Business
(VIDEO) Gwen Stefani Sparks Debate with Lent Prayer Challenge Promotion
Singer Gwen Stefani is once again at the center of online controversy after teaming up with the Catholic prayer app Hallow to promote its 2026 Lent prayer challenge, prompting a mix of praise for her open faith and sharp criticism accusing her of undergoing a politically charged “MAGA makeover.”
The 56-year-old artist shared an Instagram post on February 18, 2026, announcing her participation in Hallow’s 40-day Lent program alongside Bible scholar Jeff Cavins. “Joining @jeffcavins this Lent on the @hallowapp as part of their prayer challenge leading up to Easter,” Stefani wrote in the caption, describing the experience as a meaningful way to prepare spiritually for the season. The post, a paid collaboration, quickly drew thousands of reactions — both supportive and critical — from her 17.7 million followers.
Critics seized on the partnership to question whether Stefani has shifted from her No Doubt-era punk-rock image to a more conservative, religiously focused persona. Several social media users labeled the change a “MAGA makeover,” pointing to Hallow’s associations with conservative figures and causes. The app has previously featured endorsements from personalities such as Tucker Carlson, JD Vance and Mark Wahlberg, and it has received funding from investors with right-leaning ties, including Peter Thiel. Commenters accused Stefani of aligning with “MAGA values” through her choice of platform and her increasingly visible Catholic devotion.

On platforms like Instagram, X and Reddit, detractors expressed disappointment. “How she went from being the coolest woman ever to this MAGA Barbie is beyond me,” one user wrote. Another commented, “I loved Gwen when she was rebellious and authentic — now it’s all white blonde hair, subdued clothes and endless prayer app ads.” Some fans declared they were “done” with her, citing what they perceived as a departure from the edgy, independent spirit that defined her early career.
The backlash echoes similar reactions from December 2025, when Stefani first promoted Hallow’s “Pray25: Be Still” initiative. At that time, users flagged the app’s pro-life content and conservative leanings, with one writing, “Love you Gwen but unfortunately I ain’t no Hallow app girl.” The repeated promotion has fueled perceptions that her faith journey is being packaged for a specific ideological audience.
Despite the criticism, a significant portion of her fanbase has rallied in support. Defenders argue that Stefani has always been open about her Catholic upbringing and that her current expressions of faith are genuine rather than politically motivated. “She’s been Catholic her whole life — this isn’t new,” one supporter posted. Others praised her courage in sharing spirituality publicly at a time when religious figures in entertainment often face scrutiny. “God bless her for being bold in her faith,” read one popular comment.
Hallow, launched in 2018, has become one of the most downloaded Catholic apps, offering guided prayers, meditations, Bible studies and celebrity collaborations. Its Lent challenge includes daily reflections designed to deepen users’ spiritual lives leading to Easter on April 5, 2026. The company has partnered with high-profile Catholics including Chris Pratt, Jonathan Roumie and Mark Wahlberg, positioning itself as a modern tool for prayer in a digital age.
Stefani has not directly responded to the “MAGA makeover” accusations. Her recent social media activity continues to blend family moments, music updates and faith-based content without engaging the political framing. Married to country singer Blake Shelton since 2021, she has spoken in past interviews about how faith has helped her navigate personal challenges, including divorce and motherhood.
The polarized response highlights broader cultural dynamics: celebrity expressions of Christianity frequently spark debate when perceived as intersecting with conservative politics. For some fans, Stefani’s Hallow partnership feels like a natural extension of her beliefs; for others, it represents an unwelcome pivot that clashes with the rebellious identity she cultivated in the 1990s and early 2000s.
As Lent continues, the conversation shows no signs of slowing. The challenge has reportedly attracted thousands of new users to Hallow, according to promotional metrics shared by the app. Meanwhile, online discourse remains split between admiration for her authenticity and frustration over what some see as performative or ideologically loaded spirituality.
With No Doubt’s planned reunion tour set for May 2026, fans will soon see whether Stefani’s current phase influences her stage presence or setlist choices. For now, the Lent promotion has turned a personal spiritual commitment into a public flashpoint, illustrating how faith, fame and politics continue to collide in the digital era.
Business
Trump’s Fed pick reports $131M fortune as confirmation fight takes shape
Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., joins ‘Mornings with Maria’ to discuss delays in Kevin Warsh’s Federal Reserve confirmation hearing, Jerome Powell’s future, and the fight to pass the CLARITY Act.
Kevin Warsh would enter the world’s most powerful central bank with a fortune of at least $131 million, according to financial disclosures released Tuesday – an amount that would make him the wealthiest chair in the Federal Reserve’s history.
The U.S. Office of Government Ethics released his nearly 70-page financial disclosures, part of the standard vetting process for senior government nominees.
The filings also show that Warsh’s wife, Jane Lauder – an heiress to the global beauty company Estée Lauder and a businesswoman – holds millions of dollars in additional assets, further adding to the family’s overall wealth.
His potential ascent comes at a turbulent moment for the central bank.
The Federal Reserve is facing mounting pressure on multiple fronts, including a Justice Department criminal probe involving Chair Jerome Powell, a Supreme Court case weighing limits on the Fed’s independence, and persistent cost-of-living concerns testing President Donald Trump’s economic agenda.
WHAT TRUMP’S NEXT PICK TO LEAD THE FEDERAL RESERVE MEANS FOR YOUR WALLET

