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Just the Facts, from multiple news sources.

Business News

Business news, market updates, and economic developments

Middle East war has pushed up air fares 24%, research shows

Middle East war has pushed up air fares 24%, research shows

April 21, 2026 • BBC Business

Summary

The war in the Middle East has caused airfares to rise by 24% on average for economy tickets compared to last year. This price increase is due to airlines having to fly longer routes because of airspace restrictions and higher fuel costs caused by disruptions in oil supplies.

Key Facts

  • Airfares for economy tickets are 24% higher on average than one year ago.
  • Airlines must take longer flight routes due to airspace restrictions from the conflict.
  • Longer routes mean planes use more fuel, increasing operational costs.
  • Jet fuel prices have jumped from about $85-$90 per barrel to $150-$200 per barrel recently.
  • Fuel costs make up around 25% of airline operating expenses.
  • Long-haul flights served by Gulf carriers have been heavily disrupted, reducing available seats.
  • Some other airlines have increased flights to long-haul destinations to fill gaps.
  • Flight prices between Europe and East Asia have risen sharply, with some routes up by over 70%.
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BBC Business BBC Top Stories
A criminal sentence for OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma clears the way for finalizing its settlement

A criminal sentence for OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma clears the way for finalizing its settlement

April 21, 2026 • PBS NewsHour

Summary

A judge is set to sentence Purdue Pharma to pay $225 million to the Justice Department as part of a deal to settle thousands of lawsuits related to the opioid crisis. The settlement also requires the Sackler family, owners of Purdue Pharma, to pay up to $7 billion over 15 years to help fight the opioid epidemic.

Key Facts

  • Purdue Pharma admitted guilt in 2020 to three federal criminal charges connected to the opioid crisis.
  • The company agreed to pay $225 million to the Justice Department in a criminal forfeiture.
  • In exchange, the government agreed not to collect $5.3 billion in additional criminal fines and $2.8 billion in civil liabilities.
  • The Sackler family will pay up to $7 billion over 15 years as part of a larger settlement.
  • Most settlement money will go to state, local, and Native American governments to combat opioid addiction.
  • Purdue Pharma will be replaced by a new company called Knoa Pharma, which will be governed by a board appointed by states and operate for public benefit.
  • The settlement also protects the Sackler family from future opioid lawsuits from those who accept the payments.
  • Purdue Pharma paid over $1 billion in legal and professional fees related to the case by the end of 2023.
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PBS NewsHour
Uber driver Michael was assaulted by passengers. He says the platform’s response added insult to injury

Uber driver Michael was assaulted by passengers. He says the platform’s response added insult to injury

April 21, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

Michael Thorn, an Uber driver in Australia, was punched by passengers and hospitalized, but Uber deactivated his account shortly after. Uber said safety is important and decisions to deactivate accounts are serious, but many drivers have complained about being unfairly removed without proper review.

Key Facts

  • Michael Thorn was assaulted by four passengers who were reportedly intoxicated.
  • After the attack, Uber deactivated Thorn’s driver account but later reactivated it four days later following an apology.
  • Thorn relies on Uber for his income, about $700 a week, to pay medical bills and fuel costs.
  • Many drivers in Australia face deactivation due to automated systems and often struggle to get their accounts reinstated.
  • Australian laws passed in 2024 protect gig workers like Uber drivers from unfair deactivation.
  • A workplace tribunal has criticized Uber for quickly removing drivers without properly considering their side.
  • Uber claims its deactivation decisions are “human-led” but admits not all cases get individual human review.
  • Experts say Uber’s system lacks procedural fairness since drivers often don’t get a chance to explain before being deactivated.
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Guardian World
$30,000 CD vs. $30,000 money market account: Which will earn more in 2026?

$30,000 CD vs. $30,000 money market account: Which will earn more in 2026?

