Connect with us
DAPA Banner

Business

Austal inks $150m contract extension for two more Border Force boats

Published

on

Austal inks $150m contract extension for two more Border Force boats

Henderson-based shipbuilder Austal will build two more evolved cape-class patrol boats for the Australian Border Force under a contract extension worth $150 million.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

Business

WAPC receives $40m Bunnings proposal in Dalyellup

Published

on

WAPC receives $40m Bunnings proposal in Dalyellup

A Dalyellup site has been earmarked for a $40 million Bunnings development, which has been submitted to the state’s peak planning body.

Continue Reading

Business

United soars into premium travel

Published

on

United soars into premium travel

United Airlines is making a decisive bet on the future of air travel based on premium seats, champagne flutes and loyalty. 

United Airlines chief executive Scott Kirby recently revealed a sweeping cabin overhaul following which nearly half the seats on some long-haul aircraft will be dedicated to higher-yield passengers: a striking shift that underscores how sharply the economics of flying are changing.

At the centre of the strategy is a reimagined Boeing 787-9 configured with up to 99 premium seats: far beyond what United has historically offered, and a clear signal that the airline sees its future not in filling planes, but in filling them profitably.

The world’s largest airline, United Airlines is a partner airline with Virgin Australia and operates from Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, with Virgin code-sharing on its flights.

Advertisement

United will add more than 250 aircraft over the next two years to further modernise its fleet, introduce new aircraft variants, create a new experience for transcontinental travellers, and roll out new onboard products for every customer: reinforcing its position as a leading premium airline.

In a major move, United is bringing widebody-style experiences to its new narrowbody aircraft: the new ‘Coastliner’ Airbus A321 and A321XLR (the same model that Qantas is adding to its fleet).

These are United’s first narrowbodies with the new elevated interior. They feature an all-aisleaccess lie-flat seat suite dubbed ‘United Polaris’ (business class), which is available on international routes.

United has 100 of these new aircraft coming into its fleet to replace 40 older, less-efficient Boeing 757s.

Advertisement

The Coastliner will have a specially designed livery and fly exclusively between United’s US west coast hubs in San Francisco and Los Angeles, and Newark-New York in the east. It will introduce the United Polaris cabin experience to domestic travellers.

United’s A321XLR gives travellers access to 32 premium seats – 16 more than the 757 it replaces – and will start flying later this year.

United’s new 787-9 with the elevated interior will fly internationally, starting on April 22.

Advertisement

These aircraft include the airline’s new United Polaris studio: lie-flat, all-aisle-access seats that are 25 per cent larger than standard United Polaris seats. They include privacy doors, an ottoman for companions on some seats, exclusive meal service with wine pairings and caviar, new amenity kits with retail-size offerings, wireless charging, Bluetooth connectivity, and a 27-inch 4K OLED seatback screen (the largest among US airlines).

The announcement expands on the ambitious ‘United next’ growth strategy announced in 2021. Since that time, United has: added 22 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, 237 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft and 67 Airbus A321neos; completed 70 per cent of its plan to retrofit its mainline narrowbody fleet; replaced more than 100 regional jets with larger mainline aircraft; increased premium seats per North American departure by 40 per cent; and hired more than 60,000 people.

“For more than a decade, we’ve invested billions of dollars in our product, service and technology as part of our plan to be the best brand-loyal airline in the world, and the result is that more and more customers are choosing to fly with us every day,” Mr Kirby said at the announcement.

“Today we accelerate our plans and elevate our offerings to the next level, creating an even more consistent premium onboard experience for every customer and delivering value across every cabin of service.”

Advertisement

The airline’s executive vice-president and chief commercial officer, Andrew Nocella, said the upgrades provided more choice for passengers.

“These new planes and products not only complement our fleet and network plans, but they also give our customers more premium amenity and seat choices, whether they bought a basic economy ticket to fly from Chicago to Fort Wayne or are flying Polaris between San Francisco and Singapore,” he said.

“United is setting the pace and innovating for our customers at a scope and scale unheard of in aviation history. And we’re not taking our foot off the gas.”

In another example of its push into premium products, the airline has announced that it has licensed Air New Zealand’s Skycouch, which it will market as the United Relax Row.

Advertisement

The concept turns a set of three economy seats into a couch or bed, creating a far more comfortable option for customers travelling in the economy cabin on long-haul flights.

