‘Stick-it-to-the-man sentiment’: Oscar-nominated films compete to bait Donald Trump

Arts & Culture, Film & TV

When reacting to Oscar nominations, actors traditionally err on the side of hyperbole. This year was no exception. “I don’t know if I’m quite in my body,” said Demi Moore, on learning she was shortlisted for The Substance. “I looked at my phone and fell on the floor,” said Monica Barbaro, who plays Joan Baez in A Complete Unknown. “I actually haven’t stopped sobbing,” offered Ariana (Wicked) Grande.Karla Sofía Gascón, however, bucked the trend. The first out trans actor ever nominated for an Oscar took the opportunity to address the executive order signed by Donald Trump earlier this week, restricting US government recognition to only biological sex.“He is shameless,” she said. “I hope that whatever needs to happen happens to shut everyone up, on both sides.”Gascón continued: “Now it is time to focus on my performance and put aside my ethnicity, sexuality or hair colour, to move forward in ‘integration’. Today it is proven that art does not understand hate. No one can question my work, even less the fact that I am an actress. An actress who deserves to be recognised solely and exclusively for her sublime performance in Emilia Pérez.”Such focus in the debate until the ceremony on 2 March seems unlikely. This year’s Oscar contenders amount to a collective broadside against a president campaigned against by almost everyone in the industry. His re-election – and the collapse in celebrity leverage that it revealed – remains a sore point. As the Golden Globes host Nikki Glaser reminded her A-list audience earlier this month: “You’re all so famous, so talented, so powerful, you could really do anything. Well, except tell the country who to vote for.”Hollywood has therefore opted to vote with its Academy ballots, giving a leg-up to films that conspicuously critique the Maga worldview. Hence, perhaps, such an extravagant embrace for Emilia Pérez, a French musical about a trans Mexican gangster that has been criticised as “offensive” by both Mexican and trans communities, and met with a mixed reception from critics and audiences (with Rotten Tomatoes scores of 76% and 30% respectively).Nonetheless, the film has smashed the record set by Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Roma for the most nominations for a film not in the English language, scoring 13 to their 10, putting it just one behind the all-time record earned by All About Eve, Titanic and La La Land.View image in fullscreenThe only film on this year’s lists that is more of an explicit attack on the new president is The Apprentice, Ali Abbasi’s unflattering biopic of the young Trump, focusing on his rise to power and ill-treatment of his then wife, Ivanka, and one-time mentor, the lawyer Roy Cohn. A “disgusting hatchet job”, was the verdict of its subject, who called its makers “HUMAN SCUM” and urged audiences to avoid it. US distributors ran correspondingly scared, despite strong reviews and an eight-minute standing ovation at Cannes, until the small outfit Briarcliff eventually risked releasing it in October.The film’s leading actor, Sebastian Stan, reported that Hollywood was so intimidated by Trump that none of his peers would appear opposite him in Variety’s annual Actors on Actors series, in which awards contenders quiz one another on video. “We couldn’t get past the publicists or the people representing them because they were too afraid to talk about this movie,” he said. Variety verified his claims.Nonetheless, three days after Trump’s inauguration, Stan landed an Oscar nomination – as did the supporting actor Jeremy Strong (who plays Cohn). Both men expressed their shock, with the former calling the Academy “brave” and the later saying the nods felt “absolutely miraculous”.Such a miracle, says Variety’s executive editor, Steven Gaydos, is thanks to a “stick it to the man” passion that has been brewing in Hollywood since 2016 and is now turbocharged by Trump’s re-election. (The fires that have destroyed many voters’ homes over the past fortnight, he suggests, may have fuelled a devil-may-care recklessness.)Not only has this feeling propelled such films into pole position, says Gaydos, it may push some over the finish line: “This sentiment could benefit them all come Oscar night.” The competition may therefore be decided as much on how much the movie baits the president as its artistic merit.View image in fullscreenCampaigns are likely to start to amplify such credentials. The smash-hit fantasy Wicked could be seen as an incisive critique of racism and fascism via a green-skinned witch and talking animals.The team behind the Vatican thriller Conclave will be offering prayers of thanks to the Catholic backlash to their film. Edward Berger’s drama helpfully revolves around another election – that of a new pope – with reactionary factions pitted against liberal reformers, as well as an even more radical alternative. Last week a former prefect for the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith called it “anti-Christian propaganda” that could have been made “in the time of Hitler or Stalin”.“I’ve seen some clips and read some reviews and that is enough for me,” Cardinal Gerhard Müller told the National Catholic Register. Such labelling of the film as incendiary can only help its chances in the current climate.“Even A Complete Unknown,” says Gaydos, “with its nomination for Edward Norton as the communist-sympathising folk music legend Pete Seeger, benefits from Hollywood’s still potent anti-Trump animus.”View image in fullscreenIndeed it’s hard to identify a film on the shortlist that can’t be interpreted as a salvo against the 47th president. The space opera Dune: Part Two cautions against colonisation; The Brutalist is scathing in its portrayal of the way the US treats immigrants. Nickel Boys addresses head-on the institutionalised murder of young Black men in the Jim Crow south. Anora examines sexual exploitation and the wealth divide; The Substance satirises reality TV’s obsession with eternal youth and Brazil’s I’m Still Here shows what life looks like under military dictatorship.Both the latter film and Emilia Pérez have places on the international film shortlist and that for best picture – the first time more than one film has managed this, and an indication of the increasing internationalisation of an Academy untroubled by subtitles.More than a decade ago, reeling from accusations of endemic sexism and racism, the Academy kickstarted a huge recruitment drive that prioritised women and people of colour. The fruits of this movement are easy to spot: the historic best picture win for Parasite five years ago, as well as significant victories for the likes of Roma, Minari, Drive My Car, All Quiet on the Western Front, Anatomy of a Fall, Past Lives and The Zone of Interest.View image in fullscreenWriting in the New Yorker after this year’s nominations, the critic Richard Brody said the “members of the Academy have, in effect, responded to the natural and political disasters of the moment in the name of solidarity”.“A remarkable consensus has crystallised among a small number of movies that, in one way or another – whether with bold artistry or conventional methods, realistic stories or fantasies – embody, display, or at least appear to celebrate the liberal values of pluralism, equality, and resistance to the arrogance of power, be it political or economic. This time around, the Oscars are circling the wagons.”

