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Comey in court over controversial social media post

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 16:04:25 EDT

Former FBI Director James Comey appeared in federal court on Wednesday in a criminal case that could test the limits of free speech in the United States.

Prosecutors charged Comey over a social media post showing seashells arranged as “86 47,” which they argue amounted to a coded threat against President Donald Trump.

Comey said he believed the numbers carried a political message, not a call to violence, and deleted the post after some users interpreted it differently.

He did not enter a plea during the brief hearing in Virginia, and the judge allowed him to leave without any release conditions. Comey’s lawyers plan to argue the case is politically motivated.

Prosecutors must prove Comey made a “true threat” under First Amendment standards, meaning he intended or recklessly ignored the risk of violence.

No trial date has been set yet.

Uber brings hotel bookings to its app

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 16:04:00 EDT

The ride-sharing app rolled out a hotel booking feature for US users at its annual Go-Get event in New York yesterday.

The move represents the cab-hailing app’s strategic shift to becoming an all-in-one super app.

CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said “Uber is already the go-to platform for global travel,” and that it is the natural next step to offer trip-related services.

The company is partnering with Expedia Group to allow US users to book stays at more than 700,000 hotels directly through the app, with Vrbo home rentals expected later this year.

The rideshare app is relying on discounts to make the feature take off. Uber One users can get 10% back in credits and up to 20% off some hotels, though regular users can also score deals.

The deal has long roots: Khosrowshahi had led Expedia before joining Uber.

That’s not all
The company is also integrating OpenAI-powered voice booking chatbots and AI tools for grocery delivery.

For travelers, Uber is debuting a room-service-like feature to deliver forgotten essentials.

Additionally, passengers in cities like Atlanta, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, who book Uber Black or Black SUV rides, can now request that drivers pick up Uber Eats items, such as coffee, during their trip.

The app’s hotel booking expansion poses direct competition to major travel platforms like Airbnb and Booking Holdings.

Expedia will add Uber ride bookings to its app in June.

IPO debut of Bill Ackman’s investment fund falls short of targets

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 16:04:52 EDT

Billionaire investor Bill Ackman took his investment firm, Pershing Square Capital Management, public on Wednesday, raising $5 billion in a scaled-down but ambitious debut.

The offering created two listed entities on the New York Stock Exchange—a closed-end fund, Pershing Square USA Ltd. (ticker PSUS), and Pershing Square Inc. (ticker PS)— giving investors access to both the fund and its management business.

Shares saw a weak start, with PSUS dropping 18% below its IPO price of $50, and PS trading at $24.20 at the end of the day.

Ackman aims to build a long-term investment platform inspired by Berkshire Hathaway. His firm has delivered returns of over 2,600% since 2004, far outpacing the S&P 500.

The move also opens the door for smaller retail investors to participate in his strategy.

Powell to retire as Chair, but will stay on Fed board

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 16:04:48 EDT

With his term expiring on May 15, Jerome Powell appeared in front of reporters for the final time as Federal Reserve Chair, though he said he will remain on the Fed’s Board of Governors for a while.

Powell said he will not step down until the probe into him over the Fed’s headquarters renovation is fully resolved, stressing the need for transparency and finality. He added that recent developments influenced his decision to stay. He also warned that political attacks on the Fed could harm its independence.

The DOJ ended its criminal investigation but has since referred the matter to the Fed’s inspector general, leaving open the possibility it could be reopened.

Leadership transition underway
Powell’s decision comes as the Senate moves toward confirming Kevin Warsh, nominated by President Donald Trump, as his successor. Trump’s appointees already hold seats on the board, and Powell’s move prevents an immediate shift in control.

Trump had earlier threatened to fire Powell if he stayed beyond his term.

Meanwhile, at a Senate hearing, Warsh said the Fed needs “messier meetings” and more open disagreement, contrasting with its traditional consensus-driven approach.

Recent Fed meetings have seen rare dissent, with regional presidents Neel Kashkari, Beth Hammack, and Lorie Logan opposing signals of near-term rate cuts amid persistent inflation and higher energy prices.

The split highlights growing uncertainty over inflation, tariffs, and geopolitical risks that could keep borrowing costs elevated for households and businesses.

By staying on, Powell temporarily blocks the Trump administration from gaining a majority on the seven-member board that guides monetary policy. Markets now await the Fed’s June meeting.

What about interest rates
The Federal Reserve kept interest rates unchanged at 3.5%–3.75% but revealed sharp internal divisions.

The Federal Open Market Committee split 8–4, its biggest dissent since 1992, as some officials opposed hints of future rate cuts. Inflation remains above 3%, complicating policy decisions.

Pentagon reveals Iran war cost America $25B

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 16:04:40 EDT

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Pentagon Comptroller Jay Hurst testified before the House Armed Services Committee on Wednesday, revealing that the ongoing US conflict with Iran has cost an estimated $25 billion.

Hegseth did not provide a timeline for the war’s end, insisting that the US must continue to pressure an “enemy who’s hell-bent on getting a nuclear weapon.”

Before a ceasefire was declared on April 7, the Pentagon reported hitting approximately 13,000 targets in Iran, claiming the attacks obliterated the country’s underground stockpiles of highly enriched uranium.

However, Democratic Representative Adam Smith challenged Hegseth’s position, questioning the Trump administration’s shifting narrative about Iran, which has transitioned from an imminent nuclear threat to now obliterated facilities.

Meanwhile, the Iran war dominated the hearing, which was originally focused on the Pentagon's budget.

The Trump administration is seeking roughly $1.5 trillion for defense—a jump from just $1 trillion this year.

SCOTUS axes Louisiana redistricting map citing racial gerrymandering

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 16:04:39 EDT

In a major 6-3 decision, the Supreme Court struck down Louisiana’s congressional map, labeling it an unconstitutional racial gerrymander.

Louisiana had redrawn its congressional map after the 2020 census, but in 2022, a federal judge struck it down, ruling that maintaining only one majority-Black district out of six likely violated Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, which broadly prohibits racial discrimination.

However, on Wednesday, Justice Samuel Alito, writing for the majority, argued that the state’s creation of a second majority-Black district to comply with Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act actually infringed upon the 14th Amendment rights of white voters.

While the White House hailed the verdict as a victory against the abuse of racial data in redistricting, dissenting Justice Elena Kagan warned the move eviscerates existing law.

