The architects who will design the hotel are behind other luxury accommodation in Chelsea, Fitzrovia, Bristol, Battersea, and Chester

Planning permission has been granted for the construction of a new four-star hotel in the heart of Cardiff. The council has granted permission to J. B. S. L. Holdings Ltd for the remodelling and change of use of part of the existing building at 125-139 Queen Street in Cardiff.

The plans relate to part of the large building opposite the Capitol Centre at the end of Queen Street where Newport Road becomes Dumfries Place. Plans also include a new three-storey extension plus a roof-top pavilion containing a fine dining restaurant and sky-bar.

According to the application, the development aims to provide 158 high-quality four-star rooms for visitors to Cardiff while “enhancing the streetscape and contributing positively to the local economy”. Never miss a Cardiff story by signing up to our daily newsletter here

The sky bar and fine dining restaurant are envisioned as “flexible multi-functional spaces that can accommodate various dining and social experiences and be used by hotel guests and visitors alike”.

Its internal design is said to maximise views with “carefully positioned” seating areas that “offer panoramic perspectives of the surrounding cityscape”.

This ensures that “every guest experience is enhanced by the exceptional visual connectivity and spatial quality of the top floor”.

The hotel’s design is said to be inspired by the “historic architecture of Cardiff and the existing buildings’ art deco inspiration ” but with a “modern and contemporary twist”.

The hotel will also offer a range of facilities and services including a lobby, reception area, access to the sky bar and restaurant and fitness centre.

This ensures “guests have access to everything they need for a pleasant and enjoyable stay”.

Paul Treacy Architects has been hired to design the new hotel. Previously it has designed luxury hotels in Chelsea, Fitzrovia, Bristol, Battersea, and Chester.

Sustainability is said to be a “core” aspect of the development incorporating features such as green roofs, solar panels, and “energy-efficient building systems to minimise environmental impact and promote overall energy efficiency”.

“Innovative” approaches to waste management and water usage will also further enhance the project’s sustainability credentials, it’s stated.

Access to the hotel and sky bar will primarily be from Queen Street to ensure “pedestrian traffic flows seamlessly”.

The application reads: “The proposed hotel development represents a significant opportunity to contribute positively to the built environment of Cardiff while meeting the growing demand for hotel accommodation in the area”.

Lok Sabha polls in Gujarat will be held in a single phase on May 7. Counting of votes will be held on June 4. Anti-incumbency, unemployment, inflation, education and healthcare facilities are some of the other important issues in the election, where the ruling BJP in Gujarat will attempt to retain all the 26 Lok Sabha seats it won in 2019.

Gujarat is among the states which will play a crucial role in deciding the outcome of the elections to the Lower House of Parliament. In the 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party won all the 26 seats in the state.

Here are some issues that will play a decisive role in the elections in Gujarat:

PM Narendra Modi’s charisma: The ruling BJP has a trump card in the form of the prime minister, who hails from Gujarat and was its chief minister from 2001 to 2014 before occupying the top post of the country. His sway over the followers in his home state is still intact.

Anti-incumbency: Observers feel that the opposition will try to take advantage of any anti-incumbency sentiment during the last 10 years of BJP rule at the Centre. They feel that “floating voters” who do not vote on the basis of ideology can be swayed by the opposition if they offer proper alternatives.

Live Events

Inflation: Low and middle-income households are the worst-affected in terms of the effects of inflation. So this will be a decisive factor considering how the price rise has impacted the lives of people in the last 10 years. The opposition has been constantly targeting the Modi government over this issue.

Unemployment: This is another point that the opposition parties have been using to hit out at the Centre. Since this issue directly affects the lives of common people, this will be high on the mind of voters when they exercise their franchise. Lack of basic education and health facilities in remote areas: If school classrooms are constructed in remote rural areas, there is a dearth of teachers. The lack of primary health centres and doctors also adversely affects health services in rural pockets. Farmers’ issues: Issues like lack of adequate compensation for crop loss due to excess rains, non-availability of fertilisers and land acquisition for project development will also play a major role in affecting voter sentiment, the observers said.

Operator

Good day, and thank you for standing by. Welcome to the Vicor First Quarter 2026 Earnings Conference Call. [Operator Instructions] Please be advised that today’s conference is being recorded.

