Unknown Attendee

Welcome to the Platform Summit. So this second session is dedicated to the Verve Group SE, and I would like to welcome CEO, Remco Westermann, who will give us some insights about Verve’s platform business, followed by a Q&A session. And with that, we’re excited, and I hand over to you, Remco.

Remco Westermann
CEO & Director

Thank you very much. I’m happy to be here. Yes, I would like to present the company and then afterwards, of course, give time for questions, I would start. I would go to the first page, give an overview of what we do or what our focus is. Let me start with our mission. Let’s make media better. We think that in advertising, which is our core market, there is still a lot of money wasted that can be spent a lot better. And that’s the reason that we have, let’s say, are running this company and see a lot of potential in further growing it and helping advertisers to spend their budgets better as well as help publishers to monetize their inventory better.

So that’s the first one of our, let’s say, core focuses is really enabling better outcomes for advertisers and publishers. With responsible advertising solutions, as mentioned, there’s a lot broken in this segment. Therefore, there’s a lot of other things happening. IDs are disappearing. So in that sense, we focus on making it really, yes, quality, good, effective advertising. And then we’re focusing on emerging channels. There’s a lot of channels where you can advertise, a lot of traditional channels like Linear TV, for example. But we’re focusing on the channels where really eyeballs, where people are moving, which is mobile

DALLAS — A powerful tornado ripped through a small Texas town Wednesday afternoon, April 29, 2026, destroying homes, businesses and vehicles on the sixth straight day of severe weather that has battered the state with deadly storms, leaving at least five people dead and dozens injured across multiple communities.

The twister struck Valley Mills, a town of about 1,200 residents roughly 90 miles south of Dallas, around 3:45 p.m. local time. Emergency responders described scenes of widespread devastation, with entire neighborhoods leveled, power lines downed and debris scattered for miles. At least three fatalities were confirmed in Valley Mills, with two more deaths reported in nearby areas hit by separate storms earlier in the day.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott declared a state of disaster for 25 counties, activating the state’s emergency response network and requesting federal assistance. National Weather Service meteorologists confirmed multiple tornadoes touched down across central and north Texas, with the strongest rated EF3 on the Enhanced Fujita scale, packing winds estimated between 136 and 165 mph.

The storm system has been unrelenting. For six consecutive days, severe thunderstorms, large hail and tornadoes have hammered the state, killing at least 12 people so far and causing hundreds of millions of dollars in damage. Meteorologists attribute the prolonged outbreak to an unusually strong clash of warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico meeting cooler, drier air from the Rockies, creating perfect conditions for supercell thunderstorms.

In Valley Mills, the tornado carved a path of destruction nearly a mile wide. Video footage from residents showed homes reduced to rubble, vehicles flipped and tossed, and trees stripped of branches. First responders worked frantically into the evening, searching through debris for survivors. Local hospitals were overwhelmed with injured patients, many suffering from lacerations, broken bones and head trauma.

“I’ve never seen anything like it,” said Valley Mills Mayor Robert Hayes, who lost his own home in the storm. “Half the town is gone. We’re grateful for the quick response from emergency services, but we’re going to need a lot of help to rebuild.”

The National Weather Service issued multiple tornado warnings throughout the afternoon, urging residents to seek shelter immediately. Doppler radar showed a large, well-defined hook echo associated with the Valley Mills storm, a signature often linked to strong tornadoes.

This latest outbreak follows similar devastating storms earlier in the week. On Sunday, an EF4 tornado killed four people in Jarrell, about 50 miles south of Valley Mills. Monday and Tuesday brought additional tornadoes and large hail across the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, causing widespread power outages and property damage.

Climate scientists note that while individual storms cannot be directly attributed to climate change, the frequency and intensity of severe weather events in Texas have increased in recent decades. Warmer Gulf waters provide more energy for storms, while changing atmospheric patterns have led to more frequent multi-day severe weather outbreaks.

Texas Emergency Management officials have deployed hundreds of search-and-rescue teams, mobile medical units and disaster relief supplies to affected areas. The Federal Emergency Management Agency has pre-positioned resources and is ready to provide federal assistance once formal requests are made.

