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(VIDEO) Iran Claims US F-15E Strike Eagle Shot Down Over Iran With Wreckage Images Released

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Kuwait International Airport

Iranian air defenses shot down a U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet over central Iran on Friday, U.S. officials confirmed, as Tehran released images of wreckage that appeared to match the twin-engine strike fighter and escalated claims of capturing the crew.

Iran Claims US F-15E Strike Eagle Shot Down Over Iran
Iran Claims US F-15E Strike Eagle Shot Down Over Iran With Wreckage Images Released

A senior U.S. official told Reuters that the aircraft was downed and a search-and-rescue operation was underway for its two crew members — the pilot and weapons systems officer. The Pentagon has not released further details on the jet’s unit or mission, but multiple reports identified it as an F-15E from the 494th Fighter Squadron, part of the 48th Fighter Wing based at RAF Lakenheath in Britain and deployed in support of U.S. Central Command operations.

Iran’s semi-official Tasnim News Agency, affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, published photos Friday showing scattered debris, including what aviation experts identified as a vertical stabilizer and other F-15E components with distinctive markings. Iranian officials initially claimed the downed aircraft was an advanced F-35 stealth fighter, but images clearly depicted wreckage consistent with the non-stealth F-15E Strike Eagle.

The incident marks a significant escalation in the ongoing U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iranian targets, dubbed Operation Epic Fury by some accounts. It comes amid weeks of airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, missile sites and proxy forces, with Iran vowing retaliation for what it calls aggression against its sovereignty.

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U.S. Central Command has faced previous unverified Iranian claims of downing American aircraft, including earlier assertions involving F-15Es and F-35s that were denied or attributed to other causes such as friendly fire incidents over Kuwait. In one prior case, three F-15Es were reportedly lost to allied defenses in Kuwait early in the conflict, though pilots returned to operations.

Friday’s event appears to be the first confirmed loss of a U.S. combat jet over Iranian territory. Iranian state media reported the jet was engaged by IRGC air defense systems while conducting strike operations. Tehran also circulated unverified claims that the crew ejected and one or both airmen may have been captured on the ground, though U.S. officials have not corroborated any capture and emphasized the active rescue effort.

“The aircraft was operating in support of ongoing missions when it was lost,” a U.S. defense official said on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive operations. “We are actively searching for the crew and monitoring the situation closely.”

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The F-15E Strike Eagle is a highly capable all-weather fighter-bomber used for precision strikes, close air support and air superiority missions. It carries a crew of two and is equipped with advanced radar, electronic warfare systems and a wide array of munitions. The 494th “Panthers” squadron has a storied history, having participated in operations across the Middle East for decades.

Aviation analysts noted that while the F-15E is not stealthy like the F-35, its robust design and defensive aids make it difficult to down. Iranian claims of using advanced surface-to-air missiles to achieve the hit would represent a notable success for Tehran’s layered air defense network, which includes Russian-supplied systems and indigenous developments.

Photos released by Tasnim showed twisted metal, a large crater and identifiable F-15E parts strewn across what appeared to be arid Iranian countryside. One image highlighted tail markings consistent with U.S. Air Force European Command assets. Experts cautioned that while the debris aligns with an F-15E, independent verification of the location and circumstances remains limited due to restricted access in Iran.

The downing risks further inflaming tensions in a conflict that has already drawn in regional actors and raised concerns about broader escalation involving Russia, China or other powers. Israel has conducted parallel operations, and the U.S. has deployed additional naval and air assets to the Persian Gulf region, including carrier strike groups.

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Pentagon spokesman Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder declined to confirm specifics on the aircraft model or crew status during a Friday briefing but acknowledged “hostile action” as a possible cause. “Our forces remain committed to the mission while prioritizing the safety of our personnel,” Ryder said.

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei praised the air defenses in a statement, calling the incident proof of Iran’s resolve. “The aggressors will pay a heavy price for every violation of our airspace,” he said via state media.

This is not the first time Iran has showcased wreckage to bolster its claims. In past incidents involving drones and missiles, Tehran has released imagery for propaganda purposes. However, ground photos of a manned fighter jet represent a rarer and more provocative development.

