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.
Luka Doncic
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
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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
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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.”
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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.
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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.
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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.
Valmont Industries, Inc. (VMI) Shareholder/Analyst Call April 27, 2026 11:00 AM EDT
Company Participants
Mogens Bay John Schwietz – Executive VP, CFO & Corporate Secretary
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Presentation
Operator
Greetings, and welcome to Valmont Industries 2026 Annual Shareholders Meeting. [Operator Instructions]
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As a reminder, this conference is being recorded. I would now like to turn the call over to Valmont’s Chairman of the Board, Mogens Bay. Thank you. You may begin.
Mogens Bay
Good morning. My name is Mogens Bay, and as Chairman of Valmont, it’s my pleasure to welcome you to our Annual Meeting. Today’s meeting is being audio webcast to our shareholders and will be made available for replay at our website, valmont.com.
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We have four proposals that are outlined in Valmont’s proxy statement to be voted upon at this meeting. We will then announce the results. All Valmont directors are present at today’s meeting.
Greg Geyer of KPMG is participating in today’s meeting, and KPMG is available to respond to any questions you may have about our financials. At this point, I call upon John Schwietz, CFO and Corporate Secretary, to read the required legal notice.
John Schwietz Executive VP, CFO & Corporate Secretary
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Mr. Chairman, this meeting is convened in accordance with the proxy mailed on March 11, 2026, to all shareholders of record as of March 2, 2026. We have received the affidavit of mailing from Broadridge stating that this mailing was complete and accurate.
Anita Gillespie has been appointed inspector of the election, and a list of all shareholders is available for review. The inspector has advised us that there were 19,547,213 shares outstanding and entitled to vote at this meeting. Of that number, more than 91% are represented by proxy at this time.
Mogens Bay
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Thank you. There are four matters for shareholders to
A pedestrian walks by a Domino’s Pizza on Dec. 9, 2025 in San Francisco, California.
Justin Sullivan | Getty Images
Domino’s Pizza stock fell 10% in morning trading on Monday after it reported weaker-than-expected U.S. same-store sales growth.
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The chain’s domestic same-store sales rose just 0.9%, lower than the 2.3% bump expected by Wall Street analysts, based on StreetAccount estimates.
“We’re not happy with it,” CEO Russell Weiner told CNBC.
The pizza chain also lowered its full-year U.S. same-store sales forecast to low-single digit growth, down from its prior projection that U.S. same-store sales will increase 3%.
Weiner said he expects more fast-food chains to report similar headwinds from winter weather and weak consumer sentiment, which took a dive in March due to spiking fuel prices caused by the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran.
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“One of the bad things about reporting first is you don’t get to hear about anybody else,” Weiner said.
Domino’s kicked off the earnings season for restaurant chains. Starbucks is on deck after the bell on Tuesday, and Chipotle Mexican Grill and Pizza Hut owner Yum Brands are expected to share their results on Wednesday. Rival Papa John’s will report its earnings next Thursday.
During the quarter, Domino’s also faced stiffer competition from rival pizza chains. Papa John’s and Pizza Hut both matched Domino’s $9.99 “Best Deal Ever” with promotions at the same price point. And Little Caesars undercut Domino’s $6.99 Mix & Match deal with a $5.99 version.
“People are seeing what we’re doing, and they’re sick of losing share, and they’re coming at it,” Weiner said, adding that he still expects Papa John’s and Pizza Hut to report same-store sales declines for the quarter despite the new promotions.
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Looking ahead, Weiner expressed confidence that Domino’s will prove itself in the long run.
“Domino’s has got a bigger advertising budget than our second two competitors combined,” he said. “And those competitors are both going up for sale, so we know things aren’t good there right now.”
Yum announced in November that it was exploring strategic options for Pizza Hut, which could include a sale. And Papa John’s is reportedly in talks with Qatari-backed Irth Capital to go private. Both chains have also announced plans to close hundreds of restaurants this year, which could further boost Domino’s dominant position in the pizza category.
And if either Pizza Hut or Papa John’s goes private, Weiner said he expects that a new owner would shutter even more locations — a win for Domino’s.
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Shares of Domino’s have lost nearly a third of their value over the last year. The company’s market cap has fallen to roughly $11.2 billion.
NEW YORK — Veradermics Inc. shares skyrocketed more than 42% Monday, surging to $96.60 in morning trading after the dermatology-focused biopharmaceutical company announced strongly positive topline results from its Phase 2/3 clinical trial of VDPHL01, an oral treatment for male pattern hair loss that demonstrated early, consistent and robust hair growth.
Veradermics Stock Explodes 43% After Positive Phase 3 Hair Loss Drug Trial Results
The New Haven, Connecticut-based company, which went public earlier this year, saw its market capitalization jump by more than $1 billion in a single session as investors rushed to buy shares following the news. Trading volume was exceptionally heavy, with millions of shares changing hands in the first hours of the session.