For residents in the path of the storms, the past week has been exhausting. Many have spent nights in shelters or basements, emerging each day to assess damage and prepare for the next round of warnings. Power outages have affected more than 200,000 customers at times, complicating recovery efforts.

The agricultural impact has also been severe. Large hail and high winds have destroyed crops across prime farmland in central Texas. Farmers are assessing losses that could reach tens of millions of dollars, further straining an industry already dealing with drought conditions in other parts of the state.

The human toll has been heartbreaking. Families have lost loved ones, homes and irreplaceable possessions. Community organizations have stepped up, with churches, schools and local businesses opening as shelters and donation centers. The American Red Cross and other relief groups have mobilized volunteers to provide food, water and temporary housing.

As night fell on Wednesday, search efforts continued under generator-powered lights. Officials warned residents to stay vigilant, as additional severe weather remains possible through Thursday. The Storm Prediction Center has issued a moderate risk for severe thunderstorms across parts of north and central Texas for the next 24 hours.

The repeated storms have tested the resilience of Texas communities. Emergency management directors say preparedness has improved since previous major outbreaks, but the back-to-back nature of this event has stretched resources thin. Coordination between local, state and federal agencies has been critical in responding to the crisis.

For meteorologists, the six-day outbreak is unusual but not unprecedented. Similar multi-day severe weather events have occurred in the past, particularly during active spring patterns. However, the human and economic cost of this particular stretch has been especially high.

As recovery efforts continue in Valley Mills and other affected towns, the focus will shift toward rebuilding. Insurance claims are expected to pour in, and federal disaster assistance will play a key role in helping communities recover. Long-term, questions about building codes, early warning systems and community resilience will likely be examined.

The tornado outbreak of late April 2026 will be remembered as one of the most destructive in recent Texas history. For the families who lost loved ones and homes, the road to recovery will be long and difficult. Yet the spirit of Texas communities — known for coming together in times of crisis — offers hope that healing and rebuilding will eventually follow.

NEW YORK — DJ Vlad has ignited fresh controversy around Nicki Minaj and her husband Kenneth Petty, claiming the couple has quietly separated after rumors surfaced that Petty allegedly got another woman pregnant, according to details shared on VladTV and widely circulated across social media platforms.

The hip-hop media personality posted a screenshot from New York’s sex offender registry showing Petty listed at a small 800-square-foot home in Jamaica, Queens, rather than the couple’s $20 million mansion in Hidden Hills, California. Vlad captioned the post: “It looks like Nicki Minaj dumped her husband, Kenneth Petty.” He added that unconfirmed rumors suggest infidelity played a central role in the alleged split.

As of April 29, 2026, neither Nicki Minaj nor Kenneth Petty has issued an official statement addressing the claims. However, the story has exploded online, with fans and commentators speculating wildly about the state of the high-profile marriage. Minaj and Petty, who wed in 2019 and share a young son, have faced public scrutiny before, but this latest development has drawn unprecedented attention due to the alleged circumstances.

Vlad, known for his in-depth interviews and breaking stories in hip-hop, did not provide concrete evidence beyond the registry address change. He noted that the pregnancy rumor remains unverified but has been circulating in entertainment circles for several weeks. The registry update, which lists Petty’s current address separately from Minaj’s, has been interpreted by many as a sign of marital discord.

The couple’s relationship has been under the microscope since they went public. Petty, a registered sex offender with a prior conviction, has often been a point of controversy in Minaj’s public life. The rapper has fiercely defended her husband in the past, but sources close to the situation suggest recent tensions may have reached a breaking point.

Minaj, one of hip-hop’s most successful female artists, has maintained a relatively private stance on her personal life in recent months while focusing on music and business ventures. Her last major public comments about Petty came during interviews promoting her projects, where she spoke positively about their family life. The sudden wave of rumors has left fans divided, with some expressing support for Minaj while others question the timing and validity of the claims.

The story gained traction after Vlad’s post, with entertainment blogs and social media influencers amplifying the details. Some reports suggest Minaj has been spending more time focused on her career and child, while Petty has been seen in New York. However, without direct confirmation from either party, much of the narrative remains speculative.

