The average interest rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage in the U.S. rose to 6.49%, increasing the cost for homebuyers. This rise affects how much people can afford to borrow and has contributed to slower home sales this year.
Key Facts
The 30-year fixed mortgage rate increased to 6.49% from 6.43% last week.
One year ago, the average 30-year mortgage rate was higher at 6.72%.
Higher mortgage rates mean higher monthly payments for homebuyers.
The 15-year fixed mortgage rate also rose slightly to 5.82% from 5.79%.
Mortgage rates generally follow the yield on the 10-year U.S. Treasury bond, which is currently at 4.55%.
Inflation expectations and higher oil prices have pushed bond yields and mortgage rates higher.
Home sales have slowed, with sales of existing homes down compared to previous years.
The current pace of existing home sales is around 4 million annually, below the historical average of about 5.2 million.
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Welsh singer Bonnie Tyler died at age 75 while hospitalized in Portugal for illness-related treatment. Many celebrities, including Catherine Zeta-Jones and Rod Stewart, expressed their sadness and shared memories of her unique voice and personality.
Key Facts
Bonnie Tyler was 75 years old at the time of her death.
She died in a hospital in Faro, Portugal, where she was receiving treatment.
Tyler underwent emergency intestinal surgery in May and was placed in an induced coma.
She gained fame for songs like “Total Eclipse of the Heart” and “It’s A Heartache.”
Catherine Zeta-Jones was related to Tyler through marriage and spoke about their close relationship.
Several well-known artists, including Rod Stewart, Bryan Adams, and Tony Hadley, paid tribute to her.
Tyler was appreciated for her distinctive, gravelly voice and lively personality.
Her death was unexpected and has elicited widespread mourning in the entertainment world.
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At a NATO summit in Ankara, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan gave NATO leaders engraved revolvers with six live bullets as gifts. These unusual presents caused surprise and security challenges, as leaders had to handle the guns carefully due to different laws on transporting firearms.
Key Facts
President Erdoğan gave each NATO leader a personalized revolver with six live bullets at the Ankara summit.
The guns came in red boxes lined in black and included a note exempting them from export controls.
Many leaders and security teams were surprised and puzzled by the gift.
Some leaders took their guns home, leaving the bullets in Turkey, while others left both gun and ammo behind.
The revolvers given to EU leaders were handled with extra security and will be decommissioned and sent to a military museum.
The Polish president received his revolver with caution due to a previous incident when a grenade launcher gift exploded in his office.
Transporting fully functional guns across borders requires following strict legal rules, causing logistical difficulties.
The Turkish presidency did not comment on why they chose to give these particular gifts.
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Courtney Grace gained attention for a brief but powerful role in Steven Spielberg's latest film, "Disclosure Day." Previously a journalist, Grace shared in an interview that her past experience helped her perform authentically, and she spoke about the courage it took to pursue acting.
Key Facts
Courtney Grace appears briefly near the end of Spielberg’s new movie, "Disclosure Day."
Her performance has received strong praise and is seen as a major breakthrough in her career.
Grace worked as a journalist for about seven years before becoming an actress.
She believes her journalism experience helped her stay calm and genuine on camera.
A mentor encouraged her to admit her true dream of acting, which she credits for her path forward.
Grace says success comes from taking the next right step and being brave, even when feeling unsure or scared.
She is grateful for the positive response to her role in the film.
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A Greek Air Force F-16 fighter jet crash-landed at Zakynthos airport after a technical problem during a training flight. The pilot was unharmed, but the plane caught fire on the runway, causing the airport to close and delaying flights.
Key Facts
The F-16 experienced a technical fault and landed around 13:45 local time.
The pilot is reported to be in good health.
Greek media said the jet showed signs of an onboard fire before landing and caught fire on the runway.
The plane landed without using its landing gear and slid along the runway.
Firefighters responded quickly to put out the fire.
The jet belonged to the 335 Squadron of the 116th Combat Wing, based in western Greece.
The airport was closed, delaying all flights until 21:00.
A special air force team is set to remove the damaged aircraft from the runway.
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Andy Burnham, leader of the UK's Labour Party, apologized for the party’s early response to Israel’s military actions in Gaza and said the party needs to improve its approach. He promised to increase pressure on the Israeli government, including sanctions and possible trade bans related to illegal settlements, while condemning violence and calling for accountability.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham admitted Labour's initial response to the Gaza conflict was not adequate and apologized.
