DUBLIN, Ohio — Scottie Scheffler, the world’s top-ranked golfer and a two-time defending champion at the Memorial Tournament, carded a 1-over 73 in the first round Thursday, leaving him six shots off the lead amid challenging conditions at Muirfield Village Golf Club.

The performance, marked by visible frustration on the course, comes as the broader professional golf landscape grapples with uncertainty. Reports indicate that LIV Golf, the Saudi-backed circuit that disrupted the sport for years, is facing potential collapse at the end of the 2026 season, raising questions about the future integration of its players and the PGA Tour’s ability to absorb them without major disruptions.

Scheffler’s round started promisingly but unraveled on the back nine, highlighting the fine margins at Jack Nicklaus’ demanding layout. The world No. 1, seeking a historic third consecutive victory at the event, finished the front nine at 2 under but bogeyed the 10th and 14th holes before encountering major trouble at the par-3 16th.

His tee shot on the 16th came up short and found the water, leading to a double bogey. Cameras captured Scheffler, typically known for his composure, expressing clear agitation toward longtime caddie Ted Scott.

“I don’t know what to do. I can’t hear a word you’re saying. I feel like that was a good shot, now I’m in the water,” Scheffler was heard saying. He added, “I absolutely flush a seven iron, and we get the wind wrong, and I’m in the water.”

“I don’t think you understand how frustrating that is,” he continued. “I don’t understand. I really don’t. I mean, it was 5 yards short of the green. Flush 7-iron…I’ve hit good shots and dropping from hazards because we got the wind wrong.”

After the round, Scheffler elaborated to reporters on the wind’s impact.

“That’s just another really good iron shot, and the wind switched from down off the right to pretty significantly in off the right,” he said. “If it’s down off the right, that ball’s probably where I hit my wedge shot to. So just don’t really know what I’m supposed to do there outside of trying to hit a good shot, and then it’s frustrating when it doesn’t work out, especially when it doesn’t work out in that direction.”

“I would rather get gusted in off the left, not in off the right there. All you can do is just try to hit good shots. It can be very frustrating sometimes when you feel like you’re hitting good shots and then you’re going to the drop zone.”

Despite the setback, Scheffler birdied the par-4 17th to limit the damage. He sits tied for 33rd, with several players sharing the lead at 5 under or better in tough, wind-affected conditions.

The 2026 season has been solid but not dominant for Scheffler by his recent standards. He opened with a victory at The American Express but has posted a series of strong but winless results since, including top fives and near misses at events like the WM Phoenix Open, AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, Masters, RBC Heritage and others. He fell short in his PGA Championship title defense but remains the clear favorite at Muirfield Village, where his ball-striking and course knowledge have shone in past years.

Muirfield Village, a Jack Nicklaus design, rewards precision and rewards the best players separating from the field. Scheffler has thrived here, winning in 2024 and 2025, and posting strong finishes earlier in the decade. A three-peat would tie him with Nicklaus’ own record of three straight wins from 1999-2001 at the event he hosts.

Yet Thursday’s round served as a reminder of golf’s unpredictability, even for the game’s dominant figure. Scheffler’s frustration, while rare, underscored the mental toll of elite competition under variable winds and firm conditions.

As attention turns to Friday’s second round, all eyes remain on whether Scheffler can mount a charge, much like his weekend surges in previous Memorials. The field includes stars like Rory McIlroy, who is seeking his first win at the event, and others looking to capitalize on any continued inconsistency from the world No. 1.

LIV Golf Turmoil Adds Layer of Complexity for PGA Tour

While Scheffler’s round provided on-course drama, off-course developments continue to reshape professional golf. LIV Golf, launched in 2022 with massive Saudi Public Investment Fund backing, is reportedly preparing for potential U.S. bankruptcy proceedings if new investors cannot be secured by season’s end. The PIF has signaled it will withdraw funding after 2026, leaving the league’s future in doubt.

The circuit’s collapse would mark the end of a tumultuous chapter that divided the golf world. Dozens of top players defected for guaranteed high payouts and team formats, leading to lawsuits, fractured relationships and a proposed but ultimately unmaterialized full merger with the PGA Tour.

