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Recently Pardoned Individual by President Biden Faces New Legal Allegations

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Left: Henri L. Buckner appears virtually in court from the Bay County Jail on April 13, 2026 (Saginaw County District Court/MLive). Right: Former President Joe Biden speaks to the South Carolina Democratic Party on Friday, Feb. 27, 2026, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Matt Kelley).

A man from Michigan, who previously received clemency from former President Joe Biden, is now facing charges strikingly similar to those for which he was granted leniency.

Henri L. Buckner, aged 44, is accused of two counts of possession with intent to deliver narcotics or cocaine exceeding 1,000 grams, as per Saginaw County court records accessed by Law&Crime. According to the U.S. Department of Justice records, on January 17, 2025—just days before the end of Biden’s presidency—Buckner’s sentence of more than seven years for distributing over 28 grams of cocaine base was commuted.

Buckner’s federal incarceration began on May 11, 2023, but the commutation of his sentence meant he served less than two years, leading to his release on March 18, 2025.

His legal troubles began with a federal indictment in September 2020, wherein prosecutors alleged Buckner was part of a conspiracy alongside four others to possess and distribute drugs. In April 2021, Buckner admitted guilt to charges of distributing cocaine base.

Now, roughly a year after his sentence was commuted, Michigan authorities claim Buckner has reverted to criminal activities. He and three others are facing new charges, with potential sentences that could lead to life imprisonment, according to a report by MLive.

Buckner was charged on Friday and appeared virtually in court on Monday. He is set to return on April 22 for a notice of hearing before a preliminary exam takes place the following week.

Buckner was not the only person who saw a lighter sentence after Biden’s action on Jan. 17, 2025. The departing president commuted the sentences of nearly 2,500 people, a record.

His predecessor and successor, President Donald Trump, has since continued the trend, pardoning and commuting the sentences of thousands of defendants, many of whom were involved in the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol.

Discover the Optimal Workout Time for Enhanced Sleep Quality: New Study Reveals Key Insights

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The optimal time of day for exercise varies significantly from one individual to another, according to recent studies.

Researchers have discovered that aligning physical activity with your body’s natural chronotype can enhance sleep quality and potentially reduce risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure, elevated fasting glucose levels, and increased levels of ‘bad’ cholesterol.

Sad lonely tired man home alone.
Want better sleep? The answer may be to work out at a different time. (Getty)

A chronotype is essentially your body’s natural inclination towards certain sleeping and waking times, explaining why some individuals are naturally early risers while others are more inclined to stay up late.

This internal clock also influences the timing of hormone release and energy levels throughout the day.

A collaborative study conducted by scientists in Pakistan and Scotland reveals that exercising in sync with your chronotype may lead to improved health benefits.

They tested 150 people aged 40 to 60 with at least one cardiovascular risk factor to figure out their chronotypes, then randomly assigned them a time to work out.

Some were given time slots that matched their chronotypes, like between 8am to 11am for morning people, while others were given mismatched slots.

They were then told to work out five times a week for 12 weeks and their results monitored.

Data showed that all the participants experiences better aerobic fitness and sleep quality, and lower cardiovascular disease risk factors after the 12 weeks were up.

But those who had their exercise time slot matched to their chronotype showed much bigger improvements.

People are seen enjoying the warm weather around the TAMs in Melbourne  on Sunday  13 April 2025.
Timing your workout to your body clock could make a major difference. (THE AGE/ LUIS ENRIQUE ASCUI)

Their blood pressure, autonomic function (including heart rate), aerobic capacity, metabolic markers, and sleep quality were significantly better than those who had mismatched exercise time slots.

Morning people who had exercise slots matched to their chronotype showed even better results.

“This study adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting that the timing of exercise when aligned with an individual’s internal biological clock can significantly enhance health outcomes,” the researchers wrote in journal Open Heart.

Working out your own chronotype can be as simple as filling out the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire online, which was used to assess the chronotypes of the people in the study.

