Midday Roundup: Putin says Snowden a 'free man' at Russian airport

Where’s Snowden? Russian President Vladimir Putin told reporters in Finland today that fugitive National Security Agency leaker Edward Snowden is a “free man” and remains in the “transit area” of Moscow’s Sheremetyevo International Airport. “The sooner he selects his final destination point, the better for both us and for himself,” Putin said. The transit area is between the arrival gates and the passport control checkpoints.

Taliban attack. The Taliban staged a well-planned daylight assault Tuesday morning at the highly fortified presidential compound in Kabul. After militants got past two checkpoints, a gun-battle ensued, killing three guards and eight attackers. Journalists attending an official event at the compound had to scramble for cover.

Confidence up. According the Conference Board, consumer confidence hit a five-year high in June, outpacing predictions by economists. On a scale of 100, June’s confidence level came in at 81.4, up from 74.3 in May. It was the third straight month the level has risen. Economists had predicted the number for June would be at 75.

Blackhawks take the Cup. In the final 76 seconds of the third period, the Chicago Blackhawks in dramatic fashion scored two goals against the Boston Bruins Monday night to come from behind to win Game 6 3-2 and capture the NHL’s Stanley Cup 4 games to 2. As the final minutes clicked down, it appeared to most that the Bruins would easily extend the series to a seventh and deciding game, but the Blackhawks had other ideas. “We didn’t give up. We were going to throw everything at them,” said Bryan Bickell, who scored the tying goal. “It was crazy. We just got guys in front, and good things happened.” Just 17 seconds later, Dave Bolland found the back of the net for the winning goal.