Now, as LIV winds down, its players face uncertain futures. Reports indicate multiple LIV members or their representatives have reached out to the PGA Tour about potential returns, though pathways are expected to be more restrictive than previous re-entries. The PGA Tour must navigate reintegration carefully to maintain competitive balance, sponsor interests and fan engagement without alienating loyal members who stayed.

Bryson DeChambeau, one of LIV’s prominent figures, expressed shock at the developments and hinted at expanding his YouTube presence as a potential next step. Other stars like Jon Rahm have explored options, including DP World Tour accommodations to protect eligibility for events like the Ryder Cup.

For the PGA Tour, the situation presents both opportunity and challenge. A flood of high-profile returns could boost star power and viewership, but it risks diluting prize funds, complicating schedules and reopening old wounds. Commissioner Jay Monahan and officials have emphasized a merit-based system moving forward, with no automatic exemptions likely for former defectors.

This backdrop makes events like the Memorial — a signature PGA Tour stop — even more significant as a showcase for the tour’s enduring strength. Scheffler’s pursuit of history, alongside established and rising talents, reaffirms the PGA Tour’s position as the premier circuit, even as external pressures mount.

Fans and analysts alike will watch closely not just for leaderboard movement this week, but for how the tour positions itself amid the shifting sands of professional golf. Scheffler, ever the steady force, may yet provide the on-course anchor needed during these transitional times.

With three rounds remaining, the two-time major winner from the previous seasons remains well-positioned to contend, wind and all. Golf, as always, demands adaptability — a lesson Scheffler embodied in his post-round reflections and one the entire sport may soon need to apply on a larger scale.

NEW YORK — Dell Technologies continues to attract strong investor interest in 2026 as robust demand for AI-optimized servers drives exceptional revenue growth and raises expectations for sustained performance. With shares trading near $420 following a period of volatility, the majority of Wall Street analysts maintain a Buy rating and see further upside potential.

Dell reported standout first-quarter fiscal 2027 results in late May, with total revenue reaching $43.8 billion, up 88% year-over-year. AI server revenue surged 757% to $16.1 billion, while the company booked $24.4 billion in new AI orders and built a substantial backlog. These figures highlight Dell’s successful positioning in the artificial intelligence infrastructure boom, benefiting from partnerships with NVIDIA and hyperscale customers.

Analysts have responded positively, with multiple firms raising price targets in early June. Consensus 12-month price targets cluster around $475 to $500, implying 13-20% upside from current levels. Ratings lean heavily toward Buy, with strong support for the company’s AI-driven transformation.

Strong AI Infrastructure Demand Dell’s Infrastructure Solutions Group has become a primary growth engine. Servers and networking revenue hit records, fueled by “unprecedented demand” for AI-optimized systems. The company raised its full-year AI server revenue guidance significantly, reflecting confidence in continued order conversion and capacity expansion.

Diversified Portfolio Supports Resilience While AI servers dominate headlines, Dell maintains a broad business spanning client solutions, storage and services. Although traditional PC demand shows mixed results, enterprise spending on data center modernization provides a stable foundation. Hybrid cloud and multicloud capabilities further differentiate Dell in competitive bids.

Improving Profitability and Cash Flow Operational efficiency gains have supported margin expansion in key segments. Strong free cash flow generation enables continued investment in growth areas while allowing for shareholder returns through dividends and buybacks. Recent earnings beats demonstrate disciplined execution under leadership.

Strategic Partnerships and Innovation Collaborations with NVIDIA, Microsoft and others enhance Dell’s offerings in AI PCs, edge computing and sovereign cloud solutions. New product launches, such as competitive laptops challenging Apple’s lineup, underscore ongoing innovation across categories.

Analyst Consensus Remains Bullish With 20+ analysts covering the stock, the consensus rating stands at Moderate Buy to Buy. Several major firms, including Goldman Sachs, Mizuho and Bernstein, recently raised targets to around $500. The highest targets reach $700, reflecting optimism about long-term AI tailwinds.