Those wanting a more concrete assessment can speak to a health professional.

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7-Eleven Plans Major Store Closures Across US and Canada in 2023


NEW YORK (AP) — The convenience store giant 7-Eleven is gearing up for a significant reduction in its North American presence, with plans to shutter hundreds of stores this year.

Recent earnings reports reveal that the company aims to close 645 outlets during the 2026 fiscal year. This number significantly surpasses the 205 new locations it intends to launch within the same timeframe.

Seven & i Holdings Co., the Japanese parent company of 7-Eleven, indicated that these closures will involve a transition to wholesale fuel stores. Financial documents highlight a growing trend: 7-Eleven Inc. has been steadily launching new wholesale fuel locations across North America, reaching over 900 as of December 2025.

The company has yet to provide detailed reasons for the closures or clarify which specific locations will be affected. The Associated Press has reached out to 7-Eleven for more information.

As of now, 7-Eleven operates over 86,000 stores across 19 countries worldwide, according to its website. The brand’s North American branch, headquartered in Texas, manages more than 13,000 stores in the United States and Canada.

The convenience giant has closed hundreds of underperforming locations over the years, and the latest cuts arrive as higher prices strain consumers worldwide. The U.S. and Israel’s war against Iran has especially rattled energy markets, with drivers now facing soaring gas prices.

Consumers were facing stubborn inflation even before the war. In North America specifically, Seven & i noted in its April 9 report, “although the economy remained robust, personal consumption also began to soften” for the 2025 fiscal year — “particularly among low-income households, as inflation continued to weigh on spending.”

Openings for Seven & i subsidiaries outside of North America are set to outpace the stores they’re closing — including Seven-Eleven Japan, which expects to close 350 stores and open 550 locations, per financial filings.

Seven & i expects its revenue to fall 9.4% for the current fiscal year, totaling a projected nearly 9.45 trillion yen (about $59.5 billion).

The company has been looking for new opportunities for growth, and last year outlined a wider transformation plan aimed at boosting its convenience store offerings. Among goals, Seven & i has said it would invest in more fresh food offerings and expand its “7NOW” delivery service.

The changes also arrive under new leadership. Stephen Hayes Dacus became Seven & i’s CEO last spring.

Shocking ‘The Boys’ Season 5, Episode 3 Twist: Homelander’s Fate Sealed with Ryan’s Future in Jeopardy

In the third episode of the fifth season of The Boys, a pivotal confrontation unfolds for Homelander’s son, Ryan, played by Cameron Crovetti, marking a crucial moment in his troubled journey.

Karl Urban’s character, Butcher, has long viewed Homelander, portrayed by Antony Starr, as a dire threat to humanity. Throughout their ongoing conflict, Ryan remains a central figure. In the preceding season, Butcher attempted to enlist Ryan in the mission to defeat Homelander, but this led to catastrophic consequences. Feeling cornered, Ryan ended up taking Grace’s life before vanishing once more.

When Ryan reappears in Season 5, Episode 3, he finds himself torn between two powerful influences: Homelander and Butcher. Aligning with Homelander offers him the allure of god-like power. However, Butcher presents a stark alternative, emphasizing to Ryan, as they share a beer, that a world devoid of Supes is a safer one.

Butcher manages to sway Ryan towards aiding in Homelander’s downfall, but it comes at a steep cost—Ryan’s own life. This immense burden highlights how relentless Butcher’s pursuit has become, willing to risk everything for the perceived greater good.

The mission faces new challenges as The Boys discover Soldier Boy’s unexpected survival at the episode’s onset. Created with the early Compound V, known as V1, which hasn’t been available since the 1950s, Soldier Boy’s endurance poses a significant twist. Although Homelander, Soldier Boy’s offspring, lacks V1, he is determined to obtain it to secure his immortality, escalating the stakes further.

