Shell has agreed to buy Canadian shale producer ARC Resources for $16.4 billion. This deal will increase Shell’s oil and gas production and add to its reserves, marking its largest purchase in ten years.
Key Facts
Shell will pay $13.6 billion in cash and shares and take on ARC’s $2.8 billion debt.
ARC Resources produces about 370,000 barrels of oil and gas per day.
The acquisition will increase Shell’s production growth target from 1% to 4% annually.
Shell’s CEO Wael Sawan said this deal makes Canada a key area for Shell’s future growth.
Shell sold its US shale business in Texas in 2021 but is now expanding again in North America.
ARC mainly produces natural gas and condensate, which are used for energy and making chemicals.
Shell owns or is involved in more than 30% of the world’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) capacity.
Shell’s shares dropped 1.8% after the announcement, and the company expects higher profits from trading due to market changes.
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You can negotiate credit card or other high-interest debt without having a large lump sum of money to pay at once. Many creditors are open to payment plans or programs that lower payments over time instead of demanding a single full payment.
Key Facts
Many Americans face high credit card rates above 21% and rising living costs.
Creditors often prefer lump-sum payments but may accept payment plans or smaller, regular payments.
Payment plan settlements let you pay a reduced amount over time instead of a large one-time payment.
Debt management plans through credit counseling can lower interest rates and combine payments but usually do not reduce the total owed.
Hardship programs may temporarily reduce payments or interest rates for those with financial difficulties.
Creditors consider income, debt age, and payment history before accepting alternative settlements.
Working with a professional debt relief service can help if creditors refuse to negotiate or if you have multiple debts.
Debt relief companies may pool monthly payments over time before negotiating a settlement without a lump sum.
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Greggs, a bakery chain in the UK, is removing open display cabinets in some London stores where shoplifting is common. They are testing secure counters and new software to better report thefts to police while assessing the impact on customers.
Key Facts
Greggs operates around 2,700 shops across the UK.
The trials are in London areas like Croydon, Peckham, Whitechapel, and Upton Park, plus Birmingham and Nottinghamshire.
Shoplifting offences in England and Wales increased by about 20% last year, exceeding half a million cases.
The UK government plans to add a new crime for assaulting retail workers and increase police presence.
Greggs is sharing incident data with local police using new software to speed up responses.
Some competitors, like Pret a Manger and Costa, are hiring security staff to prevent repeat thefts.
The changes at Greggs are targeted, temporary, and aim to balance reducing theft with customer experience.
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Canada announced the creation of its first national sovereign wealth fund called the Canada Strong Fund, starting with $25 billion from the federal government. Prime Minister Mark Carney said the fund will invest in major Canadian projects to boost the economy and reduce the country’s dependence on the United States. The fund will also allow Canadians to invest directly and benefit from its returns.
Key Facts
Canada is starting its first national sovereign wealth fund called the Canada Strong Fund.
The fund will begin with $25 billion Canadian dollars from the federal government.
It will invest in energy, infrastructure, critical minerals, agriculture, and technology projects in Canada.
The fund aims to support long-term economic growth and make Canada less dependent on the U.S.
Canadians will be able to invest directly in the fund and share in its financial returns.
The announcement comes amid trade tensions and tariff increases from the United States under President Trump.
The fund’s returns will be reinvested to grow its size and support more projects over time.
The approach is inspired by successful sovereign wealth funds like Saudi Arabia’s, which invest in national industries for future benefits.
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A proposal to tax California billionaires has collected enough signatures to appear on the November ballot. The measure would charge a one-time 5% tax on people with a net worth of $1 billion or more to fund healthcare, education, and food assistance programs in California.
Key Facts
The proposal is backed by SEIU-UHW, a union representing over 120,000 healthcare workers in California.
More than 1.5 million signatures were collected, surpassing the 875,000 needed for the ballot.
The tax would be a one-time 5% charge on billionaires with at least $1 billion in net worth.
It is expected to raise about $100 billion over five years.
The money would help prevent hospital and clinic closures and support K-14 education and food aid programs.
California has about 200 billionaires with a combined wealth of $2 trillion.
Opponents, including Governor Gavin Newsom and billionaire Bill Ackman, say the tax could hurt the economy and cause billionaires to leave the state.
Supporters argue the tax is fairer because billionaires currently pay a lower tax rate compared to middle-class Californians.