Veradermics said its lead candidate VDPHL01 achieved statistically significant hair growth in the pivotal “302” study involving men with mild-to-moderate pattern hair loss. The oral, non-hormonal therapy showed rapid onset of action, with visible improvements noted as early as eight weeks and continuing through the 24-week endpoint. The results position VDPHL01 as a potential first-in-class treatment in a market long dominated by topical minoxidil and oral finasteride.
Breakthrough in Hair Loss Treatment
The company plans to hold a conference call Tuesday to discuss the detailed results. Analysts hailed the data as “transformational,” noting that VDPHL01 could capture a significant share of the multibillion-dollar global hair loss market if approved. Leerink Partners raised its price target on the stock to $90 from $75 following the announcement, maintaining an Outperform rating.
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Veradermics CEO Dr. Reid Waldman expressed excitement in a prepared statement. “These results represent a major milestone not only for Veradermics but for the millions of men seeking safe, effective and convenient solutions for hair loss,” he said. The company is also advancing studies for female pattern hair loss, marking the first Phase 3 program of its kind in the U.S.
Company Background and IPO Success
Veradermics went public in February 2026 at $17 per share and has seen extraordinary volatility since its debut. The stock has more than quadrupled in value this year, driven by investor enthusiasm for its pipeline of dermatology and aesthetics products. The company focuses on turning common skin and hair concerns into proven therapeutic solutions through rigorous clinical development.
With cash reserves strengthened by its upsized IPO, Veradermics is well-funded to complete its ongoing Phase 3 programs and prepare for potential regulatory submissions. The company ended 2025 with significant cash on hand and has been aggressively advancing its clinical timeline.
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Market Reaction and Analyst Views
Wall Street reacted enthusiastically to the news. Several firms reiterated Buy ratings, citing the strong efficacy data and large addressable market for hair loss treatments. Jim Cramer highlighted the stock on his show, calling it a “double or nothing” opportunity in the aesthetics space.
However, some analysts cautioned that the stock’s rapid run-up leaves it vulnerable to pullbacks. Valuation concerns persist, with the company still in the pre-revenue stage and facing competition from established players. Shares remain well below their recent 52-week high but have shown remarkable resilience.
Broader Industry Context
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The positive results come at a time of growing interest in non-hormonal hair loss solutions. Current treatments like finasteride carry potential side effects that deter many patients, creating an opening for new therapies. Veradermics’ approach, if successful, could disrupt the market and offer a convenient oral option for both men and women.
The dermatology and aesthetics sector has seen increased investor attention in recent years, driven by aging populations and rising demand for cosmetic and therapeutic solutions. Veradermics’ progress validates the potential for innovation in this space.
What’s Next for Veradermics
The company will now focus on completing its remaining Phase 3 trials, including studies in female patients. Topline data from additional trials is expected later this year and in 2027. If approved, VDPHL01 could reach the market as early as 2028, representing a major commercial opportunity.
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For investors, Monday’s surge underscores the high-risk, high-reward nature of clinical-stage biotech stocks. While the data appears compelling, full approval and commercial success are still years away and subject to regulatory hurdles.
As Veradermics continues its journey from clinical development to potential commercialization, the company’s progress will be closely watched by patients, physicians and investors alike. The strong Phase 2/3 results mark a pivotal moment that could transform treatment options for pattern hair loss and reward shareholders who bet on the company’s innovative approach.
Blackpool scheme will include 19 shipping containers
Richard Hunt and Local Democracy Reporter
16:00, 27 Apr 2026
How Blackpool’s Southbeach Streetfood project will look(Image: Local Democracy Reporting Service)
New jobs are now on offer as Blackpool’s ambitious Southbeach Streetfood project moves closer.
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The new food destination is located opposite the Sandcastle Waterpark on South Shore promenade and will feature 19 converted shipping containers.
It will include food concessions ranging from Thai and Mexican to Spanish tapas and wood fired pizza.
The site will offer seating for up to 400 diners, and be designed with entertainment space so it can host events and music, with screens to show big sporting occasions.
It was hoped the attraction would be ready to open in June but the physical preparations needed for the groundwork have taken longer than anticipated and now it looks set to launch in July.
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FBS Engineering of Poulton has officially begun transforming the shipping containers that will form the backbone of the development after recently moving into a larger workshop to accommodate the scale of the project.
Jamie Willacy, Director of Southbeach Streetfood UK Limited, said a lot of work had been going on behind the scenes.
He said: “Things are moving forward again. Engineers will start work on the foundations next week, ready for the groundworks to begin, in preparation for the mezzanine floor to be put in place.
“In the background, work has already started on the first six of the 19 containers, cutting out the doors and lining the insides with insulation.
