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Business News

Business news, market updates, and economic developments

General Motors says it expects $500 million tariff refund after SCOTUS ruling

General Motors says it expects $500 million tariff refund after SCOTUS ruling

Summary

General Motors expects to get back $500 million in tariff money after the Supreme Court ruled certain tariffs illegal. This ruling has helped GM increase its profit forecast for the year.

Key Facts

  • General Motors (GM) says it will receive $500 million in tariff refunds.
  • The Supreme Court decided that President Donald Trump did not have the power to impose these tariffs alone under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).
  • The U.S. government opened a refund portal for companies to apply for tariff money back.
  • GM is raising its full-year profit forecast by $500 million partly because of the refund.
  • More than 330,000 importers paid these now-invalid tariffs, totaling $166 billion.
  • The typical American household paid about $700 last year due to these tariffs, according to a nonpartisan research group.
  • GM’s CEO Mary Barra noted strong sales of full-size pickup trucks even as gas prices rose.
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USPS Unveils New First-Class 'Day at the Beach' Stamps

USPS Unveils New First-Class 'Day at the Beach' Stamps

Summary

The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) introduced a new set of Forever stamps called "A Day at the Beach" on April 24, 2026. The stamps feature seaside scenes and are available for purchase at post offices, online, and through other retailers at the current First-Class Mail price of 78 cents each.

Key Facts

  • The "A Day at the Beach" stamp set includes four illustrated designs showing beach scenes like a sandcastle and a bicycle on the sand.
  • Artist Gregory Manchess created original oil paintings for the stamp designs, guided by USPS art director Derry Noyes.
  • The stamps debuted at the WESTPEX Stamp Show in Burlingame, California.
  • Each Forever stamp costs 78 cents, matching the current First-Class Mail one-ounce letter rate.
  • USPS plans to raise stamp prices to 82 cents on July 12, 2026, if postal regulators approve the increase.
  • Forever stamps remain valid for mailing one-ounce letters regardless of future rate changes.
  • The stamps can be purchased in booklets of 20 at post offices, online through the USPS website, by phone, or from selected retailers like Amazon.
  • The "Day at the Beach" stamps are part of USPS’s 2026 stamp program, which also includes commemorative stamps honoring people like Muhammad Ali and themes like Black Heritage and American Revolution figures.
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Deloitte and Zoom’s trims to parental-leave benefits may hurt them in long run, experts say

Deloitte and Zoom’s trims to parental-leave benefits may hurt them in long run, experts say

Summary

Deloitte and Zoom, two large US companies, are reducing the amount of paid parental leave they offer to employees. Experts warn that while these changes might save money now, they could harm the companies in the long term by lowering worker productivity and satisfaction.

Key Facts

  • Deloitte will cut paid parental leave from 16 weeks to 8 weeks for some support-role employees starting in January 2027.
  • Deloitte is also removing a $50,000 adoption and surrogacy reimbursement for these employees.
  • Zoom reduced paid parental leave for birthing parents from 22–24 weeks to 18 weeks.
  • The US is the only developed country without guaranteed paid parental leave for all workers.
  • 13 US states and the District of Columbia have mandatory paid leave laws, and many federal employees get up to 12 weeks of paid leave.
  • Experts say paid parental leave benefits health, productivity, and economic outcomes for families and society.
  • Companies may be cutting benefits due to a weaker labor market, where there are fewer job options for workers.
  • Studies show that each $1,000 spent on taxpayer-funded paid parental leave can generate over $20,000 in social benefits.
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WATCH:  Taylor Swift files to trademark voice, image amid AI misuse

WATCH: Taylor Swift files to trademark voice, image amid AI misuse

Summary

Taylor Swift is applying to trademark her voice and image because they have been used without her permission in fake videos created by artificial intelligence (AI). She filed three new trademark applications to protect her likeness from such misuse.

