Pitney Bowes VP Defina sells $22,000 in stock

The US Senate is locked in a grueling vote over Trump's massive legislative package, with Republicans clashing over whether to slash welfare programs to fund tax cuts. Meanwhile, the new UK-US trade deal is now active—though unresolved disputes over steel and aluminum tariffs linger. In a separate twist, China's biggest coffee chain is ramping up its challenge to Starbucks' dominance.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another political showdown—it’s a fight over priorities that could reshape budgets for millions. The trade deal with the UK is a win on paper, but the steel and aluminum hang-up shows tensions aren’t fully resolved. And that coffee war? It’s a small but telling sign of how global competition is heating up in unexpected places.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has approved another $500 million in financial aid for Ukraine after completing its latest review of the country’s economic progress. This cash injection is part of a larger support package aimed at helping Ukraine stabilize its economy amid ongoing challenges, including the war with Russia.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about money—it’s a vote of confidence in Ukraine’s ability to stay financially afloat during an incredibly tough time. The IMF’s support helps keep essential services running and reassures other lenders that Ukraine is meeting its reform commitments. For everyday Ukrainians, it means a bit more stability in an otherwise uncertain situation.

Lemonade, the AI-driven insurance company, is slashing its reliance on reinsurance—cutting its quota share from 55% down to just 20%. This means they’ll be keeping more risk (and potential profit) in-house instead of passing it off to reinsurers. It’s a bold move that signals growing confidence in their own underwriting and financial stability.

Editor’s Note: Reinsurance is like insurance for insurers—it helps companies like Lemonade manage big risks by offloading some of the financial burden. By reducing their dependence on it, Lemonade is betting big on its own tech and data models to handle claims without leaning as heavily on outside partners. For customers, this could mean more stability (and maybe even better rates long-term) if Lemonade’s gamble pays off. For the industry, it’s another sign that insurtechs are maturing and shaking up traditional models.

Apple is reportedly in talks with AI firms Anthropic and OpenAI to potentially integrate their tech into Siri—a big shift from its usual go-it-alone approach. This could mean Siri finally gets the brainpower upgrade users have been waiting for, moving beyond its current limitations.

Editor’s Note: Apple’s Siri has lagged behind rivals like Google Assistant and Amazon’s Alexa, especially in handling complex queries. Partnering with cutting-edge AI players could supercharge Siri’s capabilities, making it more competitive—and maybe even useful. For Apple users, this could mean fewer frustrating "I didn’t get that" moments and a smarter, more intuitive assistant. It’s also a sign that even tech giants like Apple are leaning on outside expertise to keep up in the AI race.

Former President Donald Trump is turning up the heat on Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell—this time with a personal touch. According to sources, Trump sent Powell a handwritten note pressuring him to adjust interest rate policies, though the exact contents remain private. It’s the latest move in Trump’s long-running effort to sway the Fed, which he’s criticized for not doing enough to boost the economy.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about a note—it’s about the unusual, and often contentious, relationship between Trump and the supposedly independent Fed. Presidents typically avoid publicly pressuring the central bank, but Trump has repeatedly broken that norm. If Powell caves (or resists), it could shake confidence in the Fed’s neutrality, which matters for everything from your mortgage rates to the stock market.