Jamie Oliver has launched a withering attack on the government’s tax treatment of British entrepreneurs, warning that ministers are “battering” the very people who power the country’s hospitality sector and risk turning Britain into an economic backwater.

Speaking to Times Radio, the celebrity chef said the cumulative weight of recent fiscal measures was choking the life out of small operators and would, in short order, make the UK “less and less important, less and less relevant” as a destination for ambition and enterprise.

“If you just batter the entrepreneurs, you’re going to get nothing,” Oliver said. “There is a lack of understanding of the chemistry of what a bubbling, buoyant, optimistic, aspirational, cool country called Britain looks like.”

His intervention lands at a particularly raw moment for the hospitality trade, which has spent the past year absorbing a punishing trio of cost increases. Higher employers’ national insurance contributions, coupled with a sharply lowered threshold at which they bite, have hit operators hardest in the wage bill. Add to that successive rises in the national minimum wage and a steeper business rates burden, and the margins of independent cafés, sandwich shops and neighbourhood restaurants have been pared to the bone.

Oliver argued that without meaningful incentives for risk-taking, Britain would forfeit its reputation as a crucible for new brands and ideas. “There needs to be enough fat in the game for people to take risk, and the association with risk and then innovation and creativity and brands … that can be amplified and grown,” he said.

His sharpest criticism, however, was reserved for what he characterised as a tax regime blind to scale. The system, he said, draws no meaningful distinction between multinational chains and the corner shop. “What’s interesting is the tax system and the government see no difference between, say, Domino’s or Starbucks and Linda and Paul down the road that run a small independent sandwich shop.” Smaller operators, he added, are being “chocked out”.

Oliver knows the sharp end of the trade better than most. His Italian-themed restaurant chain collapsed into administration in 2019, and only at the end of last year did he set in motion the revival of the Jamie’s Italian brand through a franchise tie-up with Brava Hospitality Group, the owner of Prezzo.

He is far from a lone voice. Earlier this month John Vincent, co-founder of healthy food chain Leon, accused ministers of “totally killing the restaurant industry”. Vincent, who last year bought Leon back from Asda before shuttering 22 sites as part of a restructuring, has emerged as one of the sector’s most outspoken critics, arguing that the tax burden on restaurants has become unsustainable.

When Leon filed for administration, he told the BBC the maths spoke for themselves: “Today, for every pound we receive from the customer, around 36p goes to the government in tax, and about 2p ends up in the hands of the company. It’s why most players are reporting big losses.”

For an industry that has long served as a first rung on the entrepreneurial ladder, and a generous employer of young, low-skilled and part-time workers, the warning from two of its highest-profile figures could scarcely be sharper. Unless the Treasury finds a way to differentiate between the corporate behemoths and the family-run independents, Oliver’s verdict suggests, Britain’s hospitality landscape will be poorer, blander and a good deal less ambitious for it.

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TUCSON, Ariz. — Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC “Today” anchor Savannah Guthrie, remained missing Monday on Day 87 of her abduction, with the FBI announcing fresh DNA evidence under analysis while the family issued another emotional plea for information in a case that continues to grip the nation.

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos confirmed that new DNA samples recovered from the Catalina Foothills area, including material from gloves and a damaged utility box near the home, are being fast-tracked at a specialized laboratory. Earlier samples had linked to unrelated individuals, but investigators say the latest batch could yield critical breakthroughs.

Blood evidence at the scene, disabled security cameras, and signs of a struggle have led authorities to treat the disappearance as a confirmed abduction with possible ransom motives. Nancy’s essential medications were left behind, raising grave concerns about her health after nearly three months without proper care.

Savannah Guthrie made a heartfelt public appeal Monday. “We just want our mom home safe. Every single day without her is painful,” she said. The family has offered a $1 million reward for information leading to Nancy’s safe return and continues cooperating fully with investigators.

Ransom Demands and Ongoing Hoaxes

Several ransom notes have been received, some demanding large cryptocurrency payments. While the family initially viewed certain communications as potentially legitimate, law enforcement has warned that multiple notes appear to be hoaxes designed to exploit their desperation. One man, Derrick Callella, faces trial for allegedly sending a fake ransom text to Savannah.