Key Facts

  • Taylor Swift is filing three trademark applications related to her voice and image.
  • The reason is the unauthorized use of her likeness in AI-generated fake content.
  • Trademarks help protect a person's name, voice, or image from being used without permission.
  • This filing reflects growing concerns about how AI can create false or misleading media.
  • The trademark process is a legal way to stop others from misusing someone's identity commercially.
  • Swift’s actions highlight broader issues with AI and digital rights for public figures.
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Shares in buy-to-let mortgage lenders fall after report Reeves plans rent freeze

Shares in buy-to-let mortgage lenders fall after report Reeves plans rent freeze

Summary

UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves is reportedly considering a one-year rent freeze for private landlords in England to help households facing higher living costs linked to the Iran war. As news of the possible rent freeze emerged, shares in major UK buy-to-let mortgage lenders, including Paragon and One Savings Bank, dropped on the stock market.

Key Facts

  • Shares of big UK buy-to-let mortgage lenders fell after reports of a possible rent freeze.
  • The proposed rent freeze would stop landlords from raising rents for one year.
  • The move aims to protect families from rising living costs related to the conflict in the Middle East.
  • Buy-to-let lenders like OSB Group and Paragon saw share price drops of around 2.4% to 3.6%.
  • The UK Treasury did not comment on the proposal, calling it speculation.
  • The education secretary said a rent freeze is not currently being actively considered.
  • The Renters’ Rights Act will soon limit evictions and rent increases to protect renters.
  • Experts warn that rent controls could hurt investment and worsen housing supply shortages.
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Budget airlines first to cut flights as jet fuel prices soar

Budget airlines first to cut flights as jet fuel prices soar

Summary

Budget airlines like Ryanair and Transavia are cutting some flights because the price of jet fuel has gone up a lot. This increase is linked to the ongoing war in the Middle East, which is making it more expensive for airlines to operate.

Key Facts

  • Several low-cost airlines, including Ryanair and Transavia, are reducing flights.
  • Jet fuel prices have risen significantly due to the Middle East war.
  • Transavia is canceling some flights scheduled for May and June.
  • Higher fuel costs increase the overall expenses for budget airlines.
  • Cutting flights is a way for these airlines to manage financial losses caused by fuel price spikes.
  • The situation is part of broader impacts on the travel and airline industry.
  • Budget airlines often have less financial flexibility compared to larger carriers.
  • The article was published on April 28, 2026.
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Will the Fed cut rates? Here's what to expect at Wednesday's meeting.

Will the Fed cut rates? Here's what to expect at Wednesday's meeting.

Summary

The Federal Reserve is expected to keep interest rates unchanged at its meeting on Wednesday because inflation remains high and the job market is stable but not strong. Jerome Powell will hold his final meeting as Fed chair before being replaced by Kevin Warsh, whose nomination is moving forward after an investigation into Powell concluded.

Key Facts

  • The Fed will announce its interest rate decision at 2 p.m. ET on Wednesday, followed by a press conference at 2:30 p.m. led by Jerome Powell.
  • Economists agree the Fed will keep rates steady between 3.5% and 3.75%, the same level since December 2025.
  • Inflation reached 3.3% in March, the highest since May 2024, above the Fed’s target of 2%.
  • The Fed has a dual goal to keep inflation low and maintain a strong job market.
  • The job market is steady but not growing fast, with employers neither hiring much nor laying workers off.
  • Jerome Powell will step down as Fed chair on May 15 after eight years.
  • Kevin Warsh is expected to replace Powell, with his nomination progressing after the end of a legal probe into Powell’s office renovation.
  • Some economists expect the Fed might cut rates later in 2026, possibly in September or December.
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American CEOs are getting older

American CEOs are getting older

Summary

The average age of American CEOs has increased from about 51 to 61 over the past 20 years. Older CEOs tend to lead companies more cautiously but manage well during uncertain times; this trend is stronger in smaller businesses.

