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McDonald's boss on abuse claims: 'I don't want to talk about the past'

McDonald's boss on abuse claims: 'I don't want to talk about the past'

April 22, 2026 • BBC Business

Summary

The boss of McDonald's UK and Ireland, Lauren Schultz, said she does not want to discuss past abuse claims at the company but acknowledged the behavior was unacceptable. McDonald's has taken steps to improve workplace safety after a BBC investigation revealed sexual assault, harassment, bullying, and racism experienced by staff.

Key Facts

  • Lauren Schultz became McDonald's UK and Ireland chief executive in September 2023.
  • A 2023 BBC investigation reported over 100 workers claiming sexual assault, harassment, racism, and bullying at McDonald's UK.
  • McDonald's apologized and created a new unit to handle complaints after the report.
  • The UK equality watchdog required McDonald's to implement new sexual harassment training.
  • Schultz emphasized a zero-tolerance policy toward abuse and a commitment to a safe workplace.
  • Schultz said she prefers to focus on building a better future instead of discussing past problems.
  • A union leader said fixing workplace issues requires listening to workers, not silence.
  • McDonald's launched a paid work placement program aiming to help 2,500 young people, including those not in education or training.
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BBC Business BBC Top Stories
Car finance compensation scheme faces challenge and delay

Car finance compensation scheme faces challenge and delay

April 22, 2026 • BBC Business

Summary

A consumer group is challenging a government plan to pay compensation to millions of drivers who were mis-sold car finance deals. The challenge may delay the payments, which were set to start this summer and average £829 per person.

Key Facts

  • The compensation scheme is run by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and is expected to cost lenders a total of £9.1 billion.
  • Millions of drivers were mis-sold motor finance agreements due to hidden and unfair commissions called discretionary commission arrangements (DCAs).
  • DCAs were banned by the FCA in 2021 because they encouraged sellers to charge higher interest rates to customers.
  • The FCA’s scheme allows drivers to claim compensation without hiring a lawyer or going to court.
  • Consumer Voice, a consumer group, says the FCA’s plan leaves many people short-changed and wants the scheme fixed.
  • The FCA says its scheme is the fastest and fairest way to pay consumers.
  • Legal challenges, including the one from Consumer Voice, may delay the start of compensation payouts.
  • Average compensation per person is expected to be around £829.
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BBC Business BBC Top Stories
Energy giants spending millions of dollars on advertising blitz to fight gas export tax, inquiry told

Energy giants spending millions of dollars on advertising blitz to fight gas export tax, inquiry told

April 22, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

The article reports that major energy companies are spending millions on advertisements to oppose a proposed tax on gas exports. This information was shared during a government inquiry.

Key Facts

  • Large energy companies are actively running advertising campaigns.
  • These campaigns aim to influence public opinion against a gas export tax.
  • The total spending on these advertisements amounts to millions of dollars.
  • The issue is being discussed in a government inquiry.
  • The proposed tax targets the export of gas, affecting the energy sector.
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Guardian World
JetBlue’s Post Is So Controversial Two Congressmen Have Got Involved

JetBlue’s Post Is So Controversial Two Congressmen Have Got Involved

April 22, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

Two Democratic lawmakers have raised questions about whether JetBlue uses customer data or artificial intelligence to set airline ticket prices. They sent a letter to JetBlue’s CEO asking for information after viral social media posts suggested the airline might raise prices based on customer activity or data. This issue is part of a wider concern about companies using personal information to change prices.

Key Facts

  • Two Democratic lawmakers, Sen. Ruben Gallego and Rep. Greg Casar, sent a letter to JetBlue’s CEO asking about the airline’s pricing practices.
  • The lawmakers are concerned JetBlue may use “surveillance pricing,” which means changing prices based on customer data or behavior.
  • A social media post in February showed JetBlue customer service suggesting clearing browser data to fix a problem buying loyalty points.
  • Another post from April showed JetBlue responding to a customer who said a ticket price rose by $230 in one day during attempts to buy a funeral trip ticket.
  • JetBlue said prices change with supply and demand, not based on customer personal data or cached data.
  • These social media posts have been used to support proposed laws that would ban using personal data to adjust prices.
  • Similar concerns were raised about Delta Air Lines expanding AI use to set individualized fares in 2025.
  • Lawmakers want clearer rules to prevent companies from potentially overcharging customers based on their personal information.
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Newsweek
AI hallucinations found in high-profile Wall Street law firm filing

AI hallucinations found in high-profile Wall Street law firm filing

April 22, 2026 • Guardian Tech

Summary

A top Wall Street law firm, Sullivan & Cromwell, told a court that a legal filing it made had errors caused by artificial intelligence (AI) hallucinations, meaning the AI created false or inaccurate information. The firm apologized and submitted a corrected filing after another law firm found the mistakes.