U.S. search-and-rescue assets, including specialized helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft, were reported active near Iranian borders, though operating from international or allied airspace to avoid further losses. Iranian media shared video purportedly showing U.S. rescue attempts, which Tehran claimed were repelled.

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The two-person crew of an F-15E typically includes an experienced pilot and a weapons systems officer responsible for targeting and electronic warfare. Both wear ejection seats, giving them a chance of survival even in high-threat environments. Their fate — whether rescued, in custody or otherwise — could dictate the next phase of the conflict.

Military analysts warn that a confirmed pilot capture would create immense pressure on the U.S. administration to respond, potentially through special operations or intensified airstrikes. Past incidents, such as the 2019 downing of a U.S. drone by Iran, led to heightened alerts but stopped short of direct manned aircraft losses.

The broader context involves U.S. and Israeli efforts to degrade Iran’s nuclear program and ballistic missile capabilities following years of sanctions and diplomatic standoffs. Strikes have targeted sites near Natanz, Fordow and other locations, with Iran responding via missile barrages toward Israel and proxy attacks in the region.

Friday’s event occurred as the conflict entered what some describe as a more intense phase, with increased sorties over Iranian territory. The loss of even one F-15E, while not crippling to U.S. airpower, highlights vulnerabilities in operations against a defended adversary and could influence future tactics, such as greater reliance on standoff weapons or stealth platforms.

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Congressional leaders from both parties called for briefings on the incident. “The safety of our troops is paramount, and any attack on U.S. forces demands a decisive response,” said Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker, R-Miss.

The U.S. has not ruled out retaliation but emphasized de-escalation pathways through backchannel communications. Diplomatic efforts involving Qatar, Oman and European allies continue in hopes of preventing a wider war.

As night fell in the region, the search for the crew remained the immediate priority. U.S. officials expressed confidence in recovery capabilities but acknowledged the challenges of operating near or over hostile territory.

The F-15E has a strong safety record overall, but combat losses in contested airspace are a grim reminder of the risks inherent in power projection. Previous U.S. jet losses in the Middle East have been rare since the 1991 Gulf War and 2003 Iraq invasion.

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Iran’s ability to publicize the wreckage so quickly suggests its intelligence and media apparatus was prepared. State television aired footage of jubilant crowds and military officials inspecting debris.

For the families of the crew, the hours since the incident have been marked by uncertainty. The Air Force has protocols for notifying next of kin, though details were withheld pending confirmation.

This developing story underscores the volatile nature of the U.S.-Iran confrontation. While previous Iranian claims often proved exaggerated or false, the combination of U.S. confirmation of a loss, released imagery and an active rescue mission points to a serious combat event.

As investigations proceed, questions linger over the exact missile system used, the jet’s altitude and mission profile, and whether electronic warfare or other factors played a role. Independent analysts will scrutinize the debris photos for clues on impact type and aircraft configuration.

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The incident could also affect domestic U.S. politics, with critics questioning the scope of operations against Iran and supporters urging stronger action to protect forces.

In the skies over the Middle East, operations continue. Additional F-15Es, F-16s, F-35s and bombers remain on station, ready to prosecute targets while crews maintain heightened vigilance against air defenses.

The downing of the F-15E serves as a stark illustration that even advanced Western fighters face risks when penetrating sophisticated integrated air defense systems. It may prompt reviews of rules of engagement and force protection measures.

Tehran, meanwhile, seeks to leverage the event for domestic unity and international messaging, portraying Iran as capable of defending itself against superpower aggression.

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U.S. allies, including Britain — whose base hosts the implicated squadron — expressed concern and offered support for the rescue effort. NATO members have been monitoring the situation closely.

As of late Friday, no further losses were reported, but the fog of war persists. The coming days will likely bring more clarity on the crew’s status and potential U.S. responses.

The episode adds another chapter to the long history of U.S.-Iran military friction, from the 1980s tanker war to today’s high-tech aerial contest. With wreckage on the ground and a rescue underway, the human and strategic costs are once again in sharp focus.