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“There has been a slight delay in the preparation to make sure everything is absolutely correct, so we’re looking at July rather than June now.
“We’ll definitely be up and running in time for the summer holidays.”
The project places a strong emphasis on sustainability and ethical trading with menus designed to reduce food waste and ingredients sourced from local suppliers wherever possible.
Alongside the food offering, visitors can expect live music from local artists, children’s activities, dance showcases, live cookery demonstrations and a curated bar featuring beers, wines and spirits.
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Jamie said: ” We’re also excited to announce new job opportunities for Southbeach Streetfood
“If anyone would love to be part of a fresh new food and hospitality destination on the Prom, now is the perfect time to take a look.
“Whether you’re experienced in customer service, hospitality or just ready for your next opportunity, this could be your chance to join something exciting from the very start.”
To find all the planning applications, traffic diversions, road layout changes, alcohol licence applications and more in your community, visit the Public Notices Portal.
Former New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu stresses the economic impact of government shutdowns on ‘Maria Bartiromo’s Wall Street.’
Chevron CEO Mike Wirth warned that strain on the aviation industry could intensify in the coming weeks as jet fuel supplies tighten, driven by disruptions tied to the Iran war.
Appearing Sunday on CBS News’ “Face the Nation,” Wirth said jet fuel in key regions was already at seasonally low levels before the conflict began, leaving markets vulnerable to supply shocks.
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“It’s not flowing today. So, we are seeing jet fuel tighten very quickly in Europe, in Asia, and we’re seeing airlines announce adjustments in their flight schedules,” Wirth said. “I think aviation is clearly an area where it’s going to probably get worse over the next few weeks.”
Jet fuel prices have surged sharply since late February, reflecting constrained shipping through the Strait of Hormuz – a critical oil transit choke point through which roughly one-fifth of global supply typically passes.
Chevron CEO Mike Wirth. (Ronaldo Schemidt/AFP via Getty Images)
U.S. jet fuel prices have climbed from about $2.50 per gallon before the conflict to $4.19 per gallon as of April 24, according to Airlines for America. Globally, prices remain volatile, with the International Air Transport Association reporting a 6.7% week-over-week decline to $184.63 per barrel, even as broader supply pressures persist.
Airlines are already adjusting operations in response to higher fuel costs. United Airlines said it plans to cut about 5% of its planned capacity this year, while Delta Air Lines has trimmed growth plans by roughly 3.5 percentage points.
U.S. jet fuel prices have climbed from about $2.50 per gallon before the conflict to $4.19 per gallon as of April 24. (Giuseppe Cacace/AFP via Getty Images)
Fuel typically accounts for about a quarter of airline operating costs, leaving carriers highly exposed to price swings. In response, airlines are reducing lower-margin routes and leaning on higher fares and fees to offset rising expenses.
Consumers are beginning to feel the impact. Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows airfares rose month over month in March, a trend that could accelerate as carriers pass along higher fuel costs and limit capacity heading into the peak summer travel season.
Wirth said the core issue remains disrupted energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz. Reduced shipments from Middle Eastern refiners, which supply a significant share of global jet fuel, have tightened availability across Europe and Asia.
A Delta Air Lines flight in March 2026. (Kevin Carter/Getty Images)
He added that the global energy system has lost much of its flexibility, with inventories that typically act as “shock absorbers” now depleted after weeks of disruption.
“The risks kind of skew to the upside right now,” Wirth said, noting that even if flows resume, it could take time for supply chains and inventories to normalize.
In the meantime, airlines and travelers are likely to continue feeling the effects, as higher fuel costs ripple through flight schedules, pricing and availability.
Good morning. This is Dominik Prokop, on behalf of Alior Bank. May I welcome everyone to the results conference. We will talk about the first quarter 2026. And the first part, the bank’s results as well as the trends, they will be discussed by members of the Board, President, Piotr Zabski, who will sum up the most important trends and will tell us about business results, Deputy President, Marcin Ciszewski, who will tell us about Risk; and Deputy President, Zdzislaw Wojtera, who will tell us about finance.
After the end of the presentation, we will have a Q&A session. Before I hand over to Piotr, may I encourage everyone to ask questions already during the first part of the conference, which will help us smoothly move into the Q&A session.
Piotr, you have the floor.
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Piotr Zabski President of the Management Board & CEO
Good morning, everyone. The presentation will be composed of 4 parts. Firstly, operational activities with 2 business lines, the corporate and the individual customers, then the risk result and then financial results and other issues. So let me move on to the operational activities and about the first quarter. What you can see here is a slightly changed makeup of the presentation. We wanted to refer to our strategies. There are 3 pillars on the left, scaling up, high resilience, operational excellence. And it’s within these categories that I’d like to tell you about what went on in the first quarter.
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