Valuation Appears Reasonable for Growth Profile Despite strong recent performance, Dell trades at multiples that many view as attractive relative to projected earnings growth. Forward estimates incorporate continued double-digit revenue increases and margin improvement as higher-margin AI businesses scale.

Global Enterprise Spending Trends Enterprises worldwide are accelerating digital transformation and AI adoption. Dell’s established relationships with large corporations and governments position it to capture a significant share of this multi-year spending cycle.

Risk Management and Execution Track Record The company has demonstrated resilience through supply chain challenges and market cycles. Management’s focus on backlog conversion and capacity planning supports visibility into future quarters.

Long-Term Secular Opportunity AI proliferation, data center expansion and edge computing create structural demand for Dell’s solutions. As one of the few vendors offering end-to-end infrastructure from servers to client devices, the company benefits from integrated selling opportunities.

While risks such as competition, potential slowdowns in hyperscaler spending and macroeconomic pressures exist, Dell’s recent performance and raised guidance have bolstered confidence. The stock has shown volatility but has rewarded investors betting on its AI pivot.

For investors considering Dell in 2026, the combination of explosive AI growth, strong analyst support and reasonable valuation relative to growth prospects makes a compelling case for a Buy position in diversified technology portfolios. As always, individual circumstances and risk tolerance should guide investment decisions. Upcoming quarterly results will provide further insight into the sustainability of current momentum.

Dell’s transformation from a traditional PC company to an AI infrastructure leader exemplifies successful strategic adaptation. With shares offering exposure to one of the decade’s most powerful technology trends, many market participants view current levels as an attractive entry or accumulation point for long-term growth.

This article was written by

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Shares of Hindustan Zinc sharply tumbled nearly 5% on Friday after a report said that the government is planning to sell as much as 2% stake in the metals major for up to Rs 5,000 crore ($525 million).

The shares of the company dropped to Rs 575.20 apiece on NSE, the lowest level seen by the stock in six weeks, after the release of the Bloomberg report, citing people familiar with the matter. Shares of Vedanta, meanwhile, tumbled 3% to Rs 318.80 apiece.

The Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM) aims to launch the process this month or in July this year, the report said, adding that ICICI Securities, Axis Capital, IIFL Capital Services, and HDFC Securities are advising the government on the transaction.

Hindustan Zinc shareholding pattern

The Central government held nearly 28% stake in India’s largest silver producer, according to data on the company’s shareholding pattern as on March 31, 2026. Its largest promoter, Vedanta, meanwhile, held nearly 61% stake in the company.

Another 3.5% stake was held by insurance companies, while foreign investors held more than 2% stake in Hindustan Zinc, as at the end of the January-March quarter of FY26.

The latest report on the government’s possible stake sale in Hindustan Zinc comes after the centre ramped up its disinvestment efforts. Last week, the government raised about $531 million from the sale of 2% stake in Coal India. Earlier this week, it raised $450 million by selling 6% stake in NHPC. Bloomberg also reported that the government is now mulling an OFS to sell 2% stake in LIC to raise as much as Rs 10,000 crore.

ED raids at Hindustan Zinc offices

The shares of Hindustan Zinc declined earlier this week after Vedanta said that the Enforcement Directorate team visited some of its offices, confirming news reports. “We hereby inform that the Enforcement Directorate team visited some offices of our company and Hindustan Zinc, a subsidiary of the company,” Vedanta said after stock exchanges sought clarification regarding news reports around ED conducting searches against Vedanta Group in FEMA probe. The Anil Agarwal-led company added that it is fully cooperating with the authorities and providing all requested information.

Later, Vedanta announced that the searches had concluded and no penalty or restriction had been imposed by the authorities.

Hindustan Zinc share price

Hindustan Zinc shares have fallen more than 9% in one week and 6% in one month, while being down more than 6% in 2026 so far. The shares of the company have gained around 17% in one year.
Also read: Did this L&T-backed AI stock actually crash 90% in one day? Here’s all you need to knowIn the longer term, the stock delivered 87% returns over three years and 72% returns over five years. The company currently has a market capitalisation of more than Rs 2.43 lakh crore.