United is the first North American airline to offer the seating option and holds North American exclusivity on the design.

The new dedicated row of three seats is outfitted with individually adjustable leg rests that fold up at a 90-degree angle to create room to sleep, stretch out or watch a movie.

The United Relax Row is ideal for families travelling with small children, solo travellers, and couples who want a little extra comfort.

Advertisement

Passengers travelling in United Relax Row will receive additional amenities for their flight, including a custom-fitted mattress pad, a specially sized plush blanket, two additional pillows, as well as a plush toy and children’s travel kit for families.

United expects its Relax Row to launch in 2027 and plans to offer it on more than 200 Boeing 787 and 777 widebody aircraft by 2030.

The seats will be located between economy and premium plus seating, and United will offer up to 12 Relax Row sections on each aircraft.

United has 1,075 aircraft in its mainline fleet and 623 on order.

Advertisement

The airline is also investing in future aircraft concepts. These include options to purchase 100 eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) aircraft from Archer Aviation and 200 from Eve Air Mobility, a division of Embraer.

The airline has also committed to purchasing 100 ES-30 electric turboprop regional aircraft from Heart Aerospace, with options for up to 50 more.

At the other end of the market, it has committed to purchasing 15 Boom Overture 60-passenger supersonic aircraft, with options for up to 35 more.

However, its most ambitious move is a bold step towards reshaping the future of air travel, with a major investment in JetZero’s blended wing body (BWB) aircraft.

Advertisement

This next-generation design promises not only dramatic fuel efficiency gains but also a transformative flying experience for passengers.

The agreement includes the potential to order up to 100 of JetZero’s BWB aircraft, with an option for another 100, contingent on key development milestones, including the successful flight of a full-scale demonstrator (expected in 2027).

If the technology delivers as envisioned, it could mark one of the most significant advances in commercial aviation in decades.

Unlike traditional aircraft, JetZero’s blended wing body design fuses the fuselage and wings into a single aerodynamic form. This innovation allows the aircraft to generate lift across its entire wingspan while significantly reducing drag, potentially slashing fuel burn by up to 50 per cent per passenger mile compared to similarly sized jets.

Advertisement

For United, the potential payoff is enormous: lower carbon emissions, reduced operating costs, and a leap forward in customer comfort.

The JetZero Z4 aircraft, designed to seat 250 passengers, runs on conventional jet fuel but will be capable of using sustainable aviation fuel blends.

The US Air Force has also recognised JetZero’s promise, awarding the company a $US235 million contract in 2023 to accelerate development of its full-scale demonstrator.

 

Advertisement

Continue Reading

Business

Alphabet: Post-Q1 Earnings 2026 Price Boost Might Be Corrected (NASDAQ:GOOG)

Published

on

Alphabet: Post-Q1 Earnings 2026 Price Boost Might Be Corrected (NASDAQ:GOOG)

This article was written by

Currently leading research at Leverage Shares, I have longstanding professional experience with financial markets. All views are my own, and I can assure you that I smile sometimes. M.S.F, M.B.A., IIT Chicago.My investment style is purely agnostic, informed by facts and highly data-driven. I consider macroeconomics to assess strategic/sector viability for long-term investments, business line item trends for company/stock viability and market data trends for tactical/investment decisions. Asia (India, China, et al) is an area of deep interest. On asianomics.substack.com, I do deep dives on businesses, narratives, economic trends and developments in the region and also publish the fullness of the rationale behind my proffered commentary that appear in media publications all over the world. There’s no subscription cost. Note: Leverage Shares is an ETP provider that offers daily-rebalanced products in leveraged, unleveraged, inverse and inverse leveraged factors. The company holds both long and short positions in a number of stocks (some of which might get a mention in some articles) in order to construct its products. Please consider risk factors carefully before investing in them.

Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.

I lead research at an ETP issuer that offers daily-rebalanced products in leveraged/unleveraged/inverse/inverse leveraged factors with various stocks, including some mentioned in this article, underlying them. As an issuer, we don’t care how the market moves; our AUM is mostly driven by investor interest in our products.

Advertisement

Seeking Alpha’s Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.

