I do not think the U.S. is currently in a recession.

And the reason is there are just too many areas of the economy that are performing, you know, too well.

And of course I would point to the labor market in particular.

2.7 million people hired in the first half of the year.

It doesn't make sense that the economy

would be in recession with this kind of thing happening. So I don't think the U.S. economy

is in recession right now. Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell standing firm on the state

of the U.S. economy. It comes as the Fed again hikes interest rates in hopes of slowing

inflation. And this morning, a key report could give us a better outlook on our economy's health.

Meanwhile, on Capitol Hill, Senator Joe Manchin finally agrees to a major deal on climate,

health care, and taxes. We'll break down what's in that reconciliation

package. And a potential prisoner swap for Brittany Greiner. The State Department says there's

a substantial offer to bring the WNBA star and another American back home.

Good morning and welcome to way too early on this Thursday, July 28th.

I'm Jonathan Lemire. Thanks for joining us.

After nearly a year of, a year and a half of on and off negotiations, Democratic Senator Joe Manchin says he has reached a deal with party leaders on a sweeping reconciliation package.

In a statement yesterday that surprised even most Democrats on the Hill, the West Virginia

lawmaker announced an agreement on what is being called the

Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, writing in part this. This bill will cut the inflation taxes

Americans are paying, lower the cost of health insurance and prescription drugs, and ensure

our country invests in the energy security and climate change solutions we need to

remain a global superpower through innovation rather than elimination. It is time to put away

...