April 21, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

In 2026, both $30,000 certificates of deposit (CDs) and money market accounts offer similar interest earnings, but CDs guarantee a fixed rate while money market rates can change. Savers should consider their own needs, such as access to funds, when choosing between these accounts.

Key Facts

  • The Federal Reserve lowered interest rates several times in 2024 and 2025, but kept rates steady in 2026.
  • CDs have fixed interest rates, meaning the rate stays the same until maturity.
  • Money market accounts have variable rates that can go up or down over time.
  • A $30,000 CD at about 4% interest will earn slightly more than a money market account at 3.9% over 6 to 9 months.
  • For a 3-month term, both CD and money market accounts earn the same interest.
  • Money market accounts allow withdrawals and deposits, unlike CDs which require you to keep money untouched.
  • Splitting money between both types of accounts can balance earning potential and access to funds.
  • Online banks may offer better interest rates than traditional branch banks.
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CBS News
Retail sales up a sharp 1.7% in March from February driven by a spike in gas prices due to the Iran war

Retail sales up a sharp 1.7% in March from February driven by a spike in gas prices due to the Iran war

April 21, 2026 • PBS NewsHour

Summary

Retail sales in the United States grew by 1.7% in March compared to February, mainly due to a big increase in spending on gasoline. The rise in gas prices is linked to the ongoing Iran war, which has reduced oil supply and pushed costs higher.

Key Facts

  • Retail sales rose 1.7% in March after a 0.7% increase in February, according to the U.S. Commerce Department.
  • Gas station sales jumped 15.5%, driven by higher gas prices caused by the Iran war.
  • Excluding gas, retail sales increased by 0.6%, supported by tax refunds and warm weather.
  • Department stores saw a 4.2% sales rise; furniture stores increased 2.2%, and online retailers grew 1%.
  • The Iran war started on February 28 and has blocked part of the world’s oil supply by closing the Strait of Hormuz.
  • Gas prices surpassed $4 per gallon for the first time since 2022, costing consumers more at the pump.
  • Inflation increased to 3.3% in March year-over-year, the largest rise since May 2024, largely influenced by higher gas prices.
  • Consumers are spending more on necessary items, cutting back on non-essentials like dining out, which rose only 0.1%.
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PBS NewsHour
Trump: ‘I’d love somebody to buy’ Spirit Airlines

Trump: ‘I’d love somebody to buy’ Spirit Airlines

April 21, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

President Donald Trump spoke against a possible merger between American Airlines and United Airlines. He expressed support for someone buying Spirit Airlines, highlighting its 14,000 jobs and suggesting the federal government could help.

Key Facts

  • President Trump opposed a merger between American Airlines and United Airlines.
  • He said he would like someone to buy Spirit Airlines.
  • Spirit Airlines has about 14,000 employees.
  • President Trump suggested that the federal government might assist with the purchase.
  • The comments were made during an interview on CNBC’s Squawk Box.
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The Hill
Major change at Apple after Tim Cook announcement

Major change at Apple after Tim Cook announcement

April 21, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

Apple CEO Tim Cook announced that he will step down from his role leading the company. This is a significant change for Apple, one of the world’s largest technology companies.

Key Facts

  • Tim Cook is the CEO of Apple.
  • He announced he will leave his leadership position.
  • Apple is one of the biggest companies in the world.
  • The news was reported by CBS News.
  • CBS News contributor Patrick McGee provided more details.
  • This change will impact the company’s future leadership.
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CBS News
Obama says Higher Ground production company to go independent

Obama says Higher Ground production company to go independent

April 21, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama’s production company, Higher Ground, will operate independently after being partnered with Netflix for eight years. They made this announcement during an event celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.