Continue Reading

Business

Stock Futures Drop on Report of Iran Attack on US Warship

Published

on

Stock Futures Drop on Report of Iran Attack on US Warship

Stocks were to drop on Monday after Iranian state media said missiles had hit a U.S. warship in the Strait of Hormuz, stoking fears that the war in the Middle East could escalate again.

Futures tracking the Dow Jones Industrial Average slumped 194 points, or 0.4%. S&P 500 futures fell 0.1% and contracts tied to the tech-heavy Nasdaq 100 were broadly flat.

Continue Reading

Business

COWG: ETF Blending Free Cash Flow And Momentum

Published

on

COWG: ETF Blending Free Cash Flow And Momentum

COWG: ETF Blending Free Cash Flow And Momentum

Continue Reading

Business

Ratos AB (publ) (RTOBF) Q1 2026 Earnings Call Transcript

Published

on

OneWater Marine Inc. (ONEW) Q1 2026 Earnings Call Transcript

Operator

Welcome to Rato’s Q1 Earnings Call 2026. [Operator Instructions]

Now I will hand the conference over to CEO, Gustaf Salford; and CFO and IR, Anna Vilogorac. Please go ahead.

Advertisement

Gustaf Salford
President & CEO

Good morning, everyone, and thank you for joining us today. I will begin with a brief overview of the quarter, and then Anna will go through the financials in more detail.

Overall, we delivered solid growth in what continues to be a mixed market environment. Net sales increased by 3.4% and adjusted EBITA came in at SEK 460 million (sic) [ SEK 417 million, ] corresponding to a margin of 9.3% and EBITA growth of 21%. Adjusted earnings per share was SEK 0.67, an increase of 81% compared to last year.

We had a strong start of the year in our industrial product companies. Diab and HL Display both posted healthy growth. On the industrial services side, the quarter was more challenging. Both Knightec Group and Aleido faced softer demand and tougher market conditions.

Advertisement

Our results for the quarter was negatively impacted by 2 main factors: First, lower volumes and gross margins among our technical consulting businesses. And secondly, at Speed, we continue to invest in automation to increase capacity and efficiency over time, which temporarily affected profitability as we absorb these investments.

During the quarter, we also launched our strategy, Ratos 2030. The strategy reflects a clear direction. Ratos is returning to its roots as a focused

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Business

Wall Street Breakfast Podcast: GameStop Adds eBay To Cart

Published

on

Wall Street Breakfast Podcast: GameStop Adds eBay To Cart

ebay company sign

Getty Images

Listen below or on the go via Apple Podcasts and Spotify

eBay (EBAY) rallies as GameStop (GME) launches bold $56B takeover attempt. (00:14) Spirit Airlines (FLYYQ) nears completion of passenger refunds after weekend shutdown. (01:22) A2 Milk (ACOPF) recalls U.S. infant formula batches after toxin detection. (02:49)

This is an abridged transcript.

Advertisement

GameStop (GME) has submitted a non-binding proposal to acquire 100% of eBay (EBAY) at $125 per share in cash and stock.

GameStop (GME), valued at nearly $12B, said Sunday it has built a 5% economic stake in eBay through derivatives and direct ownership of common shares.

eBay’s market cap stands at about $46B. The offer represents a 46% premium to eBay’s closing price on February 4, the day GameStop started accumulating its position in eBay (EBAY).

The proposed offer of $125 per share is comprised of 50% cash and 50% GameStop common stock.

Advertisement

The cash consideration is expected to be funded from a combination of (i) cash and liquid investments on GameStop’s balance sheet, which totaled ~$9.4B as of January 31, 2026, and (ii) third-party acquisition financing, in respect of which GameStop has received a highly-confident letter from TD Securities for up to $20B.

One topic that has been consistently trending this weekend is Spirit Airlines (FLYYQ).

A government bailout didn’t workout so the company officially began to wind down operations on Saturday, May 2.

Spirit’s (FLYYQ) collapse followed two bankruptcy filings in two years, repeated cost-cutting efforts and unsuccessful attempts to secure new financing. Rising jet fuel prices tied to the Iran conflict accelerated the carrier’s cash burn and helped force the shutdown.

Advertisement

All flights were cancelled and if you had a flight you were told not to go to the airport. If you were already at the airport, social media is full of videos showing stranded passengers scrambling trying to figure out what to do next.

You would think the story ends there because this isn’t the first airline to crumble. But it doesn’t.