Relationship experts note that high-profile marriages in the entertainment industry often face unique pressures. Constant public scrutiny, career demands and past legal issues can strain even the strongest partnerships. In Minaj’s case, her massive global platform means personal matters quickly become public spectacle, amplifying any hint of trouble.

The alleged cheating rumor has drawn particular attention given Minaj’s history of addressing personal issues through her music and social media. Fans have begun revisiting old lyrics and posts for clues, while others urge caution against spreading unverified gossip. The pregnancy claim, if true, would add another layer of complexity to an already complicated public narrative.

DJ Vlad has built a reputation for surfacing stories that mainstream outlets sometimes avoid. His platform often serves as an early indicator of brewing controversies in hip-hop. In this instance, his commentary has sparked widespread discussion, with some praising him for transparency and others accusing him of sensationalism.

Nicki Minaj’s representatives have not responded to requests for comment. Petty’s legal team has similarly remained silent. The lack of official statements has allowed rumors to proliferate unchecked, a common occurrence in celebrity news cycles where verified information is scarce.

The broader context includes Minaj’s continued dominance in music. The rapper has been teasing new material and remains one of the most influential voices in hip-hop. Her personal life has often intersected with her art, with fans eagerly interpreting songs through the lens of her relationships. Any confirmed split would likely inspire new creative output, as Minaj has channeled personal experiences into her work before.

For Kenneth Petty, the situation adds to a public image already shaped by past legal troubles. His registration as a sex offender has been a constant point of discussion, and any new allegations could further complicate his standing. The couple’s decision to keep much of their relationship private has made sudden rumors particularly jarring for observers.

As the story develops, industry insiders predict that both parties will eventually address the situation on their own terms. Minaj has a history of direct communication with fans through social media, while Petty has been less vocal publicly. The coming days may bring clarification or further fuel to the speculation.

The entertainment world continues to watch closely. Celebrity relationships often play out like public soap operas, with fans invested in the narrative. In this case, the combination of a major star, a controversial husband and explosive rumors has created a perfect storm for online engagement.

Whether the claims prove true or simply another wave of unverified gossip, the situation highlights the challenges of maintaining privacy in the digital age. For Nicki Minaj and Kenneth Petty, the coming weeks will likely determine how this chapter of their story unfolds — whether through reconciliation, separation or continued silence.

For now, the public remains captivated by the latest twist in one of hip-hop’s most talked-about marriages. As more details potentially emerge, the focus will remain on how two high-profile figures navigate personal turmoil under intense scrutiny.

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DUBAI — The Strait of Hormuz, the critical chokepoint for global oil and gas shipments, continued operating under severe restrictions on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, with maritime traffic at just 5% of normal levels as the ongoing Iran conflict and U.S.-led blockade limited commercial transits to a handful of vessels daily.

Real-time tracking data from platforms like Hormuz Strait Monitor and Kpler showed only three to eight ships crossing the narrow waterway in the past 24 hours, compared to the pre-crisis average of around 60 vessels per day. The majority of transits involved smaller dry bulk carriers or vessels with special permissions, while large oil tankers and LNG carriers largely avoided the route due to security risks and insurance costs that have skyrocketed since late February.

The restrictions stem from a combination of Iranian military actions, U.S. enforcement of a blockade on Iranian ports, and heightened tensions following strikes and counterstrikes in the region. Iran has periodically demanded tolls, conducted inspections, and in some cases launched strikes on vessels it deemed non-compliant, effectively turning the strait into a high-risk zone for commercial shipping. The U.S. has maintained its blockade on Iranian ports, further complicating navigation and leading to a near-standstill in normal traffic patterns.

Despite a fragile ceasefire in place, shipping data indicates the waterway has been in a restricted state for over 60 days. On some days, only a handful of ships have made the transit, often by switching off transponders or taking unconventional routes closer to Iranian waters. A recent LNG tanker successfully crossed the strait, marking a rare breakthrough, but overall commercial activity remains muted as major shipping companies reroute around Africa or delay voyages.

