Business
Lakers Star on Track for Full Recovery and Potential Playoff Return
LOS ANGELES — Luka Doncic continues making strong progress in his recovery from a Grade 2 left hamstring strain, with the Los Angeles Lakers optimistic he can return to full strength and play in the Western Conference semifinals if the team advances past the Houston Rockets, multiple team sources confirmed Monday.
The Slovenian superstar, sidelined since April 2, has ramped up his on-court activity in recent days and is showing no setbacks, according to coach JJ Redick and the team’s medical staff. At 25 days post-injury, Doncic is entering the critical phase of his rehabilitation, with a realistic target of being available for Game 1 or Game 2 of the next round.
“We’re very encouraged by where Luka is at,” Redick said after Sunday’s Game 4 win. “He’s doing a lot more on the court now, moving well, and the strength is coming back. We’re not going to rush it, but he’s trending in the right direction.”
Medical experts familiar with Grade 2 hamstring strains say a full return to 100% condition is achievable within the four-to-six-week window for elite athletes, especially with the advanced regenerative treatments Doncic received in Europe shortly after the injury. The partial tear of muscle fibers is healing as expected, and recent imaging has shown positive tissue repair.
Detailed Recovery Timeline
Doncic first felt the injury late in the first half against Oklahoma City on April 2. He attempted to play through it but was removed after grabbing his leg. An MRI confirmed the Grade 2 strain, ruling him out for the remainder of the regular season and the early playoffs.
He traveled overseas for specialized platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy and other regenerative treatments before resuming rehab in Los Angeles. The Lakers have taken a conservative approach, prioritizing long-term health over a rushed return that could risk re-injury.
As of Monday, Doncic is performing light basketball drills, change-of-direction work, and controlled sprinting. He has not yet participated in full-contact 5-on-5 scrimmages, but the team expects him to begin that phase within the next week if progress continues. Redick emphasized that any return will require Doncic to pass a series of functional movement tests and be cleared by both team physicians and independent specialists.
Lakers Thriving Without Their Star
Despite Doncic’s absence, the Lakers have dominated the first-round series against Houston, taking a 3-1 lead. LeBron James has delivered vintage playoff performances, while supporting players like Austin Reaves (who is also recovering from an oblique strain), Rui Hachimura and others have stepped up significantly.
The strong play without Doncic has given the organization breathing room. A quick series closeout in Game 5 on Tuesday would provide the 27-year-old with additional recovery time before the conference semifinals. If the series extends, Doncic could still target an early second-round return.
Medical Experts Weigh In
Hamstring injuries are notoriously tricky due to high re-injury rates. Dr. Robert Watkins, a prominent sports spine and orthopedic specialist not affiliated with the Lakers, said a Grade 2 strain in a player of Doncic’s size and explosiveness typically requires 4–6 weeks. “At 25 days, he’s in a good window,” Watkins noted. “If he’s already doing change-of-direction work without pain, that’s a very positive sign for a full recovery.”
The Lakers’ medical team has been praised for its cautious management. Rushing a return could lead to a more severe Grade 3 tear, which often sidelines players for months. Doncic’s history with lower-body issues has made the organization especially diligent.
Doncic’s Mindset and Future Outlook
Those close to Doncic say he is frustrated being sidelined but understands the importance of patience. In a recent social media post, he wrote “Patience is power” alongside a training video, signaling his commitment to a smart return.
At 27 years old and in his prime, a healthy Doncic paired with a still-elite LeBron James creates one of the most dangerous backcourts in the league. The Lakers acquired him in a major trade precisely for moments like a deep playoff run. His playmaking, scoring, and basketball IQ elevate the entire roster when healthy.
What a Return Would Mean
If Doncic returns at or near 100%, the Lakers instantly become serious title contenders. His ability to create for others while scoring efficiently would complement James perfectly. Defensive schemes would also have to account for his size and skill, opening opportunities for teammates.
For now, the focus remains on closing out Houston. A series victory would set up a favorable second-round matchup and give Doncic the best chance to return close to full strength. The organization continues projecting optimism without providing a firm date, maintaining flexibility based on his daily progress.
The hamstring strain has tested the Lakers’ depth and resilience, but it has also highlighted the team’s ability to compete without its star acquisition. As Doncic edges closer to a full return, anticipation builds for the moment he steps back on the court — potentially transforming the Lakers’ postseason outlook.
With careful management and positive signs in his recovery, Luka Doncic appears on track to return at or near 100% condition in the coming weeks, giving Los Angeles fans reason for excitement as the playoffs intensify.