I would now like to hand the conference over to your speaker today, Jim Schmidt, Chief Financial Officer. Please go ahead.

James Schmidt
Corporate VP, CFO, Treasurer, Corporate Secretary & Director

Thank you. Good morning, and welcome to Vicor Corporation’s Earnings Call for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026. I’m Jim Schmidt, Chief Financial Officer, and I’m in Andover with Patrizio Vinciarelli, Chief Executive Officer; and Phil Davies, Corporate Vice President, Global Sales and Marketing.

Earlier this morning, we issued a press release summarizing our financial results for the 3 months ended March 31, 2026. This press release has been posted on the Investor Relations page of our website, www.vicorpower.com. We also filed a Form 8-K today related to the issuance of this press release. I remind listeners this conference call is being recorded and is the copyrighted property of Vicor Corporation. I also remind you various remarks we make during this call may constitute forward-looking statements for the purposes of the safe harbor provisions under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

Except for historical information contained in this call, the matters discussed on this call, including

Luciana Ciubotariu had stepped down.

The chief executive of the Celtic Freeport has stepped down from her role less than two years after first taking the job.

The Celtic Freeport, which covers the ports of Milford Haven and Port Talbot and benefits from a number of UK Government funded tax breaks and incentives, has confirmed that Brazilian Luciana Ciubotariu had stood down.

While no further detail on the resignation was given, a representative speaking on behalf of the Celtic Freeport board thanked her for her contribution to the development of the Celtic Freeport, and wished her every success in the future.

READ MORE: Wales risks becoming dependent on gas and electricity from EnglandREAD MORE: Chepstow-based Creo Medical sells its manufacturing operation

Ms Ciubotariu, who was formerly part of the senior management team of the Thames Freeport in London, started her role in May 2024, where she headed up the early foundation stages of the Welsh freeport plans.

The move comes just weeks after Neath Port Talbot Council agreed to enter a memorandum of understanding with the UK and Welsh Governments, Pembrokeshire County Council, and Celtic Freeport Company Limited.

This was intended to formalise the authority as the accountable body for the freeport moving forward as it enters its “delivery phase”.

A statement released by the Freeport said: “During her time as chief executive, Luciana led the organisation through the approval of its full business case and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the UK Government and Welsh Government.

“This will unlock £25m of public investment for the Celtic Freeport and represents a significant milestone in the wider investment programme across the region.

“The Celtic Freeport Board would like to thank Luciana for her contribution to the development of the Celtic Freeport and wishes her every success in the future.”

LOS ANGELES — The long-awaited Michael Jackson biopic “Michael” hit theaters with a star-studded premiere and mixed early reactions Tuesday, offering dazzling musical sequences and a breakout performance by Jaafar Jackson while drawing criticism for its sanitized portrayal of the King of Pop’s complicated life.

Directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by John Logan, the film traces Jackson’s journey from child prodigy in the Jackson 5 to global superstar through the release of his landmark 1982 album “Thriller.” Produced with the cooperation of the Michael Jackson Estate and distributed by Lionsgate, “Michael” arrives in theaters Friday after a world premiere in Berlin on April 10 and a high-profile U.S. premiere in Los Angeles on Monday night.

Jaafar Jackson, Michael’s nephew, stars as the adult version of the icon, delivering what many early viewers called a “tremendous” and “mesmerizing” performance that captures his uncle’s mannerisms, vulnerability and stage presence. Young Michael is portrayed by Juliano Krue Valdi, who also earned praise for his portrayal of the child star. Supporting roles include Colman Domingo as the stern patriarch Joe Jackson, Nia Long as Katherine Jackson, Miles Teller as manager John Branca, and appearances by Laura Harrier, Larenz Tate and others.

Early reactions from the Los Angeles premiere and select critics highlighted the film’s strengths in recreating iconic performances. The “Thriller” and “Beat It” sequences reportedly feature impressive choreography and visual spectacle, with Jaafar Jackson’s dancing and singing earning comparisons to the original. Reviewers described the musical numbers as “off-the-charts” and “electrifying,” providing the emotional high points that fans have anticipated.

