Good Morning. The Iran conflict just created an ecological disaster. Satellite photos don't lie. Here’s what 19 billion liters of crude oil at risk actually looks like.
Plus, Hollywood's new deepfake weapon, the Gates Foundation's Epstein reckoning, and the UK's smoke-free generation law (forwarded this email? Join 523k readers).
TOP STORY TODAY
Oil Spills Seen From Space
European Space Agency satellite imagery has revealed multiple oil spills spreading across the Persian Gulf, a direct consequence of strikes on oil facilities and vessels during the ongoing Iran conflict. One spill captured April 7 stretched more than five miles near Iran's Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz. Every maritime attack, here.
Additional spills appeared near Lavan Island following an April 7 facility strike, and off the Kuwaiti coast on April 6 after drone attacks on petrochemical plants there. Roughly 75 large tankers remain in the Gulf carrying an estimated 19 billion liters of crude oil, making the ecological stakes enormous.
Experts warn cleanup is nearly impossible given active combat operations in the region. The spills are already reaching Shidvar Island, a protected marine site. The United Nations Environment Programme raised alarm in March over smoke, contaminated groundwater, and damage to coastal food supplies.
YouTube Fights Deepfakes
YouTube rolled out its AI deepfake detection tool to the broader entertainment industry this week, making it available to any actor, athlete, musician, or creator at risk of having their likeness replicated without consent, regardless of whether they have a YouTube channel.
The opt-in system works similarly to Content ID: a public figure uploads their likeness, and the platform automatically scans for AI-generated matches. Flagged videos go to the individual's team for review, who can then request removal. Leading agencies CAA, UTA, and WME are already on board.
The expansion follows roughly 18 months of phased testing, starting with select creators, then politicians, before going wide. Enrollment data is not used to train Google's AI models, and participants can delete it anytime. Removal requests are reviewed individually and are not guaranteed. The Tom Cruise v Brad Pitt AI Fight.
UK Bans Cigarettes
The UK Parliament cleared its Tobacco and Vapes Bill on April 21, banning anyone born after January 1, 2009 from ever legally purchasing tobacco products. Both the Commons and Lords approved the final text; royal assent is the only remaining step before it becomes law.
The measure creates a rolling age floor that rises annually, so no future generation will legally reach the purchase age. It passed the Commons 415 to 47. The bill also gives ministers new authority to regulate vaping flavors, packaging, and where e-cigarettes can be used in public.
Age restrictions on tobacco sales are currently set to take effect January 1, 2027. Smoking indoors and in most outdoor private spaces remains legal for those already old enough to buy. Advocates are pushing for a tobacco industry levy to fund cessation programs nationwide.
TOGETHER WITH INCOGNI
Unknown number calling? It’s not random…
The BBC caught scam call center workers on hidden cameras as they laughed at the people they were tricking.
One worker bragged about making a quarter of a million dollars from victims in the US and UK. Another admitted to targeting seniors on purpose, forcing one woman to give up her last $100 on Christmas Day.
And here’s the disturbing truth: scammers don’t pick phone numbers at random. They buy your personal data from data brokers—your phone number, your email, even details about your lifestyle. That’s how they know exactly who to target.
Once your data is out there, it’s not just spam calls. It’s phishing, impersonation, and even identity theft.
They delete your personal info from everywhere on the web
They monitor and follow up automatically
They keep erasing your data as new risks appear.
You can’t stop scammers from existing. But you can make sure they don’t have your information to work with.
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TODAY’S LIFE ADVICE
What Steve Jobs Told Tim Cook
Steve Jobs gave Tim Cook one rule when he took over Apple: “Don't ask what I would do. Just do the right thing.”
It sounds simple. It's actually rare.
Most people stepping into big roles spend their energy mimicking whoever came before them. Jobs saw that trap kill Disney after Walt died. He refused to let it happen at Apple.
Cook's real advice for any successor — in business or life:
Know your values cold
Keep a fixed north star
Be yourself, not a copy
Under Cook, Apple grew from $350B to $4T. Principles compound too.
Want the full story on what Cook's actually handing off — and what keeps him up at night? Full story here.
Stop Wearing Clothes That “Almost” Fit
The difference between good and great style isn't money. It's fit.
A good tailor fixes what racks can't (how to find one, here):
Tapered sleeves on off-the-rack suits
Hemmed trousers that break correctly
Shirt darts that follow your shape
Even cheap clothes look expensive when they fit.
Reader Poll
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▲ Gates Foundation cuts 500 jobs and launches Epstein review amid Bill Gates congressional testimony pressure
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TOGETHER WITH MONEY
Protect against rising vet costs with pet insurance
The cost of veterinary services has been rising recently, with some common surgical procedures costing up to $7,000. Pet insurance can help cover accidents, illnesses, and even routine care, with some plans reimbursing up to 90% of costs.
Money's Best Pet Insurance list can help you find affordable coverage starting at just $10 a month so you can focus on what matters most – your furry friend's well-being.
Get a personalized pet insurance quote today and save thousands on costly vet bills.
Fun Links
The New King of Jeopardy [Blog]
5 financial conversations for couples [Blog]
Homer’s Iliad found in Egyptian tomb [Blog]
Best pet insurance of 2026 [Resource*]
10 collectibles from the early 2000s [List]
More reasons to buy Mac Mini [Video]
Steve Carell’s audition for Anchorman [Video]
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