He plans to pressure Israel with measures like sanctions and trade restrictions on illegal settlements.
Burnham criticized the UK government for being slow to call for a ceasefire in Gaza.
Labour leader Keir Starmer faced criticism for his early remarks supporting Israel’s right to withhold power and water from Gaza.
Starmer recognized Palestine as a state after months of pressure in 2025.
Burnham condemned Hamas’s attacks and antisemitism in the UK, stressing a balanced approach.
He acknowledged possible war crimes in Gaza but said international courts should decide on legal judgments.
Many Labour voters left the party because of its stance on Israel and Palestine, moving to the Green party.
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Graham Platner, the Democratic candidate in a Maine Senate race, announced he is leaving the race. This follows several months of dealing with a sexual assault allegation, which he denies. The outcome of this race could affect control of the U.S. Senate.
Key Facts
Graham Platner ran as the Democratic nominee for a Senate seat in Maine.
Platner has faced a sexual assault accusation from a woman, who said the incident happened in 2021 while Platner was drunk.
Platner denies the allegation and says it is not true.
After weeks of controversy, Platner decided to withdraw from the Senate race.
The Maine Senate race is important because it may influence which party controls the U.S. Senate.
This decision comes after a complicated political month in Maine.
The article does not mention who will replace Platner or the next steps in the race.
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David “Davey” Hearn, a former US Olympic canoeist, pleaded not guilty to charges of vandalizing the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, DC. He is accused of damaging the pool’s new liner, installed under President Donald Trump’s orders for Independence Day celebrations, while his lawyers say the case aims to divert blame from renovation problems.
Key Facts
David Hearn, 67, is charged with damaging the reflecting pool’s liner on June 19, causing over $1,000 in damage.
The reflecting pool was recently renovated with a new blue liner ordered by President Trump.
Hearn admitted touching part of the liner that was already peeling but denied removing or damaging it.
The damage charge can lead to up to 10 years in prison.
The renovation cost $14.7 million and was done before the US 250th anniversary celebrations on July 4.
After reopening, the pool developed algae and peeling liner issues, which experts linked to the new dark liner and natural algae growth.
President Trump claimed vandals damaged the pool with chemicals and knives, but no charges have been made for those allegations.
At least six people were arrested on suspicion of vandalism, and extra security including National Guard troops was used to protect the pool.
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New data shows that wages for lower-income workers are growing nearly as fast as those for higher earners, reducing the usual gap between them. Spending by lower- and higher-income households is also becoming more alike, although wealth differences still remain large.
Key Facts
Lower-income workers saw after-tax wage growth rise to 4.1% in June, up from 2.9% in May.
Middle-income workers’ wages grew by 3.4%, and higher-income workers’ wages grew by 4.2%.
The wage growth gap between lower-income and higher-income workers is the smallest in years.
Spending differences between lower- and higher-income households are the narrowest in three years.
Improved hiring and job-switching are helping raise wages for lower-income workers.
Some wage growth may be due to tax changes under the "One Big, Beautiful Bill Act."
Wealth, such as stocks and home values, still benefits mostly affluent households.
The overall economic divide, called the "K-shaped" recovery, is lessening in wages and spending but continues in wealth.
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Erika Kirk, widow of Charlie Kirk, has asked a Utah judge to show all evidence related to her husband’s killing in open court. She wants to prevent conspiracy theories after some evidence was shown to the court but not to the family during the preliminary hearing for the alleged shooter, Tyler Robinson.
Key Facts
Erika Kirk filed a motion for full public display of all exhibits connected to Charlie Kirk’s killing.
The preliminary hearing is in Provo, Utah, led by Judge Tony Graf.
Tyler Robinson is accused of killing Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University last September.
Some evidence was shown in court but not made available for the Kirk family to see.
Utah law gives crime victims and their families certain rights to observe evidence.
Prosecutors and the defense have disputed how some video evidence was edited.
Questions have been raised about DNA testing and the handling of forensic evidence like a screwdriver and a rifle.
Robinson allegedly confessed in messages to his roommate, but the legal team is fighting to keep some statements out of court to protect Robinson’s fair trial rights.
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Republican Senator Susan Collins faces a tougher reelection in Maine after Graham Platner, a key Democratic candidate, announced he is suspending his campaign amid new allegations against him. With Platner likely withdrawing, Democrats’ chances of winning the seat have increased, making the race more competitive ahead of the November election.
