HOUSTON — U.S. energy exports have surged to unprecedented levels in April 2026 as the ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz has rerouted global oil and liquefied natural gas flows, positioning American producers as the primary swing suppliers amid the U.S.-Iran conflict.

Total U.S. exports of crude oil and petroleum products hit a record 12.9 million barrels per day last week, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, far exceeding typical figures and filling the void left by disrupted Middle Eastern supplies. The blockade, part of a dual chokehold with Iranian actions since late February, has removed roughly 20% of global seaborne oil and significant LNG volumes from the market, driving buyers in Asia and Europe toward U.S. Gulf Coast terminals.

The Port of Corpus Christi, the nation’s leading oil export hub, posted record first-quarter volumes, with crude shipments up more than 2% year-over-year and refined products rising over 11%. LNG cargoes jumped nearly 37% in March compared to the prior year, as facilities operated near or above nameplate capacity.

President Donald Trump has framed the blockade as a strategic opportunity for American energy dominance. In recent statements, he encouraged nations affected by the disruptions — particularly China, Japan and South Korea — to turn to U.S. supplies, highlighting the geopolitical leverage gained from the crisis. Energy Secretary Chris Wright noted that prices could remain elevated until meaningful shipping resumes through the strait.

The Hormuz crisis began with U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran in late February, prompting Tehran to declare the strait largely closed and attack vessels. The U.S. responded with its own naval blockade of Iranian ports, creating a dual disruption that has idled hundreds of tankers and slashed daily global oil flows by an estimated 11 million barrels. Qatar’s Ras Laffan LNG facilities suffered damage, further tightening supply.

This has supercharged U.S. LNG exports. March shipments reached a record 11.7 million metric tons, surpassing the previous high, with Europe taking about 64% and Asia seeing more than double the volume from February. Analysts project full-year 2026 LNG exports averaging 17.0 billion cubic feet per day, with further growth expected in 2027 as new capacity comes online.

Crude exports have climbed as well, with over 5 million barrels per day in recent weeks when including refined products pushing totals toward 13 million bpd. Empty very large crude carriers have rerouted en masse to the Gulf Coast, drawn by competitive U.S. pricing and available tankers freed up by the strait’s paralysis.

The boom has provided a timely lift to the U.S. energy sector. Domestic producers, already benefiting from years of shale innovation and infrastructure buildout, have ramped up output where possible. However, analysts caution that logistical ceilings exist. Crude export infrastructure faces bottlenecks, and sustained high volumes could strain domestic inventories or push U.S. gasoline prices higher.

Global oil prices have reacted sharply, with Brent crude exceeding $100 per barrel at peaks and remaining elevated amid uncertainty. While the U.S. is relatively insulated due to its net exporter status, consumers have felt some pain at the pump. Internationally, the shift has exposed vulnerabilities in reliance on chokepoints and concentrated Middle Eastern supply.

Asian buyers, heavily dependent on Gulf LNG and oil, have pivoted aggressively. Shipments to the region have surged, helping offset losses from Qatari disruptions that could last years. European nations, already diversifying away from Russian supplies in prior years, have increased U.S. LNG intake to record levels.

The Trump administration views the developments as validation of its “energy dominance” agenda. Officials point to expanded export authorizations and new terminals as key enablers. Projects like Corpus Christi Stage 3, Golden Pass and Plaquemines LNG are adding capacity, with more under construction or approved.

Yet risks remain. Prolonged blockade or escalation could further tighten markets, while a diplomatic breakthrough in ongoing Pakistan-mediated talks might ease disruptions and temper the export surge. Infrastructure constraints, including pipeline takeaway capacity and port congestion, could cap further growth despite strong demand.

Environmental and market analysts note the irony: a conflict-driven boom accelerates fossil fuel exports at a time when long-term energy transition goals persist. However, for U.S. producers, workers in Texas and Louisiana, and the broader economy, the short-term windfall has been significant, supporting jobs and tax revenues.

