What are the top issues US conservatives care most about right now?

The BBC asked President Donald Trump’s supporters about Iran, the economy, immigration and the future of the Republican Party at the largest conservative gathering in the country.

The Conservative Political Action Conference took place in Texas in March.

Video by Meiying Wu

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — Elon Musk’s SpaceX continues to dominate the billionaire space rivalry with Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin as 2026 unfolds, launching far more often, expanding its Starlink constellation and advancing ambitious lunar base plans while Blue Origin ramps up its New Glenn rocket and Blue Moon lander efforts in a methodical bid to catch up.

SpaceX achieved a record 165 orbital launches in 2025 and has maintained a blistering pace into 2026, routinely sending Falcon 9 rockets skyward and testing Starship prototypes that could one day ferry humans and cargo to the moon and beyond. Musk has publicly redirected some focus toward building “Moonbase Alpha,” including concepts for a lunar launch device, as the United States races China toward sustained lunar presence by 2030.

Blue Origin, meanwhile, completed its second New Glenn mission in late 2025 and prepared a third flight as early as April 17 from Cape Canaveral, deploying satellites including one for AST SpaceMobile. The company also conducted its 38th New Shepard suborbital flight in January and announced plans to pause further New Shepard operations for at least two years to redirect resources toward lunar capabilities, including an uncrewed Blue Moon Mk1 cargo mission targeted for later in 2026.

The contest, once centered on reusable rocketry and low-Earth orbit dominance, has shifted squarely to the moon. Both companies submitted revised plans to NASA in late 2025 aimed at accelerating crewed lunar landings under the Artemis program. SpaceX holds the primary contract for the Human Landing System using a Starship-derived vehicle, while Blue Origin secured a separate $3.4 billion award for its Blue Moon Mk2 lander on the later Artemis V mission. NASA continues evaluating options to speed up the timeline amid delays in Starship’s complex orbital refueling requirements.

SpaceX’s edge remains stark in operational cadence. The company has launched thousands of Starlink satellites, surpassing major milestones including 10,000 in orbit and targeting terabit-class satellites deployable via Starship in 2026. Starlink added millions of subscribers globally, generating substantial revenue that funds further development. Blue Origin has yet to match that launch tempo or satellite scale, though Bezos-backed Project Kuiper pushes forward with its own broadband constellation, and Blue Origin recently proposed up to 51,600 satellites for orbital AI data centers — a move that prompted SpaceX to urge the FCC to apply consistent scrutiny.

Musk and Bezos have traded subtle barbs. Bezos posted an image of a tortoise on social media earlier in the year, widely interpreted as a nod to the fable of the tortoise and the hare, positioning Blue Origin as the steadier long-term player. Musk has responded dismissively at times, emphasizing SpaceX’s rapid iteration. In one exchange, Musk downplayed Blue Origin’s announced TeraWave satellite project by highlighting Starlink’s advancing space-to-ground laser links.

Public competition intensified in February when Reuters reported both billionaires accelerating lunar ambitions amid NASA’s push and China’s 2030 moon goals. Musk spoke of lunar base development in podcast appearances and internal meetings, even as SpaceX eyes a potential $1 trillion valuation ahead of an IPO. Blue Origin shifted resources from suborbital tourism to its Blue Moon lander, planning early 2026 cargo flights and integrated checkout tests for the Mk1 variant.

Analysts describe contrasting philosophies. SpaceX favors rapid prototyping, frequent testing and aggressive timelines, accepting failures as part of learning. Blue Origin emphasizes methodical engineering, safety and gradual scaling, drawing on Bezos’ long-term vision of millions living and working in space. That “slow and steady” approach has drawn criticism for delays but earned praise for reliability in suborbital flights.

In launch records, SpaceX repeatedly outpaced rivals. In late 2025 it broke Florida’s annual liftoff record, a mark that could have gone to Blue Origin had weather not scrubbed a New Glenn attempt. SpaceX’s reusable Falcon 9 boosters have flown dozens of times, dramatically lowering costs and enabling near-weekly missions. New Glenn, with its seven BE-4 engines and reusable first stage, aims to compete in the heavy-lift category but has completed only a handful of flights so far.

