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Star Returns to Practice in Positive Mood as Playoff Return Looms

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Luka Dončić

LOS ANGELES — Luka Doncic is back on the court for limited practice sessions as he continues recovering from a Grade 2 left hamstring strain, displaying an upbeat and determined attitude that has encouraged Los Angeles Lakers teammates and coaches amid uncertainty about his availability for the 2026 NBA playoffs.

Luka Dončić
Luka Dončić

The 27-year-old superstar suffered the non-contact injury during a 139-96 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on April 2, forcing him to miss the remainder of the regular season. Initial MRI results confirmed the moderate strain, which typically requires three to six weeks of recovery, though Doncic and the Lakers have pursued an aggressive rehabilitation plan to expedite his return.

After consulting with team doctors and his personal medical staff, Doncic traveled to Europe for specialized treatment in Spain, including stem cell therapy and platelet-rich plasma injections aimed at accelerating healing. He returned to Los Angeles last week and has since resumed light on-court work, including non-running basketball activities, according to multiple reports.

Lakers coach J.J. Redick described Doncic’s mood as “relatively good spirits” during a recent media availability, noting the Slovenian star’s diligent approach to rehab and his positive interactions with teammates. Sources close to the team say Doncic remains optimistic about contributing in the postseason, even if his exact return date remains fluid. Some optimistic projections suggest he could be available as early as early May, potentially in the later stages of a first-round series or the conference semifinals.

The injury occurred at a critical juncture for the Lakers, who had secured a playoff spot but now face the postseason without their leading scorer and playmaker for the opening rounds. Doncic averaged a league-leading 33.5 points per game this season, along with strong assists and steals numbers, anchoring the offense with his signature step-back threes, vision and physicality.

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Teammates have praised his leadership from the sidelines and during recovery sessions. Austin Reaves, also sidelined with his own injury, has been spotted supporting Doncic in practice. Veteran voices like James Worthy have provided updates, emphasizing patience while highlighting Doncic’s work ethic.

The recovery timeline has sparked intense debate among fans and analysts. A standard Grade 2 hamstring strain often sidelines players for four to eight weeks, making an immediate return for the start of the playoffs — which began in mid-April — highly unlikely. However, the specialized European treatment and Doncic’s history of resilience have fueled hopes for a quicker timeline. Reports indicate he has not yet resumed full running or high-intensity drills, with medical staff prioritizing complete healing to avoid re-injury.

Doncic’s agent, Bill Duffy, confirmed the decision to seek treatment abroad, stating it was made to maximize chances of a strong playoff return. The move drew attention for its proactive nature, reflecting the high stakes for a star who has transformed the Lakers’ fortunes since his arrival.

Public reaction to the injury was emotional. Video clips showed Doncic visibly upset as he left the court against Oklahoma City, underscoring the disappointment of missing key games at season’s end. Yet recent updates from practice have shifted the narrative toward cautious optimism. Social media has filled with encouraging messages from fans, many expressing relief at seeing him back in Lakers gear, even if only for controlled sessions.

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The Lakers have navigated the absence with a mix of veteran leadership and younger contributors stepping up. While the team has managed to stay competitive, the drop-off without Doncic’s scoring and facilitation has been noticeable. Coach Redick has stressed a team-first mentality, but all eyes remain on when — or if — the franchise cornerstone can rejoin the rotation.

Doncic’s mood has been a frequent topic in updates. Those around the team describe him as focused, competitive and eager to return rather than frustrated or withdrawn. He has used the downtime to study film, connect with teammates and maintain conditioning within the limits of his rehab protocol. Sources say the time spent in Europe, including moments with family in Slovenia, helped him stay mentally fresh and motivated.

Playoff implications are significant. The Lakers, already dealing with other injuries including to Reaves, could face an uphill battle in the opening round against a tough Western Conference opponent like the Houston Rockets. A potential Doncic return in the middle or later stages of a series could dramatically shift the outlook, giving Los Angeles a superstar boost when it matters most.