Economists project the rerouting could reshape trade patterns for years, encouraging more diversified supply chains and investment in non-Hormuz routes. Some Middle Eastern producers may accelerate pipeline projects to bypass the strait, while U.S. export terminals position themselves as reliable alternatives.

As ceasefire talks continue in Islamabad with limited progress, the energy market remains on edge. U.S. exports have provided a critical buffer, preventing even deeper shortages, but the situation underscores America’s evolving role as a global energy superpower — one thrust into the spotlight by geopolitical turmoil.

Industry leaders expect the record pace to continue into May unless diplomacy yields a swift reopening. For now, the Golden Arches of American energy — from Gulf Coast terminals to LNG carriers crossing oceans — symbolize both crisis response and opportunity in a fractured world market.

The coming weeks will test whether this export surge proves temporary or marks a lasting shift in global energy geography. For U.S. producers, the Hormuz blockade has delivered an unexpected and historic tailwind.

This article was written by

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TUCSON, Ariz. — Nearly three months after 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie vanished from her Catalina Foothills home, a new statement from Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos and his attorney has intensified scrutiny of the investigation’s leadership, with county supervisors calling the response “problematic” and “troubling” for failing to meet legal standards for sworn testimony.

Guthrie, mother of NBC’s “Today” show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, was last seen Jan. 31, 2026, after an evening at her daughter Annie’s home. She was reported missing Feb. 1 when she failed to appear for a virtual church service. Authorities believe she was abducted from her residence, where bloodstains matching her DNA were found on the front porch. No arrests have been made, and her whereabouts remain unknown as the case enters its 85th day.

The latest controversy centers on Nanos, who leads the department handling the high-profile probe. In response to demands from the Pima County Board of Supervisors, Nanos’ attorney submitted a 22- to 23-page document addressing allegations about the sheriff’s past employment history with the El Paso Police Department in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Supervisors had invoked Arizona statute ARS 11-253, seeking sworn reports on potential misrepresentations in his record.

District 2 Supervisor Matt Heinz described the submission as deeply concerning. “The core thing that I’m most concerned about, and baffled by, is that (Nanos) chose to submit these 20 pages unsworn,” Heinz told Arizona Public Media. “The statute requires that this be under oath, and he did not do that by the deadline. This must be under oath. That’s what the statute requires. I don’t know if he’s refusing to do so, or isn’t comfortable doing so, or what. But that is troubling.”

Fellow supervisor Jen Allen echoed worries that issues in the response were “downplayed.” The board had sought clarity on Nanos’ disciplinary record, including multiple suspensions during his El Paso tenure for allegations involving use of force, insubordination and other matters. Nanos resigned from that department in 1982 in lieu of termination, according to reports. His attorney argued the supervisors’ request did not explicitly demand sworn testimony.

This leadership drama unfolds against a backdrop of mounting criticism of the Guthrie investigation. Deputies’ union passed a unanimous no-confidence vote against Nanos in March, citing his past and calling for his immediate resignation. Community members and national observers have questioned the pace of progress, with some early investigative missteps alleged by law enforcement sources.

Forensic efforts continue. Hairs recovered from Guthrie’s home are being analyzed by the FBI laboratory, following initial testing at a private Florida lab used by the sheriff’s department. Blood on the porch confirmed as Guthrie’s DNA. No CODIS hits have been reported. The FBI has been involved since early in the case, and a $1 million family reward remains active for information leading to her recovery.

A recent sheriff’s department social media post caused widespread confusion and backlash when it stated “Update: Nancy has been located” alongside a poster. The message actually referred to a different elderly woman, Nancy Radakovich, who resembles Guthrie. Critics called the post “cruel” and “tone deaf” amid the ongoing anguish for the Guthrie family.

Nanos has occasionally addressed the case publicly. In one recent exchange, he denied rumors of a new person of interest with a curt “Nope.” Earlier statements emphasized that all Guthrie family members have been cleared as suspects and that investigators believe Nancy may still be alive.

