NEW YORK — Redwire Corp. shares jumped sharply in morning trading Wednesday, rising 11.36 percent to $11.46 as investors reacted positively to the company’s announcement of a multi-year marketing partnership with the Washington Commanders NFL team to highlight military appreciation and drone technology.

The New York Stock Exchange-listed stock (RDW) gained $1.17 by 11:10 a.m. EDT on elevated volume, continuing a pattern of strong moves tied to Redwire’s expanding footprint in defense, unmanned systems and space infrastructure. The partnership positions Redwire as the “Proud Drone Technology Partner” of the Commanders, focusing on community events and programs honoring U.S. service members, veterans and their families.

Redwire Corporation, a global leader in space infrastructure and defense technology, develops advanced components and systems for satellites, spacecraft, uncrewed aerial vehicles and mission-critical applications. The company has built a diverse portfolio through organic growth and strategic acquisitions, including Edge Autonomy, which has strengthened its unmanned systems capabilities.

The Commanders partnership, announced early Wednesday, underscores Redwire’s growing emphasis on public engagement and brand visibility in the defense sector. While not a direct revenue contract, the deal aligns with Redwire’s broader strategy of showcasing its drone and autonomous systems technology while supporting military communities. The timing coincides with a series of recent contract wins that have bolstered investor confidence in the company’s 2026 growth trajectory.

Just last week, Redwire secured more than $20 million in follow-on orders from the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps Small Tactical Unmanned Aircraft Systems Program Office for its Stalker UAS advanced navigation and standard systems. These orders highlight demand for reliable, production-ready unmanned platforms in tactical environments.

Redwire has also expanded internationally. On April 7, the company announced the opening of a new office in the United Kingdom to better support programs for the UK Ministry of Defence. The move strengthens Redwire’s European presence and positions it for additional defense opportunities across NATO allies.

Earlier in April, Redwire won a contract to deliver a quantum-secure spacecraft for the European Space Agency’s QKDSat program under the ARTES Partnership Projects. The company will provide its Hammerhead spacecraft platform and ADPMS-3 avionics suite as part of a Honeywell-led consortium, advancing quantum key distribution technology for secure satellite communications.

These wins build on a robust 2025 performance. Redwire reported full-year revenue of approximately $335 million, up more than 10 percent, with a fourth-quarter surge of 56 percent driven by defense and space contracts. The company ended the year with a record backlog of $411 million and a book-to-bill ratio above 1.3, providing visibility into 2026 growth. Analysts project 2026 revenue between $450 million and $500 million, supported by production ramps and new programs.

Redwire’s technology portfolio spans multiple high-growth areas. In space, it supplies solar arrays, cameras, sensors and docking systems for NASA’s Artemis program, including contributions to the Orion spacecraft for Artemis II — the first crewed flight of the program. The company also develops very low Earth orbit platforms and quantum-secure satellites.

On the defense side, Redwire’s Edge Autonomy division delivers uncrewed aerial systems for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions. The Stalker UAS orders reflect increasing adoption of these platforms by U.S. forces. Redwire has additionally secured positions in larger programs, including the Missile Defense Agency’s $151 billion SHIELD IDIQ contract for homeland defense solutions.

Despite the positive momentum, Redwire faces typical challenges of a growth-oriented aerospace and defense firm. The company has reported ongoing operating losses as it invests in scaling production and integrating acquisitions. Recent Form 144 filings have shown large share sales by affiliated holders, including AE Red Holdings and Edge Autonomy entities, which contributed to periodic selling pressure.

Analysts maintain a generally bullish outlook. Consensus price targets hover around $13 to $14, implying meaningful upside from current levels, with a Buy rating from most covering firms. The investment thesis centers on Redwire’s role as a “picks and shovels” provider in the expanding space economy and defense modernization efforts. Increasing global demand for resilient satellite infrastructure, autonomous systems and secure communications plays directly into the company’s strengths.

Wednesday’s stock surge reflects renewed enthusiasm for these themes. The NFL partnership adds a unique public-facing element, potentially raising Redwire’s profile among broader audiences while reinforcing its commitment to supporting the military community.

Redwire CEO Peter Cannito has emphasized the company’s transformation into a more production-focused organization capable of delivering repeatable, high-margin programs. The combination of government contracts, international expansion and innovative technologies such as quantum-secure systems positions Redwire for potential margin improvement as backlog converts to revenue.

Market reaction has been volatile but directionally positive in recent weeks. Shares have climbed significantly year-to-date, though they remain well below the 52-week high reached earlier in 2026. Elevated trading volume on positive news days suggests strong retail and institutional interest in the AI-adjacent space and defense narrative.