Medical experts caution against rushing the process. Hamstring strains are notorious for lingering effects and high re-injury risk if athletes return prematurely. The Lakers’ medical staff, in coordination with Doncic’s personal team, continues daily monitoring, with progress measured through strength tests, flexibility assessments and gradual on-court loading.

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The broader NBA landscape has taken note. Rival executives and analysts have commented on the challenge of facing a healthy Doncic in the postseason, while acknowledging the uncertainty surrounding his status. His absence has also sparked discussions about load management, injury prevention and the physical toll of a long season on star players.

For Lakers fans, the saga has been a roller coaster of concern and hope. Social media buzzes daily with speculation about return timelines, with optimistic projections clashing against more conservative medical estimates. The sight of Doncic back at practice — even in limited capacity — has provided a morale boost, with videos and reports circulating widely.

Doncic’s career has been defined by perseverance. From his early days in Europe to becoming an NBA MVP candidate and franchise cornerstone, he has overcome skepticism and physical challenges. This latest injury tests that resilience once more, but early signs point to a player committed to returning stronger and helping his team chase a championship.

As the playoffs progress without him in the immediate lineup, the focus remains on steady progress. Any advancement to jogging, sprinting or full-contact drills would signal a major step forward. Until then, the Lakers will lean on collective effort while keeping the door open for their superstar’s potential heroics later in the postseason.

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The coming weeks will clarify Doncic’s availability. In the meantime, his positive mood and dedication to recovery offer reassurance to a franchise and fanbase eager to see him back on the court doing what he does best — dominating games with skill, flair and unshakeable confidence.

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Florida AG launches criminal probe into OpenAI over FSU shooting

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Florida AG launches criminal probe into OpenAI over FSU shooting

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has launched a criminal investigation into OpenAI over whether its ChatGPT artificial intelligence chatbot could bear legal responsibility in last year’s deadly mass shooting at Florida State University.

The probe follows a review of chat logs between the suspect, Phoenix Ikner, and ChatGPT after a April 17, 2025, attack that left two people dead and six others injured.

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Uthmeier alleged the chatbot advised the gunman on what weapons and ammunition to use, as well as when and where to carry out the attack to encounter more people.

“If this were a person on the other end of the screen, we would be charging them with murder,” Uthmeier said. “Just because this is a chatbot, an AI, does not mean that there is not criminal culpability. So, we’re going to look at who knew what, designed what or should have done more.”

WAR DEPARTMENT TO PARTNER WITH OPENAI TO INTEGRATE CHATGPT INTO GENAI.MIL

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier speaks at a podium during a press conference announcing an investigation into OpenAI, flanked by officials and U.S. and Florida flags.

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announces a criminal investigation into OpenAI during a press conference in Tallahassee. (Florida AG James Uthmeier Facebook / Fox News)

State officials are examining whether OpenAI could be held liable under Florida law, which allows those who aid, abet or counsel a crime to be charged as principals.

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The Office of Statewide Prosecution has subpoenaed OpenAI for internal policies, training materials and records related to how the company handles threats of violence and cooperates with law enforcement, according to the announcement.

OpenAI pushed back on the claims, saying its technology did not promote or enable the attack.

CHINESE HACKERS WEAPONIZE ANTHROPIC’S AI IN FIRST AUTONOMOUS CYBERATTACK TARGETING GLOBAL ORGANIZATIONS 

Illustration shows OpenAI logo

OpenAI logo Feb. 16, 2025 (Reuters/Dado Ruvic / Reuters)

“Last year’s mass shooting at Florida State University was a tragedy, but ChatGPT is not responsible for this terrible crime,” OpenAI spokesperson Kate Waters said in a statement to Fox News. “After learning of the incident, we identified a ChatGPT account believed to be associated with the suspect and proactively shared this information with law enforcement.”

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She said OpenAI continues to cooperate with authorities and is working to strengthen ChatGPT’s safeguards to detect “harmful intent, limit misuse and respond appropriately when safety risks arise.”

“In this case, ChatGPT provided factual responses to questions with information that could be found broadly across public sources on the internet, and it did not encourage or promote illegal or harmful activity,” Waters said. “ChatGPT is a general-purpose tool used by hundreds of millions of people every day for legitimate purposes.”

