Putin talks prisoner swaps; Amazon accused of stealing; exploding air bags and backyard unicorns. This is your midday rundown, aimed down the middle, for Friday, Dec. 9, 2022. Putin: Future prisoner swaps possible Putin has told reporters more future prisoner swaps are possible. As the U.S. welcomes WNBA star Brittney Griner back to American soil…

Speaking at a joint press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron last week, President Biden acknowledged the Inflation Reduction Act may have “glitches” but defended what the White House views as a major achievement. Biden told reporters he makes “no apology” for the green energy subsidies that have irritated European leaders who fear the $430…

The labor market isn’t cooperating with Fed Chairman Jay Powell’s mission to bring down inflation. Employment in November held at 3.7%, remaining close to its 50-year low. But the consequences of such a tight labor market are higher wages. Hourly pay rose by a sharp 0.6% over October, to an average of $32.82. Year-over-year, wages…

Nevada gambling revenue topped $1 billion for the 20th consecutive month in October, bringing in $1.28 billion in “gaming wins,” according to the Nevada Gaming Control Board. The Silver State’s hot streak has it on pace to break the annual gambling revenue record set last year. October’s gambling revenue total is 4.8% higher than a…

Today marks a grim COVID-19 milestone; Tesla unveils its electric semitruck; and Amazon hits record high. These stories and more highlight the midday rundown for Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022. First COVID-19 case in China 3 years ago Today is the three year anniversary of the first COVID-19 patient in China. It’s been three years since…

The House of Representatives approved a labor agreement between rail workers and rail companies in a bipartisan 290-137 vote. Members on both sides of the aisle said it is a necessary but imperfect solution to avoiding a strike or shutdown that would cost the U.S. economy $2 billion a day.  “And if you think inflation…

Excerpted from Peter’s Nov. 29 “Zeihan on Geopolitics” newsletter: By Michael N. Nayebi-Oskoui I think an update will be helpful as Iran’s current spate of protests continue into their third month. I would like to state at the beginning of this update that as a personal matter, I stand with all people — especially the…

The World’s biggest volcano is erupting; a recall is issued for sippy cups; and this Cyber Monday could break records. These stories and more highlight the midday rundown for Monday, Nov. 28, 2022. World’s most active volcano erupts The world’s largest active volcano is erupting in Hawaii for the first time in nearly 40 years.…

In the year 1620, the Mayflower left England and landed on Cape Cod, where the Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Indians shared the feast that has come to be known as Thanksgiving dinner. Turkey, cranberry sauce, and sweet potatoes have become staples of the meal, but more important than the food served might be the custom of…

Americans take part in Black Friday amid record inflation; Musk grants Twitter amnesty; and Covid lockdown frustrations are growing in China. These stories and more highlight the morning rundown for Friday, Nov. 25, 2022. Black Friday begins amid record inflation It’s the biggest shopping weekend of the year and Americans are ready for deals after…