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Business news, market updates, and economic developments

Petrol thefts surge as Iran war pushes up fuel costs

Petrol thefts surge as Iran war pushes up fuel costs

April 20, 2026 • BBC Business

Summary

Fuel thefts in the UK have increased by 62% compared to last year, with thieves stealing more expensive amounts due to rising fuel prices linked to the war involving Iran. Petrol retailers report more frequent unpaid fuel drive-offs, and police along with the government are working to stop the problem.

Key Facts

  • Petrol thefts have risen by 62% over the last year.
  • The average amount stolen per theft has increased by 46%, now nearly £70 per incident.
  • Rising fuel prices since the Iran conflict have pushed petrol costs up by £14 and diesel by £27 per tank.
  • A petrol station owner with five sites suffers about five unpaid fuel incidents weekly per site.
  • Some thefts are planned and organized, while others may involve people who simply forgot to pay.
  • Theft problems are worse in less wealthy areas like east/south east London, Glasgow, Manchester, Leeds, and Birmingham.
  • Police are increasing efforts to catch offenders and work with fuel retailers.
  • The government says those who steal fuel must face legal consequences.
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BBC Business BBC Top Stories
UK shifts older wind and solar farms to fixed-price deals to reduce price shocks

UK shifts older wind and solar farms to fixed-price deals to reduce price shocks

April 20, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

The UK government plans to move older wind and solar farms onto fixed-price contracts for electricity. This aims to protect consumers and businesses from sudden spikes in gas prices, which strongly affect electricity costs.

Key Facts

  • Older wind and solar farms make up nearly one-third of Great Britain’s power market.
  • These renewable projects currently get extra payments on top of the market price.
  • The new plan asks these projects to switch to contracts that pay a set price for electricity.
  • Fixed-price contracts help separate electricity prices from gas price changes.
  • The move is voluntary but linked to avoiding higher taxes on extra profits.
  • The UK’s electricity prices are very high because about 30% of power comes from gas plants.
  • Gas prices influence the whole electricity market, causing price swings for consumers.
  • The government wants to lower price shocks and promote more clean energy and electric alternatives.
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Guardian World
5 Budget-Friendly Ways To Travel This Summer

5 Budget-Friendly Ways To Travel This Summer

April 20, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

Many Americans plan to travel this summer despite economic concerns, and most want to save money while doing so. Experts suggest strategies like booking flights and hotels early, choosing less popular destinations, and combining work with travel to reduce costs.

Key Facts

  • Two in five Americans plan to take a vacation involving flying or hotel stays in summer.
  • Travelers expect to spend nearly $4,000 on average for their trips.
  • Booking international flights at least 90 days in advance can help get better prices.
  • Flying in August and on Saturdays may be cheaper.
  • Hotel prices change frequently, so booking one to two weeks ahead for domestic travel and 90 days for international is usually best.
  • Traveling to less popular or off-season destinations can lower costs.
  • Many remote or hybrid workers can combine work and travel, called a "workcation," which can save money.
  • Using fare alerts, package deals, and credit card rewards can help reduce travel expenses.
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Newsweek
Tim Cook to step down as Apple CEO

Tim Cook to step down as Apple CEO

April 20, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

Apple CEO Tim Cook is stepping down after nearly 15 years leading the company. John Ternus, Apple's head of hardware engineering, will become the new CEO on September 1, while Cook will remain as executive chairman to support the company.

Key Facts

  • Tim Cook joined Apple in 1998 and became CEO in 2011.
  • Under Cook, Apple's market value grew from about $350 billion to $4 trillion.
  • Annual revenue increased from $108 billion in 2011 to over $416 billion by 2025.
  • Cook oversaw the launch of new products like Apple Watch, AirPods, and Apple Vision Pro.
  • Apple also expanded services, including iCloud, Apple Pay, Apple TV, and Apple Music.
  • John Ternus, 50, is Apple’s senior vice president of hardware engineering since 2021.
  • Ternus helped develop product lines such as iPad, AirPods, and many versions of iPhone, Mac, and Apple Watch.
  • Cook will support Apple as executive chairman, including working with global policymakers.
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Al Jazeera CBS News
Apple CEO Tim Cook to step down, ending nearly 15-year reign leading the iPhone maker

Apple CEO Tim Cook to step down, ending nearly 15-year reign leading the iPhone maker

April 20, 2026 • PBS NewsHour

Summary

Apple CEO Tim Cook is stepping down after nearly 15 years leading the company. He will hand over the CEO role to John Ternus on September 1 but will stay involved as executive chairman.

