrant festivals, and renowned gastronomy, Mexico promises an unforgettable experience for football fans. In addition to the World Cup, Mexico continues to rise as one of the world's most visited destinations, climbing from 15th to 6th place. The government has launched a global campaign to highlight hidden gems and authentic experiences, ensuring that Mexico remains at the forefront of global tourism. Learn about Mexico's plans for 2026 tourism.Peru's Unstoppable Rise: Ancient Wonders Meet Sustainable TravelPeru has emerged as a star destination for 2026. Known for the world-renowned Machu Picchu, Peru offers visitors the perfect mix of ancient history, modern sustainability, and rich culture. According to Lonely Planet, Peru has been crowned one of the top 25 must-visit destinations for 2026. New entry rules and visa waivers are being introduced to make it even easier for travellers to visit this vibrant nation. Peru's new tourist routes, including Choquequirao and Huaraz, offer untouched beauty and fewer crowds. The government's focus on sustainable tourism ensures that the country benefits from tourism while preserving its rich heritage and natural wonders. Read more about Peru's tourism success in 2026.Italy's Winter Olympics: The Ultimate Event for 2026 TourismItaly is set to captivate the world with the 2026 Winter Olympics and Paralympics. From 4 February to 15 March 2026, Italy will host this prestigious event, attracting over two million spectators. The Games will be spread across eight cities, including Milan, Cortina d'Ampezzo, and Verona. Visitors can expect spectacular alpine landscapes, world-class skiing, and a taste of Italian culture—from art galleries to delicious cuisine. With high demand for tickets and accommodation, tourists are encouraged to book early. The Winter Olympics is expected to drive a huge spike in tourism and cement Italy's position as a winter wonderland for travellers worldwide. Explore Italy's Winter Olympics tourism plans.USA: FIFA World Cup 2026 and the 250th Anniversary of IndependenceThe USA will be co-hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico. This historic event, marking the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence, will attract millions of football fans from across the globe. With 11 cities hosting matches, including New York, Los Angeles, and Miami, this event will provide an economic boost and bring a new wave of international visitors. The U.S. is set to become the epicenter of global sports tourism in 2026, with a series of cultural festivals and celebrations complementing the sporting action. The World Cup promises to amplify American hospitality, showcasing the country's diverse culture and dynamic cities. Get the full scoop on the USA's World Cup 2026 plans.Senegal: A Youth Olympic Games Destination to WatchIn 2026, Senegal will host the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, attracting over one million tourists to the West African nation. Senegal's rich culture, stunning beaches, and vibrant music scene will be the backdrop to this international sporting event. With new infrastructure projects, including stadiums and hotels, the country is gearing up for a major tourism boost. As Senegal embraces its role on the global stage, Dakar is poised to become a must-visit destination for those seeking a unique blend of culture and sports. Discover more about Senegal's Olympic plans.Japan's Asian Games: Tradition Meets Technology in 2026Japan is preparing for the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, promising an exciting mix of tradition and modern technology. This major sporting event will highlight Japan's Sengoku-period castles, industrial heritage, and cutting-edge technology. Organizers are focusing on innovative transport and event management to provide a seamless experience for visitors. The Asian Games will serve as a platform to showcase Japan's impeccable organization and high-tech infrastructure, while visitors enjoy the country's ancient shrines and delicious food. Read about Japan's preparation for the 2026 Asian Games.Malaysia's Year-Long Party: Visit Malaysia 2026Malaysia will host a year-long celebration under the banner of Visit Malaysia 2026. From Kuala Lumpur's skyscrapers to Borneo's rainforests, Malaysia will showcase its transformation into a multicultural and dynamic society. The tourism board promises a calendar full of festivals, food fairs, and cultural events to attract visitors from across the world. With a focus on sustainable tourism and multicultural heritage, Malaysia will position itself as a must-visit destination in Southeast Asia for 2026. Find out more about Malaysia Truly Asia.Thailand's Bold Reboot: Quality-First Tourism StrategyThailand is revamping its tourism strategy for 2026, shifting its focus from sheer volume to quality experiences. The Tourism Authority of Thailand has launched a new vision that targets luxury travellers, millennials, and health-conscious visitors, with a focus on wellness, adventure, and culture. By promoting local cuisine, temples, and sustainable experiences, Thailand aims to provide unforgettable journeys that respect both nature and community. Learn more about Thailand's 2026 tourism plans.India: The Ultimate Tourism OverhaulIn 2025-2026, India will see a massive overhaul of its tourism industry, thanks to a significant budget allocation for infrastructure and tourism development. With a focus on heritage, pilgrimage, and medical tourism, India is positioning itself as a global tourism powerhouse. By offering easy e-visas, enhancing tourist infrastructure, and promoting sustainable tourism, India is set to become a top destination for 2026. The government's ambitious plans aim to boost both economic growth and job creation. Read more about India's tourism budget and initiatives.Advertisement Share On:Tags: 2026 Tourism, FIFA World Cup 2026, global tourism trends, Peru Travel, Visit Malaysia 2026 Follow Travel And Tour World in Google News The 2026 Winter Olympics and FIFA World Cup will ignite passions and bring global attention to these countries, creating an unparalleled opportunity for tourism growth. From the winter wonderland of the Olympics to the thrilling football matches of the World Cup, the excitement is palpable. This powerful combination of global sports events is set to drive travel, boosting local economies and fostering cultural exchange.In this article, we will explore how these sporting spectacles will not only unite nations but also revolutionize tourism in Mexico, Peru, the US, Japan, Italy, Malaysia, Senegal, and beyond. Stay tuned to discover the tourism boom that's just around the corner!The year 2026 is shaping up to be a landmark for global tourism, with Peru leading the charge as one of the world's must-visit destinations. Peru's inclusion in Lonely Planet's Best in Travel list highlights its rich blend of ancient history, modern sustainability, and breathtaking landscapes, making it a top contender for travellers seeking adventure, culture, and sustainability.Machu Picchu, the Inca citadel, and the Nazca desert lines remain key attractions, but it's Peru's hidden wonders and new circuits that are set to blow visitors away. The Dominican Republic, Italy, Mexico, and other tourism giants are also preparing for record-breaking years with a series of exciting events like the 2026 Winter Olympics and the FIFA World Cup.Advertisement From luxurious beach resorts in Mexico to snowy Alpine landscapes in Italy, the race for global tourism supremacy has never been fiercer. Whether it's enjoying traditional festivals, exploring local cultures, or indulging in culinary delights, these nations are bringing their best to 2026.This official guide breaks down the best of the top 10 destinations for 2026, featuring game-changing tourism strategies and the latest entry rules you need to know. Get ready to explore the world like never before in the most exhilarating year for tourism yet!Mexico: Fiesta Fever at the 2026 World Cup and BeyondMexico is taking full advantage of the FIFA World Cup 2026, hosting 10 matches in Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey. With its rich culture, vibrant festivals, and renowned gastronomy, Mexico promises an unforgettable experience for football fans. In addition to the World Cup, Mexico continues to rise as one of the world's most visited destinations, climbing from 15th to 6th place. The government has launched a global campaign to highlight hidden gems and authentic experiences, ensuring that Mexico remains at the forefront of global tourism. Learn about Mexico's plans for 2026 tourism.Peru's Unstoppable Rise: Ancient Wonders Meet Sustainable TravelPeru has emerged as a star destination for 2026. Known for the world-renowned Machu Picchu, Peru offers visitors the perfect mix of ancient history, modern sustainability, and rich culture. According to Lonely Planet, Peru has been crowned one of the top 25 must-visit destinations for 2026. New entry rules and visa waivers are being introduced to make it even easier for travellers to visit this vibrant nation. Peru's new tourist routes, including Choquequirao and Huaraz, offer untouched beauty and fewer crowds. The government's focus on sustainable tourism ensures that the country benefits from tourism while preserving its rich heritage and natural wonders. Read more about Peru's tourism success in 2026.Italy's Winter Olympics: The Ultimate Event for 2026 TourismItaly is set to captivate the world with the 2026 Winter Olympics and Paralympics. From 4 February to 15 March 2026, Italy will host this prestigious event, attracting over two million spectators. The Games will be spread across eight cities, including Milan, Cortina d'Ampezzo, and Verona. Visitors can expect spectacular alpine landscapes, world-class skiing, and a taste of Italian culture—from art galleries to delicious cuisine. With high demand for tickets and accommodation, tourists are encouraged to book early. The Winter Olympics is expected to drive a huge spike in tourism and cement Italy's position as a winter wonderland for travellers worldwide. Explore Italy's Winter Olympics tourism plans.USA: FIFA World Cup 2026 and the 250th Anniversary of IndependenceThe USA will be co-hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico. This historic event, marking the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence, will attract millions of football fans from across the globe. With 11 cities hosting matches, including New York, Los Angeles, and Miami, this event will provide an economic boost and bring a new wave of international visitors. The U.S. is set to become the epicenter of global sports tourism in 2026, with a series of cultural festivals and celebrations complementing the sporting action. The World Cup promises to amplify American hospitality, showcasing the country's diverse culture and dynamic cities. Get the full scoop on the USA's World Cup 2026 plans.Senegal: A Youth Olympic Games Destination to WatchIn 2026, Senegal will host the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, attracting over one million tourists to the West African nation. Senegal's rich culture, stunning beaches, and vibrant music scene will be the backdrop to this international sporting event. With new infrastructure projects, including stadiums and hotels, the country is gearing up for a major tourism boost. As Senegal embraces its role on the global stage, Dakar is poised to become a must-visit destination for those seeking a unique blend of culture and sports. Discover more about Senegal's Olympic plans.Japan's Asian Games: Tradition Meets Technology in 2026Japan is preparing for the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, promising an exciting mix of tradition and modern technology. This major sporting event will highlight Japan's Sengoku-period castles, industrial heritage, and cutting-edge technology. Organizers are focusing on innovative transport and event management to provide a seamless experience for visitors. The Asian Games will serve as a platform to showcase Japan's impeccable organization and high-tech infrastructure, while visitors enjoy the country's ancient shrines and delicious food. Read about Japan's preparation for the 2026 Asian Games.Malaysia's Year-Long Party: Visit Malaysia 2026Malaysia will host a year-long celebration under the banner of Visit Malaysia 2026. From Kuala Lumpur's skyscrapers to Borneo's rainforests, Malaysia will showcase its transformation into a multicultural and dynamic society. The tourism board promises a calendar full of festivals, food fairs, and cultural events to attract visitors from across the world. With a focus on sustainable tourism and multicultural heritage, Malaysia will position itself as a must-visit destination in Southeast Asia for 2026. Find out more about Malaysia Truly Asia.Thailand's Bold Reboot: Quality-First Tourism StrategyThailand is revamping its tourism strategy for 2026, shifting its focus from sheer volume to quality experiences. The Tourism Authority of Thailand has launched a new vision that targets luxury travellers, millennials, and health-conscious visitors, with a focus on wellness, adventure, and culture. By promoting local cuisine, temples, and sustainable experiences, Thailand aims to provide unforgettable journeys that respect both nature and community. Learn more about Thailand's 2026 tourism plans.India: The Ultimate Tourism OverhaulIn 2025-2026, India will see a massive overhaul of its tourism industry, thanks to a significant budget allocation for infrastructure and tourism development. With a focus on heritage, pilgrimage, and medical tourism, India is positioning itself as a global tourism powerhouse. By offering easy e-visas, enhancing tourist infrastructure, and promoting sustainable tourism, India is set to become a top destination for 2026. The government's ambitious plans aim to boost both economic growth and job creation. Read more about India's tourism budget and initiatives.Advertisement Share On:Tags: 2026 Tourism, FIFA World Cup 2026, global tourism trends, Peru Travel, Visit Malaysia 2026 Follow Travel And Tour World in Google News In this article, we will explore how these sporting spectacles will not only unite nations but also revolutionize tourism in Mexico, Peru, the US, Japan, Italy, Malaysia, Senegal, and beyond. Stay tuned to discover the tourism boom that's just around the corner!The year 2026 is shaping up to be a landmark for global tourism, with Peru leading the charge as one of the world's must-visit destinations. Peru's inclusion in Lonely Planet's Best in Travel list highlights its rich blend of ancient history, modern sustainability, and breathtaking landscapes, making it a top contender for travellers seeking adventure, culture, and sustainability.Machu Picchu, the Inca citadel, and the Nazca desert lines remain key attractions, but it's Peru's hidden wonders and new circuits that are set to blow visitors away. The Dominican Republic, Italy, Mexico, and other tourism giants are also preparing for record-breaking years with a series of exciting events like the 2026 Winter Olympics and the FIFA World Cup.Advertisement From luxurious beach resorts in Mexico to snowy Alpine landscapes in Italy, the race for global tourism supremacy has never been fiercer. Whether it's enjoying traditional festivals, exploring local cultures, or indulging in culinary delights, these nations are bringing their best to 2026.This official guide breaks down the best of the top 10 destinations for 2026, featuring game-changing tourism strategies and the latest entry rules you need to know. Get ready to explore the world like never before in the most exhilarating year for tourism yet!Mexico: Fiesta Fever at the 2026 World Cup and BeyondMexico is taking full advantage of the FIFA World Cup 2026, hosting 10 matches in Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey. With its rich culture, vibrant festivals, and renowned gastronomy, Mexico promises an unforgettable experience for football fans. In addition to the World Cup, Mexico continues to rise as one of the world's most visited destinations, climbing from 15th to 6th place. The government has launched a global campaign to highlight hidden gems and authentic experiences, ensuring that Mexico remains at the forefront of global tourism. Learn about Mexico's plans for 2026 tourism.Peru's Unstoppable Rise: Ancient Wonders Meet Sustainable TravelPeru has emerged as a star destination for 2026. Known for the world-renowned Machu Picchu, Peru offers visitors the perfect mix of ancient history, modern sustainability, and rich culture. According to Lonely Planet, Peru has been crowned one of the top 25 must-visit destinations for 2026. New entry rules and visa waivers are being introduced to make it even easier for travellers to visit this vibrant nation. Peru's new tourist routes, including Choquequirao and Huaraz, offer untouched beauty and fewer crowds. The government's focus on sustainable tourism ensures that the country benefits from tourism while preserving its rich heritage and natural wonders. Read more about Peru's tourism success in 2026.Italy's Winter Olympics: The Ultimate Event for 2026 TourismItaly is set to captivate the world with the 2026 Winter Olympics and Paralympics. From 4 February to 15 March 2026, Italy will host this prestigious event, attracting over two million spectators. The Games will be spread across eight cities, including Milan, Cortina d'Ampezzo, and Verona. Visitors can expect spectacular alpine landscapes, world-class skiing, and a taste of Italian culture—from art galleries to delicious cuisine. With high demand for tickets and accommodation, tourists are encouraged to book early. The Winter Olympics is expected to drive a huge spike in tourism and cement Italy's position as a winter wonderland for travellers worldwide. Explore Italy's Winter Olympics tourism plans.USA: FIFA World Cup 2026 and the 250th Anniversary of IndependenceThe USA will be co-hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico. This historic event, marking the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence, will attract millions of football fans from across the globe. With 11 cities hosting matches, including New York, Los Angeles, and Miami, this event will provide an economic boost and bring a new wave of international visitors. The U.S. is set to become the epicenter of global sports tourism in 2026, with a series of cultural festivals and celebrations complementing the sporting action. The World Cup promises to amplify American hospitality, showcasing the country's diverse culture and dynamic cities. Get the full scoop on the USA's World Cup 2026 plans.Senegal: A Youth Olympic Games Destination to WatchIn 2026, Senegal will host the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, attracting over one million tourists to the West African nation. Senegal's rich culture, stunning beaches, and vibrant music scene will be the backdrop to this international sporting event. With new infrastructure projects, including stadiums and hotels, the country is gearing up for a major tourism boost. As Senegal embraces its role on the global stage, Dakar is poised to become a must-visit destination for those seeking a unique blend of culture and sports. Discover more about Senegal's Olympic plans.Japan's Asian Games: Tradition Meets Technology in 2026Japan is preparing for the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, promising an exciting mix of tradition and modern technology. This major sporting event will highlight Japan's Sengoku-period castles, industrial heritage, and cutting-edge technology. Organizers are focusing on innovative transport and event management to provide a seamless experience for visitors. The Asian Games will serve as a platform to showcase Japan's impeccable organization and high-tech infrastructure, while visitors enjoy the country's ancient shrines and delicious food. Read about Japan's preparation for the 2026 Asian Games.Malaysia's Year-Long Party: Visit Malaysia 2026Malaysia will host a year-long celebration under the banner of Visit Malaysia 2026. From Kuala Lumpur's skyscrapers to Borneo's rainforests, Malaysia will showcase its transformation into a multicultural and dynamic society. The tourism board promises a calendar full of festivals, food fairs, and cultural events to attract visitors from across the world. With a focus on sustainable tourism and multicultural heritage, Malaysia will position itself as a must-visit destination in Southeast Asia for 2026. Find out more about Malaysia Truly Asia.Thailand's Bold Reboot: Quality-First Tourism StrategyThailand is revamping its tourism strategy for 2026, shifting its focus from sheer volume to quality experiences. The Tourism Authority of Thailand has launched a new vision that targets luxury travellers, millennials, and health-conscious visitors, with a focus on wellness, adventure, and culture. By promoting local cuisine, temples, and sustainable experiences, Thailand aims to provide unforgettable journeys that respect both nature and community. Learn more about Thailand's 2026 tourism plans.India: The Ultimate Tourism OverhaulIn 2025-2026, India will see a massive overhaul of its tourism industry, thanks to a significant budget allocation for infrastructure and tourism development. With a focus on heritage, pilgrimage, and medical tourism, India is positioning itself as a global tourism powerhouse. By offering easy e-visas, enhancing tourist infrastructure, and promoting sustainable tourism, India is set to become a top destination for 2026. The government's ambitious plans aim to boost both economic growth and job creation. Read more about India's tourism budget and initiatives.Advertisement Share On:Tags: 2026 Tourism, FIFA World Cup 2026, global tourism trends, Peru Travel, Visit Malaysia 2026 Follow Travel And Tour World in Google News The year 2026 is shaping up to be a landmark for global tourism, with Peru leading the charge as one of the world's must-visit destinations. Peru's inclusion in Lonely Planet's Best in Travel list highlights its rich blend of ancient history, modern sustainability, and breathtaking landscapes, making it a top contender for travellers seeking adventure, culture, and sustainability.Machu Picchu, the Inca citadel, and the Nazca desert lines remain key attractions, but it's Peru's hidden wonders and new circuits that are set to blow visitors away. The Dominican Republic, Italy, Mexico, and other tourism giants are also preparing for record-breaking years with a series of exciting events like the 2026 Winter Olympics and the FIFA World Cup.Advertisement From luxurious beach resorts in Mexico to snowy Alpine landscapes in Italy, the race for global tourism supremacy has never been fiercer. Whether it's enjoying traditional festivals, exploring local cultures, or indulging in culinary delights, these nations are bringing their best to 2026.This official guide breaks down the best of the top 10 destinations for 2026, featuring game-changing tourism strategies and the latest entry rules you need to know. Get ready to explore the world like never before in the most exhilarating year for tourism yet!Mexico: Fiesta Fever at the 2026 World Cup and BeyondMexico is taking full advantage of the FIFA World Cup 2026, hosting 10 matches in Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey. With its rich culture, vibrant festivals, and renowned gastronomy, Mexico promises an unforgettable experience for football fans. In addition to the World Cup, Mexico continues to rise as one of the world's most visited destinations, climbing from 15th to 6th place. The government has launched a global campaign to highlight hidden gems and authentic experiences, ensuring that Mexico remains at the forefront of global tourism. Learn about Mexico's plans for 2026 tourism.Peru's Unstoppable Rise: Ancient Wonders Meet Sustainable TravelPeru has emerged as a star destination for 2026. Known for the world-renowned Machu Picchu, Peru offers visitors the perfect mix of ancient history, modern sustainability, and rich culture. According to Lonely Planet, Peru has been crowned one of the top 25 must-visit destinations for 2026. New entry rules and visa waivers are being introduced to make it even easier for travellers to visit this vibrant nation. Peru's new tourist routes, including Choquequirao and Huaraz, offer untouched beauty and fewer crowds. The government's focus on sustainable tourism ensures that the country benefits from tourism while preserving its rich heritage and natural wonders. Read more about Peru's tourism success in 2026.Italy's Winter Olympics: The Ultimate Event for 2026 TourismItaly is set