US and Russia agree to ‘lay the groundwork’ for ending Ukraine war

US oil producers, including Continental Resources' Harold Hamm, are hesitant to invest in Russia despite talks of a peace deal, citing past losses and geopolitical risks. ExxonMobil and Chevron have previously scaled back operations in Russia due to sanctions, with analysts cautioning against hasty returns. Hamm supports Trump's tough stance on sanctions and tariffs, emphasizing US LNG exports for European energy security and praising the president's accomplishments in his first term. Full Article

Patsy Grimaldi, a pioneer in artisan pizza, passed away at 93 in Queens. He started selling pies in 1990 under various names before settling on Juliana's Pizza, known for its coal-fired pies and fresh ingredients. Despite legal battles and changes in ownership, his legacy lives on in the bustling pizzerias he founded in Brooklyn. Full Article

Entrepreneur contributors emphasize the importance of utilizing AI to boost revenue and efficiency in marketing. The video highlights 4 key AI automations, including content research, AI chatbots, lead generation, and sales automation. Viewers are encouraged to download the free 'AI Success Kit' for practical guidance on integrating AI into their marketing strategy and receive a chapter from Ben's new book on thriving in an AI-driven world. Full Article

Active fund managers have struggled in recent years due to the dominance of Big Tech stocks, making it challenging to outperform benchmarks. Passive ETFs remain popular for investors seeking comparable performance with lower fees. The latest Spot the Dog report from Bestinvest reveals that 137 active funds in the UK have consistently underperformed their benchmarks over the past three years, amounting to over £67 billion in assets under management. Full Article

Donald Trump expressed trust in Russia's willingness to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine during a briefing on Air Force One. His swift efforts to set up direct negotiations with Russia have stunned Western allies and raised concerns about the future of US policy towards Ukraine. Trump's approach marks a significant shift in US relations with Russia, potentially impacting NATO and the EU. Critics worry that Trump's prioritization of ending the war in...

Investment bankers are looking to merge BP and Shell to create a competitive national champion, but the idea faces challenges such as cultural clashes and regulatory hurdles. BP's poor performance has led to activist investor pressure and a potential forced breakup, with a focus on returning to oil and gas operations to improve shareholder value. Despite potential benefits, the merger remains a fantasy due to various drawbacks and uncertainties surrounding the companies' futures. Full Article