Behavioral experts suggest the perpetrator may be prolonging contact even if Nancy is no longer alive — a cruel but documented tactic in long-term kidnapping cases.

Investigation Updates

The FBI has expanded its team, bringing in additional forensic analysts and behavioral profilers. Door-to-door canvassing, drone searches, and coordination with Mexican authorities remain active after several tips pointed south of the border. Tens of thousands of tips have poured in, but officials say credible leads have slowed in recent weeks.

Sheriff Nanos stressed there are still no named suspects or persons of interest. Family members were cleared early. Rumors of arrests circulating online were quickly debunked.

Nancy’s advanced age and medical conditions remain a major concern. Profilers believe the abductor may have underestimated her frailty, which could have led to serious complications.

Family’s Emotional Struggle

Savannah and her siblings have balanced public appeals with private grief. Savannah described the uncertainty as “a special kind of torture” in recent interviews. The family has thanked the Tucson community for its support while asking for continued vigilance.

Local residents have held vigils and helped distribute flyers. Churches Nancy attended have organized prayer chains, and volunteers continue searching nearby areas.

National Attention and Implications

The case has drawn widespread attention due to Savannah’s high-profile role at NBC. It has sparked broader conversations about safety for elderly residents in affluent neighborhoods and the unique challenges of high-visibility investigations. Social media speculation has both helped generate tips and complicated the official probe.

Experts note that as time passes without resolution, the statistical likelihood of a positive outcome decreases, yet authorities continue operating under the assumption Nancy may still be alive. Cutting-edge DNA technology and private lab partnerships are being fully utilized.

What Happens Next

Investigators say they will not rest. The image of the masked suspect seen on early surveillance footage remains a focal point. Anyone with information — even small details about vehicles, strangers, or unusual activity in the Catalina Foothills around Jan. 31 — is urged to contact the Pima County Sheriff’s Office or the FBI immediately.

As Day 87 ends, the Guthrie family clings to hope while preparing for difficult possibilities. Savannah has asked for continued prayers and privacy as they navigate this ordeal, but she remains determined to keep her mother’s face and story in the public eye until Nancy is found.

The abduction of Nancy Guthrie has become far more than a local Tucson story. It stands as a heartbreaking national reminder of how quickly safety can vanish and how devastating the silence of not knowing can be. For now, the search continues, new leads are being pursued, and a family waits for the answer that could finally bring them peace.

Bajaj Housing Finance on Monday reported a steady performance for the March quarter, with profit after tax rising 14% year-on-year to Rs 669 crore, while net total income grew 20% to Rs 1,141 crore, supported by strong loan growth and stable asset quality.

Net interest income for Q4FY26 increased 15% to Rs 945 crore from Rs 823 crore a year ago, reflecting continued expansion in the loan book. Profit before tax rose 20% to Rs 866 crore, indicating improving operating leverage despite a rise in provisions.

Assets under management (AUM) grew 23% to Rs 1,40,706 crore as of March 31, 2026, driven by healthy disbursements and demand across housing finance segments. Loan assets also rose 24% to Rs 1,23,745 crore, while quarterly disbursements increased 23% to Rs 17,506 crore.

Operational efficiency improved during the quarter, with operating expenses as a percentage of net total income declining to 19.2% from 21.8% in the year-ago period. However, loan losses and provisions more than doubled to Rs 55 crore from Rs 26 crore, reflecting a cautious stance amid a growing loan book.

Asset quality remained strong, with gross non-performing assets (GNPA) at 0.27% and net NPA at 0.11%, broadly stable compared to last year. The provision coverage ratio on stage 3 assets stood at 60%, indicating adequate buffers.