As Redwire prepares for its first-quarter 2026 earnings in early May, investors will watch for updates on backlog conversion, margin trends and new contract momentum. Positive execution could sustain the rally, while any delays in production ramps or integration challenges could introduce renewed volatility.

For now, the 11 percent gain on the Commanders partnership news highlights Wall Street’s appetite for stories linking defense technology with national pride and community impact. Redwire’s ability to deliver on its ambitious pipeline will determine whether today’s momentum becomes a lasting re-rating or another chapter in its volatile trading history.

The company continues to navigate a dynamic environment shaped by increased defense spending expectations, growing commercial space opportunities and geopolitical tensions that elevate demand for resilient infrastructure. With a diversified technology base and expanding global footprint, Redwire appears well-placed to capitalize on these tailwinds in the years ahead.

ZURICH, Switzerland — With exactly 50 days until the opening whistle of the expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup 2026, soccer’s governing body unleashed a fresh wave of tickets Wednesday for all 104 matches, giving fans one more shot at securing seats in the largest tournament in the event’s history.

FIFA announced the new inventory drop as part of its ongoing Last-Minute Sales Phase, which began April 1 and runs through the final on July 19. Starting at 11 a.m. ET (5 p.m. CET) on April 22, tickets across every category became available on a first-come, first-served basis via FIFA.com/tickets. Purchases are processed in real time, with immediate email confirmations for successful buyers, FIFA said.

More than 5 million tickets have already been sold for the tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, FIFA reported. The 2026 edition features 104 matches over 39 days — a significant jump from the traditional 64-game format — with venues stretching from Estadio Azteca in Mexico City to MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

The April 22 release coincides precisely with the 50-day countdown to the June 11 kickoff, when host nation Mexico faces South Africa in the tournament opener at Estadio Azteca. Additional tickets will continue to be released periodically until the end of the competition, including options available up to 20 minutes after kickoff for individual matches, subject to availability.

This latest drop offers seats for every one of the 104 fixtures, including group-stage clashes, knockout rounds and the highly anticipated final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Fans can select specific seats rather than just ticket categories, a change introduced in the last-minute phase.

The Last-Minute Sales Phase marks the fourth and final official sales window after earlier lottery-style draws and random selection periods. Unlike previous phases that required applications and waiting for results, this stage allows direct purchases as inventory becomes available. A resale and exchange marketplace also operates for fans looking to buy or sell tickets from other holders, subject to host country regulations.

Demand has been intense since ticket sales opened in 2025. Early phases included a Visa cardholder presale, general draws and a post-draw window following the December 2025 group-stage draw. Some fans reported technical glitches and long virtual queues when the last-minute phase launched April 1, while others noted rising prices for premium seats.

Category 1 tickets for the final have climbed above $10,000 in recent releases, drawing criticism from some supporters who say costs have escalated sharply. FIFA has defended the pricing, pointing to the unprecedented scale of the event and efforts to make some lower-priced options available, including supporter tickets for national teams.

The 2026 World Cup will showcase soccer across 16 host cities — 11 in the U.S., three in Mexico and two in Canada. Iconic venues include SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, and BC Place in Vancouver. The expanded format features 12 groups of four teams, with the top two from each group plus the eight best third-place finishers advancing to a 32-team knockout stage.

All 48 qualified teams are now known, heightening excitement as the countdown accelerates. Host nations automatically qualified, while others earned berths through grueling continental qualifiers. The presence of traditional powerhouses alongside debutants promises a mix of high-stakes drama and fresh storylines.

For fans still hunting tickets, FIFA urges regular checks of the official site, as new inventory can appear without warning. Single-match tickets are the primary product available in this phase. Buyers should ensure they purchase only through authorized channels to avoid scams or invalid tickets.

Travel logistics add another layer of planning. Fans heading to U.S. venues may benefit from the FIFA PASS system for visa appointments. Organizers have emphasized sustainable transport options and fan zones in host cities to manage the expected influx of international visitors.

The tournament arrives at a time of growing global interest in soccer, with record viewership projected for matches broadcast across dozens of languages and platforms. Broadcasters in major markets have already secured rights, promising extensive coverage from group stage to final.

Some lower-demand matches may see more availability, while marquee fixtures — such as those involving defending champion Argentina, Brazil or European heavyweights — could sell out rapidly in this drop. Tickets for the opening match and final have been among the hottest commodities throughout sales.

FIFA has stressed that the last-minute phase provides a genuine opportunity for fans who missed earlier windows. “This is the final pathway to be part of history,” officials said in earlier announcements about the phase launch.