Key Facts

  • Higher Ground is the Obamas’ production company.
  • The company partnered with Netflix for eight years.
  • Higher Ground will now become an independent company.
  • The announcement came during a Philadelphia event.
  • The event honored America’s 250th anniversary.
  • President Obama spoke in an interview with historian Jon Meacham.
  • The decision means Higher Ground will no longer work exclusively with Netflix.
  • Higher Ground has produced films and shows about social and cultural topics.
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The Hill
Exclusive discounts from CBS Mornings Deals

Exclusive discounts from CBS Mornings Deals

April 21, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

CBS Mornings Deals is offering special discounts on various products that could be useful for everyday life. Customers can visit cbsdeals.com to access these exclusive offers, with CBS earning commissions on sales made through the site.

Key Facts

  • CBS Mornings Deals features products with special discounts.
  • The items shown are intended to be helpful in daily activities.
  • Discounts are available exclusively through the website cbsdeals.com.
  • CBS earns money from purchases made via their deal website.
  • The deals were promoted during a CBS News segment.
  • Viewers are encouraged to shop through the website for savings.
  • The CBS News app and browsers like Chrome and Safari can be used to access the deals.
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CBS News
What are today's CD interest rates?

What are today's CD interest rates?

April 21, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

Certificate of deposit (CD) interest rates are currently higher than the inflation rate, allowing savers to grow their money safely. Online banks typically offer better CD rates than traditional banks, with short-term CDs (around six months to one year) offering the highest interest rates right now due to an economic situation called the inverted yield curve.

Key Facts

  • CDs let you earn fixed interest rates for a set time, protecting against inflation.
  • National average CD yields as of April 21, 2026, are about 1.90% for 1-year, 1.65% for 3-year, and 1.70% for 5-year CDs.
  • Top CD rates from online banks range from around 3.75% to 4.10% APY, much higher than averages.
  • Online banks often have better CD rates because they save money on physical branches.
  • Large traditional banks generally offer lower CD rates, sometimes near zero.
  • Short-term CDs currently pay more interest than longer-term CDs, a situation called an inverted yield curve.
  • Laddering CDs—buying CDs of different lengths—can help lock in higher rates over time.
  • CDs are insured up to $250,000 by government agencies like the FDIC or NCUA, making them safe investments.
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CBS News
Retail sales up 1.7% in March from February driven by a spike in gas prices

Retail sales up 1.7% in March from February driven by a spike in gas prices

April 21, 2026 • ABC News

Summary

Retail sales in the U.S. rose 1.7% in March compared to February, mainly because of higher gas prices caused by the war in Iran. When excluding gas, overall retail sales increased only slightly, with some growth in department stores, furniture, and online shopping.

Key Facts

  • U.S. retail sales increased by 1.7% in March after a 0.7% increase in February.
  • The rise in gas prices, linked to the Iran war, caused gas station sales to jump 15.5%.
  • Excluding gas sales, retail sales rose by just 0.6% in March.
  • Sales grew 4.2% at department stores and 2.2% at furniture stores.
  • Online retailers saw a 1% increase in sales.
  • Restaurant sales, the only service category included, went up by 0.1%.
  • The Iran war started on February 28 and has closed the Strait of Hormuz, which stops about one-fifth of the world’s oil supply.
  • The report does not include spending on travel or hotels, only some retail and restaurant spending.
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ABC News
Hybrid work has stabilized — the Fed’s data explain why

Hybrid work has stabilized — the Fed’s data explain why

April 21, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Work from home is no longer a temporary trend but a stable change in how people work. Data from the Federal Reserve shows that this shift matches patterns expected by economic models and market behavior.

Key Facts

  • Remote work has become a steady part of the work routine.
  • The Federal Reserve uses data to track changes in work habits.
  • The shift to hybrid work is supported by measurable information.
  • This change fits predictions made by economic models.
  • Market data reflects the new work-from-home trend.
  • The work-from-home pattern is not just a short-term fad.
  • Hybrid work combines working at home and working in the office.
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The Hill
Parents helping Gen Z become homeowners through generational wealth

Parents helping Gen Z become homeowners through generational wealth

April 21, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Many parents are helping their children from Generation Z buy homes by sharing wealth between generations. This support is important because many people in the U.S. find it hard to afford homes right now.