After Butcher and Ryan’s meaningful moment together, Ryan reaches out to Homelander, resulting in a brutal showdown. But did Homelander kill his son? Keep reading to see what you might have missed from The Boys Season 5, Ep 3 ending.

The Boys Season 5, Ep 3 Ending Explained: What happened to Ryan in The Boys?

antony starr cameron crovetti the boys
Photo: Prime Video

The Boys Season 5, Ep. 3 ends with Ryan calling Homelander to meet one more time. Homelander, ever the narcissist, is convinced Ryan called him to ask for forgiveness. Homelander’s delusions of grandeur have hit a fever pitch as he promises (or rather, threatens) he’s going to live forever, since he sent his goons to hunt down Stan Edgar in the hopes of finding the V1 that will make him immune to the virus and allow him to live forever.

“I put too much pressure on you to fill my boots and I realize now that was impossible,” he tells Ryan. “I am going to live forever now, I’ll realize my own legacy and you, you’re off the hook.”

Ryan then shocks Homelander by asking him if he was conceived by rape. Homelander denies it, but Ryan accuses him of lying, using a line that Homelander likes to deploy often: “Your heart is racing.”

Ryan begins attacking Homelander, but it’s clear that he’s no match for the Supe. Just as he begins to draw blood, Homelander slams Ryan down and starts to relentlessly punch him. “My sweet, sweet boy,” Homelander says as he gets one last look at Ryan’s face before he pummels him almost to death.

The Boys does not let the viewer escape the brutality of the scene, either. The show offers a closeup at Ryan’s tragically battered face as he stares at his father raising his fist to land what sounds like a fatal blow.

Later, Homelander is in his apartment at Vought with blood on his hands. Homelander, who is obsessed with legacy, and being a father and being loved by his own father, just killed his own son. Or did he?

Just as Stan Edgar arrives in Homelander’s apartment, possibly to offer him a path to immortality, Butcher arrives to find Ryan beaten and bruised. After a painfully long moment, Ryan is seen struggling to breathe, but he’s very much still alive.

This could mean Butcher still has one last ace up his sleeve.

New episodes of The Boys air Wednesdays on Prime Video.

If you or someone you know needs to reach out about sexual abuse or assault, RAINN is available 24/7 at 800-656-HOPE (4673), or online at RAINN.org.

Devastating Pacific Typhoon Overturns Cars and Destroys Roofs on U.S. Islands: A Closer Look

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The Northern Mariana Islands have been left in disarray after a super typhoon swept through, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Cars were flipped, utility poles were toppled, and tin roofs were torn away by the powerful forces of nature. Remarkably, there have been no reported fatalities.

Local authorities have now embarked on the daunting task of evaluating the full extent of the devastation inflicted by Super Typhoon Sinlaku. The storm initially made its presence known on Tuesday night, progressing into Wednesday with a relentless assault of intense winds and unyielding rain.

In Saipan, the largest of the Northern Mariana Islands and a U.S. territory home to approximately 43,000 residents, widespread power outages have been reported and many roads are now impassable, according to local officials.

Guam, another U.S. territory with several American military bases, also experienced the typhoon’s wrath as it endured tropical force winds.

Designated as the most formidable tropical cyclone to occur globally this year, the typhoon boasted sustained winds reaching up to 150 mph (240 kph) as it struck the islands, as reported by the National Weather Service.

The monster storm still had winds of 125 mph (200 kph) late Wednesday night as it pulled away to the north from the islands of Saipan, Tinian and Rota, the weather service said. Sinlaku is expected start curving toward sparsely populated volcanic islands in the far northern Marianas.

It was still very windy and rainy roughly 24 hours after the typhoon rattled the islands, but much better than the previous night, said Jaden Sanchez, spokesperson for the Saipan mayor’s office.

Preliminary reports include a lot of flooding, uprooted trees and downed power lines, but no deaths, he said.

Images from Saipan showed residential lots littered with debris and mangled trees. Winds crumbled metal bleachers at a sports field.