Key Facts

  • Tim Cook became Apple CEO after Steve Jobs.
  • Cook led Apple for almost 15 years.
  • During his leadership, Apple's market value grew by over $3.6 trillion.
  • John Ternus, Apple's head of hardware engineering, will become CEO on September 1.
  • Cook will remain executive chairman at Apple.
  • Cook is 65 years old.
  • Similar CEO transitions happened at Amazon and Netflix.
  • Apple grew strongly thanks to the iPhone and other innovations started by Steve Jobs.
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PBS NewsHour
Mythos shock - is AI taking cybersecurity risks to new levels?

Mythos shock - is AI taking cybersecurity risks to new levels?

April 20, 2026 • France24

Summary

A new powerful AI model called Mythos can find hidden software bugs and exploit security weaknesses on its own. Its creator, Anthropic, decided not to release it publicly because of the risks it poses to cybersecurity. Governments and regulators are now encouraging important industries to strengthen their defenses against AI-related threats.

Key Facts

  • Mythos is an advanced AI model that identifies and uses unknown cybersecurity flaws.
  • Anthropic, the developer of Mythos, chose not to make it available to the public.
  • This AI demonstrates a new level of risk by potentially enabling automated hacking.
  • Security experts see Mythos as a turning point in cybersecurity challenges.
  • Governments and regulators are advising critical sectors to improve their security measures.
  • The discussion around Mythos highlights growing concerns over AI in cybercrime.
  • The AI’s ability to independently exploit vulnerabilities could change how cyberattacks happen.
  • SecurityScorecard’s CEO Aleksandr Yampolskiy commented on the significance of the Mythos model.
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France24
Summer travel planning tips to minimize Iran war's impact on your wallet

Summer travel planning tips to minimize Iran war's impact on your wallet

April 20, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

The war involving Iran is causing jet fuel prices to rise and supplies to become limited. This makes summer travel more expensive and harder to plan. Experts suggest ways to find better travel deals despite these challenges.

Key Facts

  • Conflict in Iran affects the availability and price of jet fuel.
  • Airlines face higher costs because jet fuel is more expensive.
  • Rising jet fuel costs lead to more expensive airline tickets.
  • Limited jet fuel supply can cause flight delays or cancellations.
  • Travel experts share tips to save money when booking summer trips.
  • Planning ahead may help travelers find better prices.
  • Watching fuel prices and airline deals can improve travel budgeting.
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CBS News
Apple Names New CEO to Replace Tim Cook: Who is John Ternus?

Apple Names New CEO to Replace Tim Cook: Who is John Ternus?

April 20, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

Apple announced that John Ternus will become its new CEO on September 1, replacing Tim Cook. Cook will stay on as executive chairman after serving as CEO since 2011. The change follows a long-term plan to ensure smooth leadership transition.

Key Facts

  • John Ternus is currently Apple’s senior vice president of hardware engineering.
  • He has worked at Apple since 2001 and helped lead major hardware projects like the iPhone and Mac.
  • Tim Cook has been Apple’s CEO since 2011 and will become executive chairman after stepping down.
  • The transition will officially happen on September 1, pending board approval.
  • Ternus is 49 years old and has a mechanical engineering degree from the University of Pennsylvania.
  • He is known for focusing on product design and engineering rather than public speaking.
  • Apple describes the leadership change as part of a long-term succession plan to maintain stability.
  • Ternus recently became more visible at Apple product launch events.
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Newsweek
The Onion plans to lease Alex Jones’s Infowars after judge blocks purchase

The Onion plans to lease Alex Jones’s Infowars after judge blocks purchase

April 20, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

The Onion plans to lease the Infowars website, owned by Alex Jones, after a Texas judge blocked an earlier attempt to buy it. The Onion wants to turn Infowars into a parody site under a court-approved lease, while a judge reviews the deal amid ongoing lawsuits.