Civil rights groups, including the NAACP, expressed concern that the ruling could allow over a dozen states to redraw maps and dilute the influence of minority voters ahead of upcoming elections.

Big Tech earnings signal strong AI growth

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 16:04:15 EDT

Several major US tech companies released earnings yesterday, offering a rare snapshot of the industry and easing fears of an AI-driven market bubble.

Amazon, Alphabet, and Microsoft reported strong double-digit growth in cloud computing, driven by rising demand for artificial intelligence. Meta Platforms missed Wall Street expectations but still showed solid revenue growth.

Alphabet’s cloud revenue surged 63% year-on-year to $20.03 billion, beating estimates of $18.05 billion and rising sharply from $12.3 billion last year. The company reported an 81% increase in profit, fueled by AI investments.

Amazon Web Services exceeded expectations, growing 28% year over year to $37.6 billion. Ad revenue hit $17.24 billion, topping the $16.87 billion forecast.

Microsoft’s cloud segment, including Azure, rose 40% to $34.7 billion. The company also announced that its capital expenditure would reach $190 billion this year.

Meanwhile, Meta Platforms fell more than 6% after reporting capex below expectations and missing user growth targets. The company doesn’t offer cloud services.

Investors are closely tracking these results because the companies plan to spend about $650 billion on AI infrastructure by 2026. Their performance matters greatly, as the Magnificent Seven stocks account for over 30% of the S&P 500.

Strong earnings helped calm market concerns. Alphabet rose 7% after hours, Amazon gained 4%, and Microsoft fell roughly 2% following the reports, as investors reacted to spending plans.

At the same time, AI expansion is reshaping the workforce. Over 92,000 tech workers have lost jobs globally this year, as companies invest more in automation.

Overall, the results suggest AI is already boosting revenue, especially through cloud services.

King Charles III delivers a speech to Congress

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 16:04:20 EDT

King Charles III, currently on a four-day state visit to the United States, received a standing ovation from Congress for his address yesterday. He became the first British monarch to deliver a speech there since 1991.

In his address, King sought to ease tensions stemming from Britain’s reluctance to fully support the joint US-Israeli war against Iran. He acknowledged that the world is in “times of great uncertainty, ” and reaffirmed the importance of NATO.

Adding a lighter note, he also joked that the US and UK have everything in common except language. Notably, the King avoided direct mention of the Jeffrey Epstein scandal or its victims.

His strategic delivery appears to have broken the ice during a period of significant geopolitical friction between America and Britain.

Taylor Swift is trademarking her voice, image to ward off AI deepfakes

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 16:04:16 EDT

Pop icon Taylor Swift has taken legal action against unauthorized AI content by filing trademark applications to protect her voice and likeness, mirroring similar moves by Matthew McConaughey.

Swift’s filing includes two specific audio clips promoting her album, The Life of a Showgirl, and an onstage image of her in a sparkly bodysuit and strumming a pink guitar.

The move follows incidents where Swift was targeted by deepfake cookware ads and sexually explicit AI-generated images that went viral on social media.

Legal experts note that sound marks, which are trademarks on audio, were historically reserved for brand jingles like NBC’s chimes.

Swift’s attempt to register her spoken voice marks a significant, largely untested legal frontier in intellectual property law.

Starbucks lifts forecast as sales surge in Q1

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 16:04:04 EDT

Starbucks is showing signs of a strong comeback. The coffee giant lifted its annual forecast after a better-than-expected quarter, sending shares up about 5% in after-hours trading.

Under CEO Brian Niccol, the company’s “Back to Starbucks” plan is gaining traction.

Global same-store sales jumped 6.2%, beating the 3.7% estimate, while earnings per share reached 50 cents, above expectations.

Niccol said 80% of outlets are meeting the 4-4-12 service targets, which implies four minutes in the cafe, four in the drive-through, and under 12 minutes for mobile pickup.

The company now expects fiscal 2026 earnings of $2.25 to $2.45 per share, up from earlier guidance.

However, the strategy comes at a cost. Higher labor investment reduced North American operation margins to 9.9% from 11.6%.

The company expects easing pressure from tariffs and coffee prices later this year.

OpenAI revenue concerns trigger a slide in tech stocks

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 16:04:23 EDT

Tech companies saw their stocks plummet on Tuesday after a Wall Street Journal report claimed that ChatGPT maker OpenAI is missing its revenue and user targets.

Insiders told the WSJ that the company did not meet its goal of reaching 1 billion weekly active users by the end of 2025. It also fell short of its yearly and monthly revenue targets amid growth from competitors Google, Gemini, and Anthropic.

OpenAI Chief Financial Officer Sarah Friar is concerned about the company’s revenue growth and questions whether it can finance its future computing contracts.

The Sam Altman-led AI startup is reportedly planning to file for an IPO. The move would require it to publish its earnings reports.

The report was enough to raise fears of an AI spending bubble. Stocks of semiconductor firms fell. Broadcom sank 4.4%, Micron Technology fell 3.9%, and Nvidia declined 1.6%.

Notably, chipmaker Nvidia originally announced a $100 billion agreement with OpenAI last September, which has been downsized to $30 billion, according to the Financial Times.

The S&P 500 fell 0.5%, the Nasdaq composite dropped 0.9%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.1%.

OpenAI’s leadership dismissed the reports as “clickbait,” maintaining that the company remains on a steep growth trajectory.

Investors are now awaiting this Wednesday’s Big Tech earnings reports from Alphabet, Amazon, Meta, and Microsoft for clarity on AI returns.

FCC orders review of ABC licenses

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 16:04:20 EDT

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has ordered an early review of broadcast licenses held by Walt Disney-owned ABC, following a controversy over a joke by comedian Jimmy Kimmel.

The move follows pressure from the Trump administration, which called for Kimmel’s firing over remarks about First Lady Melania Trump.

The FCC is examining Disney’s diversity and compliance record, and has given the company until May 28 to respond. The step is highly unusual, as license reviews are rarely tied to such issues.

Disney said its stations follow FCC rules and will defend their record while continuing to serve local viewers. The company owns eight ABC stations in major cities, with licenses due for renewal between 2028 and 2031.

Experts say any such move would likely face legal challenges. Critics warned against government overreach, raising concerns about press freedom.

The president and first lady demanded that Kimmel be fired after the late-night host joked that Melania had “a glow like an expectant widow.”

Kimmel said his remark was misunderstood and not meant to suggest violence. The comedian highlighted the irony of Trump joking about his own age soon after criticizing him.