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Form DEF 14A Northrop Grumman For: 3 April

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Form DEF 14A CVS Health Corporation For: 3 April

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NYSE And Nasdaq Shut For Holiday

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Visitors at the Statue of Liberty

NEW YORK — The U.S. stock market is closed today, Friday, April 3, 2026, as the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq observe Good Friday, one of the few non-federal holidays when major U.S. equities exchanges halt all trading.

A Wall Street sign outside the New York Stock Exchange

Both the NYSE and Nasdaq will remain shuttered for the full day in observance of the Christian holiday commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Regular trading will resume on Monday, April 6, at the standard 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern Time schedule.

The closure creates a four-day Easter long weekend for Wall Street, following normal trading on Thursday, April 2. It also marks the start of a quieter period for many investors, with limited new economic data expected until next week. The bond market, however, will follow a shortened schedule, closing early at noon Eastern Time on Good Friday, according to the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association.

Good Friday has long been a traditional stock market holiday in the United States, even though it is not a federal holiday observed by all government offices or banks nationwide. The NYSE and Nasdaq have observed the closure consistently for decades, aligning with many global financial centers that also shut for the occasion. In 2026, the holiday falls on April 3, creating an extended break that some traders welcome amid recent market volatility tied to geopolitical developments.

The decision to close stems from the NYSE’s official holiday calendar, which lists Good Friday among the 10 full-day closures for 2026. Other upcoming closures include Memorial Day on May 25 and Juneteenth on June 19. Early closures at 1 p.m. ET are scheduled for the day after Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve later in the year.

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For individual investors, the closure means no trading in U.S. equities, options or most related derivatives on major exchanges. Pre-market and after-hours sessions are also unavailable. Futures markets for equities may see limited or no activity, though some commodity and currency futures could operate on adjusted schedules.

Many brokerage platforms and apps reflect the holiday by disabling stock trading functions or displaying clear notices about the closure. Investors can still access account information, research tools and educational resources, but execution of buy or sell orders for U.S.-listed stocks will not occur until Monday.

The Good Friday shutdown coincides with the broader Easter long weekend, during which many businesses, schools and government services adjust operations. While banks generally remain open on Good Friday in most states, some local offices or services may have reduced hours. Retail and dining establishments typically operate normally, though some may see lighter foot traffic due to family gatherings or travel.

This year’s market closure comes against a backdrop of heightened global attention on energy markets and geopolitical risks. Recent weeks have seen significant swings in oil prices and broader equities due to developments in the Middle East, with investors closely monitoring any potential de-escalation that could influence sentiment when trading resumes.

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Analysts note that holiday-shortened weeks often feature thinner liquidity and heightened volatility in the sessions immediately before and after the break. Thursday’s trading saw mixed results as participants positioned ahead of the long weekend, with some sectors showing resilience while others reflected ongoing caution.

For those planning investment activity over the weekend, experts recommend reviewing portfolios, setting limit orders that will activate on Monday, or focusing on longer-term research rather than attempting short-term trades. Cryptocurrency markets, which operate 24/7, remain open throughout the period, providing an alternative for investors seeking continuous access, though they often move independently of traditional equities.

International markets present a mixed picture over the Easter period. Many European exchanges, including those in the UK, Germany and France, are expected to close or operate with reduced hours on Good Friday and possibly Easter Monday. Asian markets, however, generally follow their standard schedules, with Japan and others unaffected by the Western holiday.

Bond trading on Good Friday will wrap up early, at noon ET, limiting activity in fixed-income securities. This partial closure can influence yields and pricing dynamics heading into the weekend.

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Looking ahead, the week of April 6 is expected to bring a return to normalcy with fresh economic indicators. Investors will watch for any updates on inflation, employment data or corporate earnings that could shape the next leg of market movement. The S&P 500, Dow Jones Industrial Average and Nasdaq Composite have shown resilience in recent sessions despite external pressures, but analysts caution that the post-holiday period could see renewed focus on macroeconomic themes.