NASA remains central to the rivalry. The agency awarded SpaceX billions for Starship-based lunar landing systems and has paid out significant milestones, though concerns over refueling and schedule slips led to reopened bidding opportunities. Blue Origin received roughly $835 million for its lander work and a $190 million CLPS contract to deliver NASA’s VIPER rover. Both firms submitted acceleration proposals, keeping the competition alive for future Artemis landings.

Beyond government contracts, commercial markets offer another battleground. Starlink provides broadband to remote areas and has been credited with aiding disaster response. Kuiper seeks similar reach but trails in deployment. The emerging domain of orbital data centers for AI workloads has drawn filings from both sides, with SpaceX proposing up to one million satellites and Blue Origin/Amazon advancing its own plans. Regulators face complex decisions on spectrum, orbital debris and fair competition.

Challenges loom for both. SpaceX must prove Starship’s full reusability, reliable in-orbit refueling and crewed flight readiness without major setbacks. Regulatory hurdles, including environmental reviews and international coordination, add complexity. Blue Origin needs to scale New Glenn production, demonstrate consistent heavy-lift performance and integrate its lander systems on time. Funding remains robust for both — SpaceX through revenue and investor confidence, Blue Origin backed by Bezos’ personal fortune and Amazon ties — but execution will determine momentum.

The broader context includes a renewed U.S. commitment to beating China back to the moon. Artemis II, a crewed lunar flyby, recently achieved a record-breaking mission, keeping the program on track. Sustained presence requires reliable landers, habitats and logistics that private industry is now racing to supply.

Industry observers note that the “space war” benefits the entire sector. Competition drives innovation, lowers costs and attracts talent and investment. Yet tensions surface in regulatory filings and public commentary, with SpaceX once urging the FCC to reject aspects of Amazon-related applications while arguing for equal standards.

As April 2026 progresses, eyes turn to upcoming launches. Blue Origin’s NG-3 New Glenn mission could mark another step toward orbital reliability. SpaceX continues Starship testing and routine Starlink deployments. Musk has hinted at ambitious 2026 goals for Starship, including commercial readiness, while Blue Origin targets its first lunar cargo flight.

Neither billionaire is likely to “win” outright in a single year. SpaceX holds the current operational and market lead in launches and satellites. Blue Origin positions itself for longer-term lunar infrastructure and methodical progress. The real contest may extend into the 2030s as humans establish a permanent foothold on the moon and eye Mars.

For now, the rivalry captivates the public and fuels progress. Musk’s hare-like speed has delivered reusable rockets and global connectivity at unprecedented scale. Bezos’ tortoise approach promises careful, sustainable expansion. In the high-stakes arena of space, both strategies may prove essential as humanity pushes farther from Earth.

The coming months will test execution. Successful New Glenn flights and Blue Moon progress could narrow the gap for Blue Origin. Starship milestones and continued Starlink growth would reinforce SpaceX’s dominance. Either way, the billionaire space race shows no signs of slowing, with the moon as the next major prize in a contest that could reshape humanity’s future off-world.

The Newcastle business has struck a strategic deal with JH Health Ltd, a Saudi Arabian company

Tyneside biotech business Atelerix is set for overseas growth after striking a strategic partnership with a Saudi Arabian company.

The Newcastle University spin-out – which takes its name from the behaviours of hedgehogs, which have the genus name Atelerix – has revolutionised how cells are stored and transported, having been formed eight years ago to disrupt the cell preservation market.

Based at the Biosphere at Newcastle Helix, the firm’s technology is inspired by hedgehogs, including the African four-toed pygmy hedgehog, which hibernates when the temperature dips below around 20C. The company’s patented hydrogel encapsulation technology allows cells to do just the same.

Thanks to its hydrogel-based cell preservation solutio, biomaterials which are essential for drug discovery and pharmaceutical research, can be transported without freezing.

The Newcastle business has now struck a deal with JH Health Ltd, a Saudi Arabian company focused on medical and health-related technology. The partnership grants JH Health exclusive rights to use and distribute Atelerix’s hydrogel-based cell and tissue preservation solutions in the Middle East, a move which significantly boost Atelerix’s global commercial footprint with new regional manufacturing and distribution channels.