President Donald Trump in January nominated Kevin Warsh as the next chairman of the Federal Reserve. (Tierney L. Cross/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Adding to the uncertainty, Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., is holding up Warsh’s nomination amid bipartisan concerns tied to the probe involving Powell.
Even so, lawmakers are preparing to move forward with the confirmation process.
Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., said Tuesday that a confirmation hearing is scheduled for next week.
“It’ll be a two-step process,” Scott said on FOX Business Network’s “Mornings with Maria.” “Next week, we’ll have a hearing with Kevin Warsh. We’ll talk through the economy, price stability and inflation, and the independence of the Fed. And then the second step later on, we’ll have a vote.”
Scott added that he expects broad Republican support for Warsh, noting the nominee previously advanced through the Senate by unanimous consent.
TRUMP’S NEWEST VOICE AT THE FED HAS ADVICE FOR KEVIN WARSH BEFORE HE TAKES THE HELM
However, Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., has emerged as a key holdout.
Tillis has previously vowed to block any Federal Reserve nominee until the Trump administration concludes its criminal probe involving Powell. As a member of the Senate Banking Committee, his opposition carries significant weight. Overriding it would require a discharge vote on the Senate floor – an extraordinary step requiring 60 votes and widely seen as a long shot.

Sen. Thom Tillis speaks to members of the media on Capitol Hill on March 10, 2026. (Alex Kent/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Last month, Tillis met with Warsh on Capitol Hill. Ahead of the meeting, Tillis told Fox News Digital that he supports Warsh – whom Trump tapped in January – but wants the Powell investigation resolved before backing the nomination.
“I have very few questions. I’m a real fan of [Warsh], and I’m hoping we can get disposition of the Powell investigation, so I’d be in a position to vote for him,” Tillis told Fox News Digital.
Powell confirmed the DOJ investigation in a Jan. 11 video statement, calling the move “unprecedented” and describing it as another example of what he said were Trump’s ongoing threats against the central bank.
FEDERAL RESERVE CHAIR POWELL UNDER CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION OVER HQ RENOVATION
Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell confirmed the central bank had been served by the Justice Department in connection with allegations related to congressional testimony on the renovation of the bank’s headquarters. (Credit: Federal Reserve)
His decision to respond so publicly – after days of private consultation with advisors – marked a sharp departure from his typically measured approach during his eight-year tenure leading the Fed.
Powell, widely viewed as one of the most crisis-tested Federal Reserve chairs in modern U.S. history, built his career as a lawyer and investment banker in New York before entering public service in the administration of President George H.W. Bush.
He joined the Federal Reserve’s Board of Governors in 2012 and was nominated by Trump to lead the central bank in 2017.
Like Powell, Warsh is not an economist by training. Instead, he brings a background in law and finance that has shaped his views on the Federal Reserve.
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Kevin Warsh, former governor of the Federal Reserve, has been nominated to lead the central bank. (David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
He earned a bachelor’s degree in public policy from Stanford University in 1992 and a law degree from Harvard in 1995. He built his career at Morgan Stanley and, at 35, became the youngest person to serve on the Fed’s board in 2006.
Though he stepped down in 2011, he was widely recognized as the Fed’s key liaison to Wall Street during the 2008 financial crisis. He previously worked in the Bush administration as a special assistant to the president for economic policy and executive secretary at the National Economic Council.
Warsh was among Trump’s leading candidates to replace Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen in 2017. However, Trump ultimately nominated Powell to the role.
Business
Australian shares pare early gains with banks sluggish
Australia’s share market has pared early gains for a relatively flat finish after hopes of easing US-Iran tensions came up against weakness in some of Australia’s largest companies.
Business
UBS Group AG (UBSS:CA) Shareholder/Analyst Call – Slideshow
UBS Group AG (UBSS:CA) Shareholder/Analyst Call – Slideshow
Business
At Close of Business podcast April 15 2026
Ella Loneragan speaks to Nadia Budihardjo about how an Aboriginal art organisation’s work has been showcased globally.
Business
Storage facility planned for Swansea Markets
Following approval by the Statutory Planning Committee, National Storage is planning to convert the Swansea Markets into a $41 million storage facility.
Business
Goldman Sachs downgrades SolarEdge stock rating on demand concerns