Retail investors, who have increasingly influenced market direction through apps and commission-free platforms, often use holiday downtime to catch up on news, rebalance holdings or simply step back from daily price fluctuations. Financial advisers suggest using the break to assess risk tolerance, review diversification and consider tax implications for any planned moves in the coming months.

The long weekend also highlights the importance of automated strategies such as dividend reinvestment plans or dollar-cost averaging, which continue regardless of market holidays. Robo-advisers and index funds typically process transactions based on the next available trading day.

For businesses tied to financial services, the closure means adjusted staffing and operations. Trading floors remain quiet, while support teams handle client inquiries about account access and holiday policies. Media coverage shifts toward previews of the following week or analysis of year-to-date performance.

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Historically, post-Good Friday trading has shown varied results, with some years delivering gains as investors return refreshed and others reflecting any news that broke over the weekend. In 2026, with ongoing global uncertainties, the tone on Monday could hinge heavily on overnight developments in energy markets or diplomatic efforts.

Traders using margin accounts or options strategies should note that settlement and expiration dates adjust around holidays. The Options Clearing Corporation and other bodies publish specific calendars to guide participants.

As families across the country mark Easter with religious services, egg hunts and meals, Wall Street takes its traditional pause. The four-day break offers a moment of relative calm in an otherwise fast-paced financial year marked by significant swings.

When markets reopen on Monday, April 6, expect a full slate of activity as participants digest any weekend news and reposition for the second quarter. Volume may start lighter than average before building through the week.

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In the meantime, investors are encouraged to use reliable sources for confirmation of market status rather than assuming based on general calendars. Official NYSE and Nasdaq websites provide the most accurate holiday schedules each year.

The U.S. stock market’s observance of Good Friday underscores the blend of tradition and practicality in modern finance. While the global economy never fully sleeps, major equities hubs still honor select cultural and religious observances that shape the annual trading rhythm.

For those wondering “is the stock market open today,” the clear answer on April 3, 2026, is no. Enjoy the long weekend, and be ready for resumed activity when the bells ring again on Monday morning.

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Kelce brothers’ Garage Beer lands deal with golf clothing brand before Masters

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Kelce brothers' Garage Beer lands deal with golf clothing brand before Masters

Malbon Golf has been all about relaxing the gentlemen’s game, and with its latest partnership, it’s staying true to its word.

Travis and Jason Kelce’s Garage Beer has been named the company’s beer brand.

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The partnership was announced a week before the Masters, where Garage will be activating all week long, pouring its 95-calorie, full-flavor light beer alongside limited-edition hand-rolled cigars and co-branded pin flags for guests stopping by.

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Jason Kelce

Jason Kelce’s Garage Beer has entered a partnership in the golf industry. (Garage Beer / Fox News)

“At Garage Beer, we’ve always believed you win by doing things the right way. It starts with making a better product and being yourself as a brand. That’s why Malbon made so much sense for us,” Garage Beer Vice President of Marketing Jay McDonald said in a statement to Fox Business.

“Golf’s supposed to be fun, and beer’s always been part of that. It’s a day outside with the crew, cold ones in hand and gear that brings real style to the course. We’re stoked for our official launch in Augusta at Malbon Home and look forward to showcasing what comes next.”

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TIGER WOODS UTTERS SARCASTIC 3-WORD REMARK AFTER GETTING PLACED IN BACK OF COP CAR DURING DUI ARREST

Jason Day

Jason Day of Australia wears Malbon pants as he walks off the 10th tee during the first round of the Wells Fargo Championship at Quail Hollow Club May 9, 2024, in Charlotte, N.C. (Keyur Khamar/PGA Tour via Getty Images / Getty Images)

Garage Beer is based in Columbus, Ohio, not far from where Malbon golfer Jason Day lives.

Garage Beer and Malbon will continue showing up together at Malbon Home activations, Bucket Cup events and Sip & Shop retail experiences tied to upcoming apparel capsules, with everything centered around community, content and making golf feel more inclusive and fun.

