PHILADELPHIA — Walmart is stripping self-checkout kiosks from more stores and bringing back cashier lanes, joining a growing retail shift that includes Costco’s push for faster, staff-assisted scanning as theft concerns and customer complaints mount nationwide.
Walmart Costco Self-Checkout Overhaul: Why Major Retailers Are Ditching Machines Amid Theft and Shopper Frustration in 2026 IBTimes US
The world’s largest retailer removed all self-checkout machines from its South Philadelphia Supercenter in late April 2026, converting the space to traditional staffed registers. Company officials cited feedback from customers and associates, aiming to deliver a more personalized shopping experience as part of broader remodeling plans for more than 650 stores this year.
“These changes are guided by feedback from associates and customers, local shopping patterns, and the needs of the business in each community,” a Walmart spokesperson told local media. The goal is to “improve the checkout experience and enable associates to provide more personalized customer service.”
The move echoes earlier removals in Shrewsbury, Missouri; Cleveland, Ohio; parts of New Mexico and other high-theft locations. In Shrewsbury, police reported a sharp drop in calls after self-checkouts disappeared — from hundreds in prior periods to far fewer — with arrests nearly halving.
Industry analysts and law enforcement point to retail theft, often dubbed “shrink,” as a primary driver. A December 2025 LendingTree survey of more than 2,000 consumers found 27% of self-checkout users admitted to intentionally skipping scans, up 12 percentage points from 2023. Another 36% said they accidentally left with unscanned items, and most kept them. Overall, 69% agreed the machines make theft easier.
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Higher-income shoppers were more likely to admit deliberate non-scanning, with 40% of those earning six figures or more confessing, according to the survey. Many expressed little remorse.
Walmart, which loses billions annually to theft across its stores, has reviewed self-checkout use in high-shrink locations. Similar trends hit Target, Dollar General and others, with some chains removing or limiting kiosks entirely.
Costco Takes a Different Path
Costco, known for its warehouse model and membership requirements, is not fully eliminating self-checkout but is transforming the experience with technology and staff oversight. The company is rolling out pre-scan systems where employees scan cart items while shoppers wait in line. By the time customers reach the register, items are pre-loaded; they simply scan their membership card and pay.
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Automated pay stations in pilot stores complete transactions in about eight seconds on average, dramatically speeding up lines. CEO comments during earnings calls highlighted strong member feedback and improved traffic flow.
“Early results show this is improving the flow of traffic, and we’ve received great member feedback,” a Costco executive said.
At remaining self-checkout areas, Costco now often requires photo ID matching membership cards, adding a layer of accountability. The retailer is also testing scan-and-go apps and other efficiencies without the full cashier reversion seen at Walmart.
Regulatory Pressure Mounts
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New state laws are accelerating changes. Bills in California, Massachusetts, Ohio, Rhode Island and others propose staffing requirements — such as one employee per set number of kiosks — or item limits at self-checkouts, often capping them at 10-15 items. New York City has considered similar restrictions.
Proponents argue the rules promote fairness for workers and curb theft. Critics, including some retailers, worry about labor costs and slower service. In response, many chains are proactively adjusting rather than waiting for mandates.
Shopper Reactions Mixed
Customer responses vary widely. Some celebrate the return of human cashiers, citing frustration with error-prone machines, long error-resolution waits, and the “do-it-yourself” burden after a full shopping trip.
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“I hate self-checkout. I always have issues with the scanner or weights, and then I wait forever for help anyway,” said one Philadelphia-area shopper who welcomed the change. “Bring back the cashiers.”
Others lament lost convenience, especially for quick trips with few items. “It used to be fast for small baskets. Now lines are longer again,” complained a frequent Walmart visitor on social media.
Social platforms buzz with debates. Viral posts show before-and-after photos of stripped checkout areas, with hashtags like #SelfCheckoutFail and #BringBackCashiers trending in retail communities. Some users admit occasional “honest mistakes” at kiosks, while others decry what they see as eroded trust in shoppers.
Retail experts note self-checkout’s initial promise — faster service, lower labor costs — collided with reality. Technical glitches, theft vulnerabilities and unintended labor shifts (associates still needed for oversight and bagging help) diminished benefits. Adoption soared to over 80% at many chains, but so did losses.
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Broader Retail Trends
Sam’s Club, Walmart’s membership sibling, went further last year by replacing traditional self-checkout with AI-powered scan-and-go entirely in tested formats. Other grocers experiment with hybrid models blending mobile apps, computer vision and limited kiosks.
