Once upon a time California was a truly great state. After World War II people were moving West. It was beautiful. It worked. It had good cops. It had fabulous business opportunities. Taxes were modest. Roads were being built. GI’s coming home from the war went to live there, went to school there, married there, had kids there, got educated there. Wow, what a place.

Richard Nixon came out of California. Ronald Reagan came out of California. S.I. Hayakawa, California. George Murphy. The great Pete Wilson. George Deukmejian. Even the liberals weren’t all that liberal. And most of all, California worked. But that was then. 

Now, it doesn’t work anymore, as everybody knows. So today is the big election day, jungle primary day, and the big race is really for Los Angeles’s mayor. Now I won’t forget my pal Steve Hilton, with a Trump endorsement — I hope he does well in the gubernatorial race, but all the talk is about Spencer Pratt running for Mayor against Karen Bass.

This is a very important race, but it’s not really a policy debate, and it’s not really a partisan political race in the usual sense. I think it’s more a question of whether moms can win back Los Angeles as a good place to live. And this chap Spencer Pratt is going for the moms’ vote. Of course it’s about the fires. It’s about the homeless, it’s about drugs, and schools, and safety. That’s why I think it’s about moms. And I have a feeling they’re going to vote their gut. It’s not so much about policies as it is about moms and their families.

My friend Victor Davis Hanson writes how the Democratic party itself has been hijacked by a bunch of left-wing Jacobins. Crazy people of whom Mayor Karen Bass is a card-carrying member.

Today’s Democrats don’t mind Nazi tattoos. They want the southern border to be open. Everything is about racism, DEI. They’re for cashless bail. Biological men in women’s sports. Arrest violent felons and put them back on the streets. Radical abortion on demand. And virtually no place for God and religion.

For some reason, these democratic left-wing Jacobins have completely lost touch with working-class folks of all colors, shapes, and sizes, which is why President Trump has whooped them two out of the last three elections: maybe three out of the last three elections.

As I said before, I really don’t think this election is a heavy dose of policy. Today’s election is not about Mr. Trump. It may not even determine whether Los Angeles ends up in dystopia or recovery for the next 20 years. Instead today’s election is about a nice guy whose home was burned in the fires, with a clever sense of humor, a lot of common sense, and an appeal to Los Angeles moms to please come home.

As governments across the world restricted the movements of their citizens during Covid lockdowns from 2020, people spent more time online. We bought more online and socialised more online, and this brought us closer to the people who want to scam us. At the same time, realistic video impersonations, voices, websites, and texts became more commonplace, and scammers increased their use of social media including WhatsApp.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Lionel Messi trained individually during Argentina’s first session at their U.S. training camp as the 38-year-old captain continues recovering from left hamstring muscle fatigue, though team officials expect the superstar to be available for the World Cup opener against Algeria.

The Argentine Football Association confirmed Messi worked apart from the main group Monday at the Kansas City base as part of a cautious recovery protocol. The forward has been managing the issue since late May, prompting the individualized program to ensure full fitness ahead of the June 16 group-stage match.

Manager Lionel Scaloni expressed measured optimism as the reigning champions began preparations on American soil. Medical staff project Messi will rejoin full training in coming days, positioning him to lead the Albiceleste in their title defense. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner remains central to Argentina’s hopes despite his advancing age.

Multiple Injury Concerns Test Depth

Argentina’s medical department is monitoring several players dealing with various ailments. Goalkeeper Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez, midfielders Nico Paz, Leandro Paredes, Nico González and Thiago Almada, plus defenders Gonzalo Montiel and Nahuel Molina trained separately under physiotherapy supervision. The AFA described their progress as satisfactory, with targeted rehabilitation aimed at building stability before competitive action.

The cluster of injuries adds complexity to Scaloni’s preparations. Argentina faces a demanding schedule, including warm-up friendlies against Honduras on Saturday and Iceland on June 9 in Auburn, Alabama. The team will then open World Cup play in Kansas City against Algeria, followed by matches versus Austria and Jordan.

Positive developments provided balance. Tottenham Hotspur defender Cristian “Cuti” Romero returned to full training after recovering from a right knee ligament sprain. Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez also participated in the main session, marking his return after an ankle sprain sustained May 5. Both players received medical clearance, boosting Scaloni’s tactical options.

Messi’s Enduring Importance

At 38, Messi continues defying typical career timelines. His club form with Inter Miami this season showed flashes of brilliance despite occasional physical setbacks. The hamstring fatigue prompted a conservative approach upon joining the national team, prioritizing long-term availability over immediate full participation.