The deal comes as Atelerix responds to increasing global demand for its technology by looking to establish new strategic partnerships. The partnerships can provide local technical expertise and regional supply in key markets, including China, Europe and Africa.

Alastair Carrington, CEO of Atelerix, said this latest agreement with JH Health is a significant development, providing access to extensive networks and distribution channels needed to enter the Middle East’s growing life science and healthcare market.

The partnership with JH Health will primarily focus on enabling the stable transport of biological samples for clinical diagnostics and research use, including the development of a new biobank within the region. Atelerix will lead regulatory approvals for its technology with the Saudi Food and Drug Authority, backed at a local level by JH Health.

The Saudi Arabian business will also provide financial support and strategic expertise for Atelerix’s operational scale-up in the region, including giving it capabilities for high volume manufacturing while also supporting opportunities for new research partnerships to further develop its technology.

Mr Carrington said: “By partnering with JH Health, we gain access to the deep market expertise and local support needed to establish our operations in the Middle East. Their strategic investment will enable us to build out our local manufacturing capabilities, ensuring we are equipped to deliver the future of biological transport logistics and meet the needs of the rapidly growing life science market in the region. This partnership is an integral next step in our strategy to bring our advanced cell preservation solutions to customers, worldwide.”

Mohammed Al Jumah, CEO at JH Health, said: “We are delighted to establish a strategic partnership with Atelerix to bring advanced biosample preservation technologies to the Middle East. By combining Atelerix’s pioneering solutions with our regional expertise, this collaboration enhances access to advanced tools that support biomedical research, accelerate scientific discovery, and strengthen clinical development across the region, ultimately improving healthcare outcomes.”

The deal comes a year after Atelerix signed an exclusive distribution agreement with MineBio, a leading Chinese supply chain and logistics organisation, to act as the sole distribution partner for Atelerix’s products in China.

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Since taking up the role eight years ago he has overseen a huge rise in passenger numbers

Chief executive of Bristol Airport, David Lees, is standing down after eight years in the role. He will remain in post until a successor is appointed and will support a transition period through to the end of this year.

Under his leadership, the airport – which became majority-owned by Macquarie Asset Management last year – has seen a unprecedented growth in passenger numbers and the delivery of a number of major projects, including the public transport interchange as well as the positive outcome of a planning application to increase passengers to 12 million per annum.

More recently he has led on the next stage of growth outlined in airport’s masterplan to 2040 as well as launching the planning application to increase passenger numbers to 15 million a year. It handled 10.8 million in 2025.

READ MORE: Welsh Government big win in legal challenge from Bristol AirportREAD MORE: Bristol Airport submits plans for huge expansion to 100,000 flights a year

He also steered the airport through the pandemic and then drove the strongest post-pandemic recovery of any UK major airport.

Mr Lees said: “It has been the highlight of my career to lead an amazing, talented and committed team which continues to deliver responsible growth connecting our region to an increasing number of destinations. Together we have delivered significant improvements for our customers, airlines and the community which we are proud to serve including our industry leading position on our pathway to deliver net zero airport operations by 2030.”

The airport’s chairman Jason Holt said: “It falls to me to register the board’s appreciation and thanks for Dave’s efforts over the last eight years. Dave has taken the airport to where it is today through inspired leadership that now sets up the business to build on his work. As Dave passes the baton to his successor, his tenure has safeguarded future growth and prosperity for the airport and its positive impact on the region.

“This is especially so with potential future growth delivering upwards of 1,000 new jobs with increasing long-haul connectivity to global markets. I look forward to continuing to work with Dave for the remainder of the year. As a board we wish him all the very best for the future as he looks back with pride to the fitting legacy and opportunity he leaves behind for the community and our customers.”

In its 2024 financial year the airport grew revenues from £179.2m a year earlier to £204.4m. Its pre-tax profit level rose from £3.8m to £12.2m. After taxation it posted losses of £1.69m. Its biggest revenue contribution came from car parking with £75.6m.

Last month the airport’s legal challenge against Welsh Government plans for a £205m subsidiary support package to rival Cardiff Airport, was rejected in a ruling from the Competition Appeal Tribunal.