Goldman Sachs downgrades SolarEdge stock rating on demand concerns
Business
BofA raises Citi stock price target to $150 on earnings beat

BofA raises Citi stock price target to $150 on earnings beat
Business
Free Agency Looms with Cavs, Warriors Rumors
LOS ANGELES — At 41, LeBron James continues to defy age and expectations, delivering vintage performances for the injury-depleted Los Angeles Lakers as the 2025-26 NBA regular season winds down and the 2026 playoffs approach. Yet with free agency on the horizon this summer, the four-time champion’s future remains the biggest storyline surrounding the NBA’s all-time leading scorer.

James posted a 26-point, 11-assist, eight-rebound double-double in a road win over the Golden State Warriors on April 9, showcasing the all-around dominance that has defined his record 23rd season. Just days later, he scored 18 points in only 17 minutes during what appeared to be the final regular-season home game, fueling excitement for the postseason while managing minor foot issues that kept him questionable in recent matchups.
The Lakers, bolstered by the midseason acquisition of Luka Doncic, have navigated significant injuries to key players including Austin Reaves and others. James has shouldered a heavier load at times, stepping up as the primary option and helping keep Los Angeles in playoff contention in the Western Conference. On his “Mind the Game” podcast, James expressed genuine enthusiasm for the upcoming playoffs, calling the postseason “lit” and noting he does not know how many more he has left.
Father-son highlights with rookie Bronny James have added emotional depth to the campaign. The pair have shared the court multiple times, producing memorable moments including assists and joint plays that underscore one of the most unique stories in league history. Bronny, selected in the second round of the 2024 draft, has seen limited but growing minutes, often flashing defensive potential and occasional scoring bursts off the bench.
Despite the on-court resilience, James’ long-term status with the Lakers is uncertain. He exercised his player option for the 2025-26 season last summer, but he enters unrestricted free agency this offseason. NBA insiders report a growing consensus that James may not return to Los Angeles for a potential 24th season, with speculation centering on a possible homecoming to the Cleveland Cavaliers or a high-profile move to the Golden State Warriors to team with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green in pursuit of another title.
Cleveland, where James won his first championship and built his legacy, remains a sentimental favorite for many. The Cavaliers have emerged as a strong Eastern Conference contender, and a reunion could provide a narrative-rich final chapter. Meanwhile, Golden State offers the chance to close his career alongside one of the greatest shooters ever, potentially forming a superteam dynamic in the twilight of both stars’ careers. Some reports suggest the Lakers would welcome James back if he chooses to stay, with team president Rob Pelinka expressing a desire for him to retire as a Laker.
James has been characteristically coy about his plans, focusing publicly on the present. He has not ruled out retirement but has given no indication he is ready to walk away while still performing at an elite level. His per-game averages this season hover around 20-22 points, seven assists and six rebounds — remarkable production for any player, let alone one in his 40s. He continues to lead fast-break points and impact games with his basketball IQ and passing vision.
The 2025-26 season started with challenges for James. He missed the opener and several early games due to sciatica, marking the first time in his career he sat out opening night. Load management and foot/knee concerns have limited him at times, ending his streak for certain individual awards earlier in the year. Yet he has adapted, conserving energy for critical stretches and the playoffs.
Lakers fans and analysts have debated whether James has “played his way back” into the franchise’s long-term plans. A late-season turnaround, driven partly by his leadership amid injuries, has shifted some earlier assumptions that his Lakers tenure might end this year. The addition of Doncic has injected new dynamism, creating intriguing offensive possibilities if the core stays intact.
Off the court, James maintains his vast business empire and philanthropic efforts through the LeBron James Family Foundation. His influence extends far beyond basketball, with continued involvement in media projects and social initiatives. Family remains central; sharing the court with Bronny has been a highlight he has openly cherished.
As the regular season concludes, the Lakers prepare for a tough playoff path in a competitive Western Conference. James has emphasized that the postseason resets everything, regardless of regular-season results. His experience — 10 NBA Finals appearances and four rings — positions him as a steadying force for a younger supporting cast.