The disappearance has gripped national attention. Savannah Guthrie has shared emotional appeals, and the family maintains hope while acknowledging the grim possibilities. Retired FBI profilers and experts have analyzed blood spatter evidence, suggesting a violent struggle at the threshold of her home. Theories range from a targeted abduction to random crime, but no solid suspect has emerged.

Pima County supervisors voted in March to compel Nanos to provide the sworn reports, with potential consequences for non-compliance including possible removal from office, though legal precedents are unclear. Nanos, a Democrat elected to the role, has three years left in his term. His attorney defended the sheriff’s long service with Pima County as unblemished.

Insiders have raised concerns about the experience level of some investigators assigned to the case, including reports that the homicide unit supervisor had limited prior experience in such investigations. The department has defended its work, noting collaboration with federal partners and ongoing analysis of multiple evidence streams.

As the case stretches on, public frustration grows. Amateur searchers and true crime enthusiasts have flooded the area, prompting increased patrols near Guthrie’s home and her daughter’s residence to prevent trespassing. The United Cajun Navy and other volunteer groups have offered assistance, though coordination remains challenging.

The Guthrie family’s pain is compounded by the spotlight. Savannah returned to “Today” while balancing the search. A second ransom-related message reportedly surfaced, but details remain limited as authorities urge the public to avoid speculation that could hinder the probe.

County officials stress that the sheriff’s personal controversies should not overshadow the need for resolution in the Guthrie case. Yet the timing has amplified calls for accountability. Heinz and others have linked broader trust issues in law enforcement to the revelations about Nanos’ early career.

For now, the investigation presses forward with DNA work, digital forensics and tip reviews. No timeline for breakthroughs has been offered. The sheriff’s department continues to ask for public tips while discouraging unverified theories, particularly those targeting cleared individuals.

The dual narratives — an unresolved abduction of an elderly woman tied to a beloved television personality, and questions swirling around the top lawman overseeing it — have created a perfect storm of public interest and skepticism. As supervisors review next steps on the sworn statement issue, Nancy Guthrie remains missing, her family pleading for answers and the community demanding both justice and competent leadership.

This story remains active, with potential developments in the coming days on both the search for Guthrie and the board’s response to the sheriff’s filing.

You have 60 days from your credit card statement date to dispute a charge. After that, the protection disappears.

If you’ve ever spotted a charge you didn’t recognize and done nothing about it, here’s what you missed, and what to do next time.

What qualifies as a dispute

Not every complaint about a charge is the same thing. The Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA) covers specific situations: unauthorized charges, charges for goods or services you didn’t receive, charges for something that arrived damaged or different from what was described, and billing errors.

CREDIT CARD INTEREST RATE CAP COULD REDUCE ACCESS FOR OVER 100 MILLION AMERICANS, ANALYSIS FINDS

Not every complaint about a charge is the same thing. (Getty Images)

What it doesn’t cover is buyer’s remorse. If you made a purchase, received what you ordered, and just changed your mind, that’s not a dispute. The distinction matters because issuers treat them differently from the start.

What happens when you file

When you contact your issuer to dispute a charge, they’re required to acknowledge it within 30 days and resolve it within two billing cycles, which in practice means within 60 to 90 days.

In most cases, the issuer will provisionally credit your account for the disputed amount while the investigation is open. You’re not paying for something you’re contesting. That’s a meaningful difference from how the same situation plays out with a debit card, where the money has already left your account and you’re trying to get it back.

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You have 60 days from your credit card statement date to dispute a charge. (Brent Lewin/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

The issuer contacts the merchant

Once you file, your issuer initiates what’s called a chargeback: a formal request to the merchant’s bank to reverse the transaction. The merchant gets notified and has the opportunity to respond with documentation: proof of delivery, a signed receipt, records showing you agreed to the charge.