GOOGLE CEO CALLS FOR NATIONAL AI REGULATION TO COMPETE WITH CHINA MORE EFFECTIVELY 

Mugshot of Phoenix Ikner

Phoenix Ikner, 20, was booked on first-degree murder charges and related counts Monday after he was released from a hospital where he had been since the mass shooting on the Tallahassee campus April 17. (Leon County Sheriff’s Office / Fox News)

Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Mark Glass said the case highlights broader concerns about artificial intelligence.

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“Artificial intelligence is built by man. Man is fallible. Man makes mistakes,” Glass said.

Authorities have previously said Ikner, 20, opened fire on campus using weapons stolen from his parents’ home before being shot and wounded by responding officers.

He was later indicted on two counts of first-degree murder and seven counts of attempted first-degree murder with a firearm.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

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The case is now being cited by Florida officials as part of a broader push to crack down on crimes involving artificial intelligence, including legislation signed earlier this year increasing penalties for AI-generated child sexual abuse material.

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9Anime Down for Many Users on April 21 as Outage Reports Spike Across Streaming Community

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FTSE 100 Surges 0.8% Today as Oil Eases and Markets

NEW YORK — Anime fans around the world reported difficulties accessing the popular free streaming site 9Anime on Tuesday, with user complaints surging on outage trackers and social media as the platform experienced intermittent problems affecting video playback, loading times and overall accessibility.

Multiple monitoring services, including DownDetector and DownForEveryoneOrJustMe, recorded elevated user reports starting in the early morning hours on April 21, 2026. Some users encountered error messages, blank pages or failed video streams when trying to watch subbed or dubbed anime episodes. Others noted that certain mirror domains or servers appeared unresponsive while main pages loaded partially.

The issues appeared widespread but not universal. Reports came from users in the United States, Philippines, Malaysia, Sweden, Nepal and other countries, suggesting possible server-side problems, regional routing issues or high traffic strain rather than a complete global shutdown. By mid-morning, some affected viewers said access had partially or fully returned, while others continued experiencing disruptions.

9Anime, a long-standing unofficial anime streaming platform offering thousands of titles with English subtitles and dubs, has faced repeated technical hiccups and domain changes over the years. The site frequently relies on multiple mirror servers and third-party hosting to deliver content, making it vulnerable to overloads, maintenance windows or targeted disruptions. Past outages have lasted from a few hours to several days, often prompting frustrated fans to seek alternatives.

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Outage tracking data showed a noticeable spike in reports beginning around 1:48 a.m. EDT, with complaints focusing on inability to load episodes, audio issues or complete site unavailability. Downdetector graphs indicated the volume of reports remained elevated through the morning, though not at the scale of major historical blackouts that have affected the platform.

The timing coincided with heightened interest in new anime releases and seasonal titles, which often drive traffic surges to free streaming sites. Such spikes can overwhelm infrastructure not designed for massive concurrent users, leading to temporary slowdowns or errors. Some observers speculated that ongoing server migrations or maintenance — common for sites in this space — might have contributed to the instability.

Legal and regulatory pressures have also shaped the platform’s recent history. 9Anime and similar sites have been targeted in anti-piracy efforts, including U.S. government reports highlighting anime streaming portals and court injunctions in countries like India that allow dynamic blocking of mirror domains. These actions have forced frequent domain shifts and mirror adjustments, sometimes resulting in temporary access issues for users.

Despite the problems, many fans reported that alternative mirrors or VPNs helped restore partial functionality. Others turned to legal streaming services such as Crunchyroll, Netflix, Hulu or HIDIVE for uninterrupted viewing. Community discussions on platforms like Reddit’s anime-related forums quickly filled with recommendations for backup sites, troubleshooting tips and shared frustration over recurring downtime.

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Common workarounds shared by users included clearing browser cache and cookies, trying different browsers or devices, switching DNS settings, or using a VPN to change apparent location. Some advised waiting several hours, as past outages have resolved after server-side adjustments. However, experts caution that relying on unofficial streaming sites carries risks, including exposure to ads, malware and inconsistent video quality.