Minister: France a Key Partner to Greek Tourism and Culture

Travel

.essb_links.essb_size_m .essb_link_svg_icon svg{height:18px;width:auto}.essb_links.essb_size_m .essb_icon{width:36px !important;height:36px !important}.essb_links.essb_size_m .essb_icon:before{font-size:18px !important;top:9px !important;left:9px !important}.essb_links.essb_size_m li a .essb_network_name{font-size:13px !important;font-weight:400 !important;line-height:12px !important}Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni speaking during the Delphi Paris Forum II at the Cercle de l’Union Interalliée in France.France remains one of Greece’s most significant partners in tourism, culture, and commerce, Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni said during her speech at the Delphi Paris Forum II on Thursday.
Speaking at the Cercle de l’Union Interalliée in Paris, Kefalogianni highlighted the importance of strengthening collaboration between Greece and France, particularly in addressing shared challenges and enhancing the tourism experience through cultural and technological advancements.
Greece and France: Shared values, Shared goals
Kefalogianni underlined the deep-rooted ties between Greece and France, describing the two nations as “leading powers in tourism” with shared European values. She pointed to challenges such as the climate crisis and increased competition from emerging destinations, which require coordinated efforts to maintain their positions as global tourism leaders.
“Greece and France share a unique bond built on a shared cultural heritage and common values. By working together, we can address these challenges and ensure the sustainability of our tourism industries,” she said.
Record year for French tourism to Greece
The minister announced that for the first time in history, Greece welcomed a record 2 million French visitors in 2024, underscoring the importance of the French market for Greek tourism. She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fostering a high-quality tourism model that balances economic growth, the well-being of local communities, and cultural preservation.
“Our goal is to develop a sustainable, year-round tourism destination, ensuring that Greece remains attractive while safeguarding the interests of our people and our cultural heritage,” Kefalogianni added.
Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni.
Cultural heritage and technology as cornerstones
Cultural heritage, Kefalogianni noted, is central to Greece’s tourism strategy and serves as “an investment in the future”. She highlighted the government’s efforts to link cultural activities with tourism, offering visitors a differentiated and enriched travel experience.
“By combining culture with innovative programs, we not only showcase Greece’s rich heritage but also set the stage for a more engaging and modern tourist experience,” she said.
Kefalogianni also highlighted the transformative potential of technology, particularly artificial intelligence, in shaping the future of travel. “Technology can fundamentally change how travelers experience tourism, making it more immersive and tailored to individual preferences,” she said.
Delphi Paris Forum II: A platform for dialogue
The Delphi Paris Forum II took lace January 23-24 and brought together French and Greek government officials, policymakers, economists, academics, and leading business figures. The forum aims to strengthen the longstanding relationship between Greece and France and explore opportunities for further collaboration across various sectors.
The forum was organized by the Delphi Economic Forum during and held under the auspices of the Permanent Greek Representation to the OECD and the General Secretariat of Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy of the Greek Foreign Affairs Ministry. The event provided a platform for discussing global challenges and fostering international collaboration.

Sarah Jessica Parker Has ‘Great Concerns’ Over Trump Administration Hurting Public Institutions Like Libraries, Says Book Bans ‘Feel Like a Virus’

Arts & Culture, Books

Sarah Jessica Parker stopped by the Variety Studio presented by Audible at Sundance and expressed concern over how Donald Trump’s second term as president will impact public institutions like libraries. The “Sex and the City” icon is an executive producer on the documentary “The Librarians,” which is directed by Kim A. Snyder. The doc follows…

