Within President Donald Trump’s first year back in office, two federal supports that helped expand solar on agricultural land — the USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) and long-standing clean energy tax credits — have been rolled back, industry and government data show. Reporters working with Grist and the Associated Press found the USDA has awarded no rural energy grants or loan guarantees so far this fiscal year and that at least 126 proposed solar projects on or near farmland, representing about 20 gigawatts of potential capacity, are awaiting approval. The reset of tax-credit timelines now requires commercial projects to be under construction by July 2026 and in service by the end of 2027, a schedule some developers say they cannot meet; German firm Alpin Sun says it abandoned projects after losing roughly $6 million and about 1,000 MW of pipeline. Family farmers such as Kentucky sheepman Daniel Bell report lost access to grant support and are turning to private lease arrangements or co-locating livestock beneath panels where possible. The policy shifts have prompted some developers to accelerate work to chase credits while stalling or cancelling others that no longer pencil out.

Apple’s iPhone shipments in China jumped about 20% year-on-year in Q1 2026, the strongest growth among major vendors, Counterpoint Research data showed on April 17. That outpaced an overall 4% decline in China smartphone shipments and helped Apple reclaim a 19% market share behind Huawei’s 20%. Counterpoint and other analysts said strong demand for the iPhone 17 series, targeted promotions and government subsidies, plus Apple’s premium mix and tight supply-chain control, let it absorb rising memory-chip costs better than many rivals. Xiaomi plunged roughly 35% on a high-comparison base and weaker new models, while Oppo, Honor and Vivo saw small declines or modest gains. Markets responded: Apple shares rose around 2–3% on April 17 as brokers including BNP Paribas and Societe Generale upgraded the stock and Bank of America highlighted Apple’s on-device AI strategy and upcoming M5 chips. Market-watchers note Apple’s high GF/market scores but flag valuation premiums and roughly $24.2m of insider selling in recent months. Broader market rallies that day were also aided by easing Middle East shipping fears, which weighed on oil and lifted risk appetite.

A looming global jet-fuel shortfall tied to the Iran war and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz is forcing airlines to trim schedules, add surcharges and warn of cancellations ahead of the summer peak. International Energy Agency chief Fatih Birol said Europe has “maybe six weeks or so” of jet fuel left if the strait remains closed, and said shortages could trigger flight cancellations. Carriers from Lufthansa and KLM to Air India and Air New Zealand have already pared capacity; North American airlines face higher costs and some route adjustments. Air Canada announced temporary suspensions of Toronto and Montreal services to New York JFK from June 1 to Oct. 25 and is pausing several domestic and transborder routes, citing doubled jet-fuel prices and marginal route economics. Airlines and travel firms are imposing temporary fuel surcharges (commonly $25–$60) and higher ancillary fees. Market moves — including an effective U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports and intermittent reopening tied to a ceasefire — have pushed crude and kerosene prices sharply higher, disrupting refinery and tanker flows and complicating fuel availability for Europe and Asia.

Netflix co-founder and chairman Reed Hastings will leave the company when his board term expires in June 2026, the streaming giant said after releasing first-quarter results on April 16. Hastings, 65, said he will focus on philanthropy and other pursuits. The earnings update showed revenue of $12.25 billion and net income of roughly $5.3 billion for Q1, with GAAP earnings per share of $1.23; Netflix also received a $2.8 billion termination fee tied to its failed bid for Warner Bros Discovery. Management forecast second-quarter revenue and earnings below some street expectations (Q2 EPS guidance cited around $0.78), prompting roughly an 8–9% drop in after-hours trading. Netflix reported more than 325 million paid members and said it is prioritising growth through advertising (targeting about $3 billion in ad revenue in 2026), live sports and new formats such as video podcasts, along with investments in technology including generative AI and a revamped mobile experience.

Little Debbie (McKee Foods) has rolled out a Chocolate Old Fashioned Donut nationwide in the United States, expanding on the strong consumer response to its original Old Fashioned Donut first introduced in June 2025. The chocolate version is described as a cake-style donut with a chocolatey flavor, crumbly texture and sugary glaze. It is available in three formats: a retro-inspired Big Pack Carton containing six large donuts and two single-serve 3-ounce individually wrapped options for on-the-go convenience. The company says the new flavor will join the original as a permanent addition to the Little Debbie snack lineup and is shipping to major retailers, grocery chains and convenience stores. The launch coincides with other Little Debbie product introductions, including soft-baked Chocolate Chip and Peanut Butter cookies. Brand manager Scott Brownlow emphasized the decision to “double down” on the Old Fashioned Donut franchise after what the company called massive consumer demand and strong retail performance for the 2025 launch.

AEVEX Corp, a California-based drone and unmanned systems maker backed by private equity, raised $320 million after selling 16 million shares in a U.S. initial public offering priced at $20 apiece and listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker AVEX. Shares opened at $23.01 on April 17, jumping about 15% in the debut and giving the company a market valuation of roughly $2.57 billion. AEVEX supplies airborne intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems and has two operating segments: tactical systems (about 75% of revenue) and global solutions for aircraft modification and engineering. The U.S. government accounted for about 78% of the company’s 2025 revenue. Goldman Sachs, BofA Securities and Jefferies served as joint bookrunners. The listing comes amid heightened investor appetite for defence-linked firms as governments increase spending on unmanned systems in response to conflicts including Ukraine and the Middle East. Some market trackers flagged weak underlying financial metrics (one provider showed a GF Score of 0), underscoring investor caution about valuation and profitability.