Key Facts

  • Sullivan & Cromwell made mistakes in a court filing due to AI-generated hallucinations.
  • Errors included wrong citations of US bankruptcy law and misquoted court cases.
  • The errors were found by the law firm Boies Schiller Flexner, also involved in the case.
  • Sullivan & Cromwell admitted their AI use policies were not properly followed.
  • They apologized to the court and to the other law firm for the errors.
  • A corrected filing was submitted to the court.
  • The case involves actions against Prince Group, owned by Chen Zhi, linked to fraud and money laundering.
  • Chen was arrested in Cambodia and sent to China, while US authorities seek to seize almost $9 billion in bitcoin tied to the case.
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Guardian Tech
Coles adds 20c to the price of milk as war in the Middle East pushes up Australian grocery costs

Coles adds 20c to the price of milk as war in the Middle East pushes up Australian grocery costs

April 22, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

Coles, an Australian supermarket chain, has increased the price of milk by 20 cents. The price rise is linked to higher grocery costs caused by the conflict in the Middle East.

Key Facts

  • Coles raised the price of milk by 20 cents.
  • The increase is due to rising grocery costs in Australia.
  • The Middle East conflict is cited as a reason for higher prices.
  • Rising costs affect everyday items like milk.
  • This is part of a broader trend of grocery price increases.
  • Coles is one of the major supermarkets in Australia.
  • Global events can impact local prices for food.
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Guardian World
Petroleum infuses a multitude of everyday items the Iran war could make more expensive

Petroleum infuses a multitude of everyday items the Iran war could make more expensive

April 22, 2026 • AP News

Summary

The war in Iran is causing higher oil prices, which are making many everyday products more expensive. Petroleum, besides being used for fuel, is also a key ingredient in many consumer goods like toys, clothes, and packaging, so disruptions in oil supply affect these items too.

Key Facts

  • Petroleum is used in over 6,000 everyday products, not just fuel.
  • Synthetic fibers in toys like plush animals come from petroleum-based materials like polyester and acrylic.
  • Since the Iran war began, suppliers have raised prices by 10% to 15% for materials from China.
  • Higher oil prices have caused gasoline, airline tickets, and goods transported by diesel trucks to cost more.
  • Oil is turned into chemicals, waxes, oils, and plastics used in products like keyboards, lipsticks, tennis rackets, and toothbrushes.
  • Disruptions in global oil supply have lasted more than eight weeks, pushing up production costs.
  • Some companies may need to raise retail prices if the conflict continues for several more months.
  • About 85% of oil is used as fuel; the rest goes into making consumer products and packaging.
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AP News
Asian benchmarks are mixed in cautious trading amid uncertainty about US-Iran ceasefire talks

Asian benchmarks are mixed in cautious trading amid uncertainty about US-Iran ceasefire talks

April 22, 2026 • AP News

Summary

Asian stock markets had mixed results as investors stayed careful due to uncertainty about peace talks between the U.S. and Iran. President Donald Trump extended a ceasefire to allow Iran more time to propose a way to end their conflict, which affected market and oil prices.

Key Facts

  • Japan’s Nikkei 225 index rose by 0.4%, while Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 fell by 1.2%.
  • South Korea’s Kospi index increased by 0.5%, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng dropped 1.2%, and China’s Shanghai Composite gained 0.5%.
  • The U.S. S&P 500 index fell 0.6%, as did the Dow Jones and Nasdaq indexes.
  • U.S. Vice President JD Vance canceled a trip to Pakistan, delaying talks with Iran on extending the ceasefire.
  • Oil prices dropped slightly, with U.S. crude below $89 per barrel and Brent crude below $98 per barrel.
  • The ceasefire extension aims to keep the current calm and give Iran time to submit a peace proposal.
  • The Strait of Hormuz, critical for oil shipments, remains a key point of concern for global markets.
  • Japan is releasing oil reserves and searching for new routes since it depends heavily on oil passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
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AP News
UK inflation rises after Iran war pushes up fuel prices

UK inflation rises after Iran war pushes up fuel prices

April 22, 2026 • BBC Business

Summary

UK inflation rose to 3.3% in the year to March, mostly due to higher fuel prices after the war in the Middle East involving Iran, the US, and Israel. The increase also came from higher airfares and food costs, making living more expensive for people and businesses in the UK.