If the merchant doesn’t respond within the required window, the dispute typically resolves in your favor automatically. If they do respond, the issuer reviews both sides and makes a decision.

Most disputes that reach this stage go to the cardholder. Merchants know that fighting chargebacks costs time and fees regardless of the outcome, and many don’t contest smaller amounts.

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What can go wrong

Disputes get denied when the documentation favors the merchant, when the purchase falls outside the FCBA’s covered categories, or when you waited too long to file. Most issuers require you to dispute a charge within 60 days of the dated statement it appears on.

If you made a purchase, received what you ordered and just changed your mind, that’s not a dispute. (iStock)

There’s also a meaningful difference between a billing dispute and a fraud claim. If the charge is genuinely unauthorized, that’s a fraud case, not a billing dispute, and it gets handled differently. Most issuers have zero-liability policies for unauthorized charges, which means your exposure is $0 regardless of amount.

The thing worth knowing before you need it

Dispute rights are built into your credit card by law. But you have to use them within the window, and you have to be able to describe specifically why the charge qualifies.

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Keep records: confirmation emails, screenshots of what you ordered, correspondence with the merchant. If a dispute reaches the documentation stage, those details are what wins it.

Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from Motley Fool Money is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

LOS ANGELES — As the 2026 NBA playoffs intensify, two generational superstars sit sidelined with significant injuries, forcing their teams to adapt on the fly. Luka Doncic’s Grade 2 hamstring strain with the Los Angeles Lakers and Victor Wembanyama’s concussion with the San Antonio Spurs raise the same urgent question: Whose absence is more damaging to their squad’s postseason hopes?

Doncic, acquired by the Lakers in a blockbuster trade with the Dallas Mavericks, suffered the injury April 2 in a blowout loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Slovenian star has missed the end of the regular season and the opening round of the playoffs so far. Lakers coach JJ Redick has said Doncic is “out indefinitely” with no firm timeline, though he could begin on-court work soon and potentially target a return in the second round.

Despite the loss of their offensive engine — averaging around 30 points, eight assists and seven rebounds in recent seasons — the Lakers have thrived without him. They stormed to a 2-0 series lead over the Houston Rockets in the first round, with LeBron James, Marcus Smart, Luke Kennard and supporting cast stepping up in clutch moments. The team’s depth and experience have mitigated the blow, at least through the early series.

Wembanyama’s situation feels more precarious. The 7-foot-4 phenom exited Game 2 against the Portland Trail Blazers on April 21 after a scary fall, landing face-first on the hardwood following contact. Diagnosed with a concussion, he entered the NBA’s protocol and remains questionable for Game 3 on Friday in Portland. He logged just 12 minutes before exiting, as the Spurs dropped the contest to tie the series 1-1.

Concussion recovery follows strict guidelines: at least 48 hours before full participation testing, with gradual activity possible after 24 hours if symptoms do not worsen. Median NBA return time hovers around seven to nine days, making a Game 3 or even Game 4 return optimistic. Spurs coach Mitch Johnson has emphasized caution, prioritizing long-term health over rushing the franchise cornerstone.

Team Records Without Their Stars During the 2025-26 regular season, the Spurs posted a strong 50-14 mark with Wembanyama but went 12-6 without him — still competitive thanks to a deep young core featuring De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle and others. However, playoffs amplify the stakes. San Antonio finished with one of the West’s top seeds, but early results without Wemby highlight his irreplaceable two-way dominance.

Luka’s absence has historically hurt Dallas, but the Lakers’ supporting cast has proven more resilient so far. The Mavericks were 26-56 without him in prior contexts, underscoring his massive on-ball creation. Yet in Los Angeles, LeBron’s leadership and roster versatility have kept the ship steady through two playoff wins.

Impact on Offense and Defense Doncic’s injury removes a unique playmaking gravity. He orchestrates half-court sets like few others, drawing doubles and creating open looks. Without him, the Lakers lean more on isolation plays and LeBron’s facilitation. Their offense has dipped but remains functional, aided by strong three-point shooting from role players.