Let’s buy spirit or Let’s buy spirit air started on social media when an aviation enthusiast Hunter Peterson proposed buying the company. He says it started as a joke but he may be on to something. So far, more than $88M has been pledged on the site.

Spirit Airlines (FLYYQ) said Sunday it has nearly finished issuing refunds to passengers and transporting crew members back to their home bases after halting operations over the weekend.

Advertisement

The carrier said most travelers who purchased tickets using credit or debit cards had received refunds by Saturday evening, with only a small share of transactions still being finalized.

Spirit (FLYYQ) also said the last remaining group of roughly 1,500 crew members made it back to their home base.

A New Zealand-based company is recalling certain infant formula products sold in the United States after batches were found to contain cereulide, a toxin associated with sudden nausea and vomiting.

a2 Milk (ACOPF) (ACOPY) said Monday in Wellington that three batches of a2 Platinum formula made for the U.S. market are affected. Manufacturer Synlait Milk identified the toxin, prompting the recall, which began May 1. The action applies only to the United States and does not affect China, the company’s largest and most profitable market.

Advertisement

The company said it has received no confirmed reports of infant illness or injuries linked to the affected product.

Shares of a2 Milk (ACOPF) (ACOPY) fell as much as 7.3% to NZ$8.25 in Wellington trading.

The recall covers three batches totaling 63,078 tins, of which an estimated 16,428 were sold to consumers.

What’s Trending on Seeking Alpha

Advertisement

Greg Abel steps into Buffett’s arena, Berkshire shareholders like what they saw

Bessent warns Americans should be concerned about AI threats to bank accounts

Trump says U.S. to start guiding neutral ships from Persian Gulf under ‘Project Freedom’

Catalyst watch:

Advertisement
  • IBM’s (IBM) four-day IBM Think will begin. The flagship enterprise tech conference will be focused on agentic AI, with sessions and demos focused on how companies can redesign operations with AI at the core to drive ROI, productivity, and growth.

  • The three-day Milken Global Conference will include panels featuring the CEOs from Gap (GAP), Constellation Energy (CEG), and PayPal (PYPL).

  • Shareholders with both Devon Energy (DVN) and Coterra Energy (CTRA) will vote on the pending merger between the companies.

Stock index futures are mixed as investors continue to monitor any developments related to the U.S.-Iran conflict.

President Trump said the United States will begin helping some neutral vessels stranded in the Persian Gulf transit the Strait of Hormuz starting Monday.

Trump also said U.S. officials are holding “very positive discussions” with Iran that could result in something “very positive for all,” though he did not elaborate.

Crude oil is up 0.9% at $102. Bitcoin is up 1.5% at $79,000. Gold is down 0.7% at $4,580.

Advertisement

The FTSE 100 is down 0.1% and the DAX is little changed. China’s (SHCOMP) market closed for a holiday.

Economic calendar:

10:00 am Factory Orders

Editor’s Note: This article discusses one or more securities that do not trade on a major U.S. exchange. Please be aware of the risks associated with these stocks.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Business

New Mexico Cartel Theories and Family Drama Claims Swirl as Search Hits Month 4

Published

on

Zayed International Airport Abu Dhabi International Airport

TUCSON, Ariz. — As the search for 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie entered its fourth month on Monday, May 4, 2026, fresh online rumors linking her abduction to Mexican cartels, possible family connections and staged elements have intensified public speculation, even as authorities maintain the investigation remains active with no named suspects or arrests. The mother of “Today” show co-host Savannah Guthrie was taken from her Catalina Foothills home on the night of Jan. 31 in what investigators describe as a targeted kidnapping, with blood spatter, a tampered doorbell camera and her pacemaker disconnecting shortly after 2:30 a.m. providing key early evidence.

Pima County Sheriff’s Department and FBI officials continue analyzing DNA samples, including potentially critical new material recovered from the home, while reviewing more than 30,000 tips. Savannah Guthrie has publicly stated she believes at least two ransom notes are genuine, though many others have been dismissed as hoaxes. The family’s $1 million reward remains active alongside a $50,000 federal offer, yet no verifiable proof of life has emerged in recent communications.

