Keeping up with America

Here’s where the middle class is experiencing the best — and worst — standard of living: Middle- and working-class families are enjoying the best standard of living in some of the most expensive U.S. cities, according to a new economic analysis.

2 dead after vehicle crashes into Rainbow Bridge checkpoint and explodes at U.S.-Canada border in Niagara Falls: “I’ve been briefed on the incident on the Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls and we are closely monitoring the situation,” New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said.

Police say some 70 bullets fired in North Philadelphia shooting that left 2 dead, 5 wounded: Philadelphia police on Wednesday identified two men killed in a city shooting a day earlier in which at least 70 rounds were fired and five other men were wounded.

Crypto giant Binance admits to money laundering and agrees to pay $4.3bn: CEO Changpeng Zhao will resign and pay a $50m individual fine as part of a plea deal with the US Justice Department

The deal between Israel and Hamas for the release of 50 hostages from Gaza capped an “extremely excruciating five-week process,” a senior U.S. official said, with President Joe Biden directly involved in negotiations that nearly collapsed as recently as last week.

Around the World

North Korea spy satellite – South partially suspends military deal after launch: South Korea has suspended parts of its 2018 agreement with the North aimed at lowering military tensions.

Shadowy Hamas leader in Gaza is at top of Israel’s hit list after last month’s deadly attack: The mastermind of the Hamas attack on Israel that triggered the worst Israeli-Palestinian bloodshed in generations is a secretive figure, feared on both sides of the battle lines.

Lets Talk Business and Tech

Bay Area nonprofit Signal shows how bloated tech companies became: Signal only has 50 employees, according to a new report, yet still runs a messaging service for tens of millions of people.

3 Marketing Lessons From Small Businesses: It’s no secret that small business owners wear many hats, and one of the most important is the head of marketing.

Five days of chaos: What just happened at OpenAI? Nearly as quickly as he left, Sam Altman is back.

Richer, Wiser, Happier

Unraveling Myths And Smart Savings Strategies That Can Help You Save For Your Future: In the ever-evolving landscape of retirement aspirations, Americans find themselves adjusting their financial targets for the golden years.

How to Cash in a Savings Bond | Jordan Chussler, Money. Savings bonds have long been a popular option for those looking to lock in competitive interest rates with virtually risk-free investments. With rising interest rates, savings bonds have increased in popularity to the point that the TreasuryDirect website has crashed numerous times because it was overwhelmed with traffic.

Sports and Showbiz Shenanigans

Former NFL players are turning teams around as head coaches: Why — and who’s next? | NBA bettor wins nearly $200000 off four-part parlay

Ridley Scott issues scathing response to French critics who dislike Napoleon | 7 lesser-known and critically acclaimed films on Netflix that you must watch if you love watching good cinema

Ringo Starr Addresses “Terrible Rumors” That New Beatles Song ‘Now and Then’ Used AI for John Lennon’s Voice | Daryl Hall granted temporary restraining order against John Oates

 Life Hacks to Hack Your Life

18 Easy Cleaning Tips For Someone Who Hates Cleaning

Our favorite Christmas tech gifts for the gadget lover who has everything

12 Book Recommendations for Every Genre

Outdoor Workouts for Fall and Winter Fitness