What consumers can do as the Iran war impacts the cost and availability of flights
As the U.S. and Israel’s war with Iran squeezes global oil supplies, travelers have valid reasons to worry about the cost and availability of flights as they plan their late spring and summer trips. Experts say booking earlier, and staying flexible on dates, destinations and departure airports can help reduce costs. Packing light means avoiding rising baggage fees. Using airline points or signing up for a travel credit card are other ways to make flights more affordable. Travel experts caution consumers against purchasing Basic Economy tickets, though. Even though they are the cheapest, they may rule out refunds or credits if passengers need to cancel.
Federal judge blocks Nexstar-Tegna TV station merger until antitrust lawsuit is settled
A federal judge has blocked the $6.2 billion merger between local television giants Nexstar Media Group and Tegna until an antitrust lawsuit is resolved. The merger would create a company owning 265 TV stations across 44 states. On Friday, U.S. District Court Chief Judge Troy L. Nunley issued an order halting the deal. Attorneys general in eight states and DirecTV sued to stop the merger, arguing it could raise consumer prices and harm local journalism. Nexstar’s attorneys say the deal has already been vetted and approved by the Federal Communications Commission and the Department of Justice.
Wanna bet? Washington steps up scrutiny of prediction markets
WASHINGTON (AP) — A controversy has erupted over prediction markets such as Polymarket and Kalshi. On April 3, bets were placed on Polymarket on when a U.S. airman would be rescued from Iran. After Rep. Seth Moulton criticized this, Polymarket halted the betting. Well-timed trades have sparked bipartisan concern in Washington about the ethics and regulation of prediction markets. Lawmakers are proposing bills to prevent insider trading and regulate these markets. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission is also under scrutiny for its oversight role. The debate continues on how to address these markets effectively.
You can put beef tallow and salmon sperm on your face. But should you?
Animal-derived skin care products are gaining popularity, from salmon sperm facials to moisturizers made with beef tallow — the fat around a cow's internal organs. One California rancher who sells farm-raised beef says he and his wife have found a sideline in whipping up recipes in their kitchen for tallow balm. These products are promoted as natural alternatives to synthetic products, but should consumers use them? Experts say the products certainly qualify as sustainable, but warn that there's no strong medical evidence for their effectiveness. One said the beauty industry is under pressure to constantly introduce new things.
White House chief of staff meets with Anthropic CEO over its new AI technology
WASHINGTON (AP) — White House chief of staff Susie Wiles has met with Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei to discuss the company's new AI model, Mythos. The model has gained attention for its advanced capabilities and potential use by the federal government. A White House official says the administration is engaging with AI labs about their models. The meeting Friday follows tensions between the Trump administration and Anthropic over the use of AI technology in federal agencies. Anthropic has limited the Mythos model's use to select customers due to its ability to surpass human cybersecurity experts in finding vulnerabilities.
US extends waiver on Russian oil sanctions to ease Iran war shortages despite Bessent denial
WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Treasury Department has extended its pause on sanctions on Russian oil shipments to ease shortages from the Iran war, days after Secretary Scott Bessent ruled out such a move. The general license means U.S. sanctions will not apply for 30 days on deliveries of Russian oil that has been loaded on tankers as of Friday. It extended a similar 30-day license issued in March for Russian oil that had been loaded by March 11. The extension underscores how the fallout from the Iran war has boosted Moscow’s ability to profit from its energy exports, which had been restrained since the invasion of Ukraine. The administration did not immediately explain the reversal.
Iran war energy shock drives nuclear power plans in hard-hit Asia and Africa
NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — The Iran war’s global energy shock is causing some nations in Asia and Africa to boost nuclear power generation and spurring atomic energy plans in non-nuclear countries on both continents. Nuclear power isn’t a quick fix for the current energy crisis caused by shipping disruptions in key oil and gas sea lanes. But analysts say the decisions and investments being made now in both major economies and developing countries will likely lock countries into a nuclear-powered future. Leaders across Asia and Africa have recently announced new-found nuclear ambition and plans, marking a new notable momentum in both continents.
Traffic and trepidation in the Persian Gulf could keep gasoline prices from dropping quickly
NEW YORK (AP) — Oil prices plunged and the stock market rallied after U.S. President Donald Trump and Iran’s foreign minister said that the Strait of Hormuz is fully open. Drivers are hoping that freeing oil tankers to leave the Persian Gulf will lead to lower gasoline prices. But energy experts say it could take months for prices to fall to levels enjoyed before the war began. The speed oil tankers travel from ports to refineries, traffic in the strait, lingering security concerns and damage to energy infrastructure in the Middle East are all playing a role in the price of gasoline.
Oil prices drop 9% and Wall Street rallies to a record after Iran reopens the Strait of Hormuz
NEW YORK (AP) — Oil prices dropped back to where they were in the early days of the Iran war, and U.S. stocks raced to another record. The S&P 500 leaped 1.2% Friday after Iran said the Strait of Hormuz is open again for commercial tankers carrying crude. The Dow Jones Industrial Average leaped as many as 1,100 points before paring its gain and ended with a jump of nearly 870 points, or 1.8%, while the Nasdaq composite climbed 1.5%. A freer flow of oil could take pressure off prices not only for gasoline but also for groceries and all kinds of other products. Oil prices fell 9%.
Record US drought sparks worries about fires, water supply and food prices
The contiguous United States is experiencing record drought levels for this time of year, according to weather data. Meteorologists warn this could worsen wildfire risks, food prices, and water issues in the West. Over 61% of the Lower 48 states are in moderate to exceptional drought. This includes 97% of the Southeast and two-thirds of the West. The U.S. Drought Monitor reports the highest levels since it began in 2000. Experts say the drought and heat are driven by both natural variability and human-caused climate change. Concerns are rising about agriculture and potential global impacts.