Where did dinosaurs come from? Scientists say they figured it out

Science and Health

The story of how dinosaurs came to rule our planet has captivated scientists and the public alike for generations. Now, an intriguing new study on fossils suggests we might be looking in the wrong places for their earliest ancestors. While we’ve found countless dinosaur fossils in places like Argentina and Zimbabwe, the very first dinosaurs might have emerged from the steamy equatorial regions of ancient Earth – areas that today make up the Amazon rainforest, Congo basin, and Sahara Desert.Gap in the dinosaur fossil recordThe oldest known dinosaur fossils date back around 230 million years and have been found in Argentina, Brazil, and Zimbabwe. However, the differences between these fossils indicate that dinosaurs had already been evolving for millions of years before these specimens emerged. This implies an even earlier origin, but direct fossil evidence of this has yet to be found.The new study, published in the journal Current Biology, addresses this issue by using advanced modeling techniques to account for gaps in the fossil record.The researchers analyzed fossils, evolutionary trees, and ancient geography to reconstruct the likely emergence of dinosaurs. Instead of assuming that fossils have not been found in certain areas because they never existed there, the study treats those regions as simply missing data.“Dinosaurs are well studied but we still don’t really know where they came from. The fossil record has such large gaps that it can’t be taken at face value,” noted study lead author Joel Heath from University College London.First dinosaurs and their worldAccording to the study, the earliest dinosaurs likely appeared in western low-latitude Gondwana, a region that was hot and dry, resembling today’s deserts and savannas. This challenges the previous assumption that dinosaurs first evolved in more temperate environments. Despite the study’s findings, no fossils from these early dinosaurs have been discovered in the Amazon or central Africa. Heath suggests that this is due to a combination of accessibility issues and a lack of focused research in these regions.The world of early dinosaurs was vastly different from the one their descendants would later dominate. During the Late Triassic period, dinosaurs were only a minor part of a diverse ecosystem filled with other reptilian creatures. These included the ancestors of crocodiles, known as pseudosuchians, some of which grew up to 10 meters (33 feet) long. Another major group in this prehistoric world was pterosaurs, the first vertebrates to develop powered flight. These flying reptiles would eventually evolve into species as large as modern fighter jets.In contrast to their massive successors like Diplodocus or Tyrannosaurus rex, the earliest dinosaurs were much smaller, typically the size of a chicken or a medium-sized dog.They walked on two legs, making them agile hunters and scavengers, and most were likely omnivorous. Their small size and adaptability may have helped them survive in the challenging environments of early Gondwana.The rise of dinosaursFor millions of years, dinosaurs remained in the shadow of their reptilian cousins. That changed around 201 million years ago, when a series of massive volcanic eruptions led to the end-Triassic mass extinction. This catastrophe wiped out many of the dominant reptile species, creating an ecological vacuum that the surviving dinosaurs quickly filled. With their competitors gone, dinosaurs began to spread and diversify, eventually becoming the dominant land animals for the next 135 million years.The modeling study suggests that dinosaurs and other reptiles may have first evolved in low-latitude Gondwana before spreading outward. They expanded southward into what is now Argentina and Zimbabwe, and northward into Laurasia, the northern supercontinent that would later split into Europe, Asia, and North America. This idea is supported by fossil evidence showing that some of the dinosaurs’ closest relatives, including early crocodile-like reptiles, were found in northern Laurasia.Missing link in dinosaur evolutionOne of the study’s key findings concerns the evolutionary relationship between early dinosaurs and their close relatives. There is ongoing debate about how different groups of dinosaurs evolved from their reptilian ancestors. To address this, the researchers tested their model against three different evolutionary trees. The strongest support for a Gondwanan origin came from a model that classified silesaurids, traditionally seen as distant cousins of dinosaurs, as direct ancestors of ornithischians.This finding is significant because ornithischians – one of the three major dinosaur groups, which later included the stegosaurs and Triceratops species – are mysteriously absent from the fossil record in the earliest years of dinosaur history.If silesaurids were indeed their ancestors, this would help fill a major gap in the evolutionary tree and provide a clearer picture of how dinosaurs diversified over time.Dinosaurs and climate adaptationThe study also sheds light on how dinosaurs adapted to different climates over millions of years. “Our results suggest early dinosaurs may have been well adapted to hot and arid environments,” noted Professor Philip Mannion, a senior author of the study.This is particularly evident in sauropods, the group that includes massive plant-eaters like Brontosaurus and Diplodocus. These dinosaurs appear to have retained their preference for warm climates, remaining in lower latitudes throughout their existence.On the other hand, theropods – the group that includes T. rex and modern birds – and ornithischians seem to have developed the ability to generate their own body heat.This adaptation allowed them to expand into colder regions, including the polar regions, by the time of the Jurassic period. This shift in climate tolerance may have contributed to their long-term evolutionary success.Future research on dinosaur fossilsDespite the study’s compelling findings, direct fossil evidence of the earliest dinosaurs in the Amazon, Congo, or Sahara remains absent. Future expeditions to these regions may uncover this elusive evidence that could redefine our understanding of dinosaur origins.If dinosaurs did originate in equatorial Gondwana, as the study suggests, their earliest ancestors may still lie buried beneath the dense rainforests of the Amazon or the shifting sands of the Sahara. These areas remain some of the least-explored fossil sites on Earth, meaning that the missing chapters of dinosaur evolution may still be waiting to be revealed.As paleontologists continue to refine their understanding of early dinosaur evolution, this study highlights the importance of exploring new frontiers in fossil research. The true story of dinosaur origins is still being written, and future discoveries in these regions could change everything we thought we knew about the dawn of the dinosaurs.The study is published in the journal Current Biology.—–Like what you read? 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Earth’s oceans are filled with what scientists are calling “dark vessels”