(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)

Shares of India’s largest jewelry retailer rose 2% to their day’s high of Rs 4,295 on the BSE on Friday after brokerages continued to retain its bullish stance on the stock following the company’s latest analyst meeting. With today’s gain, the stock is up for a fourth straight session.

The meet came at a time when the outlook for gold and jewellery demand remained uncertain. Sentiment has been weighed down by a combination of factors, including fading expectations of interest rate cuts amid rising oil prices linked to the Iran conflict, an increase in import duties, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s call for consumers to refrain from buying gold for a year to help arrest the rupee’s sharp decline.

During the call, the Tata Group company outlined ambitious growth targets for FY26-30, aiming to double both its consolidated revenue and EBIT over the period. This implies a revenue and earnings CAGR of about 20% through FY30.

Within its domestic portfolio, the jewellery business, comprising Tanishq, Mia and Zoya, is expected to deliver 2x revenue growth and 1.9x growth in EBIT. CaratLane has been assigned a more aggressive growth trajectory, with management targeting 2.3x revenue growth and 2.5x EBIT expansion, translating into a CAGR of around 25%, driven by continued premiumisation and operating leverage.

Should you buy, sell or hold Titan shares?

JPMorgan, with a Buy call and a target price of Rs 5,400, forecasts an upside of 28% from current levels. JPMorgan says Titan’s core jewellery business continues to benefit from structural growth drivers, including the ongoing formalisation of the jewellery market, where the company gained 50-60 basis points of market share in FY26.
Near-term demand trends also remain encouraging. JPMorgan noted that buyer growth rebounded in the fourth quarter, driven by customers returning to the market amid rising gold prices, the advancement of wedding-related purchases and improving traction in studded jewellery.

The brokerage added that Titan’s ability to sustain demand in a high-gold-price environment remains a key differentiator. Initiatives such as 18-carat and 14-carat jewellery offerings, lightweight products, exchange programmes and grammage-based purchase plans help keep jewellery affordable and accessible to consumers.
Motilal Oswal has reiterated its ‘Buy’ rating on Titan Company with a target price of Rs 5,250, implying an upside potential of 24%. The brokerage believes Titan continues to outperform other organised jewellery players due to its superior competitive positioning across sourcing, studded jewellery mix, youth-focused offerings and reinvestment strategy. It noted that Tanishq’s strong brand recall and entrenched business moat are difficult to replicate, which should help the brand maintain its leadership position in the jewellery segment.The brokerage also expects the company’s non-jewellery businesses to continue scaling up and contribute meaningfully to growth over the medium term. While acknowledging the impact of regulatory headwinds and volatile gold prices on near-term performance, Motilal Oswal said Titan remains well placed to navigate these challenges through continued diversification.

JM Financial has maintained its ‘Buy’ rating on Titan Company with a target price of Rs 4,900, implying an upside potential of 16%.

The brokerage said Titan’s recent analyst meeting reinforced its positive view on the company despite near-term challenges arising from elevated gold prices and regulatory changes. According to JM Financial, management laid out a strategy to create growth engines beyond jewellery by investing in businesses such as eyecare, watches and other emerging segments through premiumisation, omnichannel expansion and category development.

JM Overall, JM Financial believes Titan remains one of India’s highest-quality consumer discretionary franchises, backed by category leadership, strong execution capabilities and multiple long-term growth drivers.

Titan shares have risen 11.5% in the last six months and about 22% in the last 1 year.

(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)

LOS ANGELES — Kylie Jenner has once again captured attention with her summer fashion choices, showcasing a nostalgic Y2K-inspired camouflage print bikini during a luxurious getaway tied to her beauty brand. The reality star and entrepreneur was joined by close friends and her two young children for the promotional trip to Turks and Caicos, highlighting new Kylie Cosmetics summer collections.