For the full year FY26, the lender reported profit after tax of Rs 2,560 crore, up 18% from Rs 2,163 crore in FY25. Net interest income rose 25% to Rs 3,752 crore, while net total income increased 23% to Rs 4,391 crore.
Profit before tax for the year climbed 20% to Rs 3,320 crore, reflecting sustained growth in lending operations. However, provisions rose sharply to Rs 191 crore from Rs 58 crore in the previous year, partly due to prudent provisioning and changes in overlays.Operating efficiency improved at the annual level as well, with the cost-to-income ratio declining to 19.7% from 20.9% in FY25. Return on assets remained stable at around 2.3%, while return on equity stood at about 12%.

Also read: UltraTech Cement Q4 Results: Profit rises 20% YoY to Rs 2,983 crore; co declares Rs 240/share dividend

The lender maintained a strong capital position, with a capital adequacy ratio of 22.46% as of March-end, supported by high credit ratings of AAA/Stable for long-term borrowings and A1+ for short-term debt.

Overall, Bajaj Housing Finance delivered consistent growth across key metrics, with strong loan expansion, stable margins and controlled asset quality, positioning it well for continued scale-up in the housing finance segment.

(Disclaimer: The recommendations, suggestions, views, and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times.)

LOS ANGELES — Charlize Theron is taking movie promotion to new heights — literally — as she scales a massive Times Square billboard and delivers a string of high-energy interviews to promote her new Netflix survival thriller “Apex,” which premiered on the streaming service April 24, 2026, and is already generating buzz for its intense action and raw performances.

The Oscar-winning actress, 50, was spotted April 24 scaling the side of a building in New York City to hype the film, showcasing the same physical commitment she brought to the role of Sasha, a grieving rock climber who becomes the target of a ruthless predator in the Australian wilderness. Co-starring Taron Egerton as the unhinged hunter Ben, the R-rated thriller directed by Baltasar Kormákur has drawn strong early audience reactions for its taut pacing and breathtaking outdoor sequences.

In a series of promotional appearances, Theron opened up about the physical toll of filming, revealing she suffered multiple injuries, including one that required surgery on her arm. “I think I tapped out once or twice,” she told “Extra” with a laugh, while praising Egerton’s intensity and the crew’s support during demanding shoots in remote Australian locations.

Apex Delivers Thrills and Emotional Depth

“Apex” follows Sasha as she embarks on a solo kayaking and hiking trip to scatter her late partner’s ashes, only to cross paths with a charming but psychotic local who turns the wilderness into a deadly hunting ground. The film blends high-stakes survival action with psychological tension, earning praise for Theron’s fearless stunt work and Egerton’s unhinged villain performance.

Critics have called it a slick, empty-calorie thriller that excels in spectacle but leans on familiar genre tropes. Variety described it as a “rip-roaring outdoor duel,” while The Guardian noted its “soulless” but entertaining cat-and-mouse game. Audiences, however, appear to be responding positively on Netflix, with strong early viewership numbers reported.

Theron, who performed most of her own stunts, trained extensively with professional climbers. In interviews, she emphasized the film’s themes of grief, resilience and female strength. “Sasha is pushing her limits both physically and emotionally,” she told The New York Times. “Life is so beautiful, but it can also be brutal.”

Busy 2026 for Theron

“Apex” marks a busy year for the South African-born star. She is also set to appear in Christopher Nolan’s highly anticipated epic “The Odyssey,” scheduled for a July 2026 release. Theron has described working with Nolan as “amazing” and a dream collaboration.

Her fashion choices during the “Apex” press tour have also drawn attention, with standout looks on “The View” and “Today” showcasing Bottega Veneta and other designers. Theron continues her long-standing partnership with Dior as the face of J’adore, marking over two decades with the brand.

Personal Reflections and Career Evolution

In recent interviews, Theron has spoken candidly about aging in Hollywood, motherhood and finding balance. A single mother to adopted children, she has emphasized the importance of representation and strong female roles. “I want my daughters to see women who are complex, strong and real,” she told one outlet.

Her willingness to embrace physically demanding roles — from “Mad Max: Fury Road” to “Atomic Blonde” and now “Apex” — has cemented her status as one of Hollywood’s most committed action stars. At 50, she continues redefining what leading roles look like for women in their prime.