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Supporters of a proposed tax on billionaires in California say they have collected enough voter signatures to put the measure on the November ballot. The goal of the tax is to make wealthier residents pay more to support public services.
Key Facts
Advocates claim 1.6 million signatures were submitted for the Billionaire Tax Act.
California law requires at least 874,641 registered voter signatures to qualify a measure for the ballot.
The proposed tax targets billionaires, aiming to increase their contributions.
The measure will appear on the November election ballot if approved.
The signatures ensure the tax proposal will be decided by California voters.
The tax intends to raise funds for state programs, though details are not specified in the article.
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The European Union (EU) is facing a large trade surplus from China, driven by a sharp increase in Chinese electric vehicle (EV) sales in Europe. In early 2026, China exported far more to the EU than it imported, creating a record trade gap. This has led the EU to consider new laws aimed at protecting European industries.
Key Facts
China had a trade surplus of $83 billion with the EU in the first three months of 2026.
Chinese exports to the EU were worth about $148 billion, while EU exports to China were $65 billion in that period.
Sales of Chinese electric and hybrid cars in Europe nearly doubled from $11 billion to $20.6 billion between early 2025 and early 2026.
Europe (including the UK, Norway, and Switzerland) buys 42% of Chinese electric vehicle exports.
The EU proposed a “Made in Europe” strategy to protect key industries and reduce reliance on imports like Chinese cars.
China warned the EU that it might respond with trade measures if the EU’s new rules unfairly target Chinese products.
The EU has placed tariffs up to 35% on some Chinese car imports to reduce the trade imbalance.
China supplies 93% of certain rare earth materials used in technology and manufacturing, which Europe depends on.
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Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that Canada is creating its first government-owned investment fund. The fund will start with 25 billion Canadian dollars and invest in large Canadian projects like energy and technology.
Key Facts
The fund is called a sovereign wealth fund, owned by the government.
It will invest in industries such as energy, infrastructure, mining, agriculture, and technology.
The government will invest alongside private investors.
Canada aims to diversify its economy away from dependence on the United States.
Sovereign wealth funds use money from a country's budget surpluses, but Canada currently has no surplus.
The fund will begin with 25 billion Canadian dollars (about 18 billion US dollars).
There are more than 90 sovereign wealth funds worldwide managing over 8 trillion US dollars.
The announcement came just before Canada's spring economic update.
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Claire's has closed all 154 of its standalone stores in the UK and Ireland, resulting in over 1,300 job losses. The company went into administration twice in one year due to poor sales, competition from online brands, and changing customer preferences.
Key Facts
Claire's closed all 154 standalone stores in the UK and Ireland as of April 27.
More than 1,300 employees were informed they would lose their jobs.
The brand’s 350 concession stores and European locations will stay open.
Claire's faced strong competition from cheaper online shops like Shein and Temu.
Changing tastes mean fewer young shoppers want Claire's colorful, playful jewelry.
Other stores like Primark and Superdrug also competed with Claire's low prices.
Financial struggles included very poor Christmas sales and rising staff costs due to government policies.
Young customers today spend money differently, often on experiences and trendy products influenced by social media.
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Claire’s is closing all its remaining stores in the UK, resulting in about 1,000 job losses after more than 30 years on British high streets. The company went into administration in January, and administrators have confirmed that all outlets will shut down, following earlier store closures and job cuts.
Key Facts
Claire’s collapsed into administration in January 2024 after financial struggles.
More than 100 UK stores will close by Tuesday, ending Claire’s presence on British high streets.
Around 1,000 jobs will be lost due to the closures.
Half of the chain’s stores (154 shops) had been saved in August 2023 by investor Modella Capital.
The remaining 145 stores not rescued were closed in late November 2023.
Claire’s UK sales declined due to competition from online retailers like Amazon and social media platforms like TikTok.
US-based Claire’s entered the UK market in 1996 by acquiring Bow Bangles.
The company’s global operations include over 2,750 stores in 17 countries, popular mainly with teenagers.
Modella Capital, which owns Claire’s UK stores it saved, is also planning to restructure TG Jones, a former WH Smith division, with possible store closures.
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Amazon plans to lay off thousands of workers in four U.S. states on April 28 as part of its ongoing cost-cutting and restructuring efforts. The layoffs will affect employees in corporate offices and physical retail stores, including several Amazon Fresh grocery locations that will close.
Key Facts
Amazon will lay off workers in Washington, California, Maryland, and New York.
