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Americans shopping for smartphones, laptops or even home appliances may soon start feeling the effects of the Iran conflict – not just at the gas pump, but at the checkout screen.

A disruption to an essential component in electronics – printed circuit boards (PCBs) – is driving up costs across the tech industry, increasing the likelihood that consumers will face higher prices and fewer deals in the months ahead.

Prices for circuit boards have already surged, jumping as much as 40% in April alone, according to Goldman Sachs. At the same time, other key inputs like copper foil – one of the largest cost components in PCBs – have climbed as much as 30% this year.

The ongoing war with Iran has disrupted supplies of key raw materials used to produce PCBs, which function as the “nervous system” inside nearly every electronic device, from smartphones and computers to cars and AI servers.

GAS PRICES SOAR TO HIGHEST POINT SO FAR DURING UNSETTLED CONFLICT WITH IRAN

At the center of the disruption is an Iranian strike on Saudi Arabia’s Jubail petrochemical complex in early April, which halted production of a critical resin used in circuit boards and tightened global supply, according to analysts. Shipping routes in and out of the Gulf have also been disrupted, compounding delays and shortages.

CHEVRON CEO WARNS AVIATION STRAIN COULD WORSEN AS JET FUEL CRUNCH DEEPENS

Manufacturers are now scrambling to secure materials, with lead times for some chemicals stretching from just three weeks to as long as 15 weeks, according to industry sources. The pressure is cascading through the broader tech supply chain.

“It is not just PCBs,” said Ben Bajarin, CEO of Creative Strategies. “Memory, storage and wafer costs are all increasing the bill of materials for devices.”

Companies are trying to offset those increases by negotiating supply contracts and absorbing some of the costs – but only to a point.

Experts say shoppers won’t see price hikes immediately, but they are coming.

“For the average consumer shopping at Best Buy or Amazon, the pass-through won’t happen overnight,” said Galen Zeng, a semiconductor supply chain analyst at IDC. “But expect it to materialize within the next few months.”

Dan Ives, an analyst at Wedbush Securities, said the impact will likely become more visible later this year.

“There will be a lag and much of these costs will be absorbed in the supply chain,” Ives said. “Summer and Fall timeframe could see prices rise.”

That timing could coincide with key retail periods, including back-to-school shopping and the early holiday buying season, when demand for electronics typically accelerates.

TREASURY FREEZES $344M IN IRAN CRYPTO, WARNS OIL HUB NEARING CAPACITY

Data from the Institute for Supply Management suggests companies typically pass through at least part of cost increases to customers, even if they absorb some of the impact through margins, according to ISM Manufacturing PMI Chair Susan Spence.

While some analysts believe companies will absorb costs in the short term, others warn the price increases could stick.

“This is a structural, multi-year upcycle driven by AI demand – not a temporary spike,” Zeng said. “The cost floor for advanced electronics is shifting upward.”

Demand for AI infrastructure is already competing with consumer electronics for limited supply of key components, squeezing availability and driving up prices across the board. Even before the Middle East conflict, PCB demand had been rising rapidly due to AI server growth, further tightening supply.

Beyond higher prices, consumers may also face limited availability of certain devices.

“As supplies are redirected toward AI and high-performance computing, consumer electronics manufacturers are left competing for a shrinking pool,” Zeng said.

The result could be delays or “out of stock” issues for some products, especially if supply disruptions persist.

Ives said shortages are not guaranteed but remain a risk.

“If it stays at the current rate, we can see shortages into the Fall on certain products,” he said.

Historically, supply chain shocks don’t translate one-to-one into retail price increases, but they rarely disappear entirely.

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That suggests consumers are unlikely to escape the impact altogether.

The disruption may start deep in the global supply chain, but its effects are likely to show up in familiar places: higher price tags, fewer discounts and tighter inventory for everyday tech products.

And with demand for electronics continuing to surge, relief may not come quickly.

Reuters contributed to this report. 

CINCINNATI — Runners “flew” through the streets of Greater Cincinnati over the weekend as the 28th Flying Pig Marathon Weekend wrapped up on May 3, 2026, blending competitive racing, quirky pig-themed festivities and community spirit in one of the nation’s most beloved running events. Thousands of participants from all 50 states and dozens of countries tackled distances from the full 26.2-mile marathon to shorter races and kids’ events, celebrating the region’s vibrant running culture.