Speculation about his destination has intensified in recent weeks. ESPN and other outlets have detailed factors James will weigh: proximity to family in Ohio, competitive contention windows, coaching stability and lifestyle preferences in Los Angeles versus other markets. Rich Paul of Klutch Sports continues to represent him in what could be one of the most anticipated free-agency decisions in years.
Dwight Howard, a former Lakers teammate and Hall of Famer, publicly encouraged James to consider Cleveland for a fitting end to his career. Other voices in the league predict at least one more season, with tremendous interest from multiple teams should he hit the market.
James’ longevity stands as one of sports’ greatest achievements. Drafted first overall in 2003 straight out of high school, he has evolved from a prodigy to a global icon while maintaining elite athleticism and skill. His ability to adapt — shifting from slasher to facilitator to stretch forward — has prolonged his prime far beyond conventional expectations.
For the Lakers, retaining or replacing James carries franchise-altering implications. The organization has signaled commitment to building around its stars, but salary-cap realities and roster construction will influence any decisions. If James departs, Los Angeles would pivot toward a Doncic-centric future with younger pieces.
Playoff excitement is palpable. James has spoken about the unique intensity of the postseason and his eagerness to compete. Even as questions swirl about his future, his focus remains on helping the Lakers advance as far as possible in 2026.
Bronny’s development adds another layer. The father-son duo has created historic moments, from shared minutes to on-court connections. Their partnership symbolizes generational passing in the NBA, even as debates persist about Bronny’s path and opportunities.
As April 2026 progresses, all eyes remain on James. Will he chase one more ring in a new uniform, return to his roots in Cleveland, or conclude his Lakers chapter with a deep playoff run? The King has yet to tip his hand, but his continued excellence ensures the conversation will dominate the NBA landscape through the summer.
Whatever path he chooses, LeBron James’ impact on the game — and the memories he continues to create — cements his status as one of basketball’s all-time greats. The 2026 playoffs offer another stage for his enduring legacy, with free agency promising a dramatic next chapter in an already cinematic career.
Business
Suzlon Energy shares jump 5%, rebound 27% from March’s record low. What’s driving the rally?
After hitting a 52-week high of around Rs 74 apiece in May last year, the renewable energy stock plunged nearly 49% over the next 10 months to a 52-week low of Rs 38.19. However, bulls have since regained control, driving a sharp rebound in recent sessions.
April saw markets rebound sharply following the incessant selloff in March, amid rising hopes for peace talks and a ceasefire between Iran and the US in the Middle East, which had triggered a skyrocketing rally in oil prices and made analysts worry over the possible impact on India’s macroeconomics.
Suzlon Energy shares rode on the overall bullish sentiment. After hitting the record low level at the end of March, the stock rallied nearly 27% to hit today’s intraday high of more than Rs 48 apiece.
Market value swells by Rs 13,900 crore in April
The strong surge in the share price led to strong gains in Suzlon Energy’s market value. The total market capitalisation of the company soared by more than Rs 13,900 crore in April so far to nearly Rs 66,270 crore today.
The stock has rallied nearly 500% in three years, and more than 1,000% in five years. For context, the stock had hit an all-time low of Rs 1.70 apiece during the infamous COVID crash of March 2020. The stock has so far rallied a whopping 2,700% since then.
FIIs increase stake in Suzlon Energy
Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) quietly increased their exposure to Suzlon Energy in the March quarter, even as they overall remained strong net sellers of Indian equities during the same period. FIIs raised their stake in the renewable energy company by about 1.68 crore shares sequentially. Their holding stood at 3.07 crore shares, or 22.42%, at the end of the March quarter, compared with 3.06 crore shares, or 22.34%, in the December quarter.
Operationally, Suzlon has delivered decent numbers in the recent past. The company reported a 15% year-on-year (YoY) rise in consolidated profit to Rs 445 crore in the December quarter, while revenue jumped 42% YoY to Rs 4,228 crore, reflecting robust execution and order conversion.
With India accelerating its renewable energy push, particularly in wind capacity addition, Suzlon remains well placed to benefit from sector tailwinds. The recent FII buying, despite broader market selling, suggests institutional investors may be positioning for that next phase of growth.
(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)
Business
Nufarm guides 1H26 EBITDA in line with expectations at $236-244m

Nufarm guides 1H26 EBITDA in line with expectations at $236-244m
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