Oil prices have remained elevated above $100 per barrel as a direct result of the disruptions. The strait normally carries about one-fifth of the world’s oil and natural gas supply. Reduced flows have forced buyers to seek alternative sources, driving up costs for energy importers worldwide and contributing to inflationary pressures in multiple economies, including Australia’s ongoing fuel crisis.

U.S. and Iranian officials have engaged in sporadic talks aimed at de-escalation, but no comprehensive agreement has been reached. Iran has offered to reopen the strait to commercial shipping in exchange for lifted sanctions and an end to the U.S. blockade, but Washington has expressed dissatisfaction with the terms. Recent diplomatic efforts, including involvement from regional mediators, have yet to yield a breakthrough.

For shipping companies, the risks are enormous. Insurance premiums for vessels attempting the transit have increased dramatically, making the route economically unviable for most operators. Several tankers have been stranded or diverted, with crews facing extended waits in safer waters. A Russian superyacht linked to a Putin ally successfully transited the strait recently, highlighting how some well-connected vessels can still navigate the restrictions while ordinary commercial traffic remains severely limited.

The humanitarian and economic impacts extend far beyond energy markets. Countries dependent on Gulf oil, including many in Asia, have faced higher fuel costs and supply uncertainties. India, China, Japan and South Korea have all been forced to adjust import strategies, with some turning to emergency reserves or alternative suppliers at higher prices.

In the United States, the situation has added complexity to domestic energy policy. Higher global prices have supported U.S. oil producers but also increased costs for consumers at the pump. The Trump administration has used the disruptions to push for expanded domestic production and energy independence, while critics argue the blockade has backfired by driving up costs without achieving clear strategic gains.

Maritime security firms have reported increased activity by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy in the area, with vessels conducting patrols and occasional boardings. Some shipping companies have hired private security teams for protection, adding further costs to already expensive voyages.

Environmental groups have raised concerns about potential oil spills or accidents in the narrow waterway, which could have devastating consequences for the fragile marine ecosystem in the Persian Gulf. The restricted traffic has reduced the immediate risk of collisions, but any escalation could quickly change that dynamic.

As April draws to a close, shipping analysts expect continued volatility. Diplomatic talks remain stalled, and military posturing by multiple parties keeps the situation tense. Some vessels continue attempting the transit using unconventional methods, but the vast majority of commercial operators have rerouted around the Cape of Good Hope, adding thousands of nautical miles and weeks to journeys.

The Strait of Hormuz crisis has become a defining feature of the 2026 global energy landscape. Its restricted status has reshaped trade patterns, driven up prices and highlighted the vulnerability of global supply chains to geopolitical flashpoints. For now, the narrow passage between Iran and Oman remains a high-stakes chokepoint where commerce, conflict and diplomacy intersect in real time.

The coming days and weeks will be critical as parties seek a resolution. Any significant breakthrough in talks could quickly restore traffic and ease pressure on global energy markets. Until then, the strait’s restricted status continues to ripple through economies worldwide, affecting everything from fuel prices to inflation and supply chain stability.

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell on Wednesday announced he will remain a member of the Fed’s Board of Governors after his term as chairman ends next month, though he added that he won’t be a “shadow Fed chair.”

The outgoing Fed chair hosted his final news conference after the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) voted to hold interest rates steady at the current range of 3.5% to 3.75%. The news conference occurred hours after the Senate Banking Committee voted to advance his successor as Fed chair, former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh.

Powell said he intends to continue serving as a member of the Fed’s Board of Governors for a “period of time to be determined” and was asked during the press conference about how he will conduct himself as a governor and not have an outsized influence over the process.

“That’s just something I would never do, the shadow chair thing. I don’t know what the exact specifics of it will be, but I’m going back to being a governor. I respect the role of chair,” Powell said. “I was a governor for six years, and I know what that’s like.

FEDERAL RESERVE LEAVES INTEREST RATES UNCHANGED AS POWELL’S CHAIRMANSHIP NEARS END

Fed Chair Jerome Powell said he doesn’t plan to act like a “shadow Fed chair” and wants to help build consensus where he can. (Daniel Heuer/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

“I had a pretty front row seat, particularly with Chair Yellen, to whom I was close. When I worked with Chairman Bernanke for two years, I was brand new at that time. So I got a sense of what it was, and I had real sympathy for how hard it is to get that group to consensus,” he explained. 