to captivate the world with the 2026 Winter Olympics and Paralympics. From 4 February to 15 March 2026, Italy will host this prestigious event, attracting over two million spectators. The Games will be spread across eight cities, including Milan, Cortina d'Ampezzo, and Verona. Visitors can expect spectacular alpine landscapes, world-class skiing, and a taste of Italian culture—from art galleries to delicious cuisine. With high demand for tickets and accommodation, tourists are encouraged to book early. The Winter Olympics is expected to drive a huge spike in tourism and cement Italy's position as a winter wonderland for travellers worldwide. Explore Italy's Winter Olympics tourism plans.USA: FIFA World Cup 2026 and the 250th Anniversary of IndependenceThe USA will be co-hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico. This historic event, marking the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence, will attract millions of football fans from across the globe. With 11 cities hosting matches, including New York, Los Angeles, and Miami, this event will provide an economic boost and bring a new wave of international visitors. The U.S. is set to become the epicenter of global sports tourism in 2026, with a series of cultural festivals and celebrations complementing the sporting action. The World Cup promises to amplify American hospitality, showcasing the country's diverse culture and dynamic cities. Get the full scoop on the USA's World Cup 2026 plans.Senegal: A Youth Olympic Games Destination to WatchIn 2026, Senegal will host the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, attracting over one million tourists to the West African nation. Senegal's rich culture, stunning beaches, and vibrant music scene will be the backdrop to this international sporting event. With new infrastructure projects, including stadiums and hotels, the country is gearing up for a major tourism boost. As Senegal embraces its role on the global stage, Dakar is poised to become a must-visit destination for those seeking a unique blend of culture and sports. Discover more about Senegal's Olympic plans.Japan's Asian Games: Tradition Meets Technology in 2026Japan is preparing for the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, promising an exciting mix of tradition and modern technology. This major sporting event will highlight Japan's Sengoku-period castles, industrial heritage, and cutting-edge technology. Organizers are focusing on innovative transport and event management to provide a seamless experience for visitors. The Asian Games will serve as a platform to showcase Japan's impeccable organization and high-tech infrastructure, while visitors enjoy the country's ancient shrines and delicious food. Read about Japan's preparation for the 2026 Asian Games.Malaysia's Year-Long Party: Visit Malaysia 2026Malaysia will host a year-long celebration under the banner of Visit Malaysia 2026. From Kuala Lumpur's skyscrapers to Borneo's rainforests, Malaysia will showcase its transformation into a multicultural and dynamic society. The tourism board promises a calendar full of festivals, food fairs, and cultural events to attract visitors from across the world. With a focus on sustainable tourism and multicultural heritage, Malaysia will position itself as a must-visit destination in Southeast Asia for 2026. Find out more about Malaysia Truly Asia.Thailand's Bold Reboot: Quality-First Tourism StrategyThailand is revamping its tourism strategy for 2026, shifting its focus from sheer volume to quality experiences. The Tourism Authority of Thailand has launched a new vision that targets luxury travellers, millennials, and health-conscious visitors, with a focus on wellness, adventure, and culture. By promoting local cuisine, temples, and sustainable experiences, Thailand aims to provide unforgettable journeys that respect both nature and community. Learn more about Thailand's 2026 tourism plans.India: The Ultimate Tourism OverhaulIn 2025-2026, India will see a massive overhaul of its tourism industry, thanks to a significant budget allocation for infrastructure and tourism development. With a focus on heritage, pilgrimage, and medical tourism, India is positioning itself as a global tourism powerhouse. By offering easy e-visas, enhancing tourist infrastructure, and promoting sustainable tourism, India is set to become a top destination for 2026. The government's ambitious plans aim to boost both economic growth and job creation. Read more about India's tourism budget and initiatives.Advertisement Share On:Tags: 2026 Tourism, FIFA World Cup 2026, global tourism trends, Peru Travel, Visit Malaysia 2026 Follow Travel And Tour World in Google News Machu Picchu, the Inca citadel, and the Nazca desert lines remain key attractions, but it's Peru's hidden wonders and new circuits that are set to blow visitors away. The Dominican Republic, Italy, Mexico, and other tourism giants are also preparing for record-breaking years with a series of exciting events like the 2026 Winter Olympics and the FIFA World Cup.Advertisement From luxurious beach resorts in Mexico to snowy Alpine landscapes in Italy, the race for global tourism supremacy has never been fiercer. Whether it's enjoying traditional festivals, exploring local cultures, or indulging in culinary delights, these nations are bringing their best to 2026.This official guide breaks down the best of the top 10 destinations for 2026, featuring game-changing tourism strategies and the latest entry rules you need to know. Get ready to explore the world like never before in the most exhilarating year for tourism yet!Mexico: Fiesta Fever at the 2026 World Cup and BeyondMexico is taking full advantage of the FIFA World Cup 2026, hosting 10 matches in Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey. With its rich culture, vibrant festivals, and renowned gastronomy, Mexico promises an unforgettable experience for football fans. In addition to the World Cup, Mexico continues to rise as one of the world's most visited destinations, climbing from 15th to 6th place. The government has launched a global campaign to highlight hidden gems and authentic experiences, ensuring that Mexico remains at the forefront of global tourism. Learn about Mexico's plans for 2026 tourism.Peru's Unstoppable Rise: Ancient Wonders Meet Sustainable TravelPeru has emerged as a star destination for 2026. Known for the world-renowned Machu Picchu, Peru offers visitors the perfect mix of ancient history, modern sustainability, and rich culture. According to Lonely Planet, Peru has been crowned one of the top 25 must-visit destinations for 2026. New entry rules and visa waivers are being introduced to make it even easier for travellers to visit this vibrant nation. Peru's new tourist routes, including Choquequirao and Huaraz, offer untouched beauty and fewer crowds. The government's focus on sustainable tourism ensures that the country benefits from tourism while preserving its rich heritage and natural wonders. Read more about Peru's tourism success in 2026.Italy's Winter Olympics: The Ultimate Event for 2026 TourismItaly is set to captivate the world with the 2026 Winter Olympics and Paralympics. From 4 February to 15 March 2026, Italy will host this prestigious event, attracting over two million spectators. The Games will be spread across eight cities, including Milan, Cortina d'Ampezzo, and Verona. Visitors can expect spectacular alpine landscapes, world-class skiing, and a taste of Italian culture—from art galleries to delicious cuisine. With high demand for tickets and accommodation, tourists are encouraged to book early. The Winter Olympics is expected to drive a huge spike in tourism and cement Italy's position as a winter wonderland for travellers worldwide. Explore Italy's Winter Olympics tourism plans.USA: FIFA World Cup 2026 and the 250th Anniversary of IndependenceThe USA will be co-hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico. This historic event, marking the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence, will attract millions of football fans from across the globe. With 11 cities hosting matches, including New York, Los Angeles, and Miami, this event will provide an economic boost and bring a new wave of international visitors. The U.S. is set to become the epicenter of global sports tourism in 2026, with a series of cultural festivals and celebrations complementing the sporting action. The World Cup promises to amplify American hospitality, showcasing the country's diverse culture and dynamic cities. Get the full scoop on the USA's World Cup 2026 plans.Senegal: A Youth Olympic Games Destination to WatchIn 2026, Senegal will host the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, attracting over one million tourists to the West African nation. Senegal's rich culture, stunning beaches, and vibrant music scene will be the backdrop to this international sporting event. With new infrastructure projects, including stadiums and hotels, the country is gearing up for a major tourism boost. As Senegal embraces its role on the global stage, Dakar is poised to become a must-visit destination for those seeking a unique blend of culture and sports. Discover more about Senegal's Olympic plans.Japan's Asian Games: Tradition Meets Technology in 2026Japan is preparing for the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, promising an exciting mix of tradition and modern technology. This major sporting event will highlight Japan's Sengoku-period castles, industrial heritage, and cutting-edge technology. Organizers are focusing on innovative transport and event management to provide a seamless experience for visitors. The Asian Games will serve as a platform to showcase Japan's impeccable organization and high-tech infrastructure, while visitors enjoy the country's ancient shrines and delicious food. Read about Japan's preparation for the 2026 Asian Games.Malaysia's Year-Long Party: Visit Malaysia 2026Malaysia will host a year-long celebration under the banner of Visit Malaysia 2026. From Kuala Lumpur's skyscrapers to Borneo's rainforests, Malaysia will showcase its transformation into a multicultural and dynamic society. The tourism board promises a calendar full of festivals, food fairs, and cultural events to attract visitors from across the world. With a focus on sustainable tourism and multicultural heritage, Malaysia will position itself as a must-visit destination in Southeast Asia for 2026. Find out more about Malaysia Truly Asia.Thailand's Bold Reboot: Quality-First Tourism StrategyThailand is revamping its tourism strategy for 2026, shifting its focus from sheer volume to quality experiences. The Tourism Authority of Thailand has launched a new vision that targets luxury travellers, millennials, and health-conscious visitors, with a focus on wellness, adventure, and culture. By promoting local cuisine, temples, and sustainable experiences, Thailand aims to provide unforgettable journeys that respect both nature and community. Learn more about Thailand's 2026 tourism plans.India: The Ultimate Tourism OverhaulIn 2025-2026, India will see a massive overhaul of its tourism industry, thanks to a significant budget allocation for infrastructure and tourism development. With a focus on heritage, pilgrimage, and medical tourism, India is positioning itself as a global tourism powerhouse. By offering easy e-visas, enhancing tourist infrastructure, and promoting sustainable tourism, India is set to become a top destination for 2026. The government's ambitious plans aim to boost both economic growth and job creation. Read more about India's tourism budget and initiatives.Advertisement Share On:Tags: 2026 Tourism, FIFA World Cup 2026, global tourism trends, Peru Travel, Visit Malaysia 2026 Follow Travel And Tour World in Google News Advertisement From luxurious beach resorts in Mexico to snowy Alpine landscapes in Italy, the race for global tourism supremacy has never been fiercer. Whether it's enjoying traditional festivals, exploring local cultures, or indulging in culinary delights, these nations are bringing their best to 2026.This official guide breaks down the best of the top 10 destinations for 2026, featuring game-changing tourism strategies and the latest entry rules you need to know. Get ready to explore the world like never before in the most exhilarating year for tourism yet!Mexico: Fiesta Fever at the 2026 World Cup and BeyondMexico is taking full advantage of the FIFA World Cup 2026, hosting 10 matches in Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey. With its rich culture, vibrant festivals, and renowned gastronomy, Mexico promises an unforgettable experience for football fans. In addition to the World Cup, Mexico continues to rise as one of the world's most visited destinations, climbing from 15th to 6th place. The government has launched a global campaign to highlight hidden gems and authentic experiences, ensuring that Mexico remains at the forefront of global tourism. Learn about Mexico's plans for 2026 tourism.Peru's Unstoppable Rise: Ancient Wonders Meet Sustainable TravelPeru has emerged as a star destination for 2026. Known for the world-renowned Machu Picchu, Peru offers visitors the perfect mix of ancient history, modern sustainability, and rich culture. According to Lonely Planet, Peru has been crowned one of the top 25 must-visit destinations for 2026. New entry rules and visa waivers are being introduced to make it even easier for travellers to visit this vibrant nation. Peru's new tourist routes, including Choquequirao and Huaraz, offer untouched beauty and fewer crowds. The government's focus on sustainable tourism ensures that the country benefits from tourism while preserving its rich heritage and natural wonders. Read more about Peru's tourism success in 2026.Italy's Winter Olympics: The Ultimate Event for 2026 TourismItaly is set to captivate the world with the 2026 Winter Olympics and Paralympics. From 4 February to 15 March 2026, Italy will host this prestigious event, attracting over two million spectators. The Games will be spread across eight cities, including Milan, Cortina d'Ampezzo, and Verona. Visitors can expect spectacular alpine landscapes, world-class skiing, and a taste of Italian culture—from art galleries to delicious cuisine. With high demand for tickets and accommodation, tourists are encouraged to book early. The Winter Olympics is expected to drive a huge spike in tourism and cement Italy's position as a winter wonderland for travellers worldwide. Explore Italy's Winter Olympics tourism plans.USA: FIFA World Cup 2026 and the 250th Anniversary of IndependenceThe USA will be co-hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico. This historic event, marking the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence, will attract millions of football fans from across the globe. With 11 cities hosting matches, including New York, Los Angeles, and Miami, this event will provide an economic boost and bring a new wave of international visitors. The U.S. is set to become the epicenter of global sports tourism in 2026, with a series of cultural festivals and celebrations complementing the sporting action. The World Cup promises to amplify American hospitality, showcasing the country's diverse culture and dynamic cities. Get the full scoop on the USA's World Cup 2026 plans.Senegal: A Youth Olympic Games Destination to WatchIn 2026, Senegal will host the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, attracting over one million tourists to the West African nation. Senegal's rich culture, stunning beaches, and vibrant music scene will be the backdrop to this international sporting event. With new infrastructure projects, including stadiums and hotels, the country is gearing up for a major tourism boost. As Senegal embraces its role on the global stage, Dakar is poised to become a must-visit destination for those seeking a unique blend of culture and sports. Discover more about Senegal's Olympic plans.Japan's Asian Games: Tradition Meets Technology in 2026Japan is preparing for the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, promising an exciting mix of tradition and modern technology. This major sporting event will highlight Japan's Sengoku-period castles, industrial heritage, and cutting-edge technology. Organizers are focusing on innovative transport and event management to provide a seamless experience for visitors. The Asian Games will serve as a platform to showcase Japan's impeccable organization and high-tech infrastructure, while visitors enjoy the country's ancient shrines and delicious food. Read about Japan's preparation for the 2026 Asian Games.Malaysia's Year-Long Party: Visit Malaysia 2026Malaysia will host a year-long celebration under the banner of Visit Malaysia 2026. From Kuala Lumpur's skyscrapers to Borneo's rainforests, Malaysia will showcase its transformation into a multicultural and dynamic society. The tourism board promises a calendar full of festivals, food fairs, and cultural events to attract visitors from across the world. With a focus on sustainable tourism and multicultural heritage, Malaysia will position itself as a must-visit destination in Southeast Asia for 2026. Find out more about Malaysia Truly Asia.Thailand's Bold Reboot: Quality-First Tourism StrategyThailand is revamping its tourism strategy for 2026, shifting its focus from sheer volume to quality experiences. The Tourism Authority of Thailand has launched a new vision that targets luxury travellers, millennials, and health-conscious visitors, with a focus on wellness, adventure, and culture. By promoting local cuisine, temples, and sustainable experiences, Thailand aims to provide unforgettable journeys that respect both nature and community. Learn more about Thailand's 2026 tourism plans.India: The Ultimate Tourism OverhaulIn 2025-2026, India will see a massive overhaul of its tourism industry, thanks to a significant budget allocation for infrastructure and tourism development. With a focus on heritage, pilgrimage, and medical tourism, India is positioning itself as a global tourism powerhouse. By offering easy e-visas, enhancing tourist infrastructure, and promoting sustainable tourism, India is set to become a top destination for 2026. The government's ambitious plans aim to boost both economic growth and job creation. Read more about India's tourism budget and initiatives.Advertisement Share On:Tags: 2026 Tourism, FIFA World Cup 2026, global tourism trends, Peru Travel, Visit Malaysia 2026 Follow Travel And Tour World in Google News This official guide breaks down the best of the top 10 destinations for 2026, featuring game-changing tourism strategies and the latest entry rules you need to know. Get ready to explore the world like never before in the most exhilarating year for tourism yet!Mexico: Fiesta Fever at the 2026 World Cup and BeyondMexico is taking full advantage of the FIFA World Cup 2026, hosting 10 matches in Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey. With its rich culture, vibrant festivals, and renowned gastronomy, Mexico promises an unforgettable experience for football fans. In addition to the World Cup, Mexico continues to rise as one of the world's most visited destinations, climbing from 15th to 6th place. The government has launched a global campaign to highlight hidden gems and authentic experiences, ensuring that Mexico remains at the forefront of global tourism. Learn about Mexico's plans for 2026 tourism.Peru's Unstoppable Rise: Ancient Wonders Meet Sustainable TravelPeru has emerged as a star destination for 2026. Known for the world-renowned Machu Picchu, Peru offers visitors the perfect mix of ancient history, modern sustainability, and rich culture. According to Lonely Planet, Peru has been crowned one of the top 25 must-visit destinations for 2026. New entry rules and visa waivers are being introduced to make it even easier for travellers to visit this vibrant nation. Peru's new tourist routes, including Choquequirao and Huaraz, offer untouched beauty and fewer crowds. The government's focus on sustainable tourism ensures that the country benefits from tourism while preserving its rich heritage and natural wonders. Read more about Peru's tourism success in 2026.Italy's Winter Olympics: The Ultimate Event for 2026 TourismItaly is set to captivate the world with the 2026 Winter Olympics and Paralympics. From 4 February to 15 March 2026, Italy will host this prestigious event, attracting over two million spectators. The Games will be spread across eight cities, including Milan, Cortina d'Ampezzo, and Verona. Visitors can expect spectacular alpine landscapes, world-class skiing, and a taste of Italian culture—from art galleries to delicious cuisine. With high demand for tickets and accommodation, tourists are encouraged to book early. The Winter Olympics is expected to drive a huge spike in tourism and cement Italy's position as a winter wonderland for travellers worldwide. Explore Italy's Winter Olympics tourism plans.USA: FIFA World Cup 2026 and the 250th Anniversary of IndependenceThe USA will be co-hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico. This historic event, marking the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence, will attract millions of football fans from across the globe. With 11 cities hosting matches, including New York, Los Angeles, and Miami, this event will provide an economic boost and bring a new wave of international visitors. The U.S. is set to become the epicenter of global sports tourism in 2026, with a series of cultural festivals and celebrations complementing the sporting action. The World Cup promises to amplify American hospitality, showcasing the country's diverse culture and dynamic cities. Get the full scoop on the USA's World Cup 2026 plans.Senegal: A Youth Olympic Games Destination to WatchIn 2026, Senegal will host the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, attracting over one million tourists to the West African nation. Senegal's rich culture, stunning beaches, and vibrant music scene will be the backdrop to this international sporting event. With new infrastructure projects, including stadiums and hotels, the country is gearing up for a major tourism boost. As Senegal embraces its role on the global stage, Dakar is poised to become a must-visit destination for those seeking a unique blend of culture and sports. Discover more about Senegal's Olympic plans.Japan's Asian Games: Tradition Meets Technology in 2026Japan is preparing for the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, promising an exciting mix of tradition and modern technology. This major sporting event will highlight Japan's Sengoku-period castles, industrial heritage, and cutting-edge technology. Organizers are focusing on innovative transport and event management to provide a seamless experience for visitors. The Asian Games will serve as a platform to showcase Japan's impeccable organization and high-tech infrastructure, while visitors enjoy the country's ancient shrines and delicious food. Read about Japan's preparation for the 2026 Asian Games.Malaysia's Year-Long Party: Visit Malaysia 2026Malaysia will host a year-long celebration under the banner of Visit Malaysia 2026. From Kuala Lumpur's skyscrapers to Borneo's rainforests, Malaysia will showcase its transformation into a multicultural and dynamic society. The tourism board promises a calendar full of festivals, food fairs, and cultural events to attract visitors from across the world. With a focus on sustainable tourism and multicultural heritage, Malaysia will position itself as a must-visit destination in Southeast Asia for 2026. Find out more about Malaysia Truly Asia.Thailand's Bold Reboot: Quality-First Tourism StrategyThailand is revamping its tourism strategy for 2026, shifting its focus from sheer volume to quality experiences. The Tourism Authority of Thailand has launched a new vision that targets luxury travellers, millennials, and health-conscious visitors, with a focus on wellness, adventure, and culture. By promoting local cuisine, temples, and sustainable experiences, Thailand aims to provide unforgettable journeys that respect both nature and community. Learn more about Thailand's 2026 tourism plans.India: The Ultimate Tourism OverhaulIn 2025-2026, India will see a massive overhaul of its tourism industry, thanks to a significant budget allocation for infrastructure and tourism development. With a focus on heritage, pilgrimage, and medical tourism, India is positioning itself as a global tourism powerhouse. By offering easy e-visas, enhancing tourist infrastructure, and promoting sustainable tourism, India is set to become a top destination for 2026. The