Where culture and fashion intersect with golf, you’ll find Malbon Golf, the brand founded by Stephen and Erica Malbon in 2017 because of their love for the game. 

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It’s a lifestyle brand that has appealed to the likes of famous rappers, skateboarders, athletes in other sports, the everyday golfer and Tour players like Day, who wanted individuality back on the course. 

Jason and Travis Kelce on the field

Jason Kelce of the Philadelphia Eagles and Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs embrace after a game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium Nov. 20, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (Ryan Kang/Getty Images / Getty Images)

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Malbon’s mission is “to inspire today’s youth to participate in the greatest game on Earth.” 

Partnering with possibly the two most famous NFL brothers ever figures to help that cause.

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Fox News’ Scott Thompson contributed to this report.

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Form 13D/A Repay Holdings Corp For: 3 April

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Samsung Now Lets You Control Your Smart Home Straight Using Your Car Infotainment

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Apex Legends

Controlling your home from your car used to be a sci-fi concept. Samsung just made it real.

The South Korean tech giant recently launched a feature called “Car-to-Home” via its SmartThings platform, and it is available on Hyundai or Kia vehicles. This feature transforms its infotainment system into a smart home remote.

The New Car-to-Home Feature

According to Samsung, Car-to-Home is a new feature that allows users to control SmartThings-connected home appliances directly on a car’s dashboard. It offers support for appliances like air purifiers, air conditioners, lights, cameras, and robot vacuums.

Samsung designed Car-to-Home with a simple interface that takes minimal effort to set up. Drivers only need to scan a QR code displayed in the SmartThings app on their infotainment system to link their accounts.

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It Works Both Ways

Samsung and Hyundai previously worked together on the venture called “Home-to-Car,” which works the other way around. Here, instead of cars controlling the smart home, users may check their car’s status, lock the doors, start the engine, and more directly from the comforts of their abode.

With the introduction of this new tech, Samsung flips the script around with Car-to-Home to let users control their homes from their cars. Now, users can control their homes from their cars, as well as their cars from their homes.

Smart Routines Make It More Than Just a Remote

The real value here goes beyond manually toggling switches. Car-to-Home unlocks location-aware automation that changes how your home responds to your day.

You can set routines so that SmartThings turns on appliances as you pull into your garage, pre-cools rooms, or runs air purifiers before you walk through the door.

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It can also automatically shut everything off as you leave the driveway, with a dedicated Away Mode handling lights while you are out.

Which Cars Support It?

The feature works with Hyundai and Kia vehicles equipped with the Connected Car Navigation Cockpit infotainment platform, which first debuted in November 2022. It is rolling out through a software update.

There are several eligible models shared by Samsung, and they include Hyundai’s Grandeur, Santa Fe, and IONIQ 5. In addition, Kia’s Sorento and EV9 are eligible to use the feature.

Samsung plans to expand Car-to-Home’s technology to Genesis vehicles that have the ccIC27 infotainment system available.

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Originally published on Tech Times

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Mobix Labs enters $3 million convertible note agreement with Leviston Resources

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Meta to lay off about 200 workers in San Francisco Bay Area in May

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Meta to lay off about 200 workers in San Francisco Bay Area in May

Tech giant Meta is planning to move forward with laying off about 200 employees in the San Francisco Bay Area.

The company’s layoffs will affect 124 employees from its site in Burlingame, California, along with 74 in Sunnyvale. Those cuts are expected to take effect in late May, with the Burlingame cuts slated for May 22 and the Sunnyvale layoffs a week later on May 29. 

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All positions involved will be eliminated permanently, according to Meta’s regulatory filings with the state of California.

The job cuts are related to an announcement from last month that affected Meta’s sales and recruiting teams and its Reality Labs hardware division. Some of the workers affected by the cuts will be offered other jobs within the company.

META SLASHES ROUGHLY 700 JOBS; LAYOFFS HIT MULTIPLE TEAMS ACROSS THE COMPANY

Signage outside Meta headquarters

Meta’s latest layoffs will affect about 200 employees in the Bay Area. (David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

“Teams across Meta regularly restructure or implement changes to ensure they’re in the best position to achieve their goals,” a Meta spokesperson told FOX Business. “Where possible, we are finding other opportunities for employees whose positions may be impacted.”

