BUSINESS

Smokey Bones BBQ chain closes multiple US locations on 28 April 2026, amid Chapter 11 bankruptcy by parent companies Fat Brands and Twin Hospitality, affecting states like Ohio, Rhode Island, and New York.

The UK economy is threatened by a £35bn loss due to rising energy prices from the Iran conflict, risking recession and high inflation, warns NIESR.

UK insolvency notices reveal a Warrington logistics firm has collapsed, reflecting growing pressure on delivery and freight companies nationwide.

OPEC faces uncertainty as UAE exit reports trigger concerns over oil supply stability and global economic ripple effects

San Francisco artist Jenny Lennick had closed her shop $90,000 in debt. Her food-themed hair clip brand Jenny Lemons now brings in $2 million a year.

Bill Ackman invests 30% of his portfolio in Meta and Uber, betting on their AI potential. Analysts predict significant upside for both stocks, driven by AI advancements.

Forrester says firms are rushing to justify layoffs with talk of advanced tech that often is not in place, leaving workers and investors doubting how real these supposed efficiencies are.

Klay Thompson's net worth surpasses Megan Thee Stallion's, highlighting different wealth-building paths: structured NBA contracts versus dynamic music and branding ventures.

Scott Dancy transformed a simple idea from his smelly apartment due to a broken washing machine into Azuna, a $50M business.

Elon Musk has accused OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman of 'stealing a charity,' alleging financial gains from OpenAI's shift from a non-profit to a capped-profit structure.

Ray Dalio advises investors to allocate 5-15% of portfolios to gold amid the Iran conflict, citing its reliability as a store of value during geopolitical and financial instability.

China has blocked Meta's acquisition of AI startup Manus, marking a significant intervention in the global AI competition. The move underscores Beijing's efforts to control strategic technology.

Maryland leads the US by banning surveillance pricing in grocery stores with the Protection from Predatory Pricing Act, addressing consumer protection against algorithmic pricing that uses personal data to set prices.

Forbes has labelled Elon Musk 'among the least philanthropic billionaires', estimating that only a minute fraction of his $839 billion wealth has reached people in need.

Artificial intelligence is transforming the workforce, with AI fluency becoming essential. Generation Z faces challenges entering the job market, while AI tools are reshaping hiring practices and job roles.

The UK government warns that prices will remain high for months due to the Iran conflict, affecting energy, food, and transport costs. Economic impacts could last eight-plus months post-conflict.

New UK rules require banks to give 90 days' notice and clear reasons before closing accounts, improving fairness and customer protection.