About 2,600 workers will be cut in Washington, mainly in Seattle-area corporate offices.
California will see 4,865 layoffs across 10 locations, many related to closing Amazon Fresh stores.
Maryland will lose around 742 jobs due to five Amazon Fresh store closures.
In New York, Amazon will cut 44 jobs on Long Island, 71 in Nassau County, and 135 at a corporate office in New York City.
The layoffs include cuts in product and engineering roles, such as software development.
Amazon is shifting grocery investments away from Amazon Fresh toward Whole Foods stores and online delivery.
Amazon plans to open more than 100 new Whole Foods stores in the coming years and may convert some closing Amazon Fresh stores into Whole Foods.
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Many Americans struggle to keep up with debt relief payments due to rising costs and financial challenges. If you can’t afford your payments, you can ask to change your plan, switch to a different type of debt help, or seek temporary assistance from your lenders.
Key Facts
High borrowing costs and rising inflation make it hard for some people to pay their debts.
Debt relief plans have fixed payments that may be hard to follow if your income or expenses change.
You can try to renegotiate your debt relief plan to lower payments or extend the time to pay.
Switching from one debt relief program to another might help if your current plan is too expensive.
Some plans involve working with credit counselors to lower interest rates and combine payments.
Debt settlement can reduce your total debt but may hurt your credit score and have tax effects.
Many lenders offer hardship programs with lower fees or paused payments during tough times.
Contacting your lender early is important to find better options and avoid missed payments.
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The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has recalled multiple products sold on Amazon and Walmart because they pose safety risks such as choking, suffocation, chemical burns, and injuries. Items affected include children's stools, playsets, baby loungers, adjustable dumbbells, and toys with magnets.
Key Facts
Wiifo Children’s Tower Stools sold on Amazon can collapse and cause injury or death; about 9,700 units are recalled.
mGanna sodium hydroxide (lye) pellets sold on Amazon were recalled due to unsafe packaging that risks chemical burns.
KMUYSL Big Red Barn Farm Animal Playsets recalled for detachable parts that can cause choking in children under 3.
Cpzzkq baby loungers sold on Amazon pose suffocation hazards and violate infant safety standards.
Walmart recalled about 50,000 FitRx adjustable dumbbells after reports of the weights detaching and causing injuries.
Magnetic Stick Figure Sets sold by Walmart were recalled because swallowed magnets can seriously harm or kill children.
Consumers are advised to stop using recalled products and seek refunds following CPSC instructions.
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Mortgage interest rates in May 2026 are expected to stay mostly steady, around 6%, but could move up or down depending on events like the Iran conflict and inflation reports. Experts say rates rose earlier in the year due to war concerns but have recently dropped a bit as ceasefire talks seem hopeful.
Key Facts
The average 30-year mortgage rate was about 5.87% in February 2026.
Rates climbed to 6.37% in March due to inflation fears linked to the war with Iran.
By late April, rates had fallen back to around 6%.
The 10-year Treasury yield influences mortgage interest rates and has lowered as ceasefire talks progressed.
No Federal Reserve meeting is scheduled for May, so the Fed’s rate stance is mostly priced into current mortgage rates.
Inflation and job reports in May could cause mortgage rates to rise or fall.
Experts predict the 30-year mortgage rate will stay between roughly 6.1% and 6.5% during May 2026.
Continued uncertainty in the Middle East could increase rate volatility and push rates higher.
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Mortgage interest rates have decreased slightly in April 2026 after rising in March. As of April 27, the average rate for a 30-year mortgage is 6.00%, and for a 15-year mortgage, it is 5.50%, with refinance rates being somewhat higher.
Key Facts
The average 30-year mortgage rate on April 27, 2026, is 6.00%.
The average 15-year mortgage rate on the same date is 5.50%.
Thirty-year mortgage rates fell from 6.37% at the end of March to 6.00% in April.
Refinance rates for a 30-year mortgage average 6.69%.
Refinance rates for a 15-year mortgage average 5.56%.
No Federal Reserve interest rate cut is expected this week, with the next meeting scheduled for June.
Borrowers who shop around may find mortgage rates half a percentage point or more below the average.
Refinancing with a shorter term may increase monthly payments but can reduce the total loan payoff time.
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A proposal to tax California billionaires 5% on their wealth has collected enough signatures to appear on the November ballot. Supporters say the tax will fund health services for low-income people, while opponents including tech leaders and Governor Newsom warn it could hurt the economy and cause billionaires to leave the state.