Key Facts

  • Parents are assisting Gen Z kids in buying homes.
  • This help often comes through passing down money or property.
  • Housing costs are rising in many parts of the U.S.
  • Affordability is a major challenge for young homebuyers today.
  • Generational wealth can make homeownership easier for younger people.
  • This trend is gaining attention as housing prices continue to increase.
  • Sharing wealth between generations affects the housing market.
  • The support helps young adults overcome financial barriers to owning a home.
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The Hill
Popular Steakhouse Files for Bankruptcy Amid Soaring Beef Prices

Popular Steakhouse Files for Bankruptcy Amid Soaring Beef Prices

April 21, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

The parent company of the upscale 801 Chophouse steakhouse chain filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy due to financial struggles caused by rapidly rising beef prices. The company plans to restructure its debt while keeping all eight restaurants open during the bankruptcy process.

Key Facts

  • 801 Restaurant Group owns and runs the 801 Chophouse steakhouse chain.
  • The company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on April 10 in Kansas.
  • It listed assets and debts between $10 million and $50 million.
  • Beef prices have risen about 16% compared to last year, with steak averaging $12.73 per pound in March 2026.
  • The U.S. cattle herd is the smallest in over 75 years due to drought and higher costs for feed, fuel, and labor.
  • It takes around 30 months for cattle herds to grow after ranchers decide to keep more cows for breeding.
  • Other steakhouse chains have also closed or reduced locations due to similar cost pressures.
  • All eight 801 Chophouse restaurants will stay open during the bankruptcy restructuring.
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Newsweek
What are today's mortgage interest rates: April 21, 2026?

What are today's mortgage interest rates: April 21, 2026?

April 21, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

Mortgage interest rates rose sharply in March but have recently started to decrease, offering some relief to homebuyers and those refinancing. As of April 21, 2026, the average rate for a 30-year mortgage is just under 6%, while the 15-year mortgage rate remains around 5.5%.

Key Facts

  • In March, 30-year mortgage rates increased from 5.75% to 6.37%, and 15-year rates rose from 5.25% to 5.75%.
  • Recent days have seen rates drop again; the 30-year rate is currently about 5.99%.
  • The 15-year mortgage rate holds steady around 5.50%.
  • Refinancing rates for a 30-year mortgage average 6.52%, and 5.60% for a 15-year term.
  • Mortgage rates depend on factors like credit score and payment history; better credit can lead to lower rates.
  • Homeowners should shop around for the best rates when refinancing and consider loan fees, not just the interest rate.
  • Locking in a mortgage rate now can protect borrowers from future increases.
  • These rates are higher than those seen at the start of the decade but close to historical averages.
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CBS News
Royal Mail to allow part-time posties to work more to improve service

Royal Mail to allow part-time posties to work more to improve service

April 21, 2026 • BBC Business

Summary

Royal Mail will let part-time postal workers increase their hours to improve delivery service. The company plans to invest £500 million over five years and change delivery schedules, including reducing second-class post delivery to every other weekday and stopping Saturday delivery for second-class mail, to meet its targets.

Key Facts

  • Part-time Royal Mail postal workers can work more hours to help improve delivery times.
  • Royal Mail will spend £500 million over the next five years on improvements, such as giving posties more familiar routes.
  • Delivery targets were relaxed by the watchdog Ofcom, but Royal Mail still missed those lower targets recently.
  • Changes include delivering second-class and low-priority mail every other weekday instead of daily; parcels will still be delivered Monday to Saturday.
  • Royal Mail plans to stop Saturday delivery of second-class mail, pending a vote by postal workers through their union (CWU).
  • The Communication Workers’ Union supports plans to fix problems but questions if Royal Mail will provide enough support and resources.
  • Royal Mail denies claims that it prioritizes parcels over letters for profit.
  • The company says six-day-a-week letter delivery is outdated and the new plans align with practices in other European postal services.
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BBC Business
The wealth tax illusion: We cannot confiscate our way to prosperity

The wealth tax illusion: We cannot confiscate our way to prosperity

April 21, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

The article explains that wealth is active and constantly used as capital to create value. It warns that if the government takes wealth through taxes, it can have negative effects on the economy.