Huntington Ingalls: Positioned For The Largest Naval Buildout In Decades
Net interest income for Q4FY26 increased 15% to Rs 945 crore from Rs 823 crore a year ago, reflecting continued expansion in the loan book. Profit before tax rose 20% to Rs 866 crore, indicating improving operating leverage despite a rise in provisions.
Assets under management (AUM) grew 23% to Rs 1,40,706 crore as of March 31, 2026, driven by healthy disbursements and demand across housing finance segments. Loan assets also rose 24% to Rs 1,23,745 crore, while quarterly disbursements increased 23% to Rs 17,506 crore.
Operational efficiency improved during the quarter, with operating expenses as a percentage of net total income declining to 19.2% from 21.8% in the year-ago period. However, loan losses and provisions more than doubled to Rs 55 crore from Rs 26 crore, reflecting a cautious stance amid a growing loan book.
Asset quality remained strong, with gross non-performing assets (GNPA) at 0.27% and net NPA at 0.11%, broadly stable compared to last year. The provision coverage ratio on stage 3 assets stood at 60%, indicating adequate buffers.
For the full year FY26, the lender reported profit after tax of Rs 2,560 crore, up 18% from Rs 2,163 crore in FY25. Net interest income rose 25% to Rs 3,752 crore, while net total income increased 23% to Rs 4,391 crore.
Profit before tax for the year climbed 20% to Rs 3,320 crore, reflecting sustained growth in lending operations. However, provisions rose sharply to Rs 191 crore from Rs 58 crore in the previous year, partly due to prudent provisioning and changes in overlays.Operating efficiency improved at the annual level as well, with the cost-to-income ratio declining to 19.7% from 20.9% in FY25. Return on assets remained stable at around 2.3%, while return on equity stood at about 12%.
The lender maintained a strong capital position, with a capital adequacy ratio of 22.46% as of March-end, supported by high credit ratings of AAA/Stable for long-term borrowings and A1+ for short-term debt.
Overall, Bajaj Housing Finance delivered consistent growth across key metrics, with strong loan expansion, stable margins and controlled asset quality, positioning it well for continued scale-up in the housing finance segment.
(Disclaimer: The recommendations, suggestions, views, and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times.)
Business
(VIDEO) Charlize Theron Climbs Times Square Billboard to Promote New Netflix Thriller ‘Apex’
KEY POINTS
Charlize Theron
LOS ANGELES — Charlize Theron is taking movie promotion to new heights — literally — as she scales a massive Times Square billboard and delivers a string of high-energy interviews to promote her new Netflix survival thriller “Apex,” which premiered on the streaming service April 24, 2026, and is already generating buzz for its intense action and raw performances.
The Oscar-winning actress, 50, was spotted April 24 scaling the side of a building in New York City to hype the film, showcasing the same physical commitment she brought to the role of Sasha, a grieving rock climber who becomes the target of a ruthless predator in the Australian wilderness. Co-starring Taron Egerton as the unhinged hunter Ben, the R-rated thriller directed by Baltasar Kormákur has drawn strong early audience reactions for its taut pacing and breathtaking outdoor sequences.
In a series of promotional appearances, Theron opened up about the physical toll of filming, revealing she suffered multiple injuries, including one that required surgery on her arm. “I think I tapped out once or twice,” she told “Extra” with a laugh, while praising Egerton’s intensity and the crew’s support during demanding shoots in remote Australian locations.
Apex Delivers Thrills and Emotional Depth
“Apex” follows Sasha as she embarks on a solo kayaking and hiking trip to scatter her late partner’s ashes, only to cross paths with a charming but psychotic local who turns the wilderness into a deadly hunting ground. The film blends high-stakes survival action with psychological tension, earning praise for Theron’s fearless stunt work and Egerton’s unhinged villain performance.
Critics have called it a slick, empty-calorie thriller that excels in spectacle but leans on familiar genre tropes. Variety described it as a “rip-roaring outdoor duel,” while The Guardian noted its “soulless” but entertaining cat-and-mouse game. Audiences, however, appear to be responding positively on Netflix, with strong early viewership numbers reported.
Theron, who performed most of her own stunts, trained extensively with professional climbers. In interviews, she emphasized the film’s themes of grief, resilience and female strength. “Sasha is pushing her limits both physically and emotionally,” she told The New York Times. “Life is so beautiful, but it can also be brutal.”
Busy 2026 for Theron
“Apex” marks a busy year for the South African-born star. She is also set to appear in Christopher Nolan’s highly anticipated epic “The Odyssey,” scheduled for a July 2026 release. Theron has described working with Nolan as “amazing” and a dream collaboration.