Key Facts

  • UK inflation increased from 3.0% in February to 3.3% in March.
  • The rise is mainly caused by a big jump in petrol and diesel prices.
  • The Middle East conflict starting on 28 February disrupted energy production and transport.
  • Airfares and food prices also contributed to inflation.
  • Clothing prices rose less than in the previous year, helping to balance inflation a bit.
  • Higher raw material costs for businesses are linked to rising oil and petrol prices.
  • The Chancellor said the government aims to keep costs down and protect people from unfair price rises.
  • Higher energy prices could slow down the UK economy as households and businesses spend more on fuel.
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BBC Business BBC Top Stories
UK inflation rises to 3.3% amid soaring fuel prices driven by Iran war

UK inflation rises to 3.3% amid soaring fuel prices driven by Iran war

April 22, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

UK inflation rose to 3.3% in March, mainly because fuel prices increased sharply due to the war involving Iran. Higher transport costs, especially for petrol, diesel, and airfares, pushed inflation up, affecting household budgets during an ongoing cost of living crisis.

Key Facts

  • UK inflation increased from 3.0% in February to 3.3% in March.
  • The rise is mostly due to a sharp increase in fuel prices linked to the war involving Iran and disruptions in oil supply.
  • Transport costs rose 4.7% in the year to March, the fastest increase since December 2022.
  • Petrol prices increased by 8.6 pence per litre, reaching the highest level since August 2024.
  • Diesel prices went up by 17.6 pence per litre, the highest since November 2023.
  • Inflation remains above the government's 2% target, raising concerns about ongoing economic pressure.
  • The International Monetary Fund warns the UK could face the steepest economic slowdown among major economies this year.
  • Government officials say they are working to protect families from rising costs despite the global crisis.
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Guardian World
Price rise contingency plans 'ready if needed'

Price rise contingency plans 'ready if needed'

April 22, 2026 • BBC Business

Summary

The Isle of Man government has prepared backup plans to handle rising prices caused by the conflict in the Middle East. Fuel and heating costs have increased sharply, but officials do not expect major public service disruptions. Support for vulnerable households is being maintained, though no new subsidies are planned.

Key Facts

  • Wholesale heating prices increased by 70%.
  • Diesel prices reached 189 pence per litre; petrol prices reached 154 pence per litre.
  • Filling a 900-litre heating oil tank costs £400 more than three months ago.
  • The government says contingency plans for essential services are ready if needed.
  • Officials warn that higher costs will likely raise food prices later due to fertilizer price increases.
  • No specific winter support programs or subsidies are planned currently.
  • The government maintains vulnerable customer lists with energy suppliers to protect those in need.
  • Energy efficiency and reducing consumption are highlighted as long-term solutions over subsidies.
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BBC Business
War in Iran 'has put up our fuel bill by £100,000'

War in Iran 'has put up our fuel bill by £100,000'

April 22, 2026 • BBC Business

Summary

A family haulage company in Bristol reports that the US war with Iran has raised their fuel costs by £100,000. Rising fuel prices are affecting many people and businesses across the UK, leading to higher transport costs and increased home heating bills.