Dollar General removed self-checkout from thousands of stores in 2024, citing similar theft and operational issues. Target has limited item counts or added more staffed oversight in select locations.
The changes come as inflation-weary consumers demand value and efficiency. Retailers balance technology investment with human touchpoints. Walmart’s 2026 remodels will emphasize improved layouts, potentially including more “hosted checkout” zones where associates guide customers.
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What’s Next for Shoppers
For now, experiences differ by location and chain. Walmart shoppers in affected stores must use cashier lanes, which some say feel nostalgic but risk longer peak-hour waits. Costco members enjoy quicker overall throughput thanks to pre-scans but face stricter verification.
Industry watchers expect more experimentation. AI cameras, better mobile apps and data-driven lane management could blend convenience with control. Yet the pendulum has swung back toward human interaction in 2026, at least partially.
“Self-checkout wasn’t the full solution many hoped,” one retail consultant noted. “Retailers are learning that technology works best when it supports, not replaces, the shopping experience entirely.”
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As summer shopping ramps up, customers at Walmart and Costco will navigate evolving checkouts. Whether the shifts reduce theft, boost satisfaction and maintain speed remains to be seen — but the era of unchecked self-service appears to be cooling.
Mumbai: Adani Cement, the country’s second biggest manufacturer of the primary building material, would focus on ramping up utilisation and rationalising its existing capacities while calibrating its capital expenditure, the company’s senior management said on Monday. “Maybe, the target plan of FY28, it could move a year or two. On a safer side I would say FY30,” said the chief executive officer, Vinod Bahety.
Cement offtake is typically linked to real GDP growth, and often runs at a function of about 1.2 times to the long period growth average. Companies typically begin stepping up capacities when utilisation crosses the 80% threshold consistently.
The Adani Group had forayed in the Indian cement space in 2022 with the largest-ever acquisition in the materials space, bringing on board around 70 million tonnes of capacity after it purchased Ambuja Cements and ACC, the latter being the oldest manufacturer of the commodity in the subcontinent. It had earlier forecast doubling capacity to 140 million tonne by FY28, and late last year, raised this target to 155 million tonne. “What matters is how you are able to ramp up volume from overall existing assets, and I have substantial headroom. Even if I hit 120 million tonnes by the end of 27, it will give me a good leverage of the overall market opportunity,” Bahety said. The company currently has a production capacity of 109 million tonne.
MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Timberwolves provided a cautious but optimistic update Monday on superstar Anthony Edwards’ left knee injury, confirming he remains week-to-week with a hyperextension and bone bruise as the team prepares for its Western Conference semifinal series against the San Antonio Spurs without its leading scorer. Edwards has begun light on-court activity but has not yet participated in full-contact practice, leaving his availability for the series opener uncertain and placing added pressure on a Timberwolves roster already missing key depth.
Edwards suffered the injury in Game 4 of Minnesota’s first-round series against the Denver Nuggets on April 26 when he landed awkwardly contesting a shot. An MRI the following day revealed no ligament damage — significant relief for a franchise with championship aspirations — but confirmed the hyperextension and bone bruise that typically require two to six weeks of recovery. Head coach Chris Finch reiterated the week-to-week designation after Monday’s practice, noting Edwards had completed non-contact shooting and movement work but remained sidelined from scrimmages.
“We’re being smart with Ant,” Finch said. “He’s progressing well, but we’re not rushing anything. The bone bruise needs time to calm down. We’ll evaluate daily and see where he’s at.” Finch added that Edwards has been “itching” to return and has been an active presence on the sideline, offering leadership and insight to teammates during film sessions and practices.
The Timberwolves advanced past Denver in six games without Edwards, relying on strong defensive efforts and contributions from Julius Randle, Mike Conley and Anthony Edwards’ replacement in the starting lineup. However, facing Victor Wembanyama and a dangerous Spurs team presents a significantly tougher test. Edwards averaged 28.8 points per game during the regular season and remains the Timberwolves’ primary offensive engine, particularly in transition and isolation situations.
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Medical experts note that bone bruises can cause lingering soreness and reduced explosiveness, especially for explosive athletes like Edwards. The 24-year-old All-Star has dealt with lower-body issues throughout the season, including patellar tendinitis in his right knee earlier in the year, making the medical staff particularly cautious. Edwards has earned the nickname “the Wolverine” for his reputation as a quick healer, but the organization is prioritizing long-term health over a rushed playoff return.