Online speculation has exploded in recent weeks. Some true-crime forums and social media accounts claim connections to Mexican cartels operating near the Arizona border, citing the proximity to Sonora and unverified notes mentioning sightings in Mexico. Others allege internal family drama or a staged disappearance for financial gain, prompting strong pushback from Savannah Guthrie and law enforcement. Sheriff Chris Nanos has repeatedly cleared all immediate family members as suspects, describing them as cooperative victims.

Former FBI agents and profilers have weighed in publicly. Some suggest a straightforward ransom motive with possible cross-border elements, while others caution against unverified theories that could hinder the probe. One circulating rumor points to a masked intruder seen on footage and alleged prior incidents around the home, fueling speculation of planned targeting rather than random crime. Authorities have not confirmed these details but continue examining surveillance from earlier dates.

Advertisement

Savannah Guthrie returned to the “Today” show in early April after taking time away, using her platform to urge focus on credible tips and reject conspiracy narratives. In interviews, she expressed both hope for her mother’s safe return and acknowledgment of the grim reality after three months. The emotional toll on the family remains evident as they balance public appeals with private grief.

Forensic developments include ongoing FBI laboratory testing of additional DNA, such as hair samples from inside the home. Earlier glove DNA led to a dead end, belonging to an unrelated person. Ransom communications have included cryptocurrency demands, with some notes providing details that investigators initially lacked, lending them partial credibility according to Savannah.

The case has drawn intense national and international attention, with rumors amplified by true-crime podcasts, YouTube channels and social media. Claims of family involvement or staged elements have been particularly persistent online, despite official denials. Ed Smart, father of Elizabeth Smart, recently warned against such speculation, emphasizing its potential harm to the investigation and family.

Community members in the affluent Catalina Foothills area express ongoing concern and vigilance. Nancy Guthrie was remembered as an independent widow who lived in the same home for decades. Her pacemaker data and signs of forced entry, including a propped-open back door, convinced authorities she did not leave voluntarily.

Advertisement

As the fourth month begins, the sheriff’s department renewed its plea for information, stressing the case is still active. No shift to cold-case status has occurred, with resources dedicated to digital evidence, vehicle sightings and potential cross-border links. The FBI’s involvement underscores the seriousness, with coordination for possible international elements.

Legal and profiling experts offer varied perspectives. Some see financial motivation as most likely, while others note the targeted nature and lack of immediate ransom success could indicate more complex motives. The volume of false leads and hoaxes has complicated progress, with one man already charged in connection with a fake ransom text.

The Guthrie family continues balancing hope with realism. Savannah has spoken of a possible “miraculous homecoming” while acknowledging the difficult passage of time. Public support remains strong, with many following developments closely and sharing verified information channels.

Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance highlights vulnerabilities for elderly residents and the challenges of high-profile abduction cases. Massive public interest generates helpful tips alongside distracting rumors and unverified claims. Authorities urge caution and focus on credible leads to avoid hindering the investigation.

Advertisement

As May progresses, forensic results and new tips could provide breakthroughs. For now, the case of Nancy Guthrie remains one of 2026’s most perplexing mysteries, with rumors filling the void left by limited official updates. The family and investigators continue their quiet determination, hoping for resolution in what has become a deeply personal and public ordeal.

Continue Reading

Business

Realistic Chance He Plays vs Thunder Series Revealed

Published

on

Luka Doncic Cheers Lakers from Bench in Game 2 as

OKLAHOMA CITY — Los Angeles Lakers superstar Luka Doncic remains sidelined with a Grade 2 left hamstring strain suffered April 2 against the Oklahoma City Thunder, casting significant doubt on his availability for the Western Conference semifinals that begin Tuesday, May 5, 2026. Multiple NBA insiders now place his realistic chance of appearing in any game of the best-of-seven series at roughly 35 percent, with most reports indicating he will miss at least the first two games and faces a “slow path” to return even if the Lakers advance deep into the matchup.

Doncic has been out for more than a month, missing the Lakers’ first-round series against the Houston Rockets. He has progressed to controlled on-court movement, light shooting drills and some non-contact work, but has not advanced to one-on-one sessions, full-contact practice or scrimmages. Shams Charania of ESPN reported Sunday that Doncic “will be out to start the series” and is being evaluated on a week-to-week basis. Brian Windhorst added that the 27-year-old is “not close” to returning and is unlikely to play the front end of the series, projecting at least another week to 10 days minimum before any realistic ramp-up.