As teams finalize preparations and host cities put finishing touches on infrastructure, the ticket release injects fresh momentum into the pre-tournament buzz. Hotels, flights and fan experiences in cities like Miami, Toronto and Guadalajara are seeing increased bookings from supporters locking in plans.

Critics have raised concerns about affordability and accessibility, particularly for local fans in host countries. FIFA points to various ticket categories and occasional releases of more affordable seats as ways to broaden access.

Security and ticketing technology have been upgraded following lessons from previous tournaments. Digital tickets linked to buyer accounts aim to reduce fraud and improve entry processes at stadiums.

With just 50 days remaining, anticipation is building not only for on-field action but also for the cultural celebrations surrounding the event. The 2026 World Cup is billed as a celebration of soccer’s global reach, uniting three nations in a shared hosting effort.

Fans who secure tickets in Wednesday’s drop will join what promises to be a record-setting crowd across the expanded schedule. Whether chasing a group-stage upset or a seat at the final, the latest release keeps the dream alive for thousands more supporters.

FIFA officials encouraged fans to act quickly but purchase responsibly, reminding them that additional drops will follow. The governing body also highlighted its commitment to a smooth ticketing experience as the tournament nears.

As the clock ticks down toward June 11, the combination of new ticket availability and mounting excitement underscores why the World Cup remains the planet’s most-watched sporting event. For those still on the fence, Wednesday’s release may be the moment that turns hope into a confirmed seat in the stands.

A Florida produce distributor has recalled thousands of cantaloupes due to a potential risk of Salmonella contamination – and now the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning of an increased risk.

The recall was first initiated last month, but the FDA upgraded it to Class I on April 20, meaning consuming the affected cantaloupe could lead to severe health consequences or death. 

According to an FDA enforcement report updated earlier this week, Ayco Farms Inc., based in Pompano Beach, Florida, recalled 8,302 cartons of its fruit.

Although the recalled cantaloupes are no longer sold in stores, the FDA’s upgrade underscores a lingering risk: consumers who purchased the fruit earlier this year may still have it stored in their freezers, where contamination can persist.

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The recalled fruit was sold in cardboard cartons containing between six and 12 melons wrapped in food-safe bags and distributed to retailers across California, Florida, New York and Pennsylvania.

Ayco Farms said in a press release that the recall listed in the FDA’s enforcement report is no longer active.

“The listing reflects a previously completed, voluntary recall of fresh whole cantaloupes that were distributed between December 12, 2025, and January 16, 2026, due to ‘potential’ Salmonella contamination,” the press release reads. 

“The recall was initiated earlier this year as a precautionary measure in coordination with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. On March 24, 2026, Ayco Farms issued formal notifications to its customers, as agreed with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, as part of the agency’s standard recall reporting process.”

MACY’S RECALLS POPULAR KITCHEN ITEM OVER BURN RISK

This recall follows a prior cantaloupe recall in 2024, when Arizona-based Eagle Produce LLC recalled 224 cases of whole cantaloupes sold under the Kandy brand, according to an FDA report at the time.

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There have been no reports of illnesses from consuming the affected cantaloupes, but the FDA warns that Salmonella can be deadly to certain age groups.

Consumers who purchased the recalled melons are encouraged to dispose of the products immediately.

FOX Business’ Andrea Vacchiano contributed to this report.

New Delhi: The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) on Wednesday reserved its order on Vedanta‘s two petitions challenging the selection of Adani Enterprises bid to acquire debt-ridden Jaiprakash Associates Ltd through the insolvency process.

A two-member bench comprising Chairperson Ashok Bhushan and Member Technical Barun Mitra concluded hearings after arguments from Vedanta Ltd and respondents, including the Resolution Professional, Committee of Creditors (CoC) and Adani Enterprises.

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Minister of state (independent charge) for information and broadcasting, environment and climate change Prakash Javadekar has been busy sorting out the various hats he’s expected to wear in this government.

He spoke to ET on the Bharatiya Janata Party government’s approach towards media, social media, media controls and much more. Edited excerpts…

In terms of communication and messaging, the BJP’s electoral campaign has been termed an object lesson in the field. How can you translate that into the governmental structure?

All communication needs of the government will be handled in our ministry through a social media hub. I am offering this service to all ministers. Their facebook, twitter and other social media outreach will be handled by the new media wing, and the social media and communication hub.

The advantage that the party saw in reaching out through all communication media has been tremendous, and it was felt that the government too use the available platforms. Therefore, this new hub will provide all the help needed by various ministers and ministries for setting up and operating their facebook pages, twitter handles and the outreach throughsocial media. Traditional media is important, of course, but social media vehicles have to be spruced up.

What are your priority areas as far as this (I&B) ministry is concerned?