Science and Health

A recent study by Global Fishing Watch has uncovered an immense quantity of previously untracked vessel activity at sea.The ocean has long been a vast and mysterious frontier, covering over 70% of the Earth’s surface. It is the lifeblood of global trade, a crucial source of food, and a key player in energy production. Yet, despite its importance, much of what happens on its surface remains shrouded in secrecy. By leveraging satellite imagery, vessel GPS data, and artificial intelligence, researchers have created a detailed map of industrial vessel movements and offshore energy infrastructure.The findings reveal staggering gaps in public tracking systems, raising urgent concerns about maritime transparency, environmental sustainability, and global security.Dark vessels at seaFor years, maritime organizations and governments have relied on the Automatic Identification System (AIS) to track vessel movements. While AIS is useful for monitoring registered ships, it has significant limitations. Not all countries mandate its use, and many vessels turn off their transponders to avoid detection, particularly those engaging in illegal fishing, smuggling, and other illicit activities.The experts found that between 72% and 76% of the world’s industrial fishing vessels are not publicly tracked – a striking figure that highlights the hidden scale of commercial fishing operations.Even more concerning, 21% to 30% of transport and energy vessel activity is missing from public monitoring systems, further obscuring the true scale of industrial use of the ocean.Hidden fishing activity Most of this untracked activity occurs in South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the northern and western coasts of Africa. These regions, rich in marine biodiversity, are also hotspots for illegal fishing, overexploitation of marine resources, and environmental degradation. Without a reliable and transparent tracking system, governments and conservationists struggle to enforce regulations, protect fish stocks, and monitor maritime security.The implications of this dark vessel activity extend far beyond fishing. More than one billion people depend on the ocean as their primary food source, and 260 million people are directly employed by global marine fisheries.Additionally, 80% of all traded goods are transported via ocean routes, and nearly 30% of the world’s oil production occurs offshore. Without accurate tracking, illegal activities such as forced labor, human trafficking, and environmental crimes can continue unchecked, undermining efforts to promote sustainable ocean management.AI and satellites reveal dark vessels To address the limitations of AIS and other conventional tracking systems, the researchers turned to artificial intelligence and satellite technology.They used deep learning models to scan a staggering two petabytes of satellite imagery from the European Space Agency’s Sentinel-1 satellite constellation. This AI-powered system was trained to detect and classify vessels with remarkable accuracy, far surpassing previous methods.The team designed and trained three deep convolutional neural networks to analyze satellite imagery and vessel GPS data. These models achieved an object detection accuracy of over 97%, a classification accuracy of 98% for offshore infrastructure, and a 90% accuracy rate for distinguishing fishing vessels from non-fishing vessels.Unveiling untracked vessel activityThe dataset used for this analysis was massive. Researchers examined 67 million image tiles, including 53 billion AIS vessel positions, to determine which ships were actively broadcasting their location and which were operating in the shadows. The resolution of the satellite radar allowed the team to detect objects as small as 15 meters, making it possible to track industrial fishing vessels, cargo ships, tankers, and offshore infrastructure with unprecedented clarity.“Our satellite mapping revealed high densities of vessel activity in large areas of the ocean that previously showed little to no vessel activity by public tracking systems,” the research team stated.The study’s findings have already reshaped our understanding of global maritime activity, revealing areas where fishing and transport vessels operate without oversight. This new method of tracking vessels will be instrumental in identifying illegal fishing hotspots, detecting human rights violations at sea, and improving enforcement of marine protected areas (MPAs).Rise of offshore energy: Wind vs. oilBeyond vessel movements, the study also mapped the rapid expansion of offshore energy infrastructure. By 2021, offshore wind turbines had surpassed oil structures in number, a significant milestone in the transition toward renewable energy. Wind power accounted for 48% of all offshore structures, while oil installations made up 38%.Despite the growth of wind energy, oil-related vessel traffic still dwarfs that of wind infrastructure, with oil platforms generating five times more vessel activity than wind farms. The global shift to offshore renewables is happening, but oil remains dominant in terms of maritime traffic and industrial footprint.The study from Global Fishing Watch found that offshore wind farms are highly concentrated in northern Europe (52%) and China (45%), with China experiencing an extraordinary 900% increase in offshore wind turbines from 2017 to 2021. Meanwhile, offshore oil infrastructure remains concentrated in the Gulf of Mexico, the Persian Gulf, and Southeast Asia, with the United States, Saudi Arabia, and Indonesia leading in oil platform installations.As renewable energy infrastructure continues to grow, understanding how these structures interact with existing maritime industries will be crucial. The study found that trawlers avoid fishing within one kilometer of oil platforms, likely to prevent net entanglement. However, other fishing activities increase around offshore infrastructure, as these structures can serve as artificial reefs that attract marine life.Future of maritime surveillanceIn addition to satellite-based vessel tracking, new AI-driven technologies are set to revolutionize real-time ship detection. The Rapid Earth Monitoring Information System (REMIS), developed in partnership with ESA, S[&]T, Vake, and EmLogic in Norway, promises to locate ships in hours instead of days.Current satellite monitoring relies on downlinking images, processing them on the ground, and analyzing them manually, which can take days. By the time authorities receive data, dark vessels may have moved on, making enforcement difficult.REMIS will pre-filter images in space, prioritizing those containing ships before sending them to ground stations. This drastically reduces data transmission time and processing costs, enabling authorities to track vessels in near real-time.“If we can already identify ships onboard and potentially even combine it with AI systems, we could mark dark vessels and prioritize the scenes containing ships or their locations,” explains Maris Tali, the technical officer leading the project.This system will be particularly valuable for detecting illegal fishing vessels, preventing ship collisions, and redirecting maritime traffic during emergencies. It represents a significant leap forward in global ocean monitoring.Impact of COVID-19 on fishing activityThe study also examined how maritime activity was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. While global fishing activity dropped by 12% in 2020, it has not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels. However, transport and energy-related vessel activity remained relatively unaffected during the same period.This decline in fishing is part of a longer-term trend. Since the 1980s, global marine fish catch has remained stagnant, as many fisheries have reached or exceeded sustainable limits. Meanwhile, offshore energy and maritime trade continue to expand, reshaping human interactions with the ocean.As industrialization of the ocean accelerates, conflicts between fisheries, energy developers, and conservationists are likely to increase. Understanding these trends is essential for policymakers, environmental groups, and industry leaders to make informed decisions about marine resource management.Call for transparency and accountabilityThe findings of this study highlight the urgent need for greater transparency in maritime activity. With three-quarters of industrial fishing occurring outside public tracking systems, governments must adopt stricter regulations and better enforcement mechanisms.AI-powered satellite monitoring and real-time detection systems like REMIS offer powerful new tools to combat illegal fishing, improve ocean governance, and enforce environmental protections.As human activity in the ocean continues to grow, the need for accountability, sustainability, and international cooperation has never been greater. By illuminating the hidden industrial fleet operating in our oceans, science and technology are paving the way for a more transparent and sustainable future.The study is published in the journal Nature.Image Credit: European Space Agency —–Like what you read? Subscribe to our newsletter for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates. Check us out on EarthSnap, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.—–

