It May Not Be 'the Economy, Stupid'-americans Might Favor Social Issues Over Their Pocketbooks

Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande as Elphaba and Glinda in Universal's "Wicked."Giles Keyte/Universal PicturesJon M. Chu's "Wicked" premiered in theaters on November 22."Wicked" topped the domestic box office with an estimated $114 million. The film has earned an estimated $164.2 million worldwide so far."Wicked" is soaring at the box office.

The FTC is investigating Microsoft for anticompetitive practices. NurPhoto/Getty ImagesMicrosoft's deals with the government may have breached antitrust laws, ProPublica reported. In 2021, Microsoft pledged $150 billion to the government over five years to upgrade its security. The deal included licensing agreements that may deter customers from switching to competitors.

LOS ANGELES — Rental homes will remain an attractive option next year to would-be homebuyers sidelined by high mortgage rates and rising home prices, analysts say. American Homes 4 Rent and Invitation Homes are two big real estate investment trusts poised to benefit from the trend, say analysts at Mizuho Securities USA and Raymond James & Associates. Their outlooks boil down to a simple thesis: Many Americans will continue to have a difficult time finding a single-family home that they can afford to buy, which will make renting a house an attractive alternative. It starts with mortgage rates.

Russian President Vladimir Putin. Contributor/ Getty ImagesRussian President Vladimir Putin signed a law on debt forgiveness for certain recruits on Saturday. It allows for up to $96,000 in debt forgiveness for those who sign a minimum one-year contract to fight in Ukraine. It comes amid soaring Russian combat losses. Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a law allowing debt forgiveness for certain troops who sign up to fight in Ukraine.

When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn moreAttila Szvacsek/HBOLess than a year after Warner Bros.' Dune: Part Two was released, a prequel series has arrived on HBO. Whether you're a diehard Dune fan or new to the franchise, we'll show you where to watch Dune: Prophecy.

Big Boom AJ and his son Big Justice — aka The Costco Guys — won a wrestling match during AEW Full Gear's pre-show on Saturday. Oh, and the Rizzler showed up, too. First of all: what a world. Second: It was actually well-received by people online. AJ, whose real last name is Befumo, defeated QT Marshall in his match with an assist from Big Justice, who, in typical wrestling match fashion, snuck into the ring to deliver a textbook spear to help his dad secure the W.