The 9Anime ecosystem has evolved through multiple rebrands and clones. The original platform once operated under domains that later shifted or faced shutdowns, with users often migrating to new mirrors. This fluid nature means the exact domain or mirror in use can vary, and not all versions experience the same issues simultaneously. Fans are frequently reminded to verify the legitimacy of any site they visit to avoid phishing or malicious clones.

For dedicated anime viewers, repeated downtime highlights the fragility of free, ad-supported streaming options. Legal platforms have expanded their catalogs significantly in recent years, offering ad-free experiences, offline downloads and simultaneous releases with Japanese broadcasts. While paid services require subscriptions, they provide reliability and support creators directly through licensing agreements.

Industry analysts note that anime has become a major global entertainment category, with streaming rights fiercely contested among major players. High demand for both classic titles and new seasons strains unofficial sites, which often lack the robust infrastructure of corporate platforms. This mismatch frequently leads to the kind of technical problems reported on April 21.

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Social media reactions ranged from annoyance to resignation, with hashtags like #9animeDown trending intermittently in affected regions. Some users posted screenshots of error pages or loading spinners, while others shared successful access via alternative routes. A few speculated that the outage might relate to broader internet routing issues or maintenance on cloud hosting providers commonly used by such sites.

As the day progressed, outage reports appeared to moderate for some users, suggesting the platform’s operators may have addressed capacity or configuration problems. However, intermittent issues can persist for hours or days, especially during peak viewing times in different time zones.

For those still unable to access 9Anime, community-recommended steps include checking status pages like DownDetector, trying multiple mirrors listed on fan forums, or temporarily switching to official apps and services. Long-term, many viewers are shifting toward legal options to ensure consistent access and better support for the anime industry.

The recurring nature of 9Anime outages underscores broader challenges in the unofficial streaming landscape. Without stable infrastructure or dedicated support, these platforms often struggle during traffic peaks or after domain-related disruptions. In contrast, licensed services invest heavily in content delivery networks and redundancy to minimize downtime.

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Anime enthusiasts are encouraged to explore a mix of options depending on their preferences and budget. Free legal alternatives with limited catalogs exist alongside premium subscriptions that unlock extensive libraries. Browser extensions for ad-blocking or script management can sometimes improve experiences on unofficial sites, but they do not guarantee stability.

As of Tuesday afternoon, no official statement had been issued by any associated 9Anime operators regarding the reported problems. Such sites typically communicate minimally, leaving users to rely on community updates and status trackers.

The situation serves as a reminder for anime fans to bookmark multiple reliable sources and stay informed about potential disruptions. Whether the April 21 issues resolve quickly or linger into the evening, the episode highlights both the popularity of free streaming and its inherent limitations compared with professional platforms.

For now, many affected viewers are patiently waiting or exploring alternatives while hoping for a swift return to normal service. The global anime community remains resilient, quickly adapting to technical hiccups that have become a familiar part of the streaming experience on unofficial sites.

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Retail Sales Jump 1.7% In March, Higher Than Expected

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Retail Sales Jump 1.7% In March, Higher Than Expected

E-commerce concept. Online sale business growth, Businessman drawing increasing trend graph of sale volume with bigger shopping trolley cart. Investment growth goal, Digital Marketing Strategies,

Supatman/iStock via Getty Images

By Jennifer Nash

The Advance Retail Sales Report from the Census Bureau showed consumer spending was more robust than expected in March. Headline sales jumped 1.7%, a sharp acceleration from February’s 0.7% rise and above the projected 1.4% growth. This

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What Profitable Entrepreneurs Really Do (Secrets Revealed)

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businessman hidden habbits

There’s a quiet truth in the business world—something that isn’t often shared in motivational posts or flashy success stories.

Not all successful entrepreneurs follow the advice you commonly hear.

Behind the scenes, profitable business owners operate differently. They make decisions that may seem boring, uncomfortable, or even counterintuitive. These are the habits that don’t usually go viral—but they are the ones that actually make money.