Key Facts

  • Wealth is not just money sitting still; it is money being used to invest and create more value.
  • Government tax on wealth means taking away some of this active capital.
  • When capital is taken away, it can slow down economic growth.
  • The article suggests that taxing wealth heavily is not a good way to increase a country's prosperity.
  • Capital in motion is important for investments, business growth, and job creation.
  • Confiscating wealth could lead to fewer opportunities for economic development.
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The Hill
Is China a winner of the Iran war or facing economic risks?

Is China a winner of the Iran war or facing economic risks?

April 21, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

China’s economy grew by 5% in the first quarter of this year, better than expected, despite global energy market disruptions caused by the conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran. However, challenges remain from weak consumer spending, a troubled property market, and a declining population. China is focusing on investing in high-tech and green energy industries to strengthen its position.

Key Facts

  • China’s economy grew 5% in the first quarter of the year.
  • This growth was better than economists had predicted.
  • The conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran is affecting global energy markets.
  • China’s domestic consumer spending is weak.
  • The country’s property market is struggling.
  • China’s population is shrinking, which may impact future growth.
  • Beijing is investing heavily in high-tech and green energy sectors.
  • China leads global supply chains in many high-tech and green energy areas.
  • The Iran war is changing energy supply routes, and China may be less affected than other countries.
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Al Jazeera
Royal Mail invests £500m to tackle late deliveries as second-class post cut back

Royal Mail invests £500m to tackle late deliveries as second-class post cut back

April 21, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

Royal Mail will change second-class post delivery to every other weekday and stop Saturday deliveries starting next month. This is part of a £500 million plan to improve late deliveries and meet new targets set by the postal regulator, Ofcom.

Key Facts

  • Second-class post will be delivered every other weekday, with no deliveries on Saturdays starting next month.
  • First-class post and parcel deliveries will stay the same, with daily service Monday to Saturday for first-class and up to seven days for parcels.
  • Royal Mail aims to meet new delivery targets from Ofcom by next May.
  • Ofcom fined Royal Mail £21 million last October for missing delivery targets in 2024-25.
  • Royal Mail’s £500 million investment includes allowing 6,000 part-time workers to increase their hours if needed.
  • Stamp prices have recently risen to £1.80 for first-class and 91p for second-class mail.
  • The Communication Workers Union (CWU) will ballot members on the changes after reaching an agreement with Royal Mail.
  • The company’s new delivery goals include 85% of first-class mail delivered next day within nine months, improving to 90% within a year.
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Guardian World
Walmart Recalls Multiple Products Over ‘Serious Injury’ Concerns

Walmart Recalls Multiple Products Over ‘Serious Injury’ Concerns

April 21, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

Walmart is recalling several products after safety regulators found risks that could cause serious injuries. Items like exercise machines, portable generators, and infant car seats sold at Walmart and online have defects that could lead to falls, burns, fires, or safety issues with car seats.

Key Facts

  • The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced recalls in April.
  • Sperax walking pads and treadmills sold online can suddenly speed up or stop, causing falls and burns; Sperax refused to recall them.
  • About 149,400 Generac portable generators were recalled due to fuel leaks that could cause fires or burns.
  • Generac received 114 reports of fuel leaks but no injuries so far.
  • Around 5,126 Graco rear-facing infant car seats were recalled for a potential safety defect in the restraint system.
  • The recalled Graco seats were made between December 2025 and March 2026.
  • Customers should stop using the affected products, check model numbers, and follow recall instructions.
  • The recalled products were sold through Walmart stores, Walmart.com, and other retailers like Sam’s Club, Home Depot, and Lowe’s.
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Newsweek