Edwards himself expressed optimism in limited comments to reporters. “I’m doing everything they ask me to do,” he said. “I want to be out there with my brothers, but I’ve got to trust the process.” He has been engaged in daily rehabilitation, including blood flow restriction training, mobility work and progressive strength exercises focused on quadriceps activation and joint stability.
The timing could not be more critical for Minnesota. The Spurs series tips off Tuesday in San Antonio, with Game 2 on Thursday. If Edwards misses the first two games, the Timberwolves must find ways to slow Wembanyama while generating enough offense to stay competitive. Randle has stepped up in Edwards’ absence, but replacing the All-Star’s scoring punch and playmaking remains a tall order against San Antonio’s length and versatility.
Finch has not ruled out a mid-series return. Optimistic scenarios point to Games 3 or 4 in Minneapolis if Edwards progresses rapidly in the coming days. Pessimistic timelines could see him sidelined for the entire series, testing the Timberwolves’ depth in what many analysts view as a challenging matchup. The organization continues to provide daily availability updates while shielding specific medical details to maintain a competitive edge.
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The injury adds complexity to an already demanding postseason. Edwards missed time earlier in the year with right knee issues but returned strongly. His current left knee protocol balances aggressive treatment with caution, incorporating advanced recovery modalities and daily monitoring of swelling and strength metrics. The Timberwolves have access to top sports medicine resources, including functional testing and imaging to guide progression.
Fans and analysts have reacted with a mixture of concern and hope. Social media buzzed with support for Edwards and calls for patience from the organization. Many point to Minnesota’s resilience without him in the closing games against Denver as a positive sign, though sustaining that level against the Spurs will be difficult. Edwards’ explosiveness and scoring ability remain vital for the Timberwolves’ championship aspirations.
Playoff history shows that star injuries can swing series outcomes. Teams like the 2023 Nuggets proved resilient without key pieces at times, but consistent elite production usually proves decisive in later rounds. For Minnesota, the goal is to stay competitive early in the series while positioning Edwards for an impactful return if the matchup extends. Finch has emphasized patience but acknowledged the challenge of replacing Edwards’ unique skill set.
As Game 1 approaches, the basketball world watches closely. Edwards’ knee injury, while not season-ending, forces strategic adjustments and tests team depth at the worst possible time. His potential mid-series return could shift momentum, but the Timberwolves must first prove they can compete without their All-Star. The coming days will reveal much about the franchise’s resilience and Edwards’ recovery timeline.
Crude oil held most of a surge that at one point took prices above $115 a barrel as the US and Iran exchanged fire, jolting a four-week-old ceasefire and raising concerns that Middle East tensions could escalate again.
Brent edged 0.5% lower to just under $114 a barrel at the open Tuesday as escalating tensions around the Strait of Hormuz raised fears about high energy prices and global inflation. Australian shares opened lower, with markets closed in Japan, South Korea and mainland China. US equity-index futures were little changed after the S&P 500 Index retreated from its record on Monday.
During the US session, Treasuries fell, sending 30-year yields to the highest since July, as traders boosted wagers that the Federal Reserve will have to reverse course and raise interest rates to curb inflation following a surge in oil prices. There will be no cash trading during Asian hours due to the holiday in Japan.
Renewed tensions threaten to inject fresh volatility into markets after a month-long rally that helped global equities erase war-related losses and climb to record highs on strong earnings from megacap technology companies. Investors remain focused on the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway that has been blocked for months, keeping energy prices elevated and risking higher inflation and slower economic growth.
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“Even if the immediate conflict de-escalates, we expect the aftershocks will remain with us for some time,” said Darrell Cronk at Wells Fargo Investment Institute. “The effects — on energy prices, industrial activity, and geopolitical risk premia — are unlikely to fade quickly.”
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The US fought off Iran’s attacks as it facilitated the passage of two vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. Meantime, the UAE blamed an Iranian drone strike for a fire at its Fujairah port and issued several missile alerts for the first time since a truce between Washington and Tehran took hold.
According to the claim, Jain has sought ₹20 crore as compensation for loss of earnings and an additional ₹50 crore for reputational harm, loss of employment opportunities, and mental trauma.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the sectoral regulator, has also been made a party to the case.
Jain is being represented by law firm Wadia Ghandy, while IndusInd Bank has engaged Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas. The RBI is represented by BLAC & Co.
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“To ensure that the final relief, if granted, does not become illusory, it is necessary that… IndusInd Bank be directed to deposit ₹20 crore toward compensation for loss of earnings…,” the suit said.
