As Antonio Brown would say, “This is a whole lotta money.”

The United States alone pledged about $45 billion in arms and military aid to Ukraine between Russia’s fullscale invasion in February 2022 and October 2023[15] and a total surpassing $174 billion by September 2024.[16] Most of this money goes to American companies who make weapons and military equipment.[17][7][18]

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List…

Jimmy Carter, 39th U.S. President, Is Dead at 100 - The New York Times — Two thoughts: 1. Americans love their ex-presidents and 2. Look at the byline of this obit, one of the authors is dead himself.

Does Listening to a Book Count as Reading It? Debate Roils Literary World - WSJ — My view: No, listening to an audiobook does not count as reading it.

Holiday Sales Reveal a Split in Consumer Spending - WSJ

Inflation-weary consumers were projected to splurge this year on holiday gifts, food and decorations—fueled by online purchases, according to industry estimates. But the gains were increasingly driven by higher-income households, those making more than $100,000 a year. Lower-income Americans were squeezed by higher prices for groceries, child care and other monthly expenses.

California’s Minimum-Wage Hike Has Actually Been Great - The Atlantic — A deeply flawed article but worth reading to understand why some people support minimum wage increases.

Here’s What Retirement on a Pension Looks Like in America - WSJ — Amazing stories. A pension is powerful.