Key Facts

  • The Onion, a satirical website, aims to lease Infowars for $81,000 a month for six months, with an option to renew for another six months.
  • Alex Jones and his company, Free Speech Systems, declared bankruptcy in 2022 after a $1.4 billion defamation judgment related to false claims about the Sandy Hook shooting.
  • The leasing deal must be approved by Texas judge Maya Guerra Gamble, who previously blocked the sale due to concerns about offer value.
  • The Onion’s parent company, Global Tetrahedron, is involved in the lease agreement.
  • Comedian Tim Heidecker will become Infowars’ creative director and plans to parody Alex Jones’s style.
  • The Onion’s goal is to reduce the harmful influence Jones has through Infowars by changing the site’s content.
  • Alex Jones still operates Infowars and hosts his show during the legal process.
  • A lawyer for the Sandy Hook families supports the deal as a way to weaken Jones’s harmful impact.
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Guardian World Guardian US
Emails show Amazon colluding with other firms to raise prices, California authorities allege

Emails show Amazon colluding with other firms to raise prices, California authorities allege

April 20, 2026 • Guardian US

Summary

California’s attorney general, Rob Bonta, released emails alleging that Amazon worked with other companies to raise prices on various products sold online. The emails suggest Amazon coordinated with vendors and retailers like Walmart and Chewy to raise prices together, which may limit competition and increase costs for shoppers.

Key Facts

  • Amazon employees allegedly coordinated with vendors to raise prices on products including pet treats, khaki pants, and eyedrops.
  • In one example, Amazon raised dog treat prices and encouraged the pet treat manufacturer to get Chewy to raise its prices too.
  • Amazon sent information to Levi’s about Walmart selling khaki pants cheaply and Levi’s then worked with Walmart to raise the price.
  • After Walmart raised its price, Amazon increased its price for the same khaki pants.
  • California’s attorney general claims this coordination is price fixing and harms consumers by raising prices unfairly.
  • Amazon denies wrongdoing and says it offers the lowest prices to customers.
  • Walmart, Levi’s, and Chewy are not accused in this lawsuit.
  • The lawsuit started in 2022 and alleges Amazon pressures vendors to keep prices high on competing websites.
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Guardian US
Judge orders Nexstar-Tegna to pause merger

Judge orders Nexstar-Tegna to pause merger

April 20, 2026 • Axios

Summary

A U.S. judge has ordered Nexstar and Tegna to stop combining their companies after they merged in a $6.2 billion deal last month. The judge ruled that the merger could raise prices for TV providers and reduce competition in many local markets.

Key Facts

  • A federal judge issued a preliminary injunction preventing Nexstar and Tegna from merging their operations.
  • The judge agreed with DirecTV’s concern that the merger would force TV providers to raise prices for customers.
  • The court found that the merger likely reduces competition in dozens of local TV markets.
  • Nexstar, the largest broadcast group in the U.S., bought Tegna, creating a company with over 259 stations.
  • The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) waived a rule that limits how many households one broadcaster can reach, to approve the merger.
  • Several states and DirecTV sued to block the merger, arguing it would harm jobs and reduce competition.
  • The Justice Department approved the merger from an antitrust (competition law) viewpoint.
  • The injunction requires Nexstar to keep Tegna running independently while the case continues.
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Axios
$100,000 home equity loan vs. $100,000 HELOC: Which has the cheaper monthly payments now?

$100,000 home equity loan vs. $100,000 HELOC: Which has the cheaper monthly payments now?

April 20, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

Borrowing money using home equity, either through a home equity loan or a home equity line of credit (HELOC), is easier now because homeowners have more equity and interest rates are lower than in recent years. Currently, a $100,000 home equity loan generally has slightly cheaper monthly payments than a $100,000 HELOC, but the difference is small and could change if interest rates shift.

