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Read the latest verified world, politics, business, tech, culture, and local news on BetaVoices.

  1. Household finances Raising a child in the U.S. now tops $300,000 through age 18, LendingTree finds A CBS News segment highlights the estimate and shares guidance on navigating the expenses, presented by Kelly O’Grady Apr 24, 2026
  2. IMF sees deep contraction as blockade bites IMF projects Iran’s economy will shrink 6.1% in 2026 as inflation soars and rial slides War damage, a near-shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz and tightening sanctions have cut Iran off from trade, pushing prices higher and the currency to about 1.32 million rials per U.S. dollar, according to IMF and analyst estimates Apr 24, 2026
  3. Summer travel Summer airfares are climbing on higher fuel costs. Book now, experts say Jet fuel prices remain elevated, pushing airlines to raise fares and fees. The average domestic round trip hit $358 as of April 13, up 18% from a year ago, according to Kayak Apr 24, 2026

Tariff refunds fallout

Trump says he’ll ‘remember’ companies that don’t seek tariff refunds after court voids levies

A day after Customs opened a portal for importers to claim more than $160 billion tied to the illegal IEEPA tariffs, the president praised firms that hold off and criticized the Supreme Court’s 6-3 ruling

Apr 24, 2026

Policy shift

Japan lifts ban on lethal weapons exports, ending decades of postwar limits

Takaichi’s cabinet clears sales of fighter jets, missiles and warships to select partner nations, with approvals and wartime restrictions still in place

Apr 24, 2026

Energy pricing overhaul

UK plans shakeup to electricity pricing to blunt gas-driven bill spikes

Government sets out consultation to weaken the link between power bills and gas prices within about a year; windfall tax on some generators to rise to 55% from July

Apr 24, 2026

Diplomacy

Ottawa summons Israeli ambassador, seeks probe into Canadian’s killing in Lebanon

Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand says Canada requested a “full and transparent” investigation into the death of Mohammad Hassan Haidar; Israel has not claimed responsibility

Apr 24, 2026

Education policy

England to make phone-free school days a legal requirement under government plan

Ministers will table an amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill to put guidance on a statutory footing; details, enforcement and potential exemptions are still to be set out

Apr 24, 2026

Military discipline in southern Lebanon

Israel jails two soldiers for smashing Jesus statue in Lebanon; statue replaced

The IDF says both troops will serve 30 days in military detention and be removed from combat duty. The viral incident in Debel drew condemnation from Israel’s prime minister and abroad; the statue has since been replaced

Apr 24, 2026