The flagship Flying Pig Marathon, presented by P&G and others, started at 6:30 a.m. Sunday from Rosa Parks Street at Freedom Way. The course wound through Cincinnati, Covington, Newport, Mariemont, Fairfax and Columbia Township, offering scenic views of the Ohio River, historic neighborhoods and urban energy. Despite some construction-related adjustments, including changes around the Fourth Street Bridge and Brent Spence Corridor, runners enjoyed a well-balanced route with rolling hills and enthusiastic crowd support.

Here are 10 fun facts about the 28th Flying Pig Marathon that capture the event’s unique spirit:

1. Pig-tastic theming everywhere. From “pig pen” start corrals to the “Finish Swine,” the event embraces porcine puns with medals, shirts and even spectator cheers featuring oinks and pig calls. The mascot and branding make it one of the most memorable themed races in America.
2. Massive participation. Approximately 45,000 runners and walkers took part across all weekend events, including the marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K, Flying Piglet kids’ race and more. The weekend is billed as the largest party in town.
3. Streakers keep the streak alive. Sixty-four dedicated runners completed their 28th consecutive Flying Pig Marathon, earning special recognition for their loyalty to the event since its inception.
4. Scenic and challenging course. The route offers beautiful views but includes notable hills, testing runners’ endurance. Adjustments this year due to infrastructure projects still preserved the event’s signature charm and spectator-friendly layout.
5. Strong elite performances. Top finishers posted competitive times, with the course rewarding well-prepared athletes. The event attracts both local talent and out-of-town speedsters drawn to the Pig’s reputation.
6. Community and charity focus. The Flying Pig supports local causes through fundraising and partnerships. This year’s edition highlighted efforts toward a new headquarters and community hub promoting movement across the region.
7. Family-friendly weekend. Beyond the main races, events like the 26th Mile for incremental marathon completers, Flying Fur pet-friendly run and kids’ activities ensure the whole family can participate. The Victory Party at Smale Park offered post-race festivities for all.
8. Economic boost for Cincinnati. The weekend draws tens of thousands of visitors, filling hotels, restaurants and attractions. It’s a major tourism driver, showcasing the city’s hospitality and vibrant downtown.
9. Awards and recognition. The event earned high marks in USA Today’s 10Best poll, ranking among the nation’s top marathons. Finishers receive high-quality medals and swag, with age-group awards adding competitive fun.
10. Weather-perfect conditions. Mild spring temperatures in the mid-50s to low 60s created ideal racing conditions, contributing to strong performances and happy participants across distances.

The Flying Pig Marathon began in 1999 and has grown into a premier destination race known for its inclusivity, scenic beauty and lighthearted atmosphere. Organizers pride themselves on creating an event that feels like a giant block party for runners. This year’s edition maintained that tradition while incorporating course tweaks to accommodate ongoing city infrastructure work.

Race director and staff worked tirelessly to ensure safety and enjoyment. Road closures were clearly communicated, with spectator viewing parties at spots like the Moerlein Lager House adding to the festive vibe. Medical support, aid stations and volunteer crews received praise for their professionalism.

For elite and recreational runners alike, the Pig offers a bucket-list experience. The course’s mix of urban and suburban sections, river views and enthusiastic crowds creates lasting memories. Many participants return year after year, drawn by the camaraderie and celebration of running.

Post-race, finishers enjoyed refreshments and the Victory Party, sharing stories of personal triumphs and challenges. Whether first-timers or veterans, runners left with finisher medals, certificates and a sense of accomplishment. The event’s “When Pigs Fly, Anything’s Possible” motto perfectly encapsulates its inspirational spirit.

Looking ahead, organizers are already planning improvements and fundraising for a new headquarters that will serve as a community hub for running and fitness in the region. The 29th Flying Pig Marathon Weekend is expected to build on this year’s success, continuing to put Cincinnati on the map as a running destination.

The 28th edition reinforced why the Flying Pig remains a favorite. Its blend of competition, fun and community creates an unforgettable weekend for thousands. As participants recover and share photos, the memories — and perhaps a few pig puns — will linger until next year’s race.

A major blue city saw its population shrink last year after two years of strong growth.

New York City’s population declined in 2025, resulting in a net loss of about 12,000 people. The drop follows post-pandemic gains of 70,000 in 2023 and 163,000 in 2024, driven largely by increased immigration, including asylum seekers, according to an April 20 report from the Citizens Budget Commission.

“Population growth in 2023 and 2024 was driven by the upswing in international in-migration, primarily a surge of migrants and asylum seekers,” the report noted. “In 2025, the trend once again reversed as tighter immigration policy reduced international in-migration by 70 percent and domestic out-migration ticked up.”