Key Facts

  • Homeowners in the U.S. have a record high amount of home equity available to borrow, around $11 trillion.
  • Lenders usually require homeowners to keep 20% of their home equity untouched when borrowing.
  • Home equity loans have a fixed interest rate, so payments stay the same over time.
  • HELOCs have variable interest rates, which means payments can go up or down.
  • For a $100,000 loan, monthly payments on a home equity loan at about 6.96% interest are around $896 to $1,159, depending on the loan term.
  • For the same amount, monthly payments on a HELOC at about 7.11% interest are around $905 to $1,167, depending on the loan term.
  • Interest rates on both types of loans have been going down recently, making borrowing cheaper than it was earlier.
  • HELOC borrowers should expect their rates to change over time and should compare possible future costs before deciding.
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CBS News
US opens refund portal to start paying back Trump's illegal tariffs

US opens refund portal to start paying back Trump's illegal tariffs

April 20, 2026 • Ars Technica

Summary

The U.S. government has opened an online system to let importers and customs brokers request refunds for tariffs that President Trump imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), which the Supreme Court ruled were illegal. While importers can seek refunds, consumers who paid higher prices due to these tariffs may not receive any money back.

Key Facts

  • The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) launched the Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries (CAPE) portal for IEEPA tariff refunds.
  • Over 330,000 importers paid a total of $166 billion in these tariffs before they were ruled illegal.
  • Refunds will mainly go to importers and customs brokers, not necessarily to consumers.
  • The refund process is expected to take 60 to 90 days after submitting claims, but delays and technical issues may occur.
  • The current refund phase covers about 63% of tariff entries and focuses on certain recent or unpaid claims.
  • The government is studying ways to possibly reduce the total refund amount.
  • President Trump imposed a new 10 percent tariff under a different law (the Trade Act of 1974) after the court ruling.
  • More than 56,000 importers have completed the initial steps required to get their refunds through the new portal.
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Ars Technica
Oil prices rise and stocks give back part of record-breaking rally following latest Iran tensions

Oil prices rise and stocks give back part of record-breaking rally following latest Iran tensions

April 20, 2026 • PBS NewsHour

Summary

Oil prices rose on Monday due to increased tensions between the United States and Iran, while U.S. stock markets fell slightly after recent record highs. The rise in oil prices followed U.S. actions involving an Iranian cargo ship and concerns about Iran blocking oil shipments in the Persian Gulf.

Key Facts

  • Brent crude oil price increased 5.4% to $95.28 per barrel amid concerns about Iran blocking tankers in the Strait of Hormuz.
  • U.S. stocks declined modestly, with the S&P 500 dropping 0.4%, Dow Jones down 109 points, and Nasdaq down 0.5%.
  • The U.S. seized an Iranian-flagged cargo vessel for trying to avoid the blockade of Iranian ports.
  • Iran briefly opened then closed the Strait of Hormuz, increasing market uncertainty.
  • A ceasefire agreement between the U.S. and Iran is set to expire on Tuesday night Eastern time.
  • Some companies with high fuel costs, like Norwegian Cruise Line and airlines, saw stock price drops due to rising oil prices.
  • TopBuild’s stock rose 18.3% after an acquisition deal with QXO valued at about $17 billion.
  • Strong corporate profits and consumer spending are helping support U.S. stock markets despite geopolitical risks and war tensions.
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PBS NewsHour
America's Best Plastic Surgeons 2026 Survey

America's Best Plastic Surgeons 2026 Survey

April 20, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

In 2026, American plastic surgery focuses on subtle improvements and natural looks rather than dramatic changes. New treatments like regenerative therapies and weight-loss medications have influenced trends, and a survey by Newsweek and Statista invites healthcare professionals worldwide to rate the best plastic surgeons.

Key Facts

  • The current trend in plastic surgery is "quiet luxury," meaning subtle and natural-looking improvements.
  • Regenerative treatments, such as exosomes and biostimulators, are popular for improving skin quality.
  • Body contouring procedures have increased due to the use of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs.
  • Breast surgeries now favor smaller, athletic shapes instead of large sizes.
  • More young patients are seeking "prejuvenation," which means treatments to prevent aging.
  • Technology is used to make surgical results look refreshed and healthy, not obvious or artificial.
  • Newsweek and Statista launched a Best Plastic Surgeons survey, covering six types of surgery: breast augmentation, facelift, liposuction, rhinoplasty, tummy tuck, and eyelid surgery.
  • The survey is open to healthcare professionals until May 13, 2026.
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Newsweek
Trump-branded data center project CEO departs

Trump-branded data center project CEO departs

April 20, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Toby Neugebauer, CEO and co-founder of Fermi America, the company developing a large data center campus in Texas branded with President Trump’s name, has resigned. His departure is part of wider changes in the company’s leadership.