Kimmel’s show was briefly suspended in September after station owners threatened action over comments about the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

Musk testifies in OpenAI trial against Altman

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 16:04:15 EDT

The high-profile legal battle between Elon Musk and Sam Altman continued for a second day in a federal court in Oakland, with Musk taking the stand as the first witness.

Musk had sued OpenAI, its CEO, Altman, and president, Greg Brockman, in 2024, alleging they had moved away from the company’s original nonprofit mission.

During his testimony, Musk said he co-founded OpenAI to counter Google and promote safe, open-source AI. He left the company’s board in 2018.

Musk accused the company of stealing from the public.

He also said his roughly $38 million contribution was redirected toward commercial goals. He clarified that he supports a capped-profit structure but warned that it should not dominate the nonprofit's vision.

He is seeking $150 billion in damages and wants the company restored to nonprofit control. OpenAI dismissed Musk’s claims as baseless, while lawyers from both sides presented opening arguments.

UAE exits OPEC amid Gulf energy crisis

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 16:04:21 EDT

Nearly six decades after joining, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has confirmed its exit from OPEC on May 1, marking a major shift in global energy politics amid Middle East tensions linked to the Iran war.

After Saudi Arabia and Iraq, the UAE is the third-largest oil producer among the 12-member OPEC.

The Arab nation said repeated disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and missile and drone strikes on its infrastructure forced it to rethink its energy strategy.

The narrow waterway, which handles nearly a fifth of global crude flows, has faced severe shipping constraints, squeezing exports and raising regional tensions.

OPEC controls oil prices by coordinating each country’s production capacity, and is responsible for half the world’s oil exports.

The UAE said it is exiting OPEC to control its oil output and will steadily boost production as demand grows. Energy Minister Suhail Al Mazrouei said the UAE will focus on expanding output capacity toward 5 million barrels per day by 2027 without OPEC limits. Before the strait’s closure curbed shipments, the country produced 3.6 million barrels a day.

The decision weakens OPEC’s control over supply and exposes rifts between Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia, the group’s de facto leader.

Despite leaving the cartel, the UAE stressed it remains committed to market stability and will continue coordinating with global producers. Officials also insisted the move is not aimed at any member state, including Saudi Arabia. But the two nations are locked in a regional rivalry.

They also possess the greatest volumes of oil exceeding OPEC export allowances.

What are the experts saying?
Analysts say the UAE could expand market share as geopolitical conditions normalize. The exit may also challenge Saudi Arabia’s role as the main stabilizer within OPEC+, amid rising competition for production influence in the region.

Gulf producers continue to face shipping disruptions and security threats linked to Iranian attacks, prompting emergency talks among regional leaders in Saudi Arabia.

Mark Carney unveils Canada’s first sovereign wealth fund

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 16:04:21 EDT

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has unveiled the country’s first-ever sovereign wealth fund, the Canada Strong Fund, to finance national projects in infrastructure, energy, critical minerals, agriculture, and more.

Launched with an initial endowment of $25 billion, the fund aims to foster partnerships between the government and the private sector.

Carney revealed that the endowment is supported by the government’s stronger fiscal outlook than the previously projected $78.3 billion deficit.

The fund will allow individual Canadians to buy into it and earn dividends, effectively creating a national savings account.

Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre has criticized the move, arguing the sovereign wealth fund’s $25 billion endowment is adding to the national debt.

King Charles III arrives in US

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 16:04:32 EDT

King Charles III and Queen Camilla began a four-day visit to Washington, D.C., yesterday, the King’s first official trip since his accession.

The two were greeted by President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump at the White House amid heightened security following a recent shooting incident in Washington, D.C.

The visit comes as America gears up to celebrate the 250th anniversary.

The first day concluded with a garden party at the British Embassy, attended by over 600 guests, and featured symbolic beef sandwiches from the first tariff-free batch of British imports.

Today, Charles will address both houses of Congress before attending a White House state dinner. He is expected to travel to New York City in the coming days to visit the 9/11 memorial and engage with Wall Street’s tech elite.

The visit is a bit controversial, too. The king is not meeting his son, Prince Harry, and the royal couple has notably declined meetings with Jeffrey Epstein survivors. Epstein was a past acquaintance of Charles’ brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.

While Charles and Trump have a good relationship, the same cannot be said for US-UK ties. President Trump recently criticized Prime Minister Keir Starmer for his stance on the Iran war.

Kimmel defends Melania Trump joke amid calls for his firing

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 16:04:28 EDT

Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel addressed the intense backlash from President Donald Trump and the First Lady, who have called on Disney and ABC to fire him due to a controversial joke.

Their outrage began from a skit aired last Thursday, where Kimmel jokes that Melania Trump possessed a “glow like an expectant widow.”

In response, Kimmel clarified that the joke was regarding the couple’s age difference and was never intended as a call to violence. He stressed his long-standing stance against gun violence, calling the shooting “traumatic and scary.”

The Kimmel controversy places significant pressure on Disney as it navigates the intersection of corporate policy and free speech under President Trump’s scrutiny.

Beijing blocks Meta’s $2B purchase of AI startup Manus

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 16:04:23 EDT

China’s state planner on Monday called on Meta to reverse its ongoing $2.5 billion purchase of Manus, citing national security concerns.

The country’s National Development and Reform Commission said cross-border tech deals must comply with strict rules, even as Meta insisted the transaction followed the law.

The decision comes just weeks before a key summit between President Donald Trump and Xi Jinping in Beijing. Technology control and trade disputes are expected to dominate the talks, and this move signals Beijing’s tougher stance on cross-border tech deals. It also reflects a broader split in global innovation, especially in AI and semiconductors.

Manus developed powerful AI agents capable of writing detailed reports and creating presentations. The startup began in China under the name Beijing Butterfly Effect Technology in 2022, later shifting parts of its business to Singapore following foreign investment.

However, regulators argue it remains tied to China, giving them authority to review and block the deal.

Chinese officials also questioned the founders of Manus and restricted their travel during the probe. They worry such deals could encourage other startups to move abroad without approval.

For Meta, the situation is complex. It has already integrated Manus tools into its products, making any reversal difficult, especially after investors have exited.

Losing Manus would hurt the tech giant, which was banking on the deal to improve its AI edge.