government's ambitious plans aim to boost both economic growth and job creation. Read more about India's tourism budget and initiatives.Advertisement Share On:Tags: 2026 Tourism, FIFA World Cup 2026, global tourism trends, Peru Travel, Visit Malaysia 2026 Follow Travel And Tour World in Google News Mexico is taking full advantage of the FIFA World Cup 2026, hosting 10 matches in Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey. With its rich culture, vibrant festivals, and renowned gastronomy, Mexico promises an unforgettable experience for football fans. In addition to the World Cup, Mexico continues to rise as one of the world's most visited destinations, climbing from 15th to 6th place. The government has launched a global campaign to highlight hidden gems and authentic experiences, ensuring that Mexico remains at the forefront of global tourism. Learn about Mexico's plans for 2026 tourism.Peru's Unstoppable Rise: Ancient Wonders Meet Sustainable TravelPeru has emerged as a star destination for 2026. Known for the world-renowned Machu Picchu, Peru offers visitors the perfect mix of ancient history, modern sustainability, and rich culture. According to Lonely Planet, Peru has been crowned one of the top 25 must-visit destinations for 2026. New entry rules and visa waivers are being introduced to make it even easier for travellers to visit this vibrant nation. Peru's new tourist routes, including Choquequirao and Huaraz, offer untouched beauty and fewer crowds. The government's focus on sustainable tourism ensures that the country benefits from tourism while preserving its rich heritage and natural wonders. Read more about Peru's tourism success in 2026.Italy's Winter Olympics: The Ultimate Event for 2026 TourismItaly is set to captivate the world with the 2026 Winter Olympics and Paralympics. From 4 February to 15 March 2026, Italy will host this prestigious event, attracting over two million spectators. The Games will be spread across eight cities, including Milan, Cortina d'Ampezzo, and Verona. Visitors can expect spectacular alpine landscapes, world-class skiing, and a taste of Italian culture—from art galleries to delicious cuisine. With high demand for tickets and accommodation, tourists are encouraged to book early. The Winter Olympics is expected to drive a huge spike in tourism and cement Italy's position as a winter wonderland for travellers worldwide. Explore Italy's Winter Olympics tourism plans.USA: FIFA World Cup 2026 and the 250th Anniversary of IndependenceThe USA will be co-hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico. This historic event, marking the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence, will attract millions of football fans from across the globe. With 11 cities hosting matches, including New York, Los Angeles, and Miami, this event will provide an economic boost and bring a new wave of international visitors. The U.S. is set to become the epicenter of global sports tourism in 2026, with a series of cultural festivals and celebrations complementing the sporting action. The World Cup promises to amplify American hospitality, showcasing the country's diverse culture and dynamic cities. Get the full scoop on the USA's World Cup 2026 plans.Senegal: A Youth Olympic Games Destination to WatchIn 2026, Senegal will host the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, attracting over one million tourists to the West African nation. Senegal's rich culture, stunning beaches, and vibrant music scene will be the backdrop to this international sporting event. With new infrastructure projects, including stadiums and hotels, the country is gearing up for a major tourism boost. As Senegal embraces its role on the global stage, Dakar is poised to become a must-visit destination for those seeking a unique blend of culture and sports. Discover more about Senegal's Olympic plans.Japan's Asian Games: Tradition Meets Technology in 2026Japan is preparing for the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, promising an exciting mix of tradition and modern technology. This major sporting event will highlight Japan's Sengoku-period castles, industrial heritage, and cutting-edge technology. Organizers are focusing on innovative transport and event management to provide a seamless experience for visitors. The Asian Games will serve as a platform to showcase Japan's impeccable organization and high-tech infrastructure, while visitors enjoy the country's ancient shrines and delicious food. Read about Japan's preparation for the 2026 Asian Games.Malaysia's Year-Long Party: Visit Malaysia 2026Malaysia will host a year-long celebration under the banner of Visit Malaysia 2026. From Kuala Lumpur's skyscrapers to Borneo's rainforests, Malaysia will showcase its transformation into a multicultural and dynamic society. The tourism board promises a calendar full of festivals, food fairs, and cultural events to attract visitors from across the world. With a focus on sustainable tourism and multicultural heritage, Malaysia will position itself as a must-visit destination in Southeast Asia for 2026. Find out more about Malaysia Truly Asia.Thailand's Bold Reboot: Quality-First Tourism StrategyThailand is revamping its tourism strategy for 2026, shifting its focus from sheer volume to quality experiences. The Tourism Authority of Thailand has launched a new vision that targets luxury travellers, millennials, and health-conscious visitors, with a focus on wellness, adventure, and culture. By promoting local cuisine, temples, and sustainable experiences, Thailand aims to provide unforgettable journeys that respect both nature and community. Learn more about Thailand's 2026 tourism plans.India: The Ultimate Tourism OverhaulIn 2025-2026, India will see a massive overhaul of its tourism industry, thanks to a significant budget allocation for infrastructure and tourism development. With a focus on heritage, pilgrimage, and medical tourism, India is positioning itself as a global tourism powerhouse. By offering easy e-visas, enhancing tourist infrastructure, and promoting sustainable tourism, India is set to become a top destination for 2026. The government's ambitious plans aim to boost both economic growth and job creation. Read more about India's tourism budget and initiatives.Advertisement Share On:Tags: 2026 Tourism, FIFA World Cup 2026, global tourism trends, Peru Travel, Visit Malaysia 2026 Follow Travel And Tour World in Google News Peru has emerged as a star destination for 2026. Known for the world-renowned Machu Picchu, Peru offers visitors the perfect mix of ancient history, modern sustainability, and rich culture. According to Lonely Planet, Peru has been crowned one of the top 25 must-visit destinations for 2026. New entry rules and visa waivers are being introduced to make it even easier for travellers to visit this vibrant nation. Peru's new tourist routes, including Choquequirao and Huaraz, offer untouched beauty and fewer crowds. The government's focus on sustainable tourism ensures that the country benefits from tourism while preserving its rich heritage and natural wonders. Read more about Peru's tourism success in 2026.Italy's Winter Olympics: The Ultimate Event for 2026 TourismItaly is set to captivate the world with the 2026 Winter Olympics and Paralympics. From 4 February to 15 March 2026, Italy will host this prestigious event, attracting over two million spectators. The Games will be spread across eight cities, including Milan, Cortina d'Ampezzo, and Verona. Visitors can expect spectacular alpine landscapes, world-class skiing, and a taste of Italian culture—from art galleries to delicious cuisine. With high demand for tickets and accommodation, tourists are encouraged to book early. The Winter Olympics is expected to drive a huge spike in tourism and cement Italy's position as a winter wonderland for travellers worldwide. Explore Italy's Winter Olympics tourism plans.USA: FIFA World Cup 2026 and the 250th Anniversary of IndependenceThe USA will be co-hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico. This historic event, marking the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence, will attract millions of football fans from across the globe. With 11 cities hosting matches, including New York, Los Angeles, and Miami, this event will provide an economic boost and bring a new wave of international visitors. The U.S. is set to become the epicenter of global sports tourism in 2026, with a series of cultural festivals and celebrations complementing the sporting action. The World Cup promises to amplify American hospitality, showcasing the country's diverse culture and dynamic cities. Get the full scoop on the USA's World Cup 2026 plans.Senegal: A Youth Olympic Games Destination to WatchIn 2026, Senegal will host the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, attracting over one million tourists to the West African nation. Senegal's rich culture, stunning beaches, and vibrant music scene will be the backdrop to this international sporting event. With new infrastructure projects, including stadiums and hotels, the country is gearing up for a major tourism boost. As Senegal embraces its role on the global stage, Dakar is poised to become a must-visit destination for those seeking a unique blend of culture and sports. Discover more about Senegal's Olympic plans.Japan's Asian Games: Tradition Meets Technology in 2026Japan is preparing for the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, promising an exciting mix of tradition and modern technology. This major sporting event will highlight Japan's Sengoku-period castles, industrial heritage, and cutting-edge technology. Organizers are focusing on innovative transport and event management to provide a seamless experience for visitors. The Asian Games will serve as a platform to showcase Japan's impeccable organization and high-tech infrastructure, while visitors enjoy the country's ancient shrines and delicious food. Read about Japan's preparation for the 2026 Asian Games.Malaysia's Year-Long Party: Visit Malaysia 2026Malaysia will host a year-long celebration under the banner of Visit Malaysia 2026. From Kuala Lumpur's skyscrapers to Borneo's rainforests, Malaysia will showcase its transformation into a multicultural and dynamic society. The tourism board promises a calendar full of festivals, food fairs, and cultural events to attract visitors from across the world. With a focus on sustainable tourism and multicultural heritage, Malaysia will position itself as a must-visit destination in Southeast Asia for 2026. Find out more about Malaysia Truly Asia.Thailand's Bold Reboot: Quality-First Tourism StrategyThailand is revamping its tourism strategy for 2026, shifting its focus from sheer volume to quality experiences. The Tourism Authority of Thailand has launched a new vision that targets luxury travellers, millennials, and health-conscious visitors, with a focus on wellness, adventure, and culture. By promoting local cuisine, temples, and sustainable experiences, Thailand aims to provide unforgettable journeys that respect both nature and community. Learn more about Thailand's 2026 tourism plans.India: The Ultimate Tourism OverhaulIn 2025-2026, India will see a massive overhaul of its tourism industry, thanks to a significant budget allocation for infrastructure and tourism development. With a focus on heritage, pilgrimage, and medical tourism, India is positioning itself as a global tourism powerhouse. By offering easy e-visas, enhancing tourist infrastructure, and promoting sustainable tourism, India is set to become a top destination for 2026. The government's ambitious plans aim to boost both economic growth and job creation. Read more about India's tourism budget and initiatives.Advertisement Share On:Tags: 2026 Tourism, FIFA World Cup 2026, global tourism trends, Peru Travel, Visit Malaysia 2026 Follow Travel And Tour World in Google News Italy is set to captivate the world with the 2026 Winter Olympics and Paralympics. From 4 February to 15 March 2026, Italy will host this prestigious event, attracting over two million spectators. The Games will be spread across eight cities, including Milan, Cortina d'Ampezzo, and Verona. Visitors can expect spectacular alpine landscapes, world-class skiing, and a taste of Italian culture—from art galleries to delicious cuisine. With high demand for tickets and accommodation, tourists are encouraged to book early. The Winter Olympics is expected to drive a huge spike in tourism and cement Italy's position as a winter wonderland for travellers worldwide. Explore Italy's Winter Olympics tourism plans.USA: FIFA World Cup 2026 and the 250th Anniversary of IndependenceThe USA will be co-hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico. This historic event, marking the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence, will attract millions of football fans from across the globe. With 11 cities hosting matches, including New York, Los Angeles, and Miami, this event will provide an economic boost and bring a new wave of international visitors. The U.S. is set to become the epicenter of global sports tourism in 2026, with a series of cultural festivals and celebrations complementing the sporting action. The World Cup promises to amplify American hospitality, showcasing the country's diverse culture and dynamic cities. Get the full scoop on the USA's World Cup 2026 plans.Senegal: A Youth Olympic Games Destination to WatchIn 2026, Senegal will host the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, attracting over one million tourists to the West African nation. Senegal's rich culture, stunning beaches, and vibrant music scene will be the backdrop to this international sporting event. With new infrastructure projects, including stadiums and hotels, the country is gearing up for a major tourism boost. As Senegal embraces its role on the global stage, Dakar is poised to become a must-visit destination for those seeking a unique blend of culture and sports. Discover more about Senegal's Olympic plans.Japan's Asian Games: Tradition Meets Technology in 2026Japan is preparing for the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, promising an exciting mix of tradition and modern technology. This major sporting event will highlight Japan's Sengoku-period castles, industrial heritage, and cutting-edge technology. Organizers are focusing on innovative transport and event management to provide a seamless experience for visitors. The Asian Games will serve as a platform to showcase Japan's impeccable organization and high-tech infrastructure, while visitors enjoy the country's ancient shrines and delicious food. Read about Japan's preparation for the 2026 Asian Games.Malaysia's Year-Long Party: Visit Malaysia 2026Malaysia will host a year-long celebration under the banner of Visit Malaysia 2026. From Kuala Lumpur's skyscrapers to Borneo's rainforests, Malaysia will showcase its transformation into a multicultural and dynamic society. The tourism board promises a calendar full of festivals, food fairs, and cultural events to attract visitors from across the world. With a focus on sustainable tourism and multicultural heritage, Malaysia will position itself as a must-visit destination in Southeast Asia for 2026. Find out more about Malaysia Truly Asia.Thailand's Bold Reboot: Quality-First Tourism StrategyThailand is revamping its tourism strategy for 2026, shifting its focus from sheer volume to quality experiences. The Tourism Authority of Thailand has launched a new vision that targets luxury travellers, millennials, and health-conscious visitors, with a focus on wellness, adventure, and culture. By promoting local cuisine, temples, and sustainable experiences, Thailand aims to provide unforgettable journeys that respect both nature and community. Learn more about Thailand's 2026 tourism plans.India: The Ultimate Tourism OverhaulIn 2025-2026, India will see a massive overhaul of its tourism industry, thanks to a significant budget allocation for infrastructure and tourism development. With a focus on heritage, pilgrimage, and medical tourism, India is positioning itself as a global tourism powerhouse. By offering easy e-visas, enhancing tourist infrastructure, and promoting sustainable tourism, India is set to become a top destination for 2026. The government's ambitious plans aim to boost both economic growth and job creation. Read more about India's tourism budget and initiatives.Advertisement Share On:Tags: 2026 Tourism, FIFA World Cup 2026, global tourism trends, Peru Travel, Visit Malaysia 2026 Follow Travel And Tour World in Google News The USA will be co-hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico. This historic event, marking the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence, will attract millions of football fans from across the globe. With 11 cities hosting matches, including New York, Los Angeles, and Miami, this event will provide an economic boost and bring a new wave of international visitors. The U.S. is set to become the epicenter of global sports tourism in 2026, with a series of cultural festivals and celebrations complementing the sporting action. The World Cup promises to amplify American hospitality, showcasing the country's diverse culture and dynamic cities. Get the full scoop on the USA's World Cup 2026 plans.Senegal: A Youth Olympic Games Destination to WatchIn 2026, Senegal will host the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, attracting over one million tourists to the West African nation. Senegal's rich culture, stunning beaches, and vibrant music scene will be the backdrop to this international sporting event. With new infrastructure projects, including stadiums and hotels, the country is gearing up for a major tourism boost. As Senegal embraces its role on the global stage, Dakar is poised to become a must-visit destination for those seeking a unique blend of culture and sports. Discover more about Senegal's Olympic plans.Japan's Asian Games: Tradition Meets Technology in 2026Japan is preparing for the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, promising an exciting mix of tradition and modern technology. This major sporting event will highlight Japan's Sengoku-period castles, industrial heritage, and cutting-edge technology. Organizers are focusing on innovative transport and event management to provide a seamless experience for visitors. The Asian Games will serve as a platform to showcase Japan's impeccable organization and high-tech infrastructure, while visitors enjoy the country's ancient shrines and delicious food. Read about Japan's preparation for the 2026 Asian Games.Malaysia's Year-Long Party: Visit Malaysia 2026Malaysia will host a year-long celebration under the banner of Visit Malaysia 2026. From Kuala Lumpur's skyscrapers to Borneo's rainforests, Malaysia will showcase its transformation into a multicultural and dynamic society. The tourism board promises a calendar full of festivals, food fairs, and cultural events to attract visitors from across the world. With a focus on sustainable tourism and multicultural heritage, Malaysia will position itself as a must-visit destination in Southeast Asia for 2026. Find out more about Malaysia Truly Asia.Thailand's Bold Reboot: Quality-First Tourism StrategyThailand is revamping its tourism strategy for 2026, shifting its focus from sheer volume to quality experiences. The Tourism Authority of Thailand has launched a new vision that targets luxury travellers, millennials, and health-conscious visitors, with a focus on wellness, adventure, and culture. By promoting local cuisine, temples, and sustainable experiences, Thailand aims to provide unforgettable journeys that respect both nature and community. Learn more about Thailand's 2026 tourism plans.India: The Ultimate Tourism OverhaulIn 2025-2026, India will see a massive overhaul of its tourism industry, thanks to a significant budget allocation for infrastructure and tourism development. With a focus on heritage, pilgrimage, and medical tourism, India is positioning itself as a global tourism powerhouse. By offering easy e-visas, enhancing tourist infrastructure, and promoting sustainable tourism, India is set to become a top destination for 2026. The government's ambitious plans aim to boost both economic growth and job creation. Read more about India's tourism budget and initiatives.Advertisement Share On:Tags: 2026 Tourism, FIFA World Cup 2026, global tourism trends, Peru Travel, Visit Malaysia 2026 Follow Travel And Tour World in Google News In 2026, Senegal will host the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, attracting over one million tourists to the West African nation. Senegal's rich culture, stunning beaches, and vibrant music scene will be the backdrop to this international sporting event. With new infrastructure projects, including stadiums and hotels, the country is gearing up for a major tourism boost. As Senegal embraces its role on the global stage, Dakar is poised to become a must-visit destination for those seeking a unique blend of culture and sports. Discover more about Senegal's Olympic plans.Japan's Asian Games: Tradition Meets Technology in 2026Japan is preparing for the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, promising an exciting mix of tradition and modern technology. This major sporting event will highlight Japan's Sengoku-period castles, industrial heritage, and cutting-edge technology. Organizers are focusing on innovative transport and event management to provide a seamless experience for visitors. The Asian Games will serve as a platform to showcase Japan's impeccable organization and high-tech infrastructure, while visitors enjoy the country's ancient shrines and delicious food. Read about Japan's preparation for the 2026 Asian Games.Malaysia's Year-Long Party: Visit Malaysia 2026Malaysia will host a year-long celebration under the banner of Visit Malaysia 2026. From Kuala Lumpur's skyscrapers to Borneo's rainforests, Malaysia will showcase its transformation into a multicultural and dynamic society. The tourism board promises a calendar full of festivals, food fairs, and cultural events to attract visitors from across the world. With a focus on sustainable tourism and multicultural heritage, Malaysia will position itself as a must-visit destination in Southeast Asia for 2026. Find out more about Malaysia Truly Asia.Thailand's Bold Reboot: Quality-First Tourism StrategyThailand is revamping its tourism strategy for 2026, shifting its focus from sheer volume to quality experiences. The Tourism Authority of Thailand has launched a new vision that targets luxury travellers, millennials, and health-conscious visitors, with a focus on wellness, adventure, and culture. By promoting local cuisine, temples, and sustainable experiences, Thailand aims to provide unforgettable journeys that respect both nature and community. Learn more about Thailand's 2026 tourism plans.India: The Ultimate Tourism OverhaulIn 2025-2026, India will see a massive overhaul of its tourism industry, thanks to a significant budget allocation for infrastructure and tourism development. With a focus on heritage, pilgrimage, and medical tourism, India is positioning itself as a global tourism powerhouse. By offering easy e-visas, enhancing tourist infrastructure, and promoting sustainable tourism, India is set to become a top destination for 2026. The government's ambitious plans aim to boost both economic growth and job creation. Read more about India's tourism budget and initiatives.Advertisement Share On:Tags: 2026 Tourism, FIFA World Cup 2026, global tourism trends, Peru Travel, Visit Malaysia 2026 Follow Travel And Tour World in Google News Japan is preparing for the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, promising an exciting mix of tradition and modern technology. This major sporting event will highlight Japan's Sengoku-period castles, industrial heritage, and cutting-edge technology. Organizers are focusing on innovative transport and event management to provide a seamless experience for visitors. The Asian Games will serve as a platform to showcase Japan's impeccable organization and high-tech infrastructure, while visitors enjoy the country's ancient shrines and delicious food. Read about Japan's preparation for the 2026 Asian Games.Malaysia's Year-Long Party: Visit Malaysia 2026Malaysia will host a year-long celebration under the banner of Visit Malaysia 2026. From Kuala Lumpur's skyscrapers to Borneo's rainforests, Malaysia will showcase its transformation into a multicultural and dynamic society. The tourism board promises a calendar full of festivals, food fairs, and cultural events to attract visitors