Her fashion choices during the “Apex” press tour have also drawn attention, with standout looks on “The View” and “Today” showcasing Bottega Veneta and other designers. Theron continues her long-standing partnership with Dior as the face of J’adore, marking over two decades with the brand.
Personal Reflections and Career Evolution
In recent interviews, Theron has spoken candidly about aging in Hollywood, motherhood and finding balance. A single mother to adopted children, she has emphasized the importance of representation and strong female roles. “I want my daughters to see women who are complex, strong and real,” she told one outlet.
Her willingness to embrace physically demanding roles — from “Mad Max: Fury Road” to “Atomic Blonde” and now “Apex” — has cemented her status as one of Hollywood’s most committed action stars. At 50, she continues redefining what leading roles look like for women in their prime.
Fan and Industry Reaction
The “Apex” promotional campaign, including Theron’s daring Times Square climb, has gone viral, with fans praising her dedication and sense of humor. Social media is filled with clips of her interviews alongside Egerton, where the pair share playful banter and behind-the-scenes stories.
Industry insiders see “Apex” as part of Theron’s strategy to balance big studio projects with more personal, high-concept thrillers. With Nolan’s “The Odyssey” on the horizon, 2026 could be one of her most impactful years yet.
As “Apex” streams globally on Netflix, Theron continues her press tour with appearances and stunts that keep her firmly in the spotlight. Whether scaling billboards or confronting personal and professional challenges on screen, the actress remains a force in Hollywood — proving that at 50, she is only getting started on new heights.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Residents across the Kansas City metro area hunkered down Monday as powerful severe thunderstorms brought tornado warnings, flash flooding and damaging winds, forcing road closures, water rescues and widespread power outages in one of the most active severe weather periods of 2026.
The National Weather Service issued multiple tornado warnings and flash flood warnings throughout the day, with the greatest threats concentrated south and east of the metro. A tornado watch remained in effect into the evening for several counties in Missouri and Kansas, including areas near Harrisonville, Clinton and Warrensburg.
Heavy rainfall has already caused flash flooding in low-lying areas, with several water rescues reported in Parkville, Riverside and parts of Kansas City proper. Officials urged drivers to avoid flooded roads, warning that just six inches of moving water can sweep away a vehicle.
Dangerous Conditions Unfold
Storms intensified Monday morning, bringing frequent lightning, large hail and gusty winds. A severe thunderstorm warning was active for portions of Cass, Henry, Jackson, Johnson and Lafayette counties in Missouri, with winds up to 60 mph and quarter-size hail possible.
The combination of saturated soils from recent rains and new downpours has heightened flash flood risk. Some locations have already received more than an inch of rain in a short period, with additional heavy bands expected through the afternoon and evening.
Emergency managers activated local emergency operations centers and urged residents to have multiple ways to receive warnings, including weather radios and smartphone alerts. Schools in some districts dismissed early or switched to remote learning as a precaution.
Why So Active This Year?
2026 has already seen an above-average number of severe weather events in the Plains and Midwest. Meteorologists attribute the pattern to a strong jet stream, abundant moisture from the Gulf of Mexico and frequent clashes between warm, humid air and cooler systems. This setup has produced repeated rounds of thunderstorms, hail and tornadoes across the region.
Kansas City itself has experienced several significant events this spring, including confirmed tornadoes in nearby communities. The current system is part of a broader severe weather outbreak affecting much of the central United States.
Safety Messages from Officials
The National Weather Service and local emergency management urged residents to take the threats seriously. Key advice includes:
- Moving to an interior room on the lowest floor during tornado warnings.
- Avoiding travel on flooded roads — “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.”
- Having an emergency kit with water, non-perishable food, flashlights and charged devices.
- Monitoring local media and weather apps for updates.
Power outages have affected thousands, with utility crews working to restore service as safely as possible. Some neighborhoods may remain without power into Tuesday.
Community Impact
The storms disrupted Monday commutes, school schedules and daily routines. Many businesses closed early or operated with limited staff. Hospitals reported treating minor storm-related injuries, primarily from fallen branches and minor accidents.
In rural areas south of the metro, farmers expressed concern about crop damage from hail and excessive rain at a critical planting time. Local officials are assessing damage in hardest-hit communities as the system moves through.
Looking Ahead
Forecasters say additional rounds of storms are possible through Tuesday morning before conditions gradually improve mid-week. A brief break is expected later in the week, with cooler and drier air settling in. However, the active pattern may continue into early May, keeping severe weather risks elevated.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed through official channels. The National Weather Service Kansas City office continues to provide frequent updates via its website, social media and NOAA Weather Radio.