Resident Dong Min Lee shot video of a car sitting on top of two others in his apartment building’s parking lot. The winds tore off part of his balcony railing.

The American Red Cross and its partners were sheltering more than 1,000 residents across Guam and the Northern Marianas, agency spokesperson Stephanie Fox said.

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Margot Robbie & Phoebe Tonkin’s Glamorous Saint-Tropez Getaway: A Day of Fun in the Sun

Margot Robbie and Phoebe Tonkin indulged in a lavish outing at the famed Club 55 in Saint-Tropez this past Wednesday, a well-known magnet for celebrities.

The Barbie star, 35, alongside the Vampire Diaries actress, 36, appeared to be in high spirits as they made their entrance at the bar, having been ferried from their yacht by a rib.

Margot opted for a relaxed look, sporting a pair of blue denim jeans paired with a roomy brown sweater.

In an effort to maintain a low profile, the Hollywood luminary donned a blue denim bucket hat and carried her essentials in a sleek black handbag.

Upon her arrival at the beachside eatery, Margot was also seen with a chic brown suede jacket and a sizable white tote bag, adding a touch of style to her casual ensemble.

Meanwhile her long-time pal Phoebe wrapped up in a long black coat which she layered over trendy white trousers. 

The actresses were spotted chatting away as they arrived by boat and walked along the beach to the restaurant. 

Margot Robbie and Phoebe Tonkin enjoyed a luxury day out at celebrity hotspot Club 55 in Saint-Tropez on Wednesday

Margot Robbie and Phoebe Tonkin enjoyed a luxury day out at celebrity hotspot Club 55 in Saint-Tropez on Wednesday

The Barbie actress, 35, and the Vampire Diaries, 36, looked in good spirits as they arrived at the bar and were picked up from their yacht on a rib

The Barbie actress, 35, and the Vampire Diaries, 36, looked in good spirits as they arrived at the bar and were picked up from their yacht on a rib

It comes after Margot and husband Tom Ackerley enjoyed the box office success of their production company Lucky Chap’s latest hit film Wuthering Heights. 

And the high-flying couple have bee spotted treating themselves to a celebratory purchase most of us can only dream of, splurging on a case of eye-wateringly expensive wine.

The pair stepped out last week in Los Angeles after a trip to the liquor store, with producer Tom clutching a box of Scarecrow wine, which retails for around $1,500 a bottle. 

Margot dressed down for the occasion, sporting a black sweatshirt, matching leggings and a pair of sneakers, accessorised with a Chanel handbag and sunglasses. 

She wore her newly-cut bob in a half-up style ad clutched a drink bottle in one hand. 

Her beau meanwhile sported a grey T-shirt, dark trousers and a black cross-body satchel bag.

Margot’s outing comes after her gin has been shunned by top London bars and restaurants over fears of a ‘fatal’ reaction to shellfish – because it contains oysters.

The drink, Papa Salt Coastal Gin, uses oyster shells as a botanical and costs around $80 for 700ml in department stores such as Selfridges.

Wuthering Heights star Margot has previously said she hoped the artisan gin brand would evoke the sandy dunes of Australia, where she grew up.

However, top London bars and restaurants have rejected the drink due to allergen concerns, with the bottle containing three words: ‘warning: contains molluscs’.

Margot has had to change the recipe of her spirit, according to The Guardian and people with a shellfish allergy have been advised not to drink it.

The distilling process of gin removes most of the shellfish proteins, but some can still remain when it is made with oysters.