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If you’ve ever wondered why some businesses consistently grow while others struggle, this article will uncover what’s really happening behind the curtain.

businessman hidden habbits

1. They Focus on Profit, Not Just Sales

Many beginners are obsessed with sales numbers. They celebrate hitting revenue milestones without realizing one critical detail:

Revenue does not equal profit.

Profitable entrepreneurs are extremely aware of their margins. They know exactly how much they keep after expenses, and they design their business around profitability—not vanity metrics.

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While others chase “more customers,” smart entrepreneurs ask:

  • Is this customer actually profitable?
  • Are my costs increasing faster than my income?
  • Can I simplify operations to earn more with less effort?

This mindset alone separates struggling businesses from thriving ones.

2. They Say “No” More Often Than “Yes”

One of the most underrated skills in business is the ability to say no.

Opportunities will always come—partnerships, projects, trends, and ideas. But profitable entrepreneurs don’t chase everything.

They protect their time, energy, and focus.

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Instead of asking, “Can I do this?” they ask:

“Should I do this?”

They understand that every “yes” to the wrong thing is a “no” to something more important.

This discipline keeps them focused on what actually grows their business.

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3. They Build Systems, Not Just Hustle

Hard work is important—but it’s not enough.

Many people stay stuck because they rely purely on effort. They work long hours, multitask constantly, and burn out quickly.

Profitable entrepreneurs take a different approach.

They build systems.

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Instead of doing everything manually, they create repeatable processes:

  • Automated marketing funnels
  • Standard operating procedures (SOPs)
  • Delegated tasks to team members

This allows their business to grow even when they are not actively working.

In short: they stop trading time for money and start building machines that generate income.

4. They Make Decisions Based on Data, Not Emotions

Emotions can be dangerous in business.

Fear, excitement, impatience—these can all lead to poor decisions.

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Profitable entrepreneurs rely on something more reliable:

Data.

They track everything that matters:

  • Customer acquisition cost
  • Conversion rates
  • Customer lifetime value
  • Profit margins

Instead of guessing, they analyze.

Instead of reacting, they adjust strategically.

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This gives them a huge advantage over competitors who rely on “gut feel” alone.

5. They Invest in What Most People Avoid

Here’s something rarely talked about:

Profitable entrepreneurs spend money wisely—even when it’s uncomfortable.

They invest in things that don’t give instant results, such as:

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  • Education and skill development
  • Hiring the right people
  • Better tools and systems

Many beginners try to save money by doing everything themselves.

But experienced entrepreneurs understand this truth:

Being cheap can be expensive.

They invest to grow faster, avoid costly mistakes, and scale efficiently.

6. They Stay Consistent—Even When It’s Boring

Success in business is not always exciting.

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In fact, most of it is repetitive.

Posting content regularly, improving products, following up with customers, optimizing processes—these are not glamorous tasks.

But they are essential.

Profitable entrepreneurs win because they stay consistent.

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They show up even when they don’t feel like it.

They continue even when results are slow.

They trust the process.

This long-term discipline is what creates sustainable success.

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7. They Learn to Manage Risk—Not Avoid It

Many people avoid starting or growing a business because they fear risk.

But here’s the truth:

Business always involves risk.

The difference is how you handle it.

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Profitable entrepreneurs don’t eliminate risk—they manage it.

They:

  • Test ideas before fully committing
  • Start small and scale gradually
  • Prepare backup plans

This approach allows them to move forward confidently without being reckless.

8. They Focus on Long-Term Growth, Not Quick Wins

In today’s fast-paced world, many people want instant results.

Quick profits, viral success, overnight growth.

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But profitable entrepreneurs play a different game.

They think long-term.

They focus on:

  • Building strong customer relationships
  • Creating valuable products or services
  • Establishing a trusted brand

They understand that real success takes time—but it lasts longer.

9. They Take Responsibility for Everything

One of the biggest mindset shifts in business is ownership.

