US to provide intel to guide Ukrainian long-range missile attacks on Russia

The ongoing government shutdown, now in its second day, highlights a significant deadlock between Democrats and Republicans. Representative Bryan Steil has criticized the spending process in Washington as 'absolutely broken.' Meanwhile, President Donald Trump is considering drastic measures, including cutting thousands of federal jobs, to pressure Democrats into negotiations. This stalemate is not just a political issue; it poses serious economic risks, with the Congressional Budget Office estimating a potential cost of $4 billion. The situation underscores the urgent need for bipartisan cooperation to avoid further economic fallout.

Recent reports indicate that shipments of US Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine are unlikely to occur, raising concerns about the ongoing military support for Ukraine in its conflict. This matters because the Tomahawk missile is a powerful weapon that could significantly enhance Ukraine's defense capabilities, and the lack of such support may impact the country's ability to counter aggression.

The ongoing government shutdown is causing significant concern as Senate Majority Leader John Thune has indicated that weekend voting is 'unlikely.' This situation arises as both Democrats and Republicans struggle to reach a deal, with doubts lingering over whether President Donald Trump would support any agreement. If the Senate fails to pass a stopgap funding bill by Friday, the shutdown could extend into next week, affecting numerous government services and operations. This impasse highlights the challenges in bipartisan cooperation and the potential consequences for the American public.

In a recent statement, President Putin expressed optimism that Russia's challenging economic phase might be coming to an end. This news is significant as it suggests potential recovery and stability for the Russian economy, which has faced numerous hurdles in recent years. If true, this could lead to improved living conditions for citizens and renewed investor confidence.

As the US government shutdown enters its second day, Donald Trump sees a unique chance to hold Democrats accountable. The ongoing standoff has sparked a heated exchange between Republicans and Democrats, with the White House leveraging the situation to implement cuts in government spending. This shutdown not only affects federal operations but also highlights the deepening political divide in the country, making it a significant moment in US politics.

In a recent statement, Vladimir Putin has issued a stark warning to Ukraine regarding its military actions near nuclear plants, describing them as a 'dangerous game.' This warning highlights the escalating tensions in the region and raises concerns about the potential for catastrophic consequences if nuclear facilities are compromised. The situation is critical as it not only affects Ukraine but also poses risks to neighboring countries and global security.

In a significant shift, Citigroup has welcomed Eric Trump, son of former President Donald Trump, as a client, marking a change in how banks view the Trump family's finances. Eric has set up a trust at Citigroup that manages some of his father's assets, indicating a new era of banking relationships for the Trump family. This development is noteworthy as it reflects a growing acceptance of the Trump family's financial dealings by major banks, which could have broader implications for their business ventures and financial strategies.

The United States has announced it will provide Ukraine with intelligence on long-range energy targets in Russia. This move is significant as it aims to bolster Ukraine's capabilities in its ongoing conflict with Russia, potentially disrupting Russian energy supplies and impacting their military operations. By sharing this intelligence, the U.S. is reinforcing its support for Ukraine, which could lead to a shift in the dynamics of the conflict.

France has detained the captain of an oil tanker linked to a so-called 'ghost fleet' that allegedly undermines sanctions imposed on Russia. This action highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding maritime operations and the enforcement of international sanctions. The French Prime Minister's comments underscore the seriousness of the situation, as countries continue to grapple with the implications of these sanctions on global trade and security.

Last month, the seaborne flow of oil saw a significant increase as the world's top three exporters—Saudi Arabia, Russia, and the US—boosted their shipments to the global market. This surge is important as it reflects a strong demand for oil and could influence global prices, benefiting economies reliant on oil exports.

French President Emmanuel Macron has announced that detaining oil tankers is a strategic move to dismantle the shadow fleet aiding Russia in evading sanctions. This initiative is significant as it aims to disrupt Russia's oil exports, which have been a crucial source of revenue for the country amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions. By targeting these tankers, France hopes to strengthen international efforts to hold Russia accountable and support global sanctions.

Metinvest B.V., a major Ukrainian steel and mining firm, is contemplating extending the maturity of its bonds due next year as the ongoing war with Russia continues to impact its operations. This situation highlights the challenges faced by Ukrainian businesses amid geopolitical tensions, raising concerns about the future of the steel industry in the region.

A tragic attack at a Manchester synagogue has left two people dead, with police identifying the perpetrator as a British citizen of Syrian descent. This incident has sparked outrage and condemnation, particularly from political leaders like Keir Starmer, who denounced the act as terrorism. Such violence not only affects the immediate victims and their families but also raises concerns about safety and community relations in the UK, highlighting the ongoing challenges of addressing extremism.

In its latest earnings call, SolarBank reported a decline in revenue for Q4 2025, yet managed to improve its gross margin, indicating a potential shift towards more efficient operations. This is significant as it highlights the company's ability to adapt in a challenging market, which could bode well for future profitability and investor confidence.

Maison Solutions has announced the issuance of a $3 million convertible note, signaling its intent to acquire World Coin. This move is significant as it highlights Maison's strategic growth plans and commitment to expanding its portfolio in the cryptocurrency sector, which could enhance its market position and attract more investors.

Kadant has successfully increased its revolving credit facility to $750 million and extended its maturity, a move that strengthens its financial position and provides greater flexibility for future investments. This development is significant as it allows Kadant to better manage its capital and pursue growth opportunities, reflecting confidence in its business strategy and market potential.

Volkswagen is currently grappling with a significant work stoppage that has financial implications for the company. This situation arises after VW welcomed a union last year, highlighting the complexities of labor relations in the automotive industry. The costly halt in production not only affects VW's operations but also raises questions about the future of labor negotiations and the balance between corporate interests and worker rights.

SurgePays has informed its Chief Financial Officer, Anthony Evers, that his contract will not be renewed, marking a significant shift in the company's leadership. This decision raises questions about the company's future direction and financial strategy, as Evers has been a key figure in navigating its recent challenges. Stakeholders will be watching closely to see how this change impacts SurgePays' operations and overall performance.