A Grade 2 hamstring strain typically requires four to six weeks of recovery, placing Doncic on the early side of that window. Sports medicine specialists, including Dr. Jesse Morse, have noted he remains behind expected milestones, with no full-fledged running or live basketball activity yet. Brett Siegel and other league sources confirmed the earliest optimistic return window is Games 3 or 4 in Los Angeles, assuming rapid progress in the coming days. Even then, any return would likely involve strict minutes restrictions and careful monitoring to avoid re-injury.

The percentage estimate of roughly 35 percent for appearing in at least one game accounts for several factors. The series is expected to be competitive, potentially extending to six or seven games and giving Doncic additional time. However, the slow-build nature of his rehab, lack of contact work and the high-stakes playoff environment lower the odds significantly. Medical experts emphasize that explosive guards like Doncic face elevated re-injury risk if rushed, making conservative management the priority for the Lakers.

Advertisement

Lakers coach JJ Redick and the medical staff have emphasized patience. Teammates have noted the intangible value of Doncic’s presence around the group during recovery, but on-court contributions remain the goal. The Lakers advanced past Houston without him, relying on LeBron James and supporting pieces, but facing the top-seeded Thunder without their second-leading scorer creates a steep uphill battle. Oklahoma City dominated the regular-season series against Los Angeles and presents elite athleticism and length that would test any returning player.

Insiders stress there is no firm timetable. Prime Video’s Cassidy Hubbarth reported Friday that progress is incremental and controlled, with no immediate live action on the horizon. This aligns with earlier reporting from ClutchPoints and others that Doncic is still at least a week and a half from progressing to the next phase of integration. The Lakers are expected to provide a status update Monday ahead of Game 1, but all indications point to him being unavailable for the series opener at Paycom Center.

If the series extends, the odds improve modestly. Games 3 and 4 in Los Angeles (projected around May 9-11) fall roughly five to six weeks post-injury, aligning with the outer edge of a standard Grade 2 recovery. A sports doctor cited by Heavy.com suggested May 11 as a best-case return date for Game 5, assuming continued positive steps. Yet even optimistic scenarios carry caveats: no scrimmage experience and the physical demands of playoff basketball make a seamless return unlikely.

Doncic traveled to Europe earlier for specialized treatment, but that did not accelerate his timeline dramatically. His playing style — reliant on sudden stops, direction changes and burst — demands near-full confidence in the hamstring before clearance. Re-injury rates for hamstring strains in elite athletes hover around 20-30 percent when rushed, further supporting the conservative approach.

Advertisement

The absence places added pressure on James, Austin Reaves and the Lakers’ supporting cast. James has shouldered a heavy load in the playoffs, but the lack of Doncic’s scoring, playmaking and gravity against a Thunder defense built for versatility creates matchup nightmares. Oklahoma City swept the regular-season meetings and enters as heavy favorites, with many analysts projecting a short series unless Los Angeles finds unexpected magic.

Fan and analyst reaction has been mixed. Some express cautious optimism for a mid-series return that could swing momentum, while others view the injury as potentially series-ending for the Lakers’ title hopes. Social media buzzed with debates over the percentage odds, with most informed voices landing in the 30-40 percent range for any appearance. The basketball world continues to monitor daily updates from the Lakers’ practice facility, where any acceleration in rehab could shift expectations rapidly.

For now, the realistic outlook remains guarded. Doncic’s youth and elite conditioning provide hope, but the slow-build reality and playoff intensity tilt against an early return. The Lakers must prepare to compete without their All-NBA talent, at least initially, while keeping the door open for a potential late-series boost if the hamstring responds favorably in the coming week.

The series tips off Tuesday with Game 1 in Oklahoma City, followed by Game 2 on Thursday. Subsequent games alternate, with potential decisive contests back in Los Angeles. National television coverage will spotlight the matchup, with Doncic’s status dominating pregame narratives regardless of his availability.

Advertisement

As one of the league’s most dynamic players navigates recovery, the basketball community watches closely. A 35 percent chance reflects the balance between medical caution and the unpredictable nature of playoff basketball. For the Lakers and their fans, every day without setbacks brings a glimmer of hope — but the immediate reality demands resilience without their Slovenian superstar.