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Unsuccessful entrepreneurs often blame:

  • The market
  • The competition
  • The economy

Profitable entrepreneurs take full responsibility.

If something doesn’t work, they ask:

“What can I improve?”

This mindset gives them control over their results—and the power to change them.

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10. They Keep Learning and Adapting

The business world is constantly changing.

Trends evolve. Technology advances. Customer behavior shifts.

Profitable entrepreneurs stay ahead because they never stop learning.

They:

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  • Study their industry
  • Observe competitors
  • Experiment with new strategies

They adapt quickly instead of resisting change.

This flexibility keeps them relevant—and profitable.

The truth is, success in business is not just about having a good idea.

It’s about how you think, decide, and act consistently over time.

The habits shared in this article may not always be exciting or easy—but they are effective.

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And that’s what truly matters.

If you want to grow your business, start by applying even one or two of these principles today.

Because at the end of the day, the difference between struggling and successful entrepreneurs often comes down to what they do when no one is watching.

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Macy’s Stock: Valuation Has Limited Upside With Technical And Macroeconomic Risks (NYSE:M)

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Macy's Stock: Valuation Has Limited Upside With Technical And Macroeconomic Risks (NYSE:M)

This article was written by

I have been working in the logistics sector for almost two decades. I have been into stock investing and macroeconomic analysis for almost a decade. Currently, I focus on ASEAN and NYSE/NASDAQ Stocks, particularly in banks, telco, logistics, and hotels. Since 2014, I have been trading on the PH stock market. I focus on banking, telco, and retail sectors. A colleague encouraged me to engage in the stock market as part of my portfolio diversification instead of putting all my savings in banks and properties. That was also the year when insurance companies became very popular in the PH. Initially, I invested in popular blue-chip companies. Now, I have investments across different industries and market cap sizes. There are stocks I hold for my retirement, while others are purely for trading profits. In 2020, I also entered the US Market. It was about a year after I discovered Seeking Alpha. Originally, I was using the trading account of NY CA-based cousin. Somehow, I acted like his personal broker. That made me more aware of the US market before deciding to open my own account. I decided to write for Seeking Alpha to share and gain more knowledge since I have been trading on the US market for only four years. Like in the ASEAN market, I have holdings in US banks, hotels, shipping, and logistics companies. I discovered it in 2018. Since then, I have been using the analyses here to compare them to the ones I’m doing in the PH Market.

Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.

Seeking Alpha’s Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.

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(PHOTO) Rihanna Poses With 7-Month-Old Daughter Rocki on W Magazine Cover in Tender Mom Moment

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Coachella 2026

NEW YORK — Rihanna and her 7-month-old daughter Rocki Irish Mayers made a striking mother-daughter debut on the cover of W Magazine’s Pop Issue, released Tuesday, blending high fashion with intimate family warmth in images captured by renowned photographer Tim Walker.

Ballin' bigger than LeBron: Forbes estimates Rihanna is now worth $1.7 billion, thanks chiefly to the value of her cosmetics company Fenty Beauty
Rihanna

The Barbadian superstar, dressed in an elaborate Dior Haute Couture coat and hat paired with Cartier jewelry and Falke tights, cradles her youngest child in a tender pose that highlights both maternal softness and signature Rihanna edge. Rocki, born September 13, 2025, to Rihanna and partner A$AP Rocky, appears calm and content in her mother’s arms, marking the infant’s first major public appearance since a brief Paris outing earlier this month where she wore vintage Dior.

W Magazine described the cover as part of its 51st Pop Issue, featuring friends, collaborators and loved ones sharing stories about Rihanna as artist, mogul and mother. Styled by Jahleel Weaver, the shoot captures the Fenty Beauty and Savage X Fenty founder in a new chapter of life with three children: sons RZA, born in 2022, and Riot Rose, born in 2023, and now daughter Rocki Irish.

The images, released Tuesday morning, quickly went viral on social media, with fans praising the rare glimpse into Rihanna’s private world of motherhood. Many noted the emotional contrast between her powerful public persona and the gentle, protective way she holds her baby. One Instagram post from the magazine garnered hundreds of thousands of likes within hours, with comments highlighting the “soft mom era” while Rihanna continues to serve high fashion.