from across the world. With a focus on sustainable tourism and multicultural heritage, Malaysia will position itself as a must-visit destination in Southeast Asia for 2026. Find out more about Malaysia Truly Asia.Thailand's Bold Reboot: Quality-First Tourism StrategyThailand is revamping its tourism strategy for 2026, shifting its focus from sheer volume to quality experiences. The Tourism Authority of Thailand has launched a new vision that targets luxury travellers, millennials, and health-conscious visitors, with a focus on wellness, adventure, and culture. By promoting local cuisine, temples, and sustainable experiences, Thailand aims to provide unforgettable journeys that respect both nature and community. Learn more about Thailand's 2026 tourism plans.India: The Ultimate Tourism OverhaulIn 2025-2026, India will see a massive overhaul of its tourism industry, thanks to a significant budget allocation for infrastructure and tourism development. With a focus on heritage, pilgrimage, and medical tourism, India is positioning itself as a global tourism powerhouse. By offering easy e-visas, enhancing tourist infrastructure, and promoting sustainable tourism, India is set to become a top destination for 2026. The government's ambitious plans aim to boost both economic growth and job creation. Read more about India's tourism budget and initiatives.Advertisement Share On:Tags: 2026 Tourism, FIFA World Cup 2026, global tourism trends, Peru Travel, Visit Malaysia 2026 Follow Travel And Tour World in Google News Malaysia will host a year-long celebration under the banner of Visit Malaysia 2026. From Kuala Lumpur's skyscrapers to Borneo's rainforests, Malaysia will showcase its transformation into a multicultural and dynamic society. The tourism board promises a calendar full of festivals, food fairs, and cultural events to attract visitors from across the world. With a focus on sustainable tourism and multicultural heritage, Malaysia will position itself as a must-visit destination in Southeast Asia for 2026. Find out more about Malaysia Truly Asia.Thailand's Bold Reboot: Quality-First Tourism StrategyThailand is revamping its tourism strategy for 2026, shifting its focus from sheer volume to quality experiences. The Tourism Authority of Thailand has launched a new vision that targets luxury travellers, millennials, and health-conscious visitors, with a focus on wellness, adventure, and culture. By promoting local cuisine, temples, and sustainable experiences, Thailand aims to provide unforgettable journeys that respect both nature and community. Learn more about Thailand's 2026 tourism plans.India: The Ultimate Tourism OverhaulIn 2025-2026, India will see a massive overhaul of its tourism industry, thanks to a significant budget allocation for infrastructure and tourism development. With a focus on heritage, pilgrimage, and medical tourism, India is positioning itself as a global tourism powerhouse. By offering easy e-visas, enhancing tourist infrastructure, and promoting sustainable tourism, India is set to become a top destination for 2026. The government's ambitious plans aim to boost both economic growth and job creation. Read more about India's tourism budget and initiatives.Advertisement Share On:Tags: 2026 Tourism, FIFA World Cup 2026, global tourism trends, Peru Travel, Visit Malaysia 2026 Follow Travel And Tour World in Google News Thailand is revamping its tourism strategy for 2026, shifting its focus from sheer volume to quality experiences. The Tourism Authority of Thailand has launched a new vision that targets luxury travellers, millennials, and health-conscious visitors, with a focus on wellness, adventure, and culture. By promoting local cuisine, temples, and sustainable experiences, Thailand aims to provide unforgettable journeys that respect both nature and community. Learn more about Thailand's 2026 tourism plans.India: The Ultimate Tourism OverhaulIn 2025-2026, India will see a massive overhaul of its tourism industry, thanks to a significant budget allocation for infrastructure and tourism development. With a focus on heritage, pilgrimage, and medical tourism, India is positioning itself as a global tourism powerhouse. By offering easy e-visas, enhancing tourist infrastructure, and promoting sustainable tourism, India is set to become a top destination for 2026. The government's ambitious plans aim to boost both economic growth and job creation. Read more about India's tourism budget and initiatives.Advertisement Share On:Tags: 2026 Tourism, FIFA World Cup 2026, global tourism trends, Peru Travel, Visit Malaysia 2026 Follow Travel And Tour World in Google News In 2025-2026, India will see a massive overhaul of its tourism industry, thanks to a significant budget allocation for infrastructure and tourism development. With a focus on heritage, pilgrimage, and medical tourism, India is positioning itself as a global tourism powerhouse. By offering easy e-visas, enhancing tourist infrastructure, and promoting sustainable tourism, India is set to become a top destination for 2026. The government's ambitious plans aim to boost both economic growth and job creation. Read more about India's tourism budget and initiatives.Advertisement Share On:Tags: 2026 Tourism, FIFA World Cup 2026, global tourism trends, Peru Travel, Visit Malaysia 2026 Follow Travel And Tour World in Google News Advertisement Tags: 2026 Tourism, FIFA World Cup 2026, global tourism trends, Peru Travel, Visit Malaysia 2026 @Subscribe to our Newsletters --Country--AfghanistanAlbaniaAlgeriaAndorraAngolaArgentinaArmeniaAustraliaAustriaAzerbaijanBahamasBahrainBangladeshBarbadosBelarusBelgiumBelizeBeninBhutanBoliviaBosnia and HerzegovinaBotswanaBrazilBruneiBulgariaBurkina FasoBurundiCambodiaCameroonCanadaCape VerdeCentral African RepublicChadChileChinaColombiaComorosCongoCosta RicaCote d'IvoireCroatiaCubaCyprusCzech RepublicDenmarkDjiboutiDominicaDominican RepublicEcuadorEgyptEl SalvadorEquatorial GuineaEritreaEstoniaEswatiniEthiopiaFijiFinlandFranceGabonGambiaGeorgiaGermanyGhanaGreeceGreenlandGrenadaGuatemalaGuineaGuyanaHaitiHondurasHungaryIcelandIndiaIndonesiaIranIraqIrelandIsraelItalyJamaicaJapanJordanKazakhstanKenyaKiribatiKuwaitKyrgyzstanLaosLatviaLebanonLesothoLiberiaLibyaLiechtensteinLithuaniaLuxembourgMadagascarMalawiMalaysiaMaldivesMaliMaltaMarshall IslandsMauritaniaMauritiusMexicoMicronesiaMoldovaMonacoMongoliaMontenegroMoroccoMozambiqueMyanmarNamibiaNauruNepalNetherlandsNew ZealandNicaraguaNigerNigeriaNorth KoreaNorth MacedoniaNorwayOmanPakistanPalauPanamaPapua New GuineaParaguayPeruPhilippinesPolandPortugalQatarRomaniaRussiaRwandaSaint Kitts and NevisSaint LuciaSaint Vincent and the GrenadinesSamoaSan MarinoSaudi ArabiaSenegalSerbiaSeychellesSierra LeoneSingaporeSlovakiaSloveniaSolomon IslandsSomaliaSouth AfricaSouth KoreaSpainSri LankaSudanSurinameSwedenSwitzerlandSyriaTaiwanTajikistanTanzaniaThailandTimor-LesteTogoTongaTrinidad and TobagoTunisiaTurkeyTurkmenistanTuvaluUgandaUkraineUnited Arab EmiratesUnited KingdomUnited StatesUruguayUzbekistanVanuatuVenezuelaVietnamYemenZambiaZimbabwe --Select Industry --Tourism OrganisationDestination Management CompanyTour OperatorsE-booking PortalsTravel AssociationBusiness Travel ConsultantsTravel TechnologyTravel Event OrganiserHotel GroupsAirlinesCruise LinesOthers I want to receive travel news and trade event updates from Travel And Tour World. 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Explore GOAL Betting with Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly wants to put aside his long-running rivalry with Lionel Messi and play out his career with him at Inter Miami. The two sporting icons are among the greatest footballers to ever play the game but they have often been pitted against one another this century. But as the 40-year-old contemplates life after Al-Nassr, speculation is mounting that he may want to be Messi's team-mate in Major League Soccer in one last hurrah. Both Ronaldo and Messi are in the final stages of their illustrious careers, with few predicting that they would have stuck around for so long when they burst onto the scene in the 2000s. The former Real Madrid and Manchester United star has repeatedly spoken about bringing down the curtain on his time in football in the not-so-distant future, while Messi, 38, has been a bit more coy. Ronaldo said in November when asked about when he may retire: "Soon. But I think I will be prepared. It will be tough, of course. It will be difficult? Yes. Probably (I) will cry, yes… I'm (an) open person. (It) will be very, very difficult, yes. But Piers [Morgan], I prepare my future since (the age of) 25, 26, 27 years old, I prepare (for) my future. So I think I will be capable to support that pressure." Two months prior, Messi suggested he may not play in the 2026 World Cup as Argentina try and defend their title. "I said it at the time. I don't think I'll play in another World Cup. Due to my age, it's logical that I won't make it, but we're there and I'm excited. I'm taking it day by day, feeling the sensations. And what's clear is that today was the last game here," he said. However, the veteran signed a new deal with Miami until the end of the 2028 season, so it seems he doesn't want to retire for a while yet. Messi and Ronaldo have battled one another for the biggest prizes, both for their respective teams and individually. They had a duopoly on the Ballon d'Or award, with 11 wins between them, and despite being intense rivals, there has always been a strong current of respect for one another. Previously, Messi said on Ronaldo: "We try to achieve the best every year for our team, and what is said outside of that I don't think is very important. He is a phenomenal player with a lot of quality. All the world knows, and that is why he is one of the best of the world." And in return, the Portuguese once admitted, "Of course I have affection for Leo Messi. We've been on stage together for 15 years. I remember translating English for him at the Galas because he didn't speak English well. He always treated me well and respected me." In an article from Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo, Ronaldo has 'given orders to his agents to offer him to Inter Miami', putting aside a lengthy rivalry with the Argentina international. He is said to be open to a much lower salary than the one he commands at Al-Nassr, which is said to be in excess of £3 million a week. The publication lays out five reasons why Ronaldo, whose current deal runs until 2027, wants to scratch that itch of never playing alongside Messi. The first reported reason is that the ex-Juventus man is 'tired' of playing in Saudi Arabia, with the forward 'insulted' that more spectators watch camel races than his Al-Nassr games. The second is said to be that 'internationally renowned' dermatologist, Dr. Rosado, assured him that the Saudi sun is not the best for his 'delicate' skin but the Miami climate, for example, would be more suitable. Thirdly, the Portugal international is 'obsessed' with his physical condition, with Ronaldo well aware that if he 'walks his six pack on the warm sands of South Beach (Miami), his number of fans will rise like foam'. Moreover, the former Sporting CP ace is said to be keen on dedicating himself to cinema, and there are rumours he could feature in the latest instalment of the Terminator franchise. And finally, Ronaldo, who is determined to break more footballing records, knows that Messi is the only player who can snatch more personal milestones away from him. Therefore, if he plays with him at Miami, he can 'covertly take away' free-kicks and penalties from the former Barcelona man, while taking advantage of his 'magical assists'. Plus, he has a good relationship with Miami co-owner David Beckham. Looking for smarter football bets? Get expert previews, data-driven predictions & winning insights with GOAL Tips on Telegram. Join our growing community now! Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting If you're finding this hard to believe, then it's for good reason. December 28 is the equivalent of April Fool's Day in Spain, tricking readers abroad but not domestically. Ergo, this is not going to happen. One clue is that the author of the article is Ricardo Tubbs, a fictional character from the Miami Vice TV show. So, it seems Ronaldo and Messi won't play together after all. Incidentally, while Messi is enjoying his off-season break after guiding Miami to their first-ever MLS Cup, Ronaldo is likely to be focusing on ending the year on a high when his table-topping Al-Nassr side travel to Al-Ittifaq on Tuesday evening in the Saudi league. Explore GOAL Betting with
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Log in Subscribe Now Region Search Top News Podcasts Connections: Sports Edition NFL Home Teams Scores & Schedule Standings Fantasy NFL Odds NFL Picks NFL Draft Podcasts Scoop City Newsletter Week 17 Updates Playoff Simulator No. 1 Pick Contenders Garrett Nears Sack Record NCAAF Home Teams Scores & Schedule Standings Podcasts Newsletter Recruiting Odds Picks Michigan Hires Whittingham Quarterfinals Preview Bracket Predictions CFP Team Guide CFP Odds Bowl Schedule New Coach Grades NBA Home Teams Scores & Schedule Standings The Bounce Newsletter NBA Draft Podcasts Fantasy NBA Odds NBA Picks Inside KG's Minnesota Return Steve Kerr Reflects NBA Trade Board Top 25 Players Of 21st Century NHL Home Teams Scores & Schedule Standings Podcasts Fantasy NHL Odds NHL Picks Team Projections Red Light Newsletter MLB Home Teams Scores & Schedule Standings Podcasts The Windup Newsletter Fantasy MLB Prospects MLB Odds MLB Picks Top 50 Free Agents Way-Too-Early Power Rankings WNBA Home Teams Scores & Schedule Standings Podcasts Fantasy Football Home NFL Home Scoop City Betting Week 17 Rankings Week 17 Waivers Week 17 Matchup Rankings Discord NCAAM Home Teams Scores & Schedule Bracket Standings Podcasts Most Interesting People NCAAW Home Scores & Schedule Bracket Standings Podcasts Olympics Home 2026 Men's World Cup Home Teams Scores & Schedule Standings Premier League Home Teams Scores & Schedule Standings Fantasy The Athletic FC Newsletter Podcasts Best Football Moments in 2025 Villa's Remarkable Numbers Raya's Match-Winning Save Golf Home Coming Soon to Your Inbox Tennis Home Battle of the Sexes Global Sports College Sports Soccer Women's Soccer Home NWSL Schedule Full Time Newsletter Podcasts NWSL Women's World Cup USWNT College Sports MLS Home Teams Scores & Schedule Standings Podcasts NWSL Home Scores & Schedule Standings Full Time newsletter Podcasts Peak Formula 1 Home Prime Tire newsletter Schedule Standings McLaren Ferrari Red Bull Mercedes Aston Martin Alpine Haas Racing Bulls Williams Sauber Sports Business Home MoneyCall Newsletter Sailing Opinion Home Betting Home Fantasy Football Odds NFL Picks UK Betting Fantasy Baseball Home MLB Home Rates & Barrels Betting Fantasy Football Fantasy Hockey Top 50 Prospects Terminology Memorabilia and Collectibles Culture Home Motorsports Home Podcasts NASCAR Women's Hockey Home Scores & Schedule Standings Teams MMA Home Boxing Home Paul vs. Joshua Live The Pulse Newsletter Cities NFL Week 17 Playoff Simulator Race for the No. 1 Pick Battle of the Sexes Connections: Sports Edition Chloe Kelly, Troy Parrott and Scott McTominay had memorable years Photos: Francesco Pecoraro, Harriet Lander, Liam McBurney, Getty Images; design: Eamonn Dalton Chloe Kelly, Troy Parrott and Scott McTominay had memorable years Photos: Francesco Pecoraro, Harriet Lander, Liam McBurney, Getty Images; design: Eamonn Dalton Whether it was underdog heroics in World Cup qualifying, England winning Euro 2025, or United States President Donald Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino becoming best buds, international football played a big role in 2025 — and a men's World Cup in the U.S., Canada and Mexico is just 165 days away. Advertisement In the club game, there were some honest truths from managers, incredible free kicks, the rise of long throws, and shock wins. But away from the pitch, we could not look back on 2025 without touching on a more serious and tragic note — the death of Liverpool and Portugal forward Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre Silva. Here, Nick Miller, Caoimhe O'Neill, Megan Feringa, Stuart James and Carl Anka review the year. James: Wimbledon, 1988. You can't snap opponents like Vinnie Jones did, but this long-throw obsession is wild. Anka: Twelve months of “Absolute Cinema” as the top level of the sport further transforms it into a content delivery machine, overshadowing everything else. O'Neill: Let it all work out. Let it all work out. Ousmane Ballon d'Or. More in than out. More out than in. Let the dolls play. Feringa: Blissfully chaotic at its best, pining for something lost at its worst. Also trigger alert: long throws. Miller: I don't think I'll remember much actual football, but I do remember being quite tired and my brain being hammered for most of the year. Miller: This choice is significantly influenced by the fact that I was there to see it happen, but Cape Verde qualifying for the World Cup. At the time, only Iceland had done it with a smaller population (Curacao have superseded them), but the unfiltered and uncomplicated joy in the stadium that day is something I'll never forget. O'Neill: Sunderland making it back to the Premier League through the play-offs in the most majestic, last-gasp way. And then actually being a really good top-tier side. It was a long eight years out of the top flight, which included four weary seasons in League One. But Sunderland have bounced all the way back and then some. Advertisement Feringa: All of us making it through the 2026 World Cup draw in one piece and with most of our sanity intact. James: Crystal Palace beating Manchester City to win the FA Cup (the first major trophy in their 164-year history) was pretty special — huge credit to their manager Oliver Glasner and the players. But the most magical thing about that day by far was the reaction of the Palace supporters at the final whistle. People, young and old, sobbing in a mixture of disbelief and joy. It was genuinely heart-warming — football touching the soul. Anka: The Lionesses winning their second European Championship title. England entered the tournament in a transitional state, battled through tricky turbulence in three of their five matches, but still emerged victorious. In the 21st century, the tournament has been won either by Germany or a team managed by Sarina Wiegman. The Dutchwoman is a brilliant manager who is constantly asking us to reassess what we mean by “Good leadership”. She has excellent taste in music, too. Miller: Scott McTominay. One of football's great glow-ups — from being a solid, arguably slightly boring, taken for granted 7/10 Manchester United midfielder, to title-winning, hard-partying, cigar-smoking, Pope-meeting, bicycle-kick-scoring, Serie A MVP. O'Neill: It is always Marta. This year, next year, forever. Oh, and Troy Parrott. Feringa: Any hero on the pitch is someone else's villain. But Michelle Agyemang really wore that cape in Switzerland: 138 minutes, two goals, twice seizing England from the clutches of “reigning champions dumped out” headlines. To accomplish it while being just 19 years old and at her first major tournament with England was sensational, not to mention against a backdrop of racist abuse aimed at her team-mate Jess Carter. Advertisement James: Stephen Crean, the 61-year-old Nottingham Forest fan who courageously intervened during a mass stabbing on a train from Doncaster to London last month. Crean had been making his way home from Forest's 2-2 draw against Manchester United at the City Ground when he was caught up in the train attack in Huntingdon, which led to a man being charged with 11 counts of attempted murder. Forest fans gave Crean a rapturous ovation when he returned to the City Ground for their home game against Leeds United. “It meant the world to me. I could see people clapping, applauding and I just thank them so much,” he said. “I would have been happy with a few quid to go down the pub. I didn't expect anything.” Anka: The two biggest games of McTominay's 2025 saw him score bicycle kicks — one to help Napoli win a league title, the other to help secure Scotland's qualification for the 2026 World Cup. I undervalued his talent at Manchester United, and I have spent the year happily eating humble pie while applauding his success. Also, a quick word on Calvin Bassey — because I don't think there's a centre-back on the planet who is having more fun in the men's game. The Fulham and Nigeria defender had good moments in 2025 as well as bad ones, but he's always found a way to crack a smile, cheer up his team-mates and remind us all that football is meant to be a laugh. “That ball has gone to AFCON before us!” 🤣 pic.twitter.com/emg89MR4nz — Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) December 15, 2025 Miller: It won't do to overcomplicate these things, so it's a toss-up between two. Either Gianni Infantino, who has seemingly spent the year sleeping in a little bed in the Oval Office, like a particularly dutiful dog, hopping up now and then to hand Donald Trump something shiny. Or Jim Ratcliffe, for… well, claiming to understand the needs of the fans while jacking up ticket prices, making hundreds redundant while squandering millions himself, his undisguised contempt for Manchester United Women — take your pick really. Advertisement O'Neill: Vecna. Feringa: A toss-up between whoever signed off on Sky Sports' Halo and Joey Barton. James: Infantino. Where to start? The farce of the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize. Where to end? The absolute scandal of ticket prices at the 2026 World Cup. And there's plenty in between, too. Anka: If a series of ghosts had visited Sir Jim Ratcliffe over the cold Christmas nights, it would do us all the world of good. Miller: Troy Parrott's miracle hat-trick against Hungary. For not one minute did I think that the Republic of Ireland were going to come back and win that game, but when they did, my word: I can't remember the last time I so enjoyed a moment for a team with whom I have no emotional connection. O'Neill: The fallout after Mary Earps released her book or Arsenal Women winning the Champions League. And not forgetting Burna Boy and Sarina Wiegman linking up on stage at England's Euro 2025 victory parade. That was iconic. Feringa: Gotham's victory in the NWSL Championship. Winning it two seasons ago as the No 6 seed — a league-record low — was one thing. But lifting the trophy again two years on? This time as the No 8 seed? That's silly script stuff that no one believes in until it happens. James: Well, I certainly didn't expect Chelsea to turn over Paris-Saint Germain 3-0 in the Club World Cup final in New Jersey in July. The way Liverpool's 2025-26 season has unravelled, including Mohamed Salah's outburst, was another big surprise. And who could have predicted that Sunderland would not just return to the Premier League but make a real splash. From a personal perspective, Snoop Dogg coming on board at Swansea City as a minority owner was a surreal moment. If only he could play right-back. Anka: Ajax letting the 2024-25 Dutch league title slip through their fingers. They were nine points clear of PSV in mid-April before a four-game winless run allowed their rivals to snatch the Eredivisie trophy on the last day of the season. Advertisement Miller: Chloe Kelly scoring the winning penalty for England at Euro 2025. Even though she had missed a penalty a few days earlier (before tucking in the rebound), there was absolutely no chance she was missing that one. She seems to enjoy those moments of crushing pressure: she is, in the nicest possible way, a freak. O'Neill: Robbie Williams singing a duet with Nicole Scherzinger at the World Cup draw. Pretty sure I predicted that a year ago… Feringa: England winning Euro 2025. I really don't know why everyone kept panicking. You don't come back from the dead that many times and not win the whole lot. Also, Chloe Kelly is kind of inevitable at this point. James: Ange Postecoglou and Nottingham Forest being a brief and unhappy marriage. It was, quite simply, never going to work at the City Ground, which makes you wonder why on earth Evangelos Marinakis, Forest's owner, and Postecoglou signed up for the 39-day eight-game farce that followed. Anka: Chelsea winning the Conference League, and I mean that as a compliment. Chelsea are at their most compelling when they turn up and snatch the footballing dreams away from others (ask Bayern Munich fans about 2012), and they did so brilliantly in 2025. Miller: Cristiano Ronaldo being let off his three-game suspension for a red card, thus