Argentina’s reliance on Messi extends beyond his technical brilliance. His leadership and experience anchoring the attack remain vital for a squad blending veterans and emerging talents. Scaloni has built the team around Messi’s creativity, and his potential absence, even temporary, would force tactical adjustments.

The U.S.-based camp has drawn significant local and international attention. Security measures and media presence reflect the high stakes as defending champions. Public interest in Messi’s condition dominated early discussions, underscoring his global stature even as younger players step forward.

Squad Building and Tactical Outlook

Scaloni has emphasized squad depth throughout the buildup. The returns of Romero and Alvarez strengthen defensive solidity and attacking threat respectively. Romero’s aerial prowess and Alvarez’s movement provide balance, particularly important against Algeria’s organized defense in the opener.

The friendly against Honduras offers an early test of cohesion. The match will allow evaluation of combinations without risking key players still regaining match sharpness. The subsequent Iceland fixture serves as final preparation before the tournament proper.

Group stage opponents present varied challenges. Algeria brings North African intensity and counter-attacking speed. Austria offers European tactical discipline, while Jordan represents an unpredictable wildcard. Argentina enters as favorites but recognizes the need for full fitness across the roster.

Historical Context and Expectations

Argentina captured the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, ending a 36-year drought with Messi at the forefront. That triumph, sealed in a dramatic final against France, elevated the squad’s status and Messi’s legacy. The current campaign represents an opportunity for back-to-back titles, a feat last achieved by Brazil in 1962.

Injuries have tested the squad before. Similar precautionary management occurred ahead of Copa America campaigns, where Messi ultimately delivered. The current situation echoes that approach — careful progression rather than rushed returns.

The broader national team picture includes integration of younger talents. Players like Nico Paz and Thiago Almada represent the future, gaining valuable experience even while managing minor issues. Their development alongside established stars strengthens long-term prospects.

Camp Logistics and External Factors

Hosting the camp in the United States aligns with the tournament’s North American venues. Kansas City’s facilities provide modern training grounds and recovery resources ideal for addressing fitness concerns. Local support has been enthusiastic, reflecting soccer’s growing footprint in the region.

Travel and acclimatization add layers to preparation. Players arriving from European and South American clubs must adjust to time zones and climate. Medical staff monitor workload closely to prevent exacerbating existing conditions.

Public discourse around Messi’s fitness highlights the intense scrutiny on star athletes. Social media and traditional outlets have amplified every training detail, creating a constant feedback loop. The AFA’s transparent updates help manage expectations while protecting player privacy.

Path Forward for Argentina

As the World Cup approaches, focus remains on gradual reintegration. Messi’s individualized sessions allow monitoring without pressure. Full participation in later friendlies would signal readiness for the tournament’s rigors.

Scaloni’s experience navigating injury situations provides reassurance. His calm demeanor and strategic flexibility have defined successful campaigns. The manager will balance short-term caution with the need to build chemistry before June 16.

For fans worldwide, the narrative centers on whether Messi can deliver one more transcendent performance on the global stage. His presence elevates Argentina’s ceiling, but the squad’s depth offers resilience if any absences persist.

The coming days will clarify timelines. Training updates, friendly performances and final squad selections will shape perceptions. Argentina enters the tournament with champion pedigree and elite talent, tempered by the realities of physical management at the highest level.

With the opening match weeks away, the priority is clear: arrive healthy, unified and prepared to defend the crown. Messi’s careful progression forms the cornerstone of that effort, supported by returning teammates and a structured recovery environment.

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PetMed Express, Inc. (PETS) Q4 2026 Earnings Call June 2, 2026 4:30 PM EDT

Company Participants

Leslie C. Campbell – Executive Chairman of the Board, Interim CEO & President
Douglas Krulik – Chief Accounting Officer, Principal Acc. Off., Interim Principal Financial Officer & Treasurer

Conference Call Participants

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Reed Anderson – ICR Inc.

Presentation

Operator

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Greetings, and welcome to the PetMed Express Fiscal Fourth Quarter 2026 Financial Results Conference Call. [Operator Instructions] It’s now my pleasure to introduce your host, Reed Anderson with ICR. Thank you, you may now begin.

Reed Anderson
ICR Inc.

Thank you, and welcome to the PetMed Express Fiscal Fourth Quarter 2026 Earnings Conference Call. With us on the call today are Leslie Campbell, PetMed’s Chairman, Interim CEO and President; and Doug Krulik, Interim Principal Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer.