This cover represents a significant moment for the 38-year-old singer-turned-businesswoman, who has kept her family life relatively private since welcoming her children. Rocki’s name — a playful nod to her father’s stage name A$AP Rocky (Rakim Mayers) combined with the Irish middle name — has sparked affectionate online discussions about family naming traditions. The couple announced her birth in September 2025 with a simple social media post showing Rihanna cradling the newborn.

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Rihanna’s journey into motherhood has been transformative. She has spoken in past interviews about balancing her empire — Fenty Beauty, Fenty Skin, Savage X Fenty lingerie and her music career — with raising young children. The W Magazine feature includes contributions from A$AP Rocky, SZA, Mariah Carey and Mary J. Blige, painting a fuller picture of Rihanna’s influence across music, fashion and culture.

Photographer Tim Walker, known for his whimsical and cinematic style, brought a dreamy quality to the shoot, with soft lighting and elegant compositions that emphasize the bond between mother and daughter. The cover story explores themes of legacy, creativity and the joys and challenges of parenting in the spotlight.

Earlier this month, on April 8, Rocki made her unofficial public debut during a family outing in Paris, dressed head-to-toe in vintage Dior, including a green-and-black knit hat originally designed by John Galliano in 2002. That appearance, captured by paparazzi, showed the then-6-month-old nestled against Rihanna, already earning praise for her tiny yet stylish ensemble. The W Magazine cover builds on that moment, presenting a more polished and intentional family portrait.

Rihanna’s fashion choices for the shoot reflect her enduring influence in the industry. The Dior pieces underscore ongoing collaborations and her status as a global style icon. Fans immediately began dissecting the looks, speculating about upcoming Fenty collections and how motherhood has influenced her aesthetic.

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The release comes at a busy time for the family. A$AP Rocky has been promoting his upcoming album “Don’t Be Dumb,” while Rihanna has teased new music and expanded her business ventures. Despite her packed schedule, she has emphasized making time for family, often sharing glimpses of life with her children on social media.

Industry observers view the W Magazine cover as a strategic yet heartfelt move. It humanizes the superstar while reinforcing her cultural dominance. In an era where celebrities carefully curate family moments, Rihanna’s approach mixes privacy with selective, high-impact reveals that generate massive engagement.

Social media reactions poured in rapidly after the cover dropped. Hashtags like #RihannaAndRocki and #WMagazinePopIssue trended, with users sharing side-by-side photos of Rihanna’s past covers and this new maternal one. Many celebrated the representation of Black motherhood in high fashion, noting the rarity of such intimate celebrity family imagery on major magazine covers.

For new parents worldwide, the images resonated on a personal level. Comments highlighted the universal experience of balancing career ambitions with the demands of raising infants, with Rihanna serving as both aspirational figure and relatable mom.

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W Magazine’s Pop Issue traditionally celebrates pop culture’s most influential figures through personal stories and striking visuals. This edition positions Rihanna not only as a trailblazer in music and beauty but also as a modern mother reshaping narratives around family and success.

The cover shoot reportedly took place in a controlled, intimate setting, allowing Rihanna to direct elements and ensure comfort for her young daughter. Sources close to the production described a warm, collaborative atmosphere where Rocki remained calm throughout, a testament to the family’s close bond.

Rihanna has three children with A$AP Rocky, and the couple has maintained a relatively low-key relationship despite their high profiles. Rocky has spoken publicly about fatherhood and his deep admiration for Rihanna as a partner and mother. The W feature includes his reflections, adding emotional depth to the visual story.

As the images spread across platforms, brands and fashion houses took note. Dior’s involvement in both the Paris outing and the magazine shoot reinforced the luxury house’s long-standing ties to Rihanna. Fans speculated about future collaborations or Fenty expansions inspired by family life.

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The timing of the cover release aligns with spring fashion cycles and renewed interest in celebrity parenting stories. It also coincides with ongoing conversations about work-life balance for high-achieving women in entertainment and business.