opening the door for him to play in the first two games of the World Cup. O'Neill: Not letting Robbie Williams sing Angels at the World Cup draw. Feringa: The decision to simultaneously broadcast most of the Women's Super League matches for the 2025-26 season at 12pm local time (and then 11.55am). James: Steve Parish would like to answer this question. Back in July, the Crystal Palace chairman said that UEFA's decision to remove his Premier League team from the Europa League, for breaching multi-club ownership rules, is “the biggest injustice in the history of football”. Advertisement UEFA's judgement was harsh but I wouldn't go that far. Anyway, with my football pyramid hat on, I'll always struggle with the idea that being runners-up in the National League, which is the gateway to the Football League, gets you nothing other than a play-off spot. Last season, York City finished 23 points above Oldham after 46 matches. But it was Oldham who won promotion. Yeah, I know — everyone knows the rules at the start of the season. But still. Anka: The Women's Africa Cup of Nations final in July saw Nigeria battle from a 2-0 deficit to defeat Morocco 3-2. However, they scored their first goal after the VAR decided Moroccan defender Nouhaila Benzina handled the ball inside the box, and before the VAR later overturned a penalty that was awarded to Morocco after they believed a possible handball from Nigeria's Oluwatosin Demehin was accidental. The Confederation of African Football would later receive a formal complaint from Morocco's federation, calling the match decisions “refereeing injustices”. Miller: Not the best from a technical point of view, but by a distance my moment of the year was James Tarkowski's stoppage-time equaliser in the final men's Merseyside derby at Goodison Park, followed as it was by some fabulously undignified scenes from the Liverpool contingent and then a glorious, life-affirming singalong to I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues by the Everton fans that simply did not want to leave. The latest in a long line of Goodison Park heroes, James Tarkowski 🎬 pic.twitter.com/31v3dCZfQH — Premier League (@premierleague) February 15, 2025 O'Neill: I wasn't there to watch it live but it has to be the final Liverpool goal from the late, great and dearly missed Diogo Jota. It came against Everton in the Merseyside derby at Anfield in April and proved to be the winner. It was so Jota. Off the bench and on to come up with the goods for Liverpool just when they needed him to. A weaving move and a wonderful finish at the Kop end. Feringa: I was in the Spanish end for their Euro 2025 semi-final against Germany when Aitana Bonmati scored the winning goal in the dying moments of extra time. The celebrations were visceral. Aitana's turn for the goal 🥵 #WEURO2025 pic.twitter.com/WbwTRCbyfJ — UEFA Women's EURO (@WEURO2025) July 23, 2025 Close second: Jack Grealish's first for Everton against Crystal Palace. It was pretty grubby. But the limbs. I was convinced I'd be tumbling down the Hill Dickinson Stadium stands and taking at least four with me. Advertisement James: Paris Saint-Germain's third goal in the Champions League final against Inter was glorious and felt almost symbolic in terms of how it represented their team, their way of playing, and their coach, Luis Enrique. Vitinha was effortlessly weaving beautiful patterns inside his own half before driving forward with the ball, Ousmane Dembele's backheel was exquisite and then Desire Doue applied the coup de grace. Magnificent. The results are in for the best play of the year! The winner is… @PSG_inside, with a stunning goal by Désiré Doué in the @UEFA @ChampionsLeague final! Thank you for voting, the fun doesn't stop here — more games and surprises are coming soon on https://t.co/HPYRKgym8v. Stay… pic.twitter.com/4SVAEDoPZg — Ballon d'Or (@ballondor) September 26, 2025 Josh Tymon's volley, for Snoop's Swansea against Oxford United, deserves a mention too. Postage stamp. Anka: I prefer my Goal of the Month contenders to be long-range pingers rather than well-coordinated team goals so… In real life? Amad's edge-of-the-box volley to rescue a 2-2 draw for Manchester United against Nottingham Forest at the start of November. Bonus points for how Matthijs de Ligt dips his neck as it flies past him, as he rightfully understands the strike would have taken his head off. Outrageous technique from Amad 😱 pic.twitter.com/gmZaBTkG37 — Premier League (@premierleague) November 1, 2025 Watching live on the telly? Declan Rice's perfect free kick against Real Madrid. His continual growth and improvement since the 2019-20 season are remarkable. Miller: “To be really honest, every time we have a defeat like that, I'm going to be like that. I'm going to say sometimes I hate my players and sometimes I love my players. Sometimes I want to quit, sometimes I want to be here for 20 years.” Advertisement It's hard not to love Ruben Amorim, speaking here after Manchester United lost to Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup… while at the same time desperately wanting to give him a hug and tell him to just stop being so honest. O'Neill: I joined Goal Diggers FC on their march to Wembley in May after the Football Association announced a ban on transgender women from women's football. One of the people I met was Sammy Rees. “I spent some time playing men's football. But it really wasn't my bag. I felt very uncomfortable and it was not the nicest environment. Then I joined Goal Diggers and I've never looked back. It's changed my life completely. These people have such open hearts. Since coming out, football has been my escape. We (trans people) wake up every day to more disgusting news about us: people vilifying us, people questioning our identity and our existence. “Football means that for two or three hours a week, I can switch my brain off. I can have a moment where I don't care about the news. It's my escape, and the fact that it's trying to be taken away from us is not fair.” Feringa: “Sometimes they kill off the main character.” Ange Postecoglou doled out some dimes during his Tottenham Hotspur tenure, but this, after overseeing the Europa League final triumph against Manchester United, was very prescient. James: “It seems like the club has thrown me under the bus.” Surely Salah's post-match bombshell at Leeds has to go straight in at No 1 in this category? Elite players just don't say things like that. As for No 2, I'll go for Amorim's assessment of his Manchester United team back in January. “We are the worst team, maybe in the history of Manchester United. I know you (reporters) want headlines but I am saying that because we have to acknowledge that and change that. Here you go: your headlines.” Advertisement If only more managers showed that level of consideration to journalists. Anka: Celtic manager Wilfried Nancy had a bumpy start to life in Scotland. “People might think I'm an idealist as a person but not at all. I know exactly who I am and exactly where I want to go. And I know at this moment, yeah, my a** is burning! But stay strong and do what you need to do to be better.” Miller: Manchester United are going to be actively good — not just “good in comparison to the dreck they've served up before”. Actively good. I can feel it. O'Neill: Liverpool do not reclaim their Premier League title but win the Champions League instead. The Republic of Ireland qualify for the World Cup and win their opening match. Tranmere Rovers somehow make the League Two play-offs and are promoted to League One. What do you mean, ‘It's just me and John Aldridge manifesting all this'? Feringa: Craig Bellamy will get Wales to the World Cup. Less prediction, more a burning prayer. James: Donald Trump will lift the World Cup before the winning captain/Harry Kane* has the chance to do the same at MetLife Stadium on July 19. *wishful thinking. Anka: Noni Madueke will finally receive his Club World Cup winners' medal.
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As the 2026 FIFA World Cup returns to the United States for the first time in over three decades, football fans are in for more than just world-class matches. Brand USA, the nation's official destination marketing organization, has launched America the Beautiful Game, a dynamic trip planning hub designed to guide travelers through the U.S., blending the love of football with unforgettable experiences across the country. Live now at AmericaTheBeautiful.com/Football, the hub offers AI-powered sample itineraries, local highlights, culinary must-dos, and suggested road trips linking all 11 host cities. “Fans are invited to come early and explore the iconic destinations that make America unique,” says Fred Dixon, CEO of Brand USA. “The 2026 World Cup is the perfect chance to combine the Beautiful Game with the ultimate American adventure.” Atlanta, Georgia sets the tone with eight matches, including a semi-final. Fans can tour the iconic Mercedes-Benz Stadium, wander the locker rooms of the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United, and soak in skyline views from the “Window to the City.” Foodies will delight in lemon pepper chicken wings at Brewhouse Café or explore the interactive exhibits at the World of Coca-Cola. Football enthusiasts can also join StationSoccer pick-up games along MARTA transit lines, while the Georgia Aquarium offers an immersive experience with over 500 species in 11 million gallons of water. Beyond Atlanta, travelers can embark on road trips to Augusta, Savannah, Hilton Head, and Macon. Boston, Massachusetts, hosting seven games, offers a rich blend of history and sport. Visitors can step into TD Garden's Museum of Sports, “Be the Broadcaster” at a replica NESN desk, or walk Boston Common, America's oldest public park where early versions of football were played. Fans can also catch the National Women's Soccer League's Boston Legacy and explore nearby coastal towns like Falmouth, Edgartown, Hyannis, Provincetown, and Woods Hole. Dallas, Texas, with nine matches—the most of any city—offers panoramic views from Reunion Tower and culinary delights at Crown Block and Pecan Lodge. Art lovers can explore the Dallas Arts District's museums and murals, while sports enthusiasts tour AT&T Stadium and the National Soccer Hall of Fame at Toyota Stadium. Nearby destinations like Austin, San Antonio, and Fredericksburg offer authentic Texas culture and cuisine. In Houston, Texas, seven games highlight the city's energy. Stroll the Main Street Promenade, admire local football-themed art, or enjoy diverse cuisines from Czech kolaches to Viet-cajun crawfish. Road trips extend to Lake Charles, Louisiana, and Galveston, Texas, for coastal charm and local flavor. Kansas City, Missouri, hosting six games, celebrates its culinary heritage with the Museum of Barbecue and offers fans the chance to watch the KC Current at CPKC Stadium. Free rides on the Kansas City Streetcar make exploring local hotspots easy, while road trips take visitors to St. Louis, Springfield, Columbia, and other scenic Missouri towns. Los Angeles, California combines history and high-tech with tours of the LA Memorial Coliseum and SoFi Stadium. Football bars cater to fans of every league, while the Taste of the World Cup tour highlights cuisines from all 48 participating countries. Road trips stretch to Palm Springs, Las Vegas, Amboy, and Joshua Tree National Park. Miami, Florida offers colorful experiences, from Lionel Messi murals at Wynwood Walls to exhibitions at Pérez Art Museum Miami, while Freedom Park promises a new hub for tourism, sports, and entertainment. Travelers can explore the Florida Keys with stops in Islamorada, Key West, and Little Torch Key. New York and New Jersey promise the championship stage with eight matches. Fans can enjoy live broadcasts at Rockefeller Center, the 39-day Fan Festival at Liberty State Park, or tours of MetLife Stadium. Nearby East Coast road trips include Atlantic City, Philadelphia, and Smithville. Other host cities, from Philadelphia to San Francisco and Seattle, offer stadium tours, culinary delights, cultural experiences, and road trips to iconic landscapes like Yosemite, Lake Tahoe, Mount Rainier, and the Olympic Peninsula. With America the Beautiful Game, the 2026 FIFA World Cup becomes more than a tournament. It's a journey through the nation's iconic cities, local cultures, and breathtaking landscapes—a celebration of football, cuisine, art, and adventure. From coast to coast, fans can create memories that extend far beyond the final whistle. © 2024 Hyderabad Media House Limited / The Hans India. All rights reserved. Powered by www.bvmdigitalmedia.com
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Will Carlos Alcaraz claim ATP Year-End No. 1 presented by PIF honours for the third time next season? The World No. 1 is fresh off a season in which he won a career-high eighth titles and earned 71 match wins according to the Infosys ATP Win/Loss Index. The Spaniard has been working hard in the leadup to the 2026 ATP Tour season. Clive Brunskill of Getty Images photographed a day of the 22-year-old's training in Murcia on 24 December to provide fans a look into Alcaraz's efforts on and off the court. Nearly two weeks ago the news broke that Alcaraz had split with longtime coach Juan Carlos Ferrero. The 22-year-old has been training under the watchful eye of Samuel Lopez, who formally joined his team ahead of last season. Alcaraz is an Australian Open triumph from completing the Career Grand Slam. The six-time major champion has emerged victorious twice at each of the other three Slam tournaments: Roland Garros, Wimbledon and the US Open. He is also an eight-time ATP Masters 1000 titlist. Alcaraz is next scheduled to compete in Melbourne at the Australian Open. Earlier this year, he made the quarter-finals at the event before falling to 24-time major champion Novak Djokovic. Your data will be used in accordance with the ATP Privacy Policy and WTA Privacy Policy. Get official marketing communications from the ATP and WTA! We'll send you newsletters keeping you informed about news, tournaments, competitions, ticketing, partner offers and more. Your data will be used in accordance with the ATP Privacy Policy and WTA Privacy Policy. © Copyright 1994 - 2024 ATP Tour, Inc. All Rights Reserved. No part of this site may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any way or by any means (including photocopying, recording or storing it in any medium by electronic means), without the written permission of ATP Tour, Inc.. Terms & Conditions | Privacy | Community Social Media Policy | Modern Slavery Statement | Feedback | Cookies | Your Privacy Choices
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A trio of top players are a single Slam away from a boxed set of trophies—can any (or all) or them make it happen in 2026?ByTENNIS.comPublished Dec 28, 2025 copy_link Published Dec 28, 2025 As we make our way toward the 2026 season—which begins Friday, January 2 on Tennis Channel with the United Cup—our Tennis Channel analysts and editors tackle the most important questions of the new year.Next up: Will we see a Career Grand Slam achieved in 2026? DAVID KANE: Point of order, if we're going to see a Career Grand Slam happen next season, it will most likely come from a combination of Iga Swiatek, Carlos Alcaraz, and Jannik Sinner (although shoutout Stan Wawrinka, who is ostensibly a Wimbledon win away from the same achievement). Swiatek and Alcaraz are both missing the Australian Open, while Sinner fell just short of the boxed set last spring at Roland Garros. Melbourne has historically been a tough tournament for Alcaraz, who will be playing his first major without Juan Carlos Ferrero, and Sinner is still much more confident on quicker surfaces than clay. Therefore it stands to reason that Swiatek may be most likely to complete the career set Down Under, though she will face formidable opposition from the likes of Aryna Sabalenka, Amanda Anisimova, and Elena Rybakina.VICTORIA DUVAL: No. On the men's side, Jannik Sinner was so solid at last year's Australian Open and Carlos Alcaraz was equally so at Roland Garros and US Open. I foresee them splitting slams once again next year. On the women's side, there are several solid candidates who can make slam title pushes that might keep Iga Swiatek from winning the Australian Open. VICTORIA DUVAL: No. On the men's side, Jannik Sinner was so solid at last year's Australian Open and Carlos Alcaraz was equally so at Roland Garros and US Open. I foresee them splitting slams once again next year. On the women's side, there are several solid candidates who can make slam title pushes that might keep Iga Swiatek from winning the Australian Open. COCO VANDEWEGHE: Yes, I don't see why Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner can't both do it this year! It would be interesting to see the two rivals flip the scripts at the Australian Open and Roland Garros next year the way they did at Wimbledon and the US Open this year.BRETT HABER: Even though Jannik Sinner was one point away at Roland Garros, I think Carlos Alcaraz has the best chance in Melbourne. Sinner and Iga Swiatek both squandered match points this year late in the major they need to complete the career slam—Sinner in Paris, Swiatek at the Australian Open. If they get close again, does scar tissue become a concern?PAUL ANNACONE: Yes. I believe Iga Swiatek will get there next year and win the Australian Open. When it comes to the guys, nothing would shock me, but it's tough to see both Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner making it happen in 2026. Maybe one or the other. BRETT HABER: Even though Jannik Sinner was one point away at Roland Garros, I think Carlos Alcaraz has the best chance in Melbourne. Sinner and Iga Swiatek both squandered match points this year late in the major they need to complete the career slam—Sinner in Paris, Swiatek at the Australian Open. If they get close again, does scar tissue become a concern?PAUL ANNACONE: Yes. I believe Iga Swiatek will get there next year and win the Australian Open. When it comes to the guys, nothing would shock me, but it's tough to see both Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner making it happen in 2026. Maybe one or the other. PAUL ANNACONE: Yes. I believe Iga Swiatek will get there next year and win the Australian Open. When it comes to the guys, nothing would shock me, but it's tough to see both Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner making it happen in 2026. Maybe one or the other.
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By Nancy Tartaglione International Box Office Editor/Senior Contributor Refresh for latest…: James Cameron's Avatar: Fire and Ash has reached an estimated $760.4M through Sunday globally. Within that, this return to Pandora is now at $542.7M from the international box office. The sophomore session added $181.2M overseas amid just a 25% dip (-15% excluding China), and increases in some key markets. The 20th Century/Disney sci-fi threequel is currently the No. 5 MPA global release of 2025, while the trio of Avatar films have now earned over $6B worldwide. Fire and Ash is thisclose to topping the $100M milestone in China (sitting at $99.6M through today), and will become only the second Hollywood movie to get there in the market this year, behind Disney's own Zootopia 2. Watch on Deadline Related Stories News 'Avatar: Fire & Ash' Heads To $217M Cume, 'Marty Supreme' Great $27M, 'Anaconda' $23M+, 'Song Sung Blue' $12M In Final B.O. Weekend Of 2025 - Update News James Cameron Will "Hold A Press Conference" If He Decides To End 'Avatar' Franchise Early Regarding the latter, the animals have now grossed $1,420.9M worldwide, including $1,099.5M from overseas. This makes Zootopia 2 the first studio movie of 2025 to cross $1B at the international box office. Z2 is also the top global release of 2025, the 3rd studio animated release ever worldwide and the highest-grossing Hollywood animated movie of all time internationally. It has also entered the Top 10 MPA international releases ever. Weekend five added $67.9M across all overseas markets, for a terrific 15% overall drop (-1% excluding China), with five key markets increasing from last frame. Before we dig into more details on the above, here are some other highlights from the weekend: Paramount's The SpongeBob Movie: Search for Squarepants opened to $22.1M (including previews) internationally in 76% of the offshore footprint – the global running cume is $60.3M. And, Universal's Wicked: For Good crossed the half-century mark globally, getting to $504M amid a very slight 17% dip overseas and a domestic increase. Also from Universal, and Blumhouse-Atomic Monster, Five Nights at Freddy's 2 crossed $100M internationally. What's more, and here's a nice surprise, Sony's Anaconda with Jack Black and Paul Rudd, debuted to $20M in 58 overseas markets to make it the best international start for a comedy since 2013 on a like-for-like basis at today's exchange rates. The global running total is $43.7M. MORE… Get our Breaking News Alerts and Keep your inbox happy. Comments On Deadline Hollywood are monitored. So don't go off topic, don't impersonate anyone, and don't get your facts wrong. Comment Name Email Website Δ Signup for Breaking News Alerts & Newsletters By providing your information, you agree to our Terms of Use and our Privacy Policy. We use vendors that may also process your information to help provide our services. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Get our latest storiesin the feed of your favorite networks We want to hear from you! Send us a tip using our annonymous form. Sign up for our breaking news alerts By providing your information, you agree to our Terms of Use and our Privacy Policy. We use vendors that may also process your information to help provide our services. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Deadline is a part of Penske Media Corporation. © 2025 Deadline Hollywood, LLC. All Rights Reserved. By providing your information, you agree to our Terms of Use and our Privacy Policy. We use vendors that may also process your information to help provide our services. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
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Alabama Barker flaunted her over-the-top designer Christmas gifts, with an estimated value of $200,000. “I am beyond blessed, grateful, [and] thankful,” the 20-year-old daughter of Travis Barker and Shanna Moakler said via a TikTok video Saturday. “I'm everything. I'm so happy,” she added before pulling out Hermès Oran sandal slides ($1,250) gifted by her step-grandmother, Kris Jenner. Advertisement Alabama explained she had “lost” all her slides while vacationing and “loved” the replacement. Advertisement She then pulled out two pairs of UGGs, including an animal print slipper ($129) she received from her former babysitter. From Travis, the influencer showed off six boxes of shoes from Rene Caovilla, saying, “My dad went a little crazy with the heels.” Advertisement Inside the boxes were the Chandelier Black Sandal ($2,190), the Braid Cleo Dove Sandal ($1,890), the Cleo Black Sandal ($1,820) and the Dalilah White Sandal ($1,730). The Blink-182 drummer also gifted his daughter Lorraine Schwartz diamond earrings, J'Adore Dior tanks, a pink desktop computer from Apple, an Ipad and lingerie from Agent Provocateur. Alabama joked her dad “went a little crazy” in the lingerie store, explaining that her stepmom, Kourtney Kardashian, had “picked out most of it.” Advertisement As for Kardashian, she gifted her stepdaughter a pink Birkin, which has a starting cost of more than $20,000. Alabama also pulled out a pair of satin red Louboutin pumps ($1,145), gifted from her mysterious boyfriend. “You guys will not be seeing this one,” she quipped. Start your day with Page Six Daily. Please provide a valid email. By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Want celebrity news as it breaks? Also from “her beau,” the internet personality received a pink Chanel handbag, referring to it as one of her “favorite bags.” Advertisement Additionally, the “Cry Bhabie” rapper was gifted a “timeless” black Chanel handbag from an unnamed individual, a Hermès bag from Kendall Jenner and a Chanel vanity bag from Kylie Jenner. Moving on with the haul, she briefly brought out three pairs of Chanel sneakers, ranging from between $1,000 to $1,575. Advertisement One of Alabama's most impressive gifts was the cow print Chrome weekender bag. The duffle bag usually goes for $15,025 but is on sale for $13,522.50. Also in the haul was a diamond “A” necklace, a vintage Chanel bikini, perfumes, designer accessorizies and more shoes.