Continue Reading

Business

(VIDEO) Lionel Messi Steals Spotlight at 2026 Miami Grand Prix with Family and Star Driver Meetings

Published

on

Lionel Messi, Paris Saint-Germain

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Lionel Messi turned heads and stole the show at the 2026 Miami Grand Prix on Sunday, drawing massive crowds and generating viral moments as the soccer legend attended with his family just hours after scoring for Inter Miami. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner’s appearance at the Miami International Autodrome added an extra layer of star power to an already glamorous event, where he mingled with drivers, visited team garages and celebrated winner Kimi Antonelli in a feel-good crossover between football and Formula 1.

Messi arrived at the paddock alongside his wife Antonela Roccuzzo and their three sons shortly after playing in Inter Miami’s dramatic 4-3 loss to Orlando City. Dressed casually, the Argentine icon quickly became the center of attention as fans and cameras swarmed him. Mercedes hosted Messi as a guest — he owns several non-racing Mercedes vehicles and has collaborated with the brand on promotional work — and he spent time in their garage area taking photos and observing preparations.

Lionel Messi, Paris Saint-Germain
Lionel Messi
IBTimes US

One of the most memorable interactions came when Messi met fellow Argentine Franco Colapinto of Alpine. The young driver described the encounter as a dream come true, sharing that Messi asked detailed questions about Formula 1 and expressed interest in experiencing the car up close. Videos showed the pair chatting warmly, with Colapinto later posting about the special moment on social media. Messi also greeted Mercedes drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli, creating buzz among fans of both sports.

The soccer superstar’s presence generated electric energy throughout the weekend. Crowds chanted “Messi, Messi” as he walked through the paddock, and social media exploded with clips of his arrival and interactions. Many noted how the usually calm paddock turned into a frenzy whenever the Inter Miami captain appeared. His family joined in the experience, with photos showing the group enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of the Miami Grand Prix.

Advertisement

Messi’s timing added to the story. Fresh off scoring in a high-scoring MLS match earlier that day, he transitioned seamlessly into the world of high-speed racing. Observers praised his humility and genuine interest in the sport, with reports indicating he asked drivers thoughtful questions about performance, strategy and the physical demands of Formula 1. His visit highlighted the growing crossover appeal between global sports stars and F1’s expanding U.S. audience.

After Antonelli delivered a commanding victory — his third straight win of the season — Messi congratulated the 19-year-old Mercedes driver in the team’s hospitality area. Videos captured the wholesome exchange, with Messi offering handshakes and words of praise. The moment resonated widely, with fans calling it a perfect blend of two iconic athletes from different generations and disciplines. Antonelli later credited the positive energy in the garage, jokingly referring to Messi as a good luck charm.

The Miami Grand Prix has become a magnet for celebrities, and 2026 proved no exception. Alongside Messi, tennis legend Rafael Nadal and golfer Jon Rahm were also in attendance, adding to the star-studded weekend. However, it was Messi who commanded the most attention, with his every move tracked by photographers and shared instantly across platforms. The event’s sprint format and dramatic on-track action, including incidents and safety car periods, provided a thrilling backdrop to the off-track glamour.

Advertisement

Messi’s connection to Miami runs deep through his Inter Miami commitments, making his appearance at the local Grand Prix especially fitting. The weekend allowed him to unwind slightly from a demanding soccer schedule while exposing him to a new audience. F1 officials and teams welcomed the boost in visibility, noting how global icons like Messi help grow the sport in the United States.

Social media reactions poured in throughout the day. Hashtags related to Messi and the Miami GP trended as fans shared photos, videos and memes. Many celebrated the accessibility of stars at such events, while others speculated on potential future collaborations or even a lighthearted “Messi vs. drivers” challenge. The crossover moment between football royalty and motorsport added a feel-good narrative to the race weekend.

As the 2026 season continues, Messi’s paddock visit will likely be remembered as one of the standout off-track highlights. For F1, it reinforced Miami’s status as a premier destination event blending speed, entertainment and celebrity culture. For Messi, it offered a brief escape and new experiences alongside his family in a city he now calls home during his MLS chapter.

The day encapsulated why the Miami Grand Prix continues to captivate. From on-track battles featuring young talents like Antonelli to star-studded appearances by icons like Messi, the event delivered spectacle on and off the circuit. As fans relive the moments through viral clips, Messi’s effortless charm once again proved why he remains one of the world’s most magnetic athletes.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2025