Jenner shared photos on Instagram from the tropical escape, posing in a minimal string bikini featuring the retro camouflage pattern. She accessorized the look with thin silver hoops from Jennifer Fisher, wired headphones and a raffia tote bag emblazoned with the Kylie Cosmetics logo. The ensemble reflects the ongoing Y2K fashion revival, which has gained traction among celebrities and consumers seeking playful, early-2000s aesthetics in swimwear and casual wear.

The trip served as a celebration of Kylie Cosmetics’ latest summer releases, including tinted cloud balms and moisturizing lip stains. Jenner and her group coordinated in matching pink loungewear sets for the travel day, complete with bedazzled hoods and the brand name printed on the back. Additional images showed her relaxing with a customized Stanley Cup and spending time poolside with her children, Stormi and Aire, as well as friend Anastasia “Stassie” Karanikolaou.

Other vacation looks included a pink summer skirt set with tiered ruffled detailing, paired with heeled flip-flops, further emphasizing the season’s vibrant and feminine trends. The content reflects Jenner’s continued influence in both beauty and fashion, where her personal style often drives consumer interest in her business ventures.

At 28, Jenner has built a substantial empire through Kylie Cosmetics and the clothing line Khy. Her ability to blend motherhood with high-profile brand promotions has resonated with a broad audience, particularly younger consumers who follow her closely on social media. The Turks and Caicos trip underscores her strategy of experiential marketing, creating aspirational content that ties personal moments to product launches.

The camouflage bikini choice taps into broader cultural trends. Y2K fashion has seen a resurgence in recent years, with elements like low-rise fits, bold prints and nostalgic silhouettes appearing across runways and street style. Jenner’s take on the camo thong bikini exemplifies how celebrities help popularize these revivals, often sparking immediate searches and sales for similar items.

Industry observers note that Jenner’s posts frequently generate significant engagement, driving visibility for her brands. The combination of beachside glamour, family moments and product placement creates a multi-layered appeal that strengthens consumer connection. Her followers appreciate glimpses into her life as a mother alongside her role as a business leader.

The getaway also highlights the growing intersection of celebrity influence and e-commerce. By showcasing products in real-life settings, Jenner provides tangible context for items like the new lip products, helping potential customers envision their use. This approach has contributed to Kylie Cosmetics’ sustained success in a competitive beauty market.

Jenner shares parenting duties with Travis Scott, with whom she co-parents Stormi and Aire. Her willingness to include family elements in brand-related content humanizes her public image while maintaining a polished aesthetic. The trip’s relaxed yet curated vibe balances professional obligations with personal enjoyment.

Fashion experts point to Jenner’s consistent ability to set trends. From lip kits that launched her beauty empire to bold swimwear statements, her choices often influence seasonal must-haves. The Y2K camo bikini aligns with current runway influences and social media aesthetics, potentially boosting demand for similar styles across retailers.

Kylie Cosmetics has expanded significantly since its 2015 debut, offering a wide range of makeup, skincare and accessories. The brand emphasizes inclusivity and innovation, with products designed for diverse skin tones and preferences. Summer collections typically focus on lightweight, long-wear formulas suitable for warmer weather and vacation settings.

The Turks and Caicos destination is a favorite among celebrities for its pristine beaches and luxury accommodations. Jenner’s group appeared to enjoy various activities, from poolside relaxation to coordinated travel moments, creating content that resonates with followers dreaming of similar escapes.

As social media continues to shape consumer behavior, moments like Jenner’s bikini photos serve as powerful marketing tools. They generate organic conversations, user-generated content and direct traffic to brand sites. Her authenticity in sharing both glamorous and everyday aspects of life strengthens loyalty among her audience.

Broader trends in celebrity marketing show a preference for experiential campaigns that feel genuine rather than purely commercial. Jenner’s approach — blending family time, friendship and product promotion — fits this model effectively. The Y2K camo look, in particular, bridges nostalgia with contemporary style, appealing to multiple generations.

Looking ahead, Jenner is expected to continue leveraging her platform for seasonal campaigns. With summer just beginning, her recent posts set a tone of fun, confidence and self-expression that aligns with the brand’s messaging. Fans eagerly anticipate further glimpses from the trip and additional product reveals.

