WASHINGTON — The Trump administration escalated its immigration enforcement Monday with a series of aggressive executive actions aimed at tightening citizenship rules, challenging aspects of birthright citizenship, expanding denaturalization efforts and cracking down on perceived abuses in the legal immigration system.
Donald Trump
Senior White House officials described the measures as necessary to restore “integrity and fairness” to American citizenship, while critics immediately condemned the moves as unconstitutional overreach that could affect millions of legal immigrants and their families.
The centerpiece of the new policy package is Executive Order 14128, which directs federal agencies to prioritize denaturalization cases involving individuals accused of fraud, criminal activity or affiliation with designated terrorist organizations. The Department of Justice and Homeland Security have been instructed to review thousands of naturalization cases from the past 15 years, focusing on applicants from countries flagged for high fraud risk.
A second directive instructs the State Department and USCIS to impose stricter scrutiny on family-based visa petitions, effectively slowing “chain migration” by requiring higher income thresholds and detailed background checks for sponsoring relatives. Officials say the changes will reduce backlogs and prevent exploitation of the system.
The most controversial element involves a directive to the Justice Department to explore legal avenues for limiting automatic citizenship for children of undocumented immigrants born on U.S. soil. While the administration stopped short of directly challenging the 14th Amendment in court, it has tasked a special working group with preparing legislative proposals and testing narrower interpretations in specific cases.
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“Restoring the Meaning of Citizenship”
President Trump addressed the new policies during a Rose Garden event Monday afternoon, flanked by border officials and longtime immigration hardliners.
“We are restoring the sacred meaning of American citizenship,” Trump said. “For too long, our system has been abused by people who come here illegally and then demand all the benefits. That ends now.”
White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, a key architect of the policies, told reporters the administration aims to reduce legal immigration by approximately 40% over the next two years while prioritizing skilled workers, English speakers and those who can demonstrate financial self-sufficiency.
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Immediate Impacts
Immigration attorneys report an immediate surge in anxious calls from clients. Naturalized citizens from certain countries have expressed fear of retroactive reviews, while families with mixed-status members worry about separation or delays in visa processing.
At a naturalization ceremony in Miami on Monday, several new citizens expressed mixed emotions — gratitude for their status combined with anxiety about the shifting policy landscape. One woman from Venezuela, who became a citizen last year, said she now worries about her elderly parents’ pending family visa application.
USCIS offices across the country have already begun implementing stricter interview protocols and documentation requirements. Processing times for certain family-based categories have lengthened significantly in recent weeks.
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Legal and Constitutional Pushback
Civil rights organizations and Democratic lawmakers swiftly condemned the actions. The ACLU announced it would file multiple lawsuits challenging the denaturalization expansion and any attempts to limit birthright citizenship.
“These policies are not only cruel — they are unconstitutional,” said ACLU attorney Lee Gelernt. “The 14th Amendment is clear, and attempts to undermine it through executive fiat will not survive judicial review.”
Several Democratic-led states have signaled they will challenge the measures in court, setting up another round of high-stakes litigation similar to battles seen during Trump’s first term.
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Constitutional scholars are divided on the administration’s legal footing. While most agree that broad changes to birthright citizenship would require a constitutional amendment, some conservative legal experts argue narrower rules — such as excluding children of diplomats or temporary visa holders — could survive court challenges.
Political Ramifications
The citizenship crackdown is already energizing Trump’s political base ahead of the 2026 midterms. Polls show strong support among Republican voters for stricter immigration enforcement, with many viewing citizenship as a privilege that must be earned rather than an automatic right.
However, the moves risk alienating moderate voters and business groups that rely on legal immigration for skilled labor. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce issued a cautious statement Monday warning that overly restrictive policies could harm economic growth and innovation.
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Democrats have framed the actions as part of a broader “anti-immigrant agenda” designed to appeal to the president’s core supporters. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called the executive orders “divisive and mean-spirited,” while House Democrats prepare oversight hearings.
Broader Context
The new policies build on Trump’s first-term immigration agenda and campaign promises to enact the “largest deportation operation in American history.” Since taking office in January 2025, the administration has already expanded interior enforcement, increased Border Patrol resources and renegotiated several international migration agreements.
Immigration has consistently ranked as one of the top voter concerns in 2026 polling, particularly in swing districts. The administration’s aggressive approach reflects a belief that strong action on the issue will deliver political dividends despite legal and humanitarian criticism.
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Human Stories Behind the Numbers
For millions of legal immigrants and their families, the uncertainty is palpable. In communities across California, Texas, New York and Florida, naturalized citizens report heightened anxiety about their status and fear of being swept up in expanded reviews.
Advocacy groups are documenting cases of long-term residents facing sudden scrutiny over minor discrepancies in old paperwork from decades ago. Immigration attorneys warn of a chilling effect on legal immigration as families delay applications or choose to leave the country.
At the same time, supporters of the crackdown point to specific cases of fraud and criminality that slipped through the system under previous administrations. They argue that restoring credibility to the citizenship process ultimately benefits those who follow the rules.
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What Comes Next
The coming weeks will likely see intensified legal battles, congressional hearings and continued public debate. The administration has signaled more executive actions are coming, including potential changes to asylum rules and student visa programs.
For now, the citizenship crackdown represents one of the most significant early domestic policy moves of Trump’s second term. Its success or failure — both in court and at the ballot box — could shape the direction of American immigration policy for years to come.
As courts prepare to weigh in and families across the country adjust to the new reality, the debate over who deserves American citizenship has once again moved to the center of national conversation.
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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