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The move comes as Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, announced 700 layoffs last month that affected the company’s recruiting operations and sales teams.

META EYES MASSIVE 20% WORKFORCE CUT AS AI INFRASTRUCTURE COSTS CONTINUE TO SOAR ACROSS OPERATIONS: REPORT

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META META PLATFORMS INC. 574.46 -4.77 -0.82%

Meta’s moves to restructure its workforce come as the company is investing heavily in artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure and has incurred heavy costs in the process.

The company projected it will spend up to $135 billion on capital expenditures, including those related to AI, this year. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has also said the company will spend an estimated $600 billion building out its U.S. infrastructure by 2028.

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META CUTS OVER 1,000 JOBS IN MAJOR METAVERSE RETREAT

Mark Zuckerberg and others

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has overseen aggressive investment in AI and related infrastructure at the tech giant. (Shawn Thew/EPA/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Last month, Reuters reported that Meta was planning layoffs that could affect 20% or more of its workforce as it looks to offset those costs and improve its efficiency through AI-driven tools.

Meta employed nearly 79,000 at the start of the year.

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How Many Games Will Be Luka Doncic Be Out? Luka Doncic Hamstring Injury Timeline Uncertain

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Slovenia's Luka Doncic reacts after a point in the men's semi-final basketball match between France and Slovenia during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama on August 5, 2021.

Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic suffered a non-contact left hamstring injury during Thursday night’s blowout loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, leaving his return timeline unclear as the team awaits results from an MRI scheduled for Friday.

Slovenia's Luka Doncic reacts after a point in the men's semi-final basketball match between France and Slovenia during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama on August 5, 2021.

The 27-year-old Slovenian guard, who has been the Lakers’ offensive centerpiece since his mid-season acquisition, exited in the third quarter of the 139-96 defeat after appearing to grab at his hamstring while driving to the basket. He finished with 12 points, four rebounds and seven assists in limited action before heading to the locker room and not returning.

Lakers coach JJ Redick provided a brief update after the game but offered no firm prognosis. “We’ll do an MRI tomorrow on the left hamstring,” Redick said. “We’ll know more in the next 24 to 48 hours. The priority right now is Luka’s long-term health.”

No official number of games or days missed has been announced. Hamstring strains in the NBA are notoriously unpredictable, with recovery times varying widely based on severity. Medical experts and injury analysts suggest a Grade 1 strain could sideline a player one to two weeks, while a Grade 2 strain often requires three to six weeks. More significant tears could mean even longer absences, potentially impacting the Lakers’ playoff positioning and postseason hopes.

This marks the latest in a string of lower-body issues for Doncic this season. He previously dealt with left hamstring soreness in February and March, missing several games before returning to post strong performances, including a 42-point outing against the Cleveland Cavaliers on March 31. The recurring nature of the ailment raises concerns about management and potential re-injury risk if he rushes back.

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LeBron James, who has formed a potent partnership with Doncic, expressed immediate concern postgame. “The last thing you want to see is one of your brothers go down like that,” James said. “Luka is our franchise player. He’s been unbelievable since he got here. We’re all pulling for him to be OK.”

The injury occurred in a dismal performance for the Lakers, who fell to third in the Western Conference standings. With the regular season winding down and the playoffs set to begin around mid-April, any extended absence for Doncic could force the team to lean even more heavily on James, Austin Reaves and the supporting cast amid other injury concerns.

Doncic has been one of the league’s most dominant players in 2025-26, averaging near-MVP numbers and elevating the Lakers’ offense with his playmaking, scoring and rebounding. His absence would represent a significant blow to a team built around the James-Doncic duo, especially in a loaded Western Conference where seeding and home-court advantage remain critical.

Hamstring injuries often require careful rehabilitation to avoid setbacks. NBA history shows that players returning too soon from such ailments frequently miss additional time. The Lakers are expected to take a cautious approach with their star, prioritizing long-term availability over short-term gains in the final stretch of the regular season.