The beauty mogul’s influence extends beyond cosmetics into lifestyle and fashion. Her choices often spark discussions on body positivity, motherhood and entrepreneurial success. By embracing bold swimwear while prioritizing family moments, she presents a multifaceted image that connects with diverse audiences.

As the trip concludes, the content shared will likely continue circulating, reinforcing Kylie Cosmetics’ presence in the summer beauty conversation. Jenner’s strategic use of social media remains a benchmark for celebrity-driven brands navigating the digital landscape.

Her enduring appeal lies in the balance of aspirational glamour and relatability. Whether in a tiny camo bikini or coordinating with her children, Jenner’s posts capture the spirit of summer — carefree, stylish and connected. The latest campaign reinforces her position as a key tastemaker in beauty and fashion.

LOS ANGELES — Erika Kirk has firmly rejected claims of a romantic relationship with businessman Blake Wynn, addressing viral speculation that emerged shortly after the death of her husband, conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The widow pushed back against unverified allegations linking her to a so-called “billionaire scandal,” emphasizing her focus on grieving and family.

The controversy gained traction on social media after a video commentator accused Kirk of concealing aspects of her personal life. Project Constitution and other accounts amplified claims that Kirk and Wynn were seen together in Beverly Hills on May 14. Kirk responded directly on X, stating, “Every single word here is a lie.”

She further clarified her position, writing that she was not in Beverly Hills on that date but instead at home in Arizona celebrating her son’s birthday. “Charlie’s love will last me a lifetime. The Lord is the only one who can ever fill that most painful void,” Kirk added, underscoring her ongoing mourning process less than a year after her husband’s death.

Wynn also denied any romantic involvement. “I am not dating Erika Kirk,” he stated, describing the claims as baseless and accusing those spreading them of relying on unreliable sources.

The allegations originated from online videos and posts suggesting intimate encounters and portraying Kirk as intoxicated during an alleged meeting. Commentator Loren Piretra claimed in a widely shared clip that Kirk had been “caught in a billionaire scandal” that could damage her public image as a grieving widow. “This secret Beverly Hills meltdown is going to ruin Erica Kirk because she’s exposed,” Piretra said, according to accounts shared by Project Constitution.

No independent evidence has surfaced to substantiate the specific claims about the May 14 encounter. Kirk described the speculation as a “deranged obsession” and urged those involved to “brush off the Dorito dust and go touch grass.” Wynn dismissed the pressure to provide proof of his whereabouts, calling the demands part of a pattern of unfounded attacks.

Project Constitution challenged both parties to share evidence disproving the story, offering to issue corrections if shown proof. Kirk maintained she was home with family, while Wynn rejected the need to respond further to what he called “garbage” from the account.

The situation highlights the rapid spread of unverified rumors involving public figures on social media platforms. Kirk, who has built a following through conservative commentary and family-oriented content following her husband’s high-profile career, has faced increased scrutiny since his death. Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was a prominent voice in conservative politics until his passing.

Industry observers note that celebrity and political widows often encounter intense public interest in their personal lives, particularly when rumors involve new relationships. Kirk has consistently emphasized faith and family in her public statements, framing her current focus on healing rather than romance.

The claims have drawn mixed reactions online, with some users expressing skepticism toward the unverified videos and others calling for privacy. Footage circulated showing Kirk emotional in a vehicle, but its timing and context remain unconfirmed by independent sources. Commentators questioned the appropriateness of speculating on her behavior given her public statements about faith and personal conduct.

Blake Wynn, a businessman with reported ties to various ventures, has not been a frequent subject of tabloid attention prior to this episode. His denial was direct and concise, rejecting any romantic link and expressing frustration with the narrative.

This episode underscores broader challenges in the digital age, where unverified allegations can gain significant traction before facts emerge. Public figures like Kirk must balance personal privacy with the demands of an always-on media environment. Her response has been viewed by supporters as a firm defense of truth amid what she described as disturbing obsession.

Friends and associates of the Kirk family have largely stayed silent on the matter, focusing instead on legacy projects honoring Charlie Kirk’s work. Erika Kirk has continued sharing messages of faith and resilience, maintaining her public platform while navigating life as a widow and mother.