Wembanyama’s absence is multifaceted. He anchors the Spurs’ defense with elite rim protection and perimeter switching while stretching the floor on offense with 35+ point outbursts. His playoff debut in Game 1 featured a franchise-record 35 points. Losing that rim deterrence and scoring punch against a pesky Blazers team could prove decisive in a short series.

Broader Context and Long-Term Risks Doncic’s Grade 2 strain typically requires four to six weeks. He sought specialized treatment in Europe, a move aimed at accelerating recovery. Lakers insiders eye a possible return around early May, potentially for a second-round series. The team’s 2-0 lead provides breathing room.

Concussions carry unpredictable risks. Returning too soon heightens chances of second-impact syndrome or later lower-body injuries due to lingering balance or reaction deficits. Spurs medical staff will err on caution with their 22-year-old franchise pillar, who has already dealt with prior minor ailments this season.

Fan and League Reactions Social media buzzes with debate. Lakers fans celebrate the team’s resilience, crediting coaching and depth. Spurs supporters worry that an extended Wemby absence could lead to an early exit despite regular-season success. League-wide, both injuries underscore the physical toll of the modern NBA schedule and playoff intensity.

Analysts note the contrasting team constructions. The Lakers built a veteran-heavy group around stars, allowing better short-term injury absorption. San Antonio’s youth movement relies heavily on Wembanyama’s transcendent talent, making his health paramount for sustained contention.

Who’s Impact Is Greater? Early evidence suggests Wembanyama’s concussion is more immediately disruptive. The Spurs dropped Game 2 without him and face travel to Portland shorthanded. The Lakers, conversely, seized control of their series despite missing Doncic and Austin Reaves. Over a longer absence, however, Luka’s offensive gravity could weigh heavier if the Lakers advance deep.

Both teams emphasize patience. Redick and Johnson have echoed similar sentiments: health first, then performance. For contenders with championship aspirations, these absences test roster depth and coaching ingenuity.

As the series progress, updates on both stars will dominate headlines. Wembanyama traveled with the Spurs and showed positive early signs in protocol, but clearance remains uncertain. Doncic edges closer to on-court activity but stays sidelined for now.

The NBA postseason often hinges on availability. In this head-to-head injury showdown, Victor Wembanyama’s absence currently feels more crippling for San Antonio’s immediate hopes, while the Lakers have proven they can weather Luka Doncic’s storm — at least through the opening battles. The coming weeks will reveal whether these teams can sustain momentum or if the stars’ returns become necessary for survival.

Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream is entering a new phase of growth under CEO Jennifer Schuler, who says the 80-year-old brand is focused on balancing expansion with long-standing tradition.

Schuler, who was appointed to take the helm in March 2024, told FOX Business she is intentionally taking a measured approach as the Ohio-founded chain looks to grow. 

“I’ve heard people say, when you’re joining a new brand or business, don’t come in and cannonball in the pool and send splash waves,” Schuler told FOX Business. “Start by putting your toe in the water and getting a feel for it — and that’s especially true with hospitality brands and brands that are…80 years [old].”

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Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream CEO Jennifer Schuler was appointed to take the helm in March 2024. (Fox News Digital)

Founded in 1945 by Alice Handel as a single neighborhood shop, the company built its reputation on handcrafted ice cream. Decades later, entrepreneur Lenny Fisher expanded the business through franchising, according to the company’s website.

Now, in what Schuler describes as its “third era,” Handel’s is focused on further scaling nationally while maintaining its core identity.

“We’re just stewards of it,” Schuler said. “… My job is to take what was true about it 80 years ago and make sure we’re carrying that forward with time.”

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An exterior view of a Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream location. (Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream)

The company has grown to roughly 175 locations, with franchising remaining central to its strategy. Still, Schuler emphasized that Handel’s has a highly selective approach.

