Recovery is chugging along... Jobless claims fell to a new pandemic low, and wages are growing. On the flip side: prices are rising faster than expected as the US economy revs up and shortages abound. Prime example: Ubers are getting pricier (and they're always 24 minutes away). Companies are struggling to bring workers back, since 42% of people on enhanced unemployment earn more than they did at their jobs.
Crypto ransoms intensify... Cyber attacks are continuing to target critical infrastructure. Last week, Earth's largest meat producer was forced to shut beef plants after a ransomware attack. Last month, the US' largest fuel pipeline was also hit — and paid $4.4M in Bitcoin to reclaim its systems. Experts believe Russia is funding "the ransomware plague." We'll be looking to see if the US government takes a stronger stance. President Biden meets with Russian president Putin next week.