Margot cut a casual figure in a pair of blue denim jeans which she teamed with an oversized brown jumper

Margot cut a casual figure in a pair of blue denim jeans which she teamed with an oversized brown jumper

The Hollywood star tried to keep low-key wearing a blue denim bucket hat and toted her belongings in a black handbag

The Hollywood star tried to keep low-key wearing a blue denim bucket hat

The Hollywood star tried to keep low-key wearing a blue denim bucket hat and toted her belongings in a black handbag

Margot was spotted carried a stylish brown suede jacket and a large white tote bag as she arrived for lunch at the beach bar

Margot was spotted carried a stylish brown suede jacket and a large white tote bag as she arrived for lunch at the beach bar

Meanwhile her long-time pal Phoebe wrapped up in a long black coat which she layered over trendy white trousers

Meanwhile her long-time pal Phoebe wrapped up in a long black coat which she layered over trendy white trousers

The actresses were spotted chatting away as they arrived by boat and walked along the beach to the restaurant

The actresses were spotted chatting away as they arrived by boat and walked along the beach to the restaurant

The pair arrived on the same rib from a lavish yacht

The pair arrived on the same rib from a lavish yacht 

Phoebe pushed her dark tresses back with a pair of sunglasses on top of her head

Phoebe pushed her dark tresses back with a pair of sunglasses on top of her head 

The pair were spotted walking up the beach to the celebrity hotspot together

The pair were spotted walking up the beach to the celebrity hotspot together 

Margot looked in good spirits during the getaway in France

Margot looked in good spirits during the getaway in France 

Margot carried a series of layers ahead of the beach day

Margot carried a series of layers ahead of the beach day 

Reactions to shellfish include anaphylaxis for those with severe allergies, which can be fatal.

A bar owner told the publication: ‘In order to stock her gin, we would have to train all our staff to ask guests if they have a shellfish allergy when they ordered a G&T. It is simply not worth the time or the risk.’

A restaurant manager told them: ‘We are dealing with enough at the moment, it is a tough time for restaurants, we don’t want to have to ask people if they are allergic to molluscs when they order a gin.’

Margot’s spokesperson has since confirmed the gin was being reformulated, with an oyster-free version expected to reach the market by the end of 2026.

The new Australian liquor brand was created by the actress and her husband.  

Margot gave birth to her first child with Tom in November 2024, a baby boy whose name they have not publicly revealed.

Enhanced Security Measures Implemented for Attendees at Meg-Stock Festival 2023

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Fans of Meghan Markle are flocking to Sydney this week for the much-anticipated ‘Meg-stock’ retreat. Attendees eager to snap a photo with the Duchess will need to shell out an additional £264.

Standard entry to the ‘Her Best Life’ gathering, taking place from Friday to Sunday at the luxurious InterContinental Coogee Beach hotel, is priced at A$2,699 (£1,422) per person for a shared twin room.

For those opting for a more exclusive experience, a VIP ticket priced at A$3,199 (£1,686) includes a group photo opportunity with Meghan, a private hotel room, and a special VIP goodie bag.

The detailed itinerary has been disclosed to ticket holders and can be accessed exclusively by Mail+ subscribers, who also gain insights into the robust security measures in place.

The event documentation outlines that attendees must adhere to a strict ‘no phones, no recording’ policy throughout the interview, emphasizing it as a ‘non-negotiable security requirement.’

Gemma O’Neill, host of the Her Best Life podcast which is organising the retreat, has described the three-day event at the beachside hotel as ‘the ultimate girls weekend’.

O’Neill announced last month that the Duchess would be appearing at the weekend and claimed Meghan had contacted her after being put in touch by a mutual friend.

The 300 attendees will have an ‘in-person conversation’ with Meghan, a ‘meditation and manifestation session’ with O’Neill and a ‘beautiful sound healing experience’.

The Her Best Life event page said on March 23 that the ticket allocation had been 'exhausted', but an updated note on April 6 stated: 'A handful of additional rooms just released'

The Her Best Life event page said on March 23 that the ticket allocation had been ‘exhausted’, but an updated note on April 6 stated: ‘A handful of additional rooms just released’

Meghan will be interviewed at the event, which costs A$2,699 (£1,422) or A$3,199 (£1,686)

Meghan will be interviewed at the event, which costs A$2,699 (£1,422) or A$3,199 (£1,686)

The 300 attendees will have an 'in-person conversation' with Meghan, the event page says

The 300 attendees will have an ‘in-person conversation’ with Meghan, the event page says

Also on the agenda is ‘relaxed time by the pool’, a ‘powerful women’s session with renowned therapist Dr Justine Corry’, ‘gala dinner’ and ‘dinner and disco celebration’.