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Brigitte Bardot, the French actress who was named the original “sex kitten,” has died, according to her foundation. She was 91. “The Brigitte Bardot Foundation announces with immense sadness the death of its founder and president, Madame Brigitte Bardot, a world-renowned actress and singer, who chose to abandon her prestigious career to dedicate her life and energy to animal welfare and her foundation,” the foundation, which fights to protect animals, announced on its website Sunday. “The Brigitte Bardot Foundation wishes to honor the memory of an exceptional woman who gave everything for a world more respectful of animals,” it added. “We extend our sincere condolences to her family, loved ones, the municipality of Saint-Tropez and its residents, and all those who share this cause. The Foundation will continue, more than ever, to champion the work of Brigitte Bardot.” The foundation's Bruno Jacquelin told the Associated Press that Bardot had been hospitalized last month and that she passed away in her home in Southern France. No funeral or memorial service arrangements have been made. Bardot's cause of death was not disclosed. French President Emmanuel Macron took to X to share a touching tribute to Bardot. Start your day with Page Six Daily. Please provide a valid email. By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Want celebrity news as it breaks? “Her films, her voice, her dazzling glory, her initials, her sorrows, her generous passion for animals, her face that became Marianne, Brigitte Bardot embodied a life of freedom,” Macron tweeted Sunday. “French existence, universal brilliance. She touched us. We mourn a legend of the century,” he added. Bardot was launched as an international sex symbol in 1956 when she starred as a sexualized teen bride in the movie “And God Created Woman.” The film, which was directed by her then-husband, Roger Vadim, featured scenes of Bardot dancing on tables naked, marking a groundbreaking portrayal of female sexuality during a conservative time. After starring in nearly 30 films, Bardot retired from acting in 1973. A decade later, she reemerged as an animal rights lobbyist and started her animal rights foundation after selling movie memorabilia and jewelry. Bardot is survived by her fourth husband, Bernard d'Ormale, her estranged son, Nicolas-Jacques Charrier, and her sister.
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Subscribe for full access to The Hollywood Reporter Subscribe for full access to The Hollywood Reporter In an unexpected coincidence, Ridley stars opposite 'Solo: A Star Wars Story' lead Alden Ehrenreich in the upcoming rom-com 'The Last Resort' 10 years after they became pals. By Brian Davids Writer This is your biannual reminder that the independent offerings of Daisy Ridley deserve your attention. While she patiently awaits Disney and Lucasfilm's next move with regard to Star Wars, Ridley has been releasing a couple well-received indies per year, save for Disney's highly acclaimed sports biopic, Young Woman and the Sea (2024). On Jan. 2, Ridley kicks off the new year with another well-regarded film in We Bury the Dead. Zak Hilditch's contemplative zombie thriller, which premiered at 2025's South by Southwest, chronicles Ava Newman (Ridley) as she journeys from America to Tasmania in hopes of finding her husband alive. The U.S. military botched a nearby weapons test that obliterated the population of Tasmania, creating either a pile of dead bodies or zombies that gradually become more aggressive. Ava's husband, Mitch, had the misfortune of being on a work retreat there at the same time. Popular on THR Related Stories Lifestyle Patrick Ball, Alden Ehrenreich to Make Broadway Debuts in 'Becky Shaw' Movies 'Weapons' Star Alden Ehrenreich Wants You to Go to More Theater in Los Angeles Ava's marriage was already on the rocks. Her and her husband's struggle to conceive a child slowly chipped away at their union, so she is simply looking for closure in whatever form it takes. Ridley ultimately channeled people in her life who were going through similar fertility challenges as her character. “I knew a couple people that were going through IVF at the time. It can take a toll emotionally and physically on women, but also on their relationships while they're going through it. So that actually felt really [palpable] at the time [of We Bury the Dead],” Ridley tells The Hollywood Reporter. “I understood that feeling of wanting something so much, and how difficult that can be, in a way that I never had before.” In May of 2025, Ridley wrapped her first romantic comedy opposite none other than Solo: A Star Wars Story star Alden Ehrenreich. She nearly worked with the embryonic Han Solo toward the beginning of their Star Wars careers a decade ago, so the Phillipines-set The Last Resort is a long time coming for the Lucasfilm stablemates. “I signed onto [The Last Resort] before I knew Alden was doing it. Alden and I were supposed to do a movie together ten years ago. It ended up not happening, but we became buddies, so I was really thrilled when he came on,” Ridley says. Ridley and Ehrenreich's promotion of The Last Resort will undoubtedly lead to some awkward Star Wars questions, but Ridley's husband, Tom Bateman, has them both beat. In August, he wrapped his own romcom called The Love Hypothesis, which is based on Ali Hazelwood's novel of the same name. The twist is that the book was born out of fan fiction that centered on his wife's Star Wars character, Rey, and Adam Driver's Kylo Ren. Bateman's character is even named Adam after Driver. “To be clear, Tom didn't know that [The Love Hypothesis] was fan fiction, and I didn't remember that it was fan fiction. So he had a number of auditions, and then he was told when he got the part that it was fan fiction, which was news to him,” Ridley shares. “I guess he told me, but I don't think I put two and two together. It wasn't until we got to Montreal [for filming] that someone again said that it was fan fiction, and I was like, ‘Huh.' So I'm really looking forward to seeing the film. Sources say that it's very good.” Below, during a recent conversation with THR, Ridley also discusses the next collaboration between her and Bateman following 2024's Magpie, as well as her favorite film of 2025. *** Ava is an American who's doing volunteer dead body retrieval in Tasmania, and she's singled out at times for being a “Yank.” With the majority of We Bury the Dead's cast and crew being Australian, did you also feel like a fish out of water? You know what? I've never felt more a part of things. Actually, no, I have felt this a part of things before, but this was still a really, really wonderful experience. So I felt so much in the fabric of everything, and I didn't feel like a fish out of water. It was really lovely. After playing mothers in The Marsh King's Daughter and Magpie, do you think that context was helpful for this woman who'd desperately been trying to get to that position? I knew a couple people that were going through IVF at the time. It was something that I had [previously] read about and heard about, but I didn't know people [until then] that were really having that experience. It can take a toll emotionally and physically on women, but also on their relationships while they're going through it. So that actually felt really [palpable] at the time. I understood that feeling of wanting something so much, and how difficult that can be, in a way that I never had before, and that was really what I was holding onto in playing her. The most unsettling scene is not with a zombie; it's with a soldier (Mark Coles Smith's Riley). You're used to playing other people, but not like that. Did any of those disturbing circumstances creep into your psyche at all? Or does your work generally not follow you home? I generally don't take my work home with me, but there were things that weren't scripted that ended up happening during that sequence. At the beginning of all of that, Ava is really listening to Riley, and she's really understanding in many ways where he's coming from. There's a desperation to his grief that feels more apparent than Ava's, but they're also mirroring each other in some ways. It then takes that very strange, creepy turn. So, in the running out, I had to slam the door, and then I screamed a couple things that were not scripted because the feeling was high. But then you cut, and it's great, and you move on. But that sequence certainly felt properly frightening in the moment. In my mind, one of the defining images of you is your emotional audition video for Star Wars: The Force Awakens over a decade ago. When you have to cry on screen now, something you do several times in We Bury the Dead, is it similar to a light switch? Can you just turn it on and off? No, not at all. For me, crying isn't always the way we show sadness. So when it came to We Bury the Dead, I didn't know what some of these scenes would end up being. I tend to ignore stage directions anyway because you just don't know until you're there. But I certainly didn't know how some of the scenes in this film were going to go, and that's really a testament to [writer-director] Zak [Hilditch] and the amazing cast and crew. We felt very safe and very open to see what happened in the moment. I can always tell that you have a spidey sense for when the Star Wars questions are about to start, and you're always a good sport about it. That being said, when you were weighing your upcoming Philippines-set movie (The Last Resort) with Alden Ehrenreich, how much did the inevitable Star Wars questions affect your decision? (Laughs.) Hilarious. Well, I signed onto that before I knew Alden was doing it. Alden and I were supposed to do a movie together ten years ago. It ended up not happening, but we became buddies, so I was really thrilled when he came on. That should be a fun press cycle. (Laughs.) Yeah. Alden's fictional son, Ben Solo, made headlines recently. The Hunt for Ben Solo was both news and old news to you at the same time? Yeah, I hear things. I've got my ear to the ground. You said that Adam Driver volunteering that information was the biggest surprise of the year, and you're right, he's usually very reluctant to talk about Star Wars. (Laughs.) Yeah. Was the second biggest surprise of the year when the writer of Magpie (Ridley's husband, Tom Bateman) said he was going to be acting in a movie that began as fan fiction about Rey and Kylo Ren? (Laughs.) To be clear, Tom didn't know that [The Love Hypothesis] was fan fiction, and I didn't remember that it was fan fiction. So he had a number of auditions, and then he was told when he got the part that it was fan fiction, which was news to him. I guess he told me, but I don't think I put two and two together. It wasn't until we got to Montreal [for filming] that someone again said that it was fan fiction, and I was like, “Huh.” So I'm really looking forward to seeing the film. Sources say that it's very good, and I think it will be really charming and really fun. As far as a Magpie follow-up, whatever that may be, has Tom been delivering pages to you fairly often? Oh yeah. We have something that we are currently out to for someone to direct, which is fantastic. He has two or three other scripts that are ready to go. I also read the first draft of something that he just did, which is amazing. So he's currently working on that now. There's a pattern in your work that began with Rey ten years ago, and it continues all the way through Ava in We Bury the Dead. You often play characters who are either lonely or alone for prolonged stretches. What do you make of that trend? I don't know. I guess there can be a lot of drama in that. But I have never had a plan of what I want to do next. I'm just drawn to what I'm drawn to, and the films that I've been drawn to, I've absolutely loved working on them. The Last Resort, which I made with Alden, really does buck that [loneliness] trend. I got to be around people. I mean, there is an element of loneliness to the person I play in that, but she really finds so much joy in the people around her. So it was really fun to do that. It's the end of the year, and people are releasing their lists of favorites. What film grabbed you the most this year? The movie of the year for me is Train Dreams. But I will say that I have not seen Hamnet, which I can't wait for. I've not seen Sentimental Value, which I can't wait for. So I've seen screenings of a lot of movies lately, and while I've loved a lot of stuff, Train Dreams is really the one that got me. Ugh, it's just a wonderful, wonderful movie. ***We Bury the Dead opens in cinemas on January 2. Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day A scoop-driven, insider view of Hollywood's genre and blockbuster movie landscape, led by Borys Kit and Aaron Couch. Subscribe for full access to The Hollywood Reporter Send us a tip using our anonymous form.
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By Tim Grierson Brigitte Bardot, one of cinema's most iconic sex symbols who quit the business to focus on activism, has died at age 91. “The Brigitte Bardot Foundation announces with immense sadness the death of its founder and president, Madame Brigitte Bardot, a world-renowned actress and singer, who chose to abandon her prestigious career to dedicate her life and energy to animal welfare and her foundation,” the foundation announced on Sunday. A cause of death and date was not immediately available. “Her films, her voice, her dazzling glory, her initials, her sorrows, her generous passion for animals, her face that became Marianne, Brigitte Bardot embodied a life of freedom,” French President Emmanuel Macron said in a statement. “French existence, universal brilliance. She touched us. We mourn a legend of the century.” Although only acting for about 20 years from the 1950s to the 1970s, the French performer left an indelible mark, embodying the sexual revolution that swept across society at the time. Becoming a global celebrity thanks to 1956's And God Created Woman, in which she played a liberated, unapologetically libidinous teenager, Bardot broke barriers in the depiction of eroticism on screen. As a result, her film career was littered with movies in which she was the object of desire, enrapturing the other characters and the audience simultaneously. Bardot walked away from acting in 1973 to crusade for animal rights, starting the Brigitte Bardot Foundation in 1986. But although she remained the platonic ideal of female beauty onscreen even after she retired, Bardot insisted she didn't see herself that way. “To tell you the truth, I don't feel all that exceptional,” she said in a 2014 interview. “That's how it always has been, and that hasn't changed.” Born in Paris on September 28, 1934, Bardot grew up in a well-to-do, conservative Catholic family. She bristled at her strict parents, exacerbated by the fact that she came of age during the Nazi occupation of France, but she found an escape dancing to records at home. That interest led to a stint in ballet, and later modeling. Her appearance on the cover of magazines such as Elle caught the eye of director Marc Allégret, who was interested in possibly casting her in his next film. The project never ended up happening, but it was how Bardot met aspiring filmmaker Roger Vadim, whom she married in 1952. (Her parents made her wait until she was 18 to wed.) Editor's picks The 250 Greatest Albums of the 21st Century So Far The 100 Best TV Episodes of All Time The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time 100 Best Movies of the 21st Century Bardot appeared in a series of mostly unremarkable pictures — including her English-language debut in the 1955 hit comedy Doctor at Sea — before And God Created Woman. But it was that 1956 romantic drama, Vadim's directorial debut, that launched her. Playing Juliette, an 18-year-old orphan tempting every man in Saint-Tropez, Bardot oozed playful sex appeal. In his New York Times review, Bosley Crowther aptly (and somewhat crudely) summed up the movie's appeal: “This round and voluptuous little French miss is put on spectacular display and is rather brazenly ogled from every allowable point of view. She is looked at in slacks and sweaters, in shorts and bikini bathing suits. She wears a bedsheet on two or three occasions, and, once, she shows behind a thin screen in the nude. What's more, she moves herself in a fashion that fully accentuates her charms. She is undeniably a creation of superlative craftsmanship.” The movie made Bardot a superstar — not just in France but overseas, where demand for more of her films quickly skyrocketed. Although male film critics were more taken by her looks than her movies' artistic merits, Bardot wasn't concerned. Asked around the time of And God Created Woman whether she wanted to be thought of as a serious actress, she responded, “I will be a serious actress when I'm older.” Labeled a “sex kitten” in the press, Bardot continued to portray characters who flaunted their sexuality, including in the 1958 crime-thriller In Case of Adversity, which saw her play a murder suspect who seduces Jean Gabin's married attorney. She had several commercial successes with Vadim, who had written or co-written her other 1956 smashes Naughty Girl and Plucking the Daisy. But after their divorce a year later, she was determined to prove that her stardom wasn't simply because of him, even though they continued to occasionally collaborate in later years. As Bardot once put it, “To be fair, if Vadim discovered and manufactured me, I created Vadim.” Related Content Amos Poe, Punk Rock Filmmaker Behind 'The Blank Generation,' Dead at 76 Perry Bamonte, Guitarist for the Cure, Dead at 65 'Big Brother' Star Mickey Lee Dead at 35 Gil Gerard, ‘Buck Rogers in the 25th Century' Hero, Dead at 82 If anything, her celebrity only grew in the 1960s, with box-office smashes like the 1959 comedy Babette Goes to War paving the way for director Henri-Georges Clouzot's highly-anticipated 1960 courtroom drama The Truth, which starred Bardot as a womanmon trial for the murder of her boyfriend. Earning a Best Foreign-Language Film Oscar nomination and proving to be another commercial triumph, The Truth contains arguably Bardot's finest performance — indisputable evidence that she could be a “serious actress,” but on her own terms and on her own timetable. Plus, it was impossible not to think about her character's dilemma — a free-spirited young woman trying to escape a repressive upbringing — and not connect it to the similar break Bardot had orchestrated from her family. Perhaps tellingly, she later said The Truth was one of the films she was proudest of, stating that she hoped the movie “would turn me into a tragic actress, a recognized actress; it would be the crowning glory of my career.” The David di Donatello Awards — the Italian equivalent of the Oscars — agreed, voting her Best Foreign Actress for the film. Bardot continued to enjoy a string of hits — including the 1962 romantic drama A Very Private Affair, which took inspiration from her life story — while expanding her list of acclaimed directors with whom she collaborated. Louis Malle, who had helmed A Very Private Affair, guided her to a BAFTA nomination for 1965's Viva Maria!, and she teamed up with Jean-Luc Godard for Contempt, a blistering portrait of a marriage in disarray. But although by that point Bardot had long established her bona fides as a legitimate actress — she shined in Contempt as a chilly, brittle wife being used as a professional bargaining tool by her husband (Michel Piccoli), a floundering screenwriter — Godard's producers reportedly forced him to include shots of her nude to help bolster the box office. Not content to simply be a movie star, she also pursued a singing career, recording several albums in the 1960s. Working with, among others, her future lover Serge Gainsbourg, she released Brigitte Bardot Sings and B.B., finding her greatest success with their 1968 collaborative album Bonnie and Clyde, which featured their dreamy, effortlessly cool duet on the title track. Naysayers dismissed her musical aspirations, accusing her of trading on her beauty and stardom. Bardot was defiant. Looking back at her life, she declared in 2012, “I've always done what I liked. … I know that I have more balls than many men. They could learn a lesson from me.” Although she was quite fond of her romantic comedy The Bear and the Doll, in which she plays a woman trying to woo Jean-Pierre Cassel's musician, as the 1970s beckoned, her stardom began to fade. After starring in 1973's The Edifying and Joyous Story of Colinot, she quit acting. She had never had an easy relationship with celebrity: “Nobody can imagine how terrible it is,” she told Vogue Hommes. “It's an ordeal. I could not live like this anymore.” Instead, she started speaking out about the mistreatment of animals. Becoming a vegetarian, Bardot used her wealth to help bankroll her own foundation dedicated to animal rights. In a 2014 interview, she reflected on her long struggle to stop everything from the wearing of fur to the slaughter of dolphins: “It is a battle. A fight against cruelty, stupidity, and the indifference of humans,” she declared. “It's animals against man, a furious fight meant to better the conditions of animals in the world, to open people's eyes, to fight their selfishness, and to protect the weakest from the most destructive forces.” But her passion for animals was sometimes eclipsed by her controversial comments on other topics. In her 2003 memoir A Cry in the Silence, Bardot disparaged members of the LGBTQ+ community, using a homophobic epithet and referring to them as “circus freaks.” She also railed against what she perceived as “the Islamization of French society.” Accused of inciting racial hatred, Bardot was fined 5,000 Euros, which was not the first time she had been accused of such crimes. (Later, in 2007, she publicly blasted the Muslim practice of killing sheep as part of Eid al-Adha: “I am fed up with being under the thumb of this population which is destroying us, destroying our country and imposing its acts,” she wrote at the time.) Bardot further angered fans in 2018 by expressing no sympathy for her fellow performers who called out predatory men in the wake of #MeToo. Dismissing them as “hypocritical,” she told a reporter from Paris Match, “Many actresses flirt with producers to get a role. Then when they tell the story afterwards, they say they have been harassed … in actual fact, rather than benefit them, it only harms them.” Bardot claimed she had never experienced such harassment, asserting, “I thought it was nice to be told that I was beautiful or that I had a pretty little ass. This kind of compliment is nice.” Trending Stories Kennedy Center President to ‘Seek $1 Million in Damages' Against Musician Over Nixed Christmas Show How Much Did Bad Bunny's Residency Actually Generate For Puerto Rico? Chevy Chase Was Put Into an 8-Day Coma While Hospitalized for Heart Failure Meet the Real 'Marty Supreme' She made good on her promise to never return to acting, but nonetheless remained forever etched in the culture's mind as a great film beauty challenging taboos in the depiction of sexuality on screen — forever the picture of youthful exuberance and endless possibility. Not that Bardot noticed as she devoted herself to animals rights and closely guarded her privacy. She granted journalists few interviews — a rare exception was in 2012 for Vanity Fair. “I don't feel old or used up,” she said, “and I don't have time to waste thinking about aging, because I live only for my cause. Today, there are more regulations on cars than for animals.” As for her years as a so-called sex kitten, those were just distant memories that she was happy to have forgotten. “The other day, I came across And God Created Woman on TV,” she said, “which I haven't seen in ages. I told myself that that girl wasn't bad. But it was like it was someone other than me. I have better things to do than study myself on a screen.” We want to hear it. Send us a tip using our anonymous form. Rolling Stone is a part of Penske Media Corporation. © 2025 Rolling Stone, LLC. All rights reserved.