OpenAI, Microsoft end exclusive AI sales deal

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 16:04:19 EDT

Microsoft and OpenAI are ending their partnership that granted the former exclusive rights to sell the latter’s AI models. It allows the ChatGPT maker to work with other cloud rivals, such as Amazon.

Under the new deal, Microsoft will no longer pay a share of revenue on OpenAI products it resells through its cloud platform. Both companies said the change will simplify their relationship and give them more flexibility to grow.

More cloud partnerships
OpenAI can now offer its technology through multiple cloud providers, including Amazon Web Services. This helps the company meet rising demand for AI tools worldwide.

What stays the same
Microsoft will remain OpenAI’s main cloud partner, and new AI products will still launch first on Azure. The tech giant will also continue to earn a share of OpenAI’s revenue until 2030.

The revised deal reflects the fast-growing and competitive AI market, where companies are expanding partnerships to reach more users.

Iran proposes to reopen the Strait of Hormuz

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 16:04:11 EDT

Iran proposed reopening the Strait of Hormuz, in exchange for the US lifting its blockade on Iranian ships, ending the conflict, and delaying nuclear talks, officials told multiple outlets yesterday.

However, President Donald Trump rejected the offer, signaling he will continue a naval blockade to pressure Iran, saying it could force Tehran to act within days.

What’s next
Officials will review options in a Situation Room meeting happening today. Talks through regional mediators have shown little progress.

The disagreement continues to keep tensions high with the ongoing conflict disrupting global oil supply and fueling inflation. The strait handles nearly 20% of the world’s oil supply.

Oil prices rose nearly 3%, while tanker traffic through Hormuz has sharply dropped from about 140 ships a day before the war to just seven recently.

Supreme Court weighs Roundup cancer lawsuits

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 16:04:39 EDT

The Supreme Court heard arguments on Monday in a case that could settle a long battle over the safety of a commonly used US weedkiller.

The suit centers on whether Roundup can be held liable for failing to place a cancer warning on its products.

The court case focuses on John Durnell, who blames decades of Roundup use for his blood cancer. He won $1.25 million in 2023. Bayer has appealed.

The outcome could shape one of the largest product liability fights in US history, with billions of dollars at stake, reshape the agriculture industry, sway pending legal settlements, and influence the midterm elections.

Glyphosate lies at the heart of the case, the main ingredient in Roundup, developed by Monsanto and now owned by Bayer. More than 100,000 lawsuits claim the company failed to warn users about cancer risks. Bayer has already paid about $11 billion in settlements.

Bayer, which acquired Monsanto in 2018, argues that the Federal Insecticide Fungicide and Rodenticide Act blocks such state-level claims.

The Environmental Protection Agency has repeatedly found glyphosate safe, and Bayer says it cannot add cancer warnings without contradicting federal rulings.

However, the World Health Organization linked glyphosate to cancer in 2015, sparking a wave of lawsuits.

Several justices, including John G. Roberts Jr., questioned whether states would lose all authority if new risks emerge. Others warned that allowing such claims could create inconsistent rules nationwide.

What’s at stake
Farm groups warn that banning glyphosate could disrupt food production across millions of acres. Meanwhile, health advocates argue the public has a right to know potential risks.

The ruling, expected by June or July, could either erase existing verdicts or open the door to thousands more claims.

A favorable decision in Durnell would limit Bayer’s liability, along with its $7.25 billion settlement offer in February.

More Americans are applying for Irish citizenship

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 16:04:54 EDT

Applications from Americans seeking Irish citizenship surged 63% in 2025, reflecting rising demand for “plan B” passports amid political uncertainty.

Official data shows US applications to Ireland’s Foreign Birth Register jumped from 11,601 in 2024 to 18,910 in 2025, the highest since records began in 2013.

Lawyers say stricter immigration policies, tariff hikes, and debates over transgender rights under President Donald Trump have pushed many to explore options abroad.

Processing takes about 12 months, with most applications approved. Ireland issued over 40,000 certificates last year, close to the total number of applications.

Interest also extends to the UK, where US citizenship applications rose 42% to 8,790.

Meanwhile, migration is increasing, with 9,600 Americans moving to Ireland in the year to April 2025, nearly double the previous year.

Experts say the trend highlights growing interest among US citizens in securing global mobility and stability. Around 32 million Americans have reported having Irish ancestry.

King Charles III visits the US

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 16:04:48 EDT

King Charles III is arriving in Washington today for a four-day state visit, marking his first such travel to the country since being crowned in 2022.

Charles has visited the US 19 times before. During this visit, he is set to meet and have private tea with the Trumps, attend a formal White House state dinner, and a rare address to a joint meeting of Congress on Tuesday—only the second such speech by a British monarch since 1991.

However, the visit comes at a time when US and UK tensions are marred by geopolitical events. President Donald Trump recently criticized Prime Minister Keir Starmer for his stance on the Iran war.

Additionally, the King faces calls to meet with victims of Jeffrey Epstein due to his brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s past associations with the sex offender.

The 77-year-old Charles will be accompanied by his wife, Queen Camilla. He was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer in 2024.

Kenya’s Sabastian Sawe breaks two-hour barrier at London Marathon

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 16:04:57 EDT

In a historic feat, two runners broke the sub-two-hour marathon mark at the London Marathon. Kenya’s Sabastian Sawe ran the 26.2 miles in 1:59:30 and smashed the men’s world record by 65 seconds.

Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha followed just 11 seconds later, also finishing under two hours in his marathon debut.

Sawe surged in the second half, clocking 59:01 and pulling away in the final kilometers. Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo secured third in 2:00:28, also faster than the previous record set by Kelvin Kiptum.

The sub-two-hour mark has long stood as one of athletics’ greatest barriers, comparable to the four-minute mile. While Eliud Kipchoge ran 1:59:40 in 2019, it did not count as an official record due to controlled conditions.

In the women’s race, Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa won in 2:15:41, setting the fastest-ever women-only marathon time and leading a historic podium sweep under 2:16.

Michael Jackson biopic breaks record, rakes in $217M at box office debut

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 16:04:51 EDT

Antoine Fuqua’s Michael Jackson movie, Michael, had the biggest global opening for a biopic as moviegoers rushed to theaters, says producer Lionsgate.

The film grossed $217.4 million globally, including $97 million domestically.

The record was previously held by Oppenheimer ($80 million).

Made with a $200 million budget and starring the late pop icon’s real-life nephew, Jafaar Jackson, the movie resonated with people, earning a 97% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes and an A- CinemaScore.

However, it got a 40% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes.