Key Facts

  • The study analyzed over 50,000 U.S. CEOs.
  • Small, private companies are more likely to hire older CEOs than big corporations.
  • The average age of CEOs in large companies (S&P 500) is 58.5 in 2023, up from 56 in 2000.
  • CEOs now become leaders at about 55 years old, compared to 47 years old two decades ago.
  • Today's CEOs often have more diverse job experience across several companies before becoming CEO.
  • Economic uncertainty makes CEOs with broad experience more valuable.
  • Although experienced CEOs are prized, fewer young leaders are being developed given slower hiring at entry levels.
  • Aging leadership reflects a broader trend affecting various careers, including politics and science.
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Barclays cuts back risky lending after £228m hit from UK mortgage firm MFS

Barclays cuts back risky lending after £228m hit from UK mortgage firm MFS

Summary

Barclays is reducing loans to risky borrowers after losing £228 million linked to the failure of a UK mortgage lender called Market Financial Solutions (MFS), which is under investigation for fraud. The bank’s CEO also warned about rising fraud cases and increased losses in recent quarters, affecting its lending decisions.

Key Facts

  • Barclays took a £228 million loss due to the collapse of the mortgage lender MFS.
  • MFS failed in February and is currently being investigated for fraud by UK regulators.
  • Barclays’ total credit impairment charges rose to £823 million in the first quarter of 2026.
  • The bank is limiting loans to certain high-risk finance companies with weak controls.
  • Barclays also increased provisions to £430 million for a UK motor finance compensation scheme.
  • First-quarter pre-tax profit grew 3% to £2.8 billion, with revenue up 6% to £8.2 billion.
  • Investment banking income surpassed £4 billion for the first time, helped by market trading.
  • Barclays plans to give debit card users 5% cashback on fuel at Tesco to ease petrol price worries.
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‘Transformative’ Skyscraper To Soar Next to World’s Biggest Railway Station

‘Transformative’ Skyscraper To Soar Next to World’s Biggest Railway Station

Summary

A new skyscraper called 175 Park Avenue will be built next to New York City’s Grand Central Terminal, the world’s largest railway station. The tower will include office space, a hotel, public areas, and will improve transit facilities, with construction expected to begin soon and finish by 2032.

Key Facts

  • The tower will be 1,545 feet tall and be the third tallest building in New York City.
  • It will provide 2.4 million square feet of office space and a 200-room hotel.
  • The project includes over $550 million in upgrades to Grand Central Terminal.
  • Grand Central serves around 29.5 million riders a year and about 125,000 daily commuters.
  • The building’s design is by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), the same firm that designed the Burj Khalifa.
  • The base features a new 5,400-square-foot transit hall to ease congestion.
  • Subway turnstiles will move to a larger, street-level hall with new stairs, escalators, and elevators.
  • Retail space, multiple entrances, and a skylight will enhance the pedestrian and commuter experience.
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BP profits more than double as oil and gas prices soar in Iran war

BP profits more than double as oil and gas prices soar in Iran war

Summary

BP’s profits more than doubled in the first quarter due to higher oil and gas prices linked to the Middle East conflict. The company reported $3.2 billion in underlying profits, driven by strong oil trading, while oil prices increased because of tensions affecting key shipping routes.

Key Facts

  • BP’s first-quarter profits rose to $3.2 billion, up more than 130% from $1.38 billion a year ago.
  • The increase surpassed analysts’ expectations of $2.67 billion.
  • Oil prices rose because of conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran, blocking the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial oil shipping channel.
  • Brent crude oil hit $110.68 a barrel, the highest since early April.
  • BP’s oil trading profits grew significantly, contributing to the overall profit increase.
  • Rising fuel prices have raised concerns about jet fuel shortages and possible flight cancellations.
  • Household energy bills in the UK are expected to reach nearly £2,000 from July due to higher gas and electricity costs.
  • BP’s net debt increased to $25.3 billion, affected by lower operating cash flow and the conflict’s impact.
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BP profits more than double as Iran war sends oil prices higher

BP profits more than double as Iran war sends oil prices higher

Summary

BP's profits more than doubled in the first three months of the year, reaching $3.2 billion. This increase happened because oil prices rose after the war in Iran started.

Key Facts

  • BP earned $3.2 billion in profits from January to March this year.
  • This profit is more than twice the $1.38 billion made during the same period last year.
  • The rise in profits was helped by higher oil prices linked to the war in Iran.
  • BP’s trading division had an especially strong performance.
  • These are BP’s first quarterly results since the conflict began.
  • Meg O’Neill became BP’s new CEO in April, after this quarter ended.
  • The profit figures were better than what experts had predicted.
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Prada launches Indian-made sandals after cultural appropriation backlash

Prada launches Indian-made sandals after cultural appropriation backlash

Summary

Italian luxury brand Prada has launched a limited-edition line of sandals made in India, inspired by traditional Kolhapuri sandals. This move follows criticism the company faced for previously presenting the design without crediting its Indian origins.