Bristol unsuccessfully claimed that the financial support over the next decade from the Cardiff Bay administration to the airport, which it acquired in 2013 for £52m, breached the Subsidy Control Act and would put it at a commercial disadvantage.

Around 20% of Bristol’s annual passenger are drawn from South Wales. Bristol is currently considering whether to lodge an appeal.

Angel One reported a sharp rise in profit for the March quarter, driven by strong client activity and operating leverage. Profit after tax stood at Rs 320 crore in the fourth quarter, marking an 84% year-on-year (YoY) increase, while rising 19% sequentially. The strong profit growth was supported by higher trading volumes and better monetisation across segments.

Total gross revenue came in at Rs 1,467 crore, up 39% YoY and 10% quarter-on-quarter, reflecting improved trading volumes and platform engagement. EBDAT rose to Rs 473 crore, up 17% sequentially, while margins expanded to 41.7%, indicating strong operating leverage.

The quarter saw a rebound in client activity, with total orders rising to 43.1 crore, up 13% sequentially, marking a six-quarter high. The company’s client base expanded to 3.74 crore, while its share in India’s demat accounts rose to 16.7%.

Despite a slight dip in cash segment activity, derivatives and commodity segments saw strong growth, supporting overall order volumes.

Angel One continued to see traction beyond broking. Wealth management assets under management surged 23% sequentially to Rs 10,080 crore, while asset management AUM stood at Rs 360 crore. However, credit disbursals declined 14.7% sequentially, reflecting some moderation in lending activity.

The company’s asset management business remained small but growing, with AUM at Rs 360 crore, while mutual fund SIP registrations remained strong at 2.1 million during the quarter. However, credit disbursals declined 15% sequentially to Rs 610 crore, indicating some moderation in lending activity.
Management attributed the strong performance to normalisation in client activity and increased adoption of digital platforms, alongside continued investments in AI-led capabilities to improve customer experience and operational efficiency.Angel One is positioning itself as a full-stack digital financial platform, expanding beyond broking into wealth, asset management, and credit, supported by technology-led innovation.

A growing push for higher taxes on wealthy homeowners in New York is intensifying the debate over how far states should go to raise revenue, as policymakers weigh the broader economic impact on investment, housing and taxpayer behavior.

FOX Business’ Connor Hansen joined FOX Business’ Stuart Varney on “Varney & Co.” to report on the latest proposals, which center on a new tax targeting high-value second homes owned by nonresidents.

The proposal comes as voters nationwide continue to express frustration with their overall tax burden, even as Internal Revenue Service data shows average tax refunds are up compared to last year. At the same time, states like New York are advancing policies aimed at capturing more revenue from top earners and luxury property owners, a group that already contributes a significant share of total tax collections.

MASSACHUSETTS TOWN WEIGHS 50% PROPERTY TAX HIKE AS RESIDENTS PUSH BACK

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani took to X to frame the effort as part of a broader push to increase contributions from the wealthy.

HOCHUL TAX PLAN TARGETS HIGH-END SECOND HOMES AMID REVENUE PRESSURES

“When I ran for mayor, I said I was going to tax the rich. Well today, we’re taxing it,” Mamdani said.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has argued that the proposal is designed to address perceived imbalances between full-time residents and part-time property owners.

BUSINESSES SHIFT TO LOWER-REGULATION STATES AS COSTS MOUNT

“The property value of homes like that is driven by everything New York City has to offer. That’s why it’s a valuable place. But the people who own these pied-à-terres are not contributing in the same way that the 8.3 million New York residents do,” Hochul said in a statement on the official website of New York State.

The proposal underscores a widening divide in tax policy approaches as states navigate competing pressures to generate revenue while maintaining economic competitiveness.

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The UK could face food shortages by the summer if the Iran war continues, a worst case scenario drawn up by government officials suggests.

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz could continue to disrupt global supply chains, leading to shortages of carbon dioxide (CO2), which is used in the food and drinks industry.

A spokesperson from the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs said these scenarios are planning tools, not predictions of future events.

BBC business correspondent Emma Simpson explains what this could mean for supermarket shelves.