HOUSING CRISIS HITS ALL AGES AS HOMEOWNERSHIP DECLINES NATIONWIDE

In total, the Big Apple lost a net 114,000 residents to other parts of the U.S., up from 94,000 the year before but still well below the pandemic-era peak net outflow of 330,000 in 2021.

Most departing New Yorkers stayed close to home, relocating to Long Island, Westchester, and nearby states such as New Jersey, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania, the report noted.

“The city has long been a magnet for talent and opportunity, but recent out- and in-migration changes – driven by the pandemic, immigration policy, affordability and taxes, and quality of life issues – reveal a future that may not replicate past growth,” as noted in the report.

Housing remains a major factor in whether residents choose to move to, stay in, or leave New York City. Public services also play a role, the report noted.

TAX FIGHT HEATS UP AS NEW YORK TARGETS WEALTHY HOMEOWNERS

Median asking rent climbed nearly 7% in 2025 to $3,585, Realtor.com reported.

“It comes as no surprise that rent-burdened households are leaving New York City,” Realtor.com economist Jiayi Xu told FOX Business. “With rents stubbornly high and homeownership remaining out of reach for most, the city leaves rent-burdened residents with little options.”

Xu noted that in the first quarter of 2026, the median asking rent reached $3,616 – requiring about $145,000 in annual income to meet standard affordability benchmarks. By comparison, the city’s median household income is roughly $85,549.

$150K OVER ASKING ISN’T ENOUGH: NJ REAL ESTATE AGENT WARNS ‘AVERAGE PERSON’ IS BEING PRICED OUT

“With so little left over to save, the path to homeownership is effectively closed off for most – and for many, leaving is the only rational response,” Xu said.

The shift also coincides with the election of Mayor Zohran Mamdani, following a campaign that included a proposed rent freeze – a policy some economists warn could further reduce housing turnover, Realtor.com reported.

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The report also noted that it is not just the wealthy that are leaving the city.

“More New York City residents of all incomes, races, ethnicities, and ages have moved to other parts of the U.S. than moved in,” it said. “Such broad-based domestic outmigration demonstrates that many differently-situated New Yorkers no longer find New York City’s value proposition compelling.”

From July 2024 to July 2025, blue states such as New York, California, Illinois, New Jersey and Massachusetts continued to see net population losses, according to the Heritage Foundation, citing data from the Census Bureau.

NEW YORK — Sony Interactive Entertainment has reached a $7.85 million settlement to resolve a class-action lawsuit alleging the company illegally suppressed competition for digital PlayStation games, resulting in higher prices for millions of gamers across the United States. A federal judge granted preliminary approval to the deal in April 2026, paving the way for PlayStation Network account credits to be distributed to approximately 4.4 million eligible class members.

The lawsuit centered on Sony’s decision in 2019 to restrict third-party retailers from selling game-specific vouchers for digital downloads. Plaintiffs claimed this policy eliminated competition, allowing Sony to charge inflated prices through its own PlayStation Store. The settlement, reached after previous proposals were rejected by the court, provides non-cash credits rather than direct payments, a structure that faced initial judicial scrutiny but ultimately gained approval.

Eligible consumers include those in the United States who purchased specific digital games via the PlayStation Store between April 1, 2019, and December 31, 2023, for titles where game-specific vouchers were previously available at retail. Covered games are those with at least 200 voucher redemptions before April 1, 2019, and where prices increased by at least 50 cents in the relevant periods. A full list of qualifying titles is available on the settlement website.

Under the terms, Sony will issue $7.85 million in PlayStation Network credits directly to class members’ accounts. Users with active accounts do not need to file a claim; credits will be distributed automatically following final approval. Those with deactivated accounts can contact the settlement administrator for equivalent cash payments, provided requests are submitted by the deadline. The court has scheduled a final approval hearing for October 2026.

The case, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, accused Sony of violating antitrust laws by maintaining a monopoly over digital game sales. By banning third-party voucher sales, Sony allegedly forced consumers to buy directly from its platform at higher prices, taking a standard 30 percent commission. The settlement resolves these claims without admitting wrongdoing.

Legal experts note the credits-only structure is common in consumer class actions involving digital platforms, allowing efficient distribution while addressing concerns about administrative costs. Previous versions of the settlement were rejected over issues including service awards for plaintiffs and coupon-like valuation concerns. The current proposal addressed those points, leading to preliminary approval by Judge Araceli Martínez-Olguín.