Main criticisms were about the biopic avoiding the topic of sexual abuse allegations that were brought against Michael Jackson in the past.

Nostalgia drives ticket sales
Gen Z and millennials drove the theater spending for the movie. Those aged 18 to 34 accounted for up to 50% of the audience, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The film now ranks as the year’s second-biggest opening behind The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, which currently sits at $871 million globally.

Sen. Thom Tillis ends opposition to Fed chair nominee Kevin Warsh

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 16:04:42 EDT

Republican Senator Thom Tillis has cleared the way for Kevin Warsh’s confirmation as Federal Reserve chief after the DOJ dropped its investigation into current Chair Jerome Powell.

Tillis had previously blocked Warsh’s confirmation until the probe against Powell existed. He called the Justice Department investigation “bogus,” viewing it as a threat to the Fed’s independence.

Now, with Tillis’ support, the Senate Banking Committee is expected to advance Warsh’s nomination to the full Senate on May 15, the last day of Fed Chair Powell’s leadership.

Warsh is expected to win confirmation despite unified Democratic opposition.

Trump cancels US envoys’ Pakistan visit for Iran talks

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 16:04:38 EDT

President Donald Trump said he had canceled a planned visit by US envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, to Pakistan for talks on the Iran conflict, signaling stalled diplomacy.

The envoys were scheduled to arrive on Saturday. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi was also in Islamabad.

Trump told Axios that the 18-hour journey was pointless at the current state of negotiations. He added that talks could take place over the phone. He stressed the decision does not signal a return to war.

Trump extended the ceasefire with Iran last week.

Meanwhile, Araghchi said he remains uncertain about the US commitment to negotiations after meetings in Islamabad. Despite fruitful discussions with Pakistani officials, no breakthrough emerged.

Tensions remain high in the Middle East. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered fresh strikes on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, despite a ceasefire deal that Trump extended last week.

What we know of the White House Correspondents’ Dinner shooting

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 16:04:06 EDT

Panic and confusion gripped White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington, DC, after gunfire erupted near a security checkpoint on Saturday night, forcing authorities to evacuate President Donald Trump from the venue.

More than 2,000 guests, including politicians, journalists, and public figures, were inside the ballroom when shots rang out.

Attorney General Todd Blanche said yesterday that President Donald Trump and his Cabinet were likely the targets.

What happened during the chaos
Officials arrested 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen at the scene. Investigators said he carried multiple weapons and likely acted alone. During the exchange of fire, a federal agent was struck but survived because of a bulletproof vest.

Who is the gunman
Authorities say Allen is a mechanical engineering graduate, a part-time tutor, and an independent video game developer. He studied at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) and later earned a master’s degree in computer science.

Investigators say that Allen allegedly left behind a “manifesto” and other writings in his hotel room criticizing the administration’s policies.

While it did not name Trump directly, it strongly suggested hostility toward him and his leadership.

Investigators believe he acted alone and had been staying at the hotel where the event was held. He reportedly traveled across the country to attend the dinner and carried multiple weapons, including a shotgun and a handgun.

Before the attack, Allen sent messages and wrote a long note expressing anger toward the Trump administration. In some writings, he even referred to himself as a “friendly federal assassin,” suggesting political motivations behind the attack.

In the aftermath, Trump used the incident to push for a fortified White House ballroom project, arguing that current venues pose security risks.

He said the proposed 90,000-square-foot facility, designed with input from the military and the Secret Service, would prevent such threats, even as legal challenges and funding debates over the project continue.

Gen Z is heading to church to find like-minded people

Sat, 25 Apr 2026 16:04:39 EDT

A growing movement of Catholic influencers and young professionals is driving a rise in church attendance across major US cities.

What has changed?
In New York’s Greenwich Village, the Sunday Mass at St. Joseph’s Church has become a cultural hub, with all 850 seats regularly filled. Pastor Boniface Endorf reports a 20% rise in attendance over the past six months.

Post-service socials, once attended by about 60 people, now draw nearly 200, reflecting the church’s growing social appeal.

Faith and dating
For many young men, church is becoming more than worship. Several told The Washington Post that meeting a potential partner is a “huge selling point.” Women are also active, with one attendee starting a “Holy Girl Walk” in Central Park that combines prayer and community walking.

The trend is not limited to the US. Baptisms among 18- to 25-year-olds have quadrupled in France, with similar growth in Belgium, Ireland, and London, signaling a broader revival among Gen Z.

Young people are adopting more cats than dogs

Sat, 25 Apr 2026 16:04:35 EDT

Meows and purrs have captured Gen Z’s hearts more than barks, with cat ownership up among youngsters, per pet care app Rover.

In 2024, cat ownership grew by 18% among Gen Z and surged by 24% among millennial men.

Why?
According to Rover CEO Brent Turner, cat adoptions have now outpaced dog adoptions, largely because cats are seen as “lower-maintenance.”

Reflecting this trend, Rover recently acquired Meowtel, a platform specializing in cat-sitting services.

Despite broader economic cooling, pet owners continue to prioritize spending on their companions.

Gen Z is carrying ‘panic pouches’ to calm stress

Sat, 25 Apr 2026 16:04:28 EDT

Gen Z and millennials are finding innovative ways to cope with the stress of modern life, and the latest trend is the “panic pouch,” also known as an anxiety bag or calm kit.

These are small bags that are easy to carry and can fit in bigger bags. They contain sensory-based items that shift focus away from stressors and ground the body.

Popular items include sour or minty candies, which many people say help with grounding, as well as fidget toys or stress balls to channel nervous energy.

Other common essentials include soothing lavender oils, earplugs for noise sensitivity, and small handheld fans to cope with the heat often felt during panic attacks.

Some people also carry affirmation cards and photos of loved ones or meaningful places for emotional reassurance.

Several Gen Z users told the New York Post about how their panic pouches help them better manage the physical and emotional symptoms of stress before they escalate.

The trend comes as anxiety increases among Americans. A March Gallup survey found that over 61% of US adults worry about healthcare affordability, and over 50% stress about the economy, inflation, and the environment.

Additionally, over 40 million of the country’s population is living with anxiety disorder, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

Subscription fatigue is hitting youngsters, and many are going analog

Sat, 25 Apr 2026 16:04:24 EDT

Faced with subscription fatigue and an endless cycle of monthly fees, Gen Z is shifting away from paid streaming services to analog experiences like vinyl records, print magazines, and photo books.

