What is the Spring Forecast – and will Rachel Reeves announce any new policies?

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

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

Entrepreneur contributors emphasize the importance of choosing the right buyer for your business when selling, rather than solely focusing on the highest valuation. They outline the different types of buyers - strategic, financial, and individual - discussing their advantages and disadvantages. Factors to consider when selecting a buyer include reputation, post-sale business plans, treatment of employees, likelihood of closing, speed to closing, cultural fit, financing structure, and market conditions. Prioritizing these considerations over maximizing valuation...

The U.S. Justice Department announced it would dismiss a case against Elon Musk's SpaceX for allegedly discriminating against individuals based on citizenship status. The Justice Department filed the case in August 2023, accusing SpaceX of violating federal law in its hiring practices by not fairly considering job applications from refugees and asylees. Mr. Musk claimed SpaceX was restricted from hiring non-citizens due to export control laws, a position the Justice Department refuted. Full Article

Live Nation Entertainment Inc. reported a dip in fourth-quarter sales, which still exceeded expectations, with Ticketmaster parent anticipating larger gains this year due to an increase in concerts at larger venues. The company remains optimistic about future growth despite the decline in sales, pointing to the positive outlook for upcoming events and performances. Live Nation Entertainment Inc. aims to capitalize on the trend of more concerts at bigger venues to drive revenue and boost profits...