Fan and Industry Reaction

The “Apex” promotional campaign, including Theron’s daring Times Square climb, has gone viral, with fans praising her dedication and sense of humor. Social media is filled with clips of her interviews alongside Egerton, where the pair share playful banter and behind-the-scenes stories.

Industry insiders see “Apex” as part of Theron’s strategy to balance big studio projects with more personal, high-concept thrillers. With Nolan’s “The Odyssey” on the horizon, 2026 could be one of her most impactful years yet.

As “Apex” streams globally on Netflix, Theron continues her press tour with appearances and stunts that keep her firmly in the spotlight. Whether scaling billboards or confronting personal and professional challenges on screen, the actress remains a force in Hollywood — proving that at 50, she is only getting started on new heights.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Residents across the Kansas City metro area hunkered down Monday as powerful severe thunderstorms brought tornado warnings, flash flooding and damaging winds, forcing road closures, water rescues and widespread power outages in one of the most active severe weather periods of 2026.

The National Weather Service issued multiple tornado warnings and flash flood warnings throughout the day, with the greatest threats concentrated south and east of the metro. A tornado watch remained in effect into the evening for several counties in Missouri and Kansas, including areas near Harrisonville, Clinton and Warrensburg.

Heavy rainfall has already caused flash flooding in low-lying areas, with several water rescues reported in Parkville, Riverside and parts of Kansas City proper. Officials urged drivers to avoid flooded roads, warning that just six inches of moving water can sweep away a vehicle.

Dangerous Conditions Unfold

Storms intensified Monday morning, bringing frequent lightning, large hail and gusty winds. A severe thunderstorm warning was active for portions of Cass, Henry, Jackson, Johnson and Lafayette counties in Missouri, with winds up to 60 mph and quarter-size hail possible.

The combination of saturated soils from recent rains and new downpours has heightened flash flood risk. Some locations have already received more than an inch of rain in a short period, with additional heavy bands expected through the afternoon and evening.

Emergency managers activated local emergency operations centers and urged residents to have multiple ways to receive warnings, including weather radios and smartphone alerts. Schools in some districts dismissed early or switched to remote learning as a precaution.

Why So Active This Year?

2026 has already seen an above-average number of severe weather events in the Plains and Midwest. Meteorologists attribute the pattern to a strong jet stream, abundant moisture from the Gulf of Mexico and frequent clashes between warm, humid air and cooler systems. This setup has produced repeated rounds of thunderstorms, hail and tornadoes across the region.

Kansas City itself has experienced several significant events this spring, including confirmed tornadoes in nearby communities. The current system is part of a broader severe weather outbreak affecting much of the central United States.

Safety Messages from Officials

The National Weather Service and local emergency management urged residents to take the threats seriously. Key advice includes:

• Moving to an interior room on the lowest floor during tornado warnings.
• Avoiding travel on flooded roads — “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.”
• Having an emergency kit with water, non-perishable food, flashlights and charged devices.
• Monitoring local media and weather apps for updates.

Power outages have affected thousands, with utility crews working to restore service as safely as possible. Some neighborhoods may remain without power into Tuesday.

Community Impact

The storms disrupted Monday commutes, school schedules and daily routines. Many businesses closed early or operated with limited staff. Hospitals reported treating minor storm-related injuries, primarily from fallen branches and minor accidents.

In rural areas south of the metro, farmers expressed concern about crop damage from hail and excessive rain at a critical planting time. Local officials are assessing damage in hardest-hit communities as the system moves through.

Looking Ahead

Forecasters say additional rounds of storms are possible through Tuesday morning before conditions gradually improve mid-week. A brief break is expected later in the week, with cooler and drier air settling in. However, the active pattern may continue into early May, keeping severe weather risks elevated.

Residents are encouraged to stay informed through official channels. The National Weather Service Kansas City office continues to provide frequent updates via its website, social media and NOAA Weather Radio.

This latest severe weather event serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of spring in the Midwest. While Kansas City has experienced its share of storms this season, officials stress that preparation and awareness remain the best defenses against nature’s power. As the system continues to move through the region, safety remains the top priority for families, first responders and emergency managers working to protect the community.