Maldivian Airlines to bring 40,000 Chinese tourists annually

Travel

Maldivian Airlines has launched a new route connecting China and the Maldives, which is expected to bring 40,000 tourists annually, according to Tourism Minister Ibrahim Faisal. The airline’s first destination in China is Chengdu, and the inaugural flight from Chengdu to the Maldives has already attracted a significant number of travelers. Tourism Minister Ibrahim Faisal stated that the flights will provide a significant boost to the country’s tourism sector, with 40,000 tourists expected from the Chinese market alone through this initiative. Last year, approximately 270,000 tourists from China visited the Maldives, highlighting the importance of this market. Minister Faisal also revealed plans for further expansion, announcing that the President has committed to acquiring an additional aircraft to begin flights to Europe. The first flight from the Maldives to Chengdu departed on Wednesday, while the first inbound flight from Chengdu arrived in the Maldives earlier on Thursday, carrying a total of 192 passengers. Among them, 172 were tourists, according to Maldivian Airlines. Passengers on our inaugural flight from Chengdu were welcomed with traditional Boduberu beats and flowers, showcasing the unique Maldivian hospitality that awaits every traveler. #Maldivianaero #Maldives #China #chengdu pic.twitter.com/zXp10bDIOl— MaldivianAero (@MaldivianAero) January 23, 2025This new route is anticipated to strengthen tourism ties between the Maldives and China, contributing significantly to the growth of the nation’s tourism industry.

Maldivian Airlines to bring 40,000 Chinese tourists annually

Travel

Maldivian Airlines has launched a new route connecting China and the Maldives, which is expected to bring 40,000 tourists annually, according to Tourism Minister Ibrahim Faisal. The airline’s first destination in China is Chengdu, and the inaugural flight from Chengdu to the Maldives has already attracted a significant number of travelers. Tourism Minister Ibrahim Faisal stated that the flights will provide a significant boost to the country’s tourism sector, with 40,000 tourists expected from the Chinese market alone through this initiative. Last year, approximately 270,000 tourists from China visited the Maldives, highlighting the importance of this market. Minister Faisal also revealed plans for further expansion, announcing that the President has committed to acquiring an additional aircraft to begin flights to Europe. The first flight from the Maldives to Chengdu departed on Wednesday, while the first inbound flight from Chengdu arrived in the Maldives earlier on Thursday, carrying a total of 192 passengers. Among them, 172 were tourists, according to Maldivian Airlines. Passengers on our inaugural flight from Chengdu were welcomed with traditional Boduberu beats and flowers, showcasing the unique Maldivian hospitality that awaits every traveler. #Maldivianaero #Maldives #China #chengdu pic.twitter.com/zXp10bDIOl— MaldivianAero (@MaldivianAero) January 23, 2025This new route is anticipated to strengthen tourism ties between the Maldives and China, contributing significantly to the growth of the nation’s tourism industry.