“We have a very high bar for the franchise partners that we bring in and talk a lot about the values of the business and the vision we have for the business,” she said.

Schuler also noted that there is still significant room for expansion.

“There are a lot of exciting times ahead for the brand and a lot of potential to grow because there is so much white space,” she said. “Yet, you have this proven history of the brand that just kind of keeps on chugging.”

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Pints of Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream are shown in a variety of classic flavors. (Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream)

In a competitive dessert market, Handel’s is prioritizing consistency over trends.

“You’re not going to see us introduce, like, a fig and olive type of flavor. … I bet there are some brands out there that do it great — We’re not going to do that,” Schuler said. “…. We are going to do things that are very classic and deliver on those flavors very, very well.”

Schuler said her leadership approach was shaped in part by a year-long break after leaving Wetzel’s Pretzels, when she reflected on what she wanted in her next role.

Assorted flavors of Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream are displayed with toppings and serving utensils. (Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream)

“I wanted to be part of a brand that I thought could be special in a community — a gathering place in a world where there’s more disconnection,” she said.

That vision aligns with Handel’s identity, which Schuler believes sets it apart in the digital world.

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“Especially in times of uncertainty, when people are feeling uncertain about the stock market or global conflicts, we generally find that’s when the ice cream business is just as steady and strong as ever, because it’s the little pleasures in life that I think people seek out.”

While 13 of the 14 present in the latest list have taken a dip in their rankings, four companies — Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Petroleum, state-run Indian Oil Corp (IOC), realty major Unitech and housing loan giant HDFC — have completely moved out of the league.

The latest FT Global 500 list was published by the UK business daily Financial Times over this weekend, is based on the companies’ market capitalisation as on March 31, 2008. The previous rankings were based on December 2007-end figures.

Reliance Industries, flagship company of India’s biggest corporate house Mukesh Ambani group, is top ranked 80th in the latest list, topped by the US energy giant ExxonMobil.

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Except for tobacco-to-consumer goods major ITC, ranked 484th, all other Indian companies have seen their rankings decline from the previous list.

Together, the market value of these 14 firms has dropped by about $ 150 billion since December last year and currently stands at about $ 440 billion.

There were 17 Indian companies in the previous list and had a total market capitalisation of about $ 590 billion.

In the country-wise ranking based on total market cap of all their companies present in the list, India has been placed 15th. The US is at the top with 169 companies worth a total $ 9.6 trillion, followed by UK, China, France and Japan.

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Other countries ranked ahead of India include Germany, Canada, Switzerland, Russia, Spain, Brazil, Hong Kong, Italy and Australia.
In terms of the number of companies present in the list, India and Russia are jointly ranked ninth after the US (169), the UK (35), Japan (39), France (31), China (25), Canada (24) and Germany (22). Among the Indian firms, RIL is followed by two state-run firms ONGC and NTPC at 148th and 206th positions respectively.

While RIL has slipped 15 positions from its 65th rank in the previous list, ONGC and NTPC have also moved down from their 115th and 163rd ranks previously.

Other Indian firms include Sunil Mittal-led telecom giant Bharti Airtel at 218th (down from 193), realty major DLF at 329th (down from 195) and Anil Ambani-led Reliance Comm at 350th position (down from 252).

However, ITC climbed six spots to the 484th place, even as its market cap fell to $ 19.38 billion from $ 20.8 billion previously.

Realty major DLF saw the steepest market value fall of $ 40.66 billion, followed by the country’s biggest private sector lender ICICI Bank with a plunge of $ 38.51 billion and Steel Authority of India ($ 35.46 billion).

RIL, the country’s most valued firm, saw its market cap falling by about $ 21 billion, dipping from about $ 105 billion to $ 82 billion in the latest list.

In the global list, ExxonMobil has replaced China’s PetroChina at the top, while US industrial conglomerate GE has retained its third position. Other firms in the top 10 include Gazprom, China Mobile, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, Microsoft, AT&T, Royal Dutch Shell and P&G.