Key Facts

  • Prada's new sandals are handmade by artisans in Maharashtra and Karnataka, India.
  • Each pair costs about €750 (around $881).
  • Kolhapuri sandals have been made in India since the 12th Century.
  • The sandals were previously shown by Prada without acknowledging their Indian heritage, causing public backlash.
  • Prada's collection is sold in 40 stores worldwide and online.
  • The brand started a three-year training program to teach skills to 180 Indian artisans in sandal-making.
  • The program collaborates with Indian design institutes and Prada’s academy in Italy.
  • Kolhapuri sandals have a Geographical Indication status, certifying their origin and authenticity.
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World's Best Specialized Hospitals 2027 Survey

World's Best Specialized Hospitals 2027 Survey

Summary

Newsweek and data company Statista are working together to rank the world’s best specialized hospitals for 2027. They are surveying doctors and hospital experts globally to identify top hospitals in 13 medical specialties, including nephrology, which is new this year.

Key Facts

  • Newsweek partners with Statista for the seventh annual specialized hospital rankings.
  • The survey asks doctors, medical professionals, and hospital administrators for their opinions.
  • This year, nephrology (kidney care) was added to the 12 previously ranked medical fields.
  • Other medical fields ranked include cardiology, neurology, oncology, pediatrics, and more.
  • Last year’s ranking listed the top 100 to 300 hospitals in each specialty.
  • Medical professionals can participate in the survey until June 7, 2026.
  • The rankings aim to recognize hospitals excelling in specific medical areas worldwide.
  • The survey collection and ranking are part of a global effort to highlight the best specialized care centers.
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Cost of living payment date brought forward

Cost of living payment date brought forward

Summary

The Government of Jersey has moved the payment date of the Community Costs Bonus to an earlier time in the year. Eligible households will receive a one-time payment of £516.50 in 2026 to help with living costs, with application starting on 14 July.

Key Facts

  • The Community Costs Bonus payment used to be made in autumn but now occurs earlier, in July.
  • The payment helps eligible households with the rising cost of living.
  • In 2026, the lump sum will be £516.50 per qualifying household.
  • Eligibility rules will stay the same as in 2025.
  • One adult in the household must have lived in Jersey for at least five years to qualify.
  • Household combined tax must be less than £2,735 in 2025 to qualify.
  • Households receiving income support are not eligible for the bonus.
  • Around £2.466 million has been set aside from existing government budgets to fund this payment.
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Rachel Reeves’s fiscal rules buffer should be ‘significantly larger’, say peers

Rachel Reeves’s fiscal rules buffer should be ‘significantly larger’, say peers

Summary

A House of Lords committee says the UK Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, should keep a much larger financial buffer to manage the country’s public debt better. The committee warns that the UK’s current debt path is not sustainable and calls for more careful rules and stronger government actions to avoid financial crises.

Key Facts

  • Rachel Reeves increased the fiscal buffer to £22 billion, but the committee says this is still too low.
  • The average fiscal buffer between 2010 and 2022 was about £30 billion.
  • The UK’s public debt is on an unsustainable path according to the committee and the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR).
  • The committee urges the government to interpret debt rules more strictly, requiring debt to fall steadily rather than temporarily rise.
  • Past governments have often used fiscal buffers as “war chests” and allowed them to run very low.
  • The committee includes experts like former officials and economists and is chaired by Labour peer Stewart Wood.
  • The report highlights risks from rising pension costs and potential problems with government debt buyers.
  • The committee says the government should still pursue policies it believes are good even if the OBR does not officially support them.
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Chocolate Snack Mix Recall Sparks Warning to Customers

Chocolate Snack Mix Recall Sparks Warning to Customers

Summary

We R Nuts, LLC is recalling over 250 containers of Uncle Giuseppe’s Milk Chocolate Bridge Mix because the product's label does not show that it contains cashews, soy, and milk. The recall affects products sold in New Jersey and New York, and no illnesses have been reported so far.