The speed at which the story spread across X and video platforms demonstrates the power of social media in shaping narratives around celebrities and political families. While some accounts demanded evidence and offered corrections, others amplified the claims without verification, a common pattern in high-profile rumor cycles.

As the situation continues to unfold, Kirk has reiterated her commitment to truth and privacy. She has not pursued legal action publicly but has urged followers to focus on substantive issues rather than personal speculation.

For Wynn, the episode appears to be an unwelcome distraction. His response highlighted the difficulty of disproving negative claims when sources remain anonymous or unreliable.

The broader context involves ongoing public fascination with the personal lives of those connected to prominent conservative figures. Charlie Kirk’s sudden death left a significant void in political circles, and attention has naturally turned to his family’s next chapter.

Erika Kirk’s handling of the rumors reflects a strategy of direct denial combined with appeals to faith and family values. Her statement that “Charlie’s love will last me a lifetime” resonated with supporters who view her as prioritizing legacy over new relationships.

Media ethics experts caution against rushing to judgment on unverified stories, particularly those involving grief and private matters. Responsible reporting requires corroboration, which has been notably absent in many of the circulating claims.

As social media continues to blur lines between public and private spheres, cases like this serve as reminders of the human cost of viral speculation. Kirk has asked for space to grieve and raise her family, a request echoed by those closest to the situation.

The story remains fluid, with potential for further statements or clarifications from those involved. For now, both Kirk and Wynn maintain that the rumored romance is entirely false, urging the public to disregard unproven allegations.

This incident adds another layer to the challenges faced by public figures in the digital era, where personal tragedies and everyday life become subjects of intense online scrutiny. Kirk’s response has been praised by some as measured and faith-centered, while critics question the vehemence of her rebuttal.

Ultimately, the lack of concrete evidence supporting the original claims leaves the narrative in the realm of speculation. As with many celebrity rumors, the truth may lie somewhere between viral headlines and personal denials, but verified facts remain scarce.

The shares of metals major Tata Steel dropped nearly 3% on Friday after a fire broke out at the company’s plant at Port Talbot in UK late on Wednesday, forcing the company to temporarily halt operations at part of the site.

Large plumes of smoke were visible from the site and could be seen across the surrounding area, BBC reported, adding that emergency services remained at the scene on Thursday and were working to manage the incident.

Tata Steel UK meanwhile said that all personnel were evacuated safely from the affected area. It added that the incident was not related to the safe and successful demolition of the empty, redundant gas holder earlier yesterday evening. The Mid and West Wales Fire Service attended the site while emergency services worked with local teams to completely extinguish the fire, the company further said.

The 3.2 million tonne facility is transitioning to an electric arc furnace with an investment of £1.25 billion, with the help of aid from the local government. It is expected to be commissioned by the end of 2027. Tata Steel has completed major demolition work of the blast furnaces for the transition, and is currently working on fabrication and delivery of equipment.

Also read: Tata Steel eyes 9% India sales growth this fiscal

In October 2024, Tata Steel ceased iron making operations at its Port Talbot site and temporarily paused steel manufacturing, pending the construction of a 3.2 MTPA electric arc furnace.
What this means for Tata Steel share price
ICICI Direct highlighted that the fire has reportedly been contained, although the extent of the operational impact is yet to be assessed. “While the incident is sentimentally negative, the UK operations contribute a relatively small share to Tata Steel’s overall business, and hence the impact on the company’s overall performance is expected to be limited. We await further clarification from the company regarding any operational disruptions or financial implications arising from the incident,” it added.
Tata Steel share price
Tata Steel shares tumbled more than 3% to trade at Rs 204 apiece on Friday afternoon. The shares of the company have fallen around 2% in one week and 3% in one month. The stock is however up more than 12% in 2026 so far.

In the longer term, Tata Steel shares jumped more than 29% in one year, 87% in three years and over 82% in five years. The company currently has a market capitalisation of more than Rs 2.55 lakh crore.

(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)