Regeneron Science Talent Search: 6 Long Island students named finalists

Science and Health

A lymphoma survivor and a teen driven to pursue neuroscience after watching her great-grandfather battle Alzheimer’s disease were among the six Long Island high school seniors named finalists Thursday in the nation’s most prestigious science research competition.Forty finalists were chosen nationwide in the Regeneron Science Talent Search, the Society for Science announced Thursday. The Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit runs the contest.The Long Island finalists were Emma Wen of Great Neck North High School; Ishana Chadha of Commack High School; Amy Xiao of Garden City High School; Melody Hong of Gen. Douglas MacArthur High School in Levittown; Jolene Cao of Smithtown High School East; and Sandeep Sawhney of Herricks High School in New Hyde Park.The finalists emerged from a field of 300 scholars, or semifinalists, announced by the society earlier this month. Each finalist will be awarded at least $25,000.The 40 finalists will meet in Washington, D.C., in March to present their projects. The winners will be announced on March 11; the top award is $250,000.For many of the Long Island finalists, their projects were deeply personal.Wen, now 17, was 6 when she was diagnosed with lymphoma, a blood cancer. In an interview Thursday, she recalled spending part of her childhood in the hospital. She was struck, she said, by how many treatments for cancer had side effects or were not as effective as they could be.“Being so young and surrounded by medicine really led me to see how many deficiencies there are in current treatments and the need for new treatments,” said the teen, whose cancer is now in remission. For her project, she said she chose to test a new drug for pancreatic cancer, in part because the disease has a low survival rate of around 13%. The drug performs better than current drugs, according to a summary of the project provided by the Society for Science.Wen said she wants to become a pediatric oncologist.“I think that I have the capability of understanding the children who are going through the same thing that I went through,” she said.Sawhney, 18, was home in New Hyde Park when a call with a Washington, D.C. area code came in Wednesday, ahead of the official announcement. His mother, Tarveen Sawhney, was nearby. As he learned the news, his mother cried tears of joy, the teen recalled in an interview.“It was just a huge emotional explosion,” he said.Part of the waves of emotion Sawhney and his family felt came from a painful personal history. Sawhney lost his grandfather, Harkanwal Singh Sethi, to prostate cancer when he was in fifth grade. His death, Sawhney said, cast a lingering shadow on his family.“It’s been a lot of fear of cancer and the emotional struggle with losing my grandfather for a long time,” he said. “To see my parents at such a low point during that time really impacted me. It traveled throughout my life.”Sawhney chose for his project to design a container that would hold cancer-treating drugs, which eat through typical gel capsules. What he created was a better delivery system for the drugs, with fewer side effects, according to a project summary from the society.Every day he worked on his project, he said he thought of his “nanaji,” his name for his grandfather.Xiao, who could not be reached for an interview Thursday, also centered her research on cancer treatment. She focused on a protein’s role with regard to better cancer survival.Chadha, 17, of Commack, researched the genetic factors behind brain cell movements. Chadha said her great-grandfather, GL Tandon, had Alzheimer’s disease and died when she was around 6. She said she still remembers the pain of watching him lose his vitality and memories, and later the ability to recognize her great-grandmother.“I got really sad about it,” she recalled.Hong, 17, of Wantagh, said she initially wanted to learn more about Parkinson’s disease, which her grandmother was diagnosed with.“I just thought that if I were going to be studying a topic that I found really interesting, then I would want whatever I learned to be more useful in understanding the disease that my grandmother has,” she said. Her project later pivoted to focus on a new statistical model to map parts of the human genome, which may lead to insights into “how genetics and the environment affect disease and aging,” according to a project summary from the society.“There’s not a direct connection,” she said of her project and Parkinson’s research. “But I’m … glad that the emphasis and motivation I had from that really drove me and helped me complete my project.”This year, Long Island schools produced 49 scholars, the most of any region in the country. The society said it received a record-breaking number of applications, with nearly 2,500 entrants from 795 high schools.The Long Island finalists said their projects often took months, if not years, and required hundreds of hours of work. Jessica York, Great Neck North High School’s science department chairperson, called the level of commitment by the finalists “mind-blowing” and noted that their motivation originated from the students themselves.Referring to Wen, she said, “I can’t make Emma do 300 hours of research. I can’t make her learn the detailed intricacies of cancer medicine. That has to be a passion. That has to be an internal drive.”That dedication also paid off for Cao, of St. James. Cao, 17, said she spent years on her project, which took her as far as a university lab in California. She designed a type of material that is “more energy-efficient and cheaper than other polarized light sources,” according to a summary from the society.“I didn’t even expect to be a semifinalist,” she said. “I couldn’t believe it when I woke up this morning. I was still trying to process it.”A lymphoma survivor and a teen driven to pursue neuroscience after watching her great-grandfather battle Alzheimer’s disease were among the six Long Island high school seniors named finalists Thursday in the nation’s most prestigious science research competition.Forty finalists were chosen nationwide in the Regeneron Science Talent Search, the Society for Science announced Thursday. The Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit runs the contest.The Long Island finalists were Emma Wen of Great Neck North High School; Ishana Chadha of Commack High School; Amy Xiao of Garden City High School; Melody Hong of Gen. Douglas MacArthur High School in Levittown; Jolene Cao of Smithtown High School East; and Sandeep Sawhney of Herricks High School in New Hyde Park.The finalists emerged from a field of 300 scholars, or semifinalists, announced by the society earlier this month. Each finalist will be awarded at least $25,000.WHAT NEWSDAY FOUNDSix Long Island high school seniors were named finalists Thursday in the Regeneron Science Talent Search, the nation’s most prestigious science research competition.Forty finalists were named nationwide. They will present their projects in March in Washington, D.C.The Society for Science, which runs the competition, said it received a record-breaking number of applications, with nearly 2,500 entrants from 795 high schools.The 40 finalists will meet in Washington, D.C., in March to present their projects. The winners will be announced on March 11; the top award is $250,000.Focus on cancer researchFor many of the Long Island finalists, their projects were deeply personal.Wen, now 17, was 6 when she was diagnosed with lymphoma, a blood cancer. In an interview Thursday, she recalled spending part of her childhood in the hospital. She was struck, she said, by how many treatments for cancer had side effects or were not as effective as they could be.“Being so young and surrounded by medicine really led me to see how many deficiencies there are in current treatments and the need for new treatments,” said the teen, whose cancer is now in remission. For her project, she said she chose to test a new drug for pancreatic cancer, in part because the disease has a low survival rate of around 13%. The drug performs better than current drugs, according to a summary of the project provided by the Society for Science.Wen said she wants to become a pediatric oncologist.“I think that I have the capability of understanding the children who are going through the same thing that I went through,” she said.Emma Wen at Great Neck North High School on Thursday.