Key Facts

  • Toby Neugebauer served as CEO and co-founder of Fermi America.
  • Fermi America is building a big data center campus in Texas named after President Trump.
  • Neugebauer stepped down from his CEO position on Friday.
  • The resignation was reported in an official securities filing.
  • Despite resigning as CEO, Neugebauer remains involved with the company in another role.
  • The company is undergoing a reshuffle of its leadership team.
  • The project is linked to President Donald Trump through branding.
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The Hill
The Onion Announces It Now Owns InfoWars, Alex Jones’ Media Outlet

The Onion Announces It Now Owns InfoWars, Alex Jones’ Media Outlet

April 20, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

The Onion, a satirical media company, has made a deal to take control of Infowars, a media outlet founded by Alex Jones. This deal comes as Infowars undergoes bankruptcy after Jones was ordered to pay more than $1 billion for false claims about the Sandy Hook shooting.

Key Facts

  • The Onion’s parent company, Global Tetrahedron, agreed to take control of Infowars amid its bankruptcy case.
  • The agreement has support from families of Sandy Hook shooting victims who won defamation judgments against Alex Jones.
  • Alex Jones and his company, Free Speech Systems, were ordered to pay over $1 billion for falsely saying the Sandy Hook massacre was a hoax.
  • The legal judgments forced Infowars into bankruptcy and possible liquidation or sale.
  • The deal involves licensing or acquiring Infowars through a court-appointed bankruptcy receiver.
  • A Texas judge must approve the final sale or licensing agreement.
  • Alex Jones has said he will continue broadcasting and encouraged supporters to follow him on new platforms.
  • Newsweek reached out to Alex Jones for comment but had not received a response at the time of reporting.
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Newsweek
Live Nation settles DC lawsuit for $9.9M

Live Nation settles DC lawsuit for $9.9M

April 20, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Live Nation, which owns Ticketmaster, has agreed to pay $9.9 million to settle a lawsuit with Washington, D.C. The lawsuit claimed the company misled customers about ticket prices.

Key Facts

  • Live Nation is the parent company of Ticketmaster.
  • The company agreed to pay $9.9 million to settle the lawsuit.
  • The lawsuit was filed by the District of Columbia.
  • The D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb announced the settlement.
  • The case was about deceptive ticket pricing practices.
  • The investigation was done by the Office of the Attorney General in D.C.
  • Live Nation was accused of misleading customers on ticket costs.
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The Hill
Tariff refund portal off to bumpy start as some businesses report glitches

Tariff refund portal off to bumpy start as some businesses report glitches

April 20, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

The U.S. government launched a new online system called CAPE to help businesses claim refunds on tariffs imposed last year. Some companies have faced problems using the system, including error messages and long wait times for help.

Key Facts

  • The CAPE portal opened on Monday for businesses to claim tariff refunds.
  • Some users received error messages like "system overwhelmed" and "duplicate tax ID."
  • CAPE is run by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
  • The government owes up to $175 billion in tariff refunds to importers.
  • Over 56,000 importers have registered to use CAPE as of April 9.
  • CAPE handles refunds only for tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).
  • The agency promises to process approved refund claims within 60 to 90 days.
  • Some users have had long delays contacting CBP customer service for support.
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CBS News
How to shorten the hiring process (and still find qualified employees)

How to shorten the hiring process (and still find qualified employees)

April 20, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

Long hiring processes can cause companies to lose top job candidates to faster competitors. By clarifying job roles early, standardizing how candidates are evaluated, reducing interview rounds, and improving communication, companies can speed up hiring while still choosing qualified employees.

Key Facts

  • Many job openings receive hundreds of applications, but only a few candidates get serious consideration.
  • The hiring process often takes weeks or months due to multiple approvals and interviews.
  • Strong candidates are usually hired quickly by other companies if the process takes too long.
  • Defining clear job requirements before posting helps reduce delays and confusion.
  • Using a standardized scorecard to rate candidates makes decisions faster and fairer.
  • Limiting interviews to two or three well-planned stages avoids redundancy and speeds up hiring.
  • Structured interviews assign specific topics to each interviewer to make the process more efficient.
  • Keeping candidates informed during the process helps prevent losing them to other offers.
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CBS News