Forbes estimates that the average American has 4.5 active subscriptions and pays around $924 a year for them. For many young consumers, unused streaming services and music platforms drain more money annually.

Subscription cancellations
Recent data from the consumer analytics platform Civic Science shows that 37% of Gen Z subscribers canceled one or more streaming services between December and January, while another 29% plan to do so soon. Nearly 87% of Gen Z respondents report experiencing subscription fatigue.

There is also frustration at the realization that digital ownership of their favorite songs, series, and movies is not permanent. A streaming platform may remove any content if it loses distribution rights.

To regain permanence on media they own, many youngsters are buying vinyl records, boutique print magazines, and even physical box sets. It is cost-effective, according to a Seinfeld fan, who says that if he were to rewatch the series on Netflix, he would end up paying $300 a year, while a box set costs around $100 as a one-time payment.

Independent video rental stores are also witnessing a massive resurgence, with some reporting higher rental numbers now than during their early 2000s peak.

A retro $100 landline is the hot new thing for parents

Sat, 25 Apr 2026 16:04:18 EDT

While parents and lawmakers search for alternatives to smartphones for kids, a Seattle-based startup is finding success with a landline-inspired device called Tin Can.

Launched in April 2025, the $100 Wi-Fi-enabled device has sold hundreds of thousands of units. It offers free calls between Tin Cans and to emergency services, with a $10 monthly subscription available for parent-approved external numbers.

CEO Chet Kittleson, a father himself, attributes the phone’s success to Gen X and millennial parents’ nostalgia and their search for digital wellness. He told Bloomberg that he created the device to improve children’s communication skills in the age of social media, texts, and video calls.

Schools are buying them too. About 95% of families at Nativity Parish School outside Kansas City have adopted the tech.

The company recently secured a $12 million seed round led by Greylock Partners following a $3.5 million fundraising effort. It is scaling to meet “overwhelming demand” from educational institutions across the US and Canada.

How the young generation is AI-proofing their careers

Sat, 25 Apr 2026 16:04:13 EDT

A significant shift is occurring in the labor market as young professionals and college students are increasingly moving away from traditional desk jobs and academic courses toward careers they believe are more AI-proof.

A recent Harvard study of Gen Z Americans found that 59% of those aged 18 to 29 now view artificial intelligence as a direct threat to their job prospects.

The anxiety is backed by tangible shifts. A Stanford University research shows that between late 2022 and late 2025, employment for workers aged 22 to 25 in AI-exposed roles, such as software development and customer service, fell by 16%.

As a result, Gen Z is choosing roles that require physical presence, something technology can’t replace. Some speaking to the Wall Street Journal mention shifting careers from insurance to firefighting and dropping out of a computer science course to study in trade school.

Enrollment at vocational-focused community colleges has surged by nearly 20% since 2020.

Overall, Gen Z is actively reshaping career choices to reduce exposure to displacement from the very AI technologies they are increasingly expected to master.

DOJ drops probe into Fed Chair Powell

Sat, 25 Apr 2026 16:04:04 EDT

The Justice Department has officially closed its criminal investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell regarding the $2.5 billion-dollar renovation of the central bank’s Washington headquarters.

President Donald Trump had claimed he could have completed the renovation for $25 million and has labeled the spending as “incompetent” and “corrupt.”

Attorney Jeanine Pirro announced Friday that the matter is being shifted to the Federal Reserve’s Inspector General (IG) to scrutinize cost overruns. She also said she would “not hesitate to restart a criminal investigation should the facts warrant doing so.”

The move comes as Powell’s role as Fed head ends in May, and the Senate hearing for the new Chair nominee, Kevin Warsh, ended this week.

The probe’s closure may end a legislative stalemate as Senator Thom Tillis had blocked the confirmation of Warsh, calling the investigation “bogus.”

Musk, Altman gear up for legal battle

Sat, 25 Apr 2026 16:04:20 EDT

Elon Musk and Sam Altman are set to enter a high-stakes trial in California next week. Musk’s $134 billion lawsuit alleges that OpenAI CEO Altman and President Greg Brockman breached a founding agreement to keep the AI startup a nonprofit.

Jury selection for the case begins Monday, and here is what led to the legal battle:

Musk, along with a few other tech leaders, founded OpenAI as a nonprofit in 2015. However, he left the company’s board in 2018, citing disagreements with Altman and Brockman over the direction of the firm.

Since then, OpenAI has transitioned to a for-profit structure and is now valued at over $850 billion. The Musk lawsuit claims this, among other things, is a breach of charitable trust.

He seeks the removal of Altman and Brockman, the unwinding of the for-profit restructuring, and the return of “ill-gotten gains” to the OpenAI nonprofit arm.

The court hearing comes on the heels of OpenAI and Musk’s SpaceX eyeing potential IPOs this year. High-profile witnesses, including Musk, Altman, Brockman, and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, are expected to testify.

Meta deploys keystroke tracking on employees to train AI agents

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 16:04:37 EDT

Meta is intensifying its pivot toward artificial intelligence by introducing a new internal tool, the Model Capability Initiative (MCI), to track employee keystrokes and mouse clicks.

Internal memos indicate that the data collected will train AI agents and make them capable of performing work tasks autonomously.

While a spokesperson emphasized that the data is strictly for AI development and includes safeguards for sensitive content, the move has sparked internal backlash.

Meta employees speaking to the BBC described the atmosphere as “very dystopian” and said that the “company has become obsessed with AI.”

The parent company of Instagram and Facebook plans to spend roughly $140 billion on AI in 2026, reflecting the aggressive push into the sector.

The trend is worrisome in the volatile job market. Meta has laid off thousands of employees in recent months, with approximately 2,000 job cuts this year alone. Its job listings have plummeted from roughly 800 in March to just seven now.

Additionally, Meta plans to cut 10% of its global workforce starting May 20, with further deep cuts anticipated this year.

France investigates if airport weather sensors tampered for Polymarket bets

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 16:04:29 EDT

Meteo France, the country’s weather forecasting office, has filed a complaint with police after suspecting that weather sensors at Charles de Gaulle International Airport may have been tampered with to favor Polymarket bets.

The investigation was triggered after automated temperature readings spiked unexpectedly by 4 degrees Celsius on April 6 and 5 degrees Celsius on April 15 evenings. On the latter date, temperatures surged from 16.9 degrees Celsius to 21.9 degrees Celsius in just 12 minutes, despite a simultaneous plunge in humidity.