Key Facts

  • Wrings Transport, a haulage firm in Bristol, has seen fuel costs increase by £100,000 due to the war in Iran.
  • Fuel price increases are passed on to customers through a monthly fuel surcharge, common in the haulage industry.
  • Petrol prices have risen by 24.7 pence per litre, and diesel by 47.8 pence per litre since February 28.
  • Filling a large truck’s tank now costs significantly more; Wrings Transport operates 67 trucks.
  • The price of home heating oil in the UK has doubled, affecting about 1.5 million homes that use oil heating.
  • Carers and other workers who cannot pass fuel costs to clients are facing higher expenses without extra pay.
  • Food and Drink Federation predicts food inflation could reach at least 9% by December due to higher transport costs.
  • Some families are turning off boilers and using blankets to save on heating bills due to higher oil prices.
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BBC Business
Increasing drink prices was last resort - landlady

Increasing drink prices was last resort - landlady

April 22, 2026 • BBC Business

Summary

A pub in Staffordshire, Charlie Bassetts, has increased drink prices because rising supplier costs and bills made it hard to stay open. The owner, Laura Ball, said raising prices was a last option after trying to save money by reducing staff and cutting hours.

Key Facts

  • Charlie Bassetts pub is in Dilhorne, Staffordshire.
  • Drink prices rose due to higher supplier costs and increased bills.
  • The pub tried saving money by cutting staff and closing food service on Mondays before raising prices.
  • Customers understand the price increase, and some see it as a good deal compared to prices in the south of England.
  • The pub has a campsite that brings in customers from different areas.
  • The hospitality industry in England has a 15% discount on business rates starting this month, with no increases for two years.
  • Laura Ball said only three or four months of the year bring good earnings for the pub.
  • The upcoming men’s football World Cup and extended opening hours offer some hope to pubs, but challenges remain.
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BBC Business
Woolworths’ ‘Prices Dropped’ rules intended to prevent ‘gaming’ the promotional system, executive tells court

Woolworths’ ‘Prices Dropped’ rules intended to prevent ‘gaming’ the promotional system, executive tells court

April 22, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

Woolworths is facing a court case where the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) says the supermarket used its “Prices Dropped” promotions to hide planned price increases, making discounts look real when they were not. Woolworths’ chief commercial officer said the company changed rules about how long a product must be at one price before going on promotion because of growing inflation.

Key Facts

  • The ACCC accuses Woolworths of temporarily raising prices of at least 266 products before putting them on “Prices Dropped” sales to make discounts look bigger.
  • Woolworths originally required products to be priced steadily for nine months before a promotion; this was later shortened to as little as three to six weeks.
  • These changes were made as inflation increased, shifting focus to how prices looked to customers rather than supplier agreements.
  • The “Prices Dropped” program is meant to prevent the supermarket or suppliers from manipulating prices to mislead shoppers.
  • The ACCC claims Woolworths broke its own rules ("guardrails") designed to keep prices stable before discounts.
  • Woolworths’ chief commercial officer, Paul Harker, said the guardrails discouraged cycling products on and off sales without good reason.
  • The pricing changes often lasted 45 days or less, after at least 180 days of a stable, lower price.
  • Woolworths and suppliers reportedly planned these price phases well before promotions happened.
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Guardian World
Charities deal with impact of higher fuel prices

Charities deal with impact of higher fuel prices

April 22, 2026 • BBC Business

Summary

Charities that rely on transporting goods have been affected by higher fuel prices caused by the conflict in Iran. These increased costs make it more expensive to ship and deliver items, forcing charities to find new ways to continue their services without raising prices.

Key Facts

  • The charity Tools for Self Reliance sends refurbished equipment abroad to support new businesses but now faces higher shipping costs.
  • A shipping container to Africa costs about £9,500 due to increased fuel prices.
  • The Community Furniture Project in Newbury pays an extra £1,000 each month for fuel to run its vehicles.
  • Fuel prices for the Newbury Community Resource Centre have risen by 35% in the past few weeks.
  • Higher fuel costs force charities to consider reducing services or finding creative solutions to avoid raising prices.
  • The charities aim to keep their services affordable for people with limited income despite rising expenses.
  • Delays and higher prices in shipping also affect the time it takes for goods to reach their destinations.
  • Staff and volunteers see the impact of cost increases firsthand, like truck drivers paying more to fill fuel tanks.
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BBC Business
Help for people who use heating oil is on the way

Help for people who use heating oil is on the way

April 22, 2026 • BBC Business

Summary

North Lincolnshire Council is helping people who use heating oil to heat their homes by offering financial support for their bills. This help comes after oil prices rose sharply due to the ongoing conflict in Iran, and it is aimed at households without price protections like those on gas and electricity.