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Certain information included during this call may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as amended that may involve a number of risks and uncertainties. These statements are based on our beliefs as well as assumptions we have used based upon information currently available to us. Because these statements reflect our current views concerning future events, these statements involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Actual results could differ materially from those projected. There can be no assurance that any forward-looking results will occur or be realized, and nothing contained in this presentation is or should be relied upon as a representation or warranty as to any future matter, including any matter in respect of the operations or business or financial condition of PetMeds.

PetMeds undertakes no obligation to update publicly these forward-looking statements based on subsequent events, except as may be required by applicable law, regulation or other competent legal authority. We have identified

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The S&P 500 and the Dow closed modestly higher ​on Tuesday as risk appetite driven by AI fervor was counterbalanced by tensions arising from U.S.-Iran talks to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and end the months-long war.

Gains in most of the 11 major S&P sectors kept the S&P 500 and the Dow in the green, with the small-cap Russell 2000 outperforming its larger-cap peers. The Nasdaq ‌ended the session essentially unchanged.

Small-cap ⁠stocks have ⁠been some of the biggest beneficiaries of the ongoing enthusiasm surrounding artificial intelligence stocks, which provided some upside muscle. The Philadelphia SE Semiconductor Index advanced on the day.

The Software & Services Index, ​battered in recent months over worries of AI disruption, closed in negative territory.

Strong results from Hewlett Packard Enterprise and a funding commitment from Alphabet reinforced confidence in the ​AI buildout.

“The market is kind of muted at the surface level, but there is a lot going on under the hood, and that describes much of this year,” said Mike Dickson, head of portfolio management at Horizon Investments in Charlotte, North Carolina. “There’s some massive dispersion in the whole AI infrastructure ​ecosystem.”
“Markets could be in for one of these heated, melt-up rallies where the momentum keeps ⁠winning,” Dickson ‌added. “I would not be surprised at all to be sitting here at the end of the summer a good bit ​higher.”Tehran is studying a ​U.S. proposal to bring the war to a halt, but has not been in contact with Washington ⁠for days, according to Iranian media, which also said Iran is taking a “stern” approach, given ​what it views as a history of U.S. noncompliance and mutual distrust. Simultaneously, Israel is continuing its ​strikes on Lebanon, despite Tehran’s warnings that the attacks are threatening to derail the fragile truce.

The war has sent crude prices soaring, reviving worries over inflation and giving rise to an increasing likelihood that the U.S. Federal Reserve could hike interest rates by year-end. Cleveland Fed President Beth Hammack said on Tuesday that such a hike could become necessary if already-elevated inflation pressures continue to mount. On the economic front, a report from the Labor Department showed an unexpected spike in job openings, driven by the volatile professional and business services sector. Otherwise, hiring, firing and quits all decreased, suggesting a slowdown ‌in labor market churn in the face of uncertainties related to strife in the Middle East and inflationary effects.

Analysts look to the May employment report due on Friday, which is expected to show the U.S. economy added 85,000 jobs last ​month, a monthly deceleration ​of 26.1%. The unemployment rate is forecast ⁠to stand pat at 4.3%.

According to preliminary data, the S&P 500 gained 10.07 points, or 0.13%, to end at 7,610.03 points, while the Nasdaq Composite gained 8.78 points, or 0.03%, to 27,095.59. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 237.13 points, or 0.46%, to 51,316.01.

Hewlett Packard Enterprise jumped after ​the AI server maker pulled forward its long-term financial targets by two years. In further evidence of AI buildout, Alphabet said it was looking to raise $80 billion in equity offerings, including an investment from Berkshire Hathaway, to fund a costly expansion of its AI infrastructure. Its shares lost ground on the day. Marvell Technology’s shares surged after Nvidia Chief Executive Officer Jensen Huang called the chipmaker the next “trillion-dollar company” at the Computex conference in Taipei. Nvidia invested $2 billion in Marvell in March.

A drop in bitcoin hit cryptocurrency firms Coinbase and Strategy Inc.

Broadcom is expected to report quarterly results on Wednesday.

LISBON — Cristiano Ronaldo posted images from Portugal’s first training session of the 2026 World Cup cycle on Tuesday, signaling the start of preparations for what would be his record sixth appearance at the tournament as the 41-year-old captain seeks the one major trophy still missing from his illustrious career.