Key Facts

  • The company is recalling Uncle Giuseppe’s Milk Chocolate Bridge Mix due to undeclared allergens: cashews, soy, and milk.
  • The products were sold in 11-ounce plastic containers with sell-by dates from September 4, 2026, to November 6, 2026.
  • The recalled items were distributed to Uncle Giuseppe's stores in New Jersey and New York.
  • The recall started after an inspection found the allergen information was missing from the label.
  • People allergic to milk, soy, or cashews are advised to throw away the product and return it for a refund.
  • No illnesses or injuries related to this recall have been reported.
  • The FDA monitors recalls and provides information about them to the public as part of their safety oversight.
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Google, Meta and TikTok face new levy to pay for Australian news as Albanese reveals media plan

Google, Meta and TikTok face new levy to pay for Australian news as Albanese reveals media plan

Summary

The Australian government plans to introduce a new rule requiring big digital companies like Google, Meta, and TikTok to pay Australian news outlets for using their content. If these companies make payment deals with news publishers, they can avoid paying a 2.25% tax on their local earnings, which will support Australian journalism.

Key Facts

  • Prime Minister Anthony Albanese wants Google, Meta, and TikTok to pay Australian news outlets for their journalism.
  • A new news bargaining incentive (NBI) scheme will replace the old news media bargaining code (NMBC).
  • Digital platforms that sign deals with news publishers will get a discount of 150% to 170% on the 2.25% levy.
  • The revenue from the levy will help fund Australian journalism.
  • The rule targets platforms with Australian revenues over $250 million, including Google, Meta, and ByteDance (TikTok).
  • This new plan aims to stop digital companies from refusing news content to avoid payments.
  • The government sees investing in journalism as important for a healthy democracy and wants to prioritize Australian and multicultural news outlets.
  • Australia plans to introduce the draft law in the parliament’s winter sitting period.
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My tenant owes £15,000 in rent, but I can't get them out of the property

My tenant owes £15,000 in rent, but I can't get them out of the property

Summary

Rongmala, a landlord in south London, is owed about £15,000 in rent by her tenant who refuses to leave the property. Court delays are causing problems for landlords like her, especially with a new law starting May 1 in England that gives renters more protection and limits when landlords can evict tenants.

Key Facts

  • Rongmala rented out her home but her tenant stopped paying rent last year, owing about £15,000.
  • She started an eviction process, but the court system is slow, and eviction could take up to 11 months.
  • She has to cover costs like £2,500 for boiler repairs, estate service charges, and a mortgage, despite no rent income.
  • A new law coming May 1 restricts landlords from evicting tenants without a valid legal reason.
  • Under old rules, landlords could evict with just eight weeks’ notice and no reason (Section 21 notice).
  • The new law aims to protect renters by limiting evictions to reasons like rent arrears or anti-social behavior.
  • Landlords currently wait about 26 weeks on average to repossess a property after starting court claims.
  • Many renters report frequent moves and high rent costs, with some paying up to 70% of their income on rent.
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'I had £20,000 stolen and had to fight a 13-month fraud reporting rule to get it back'

'I had £20,000 stolen and had to fight a 13-month fraud reporting rule to get it back'

Summary

A woman named Sarah had £20,000 stolen through an investment scam but discovered it 17 months later. Although her bank initially refused to refund most of her money due to a 13-month reporting rule, after media attention, they fully reimbursed her. Officials are now asking for a review of the 13-month time limit to better protect scam victims.

Key Facts

  • Sarah’s £20,000 was taken in a complex investment fraud.
  • She found out about the scam 17 months after transferring the money.
  • Banks have a rule requiring scam reports within 13 months to get full refunds.
  • Lloyds bank first offered only £1,000 back, citing the 13-month rule.
  • After BBC investigation, Lloyds refunded her the remaining £19,000.
  • National Trading Standards wants the 13-month rule reviewed or removed.
  • The rule starts from the date of last payment, not the date the scam is discovered.
  • The rule is part of a law introduced in October 2024 to protect victims of "push payment scams," where people are tricked into sending money themselves.
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