This latest severe weather event serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of spring in the Midwest. While Kansas City has experienced its share of storms this season, officials stress that preparation and awareness remain the best defenses against nature’s power. As the system continues to move through the region, safety remains the top priority for families, first responders and emergency managers working to protect the community.
Intellia Therapeutics, building exterior and company sign, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.
Spencer Grant | Universal Images Group | Getty Images
Intellia Therapeutics said its Crispr-based treatment for a rare swelling condition met its goals in a late-stage trial, marking a milestone for the field of gene editing and putting the company on track to seek approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
The company’s treatment uses Nobel Prize-winning technology Crispr to edit DNA and turn off the gene that controls production of a peptide that’s overactive in people with hereditary angioedema, causing them to experience potentially life-threatening swelling attacks. Intellia’s treatment is administered once through an hourslong infusion, making the edits directly in the liver.
Intellia said the one-time treatment reduced attacks by 87% compared with a placebo, meeting the study’s main goal. Six months after treatment, 62% of patients were free from attacks and weren’t using other therapies, Intellia said.
The company described the safety and tolerability of the treatment as “favorable,” reporting the most common side effects were infusion-related reactions, headaches and fatigue. Analysts were closely watching safety in the trial since a patient in a separate trial of a different treatment from Intellia died from liver toxicity.
“When you think about where we started with Crispr, just 12 years ago with some of the fundamental insights, I think there was a lot of talk about what might be possible, and we’ve had reports along the way in terms of milestones, but this is the first Phase 3 data in any indication with in vivo Crispr where you’re actually changing a gene that causes disease,” said Intellia CEO John Leonard.
The only FDA-approved Crispr-based medicine comes from Vertex Pharmaceuticals. Called Casgevy, the gene editing is done outside the body, or ex vivo. The process requires collecting a person’s blood cells, making the edits outside the body, then reinfusing them back into a patient. Intellia’s treatment, meanwhile, makes the edits inside the body, or in vivo.
Intellia said it has started a rolling application with the FDA and plans to complete the filing in the second half of this year. The company expects to launch the treatment in the U.S. in the first half of next year, if it’s approved.
If approved, Intellia’s treatment, lonvoguran ziclumeran, will compete with about a dozen other chronic drugs for HAE. Despite the allure of a one-time treatment, genetic medicines haven’t always been a commercial successes. BioMarin withdrew its gene therapy for Hemophilia A because of weak sales, for example.
Leonard said there are important differences between the two, like the fact that BioMarin’s therapy faced questions about how long the effects would last. In contrast, he said Intellia hasn’t seen a single case in almost six years where the effects diminished over time.
Despite the results, he’s reluctant to call Intellia’s treatment a functional cure.
“I think this is a tipping point for the disease and tipping point for Crispr-based in vivo therapy where you can make a change [and] it’s permanent,” Leonard said. “And, as far as we can tell, we don’t have a single patient in this program or other program where there’s been any waning of the effect of what we did to the gene or the effect of what we’ve seen with the clinical aspects of the disease itself. So it’s pretty exciting.”
Connecting trends and formulation opportunities across bakery, snacks, and protein applications
Spotify is increasing its push beyond music and podcasts as the company on Monday announced a new fitness category partnership with Peloton Interactive.
The deal will make more than 1,400 Peloton classes available to Spotify Premium subscribers across most of its global markets, embedding fitness content directly into Spotify’s existing audio and video ecosystem, according to the companies. The offering includes strength training, Pilates, barre, yoga, meditation and more.
“As we continue to forge a path deeper into wellness, our work with Spotify is just our latest move to expand our reach and capture new revenue streams through Peloton’s unmatched experience, content and instruction,” Peloton’s chief commercial officer, Dion Camp Sanders, said in the release.
Neither company disclosed financial terms, but the partnership is an indication of both companies’ strategic priorities.
For Spotify, the move represents a deeper expansion into wellness, opening up new engagement and monetization pathways beyond its core music and podcast business. Fitness content keeps users on the platform longer and creates opportunities to layer in subscriptions, advertising and creator-driven revenue streams, the company said in a release.
Spotify said more than 150 million fitness playlists are already active globally, with nearly 70% of Premium users reporting they work out monthly.
“Fitness is a natural extension of how people already use Spotify today — to get motivated, recover and reset,” a Spotify spokesperson told CNBC.
Spotify is also building out a broader creator ecosystem around fitness beyond Peloton, working with fitness creators like Yoga With Kassandra, Caitlin K’eli Yoga, Sweaty Studio and Chloe Ting who can monetize through existing tools such as the Spotify partner Program.
For Peloton, the agreement accelerates its pivot away from a hardware-centric model toward scalable, high-margin content distribution. CEO Peter Stern said the deal also builds on his international expansion ambitions.