Rihanna’s ability to command attention years after her last full album underscores her enduring star power. While she has focused more on business and family in recent years, hints of new music continue to excite fans. The W Magazine appearance may signal a gradual return to the spotlight on her own terms.

For Rocki Irish Mayers, the cover marks an early introduction to the world her parents inhabit — one of creativity, style and global influence. At just 7 months old, she already embodies the effortless cool that defines her family.

As reactions continued to pour in Tuesday, the mother-daughter moment stood out as both glamorous and grounded. In a media landscape often filled with polished perfection, the tender cover offered a refreshing glimpse of real connection amid high fashion.

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W Magazine’s decision to feature Rihanna and Rocki together celebrates not only a pop icon but also the next generation in a dynasty of style and talent. The images are expected to appear in print and digital editions, with additional behind-the-scenes content likely to follow.

Rihanna’s cover with her daughter reinforces her role as a multifaceted figure — artist, entrepreneur, partner and now a mother of three navigating fame with grace and authenticity. The W Pop Issue provides a beautiful snapshot of that journey at a pivotal moment.

Fans and fashion enthusiasts alike are celebrating the release as one of the most memorable celebrity covers of 2026, blending couture elegance with the pure joy of new motherhood.

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Interactive Brokers Group, Inc. (IBKR) Q1 2026 Earnings Call Transcript

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OneWater Marine Inc. (ONEW) Q1 2026 Earnings Call Transcript

Operator

Thank you for standing by. Welcome to the Interactive Brokers Group First Quarter 2026 Earnings Call. [Operator Instructions] Please be advised that today’s conference is being recorded.

Now it’s my pleasure to hand the conference over to the Director of Investor Relations, Nancy Stuebe. Please proceed.

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Nancy Stuebe
Director of Investor Relations

Thank you. Good afternoon, and thank you for joining us for our first quarter 2026 earnings call. Joining us today are Thomas Peterffy, our Founder and Chairman; Milan Galik, our President and CEO; and Paul Brody, our CFO. I will be presenting Milan’s comments on the business, and all three will be available at our Q&A.

As a reminder, today’s call may include forward-looking statements, which represent the company’s belief regarding future events, which by their nature, are not certain and are outside of the company’s control. Our actual results and financial condition may differ, possibly materially, from what is indicated in these forward-looking statements. We ask that you refer to the disclaimers in our press release. You should also review a description of risk factors contained in our financial reports filed with the SEC.

In the first quarter, markets began with a strong January, supported by solid equity performance, optimism around corporate earnings, expanding market breadth and resilience despite geopolitical risks. However, that momentum did not persist. Most global market indices declined in

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Confidence level of industry improving: KV Kamath, ICICI Bank

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ET Now caught up with KV Kamath, Chairman, ICICI Bank, for his expectations from the Narendra Modi government as well as the Budget. Excerpts:

ET Now: Talking of expectations from Narendra Modi, do not you think too much hope and money in essence is riding behind one man? Despite his good intentions, there are structural problems in the economy and even the Prime Minister does not quite have a magic wand?

KV Kamath: If you look back to 10 years ago, the economy was getting into near double digit growth even with all the structural problems. Now you have a leader who has a known bias for fixing things and making sure that things work. It is the same set of structure, the same set of people who are driving this. You have the right leader who can drive the effort.

ET Now: The other day we had Mr. Birla meet the Finance Minister and as he walked out of the meeting, he said he expects the economy to revive in three to six months. He says he is going to start investing in India now. We have not heard too many corporate leaders say that. You have a pulse of the mood of corporate India. When do you think will the corporate leaders start investing?

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KV Kamath: The first sense comes from the market. It is the collective wisdom of the marketplace that there is action and we will move with speed. That improves the confidence level of industry. Now we need to see whether some of the ground conditions that are needed for people to get back to an investment mode are going to change. Today I read that with a large slate of reforms or projects which have been stuck are going to be addressed in the next few days. If that happens, you will see a sea change in the investment mindset, as it were.

ET Now: It could happen in three months itself. Is that what you think?