Authorities noted that these anomalies coincided with unusually high trading activity on Polymarket, a prediction market platform. Data shows that bets on French weather for those two dates reached around $1.4 million—more than twice the typical monthly volume.

In one case, a trader reportedly made over $21,000 by betting that 18 degrees Celsius would not be the day’s high temperature.

Meteorologists warn that tampering with weather readings poses severe safety risks. The sensors in airports provide critical data for pilots to determine fuel use, altitude calibration, and runway spacing.

A prediction market where traders bet on real-world outcomes, but in recent times, the contracts have given way to people trying to manipulate real-life scenarios to win their bets.

Just last month, an Israeli journalist said he faced death threats from strangers demanding he retract his story on a missile strike in Jerusalem. He noted millions of dollars in Polymarket bets hinged on the strike’s official confirmation.

Warner Bros. investors approve Paramount deal

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 16:04:12 EDT

Warner Bros. Discovery shareholders on Thursday backed a $111 billion merger with Paramount Skydance in a preliminary vote, nudging one of Hollywood’s most closely watched deals closer to the finish line.

The deal follows a contentious bidding war that saw Netflix bow out and has drawn pushback from some Hollywood stars.

What comes next
Regulatory scrutiny and the remaining approvals will determine whether this blockbuster merger actually makes it to theaters.

US soldier arrested for prediction market bets on Maduro capture

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 16:04:07 EDT

The Department of Justice arrested and charged a Special Forces soldier, Gannon Ken Van Dyke, for allegedly using classified military information to earn more than $400,000 on Polymarket.

How the scheme worked
According to officials, Van Dyke helped plan and execute the early January night raid in Caracas that led to Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro’s capture.

Despite signing strict nondisclosure agreements, the US soldier allegedly used sensitive details to predict outcomes, including Maduro’s removal from power.

Investigators say he moved $35,000 into a cryptocurrency account and placed bets between December 30 and January 2—just hours before military action began. His wagers generated more than $404,000, with additional bets adding over $5,000.

Polymarket said it identified suspicious activity, reported it to authorities, and cooperated fully with investigators.

Van Dyke now faces charges including wire fraud, commodities fraud, theft of government information, and unlawful financial transactions. Officials say his actions risked national security and endangered lives.

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission also filed civil charges.

Meanwhile, the case has raised broader concerns about how easily classified information could be misused in digital betting markets.

Microsoft rolls out first-ever buyouts amid AI shift

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 16:04:02 EDT

For the first time, Microsoft is offering voluntary buyouts to some long-time employees in the US as it shifts focus to artificial intelligence.

Buyouts are packages where a company offers money or benefits to employees who choose to leave voluntarily, often as an alternative to layoffs.

About 7% of its US workforce qualifies for the program, which targets employees whose age and years of service should total 70 or more. The company will share details on May 7.

The move follows earlier cost cuts, including multiple layoffs last year. As of June 2025, Microsoft had 228,000 employees globally, with 125,000 based in the US.

Meanwhile, the tech giant is increasing spending on data centers to support generative AI, following rivals like Alphabet and Amazon.

The company is also revamping performance reviews, reducing pay options from nine to five, and changing stock rewards to give managers more flexibility, said executive vice president Amy Coleman.

Trump says Israel-Lebanon ceasefire extended

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 16:04:27 EDT

President Donald Trump announced yesterday that the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon has been extended by three weeks following a second round of peace talks in Washington.

However, the same day, Trump also said he authorized the US Navy to “shoot and kill” Iranian boats that are found deploying sea mines in the Strait of Hormuz.

The Strait typically handles 20% of all globally traded crude oil and natural gas, and Iranian forces have disrupted travel in the water body ever since the joint US-Israeli strikes on the country on February 28.

The escalation comes as the US military seized another tanker linked to Iranian oil smuggling, further intensifying the standoff with Tehran.

Broader peace efforts between the two countries remain stalled. Iran has refused to attend talks until the US lifts its port blockade, while the White House demands that Tehran first reopen the Hormuz passage.

Lawsuit claims JetBlue tracks customer data to set ticket prices

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 16:04:30 EDT

JetBlue is facing a class action lawsuit that claims the airline uses personal data to influence ticket prices.

Filed in Brooklyn court this week, the complaint claims that the airline tracked a customer’s online activity during a flight search, potentially adjusting fares in real time.

Viral incident sparks debate and lawsuit
Public attention grew after a traveler’s complaint post reporting a $230 overnight fare increase while booking a funeral trip, which went viral online. A now-deleted response from JetBlue’s social media team suggested clearing cookies or using incognito mode to find better-priced tickets.

The suggestions fueled concerns that JetBlue is using browsing data to influence fares.

Allegations of surveillance pricing
The lawsuit argues that such tracking enables airlines to vary prices based on browsing history, location, and other personal factors. It also points to instances where fares rose after users revisited the site, raising concerns about ‘surveillance pricing’ as AI-driven tools become more common.

The complaint further alleges that customer data may have been shared with third parties without clear disclosure.

JetBlue strongly denied the allegations, stating that ticket prices depend only on demand and seat availability, and all customers see the same fares on its website and app.

The lawsuit seeks damages under federal anti-wiretapping and New York consumer protection laws.

Amazon joins weight loss race with new GLP-1 plan

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 16:04:33 EDT

Amazon’s One Medical has launched a nationwide GLP-1 program across its 200-plus offices in more than 20 US regions, aiming to capture the surging demand for weight loss drugs.

The move follows a similar initiative by Walmart.

Amazon says that, unlike standalone telehealth providers, it is integrating GLP-1 treatment directly into primary care, offering clinical oversight to manage side effects and lifestyle changes better.

One Medical executives noted that some patients previously managed by other providers arrived “malnourished” or were on improper dosages.

The program leverages Amazon Pharmacy to provide the pricing and delivery. With insurance, medications can cost as little as $25 per month, while cash-pay options start at approximately $149 for oral versions and $299 for injectables.

Condom prices to rise as Hormuz closure disrupts supply

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 16:04:29 EDT

The world’s largest condom producer, Karex Bhd, plans to raise prices by 20% to 30%, as the war in Iran causes disruptions in the supply chain.

The Malaysia-based company said yesterday that rising energy and petrochemical costs are sharply increasing production expenses.