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Redick emphasized the need for thorough evaluation. “Luka is a tough competitor and has been dealing with some soreness, but we’ll get imaging and know more soon,” he added. Team officials have not ruled out the possibility of Doncic missing multiple weeks, though optimism remains that the injury may not be season-ending.

Fan and analyst reactions poured in quickly on social media, with many expressing worry about the impact on the Lakers’ playoff run. Some pointed to the team’s lack of depth at the guard position as a potential vulnerability if Doncic is sidelined for an extended period. Others noted the physical toll of a long season on high-usage stars like the 27-year-old, who has logged heavy minutes since joining the purple and gold.

The timing adds pressure. The Lakers have navigated injuries throughout the campaign, and losing their dynamic guard now could disrupt momentum heading into the postseason. With games coming quickly, the team must prepare contingency plans, potentially adjusting offensive schemes to feature more pick-and-rolls with James or increased roles for Reaves and others.

Earlier in the season, Doncic powered through similar soreness to deliver standout performances, reminding observers of his resilience. However, repeated hamstring issues can linger and require modified workloads or rest. The upcoming MRI will provide clarity on whether this is a minor aggravation or something more substantial requiring structured rehabilitation.

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Medical professionals not affiliated with the team have noted that non-contact hamstring strains in basketball players often stem from explosive movements, fatigue or underlying tightness. Recovery protocols typically include rest, physical therapy, strength training and gradual return-to-play progression under close monitoring.

For the Lakers’ front office and coaching staff, the focus shifts to maintaining competitiveness without their star facilitator. James, at 41, continues to defy age but cannot shoulder the full load indefinitely. The team’s supporting cast will be tested, with calls for “next man up” mentality echoing in the locker room.

League-wide, the injury highlights the physical demands on modern NBA stars. Hamstring strains have sidelined numerous high-profile players in recent seasons, often derailing MVP campaigns or deep playoff runs. Doncic’s case draws extra attention given his central role in Los Angeles’ resurgence.

As of Friday morning, no definitive return date has been set. The Lakers face a quick turnaround with upcoming games that could influence final seeding. Daily updates from the team’s medical staff are expected, with caution likely prevailing to ensure Doncic is fully healthy for any postseason appearance.

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Doncic himself has not issued a public statement beyond the on-court events, but his history suggests a strong desire to compete and contribute. In previous setbacks, he has returned motivated and productive once cleared.

The broader implications for the Lakers’ season remain fluid. A short absence of one to two weeks might allow a return before the regular season ends, preserving playoff eligibility and rhythm. A longer timeline of four to six weeks or more could force the team into a different mode, relying on veterans and role players to grind out wins.

Analysts will watch closely how the Lakers adapt. The James-Doncic pairing has been electric when healthy, creating one of the league’s most potent offenses. Without Doncic, spacing, playmaking and scoring punch could suffer, testing the depth built around the roster.

In the immediate term, the MRI results will dictate the narrative. If the imaging shows only mild strain, optimism for a relatively quick return could build. A more severe finding would prompt adjusted expectations and potentially shift focus toward securing the best possible playoff seed with available personnel.

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Basketball insiders stress patience with hamstring injuries. Rushing back often leads to compensatory issues or longer overall absences. The Lakers, under Redick’s leadership, have shown a data-driven approach to player management, which could benefit Doncic in this instance.

As the organization awaits more information, the basketball world watches with anticipation. Doncic’s talent has transformed the Lakers since his arrival, and his health will play a pivotal role in how far the franchise can go in 2026.

For now, the answer to how many days or games Luka Doncic will miss remains unknown. The MRI on Friday and subsequent evaluations will provide the clearest picture, shaping the Lakers’ plans for the final weeks of the regular season and beyond.

Fans and followers are advised to monitor official team updates, as speculation will run rampant until concrete details emerge. In the unpredictable world of NBA injuries, caution and thorough assessment remain the guiding principles.

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Form 13D/A ON24 INC. For: 3 April

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