For PlayStation users, the settlement represents potential value in the form of credits redeemable for games, add-ons and other content. Average payouts per account will vary based on qualifying purchases, though individual amounts are expected to be modest given the class size. The settlement website provides tools for checking eligibility and tracking the claims process.

Sony has faced similar scrutiny in other markets. A separate UK class action alleges overcharging for digital downloads, potentially affecting millions more users. The U.S. case highlights ongoing debates about platform monopolies in the gaming industry, where digital sales now dominate over physical copies.

The gaming community has reacted with a mix of appreciation and skepticism. Many players welcome any form of compensation, while others criticize the credits-only format as limiting flexibility. Online forums buzz with discussions about how to maximize value from potential credits, with some suggesting stacking them for major releases.

Industry analysts view the settlement as part of broader regulatory pressure on tech and gaming giants. As digital storefronts control distribution, questions about fair competition and consumer pricing continue to surface. Sony maintains its policies protect quality and security, but the lawsuit underscored tensions between platform control and retailer competition.

The resolution comes at a time when Sony is pushing forward with PlayStation 5 sales and preparing for future hardware. The company continues investing in first-party titles and services like PlayStation Plus, aiming to grow its digital ecosystem despite the legal challenges. The settlement is unlikely to materially impact finances given Sony’s scale.

Class members have until July 2026 to opt out if they wish to pursue individual claims. Those remaining in the class will be bound by the settlement terms upon final approval. Legal fees and administrative costs will be paid from the settlement fund, a standard practice.

For gamers who made qualifying purchases, checking eligibility is straightforward via the settlement site. The process requires no extensive documentation for most, as purchase data is tied to PSN accounts. This automated approach aims to minimize hassle while ensuring fair distribution.

The case underscores the evolving nature of consumer protection in digital markets. As more entertainment shifts online, antitrust oversight plays a growing role in ensuring competitive pricing. Sony’s settlement, while resolving this specific dispute, may influence how other platforms handle third-party distribution.

PlayStation fans can look forward to using any credits on upcoming titles or existing libraries. With major releases on the horizon, the timing provides a small windfall for many. As the final approval process unfolds, affected users are encouraged to monitor official communications for updates.

The $7.85 million PlayStation antitrust settlement marks another chapter in the complex relationship between console makers, retailers and consumers in the digital age. While the amount is modest relative to Sony’s overall revenue, it delivers tangible benefits to millions of gamers and reinforces accountability in digital marketplaces.

BEIRUT: Hezbollah has paid a heavy price for going to war with Israel on March 2: Israel has occupied a chunk of southern Lebanon, displaced hundreds of thousands of its Shi’ite Muslim constituents and killed as many as several thousand of its fighters, according to previously unreported casualty estimates from within the group.

The move has brought severe political consequences, too. In Beirut, opposition has hardened to its status as an armed group, which domestic rivals see as exposing Lebanon to repeated wars with Israel.

In April, Lebanon’s government held face-to-face talks with Israel for the first time in decades, a decision Hezbollah firmly opposed.

However, more than a dozen Hezbollah officials told Reuters they see a chance to reverse deteriorating fortunes by aligning with Tehran in its war with Israel and the United States. The group, founded by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in 1982, opened fire two days into the conflict, which began with U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28.

The group’s calculations are based on the assessment that its participation would force Lebanon onto the agenda of U.S.-Iranian negotiations, and that Iranian pressure can secure a more robust ceasefire than one that took effect in November 2024 following a conflict sparked by the war in ‌Gaza, the officials said.

Hezbollah was mauled in ⁠the last war, ⁠which killed its leader, Hassan Nasrallah, along with some 5,000 fighters, and weakened its long-dominant hold over the Lebanese state.
Rearmed with Iranian help, it has used new tactics and drones, surprising many with its capabilities after a fragile 15-month truce during which Hezbollah held fire, even as Israel continued to kill its members. Hezbollah lawmaker Ibrahim al-Moussawi denied the group was acting on Iran’s behalf when it resumed hostilities, as alleged by opponents. He told Reuters Hezbollah saw a window to “break this vicious cycle … where the Israelis can target, assassinate, bombard, kill, without any revenge.”

He acknowledged losses and damage in southern Lebanon but said “you don’t go into making calculations of how many are going to be killed” when “pride and sovereignty and independence” are at stake.

While a U.S.-mediated ceasefire that took effect on April 16 has led to a significant reduction in hostilities, Israel and Hezbollah have continued to trade blows in the south, where Israel maintains troops in a self-declared “buffer zone”.

Yezid Sayigh, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Middle East Center in Beirut, said Hezbollah had “shown more resilience than many thought possible, but that was not a strategic gain in itself”.