“I always felt like I don’t want to add that unnecessarily, and that means trying to support the chair or the direction the chair wants to go. And if you can’t, you can’t. I think that’s the way it’s always worked there because the chair only has one vote plus the ability to develop consensus,” Powell said. 

“I propose to be a very constructive participant in that process, really out of respect for the office of the chair.”

In his opening remarks, Powell said he plans to “keep a low profile as a governor,” and explained, “There’s only ever one chair of the Federal Reserve Board. When Kevin Warsh is confirmed and sworn in, he will be that chair. Once sworn in as board chair, his new colleagues will elect him to chair the FOMC as well.”

KEVIN WARSH MOVES ONE STEP CLOSER TO BECOMING NEXT FED CHAIR

Powell said he will stay on as a member of the Fed’s Board of Governors until the investigation is closed with finality and transparency. (Kent Nishimura/Reuters)

Powell said that while he planned to retire at the end of his chairmanship, the Justice Department investigation launched by the Trump administration prompted him to shift those plans because he was concerned about threats to the independence of the Fed to conduct monetary policy free of political pressure.

In January, U.S. District Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro issued subpoenas to the Fed as part of a criminal investigation into whether Powell misled Congress about the Fed’s costly renovation project at its D.C. headquarters.

Powell said the investigation was politically motivated, and courts quashed the DOJ subpoenas as being a “pretext” to pressure him into cutting interest rates or stepping down.

WHO IS KEVIN WARSH, TRUMP’S PICK TO SUCCEED JEROME POWELL AS FED CHAIR?

Powell said he planned to retire at the end of his chairmanship prior to the DOJ investigation. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

Pirro announced on Friday that the DOJ is dropping the investigation and allowing the Fed’s inspector general, Michael Horowitz, to handle the matter. Pirro said she wouldn’t hesitate to “restart a criminal investigation should the facts warrant doing so,” while the DOJ told Powell and the Fed over the weekend that it would only be reopened if the IG submits a criminal referral. The move allowed Warsh’s nomination to advance in the Senate after a Republican senator lifted his block over concerns about Fed independence.

“My concern is really about the series of legal attacks on the Fed, which threaten our ability to conduct monetary policy without political factors,” Powell said. “These legal actions by the administration are unprecedented in our 113-year history, and there are ongoing threats of additional such actions.”

He added that the Fed’s ability to operate independently is “so important for our economy, for the people that we serve, that they can depend, over time, on a central bank that operates that way free of political influence. It’s part of the absolute foundation of this amazing economy that we have. It’s just one of the many reasons why the U.S. economy is the envy of the world.”

POWELL ASKS FOR IG REVIEW AFTER TRUMP ADMINISTRATION FLAGS FED’S COSTLY BUILDING RENOVATION

Trump picked Powell to serve as Fed chair starting in 2018, though he went on to repeatedly threaten to fire him for not cutting interest rates. (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images)

During Wednesday’s news conference, Powell was asked if remaining at the Fed after his chairmanship was a political act to influence the board’s actions. He responded that the legal inquiry left him with no choice but to stay on until it’s truly over and that he doesn’t want to interfere in the Fed’s operations when Warsh becomes the chair.

“I’m literally staying because of the actions that have been taken. I had long planned to be retiring. And you know, the things that have happened, really in the last three months, left me no choice but to stay until I see them through, at least that long,” Powell explained. “In addition, I don’t see how this will interfere. My intention is not to interfere.”

Powell’s term as a member of the Fed’s Board of Governors runs until January 31, 2028, though he didn’t say whether he would consider staying on for the remainder of his term and emphasized he will leave when the investigation is “well and truly over with finality and transparency, and I’m waiting for that, and I will leave when I think it’s appropriate to do so.”

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Powell won’t be the first former Fed chair to remain as a governor after his term as chair expires. Marriner Eccles, who one of the buildings at the Federal Reserve’s D.C. headquarters is named for, served as Fed chair from 1934 to 1948 and remained on as a member of the Fed’s Board of Governors until 1951.