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Jain, IndusInd Bank and the RBI did not respond to ET’s emailed queries. ET, in its edition dated September 27, 2025, was the first to report about Jain’s repeated attempts to resign as CFO. In his petition, Jain has detailed the sequence of events leading up to his resignation, including four resignation letters beginning April 2024, in which he repeatedly urged then MD & CEO Sumant Kathpalia to appoint an external auditor to investigate alleged lapses.According to the petition, Jain’s earliest resignation letter was sent on June 11, 2024-nearly ten months before the bank disclosed the accounting lapses to stock exchanges. Less than two months later, he submitted another letter on August 20, 2024.
On September 29, 2024, Jain again pressed for an external audit saying that he had kept his resignation on hold on the understanding that Kathpalia would order a detailed audit by a reputed external and independent audit firm into serious issues and incorrect procedures and practices followed by the bank’s treasury.
Mumbai: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) on Monday proposed easing securitisation norms, including relaxing the 25% cap on single borrower exposure in the asset pool, to align its framework with the rules of the banking regulator. These exemptions would apply only to entities governed by central bank norms.
Sebi has invited public comments on its latest securitisation proposals until May 25.
Under the existing framework aimed at risk mitigation, securitised debt instruments should adhere to strict diversification norms, including a cap that limits any single borrower’s share to 25% of the asset pool at issuance.
The current Sebi securitisation caps are meant to reduce risk by ensuring the pool is not overly dependent on one borrower.
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However, the regulator said this rule has effectively blocked listing of securitisation deals backed by a single asset, even though such structures are allowed under Reserve Bank of India (RBI) norms. To address this, Sebi has proposed waiving the 25% cap for RBI-regulated entities, thus enabling single-asset deals to be listed.
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In a parallel move to strengthen transparency, Sebi has suggested shifting the responsibility for periodic disclosures on the performance of the underlying asset pool from the originator to the servicer. The servicer, which may or may not be the originator, is responsible for collecting and monitoring receivables, making it better placed to provide timely and accurate information to investors.The regulator has also proposed changes to governance norms for special purpose distinct entities (SPDEs). For RBI-regulated originators, representation on the SPDE board would be capped at one member without veto powers, in line with RBI guidelines.
Additionally, Sebi has proposed easing certain restrictions on securitisation structures and replacing mandatory winding-up of transactions in specific cases with the appointment of a new trustee.
ON Semiconductor Corporation (ON) Q1 2026 Earnings Call May 4, 2026 5:00 PM EDT
Company Participants
Parag Agarwal – Vice President of Investor Relations & Corporate Development Hassane El-Khoury – President, CEO & Director Thad Trent – Executive VP, CFO, Treasurer & Principal Accounting Officer
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Conference Call Participants
Ross Seymore – Deutsche Bank AG, Research Division Vivek Arya – BofA Securities, Research Division Neil Young – Needham & Company, LLC, Research Division Joshua Buchalter – TD Cowen, Research Division Vijay Rakesh – Mizuho Securities USA LLC, Research Division Gary Mobley – Loop Capital Markets LLC, Research Division Christopher Rolland – Susquehanna Financial Group, LLLP, Research Division Joseph Moore – Morgan Stanley, Research Division James Schneider – Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., Research Division Harlan Sur – JPMorgan Chase & Co, Research Division
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Operator
Good day, and thank you for standing by. Welcome to the onsemi First Quarter 2026 Earnings Conference Call. [Operator Instructions] Please be advised that today’s conference is being recorded. I would now like to hand the conference over to your speaker today, Parag Agarwal, Vice President of Investor Relations and Corporate Development.
Please go ahead.
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Parag Agarwal Vice President of Investor Relations & Corporate Development
Thank you, Daniel. Good afternoon, and thank you for joining onsemi’s first quarter results conference call. I’m joined today by Hassane El-Khoury, our President and CEO; and Thad Trent, our CFO. This call is being webcast on the Investor Relations section of our website at www.onsemi.com.
A replay of this webcast, along with our first quarter earnings release, will be available on our website approximately 1 hour following this conference call, and the recorded webcast will be available for approximately 30 days following this conference call.