“Spotify provides a global stage for our instructors, in which they have now the ability to meet hundreds of millions of Spotify Premium subscribers,” Stern told CNBC.
By tapping Spotify’s reach, Peloton is gaining exposure without requiring users to own its equipment or subscribe to its standalone app.
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby (L) and American Airlines CEO Robert Isom listen as U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy speaks to reporters outside the White House on October 30, 2025 in Washington, D.C.
Kevin Dietsch | Getty Images
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby confirmed on Monday that he approached American Airlines about a potential merger, a possibility American rejected.
“I approached American about exploring a combination because I thought we could do something incredible for customers together,” Kirby said in a statement. He said he shared his “big, bold vision” because he was confident it could win regulatory approval.
American rejected the idea and its CEO, Robert Isom, last week said such a merger would be bad for customers and “anticompetitive.”
Kirby had floated the idea to the Trump administration earlier this year, according to a person familiar with the matter, in hopes that that the combination would mean a big global airline to compete with foreign rivals.
American declined to comment on Kirby’s Monday statement.
“I was hoping to pitch that story to American, but they declined to engage and instead responded by publicly closing the door,” Kirby said in his statement on Monday. “And without a willing partner, something this big simply can’t get done.”
He said that “American’s public comments make it clear that a merger like this is off the table for the foreseeable future” but outlined his vision for a combined airline.
Kirby reiterated that the country has deficit with foreign airlines that fly more than half of the long-haul seats into the U.S., with most of the customers being Americans.
“The combined scale of United and American would be a better way to compete with foreign carriers,” he said.
President Donald Trump said he was against the idea of a combination last week.
“I don’t like having them merge,” he told CNBC’s “Squawk Box” on Tuesday morning. He said he would, however, like someone to buy struggling discount carrier Spirit but he also suggested that the federal government could “help that one out.”
Spirit and the Trump administration are in advanced talks for a rescue package.
First quarter sales lifted by confectionery category, while frozen remains soft.
ACM Research expects Q1 revenue of $225M to $230M
Next bajaj finance? Hidden nbfc stock for 2026
How freak weather and an old-fashioned grid exacerbate energy insecurity
Huntington Ingalls: Positioned For The Largest Naval Buildout In Decades
Manchester United reach agreement with Casemiro over contract clause amid transfer speculation
US brings back mandatory military draft registration
Steven Gerrard disagrees with Gary Neville over ‘shock’ Chelsea and Arsenal claim | Football
-
Politics7 days agoGary Stevenson delivers timely reminder to register to vote as deadline TODAY
-
Fashion3 days agoWeekend Open Thread – Corporette.com
-
Crypto World2 days agoHyperliquid $HYPE Rally Builds Momentum as AI Sector Enters Prove-It Phase
-
Crypto World7 days ago
Bank of Hawai’i (BOH) Q1 2026: Net Income Drops to $57.4M as Net Interest Margin Expands
-
Politics5 days agoMaking troops accountable for war crimes threatens US alliance, ex-SAS colonel warns
-
Politics5 days agoDisabled people challenge government SEND proposals over segregation concerns
-
Business5 days agoRolls-Royce Voted UK’s Most Iconic Trade Mark as IPO Register Hits 150
-
Business4 days agoPatterson-UTI Energy, Inc. (PTEN) Q1 2026 Earnings Call Transcript
-
Politics5 days agoZack Polanski responds to home secretary’s taser threat
-
Crypto World6 days agoFive Value Stocks with Recovery Potential in 2026: PayPal (PYPL), Nike (NKE), and More
-
Politics5 days agoStarmer handler McSweeney to be dragged from shadows by Foreign Affairs Committee
-
Sports1 day agoIPL 2026: Ruturaj Gaikwad registers slowest fifty of the season, enters all-time unwanted list | Cricket News
-
Politics5 days ago
Wings Over Scotland | How To Get Away With Crimes
-
Crypto World6 days agoNew York sues Coinbase, Gemini over prediction market offerings
-
Business5 days agoHCL Tech share price tank over 9% after weak Q4. JPMorgan, HSBC & 3 others cut target price
-
Politics5 days ago‘Iran is still a nuclear threat’
-
Entertainment6 days ago
Sydney Sweeney cameo cut from “The Devil Wears Prada 2”, source explains why (exclusive)
-
Crypto World6 days agoCrypto’s great hope in Senate’s Clarity Act still has a path to survive tight calendar
-
Sports4 days agoTim Bradley names the current best in the world: “Better than Inoue and Usyk”
-
NewsBeat1 day agoLK Bennett closes all stores after entering administration
You must be logged in to post a comment Login