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"You got anything we could look out for? Anything? No music, no shirts or sweaters or some boots?" Cole asked. By Jessica Lynch Kanye West made an unannounced appearance during a comedy show by Deon Cole at the Hollywood Improv on Saturday night (Dec. 27), briefly stepping onstage and confirming that a new album is in the works. Explore Kanye West See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts and news Cole shared footage from the night on Instagram after the show, posting a short clip and writing, “About last night. What a great time. Laughter & love wins again. Hollywood improv.” Related Harry Styles Quietly Releases Surprise 'Forever, Forever' Music Video Daddy Yankee to Ring In 2026 With 'Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve' & More Uplifting Moments in Latin Music NLE Choppa Reveals Engagement in Holiday Instagram Post In the video, Cole invites West onto the stage and introduces him to the audience as “a good friend,” thanking the rapper for attending the show. After confirming that he enjoyed the set, West laughs as Cole pokes fun at his famously restrained reactions. “You weren't giving me no sympathy laughs, right?” Cole asks in the clip, drawing a grin from West as the crowd reacts. The moment then turns to what fans might expect next from the artist. “You got anything we could look out for?” Cole asks. “No music, no shirts or sweaters or some boots?” West responds without elaboration: “New album,” prompting loud cheers from the room. Cole follows up with a joking request to appear on an interlude on the forthcoming project, then asks whether West could send him a care package of clothes — which West agrees to — before exiting the stage. Back in November, Ye also popped up during Travis Scott's Circus Maximus show in Japan last for an unannounced set at the Belluna Dome in Tokorozawa on Nov. 8.In fan-shot footage circulating online, West — who had his face covered — pulled off his mask mid-show to roaring applause before launching into his 2007 anthem “Can't Tell Me Nothing.” Scott remained onstage as a hype man and support act throughout Ye's mini-set, which included hits like “Runaway,” “Heartless,” “Flashing Lights,” “Stronger,” and “All of the Lights.” The duo performed together in front of a packed Tokyo crowd as part of Scott's two-night Japan stopover. Ye will also return to Italy to headline the brand new Hellwatt Festival, which will take place at the RCF Arena over three weekends, from July 4-18, and will be officially presented in late January or early February 2026. The news of Ye's concert in Italy comes nearly two years after the lengthy back-and-forth over the live presentation of Vultures, his Billboard 200-topping joint album with Ty Dolla $ign, which concluded without a concert but with a listening party held at the Unipol Forum in Milan and the Unipol Arena in Bologna in February 2024. Get weekly rundowns straight to your inbox A daily briefing on what matters in the music industry Send us a tip using our anonymous form. A daily briefing on what matters in the music industry Send us a tip using our anonymous form. Billboard is a part of Penske Media Corporation. © 2025 Billboard Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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Subscribe for full access to The Hollywood Reporter Subscribe for full access to The Hollywood Reporter Asghar Farhadi remembered the filmmaker and playwright, who died due to complications from cancer, as his "great teacher." By Hilary Lewis Deputy Editor, East Coast Prominent Iranian film and theater writer-director Bahram Beyzaie died in the U.S. on Friday due to complications from cancer, according to independent journalist Mansour Jahani. Beyzaie was 87 and died on his birthday. Beyzaie's 1985 film, Bashu, the Little Stranger was screened at the 2025 Venice Film Festival and received the Venice Classics award for best restored film. Fellow Iranian director Asghar Farhadi called Beyzaie his “great teacher” in a tribute message. “Bahram Beyzaie, my great teacher, whose works, words, and above all, his love for the culture of this land I have followed with all my heart, has now left this world in exile,” Farhadi wrote. “I have truly never known a more Iranian person than Bahram Beyzaie in this day and age, and how bitter it is that this most Iranian of Iranians, thousands of miles away from Iran, turns a blind eye to the world.” Bahram Beyzaie was born in Tehran on Dec. 26, 1938, and grew up in a family of poets and literary scholars. In addition to directing 10 features, four short films and 14 staged plays, Beyzaie wrote more than 70 books, monographs, plays and screenplays. Related Video Related Stories Music Perry Bamonte, Guitarist and Keyboardist for The Cure, Dies at 65 Movies Marilyn Granas, First Stand-In for Shirley Temple, Dies at 98 Considered one of the leaders of Iranian New Wave cinema, Beyzaie's award-winning films, screened at festivals around the world, in addition to Bashu, include Downpour (1972) and Killing Rabids (2001). His work was inspired by Indo-Iranian mythology and history and drew on the study of ancient Iranian literature and languages. He reconstructed indigenous forms of Iranian theater in his own film and stage projects. His first play, Arash, written when he was 19, was a response to Siavash Kasraei's Arash the Archer. He wrote scholarly works that examined the origins of One Thousand and One Nights and its connection with other significant works in Persian literature. And his monographs and essays explore Indian, Chinese and Japanese performing art traditions. His 1965 book Theatre in Iran provided a comprehensive study of the historical roots of Iranian theatrical genres like Naqali (Iranian storytelling), Kheimeh Shab Bazi (Iranian puppetry), Ta'zieh (passion plays) and Ruhowzi (comic folk drama). Beyzaie was a founding member of the Center for Progressive Filmmakers in Iran, the Iranian Writers Association and The Society of Dramatic Authors and Composers, serving as the University of Tehran's chair of the dramatic arts department. After the Islamic Revolution in 1979, he was forced to resign from Tehran University, and his work was censored or banned by the government. He left Iran in 2010 and joined Stanford as a lecturer in Iranian studies, where he staged several plays and conducted workshops on Iranian mythology. Beyzaie was a member of the Film Academy and had been invited to join the Oscars voting body in 2024. Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day Send us a tip using our anonymous form.
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Amy Poehler hilariously recalled her Boston roots emerging during an argument on a plane. “I remember being on a plane with you,” Poehler's “Saturday Night Live” co-star Ana Gasteyer recalled during an episode of Poehler's “Good Hang” podcast earlier this week. “You got into a fight with a guy,” Gastyer continued, noting that her baby Frances — who is now 23 years old — “was on the plane with us.” “She was on the flight and I still got in a fight with the baby around?” an incredulous Poehler repeated. “The guy got mad that you were swearing in front of the baby,” Gasteyer confirmed. “It's a long story, but what happened was a first-class guy, which we were in first class too, was like, ‘Excuse me, I'm trying to — you're being too loud in first class,'” Poehler explained. “My Boston came out, let's just say that.” A bemused Gasteyer called the mid-air clash “the best thing I've ever seen.” Poehler went on to marry “Arrested Development” alum Will Arnett in 2003 before finalizing her divorce from him in 2016. They share sons Archie, 17, and Abel, 15. Gasteyer married husband Charlie McKittrick, in 1996, and along with Frances, the longtime couple share son Ulysses. Start your day with Page Six Daily. Please provide a valid email. By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Want celebrity news as it breaks? Gasteyer, 58, and the “Park and Recreation” star, 54, famously appeared together on “Saturday Night Live” from 2001 to 2002. They also co-starred in Tina Fey's iconic 2004 comedy “Mean Girls,” with Poehler memorably playing “cool mom” to Rachel McAdam's popular Regina George character. Gasteyer, meanwhile, played the mother of Lindsay Lohan's character, Cady Heron. In 2019, the comedic icons teamed up for “Wine Country,” which also starred Fey, Rachel Dratch, Emily Spivey, Maya Rudolph, and Paula Pell. While looking back on their time together on “Saturday Night Live,” Poehler and Gasteyer both admitted to being “obsessed” with lifestyle maven Martha Stewart — whom Gasteyer is famous for flawlessly imitating. “Martha, I'm not going to invite you on the show because I'm too scared, but please listen and know that you're something else,” Poehler quipped.
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By Glenn Garner Associate Editor After 30 years, Eddie Murphy has moved on from his beef with Saturday Night Live and David Spade over the flop of 1995's Vampire in Brooklyn. Spade recently clarified that he and Murphy are “all good” after reuniting at last year's SNL50: The 50th Anniversary Special, noting that he previously made the Oscar nominee “hate me overnight” after a joke at his movie's expense. “It was weird going from being a super fan to having him hate me overnight, and to try to win him back for the last 25 years,” he explained on his and Dana Carvey's Fly on the Wall podcast. Watch on Deadline “We had some bumps in the road along the way, early on. I was on ‘Weekend Update', on SNL, new to the show, making fun of all the celebrities and I made fun of him and it didn't go well. And he called me and we had it out.” Spade added, “Actually, he had it out. I didn't really fight back. Because I did feel a little guilty about it. And he did make some sense, I just didn't like that because he was a hero.” During his ‘Spade in America' segment on the Dec. 9, 1995 episode of SNL, Spade went after several celebs of the time, including Murphy and Vampire in Brooklyn. “Look, children, it's a falling star. Make a wish. Yes, that's right. You make a Hollywood Minute omelet, you break some eggs,” he said at the time. Noting he's seen Murphy “once or twice” since the joke, having been on good terms at the NBC sketch comedy show's 25th anniversary special in February. Last year, Murphy called the joke “a cheap shot” and “racist,” adding that “it was personal.” “In the long run, it's all good. Worked out great,” he added. “I'm cool with David Spade. Cool with Lorne Michaels. I went back to SNL. I'm cool with everybody. It's all love.” Following his own legendary 1980-'84 stint as an SNL cast member, Murphy officially buried the hatchet with his alma mater when he returned to host in 2019, earning him his first Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series. Get our Breaking News Alerts and Keep your inbox happy. Comments On Deadline Hollywood are monitored. So don't go off topic, don't impersonate anyone, and don't get your facts wrong. Comment Name Email Website Δ I like the maturity of both gentlemen of SNL both are legends in my book I'm glad they got it together And people say Chevy is a jerk. How many other people from SNL bombed besides Eddie and did they say anything about them? I would be pissed too. Signup for Breaking News Alerts & Newsletters By providing your information, you agree to our Terms of Use and our Privacy Policy. We use vendors that may also process your information to help provide our services. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Get our latest storiesin the feed of your favorite networks We want to hear from you! Send us a tip using our annonymous form. Sign up for our breaking news alerts By providing your information, you agree to our Terms of Use and our Privacy Policy. We use vendors that may also process your information to help provide our services. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Deadline is a part of Penske Media Corporation. © 2025 Deadline Hollywood, LLC. All Rights Reserved. By providing your information, you agree to our Terms of Use and our Privacy Policy. We use vendors that may also process your information to help provide our services. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
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The festive season is a time to slow down and be thankful for your loved ones and the good things in your life, but it's not a joyous time for everyone. HGTV's Jasmine Roth has reflected on her childhood and the traumas she endured in a vulnerable, emotional post. The HGTV “Hidden Potential” and “HELP! I Wrecked My House” star posted a video on Instagram on December 23 showing herself, her husband, Brett Roth, and their two children, Hazel Lynn Roth and Darla Rose Roth. They are seated on the sofa, eating popcorn in front of their Christmas tree. They look so happy. In the text overlay on the video, Roth wrote, “I wish I'd known as a child, you can grow up in a house filled with chaos and unnecessary drama and still one day create a home without it. This is ours.” In the caption, she shared her thoughts. “I waited a LONG time to have kids, and one of the main reasons was that I didn't know if I would be able to create a chaos-free home,” she began. “Chaos and drama was what I knew and it took me most of my adult life to learn how to set boundaries and prioritize healthy relationships. To step away from the chaos and be ok with it.” She continued, “If you had a tumultuous childhood, chances are you're in this same boat. Just know that your past doesn't define your future. You can learn, you can change, and you can grow far behind what others may think possible. And while it will probably be the hardest decision you've ever made, and will continue to be on a daily basis, you can build the home you always wished for.” Roth's fans flooded the comment section of her post with supportive messages about how she has broken the cycle. “If you didn't come from a healthy family, make sure one comes from you. We can overcome,” a fan wrote. “Thank you for always showing your human side, your vulnerability, your feelings, your expectations, your struggle!” another fan shared. “Being that genuine and honest just makes me emotional and proud! Merry Christmas to you and your entire family!” Other reactions include, “I, too, broke the generational curse. We are blessed,” “This is such honesty. Thank you. I'm sure this post will help others. Merry Christmas!,” and “Beautiful message! Love watching your shows because you are so positive! I'd watch your tv shows when I had my first girl and it was so edifying for me.” Roth has shared a glimpse of her Christmas celebrations this year, posting photos from their holiday card, offering a look into her home, and accurately portraying what the festive season looks like with two small children. Jasmine, you are BEAUTIFUL inside and out!!! You have a WONDERFUL family 💖❤️💖❤️ So happy for you🥰🥰🥰 Comment Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Δ Previous Next Like EntertainmentNow? Go here and check the boxnext to EntertainmentNow About Contact US Privacy Policy Terms Of Service Editorial Guidelines Sitemap Copyright © 2025 Heavy, Inc. All rights reserved. Powered by WordPress VIP
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Leonardo DiCaprio and his much-younger girlfriend were caught kissing in rare PDA photos. The “Titanic” actor, 51, and model, 27, were pictured enjoying some casual post-holiday shopping on Melrose Place in Los Angeles on Friday. In one photo, the couple — both dressed in lowkey head-to-toe black — leaned in for an affectionate kiss. Advertisement They also paused for lunch at a nearby cafe, where Ceretti checked her phone as the “One Battle After Another” star looked on adoringly. Advertisement DiCaprio kept a particularly low profile in a black puffer coat layered over a hoodie, which he pulled over his head on top of a black ball cap. He finished the look with black pants and white sneakers. Ceretti — clad in a black trench coat and matching sunglasses — was seen taking a call, and the pair intermittently enjoyed PDA in the Los Angeles rain while browsing. The “Wolf of Wall Street” actor and Ceretti are rarely seen out together, though the bikini-clad model was spotted spanking the Oscar winner as they spent time aboard a yacht off the coast of Formentera Island in August after attending Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez's June nuptials in Venice. Advertisement Earlier this month, the “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” star revealed why he prefers to keep a low profile in public. Advertisement “It's been a balance I've been managing my whole adult life and still I'm not an expert,” the actor told Time magazine for a cover interview. “I think my simple philosophy is only get out there and do something when you have something to say, or you have something to show for it,” he continued. “Otherwise, just disappear as much as you possibly can.” Start your day with Page Six Daily. Please provide a valid email. By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Want celebrity news as it breaks? DiCaprio also divulged that he began considering how he could “have a long career” without people getting tired of him. “Because I love what I do, and I feel like the best way to have a long career is to get out of people's face[s],” he explained. Page Six revealed back in September 2023 that DiCaprio and Ceretti were an item after the duo was caught in a steamy make out session in an Ibiza nightclub. Advertisement Though they've kept largely out of the public eye, they reached a relationship milestone in May — DiCaprio attempted to make an under-the-radar debut at the Met Gala alongside Ceretti. Advertisement However, he was caught at the event in a black and white shot later shared by Vogue, in which the actor attempted to cover his face. DiCaprio has a history of dating much-younger professional models — including Gigi Hadid, now 30, and Camila Morrone, now 28.
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By Glenn Garner Associate Editor SPOILERS: This post contains details about The Copenhagen Test, Season 1 As The Copenhagen Test hits Peacock, viewers will undoubtedly develop some trust issues towards Melissa Barrera‘s spy character Michelle. With Season 1 now available on the streamer, the actress told Deadline that was one of her favorite aspects of the femme fatale role in Thomas Brandon's sci-fi thriller, which also stars Simu Liu as intelligence agent Alexander Hale, whose mind is hacked by a mysterious enemy using the intel to bring down his agency. “It was an interesting challenge, and unlike anything else that I've ever done, where I'm having to give in a little bit and trust that the prep that I'm doing and the levels of these versions of the character that I'm portraying will pan out, even though I don't know where they're going,” explained Barrera. Watch on Deadline Barrera's Michelle plays a thrilling game of manipulation with Alexander, infiltrating his life to gauge whether or not he's a threat. The pair then keeps up the façade of a blossoming romance, with both seemingly developing real feelings, despite neither fully trusting the other. As Michelle, Barrera was left nearly as in the dark as the audience about the character's mysterious backstory, which is never quite revealed amid multiple layers of lies and deceit. “So, for me, I'm a very controlling, planning kind of person as an actor,” she added. “I kind of had to let go and be like, ‘You know what? I'm not going to know, because they're still writing and I don't know where they're going to take her.' And that was exciting in a way and anxiety-inducing in another way. But I think in the end, it helped with the mystery of it all.” Starring opposite Liu, Barrera had “the most fun” during their fight scene, which she describes as having “very Mr. & Mrs. Smith vibes.” Meanwhile, the Shang-Chi star praised her as “a spectacular action star in the making.” Two years after Barrera was unceremoniously fired from the Scream franchise, the actress is grateful for the fans who continue to support her work and “in their way, kind of lift me up,” following a recent Scream 7 boycott in her honor. Read on about Melissa Barrera's complex The Copenhagen Test character, her hopes for Season 2 and her reaction to the Scream 7 boycott. DEADLINE: One thing I love about Copenhagen Test is there's kind of a rom-com element within the spy thriller. Was that a fun line to walk? MELISSA BARRERA: I am always drawn to romance. That is my favorite thing. No matter the genre, I always kind of look for the love story. And so, I thought that it was so cool that there was that element in this show, particularly, and that I got to be a part of it, because I would have gotten FOMO if it wasn't my character involved. But I do love the performance within the performance within the performance of that dynamic and that you don't really know how much of that connection is real and how much of that is performance on either side. And so, I think as an audience member, those that are drawn to the relationship will always be kind of rooting for them, for that to be real. But you won't really know what the thing is because that's the thing of the show, every episode you kind of get a new piece of information and it takes the rug out from under you. DEADLINE: Yeah, I definitely gasped a few times while watching it. BARRERA: Love that. Love to hear. DEADLINE: And what was it like playing Michelle, who obviously has such a complicated past? It's just so fun to watch her seem so sincere in one moment and then, the next— BARRERA: I mean, I'm an actor, right, so it felt like a big part of her job. And that's why I love that beat where we go back to the first episode and you get to see it from her perspective, where she's preparing to go out and pretend to be this damsel in distress. And she's asking questions about who is she, who's her scene partner, basically, because she is basically an actor in a different setting. She has to prep in the same way that us doing movies and TV would, and really commit to a character for a lot longer than someone that is just acting on set would have to. But I found it kind of easy to think about it in that way. So, I wasn't stressing out about all the information that I didn't have, because we started shooting the show, and I didn't have all the scripts, so I didn't know where they were going to take her. And it was an interesting challenge, and unlike anything else that I've ever done, where I'm having to give in a little bit and trust that the prep that I'm doing and the levels of these versions of the character that I'm portraying will pan out, even though I don't know where they're going. So, for me, I'm a very controlling, planning kind of person as an actor. I kind of had to let go and be like, “You know what? I'm not going to know, because they're still writing and I don't know where they're going to take her.” And that was exciting in a way and anxiety-inducing in another way. But I think in the end, it helped with the mystery of it all. And sometimes, I was like, “I'm going to play this a few different ways and you guys are going to use the take that you feel will be best for whatever comes next because I don't know where you're taking me.” So, it was kind of like an interesting experiment. DEADLINE: And I really appreciated how you never really discover what happened in Michelle's past, and then at the end, Parker burns the file. So, I'm wondering if you and Thomas discussed her backstory, or is it something you kind of filled in in your head. BARRERA: I filled it in in my head. I had an idea of what I needed it to be for me to be able to play that moment of relief, and what she's running away from, because for her to accept this mission where she knows that if she becomes visible and recognizable by the enemy, that means that she can't work anymore. The enemy will know who she is, and she decides to take on the mission anyway. So, I'm like, what could make a person take on that mission? What happened? And so I had to fill in that storyline, but I hope that I get a Season 2, so that we can learn more about her and see more of what her life is and what she ran towards or ran away from. It's an exciting character for me in a very different way than other characters have been. Like when I was doing Vida, I was excited to return to a character because I loved playing with her and I had fun, but here I'm excited to return to Michelle when we get a Season 2 because I was always surprised by where they took her, and so, it's exciting to play something like that. DEADLINE: Well, I definitely hope there's a Season 2, especially after that little teaser at the end of her being a “loose end,” but I also love the dynamic between Michelle and Parker. I felt like they're just girls bonding over gaslighting boys, and it's my favorite. BARRERA: Yes, there's a level of innocence and unexpectedness to that friendship. And I love that pairing because it feels very high school. It feels like, even though they're in such a high-stakes situation, girls are girls, women are women, and like the existential crises that we go through are kind of always the same since we're teenagers. And I think that it's really sweet that Michelle becomes Parker's friend. The way that I played those scenes with Parker, I tried to keep it always in truth, obviously, but keep it ambiguous enough to where you could believe that she's being honest and that she's letting herself be vulnerable and let Parker in, like it's actually a genuine relationship. But if tomorrow, the writers decide that in Season 2, it was all fake and she actually never—it wouldn't surprise me if she was also playing Parker. That could also work. So, it was finding that fine line in the performance of, it could go either way. And if you watch it back with new information later, you'll believe it. That was the challenge. DEADLINE: There are quite a few fight scenes in here, and I just have to say you're such a badass, watching you. What was your favorite fight scene to film, or do you have a most memorable fight moment? BARRERA: The most fun that I had on set was doing the physical fights. I think I was very much looking forward to that final fight with Simu, just us in his apartment, because it was very Mr. & Mrs. Smith vibes, and I would have loved if it was like five times as long. I could have just kept going, 'cause he's such a fun scene partner to have, not only in acting scenes, but in physical scenes. He's so good. Obviously, he's an action star, right? So, he's got it down, and I had to do a lot of training and a lot of practicing, a lot of rehearsals to get to the point where I didn't have to think about the fighting and think about what comes next, and I could focus on the storytelling. And we had an incredible stunt team that was very patient with me. I asked for a million extra sessions on my days off, and they would always be available to me. I just wanted Michelle to really look like she's been in this life for a while, and she knows what she's doing, and there's a reason that she keeps getting paired on these important missions where she is trusted to protect this person or take him down, and I love physical stuff. I loved it. And so, that was a fun day on set, because we got to move through the whole apartment. I would have loved it if we like destroyed the whole thing, but you know, I think we still had scenes to shoot in different order, so we couldn't really do that. I proposed it, but maybe next season. DEADLINE: Separately, the trailer for Scream 7 came out recently and a lot of people have even started a boycott. How does it feel to have these loyal fans after the last two years? BARRERA: Obviously, having support always feels great, and I'm so grateful for the love that I've been shown, and for the support and the new people that have come into my life, and that are now supporting the other things that I'm doing and that are trying to, I think in their way, kind of lift me up. So, that honestly feels really nice. Get our Breaking News Alerts and Keep your inbox happy. Comments On Deadline Hollywood are monitored. So don't go off topic, don't impersonate anyone, and don't get your facts wrong. Comment Name Email Website Δ The boycott will mean absolutely nothing in the end.She was only one cog in a much larger series. Sorry she won't be back but it changes nothing for me and many others.