Josefine Wanner: From Corporate Success to Building a Purpose-Driven Business

Business News

When Josefine Wanner left behind her thriving corporate career, she wasn’t just walking away from stability, a steady paycheck, and a well-defined path—she was stepping into the unknown. Driven by a desire for freedom, fulfilment, and impact, Josefine transformed her life, building a successful online business from the ground up. Her wake-up call came during a deeply personal moment when her father’s illness reminded her how fleeting life can be. Inspired to take control of her time and energy, she embraced uncertainty and turned it into an opportunity to design a life on her terms. Her journey is one of resilience, courage, and self-discovery, proving that it’s never too late to pivot and create a life that aligns with your purpose.

Your transition from a successful corporate career to building an online business is truly inspiring. What was the most challenging part of that leap for you?

There were two big challenges: embracing uncertainty and figuring out my zone of genius—and then building a profitable business around it. 

In the corporate world, everything felt secure: I had a clear job description, a steady paycheck, and a career ladder to climb. When I walked away from that structure, I had to carve my path, which meant becoming comfortable with the unknown.

I also knew that the path I wanted to walk was one leading to financial and time freedom and that the key to achieving this was to build a successful online business. Yet, I had no clue how to get there or where to even start. 

The first two years felt like I was constantly outside my comfort zone—suddenly, every decision was mine. 

But that same fear became the fuel that pushed me to grow in ways I never thought possible. Once I accepted uncertainty as part of the journey, it became exciting instead of frightening.

You mentioned that your father’s illness was a wake-up call. How did that experience shape your perspective on life and your career choices?

When I Googled my father’s diagnosis, I learned that, on average, he might have only three more months to live—and in reality, he got just six weeks. It was a stark reminder that life is often far shorter than we imagine. I had already started thinking about becoming an entrepreneur; I was counting down the days until retirement, which was still 20 years away. That’s a terrible way to live, but fear kept me stuck.

My father’s diagnosis catapulted me out of that paralysis. It prompted me to ask, “If I only had a limited amount of time, what would I truly want to do with it?” That question changed everything. I stopped chasing the external validation of a corporate title and started seeking fulfilment and impact. It gave me permission to take risks, trust my intuition, and prioritize what matters—in both my career and personal life.

Can you share more about the specific mindset shifts you had to make when transitioning from a corporate job to pursuing your passion?

I believe we have to fear the current situation more than we fear the unknown. 

If the unknown feels scarier than where we are now, we’ll stay put. My wake-up call made me think, “If I don’t leave now, I might never get out.” Maybe that was overdramatic, but it was exactly what I needed.

One of the biggest shifts was moving from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset. In my corporate role, I was used to clear metrics, defined goals, and little tolerance for mistakes. On my own, I had to be prepared to make mistakes—often publicly—and learn from them quickly. Instead of trying to be perfect, I focused on progress. “Better done than perfect—always!”

Another crucial shift was learning to trust myself. I had to stop looking to others for validation and start believing that my voice, my expertise, was enough. Understanding my values gave me the courage to keep going even when results weren’t immediate.

In your work, you help coaches, course creators, and service providers grow their businesses. What is the number one mistake most entrepreneurs make when starting their journey?

They try to serve everyone. It’s tempting to cast a wide net and say, “I can help anyone who needs my service,” especially when you have broad training or education. 