Additional information is posted on the Investor Relations section of our website. Our earnings release and this presentation includes certain non-GAAP financial measures. Reconciliation of these non-GAAP
Mirum Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (MIRM) Discusses Topline Clinical Results in Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis and Hepatitis Delta May 4, 2026 8:30 AM EDT
Company Participants
Andrew McKibben – Senior Vice President, Strategic Finance & Investor Relations Christopher Peetz – CEO & Director Joanne M. Quan – Chief Medical Officer Peter Radovich – COO & President
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Conference Call Participants
Ryan Deschner – Raymond James & Associates, Inc., Research Division Joshua Schimmer – Cantor Fitzgerald & Co., Research Division Swayampakula Ramakanth – H.C. Wainwright & Co, LLC, Research Division Yesha Patel – Evercore ISI Institutional Equities, Research Division Ryan Mcelroy – Leerink Partners LLC, Research Division Joseph Thome – TD Cowen, Research Division Jessica Fye – JPMorgan Chase & Co, Research Division Michael Ulz – Morgan Stanley, Research Division James Condulis – Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated, Research Division Jonathan Wolleben – Citizens JMP Securities, LLC, Research Division Lisa Walter – RBC Capital Markets, Research Division
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Operator
Good morning, and welcome to Mirum Pharmaceuticals Business Update Call. My name is Ben, and I will be your operator today. [Operator Instructions] I would now like to hand the conference over to Andrew McKibben, SVP of Strategic Finance and Investor Relations. Please go ahead.
Andrew McKibben Senior Vice President, Strategic Finance & Investor Relations
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Thank you, Ben, and good morning, everyone. I’m very happy to welcome you to Mirum’s conference call to discuss our recent clinical readouts, including the top line results of our VISTAS Phase IIb study of volixibat in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis, or PSC, and last week’s announcement of top line results from the Phase II portion of the AZURE-1 study of brelovitug in hepatitis delta. For our prepared remarks, I’m joined today by our CEO, Chris Peetz; and our Chief Medical Officer, Joanne Quan. I’m also joined by our President and Chief Operating Officer, Peter Radovich; and our Chief Financial Officer, Eric Bjerkholt, who will both be available for Q&A. The call will begin with opening remarks from Chris, followed
MINNEAPOLIS — As the Los Angeles Lakers prepare for a potential Western Conference playoff clash with the Minnesota Timberwolves, the absence of Minnesota star Anthony Edwards due to a left knee injury has shifted the narrative from a mismatch to a fascinating test of LeBron James’ enduring greatness. With Edwards week-to-week and likely sidelined for the start of any series, James and the Lakers see a genuine opportunity to exploit Minnesota’s diminished firepower, though the Timberwolves’ elite defense and depth still present a formidable challenge for the veteran-led squad.
Edwards suffered a hyperextension and bone bruise in Game 4 against the Denver Nuggets on April 26. An MRI ruled out structural ligament damage, but the injury has kept the 24-year-old All-Star out of full-contact practice. Timberwolves coach Chris Finch has described Edwards as week-to-week, with the earliest realistic return potentially in Games 3 or 4 of a series. Without their leading scorer — who averaged 28.8 points per game this season — Minnesota must rely heavily on Julius Randle, Mike Conley and defensive intensity to stay competitive.
James, at 41, continues defying age with remarkable playoff performances. In the Lakers’ first-round series against Houston, he averaged 28 points, eight assists and seven rebounds while carrying a depleted roster without Luka Doncic. His basketball IQ, leadership and ability to elevate teammates remain unmatched. Against a Timberwolves team missing its primary offensive engine, James could exploit defensive lapses and create mismatches, particularly if Minnesota’s focus shifts toward containing Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura.
The Lakers-Timberwolves matchup has been competitive in recent seasons. Minnesota swept the regular-season series this year, but those games featured a healthy Edwards. Without him, the Timberwolves’ offense loses its explosive transition threat and isolation scoring. Edwards’ gravity as a scorer forces defenses to collapse, opening driving lanes and three-point opportunities for teammates. His absence places heavier offensive responsibility on Randle, who has stepped up admirably but lacks Edwards’ burst and perimeter creation.
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Defensively, the Timberwolves remain elite. Rudy Gobert anchors the paint, while Jaden McDaniels and others provide versatile wing defense. Even without Edwards, Minnesota can disrupt opposing offenses through length and physicality. The Lakers will need strong ball movement and spacing to counter that pressure. James’ playmaking becomes even more critical, as he must orchestrate the offense while also shouldering scoring duties against a defense designed to limit star players.
Coaching adjustments will be pivotal. Lakers coach JJ Redick has shown creativity in lineup construction during the postseason. Expect increased minutes for Reaves as a secondary creator and potential small-ball looks featuring James at point guard. On the other side, Finch must find ways to replace Edwards’ scoring without overtaxing Randle or relying too heavily on bench production. The Timberwolves’ depth, built through smart drafting and development, will be tested.