Key Facts

  • More than 600 households in North Lincolnshire have signed up to get help with heating oil costs.
  • The government announced £50 million in support for households struggling with high heating oil prices.
  • Heating oil prices have risen sharply because of the war in Iran.
  • People using heating oil do not have price caps like gas or electricity users.
  • Some households have seen their heating oil bills double or have had trouble getting oil supplies.
  • Households can register online for financial support or get help at local community hubs.
  • The support program should begin before the end of the month.
  • The council encourages residents who use heating oil to apply for this help soon.
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BBC Business
Rental platform unnecessarily collected the data of millions of Australians, privacy commissioner finds

Rental platform unnecessarily collected the data of millions of Australians, privacy commissioner finds

April 22, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

Australia’s privacy commissioner found that the rental platform 2Apply collected too much personal data from users, which put renters at risk amid the housing crisis. The commissioner ordered 2Apply to stop collecting unnecessary information and expects other rental platforms to follow suit.

Key Facts

  • 2Apply processed over 8.5 million rental applications in Australia by March 2025.
  • The privacy commissioner identified that 2Apply collected unnecessary details like gender, student and bankruptcy status, and visa expiry dates.
  • The platform also used language that pressured users to share more data by suggesting it would improve their rental chances.
  • 2Apply agreed to change its data collection practices without admitting wrongdoing.
  • There is a power imbalance in the rental market favoring landlords and agents, making renters vulnerable.
  • The over-collection of data creates privacy and security risks for renters.
  • The commissioner expects other rental technology platforms to reduce excessive data collection as a result of this ruling.
  • Over 57 rental platforms operate in Australia, highlighting a widespread issue in the rental market.
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Guardian World Guardian Tech
World's biggest condom maker to raise prices due to Iran war

World's biggest condom maker to raise prices due to Iran war

April 22, 2026 • BBC Business

Summary

Karex, the world's largest condom maker, plans to raise prices by up to 30% due to higher costs linked to the ongoing Iran war. The conflict has disrupted global oil supplies, which increases the price of materials needed to make condoms.

Key Facts

  • Karex produces over five billion condoms yearly and supplies brands like Durex and Trojan.
  • Raw materials such as ammonia (used to preserve latex) and silicone-based lubricants are affected by oil supply disruptions.
  • Iran’s threats in the Strait of Hormuz have caused major interruptions in global oil and gas shipments.
  • The price increase could be even higher if the conflict continues.
  • Condom demand has grown about 30% this year, partly due to economic uncertainty.
  • Higher shipping costs and delays are making supply shortages worse.
  • President Donald Trump has extended a ceasefire with Iran to allow time for peace talks.
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BBC Business BBC Top Stories
Vinyl record sales continue resurgence

Vinyl record sales continue resurgence

April 22, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

Vinyl record sales are growing again, showing a renewed interest in this older music format. Social media and special album releases from popular artists like Taylor Swift are helping boost sales.

Key Facts

  • Vinyl record sales are increasing.
  • More people are interested in vinyl again.
  • Social media plays a role in spreading this trend.
  • Special album releases from artists like Taylor Swift attract buyers.
  • The resurgence is part of a wider return to physical music formats.
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CBS News
Justin Bieber's SKYLRK Nets $15 Million During Historic Coachella Run

Justin Bieber's SKYLRK Nets $15 Million During Historic Coachella Run

April 22, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

Justin Bieber's brand SKYLRK made $15 million in sales during the two weekends he performed at Coachella, breaking previous festival records. Bieber also delivered historic music performances, including the most-viewed Coachella set ever.

Key Facts

  • Bieber headlined Coachella for the first time with a 90-minute show on April 11.
  • He performed songs from his Grammy-nominated albums "SWAG" and "SWAG II."
  • Bieber’s Coachella shows had the highest ticket demand and prices in the festival's history.
  • SKYLRK sold $5.04 million during the first weekend and $15 million total across both weekends.
  • SKYLRK featured a 10,000-square-foot "Oasis" space with visuals, misting stations, sounds, and furniture.
  • The Coachella pop-up was only the second chance for fans to buy SKYLRK products in person.
  • Bieber wore multiple SKYLRK clothing items during his performances.
  • Seven of Bieber’s albums appeared on the Billboard 200 chart at the same time for the first time.
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Newsweek
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