Chief executive Goh Miah Kiat said higher freight rates and shipping delays have reduced customer inventories, pushing global demand up by about 30% this year.

Karex produces over five billion condoms annually and supplies to major brands like Durex and Trojan, along with public health systems such as the National Health Service and global aid programs run by the United Nations.

The company says input costs for synthetic rubber, nitrile, aluminum foil, and silicone oil have surged by 25% to 30% since late February.

At the same time, global condom stockpiles have fallen due to funding cuts, including reduced support from the United States Agency for International Development.

Karex has also seen shipping times to Europe and the US double to nearly two months, leaving critical supplies stuck in transit and worsening shortages, especially in developing countries.

Tensions around the Strait of Hormuz have sharply disrupted shipping after Iran threatened vessel movements. This has raised transport costs and delayed deliveries worldwide.

The war is also pushing up airfares by an average of 24%, while fertilizer, helium, bottled water, and food prices are also rising. The United Nations has warned that sugar, dairy, and fruit prices will climb further due to higher transport costs.

OpenAI and ChatGPT face criminal probe in Florida shooting

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 16:04:25 EDT

Florida has launched a criminal investigation into ChatGPT and its parent OpenAI, alleging a connection to the deadly shooting at Florida State University last April.

The attack killed two people and injured six before police shot and hospitalized the suspect, who now faces multiple murder and related charges.

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier said that the ChatGPT bot may have advised the gunman on weapons and ammunition, adding that if it were a person giving such guidance, they could face murder charges.

Authorities issued subpoenas to OpenAI for records to assess potential criminal liability.

OpenAI denied responsibility, calling the incident a tragedy. The company said ChatGPT gave general, publicly available information and did not promote violence. It also shared a suspected account linked to the shooter with law enforcement.

Trump signals possible aid for Spirit Airlines

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 16:04:09 EDT

President Donald Trump said the government could step in to support Spirit Airlines, as the budget carrier faces a growing risk of liquidation.

Speaking on CNBC, he backed consolidation in the aviation sector and said he would welcome a buyer for Spirit, while leaving open the option of federal assistance.

Rising fuel costs have worsened the carrier’s outlook. Jet fuel prices have nearly doubled in 2026, averaging about $3.87 per gallon in major US cities, up roughly 55% since the Iran conflict escalated in February.

Fuel is the airline industry’s second-largest expense after labor.

Spirit has privately requested government aid, according to Bloomberg, as it works through its second Chapter 11 filing in less than a year.

The airline plans to exit bankruptcy by mid-2026 through aircraft sales, cost cuts, and a focus on select high-demand routes, but progress remains fragile.

The proposal echoes the Trump administration’s recent strategy of trading public funds for stakes in companies such as Intel and US Steel. But not everyone is convinced it’s feasible. Experts say the government may not have the authority to back a single company this way.

Meanwhile, Transport Secretary Sean Duffy plans to meet with low-cost carriers to discuss relief options, including potential tax support, amid growing financial pressure across the sector.

Carriers are expected to push for tax relief, though it remains unclear if direct federal aid will be offered to a single airline, unlike the broad industry support during COVID-19.

Trump says he is extending Iran ceasefire; peace talks are on hold

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 16:04:04 EDT

President Donald Trump said he will extend the ceasefire with Iran, after talks between the US and Iran did not begin as planned on Tuesday.

It is still unclear if Tehran and Israel will agree to the extension.

However, Trump confirmed the US Navy will continue its blockade of Iran’s sea trade, a move Tehran considers an act of war.

Meanwhile, the planned second visit by US Vice President JD Vance to Pakistan for talks with Iran was canceled at the last minute after Tehran did not respond to US proposals, the New York Times reported.

The trip is currently on standby, the publication said., and could proceed “at a moment’s notice” if Iran signals willingness to engage with US proposals.

Markets react to Trump’s comments
US stock futures rose, and the dollar weakened. However, oil prices traded above $100 a barrel on Wednesday after reports of gunfire attacks on three ships in the Strait of Hormuz.

Gold prices climbed, with spot gold rising 1% to $4,759.63 per ounce.

The war, which started on February 28, has killed over 5,000 civilians and shaken global markets.

Oil supply remains under pressure as the Strait stays blocked. The International Energy Agency called this the largest supply disruption on record, surpassing the 1970s oil crisis and the impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Additionally, for the first time, Chinese President Xi Jinping urged the restoration of normal shipping through the Strait of Hormuz after Iran’s closure.

Fed chair nominee Warsh denies Trump pressure in Senate hearing

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 16:04:41 EDT

Speaking to the Senate Banking Committee, President Donald Trump’s nominee for the Federal Reserve Chair, Kevin Warsh, asserted that the central bank would remain independent from the White House under his leadership.

Warsh’s testimony came amid intense scrutiny regarding his ties to Trump and concerns about potential political interference in monetary policy. He argued that while he listens to elected leaders, their opinions do not endanger the Fed’s autonomy.

The hearing grew tense as Senator Ruben Gallego cited a Wall Street Journal report that said Trump pressed Warsh to support interest rate cuts. Warsh denied that any demands were made.

Previously known for his hawkish stance on inflation and support for rate hikes, Warsh has recently embraced rate reductions, a shift critics argue is designed to curry favor with Trump.

If confirmed, Warsh would become the wealthiest Fed chair in history. His financial disclosures revealed over $100 million in assets.

What to know about new Apple CEO John Ternus

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 16:04:35 EDT

Apple’s leadership transition is officially set for September 1, when current senior vice president of hardware engineering, John Ternus, will succeed Tim Cook as CEO.

While Steve Jobs was the visionary showman and Cook the operational titan who grew Apple’s market cap to $4 trillion in 15 years, Ternus represents a middle ground. He is described as a collaborative leader.

A UPenn graduate with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics, Ternus joined Apple in 2001. His 25-year tenure has seen him evolve from a Product Design team member to the senior VP of hardware engineering in 2021.

He is credited with spearheading the engineering of the system components for the very first iPad and played a fundamental role in the creation of AirPods, Apple’s first 5G phones, and the transition from Intel processors to Apple Silicon.

Ternus also pushed for the recently launched, budget-friendly MacBook Neo, which sold out instantly.

With Apple entering the artificial intelligence race, Ternus reportedly reorganized the hardware engineering department earlier this month to accelerate AI product development.

His roadmap includes transforming Siri into a sophisticated chatbot, launching smart home wearables, and introducing a foldable iPhone.