Historical precedent favors experience in high-stakes scenarios. James has thrived as an underdog throughout his career, including memorable playoff runs with lesser supporting casts. His basketball IQ allows him to adapt mid-series, exploiting weaknesses and elevating teammates. However, the Timberwolves’ youth and defensive identity could wear down the older Lakers roster over a seven-game series.
Injury timelines add uncertainty. Edwards’ bone bruise typically requires two to six weeks of recovery. A return in the middle of a series could swing momentum dramatically, especially if Minnesota advances past the early games. The Lakers must treat every contest as potentially Edwards-free, preparing schemes that neutralize Gobert’s rim protection and Randle’s versatility.
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Fan and analyst reaction has been mixed. Some view the Lakers as having a realistic chance to steal a series without Edwards, citing James’ playoff pedigree and Minnesota’s occasional offensive stagnation. Others point to the Timberwolves’ defensive strength and home-court advantage as decisive factors. Betting markets have shifted slightly toward Minnesota but reflect uncertainty around Edwards’ status.
Beyond X’s and O’s, the series carries narrative weight. James potentially in the final chapters of his legendary career faces a young, hungry Timberwolves squad looking to establish itself as a Western Conference power. A Lakers upset would rank among James’ greatest achievements, while a Minnesota victory without Edwards would reinforce the team’s depth and defensive identity.
The Western Conference landscape adds context. Both teams have championship aspirations, but injuries have complicated paths. The Lakers advanced past Houston without Doncic, showcasing resilience. Minnesota handled Denver despite Edwards’ limited availability in later games. Their potential meeting would test which roster is better equipped to overcome adversity.
As the NBA postseason intensifies, the James-versus-Timberwolves-without-Edwards scenario offers compelling drama. James has made a career of defying odds, but Minnesota’s defensive structure and collective talent provide a stiff test. The coming days will reveal whether experience and leadership can overcome youth and depth in a critical playoff matchup.
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For now, the Timberwolves hold the edge on paper, but James’ presence ensures nothing is guaranteed. Basketball fans everywhere will watch closely to see if the King can engineer another improbable run or if Minnesota’s pack defense proves too much to handle without its young star leading the charge.
Thailand’s economy grew in Q1 due to strong demand and supply, but signs of Middle East conflict impacts emerged, notably declining tourism and exports, alongside rising fuel imports and softening private consumption.
Summary
Thailand’s economy expanded in the first quarter, supported by both demand and supply side factors, reflecting favorable economic conditions prior to the escalation of the Middle East conflict. In March, overall economic activity stabilized from the previous month. – Merchandise exports and manufacturing production continued to increase, alongside an expansion in government expenditure. – Early signs of economic impact from the Middle East conflict has begun to emerge. Tourist arrivals from the Middle East and Europe have declined sharply, exports to the Middle East and Europe contracted significantly, and fuel imports increased as firms accelerated sourcing from alternative suppliers. Private consumption also softened, particularly in hotels and restaurants, despite some front-loaded spending on fuel amid concerns over rising prices.
Headline inflation moved closer to zero from negative territory in the previous month, driven mainly by energy prices. Core inflation remained positive and broadly unchanged, suggesting limited pass‑through of cost pressures to consumer prices.
Key issues to monitor: (1) Middle East conflict developments, (2) the extent to which businesses and households can adapt, (3) government economic stimulus measures, and (4) potential shifts in U.S. trade policy.
Thailand’s economy experienced growth in the first quarter, driven by both demand and supply-side factors. On the demand side, merchandise exports, excluding gold, continued to rise, particularly in technology-related products. Domestic demand strengthened as private consumption increased, supported by accelerated vehicle deliveries following the expiration of the EV 3.0 scheme and heightened fuel purchases toward the end of the quarter due to concerns over potential price hikes. Additionally, private investment grew, primarily in machinery and equipment, complemented by an uptick in government spending.
On the supply side, manufacturing output rose, driven by increased petroleum production following extensive refinery maintenance in the previous quarter and capacity expansions by major chemical firms. The services sector also grew, primarily fueled by trade-related activities aligned with higher production and exports. However, late in the quarter, the economy faced challenges from the Middle East conflict, resulting in a significant drop in exports to the region and a decline in foreign tourist arrivals, particularly from the Middle East and Europe.
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