However, several critics noted the film’s decision to avoid the most controversial chapters of Jackson’s life. The narrative stops in the mid-1980s, before the major child abuse allegations surfaced, and reshoots reportedly removed references to those events due to legal constraints from a 1994 settlement. Some reviewers called the approach “saccharine” and “reverential,” likening it to a “bland daytime TV movie” that prioritizes celebration over complexity. One critic described it as “terrified to explore the interiority” of its subject, offering little new insight beyond familiar highlights.

Fuqua, known for intense dramas like “Training Day,” opts for a straightforward chronological structure rather than a bold reinterpretation. The film humanizes Jackson through quieter family moments and his struggles with fame and his father’s expectations, but many felt it played things too safely. The estate-backed production emphasizes the music, legacy and artistry, presenting Jackson as a visionary entertainer whose personal struggles are acknowledged but not deeply examined.

The $200 million production faced multiple delays and reshoots, including 22 additional days of filming in 2025 that reportedly cost $10 million to $15 million. These changes, along with a shift from an initial 2025 release to April 24, 2026, fueled speculation about creative differences and legal hurdles. Some reports suggested the final cut functions as “Part One,” with potential sequels exploring later chapters.

Despite the controversies, many fans and early audience members left theaters impressed by the spectacle and emotional payoff. Social media buzzed with praise for Jaafar Jackson’s transformation, with some calling it a “breakout performance” that makes viewers “forget he isn’t the real thing.” The film’s respectful tone and focus on Jackson’s genius resonated with those seeking a celebratory tribute rather than a critical exposé.

Critics’ scores remain mixed ahead of wide reviews dropping Wednesday. Positive voices highlight the musical excellence and Jaafar Jackson’s commitment, while detractors argue the film glosses over Jackson’s complexities, resulting in a polished but shallow biopic. The approach mirrors other estate-approved projects that prioritize legacy preservation over unflinching examination.

For Jackson’s global fanbase, known as the Army of Love, the film offers a chance to relive the magic of his early career on the big screen. The recreation of Motown performances, the rise to “Thriller” dominance and the cultural impact of breaking MTV barriers provide nostalgic satisfaction. Yet for those hoping for a nuanced exploration of fame’s toll, the absence of later controversies leaves a noticeable gap.

Director Fuqua aimed to capture both the showman and the sensitive artist behind the hits. The film includes tender scenes of family life in Gary, Indiana, and Jackson’s drive to innovate, but stops short of the scandals that defined much of his later public image. Producers, including Graham King (known for “Bohemian Rhapsody”), positioned the project as a tribute to the music and legacy rather than a definitive biography.

The cast’s dedication shines through. Jaafar Jackson trained extensively to embody his uncle’s voice, dance moves and emotional depth, drawing from family stories and archival footage. Domingo brings simmering intensity to Joe Jackson, portraying the demanding father whose influence shaped Michael’s ambition and insecurities. Nia Long adds warmth as Katherine, grounding the family dynamic.

Visually, the film leans into cinematic spectacle with vibrant recreations of iconic videos and performances. Cinematography and choreography aim to transport audiences to the height of Jackson’s creative peak, complete with moonwalks, glove spins and crowd hysteria.

As “Michael” prepares for wide release, it faces the challenge of satisfying both devoted fans eager for celebration and broader audiences seeking deeper insight. The estate’s involvement ensures a protective lens, but some critics argue this limits the film’s dramatic potential and cultural resonance.

Early box office projections suggest strong opening weekend interest, particularly among fans nostalgic for Jackson’s unparalleled showmanship. International appeal remains high given Jackson’s global icon status.

The film arrives amid ongoing conversations about separating Jackson’s art from his personal controversies. By focusing on the pre-1990s era, “Michael” sidesteps much of that debate, presenting a version of the story centered on talent, perseverance and groundbreaking success.

Whether the biopic changes minds or reinforces existing views remains to be seen. For many, Jaafar Jackson’s performance alone justifies the ticket price, delivering a heartfelt homage to one of music’s most influential figures.

As reviews roll in and audiences experience the film this weekend, “Michael” stands as both a lavish tribute and a reminder of the challenges in portraying larger-than-life legends. The King of Pop’s story continues to captivate, even when told through a carefully curated lens.