Attendees are promised a ‘beautiful, relaxing and inspiring weekend’ with ‘inspiring conversations and unforgettable connections with an incredible group of women’.

They were also told by organisers: ‘This is your chance to step away from everyday life and spend a weekend focusing on connection, growth, joy and celebration.’

When O’Neill announced the event last month, she said: ‘I have admired this woman (Meghan) and what she has endured, how she’s risen above it and how she has demonstrated how a woman can be pushed down and she can still rise.’

She added: ‘I feel so flattered that she’s effectively doing this as a favour because of our mutual friend. She’s doing it because she really loves what our community is about, which is women trying to grow, try to be their best selves and trying to help other women.’

The podcast’s website said on March 23 that the ticket allocation had been ‘exhausted’, but an updated note on April 6 stated: ‘A handful of additional rooms just released.’

Earlier this month, The Mail On Sunday revealed the retreat had been overshadowed by security fears after an online troll claimed they were attempting to gain access.

Social media users were openly discussing their plans to attend, with one suggesting they hoped to test security arrangements or gain entry under false pretences.

Separately, Meghan is now making money out of fans buying her clothes after putting details of her wardrobe online following a deal with an AI-powered fashion website.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex at Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne yesterday

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex at Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne yesterday

Harry and Meghan meet people at the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne yesterday

Harry and Meghan meet people at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne yesterday

The Duchess has become a participant and investor in OneOff so she can promote the outfits she has worn during the couple’s tour of Australia this week.

It comes as broadcaster Channel 10 announced Meghan will be guest starring on the new season of MasterChef Australia as a video showed her walking onto the set.

Yesterday, Meghan urged Australians to ignore her royal title, telling them to ‘call me Meg’ as she and Prince Harry began their tour of the country in Melbourne.

Aides also reassured staff at the Royal Children’s Hospital that the couple were ‘relaxed’ about how they were addressed, saying: ‘Harry and Meghan is fine.’

The Sussexes have been accused of using their royal links to treat Australia ‘like an ATM’ – due to the mixture of charity events and private, money-making engagements.

Today, Harry discussed his experience of therapy in Melbourne and said he knew he ‘had stuff from the past that I needed to deal with’ before having children.

Harry made the comments while giving a talk on stage at an event about fatherhood hosted by Movember this morning, meeting supporters of the men’s health charity.

In the afternoon, Harry was welcomed by Indigenous veterans upon arriving at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra and the Duke attended a Last Post Ceremony.

In Sydney, the couple will join Invictus community members on the water in Sydney Harbour and meet past competitors. The visit will conclude at a rugby fixture between New South Wales Waratahs and Moana Pasifika at the Allianz Stadium on Friday.

The Sussexes carried out a tour to Australia in 2018, five months after their wedding, and Meghan’s pregnancy with Prince Archie was announced shortly after their arrival.

Exciting Matchup: Lakers’ Playoff Schedule Against Rockets Revealed

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The Los Angeles Lakers received promising news late Tuesday night.

After Portland delivered an exhilarating win against the Suns in the NBA Play-In Tournament, the NBA unveiled the playoff schedule, giving Laker fans a reason to cheer.

The first-round clash between the Lakers and Rockets has turned out to be one of the longest series in the opening round. Critics and conspiracy theorists might have seen this coming.

While it was known that Game 1 would tip off on Saturday, April 18, the real intrigue lies in the rest of the schedule.

Game 2 is slated for Tuesday, April 21 in Los Angeles, followed by Games 3 and 4 in Houston on April 24 and 26. This setup offers the Lakers an unusual luxury in the playoffs: two full days of rest between Games 1 and 2, and again between Games 2 and 3.