🤷 The way that Spyglass treated Melissa in the whole Scream affair is messed up and I will be joining the Scream 7 boycott. Im sure your boycott will be every bit as successful as the Stranger Things 5 boycott was. Here here 😂 Sorry, English is a second language to me, but isn't it supposed to be “Hear, hear!” On every single Scream related article that allows comments, I see people talking about Melissa and very little about the film itself. There is probably a significant number of people who would have seen the movie that won't. The point of a boycott isn't necessarily to make the film lose money but to decrease the amount of profit. You are naive if you don't think that production companies care about decreased profits. Signup for Breaking News Alerts & Newsletters By providing your information, you agree to our Terms of Use and our Privacy Policy. We use vendors that may also process your information to help provide our services. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Get our latest storiesin the feed of your favorite networks We want to hear from you! Send us a tip using our annonymous form. Sign up for our breaking news alerts By providing your information, you agree to our Terms of Use and our Privacy Policy. We use vendors that may also process your information to help provide our services. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Deadline is a part of Penske Media Corporation. © 2025 Deadline Hollywood, LLC. All Rights Reserved. By providing your information, you agree to our Terms of Use and our Privacy Policy. We use vendors that may also process your information to help provide our services. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
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By Stewart Clarke Join us on a trip around the world of literature as we survey the international titles that are coming to the big and small screen. There's a sharp-shooting French cowboy, a Japanese take on Beethoven, Spanish classics and sci-fi, drama, fantasy and spirituality along the way. ARGENTINA: ‘The World Jones Made' (Philip K. Dick) LIMITED SERIES: The Future is Ours is inspired by Philip K. Dick's ‘The World Jones Made' and marks the first Spanish-language adaptation of one of the sci-fi supremo's works. The producers of 2025 hit series The Eternaut are making this one for Netflix. Related Stories News Horror Movies' Next Wave: What's Coming In 2026, From Auteur Nightmares To Indie Breakouts News 2026 U.S. Box Office To Hit $9B: How Long Can Theatrical Biz Remain Intact Before Netflix-Warner Bros Crushes The Window? BRAZIL: ‘The Pilgrimage' (Paulo Coelho) Watch on Deadline MOVIE: Also for Netflix is The Pilgrimage, with Vicente Amorim (Senna) directing. One of Coelho's early novels, it follows a pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela and a quest for spiritual fulfilment. CANADA: ‘Last Night in Montreal' (Emily St. John Mandel) FILM: Emily St. John Mandel (Station Eleven) has adapted her book ‘Last Night in Montreal' for the big screen with Semi Chellas. The story follows Ali, whose life unravels when his girlfriend Lilia disappears without warning on the night he plans to propose. CANADA: ‘Flesh' (David Szalay) FILM: This is very early stages but is too good not to include. David Szalay's ‘Flesh' won the Booker Prize, the world's most significant award for a single work of fiction. We scooped the news that Conclave prodco House Productions, BBC Film and Access are adapting the novel, which follows István from adolescence to old age. FRANCE: ‘Lucky Luke' (Morris and Goscinny) SERIES: Disney+ is readying a live-action take on ‘Lucky Luke', the classic Morris and Goscinny comic book series. Alban Lenoir plays the titular cowboy “who shoots faster than his shadow.” The France-produced series lands in Spring 2026. GERMANY: ‘Momo' (Michael Ende) FILM: From the author of ‘The Neverending Story', the film adaptation of ‘Momo' will star Martin Freeman, Alexa Goodall, Claes Bang and Laura Haddock. The fantasy adventure follows an orphan girl fighting to save time itself. GREECE: ‘The Great Chimera' (M. Karagatsis) SERIES: A visually stunning, yet tragic, journey of love, life and death, Karagatsis' novel is being adapted as a six-part TV drama. The cast includes Fotinì Peluso, Andreas Konstantinou and Dimitris Kitsos. ICELAND: ‘Fury' (various) SERIES: Inspired by the legendary Icelandic Sturlunga saga, Seberg helmer Benedict Andrews will direct Fury. A brutal tale of power, politics and blood feuds, it has been called Iceland's Game Of Thrones. ITALY: ‘No Place To Be Single' (Felicia Kingsley) FILM: In an idyllic Tuscan town, the life of Elisa (Matilde Gioli) is turned upside down when a childhood friend returns, reawakening feelings from yesteryear. The movie of the book drops on Prime Video in 2026. INDIA: ‘Revolutionaries: The Other Story Of How India Won Its Freedom' (Sanjeev Sanyal) SERIES: The Revolutionaries will follow Indian freedom fighters taking on the British Raj. Inspired by the nonfiction book, it covers the story of their lives, sacrifices and love for their country, and will drop on Prime Video. IRELAND: Grown Ups (Marian Keyes) SERIES: Irish writer Marian Keyes is having a TV moment with her ‘Walsh Sisters' books getting adapted, and ‘Grown Ups' is set to hit Netflix in 2026. Set in Dublin, it follows the tight-knit and chaotic Casey Clan. JAPAN: ‘Faking Beethoven: The Great Producer Lies' (Shiho Kagehara) FILM: Faking Beethoven is a Prime Video movie adaptation of Kagehara's nonfiction tome that delves into a musical scandal in 19th-century Vienna. The screenplay was written by Japanese comic Bakarhythm, and Yuki Yamada stars as Schindler and Arata Furuta plays Beethoven. MEXICO: ‘Mal de Amores' (Ángeles Mastretta) FILM: Set in 19th Century Mexico, Netflix's series adaptation of ‘Mal de Amores' (‘Lovesick') is directed by Catalina Aguilar Mastretta, daughter of its author Ángeles Mastretta, and intertwines a story of war and family. NORWAY: Jo Nesbo's Detective Hole SERIES: Tobias Santelmann play the iconic Detective Harry Hole, and Joel Kinnaman his adversary and fellow detective Tom Waaler. The Jo Nesbo adaptation drops on Netflix in early 2026. POLAND: ‘Pionek' (Małgorzata Fugiel-Kuźmińska & Michał Kuźmiński) SERIES: Streamer SkyShowtime is prepping Pionek, a sequel to its Polish crime series Śleboda. Hopes are high after Śleboda became a big-hitting original for the Comcast and Paramount-owned Euro-streamer. SAUDI ARABIA: ‘Traveler's Hell' (Osamah Almuslim) FILM: Osamah Almuslim is adapting his own book for the big-screen with local media powerhouse MBC behind the project. Female director Hana Al-Omair is on board the horror pic. SPAIN: ‘The House Of The Spirits' (Isabel Allende) Allende's story of a family saga sold over 70 million copies and a 1993 movie adaptation starred Meryl Streep, Glen Close and Antonio Banderas. Allende and Eva Longoria are exec producers of the upcoming series for Prime Video. SWEDEN: ‘When The Cranes Fly South' (Lisa Ridzén) FILM: An elderly man looks back over his life and, in the modern day, fights the attempts of those around him to take away his beloved canine companion. Winner of numerous awards including Swedish Book Of The Year, a movie adaptation is in the works. Get our Breaking News Alerts and Keep your inbox happy. Comments On Deadline Hollywood are monitored. So don't go off topic, don't impersonate anyone, and don't get your facts wrong. Comment Name Email Website Δ Signup for Breaking News Alerts & Newsletters By providing your information, you agree to our Terms of Use and our Privacy Policy. We use vendors that may also process your information to help provide our services. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Get our latest storiesin the feed of your favorite networks We want to hear from you! Send us a tip using our annonymous form. Sign up for our breaking news alerts By providing your information, you agree to our Terms of Use and our Privacy Policy. We use vendors that may also process your information to help provide our services. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Deadline is a part of Penske Media Corporation. © 2025 Deadline Hollywood, LLC. 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Depending on Who You Ask — and What You're Willing to Believe — Aliens Are Real. And They've Visited Vandenberg Space Force Base in Lompoc More Than Once Today, Vandenberg is best known for the booming SpaceX launches that send satellites into orbit. But once upon a time, it was a hotbed for UFO sightings, quietly logged by the military. This year, those sightings resurfaced. Details of extraterrestrial encounters on the Central Coast were discussed in government hearings and explored in the newly released documentary The Age of Disclosure (2025). The film features government insiders who claim the feds have spent 80 years trying to cover up the existence of non-human life. Among the suits, there is a shared belief: We are not alone in the universe. Historically dismissed as fodder for conspiracy theorists, these accounts began to be taken seriously in 2017, when the U.S. government acknowledged briefings on Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP). In the years following, high-ranking military officials — many tied to nuclear weapons programs — started sharing the startling details of their strange encounters. Pentagon reports were released. Long-secret government programs meant to track and investigate UAP encounters were exposed. Some whistleblowers have even alleged the retrieval of UAP crash sites and non-human “biologics.” And a new NASA task force was recently created to investigate UAP. In The Age of Disclosure, former military leaders, quantum physicists, professors, and directors of these covert programs recount their experiences and swear it's all true. The most damning photo and video evidence remains classified, they say, but the proof is “indisputable.” Based on what they claim to have seen, the former admirals, lieutenants, and colonels were convinced that UAPs are real and they are definitely not human. The idea may not be so far-fetched. There are, of course, trillions of galaxies out there. Or maybe, there's an ancient civilization hidden at the bottom of the ocean — more foreign to humanity than the surface of the moon. Whatever they are, they're a national security threat, emphasizes Luis Elizondo in the film. Elizondo, the film's main narrator, is the former director of the once-secret Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program (AATIP). He argues the globe is in a secret war to reverse-engineer alien technologies. Anomalous phenomena is happening everywhere, with greater frequency, he warns, but it is often met with stigma and treated as taboo — something he blames on government disinformation campaigns. But the more UAP stories are shared, the more people are open to listening — and the closer they hit to home. ET Phone Lompoc Witness testimonies recount highly unusual experiences at Vandenberg, such as a gigantic red, glowing square object that allegedly hovered over the base in 2003. In total, five incidents involving UAPs occurred at Vandenberg between 2003 and 2005, according to Jeffrey Nuccetelli, a former military police officer with 16 years of active service under his belt. “I'm here today because the American people have both the right and responsibility to know the truth about unidentified aerial phenomena,” he said during a House Oversight Committee hearing in September. He was dead serious, sitting stiffly in a gray suit behind a wooden desk. He relays it all in detail:Aa red, glowing square the size of a football field, erratic lights dancing over the ocean or blinking in and out of the skyline, a huge sphere of light floating over his own home, and the intimidation of witnesses to keep their mouths shut. Vandenberg — home to the National Missile Defense Project — was “repeatedly visited by UAP,” back when personnel were completing “historic launches,” Nuccetelli said. Each incident was witnessed and documented by multiple personnel, and reported up the chain of command, he adds. The most striking incidents occurred on October 14, 2003. Three Boeing contractors reported seeing a “massive glowing red square silently hovering over two missile defense sites,” Nuccetelli said. It lingered for several minutes before vanishing over the hills. Later that same night, security guards at a launch site reported a bright, fast-moving object darting over the ocean. Nuccetelli describes the “chaos” over the radio as the object moved toward the officers. “I heard my friends screaming, ‘It's coming right at us; it's coming right for us!'” he recalled in a flat tone. Moments later, it shot off and was gone. Five shaken witnesses reported to Nuccetelli that they saw a massive rectangular craft larger than a football field, which hovered silently for 45 seconds before shooting away at an impossible speed. A week later, there was another light over the ocean “behaving erratically,” Nuccetelli said. Witnesses truly believed their eyes, thinking it was an enemy aircraft, and declared an emergency. But the craft eventually took off, again at an “impossible speed.” These witnesses were allegedly intimidated by their superiors and told to keep quiet, Nuccetelli said. Things did go quiet until 2005, when another giant rectangle made an appearance. It was larger than a C-130, a huge military aircraft, according to the report. Again, it silently floated over the base until it disappeared into the night. Nuccetelli personally witnessed something, too. While off duty, he and two other police officers saw a pulsing, moving light over the ocean that he said was acting too strange to be a satellite. They watched it blink around the sky, vanishing and reappearing in different directions, until it appeared 200 feet above his house. “It was a 30-foot diameter sphere of light,” he said. “My friends and I watched it for a moment and then it gently accelerated, and traveled up and disappeared into the stars.” These events profoundly changed his life, Nuccetelli testified. At Vandenberg and Beyond In The Age of Disclosure, directed and produced by Dan Farah, multiple U.S. Air Force veterans describe incredible encounters with seemingly impossible details. Mario Woods, a retired air force security forces officer from South Dakota, says he saw a bright object — a “mini sun sitting in the air” — the size of a “Super Walmart” — not just a Walmart, a Super Walmart — floating above a nuclear missile site before his very eyes. Another describes seeing a matte-black diamond in the sky. The objects do a lot of “shooting off into the horizon” at instant acceleration — among other feats human-made aircraft could not possibly even dream of, the witnesses say. These stories go hand-in-hand with the criteria of most UAPs, or “observables,” as they're described in the film: hyper-sonic velocity; instantaneous acceleration; no visible signatures, such as propulsion or exhaust; transmedium travel through space, air, and water without compromising the craft's performance or disturbing the environment; anti-gravity; and biological effects on the people who interact with UAPs. The film then shows a map of the United States and zooms in on California's Central Coast. “VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE” — its former title — appears onscreen in all-capital letters, segueing into an account from Lieutenant Bob Jacobs. Jacobs describes photographing a missile carrying a dummy nuclear warhead as part of an experiment. As it was flying along, he said, “something else entered the frame.” He makes a whooshing sound effect, and describes this unknown craft shooting beams of light at the warhead from multiple directions. “All the while, everything in our frame was moving along at 8,000 to 9,000 miles an hour,” he says. “There's nothing of ours that could've done that. What could have done that?” Nuccetelli appears in the film, as well, telling producers what he told the Oversight Committee. He is joined by Chaz King, one of the security officers on watch the night of the red square and bright light incidents in 2003. The giant, nighttime object had no propulsion, no windows, and it was matte black. “It shot off, a thousand miles an hour, up the coast.” It was seen by more than a dozen direct witnesses. Nuccetelli says all the witnesses, despite different vantage points, all saw the same thing and told the same story. “The UAP activity, surrounding nuclear weapons, is not a historic issue. It's an ongoing issue,” says Jay Stratton, former director of a government UAP task force, following the Vandenberg testimonies. What could do this? Extraterrestrials? A secret civilization? Foreign adversary technology somehow hidden from the U.S. government? There are theories, but no one knows. In the time since these encounters, no recent UAP sightings at Vandenberg have been reported. Whether they have occurred and just been kept under wraps is speculative. But legislation has been authored in recent years to protect whistleblowers and encourage disclosure. One such bill was signed into law by President Joe Biden in 2022. Another one, with expanded, historic elements — the UAP Disclosure Act — was proposed again by senators this year. But legislators on the ET-side of history face pushback. Santa Barbara Congressmember Salud Carbajal would not comment directly on whether he believes in aliens. He has not signed onto any UAP-related legislation, either. Nevertheless, he said, “I've long been supportive of efforts to improve government transparency and accountability, including safeguarding whistleblowers. I believe it's important to defend servicemembers' constitutional right to speak to Congress without fear of retaliation. He added, “Any credible reports from our servicemembers, whether related to national security issues or unexplained phenomena, deserve to be heard.” Wed, Dec 31 9:00 PM Santa barbara Wed, Dec 31 6:15 PM Santa Barbara Wed, Dec 31 9:00 PM Santa barbara Wed, Dec 31 10:00 PM Santa Barbara Wed, Dec 31 10:00 PM Santa Barbara Thu, Jan 01 7:00 AM Solvang Thu, Jan 01 11:00 AM Santa Barbara Sat, Jan 03 8:00 PM Santa Barbara Sun, Jan 04 7:00 AM Solvang Thu, Jan 08 6:00 PM Isla Vista Fri, Jan 09 6:00 PM Montecito See Full Event Calendar Please note this login is to submit events or press releases. Use this page here to login for your Independent subscription Username or Email Address Password Remember Me Not a member? 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Open inquiry depends on the ability to ask uncomfortable questions and follow evidence wherever it leads. Eric Kaufmann argues that this norm is now under strain. Drawing on history, survey data, and political theory, Kaufmann outlines how certain identity categories came to be treated as morally sacred—and how that shift has reshaped debates about equality, free speech, and academic inquiry. The conversation examines the long roots of today's culture conflicts, the move from equal opportunity to equal outcomes, and why disagreement is increasingly interpreted as moral transgression rather than intellectual difference. At stake is what happens to liberal societies when some questions can no longer be asked, nd whether open inquiry can still be defended without abandoning concern for fairness and dignity Eric Kaufmann is a professor of politics and Director of the Centre for Heterodox Social Science at the University of Buckingham. He has written for The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Times of London, Newsweek, National Review, New Statesman, Financial Times, and other outlets. His new book is The Third Awokening. by Eric Kaufmann Did you enjoy this episode? Show your support with a tax-deductible donation and share the show with your friends and family. Together, we can make a meaningful difference. Coming soon... Become a paid member of Skeptic to start commenting To explore complex issues with careful analysis and help you make sense of the world. Nonpartisan. Reality-based. Think a friend would enjoy this? Send it their way! We've emailed you a magic link — click it to access your account. We've emailed you a magic link — click it to access your account.
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The long-standing mystery of whether we are alone in the universe is increasingly being answered with a “no” by the American public. According to recent polling highlighted by Wired, nearly half of all Americans now believe that extraterrestrial beings have visited Earth. This shift represents a significant move in the national consciousness, as the number of people who previously identified as “unsure” has plummeted by two-thirds, suggesting that citizens are moving off the fence and toward a definitive belief in alien presence. The data reveals a fascinating partisan and demographic divide in these beliefs. While the idea was once relegated to the fringes of science fiction or conspiracy circles, it has now entered the mainstream. According to the report, 51 percent of Democrats and 49 percent of Independents believe aliens have visited our planet, compared to 42 percent of Republicans. Despite these variations, the overall trend points toward a society that is becoming more comfortable with the idea of non-human intelligence interacting with our world. Experts cited by Wired suggest that the reasons behind this growing conviction are “complicated.” The surge in belief coincides with a period of unprecedented transparency—and subsequent speculation—regarding Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAPs). While some attribute the shift to a “literal mountain of evidence” in the form of declassified government documents, others argue that the rise in belief may be linked to a broader decline in trust toward traditional institutions. This environment has allowed narratives of secret military cover-ups and reverse-engineered technology to flourish. The implications of this shift extend beyond mere curiosity. As reported by Wired, the increasing popularity of visitation narratives is beginning to impact political discourse and even scientific communication. Some researchers worry that the “noise” generated by UFOlogy could overshadow the legitimate work of astrobiologists searching for microbial life. Furthermore, there is a concern that these beliefs can fuel conspiracy theories that undermine democratic institutions. Despite the lack of “smoking gun” scientific evidence, the conviction that “they are here” is stronger than ever. Whether this trend is driven by a genuine increase in unexplained sightings or a cultural need for answers in an uncertain age, the American perspective on the cosmos has fundamentally changed. As more people trade skepticism for belief, the search for life beyond Earth is no longer just a scientific endeavor—it is a cornerstone of modern American identity. Source: Wired Log in to leave a comment Want daily news updates? Just add your email and you're on the list. (We will never spam you). Join Our Newsletter Sign up to receive news right to your inbox every day
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