But potential clients don’t see it that way; they want a specialist. 

Just like we’d prefer a specialist for a medical issue, customers want someone who truly understands their specific problem.

When you try to speak to everyone, you end up connecting with no one. 

My advice is to get super clear on your niche: Who do you serve, and how do you solve their specific problem? 

That clarity makes it easier to nail your messaging, attract the right clients, repel the wrong ones, and stand out in a crowded market.

Your story is filled with resilience, especially after being diagnosed with cancer. How did your personal experience with health challenges influence your approach to entrepreneurship?

My diagnosis taught me that every moment is a gift and that I’m capable of overcoming far more than I ever thought. When I returned to building my business after treatment, I had this unshakable conviction that nothing in business could ever truly “kill” me. If I could face cancer, I could face any hurdle entrepreneurship threw my way.

It also made me far more intentional about how I spend my time. I wanted a business model that supports my health and well-being, not one that drains it. It wasn’t just about hustling; it was about building a life and career where my priorities—health, family, impact—could coexist harmoniously.

Am I exactly where I want to be yet? Not. I still work too many hours sometimes, because as an entrepreneur, you can always do more. It’s crucial to set clear boundaries and avoid the “employee mindset” where working harder automatically means making more. With the right business model, including scalable offers, you can help more people, earn more, and still work less.

What advice would you give to someone who feels trapped in a career they don’t love but is afraid to leap into something new?

Start by testing whether there is demand for your ideas. I wouldn’t advise quitting your job like I did—that can create unnecessary stress. Instead, test the waters of a new path: launch a side project, join a network of other business owners, offer a service on a freelance basis, or take an online course in a field you’re passionate about. Dip your toes in first.

This does two things: it builds your confidence and provides real data on whether your new direction is viable. Fear often shrinks when it faces concrete evidence that “Yes, this can work.” And remember: inaction has a cost, too. If you’re feeling unfulfilled, staying put can turn out to be the bigger risk in the long run.

You speak about the power of building a business that removes time constraints and money caps. What steps do you recommend for someone to start creating this kind of freedom in their own life?

First, identify the core strengths and knowledge you can package into a leveraged offering—like an online course, group coaching program, or digital product. This allows you to step away from trading hours for dollars. Launch one product at a time, test it, improve it, and make it better. Then relaunch the same product again and again.

I learned this lesson the hard way. Funnily enough, my constant desire to “fix” every minor issue turned me into a specialist in launching online offers, but it also meant I never gave each offer the chance to reach its full potential. 

Instead, focus on solving one problem for one ideal client with one solution, and use one sales strategy to sell it—repeatedly.

Next, build systems. Automate or outsource tasks that aren’t in your zone of genius so you can free up mental space for higher-level thinking and creativity. Finally, consistently market yourself in a way that scales—whether through social media, email marketing, or strategic partnerships. It’s not about working nonstop; it’s about designing a business that can thrive without you having to be in the trenches every single minute.

What are the key elements of a successful coaching or service-based business, in your experience? How do they differ from traditional corporate business models?

In coaching and service-based businesses, relationships are everything. You need deep empathy and the ability to create real transformation for clients. This level of personalization differs from corporate models, which are often more transactional and process-driven.

Another key element is authenticity: people are buying into you as much as your expertise. Sharing your story, values, and personality helps you build trust and stand out. Lastly, agility is crucial—you can pivot quickly based on client feedback, market changes, or personal passions. In a corporate setting, making changes can feel like steering a giant ship; in a small business, you can change direction much faster.

And never stop learning. What you learn, you can immediately pass on to your clients, creating a continuous cycle of growth.

You emphasize the importance of helping others and making an impact. How do you measure success in your own business, and how do you teach your clients to do the same?

I look at two main factors: my fulfilment and my clients’ transformations. 

Revenue is important—it keeps the business running, and when you make more money, you can help more people, hire staff, and donate to causes you care about. 

But if I’m not personally fulfilled or my clients aren’t seeing results, no amount of money can compensate for that.

For instance, if every client drains your energy, you’ll soon resent working with them. 

Instead, identify your “crush” clients—the ones you love working with—and focus on them. 

One of my clients had a list of 80 past clients but realized that only 8 of them were truly ideal. We used that insight to fine-tune her offerings and messaging.

I encourage my clients to define their version of success early on. Some prioritize flexibility for family, others have specific revenue goals, and still others focus on social impact. By clarifying these values, we craft a business strategy that aligns with what genuinely fulfils them.

Looking back on your journey, what are some key lessons you learned that you wish you could have told your younger self before you made the career shift?

I’d tell myself to trust my instincts sooner. I spent too long seeking external approval, even though I knew deep down what I wanted. I’d also say, “Your worth isn’t tied to a job title, and the world is huge! Travel first, figure out what you want to do second.”

It took me a while to separate my identity from my corporate role. And finally, I’d remind myself that it’s okay to change paths. Society often sees career changes as failures, but they’re opportunities to grow and align with your purpose. Every pivot brings new lessons and opens doors you never knew existed. Embrace it—you’ll be glad you did.

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