The Al Nassr forward appeared energized during drills at the Portuguese Football Federation’s facilities in Oeiras, sharing photos that captured the squad’s early sessions under coach Roberto Martínez. Portugal, reigning UEFA Nations League champions, opened their World Cup campaign in Group K on June 17 against the Democratic Republic of Congo in Houston.

Ronaldo’s participation marks the beginning of a high-stakes buildup for a squad blending established stars with emerging talent. Having recently led Al Nassr to the Saudi Pro League title with two goals in a season-ending victory, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner arrives in strong club form as he targets football’s ultimate prize.

Squad Depth and Key Returns

The full Portugal squad features a mix of Premier League standouts and players from top European clubs. Goalkeepers include Diogo Costa of Porto, José Sá of Wolverhampton and Rui Silva of Sporting CP. The defensive line boasts Ruben Dias and João Cancelo alongside younger options like Nuno Mendes and Gonçalo Inácio.

Midfield creativity centers on Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva and Vitinha, while the attack includes João Félix, Rafael Leão, Pedro Neto and Gonçalo Ramos supporting Ronaldo. Several players were still expected to join the camp in coming days, with the squad set to reach full strength by early June.

Martínez, who has guided the team since 2023, emphasized cohesion in the opening sessions. Early training focused on tactical alignment and fitness assessments as the team prepares for friendlies and the demanding group stage. Portugal’s training base in the United States, reportedly in the Palm Beach Gardens area of Florida, will provide familiar conditions ahead of matches in Houston and Miami.

Group Stage Challenges

Portugal faces a competitive Group K. After opening against DR Congo on June 17 at NRG Stadium in Houston, they meet Uzbekistan on June 23 at the same venue before concluding the group against Colombia on June 27 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. The schedule requires careful management of travel and recovery across Texas and Florida.

Analysts view Portugal as favorites to advance, but Colombia’s attacking flair and the physicality of African and Asian representatives present tests. Ronaldo’s experience will be crucial in navigating these matchups, particularly in high-pressure environments.

Historic Pursuit at Age 41

Ronaldo made his World Cup debut in 2006 as a 21-year-old. Now 41, he prepares for a sixth appearance, surpassing previous records. His longevity remains remarkable, with consistent club output in Saudi Arabia demonstrating sustained elite performance despite the physical demands.

The forward has scored in every major international tournament he has entered. Portugal’s best World Cup result came with a third-place finish in 1966. Reaching the semifinals or better in 2026 would represent a significant achievement for this generation.

Ronaldo has spoken previously about his drive for the World Cup, viewing it as the pinnacle. His leadership extends beyond goals, influencing younger teammates through work ethic and tactical awareness observed in early camp sessions.

Broader Team Context

Portugal enters the tournament with momentum from Nations League success. The squad benefits from a blend of experience and youth, with players like João Neves and Francisco Conceição adding dynamism. Injuries have been minimal in recent windows, though fitness monitoring remains key at this stage.

The coaching staff’s strategy likely revolves around structured possession, quick transitions and set-piece prowess — areas where Ronaldo has historically excelled. Martínez has rotated personnel effectively, ensuring depth across positions.

Preparations include friendlies that will test combinations before the tournament opener. The U.S.-based camp allows acclimatization to heat and travel conditions expected during the expanded 48-team competition running from June 11 to July 19 across North America.

Fan and Media Attention

Ronaldo’s Instagram posts generated immediate global engagement, reflecting his enduring popularity. Supporters expressed optimism about Portugal’s chances, with many highlighting the “last dance” narrative surrounding the captain’s potential final World Cup.

Media coverage has focused on Ronaldo’s fitness and leadership role. Observers note his influence on squad morale, particularly as younger players look to him for guidance in a high-stakes environment.

The tournament’s scale, with matches across three host nations, adds logistical complexity. Portugal’s group placement offers a balanced path, though advancement to the knockout rounds will require consistent performances.

Legacy and Future Outlook

For Ronaldo, the 2026 World Cup represents a chance to cap a career that includes Champions League titles, league championships across multiple countries and individual accolades. Portugal’s golden generation, featuring Fernandes, Silva and Dias, has delivered at the European level but seeks global validation.

As training progresses, attention will turn to tactical refinement and player integration. The squad’s depth provides flexibility, but execution in key moments will determine success. Ronaldo’s presence elevates expectations, yet collective effort remains essential.

The coming weeks will clarify Portugal’s readiness. With Ronaldo leading by example in the opening sessions, the team begins its journey toward potential World Cup glory. Fans worldwide will follow closely as the tournament draws near, eager to witness whether the veteran can deliver one final memorable chapter.