Key Facts
The measure would impose a one-time 5% tax on billionaires' assets like stocks, art, businesses, and intellectual property.
It targets billionaires living in California as of January 1 and aims to fund health care services cut by federal changes signed by President Trump.
Supporters include the Service Employees International Union and politicians like Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Ro Khanna.
Opponents include tech billionaires and companies like Google, DoorDash, Reddit, LinkedIn, and Facebook, who have donated millions to fight the measure.
Governor Gavin Newsom opposes the tax, warning it could hurt California's economy and push billionaires out, which would reduce tax revenue.
California has the most billionaires of any state, with their income responsible for nearly half the state's personal income tax revenue.
More than 1.5 million signatures were collected, surpassing the 870,000 required to get the proposal on the ballot.
The California Business Roundtable fears the tax will lead to less investment, harm the economy, and increase costs for working families.
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Disney and the Make-A-Wish Foundation have partnered for 46 years to grant dreams to children and families. Recently, a 16-year-old's wish to become a Disney animator was fulfilled during the Disney Week of Wishes event.
Key Facts
Disney and Make-A-Wish have worked together for 46 years.
The collaboration focuses on granting wishes to children with critical illnesses.
A recent wish involved a 16-year-old aspiring to be a Disney animator.
The wish was fulfilled during an event called Disney Week of Wishes.
The partnership creates opportunities for children and families to experience Disney in meaningful ways.
This initiative is part of Disney’s charitable activities to support children’s dreams.
The story highlights continued charitable efforts by Disney and Make-A-Wish in 2026.
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United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby said he reached out to American Airlines about a possible merger between the two companies. American Airlines rejected the idea, and the plan faces likely government review because some lawmakers worry it could reduce competition and harm customers.
Key Facts
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby confirmed he approached American Airlines to discuss a merger.
American Airlines said it is not interested in any merger talks with United.
Kirby believes the merger would create more jobs, improve customer service, and help compete with foreign airlines.
The idea of the merger was previously mentioned to officials during President Donald Trump’s administration.
U.S. senators Elizabeth Warren and Mike Lee warned that merging the two airlines could reduce competition and hurt consumers.
Kirby said the merger would add value rather than take away services.
The merger would face careful review by government regulators before it could happen.
Both airlines did not immediately respond to further requests for comment.
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A proposal to tax billionaires in California has gathered enough signatures to be voted on by state residents in November. The plan would impose a one-time 5% tax on people with assets over $1.1 billion, aiming to reduce wealth inequality and raise about $100 billion.
Key Facts
The California Billionaire Tax proposal was led by the SEIU-UHW labor union.
It requires a 5% one-time tax on assets above $1.1 billion for California residents.
Over 1.6 million signatures were collected, double the amount needed to qualify for the ballot.
The proposal faces opposition from Governor Gavin Newsom and Silicon Valley leaders.
Wealth inequality in the U.S. has grown, with the top 1% owning nearly 32% of the nation’s wealth in late 2025.
Billionaire wealth increased three times faster than average incomes from 2020 to 2025.
The tax is expected to raise about $100 billion, potentially offsetting healthcare budget cuts from the Trump administration.
Other states like Connecticut are also considering new taxes targeting wealthy individuals.
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The movie "Michael," a biopic about Michael Jackson starring his nephew Jaafar Jackson, opened with $217 million worldwide, setting a new record for music biopics despite mixed to negative reviews. The film covers Jackson’s life up to 1988 and has been compared to the 2018 biopic "Bohemian Rhapsody," which had a smaller box office opening and slightly better critical reviews.
Key Facts
"Michael" opened with $217 million worldwide and $97 million in the U.S., a record for music biopics.
The film stars Jaafar Jackson, Michael Jackson’s nephew, and is co-produced by the Jackson family estate.
Critics gave "Michael" mostly negative reviews, with a 38% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes but a 97% audience score.
The movie covers Jackson’s life until 1988, before allegations of child abuse surfaced publicly.
"Michael" has been criticized for ignoring difficult parts of Michael Jackson’s life.
"Bohemian Rhapsody" (2018), about Freddie Mercury, had a $124 million opening worldwide and received better critic reviews (60% on Rotten Tomatoes).
Both films are noted for glossing over complex or darker aspects of their subjects’ lives.
"Michael" has surpassed "Bohemian Rhapsody" in box office opening both globally and domestically.
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