“The only thing that will contain Israel is a comprehensive U.S.-Iran deal,” he said. “Without a deal, there’s going to be a lot of pain for everyone. At best, a hurting stalemate.”

GRAVES FRESHLY DUG, AND QUICKLY FILLED
More than 2,600 people have been killed since March 2, around a fifth of them women, children and medics, Lebanon’s health ⁠ministry has ‌reported. Its toll does not distinguish between civilians and combatants.

Three sources, two of them Hezbollah officials, said the ministry’s figures do not include many of the group’s casualties. They said several thousand Hezbollah fighters have been killed, though the group does not have the full picture yet.

Hezbollah’s media office said the figure of several thousand was inaccurate, but the group does not have the full toll. It referred Reuters to the health ministry’s figures.

One source, a Hezbollah commander, said scores of fighters had gone ⁠to the frontline towns of Bint Jbeil and Khiyam intending to fight to the death. Their bodies have yet to be recovered.

In the Hezbollah-controlled southern suburbs of Beirut, more than two dozen freshly dug graves were quickly filled with fighters’ bodies in the days after the ceasefire took hold. Simple marble tombstones identify some as commanders, others as fighters.

In one southern village alone, Yater, the council recorded the deaths of 34 Hezbollah fighters.

Lebanon’s Shi’ite Muslim community has borne the brunt of Israel’s attacks, forced to flee into Christian, Druze and other areas, where many blame Hezbollah for starting the war.

Israel has been entrenching its hold over a security zone stretching as far as 10 km (6 miles) into Lebanon and demolishing villages, saying it aims to shield northern Israel from attacks by Hezbollah militants embedded in civilian areas.

An Israeli government official said Hezbollah had abrogated the November 2024 ceasefire by firing on Israeli citizens on March 2. The threat to northern Israel would be eradicated, the official said, adding thousands of Hezbollah militants had been killed, and Israel was steadily destroying the group’s infrastructure.

The Israeli military says Hezbollah has fired hundreds of rockets and drones at Israel since March 2. Israel has announced 17 soldiers killed in southern Lebanon, along with two civilians in northern Israel.

Citing ongoing Israeli strikes, Hezbollah has called the April ceasefire meaningless and continued to attack.

IRAN ‘WILL NOT SELL’ THEIR FRIENDS
A diplomat who has contact with Hezbollah described its decision to enter the war as a big gamble and a survival strategy, saying it felt ‌it needed to be part of the problem so it could be part of an eventual regional solution.

It has yet to be seen if the gamble will pay off.

Tehran has demanded that Israel’s campaign against Hezbollah be included in any deal on the wider war. But Trump said last month that any deal Washington reaches with Tehran “is in no way subject to Lebanon”.

A spokesperson for Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry, Tahir Andrabi, referred Reuters to an April 16 statement in which he said peace in Lebanon was essential to the talks it is mediating between the U.S. and Iran.

A Western official ⁠said they saw a possibility the U.S. and Iran might eventually reach a settlement that does not address the war in Lebanon.

Asked about this, the U.S. State Department, Iran’s mission to the United Nations in Geneva and Lebanon’s government did not immediately comment.

Hezbollah’s Moussawi said a ceasefire in Lebanon continues to be a top priority for Iran, adding Tehran shares Lebanon’s objectives, including that Israel halt attacks and withdraw from Lebanon. Hezbollah has “full trust in Iran – that the Iranians will not sell their own friends”, he said.

The State Department referred Reuters to an April 27 interview Secretary of State Marco Rubio did with Fox News, in which he said Israel had a right to defend itself against Hezbollah’s attacks, and that he didn’t think Israel wanted to maintain its buffer zone in Lebanon indefinitely.

The United States has urged Israel “to make sure their responses are proportional and targeted,” he said.

When the April 16 ceasefire was announced, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Hezbollah’s disarmament would be a fundamental demand in peace talks with Lebanon.

Hezbollah has ruled out disarmament, saying the matter of its weapons is a topic for a national dialogue. Any move by Lebanon to disarm the group by force would risk igniting conflict in a country shattered by civil war from 1975 to 1990.

Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam have sought Hezbollah’s peaceful disarmament since last year. On March 2, the government banned the group’s military activities.

Hezbollah has demanded the government cancel that decision and end its direct talks with Israel.

Lebanese officials have told Reuters they believe direct talks with Israel under the auspices of the U.S. are the best way to secure a lasting ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israeli troops, as only Washington has enough leverage with Israel to achieve those aims.