However, that wasn’t the most shocking revelation.

Should the series get to a Game 5 back in Los Angeles, that will be played on Wednesday, April 29, 11 days after Game 1.

Games 6 and 7 are set for May 1 and May 3, respectively.

This is huge news for the Lakers as they enter the postseason one of the most snake-bitten teams in the NBA.

Luka Doncic (Grade 2 left hamstring strain) and Austin Reaves (Grade 2 left oblique strain) both suffered regular season-ending injuries during the Lakers’ April 2 road loss to the Thunder.  

When asked on Tuesday about their availability for Game 1, head coach JJ Redick was blunt in his response.

“They’re out indefinitely,” Redick said. “I’m not going to have an update for you this week. They’re out indefinitely.”

Doncic was having an MVP-caliber season before suffering the injury with five games remaining in the regular season. He led the league in scoring (33.5 points), was third in assists (8.3) and sixth in steals (1.6). 

While not as heralded as Doncic and LeBron James, the Lakers looked like a true title contender when Reaves returned from injury. With him in the lineup, Los Angeles went 15-2 in March and surged.

Reaves was at the Lakers’ practice facility on Tuesday and was seen shooting on the court during the portion of practice that was open to media members.

While wearing slides, Reaves participated in a free throw shooting contest at the end of practice, missing a trio of free throws to the delight of his teammates. He made a corner 3-pointer before walking off the court.

It’s expected that both injuries take around 4-6 weeks to heal.

Doncic is attempting to speed up that process by traveling to Spain to receive special treatment (he’s scheduled to return to stateside on Friday), while Reaves’ situation is more about pain management.

With the way the first round schedule has been set, Doncic and Reaves could potentially return for Game 5, which would be four weeks since they both suffered the initial injury.

Any bit of a hope is reason for celebration if you’re Los Angeles.

First Round Schedule (if necessary)

Game 1: Saturday, April 18 (Los Angeles) — 5:30 p.m. (ABC)

Game 2: Tuesday, April 21 (Los Angeles) — 7:30 p.m. (NBC)

Game 3: Friday, April 24 (Houston) — 5 p.m. (Prime)

Game 4: Sunday, April 26 (Houston) — 6:30 p.m. (NBC)

Game 5: Wednesday, April 29 (Los Angeles) — TBD (TBD)

Game 6: Friday, May 1 (Houston) — TBD (TBD)

Game 7: Wednesday, May 3 (Los Angeles) — TBD (TBD)

Could “Dunesday” Rival “Barbenheimer”? A Deep Dive into 2026’s Most Anticipated Box Office Clash

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When the “Barbenheimer” craze swept through cinemas in 2023, it sparked a renewed hope for the movie industry, drawing in audiences with an unprecedented frenzy. It was an organic phenomenon that studios have been trying to replicate ever since, albeit with less success. Fast forward to 2026, and Hollywood is attempting to recreate that magic with the simultaneous release of “Avengers: Doomsday” and “Dune: Part Three,” both hitting theaters on December 18. While this pairing promises a potentially legendary box office weekend, there are significant uncertainties that come with it. Looper’s detailed analysis provides further insights into this highly anticipated event.

Back in 2023, “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer” offered audiences two starkly contrasting cinematic experiences. One was bathed in vibrant pop culture hues, while the other embraced a more somber, monochrome aesthetic. Their differences fueled a marketing juggernaut that led to one of the most memorable movie events in recent times. The question now is whether Warner Bros. and Disney can capture that same lightning in a bottle, following in the footsteps of Warner Bros. and Universal. The answer isn’t straightforward.

Both upcoming films seem destined for success on paper. The “Avengers” franchise has a proven track record, with “Infinity War” and “Endgame” claiming spots among the top-grossing films of all time. Meanwhile, Denis Villeneuve’s “Dune” series has garnered both critical acclaim and commercial success. However, while “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer” complemented each other as odd, yet perfect, counterparts, the “Dunesday” pairing doesn’t share the same natural synergy.

The thematic and stylistic differences between “Doomsday” and “Dune: Part Three” are stark. Both fall under the broad category of PG-13 sci-fi action blockbusters, but that’s where their similarities end. Villeneuve’s auteur approach to Frank Herbert’s universe offers a more mature, grounded narrative, contrasting sharply with the Russo brothers’ penchant for creating high-energy, family-friendly spectacles that balance humor with drama. Suggesting that the two directors share a similar style is likely to ruffle more than a few feathers among film enthusiasts.

Despite these differences, there’s still significant overlap in their potential audiences. While “Dune” may cater to a slightly older crowd, and some hardcore Herbert fans might scoff at Robert Downey Jr.’s portrayal of Doctor Doom, the majority of moviegoers will likely find both films appealing. They promise to deliver the kind of explosive action and escapism that cinema-goers crave, ensuring that this cinematic showdown will be a spectacle worth watching.

Dune: Part Three and Avengers: Doomsday make a poor double feature

“Doomsday” and “Dune: Part Three” are quite different. While both are in the same basic genre of PG-13 sci-fi action blockbusters, the tones and aesthetics are very different. Want to make a film bro angry? Tell him that Villeneuve and the Russos are basically the same kind of director. Regardless of your feelings on either, it’s clear that the latter are more interested in kid-friendly, mass-appeal adventures with equal parts levity and drama, while the former is more of an auteur with a more grounded and mature vision for his Frank Herbert adaptations.

All that being said, there will be a lot of overlap in audience appeal. Yes, the floor for an age-appropriate viewer for “Dune” is higher, and yes, plenty of Herbert superfans will turn up their noses at Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom. But for most folks in the middle, both films will offer the same basic thing: explosive cinematic action and escapism.

That might sound like it would make the two a natural pair, but the appeal of “Barbenheimer” was the natural contrast. Then you have to consider that “Dune: Part Three” and “Doomsday” are both climaxes for their respective franchises, rather than standalone films. Doing both in one day, especially when you consider their likely combined runtime, feels more like a chore than a fun day at the cinema. It’s still possible that one studio could move their film to an earlier premiere date. Or, maybe this game of chicken will end in a collision. Either way, it should be an action-packed December at the movies.

Watch the full video above for a complete breakdown of “Dunesday” and its differences from “Barbenheimer.”



Joshua Jackson and Katie Holmes Share Memorable NYC Reunion from Dawson’s Creek Days

Chad Michael Murray: From Creek to Hill

Prior to making waves on One Tree Hill, Chad Michael Murray made his presence felt on the set of Dawson’s Creek. He portrayed Charlie, a character romantically linked with both Jen and Joey, showcasing his knack for playing the charming suitor.

Though Charlie was quite the social butterfly, Murray’s real-life rapport with the cast didn’t seem to flourish during his time filming in North Carolina, where One Tree Hill would eventually be shot.

During a 2009 discussion at a Paley Center panel, Busy Philipps didn’t hold back, bluntly describing him as “a douche.” She added, “I’m not really concerned about maintaining any bridges with CMM.”

James Van Der Beek chimed in, acknowledging Murray’s growth by saying, “He’s actually come a long way.” Following the panel, Philipps took to Twitter, reflecting, “Just wrapped up the Dawson’s Creek panel. Maybe I was too tough on chadM2… On second thought, no.”

Murray, meanwhile, hasn’t stirred the pot, saying in 2015 that he learned a lot from the experience.

“I had the opportunity to learn from people who had been doing it for a couple of years longer than I was when I walked into the Dawson’s cast,” he told Cosmpolitan.com in 2015. “You know, Michelle and James and Katie and Josh—they really kind of guided me, because they’d already been around for five, six years, maybe longer. And if they had the time, they were showing me the ropes. I had no idea what lighting was, I had no idea about a lot of the technical aspects of what we do, and so I’m grateful for that experience.”