Key Facts
Graham Platner said he is suspending his campaign but had not officially withdrawn as of Thursday morning.
Maine law allows candidates to withdraw until July 13 and lets parties choose a new nominee if they do.
Democrats see Maine’s Senate seat as important to gain control of the U.S. Senate.
Susan Collins is a strong incumbent known for broad appeal across parties.
Platner’s departure has improved Democrats’ chances to win, according to prediction markets.
Several other Democrats have declared or may enter the race to replace Platner.
Prediction markets show Democrats now have about a 63% chance to beat Collins, up from about 51% earlier.
The race remains competitive and important for control of the Senate in the upcoming election.
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A New York City artist named Justin Gignac collected trash from outside Madison Square Garden on the day of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's wedding. He turned the trash into small cubes called "Pocket Garbage" and sold them online for $25 to $100 each.
Key Facts
Justin Gignac is an artist based in New York City.
He collected garbage outside Madison Square Garden during Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's wedding day.
The collected trash was made into small cubes called "Pocket Garbage."
He posted a video about the collection on TikTok.
The "Pocket Garbage" cubes sold out online quickly.
Prices for the cubes ranged from $25 to $100.
The event took place recently, as the news was published 16 minutes ago.
The story is connected to Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce, and New York City.
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Several California public universities have military-grade weapons like AR-15 rifles and stun grenades for campus police to help keep campuses safe. A 2021 state law requires transparency about this equipment, including annual reports and public meetings, but many campuses are not fully following these rules.
Key Facts
California law allows campus police to have military equipment only if necessary for civilian safety.
Schools must report their military equipment yearly and hold public forums for feedback.
Not all 148 public California campuses consistently publish or fully detail these reports online.
Some universities, like San Jose State and San Francisco State, have AR-15 rifles despite unclear authorization under policies.
Several campus police departments failed to hold required public meetings in 2025 or provide details about them.
The University of California delayed publishing its police equipment list until after being asked multiple times.
Cal State’s board has not reviewed the systemwide weapon policy publicly since 2022.
Some campuses do not send their required reports to governing bodies as the law demands.
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The UK government has shortlisted 15 towns for the first-ever UK Town of Culture title. These towns will receive funding to develop cultural bids, and three winners (small, medium, large) will be chosen next year, with one overall winner receiving £3 million to host cultural events.
Key Facts
The shortlist includes 15 towns across the UK, such as Pontypridd, Birkenhead, Isle of Bute, Basildon, and Rotherham.
Each shortlisted town will get £60,000 to help prepare a full cultural bid.
The competition divides towns into three size groups: small (under 20,000 people), medium (20,000–75,000), and large (over 75,000).
Three winners will be picked early next year: one from each size group.
The overall winner will get £3 million to host cultural events in 2028.
The two runners-up will receive £250,000 each for part of their programs.
The competition aims to celebrate towns’ culture, support storytelling, involve local communities, and boost visitors and investment.
Nearly 400 towns applied, showing strong interest in promoting local culture across the UK.
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Microsoft's new environmental report shows its efforts to build artificial intelligence technology are increasing its greenhouse gas emissions and water use. Though the company is improving water efficiency and investing in new clean energy, expanding AI infrastructure is making its climate goals harder to reach.
Key Facts
Microsoft's greenhouse gas emissions rose 25% due to AI growth and changes in electricity sourcing.
Emissions from purchased electricity jumped 945% between 2024 and 2025, while electricity use grew 24%.
Microsoft shifted from buying certificates for existing renewable energy to investing in new clean energy projects.
The company claims it matches 100% of its electricity use with renewable energy purchases.
At least two Microsoft data centers will use natural gas power to ensure reliable and fast energy as AI demand grows.
Microsoft improved data-center water-use efficiency by 25% from 2022 and aims for a 40% improvement by 2030.
The company returned more water to local watersheds than it withdrew worldwide for the first time.
Microsoft faces challenges because AI infrastructure is growing faster than many sustainability solutions can keep up.
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Former Olympian David Hearn pleaded not guilty to vandalism charges for allegedly damaging the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington DC. He is accused of causing about $1,000 in damage to the pool's coating and faces a felony charge of destruction of property.
Key Facts
David Hearn, 67, a three-time Olympic canoeist, was charged with vandalizing the Reflecting Pool.
Authorities say Hearn touched and ripped a piece of the pool’s recently applied sealant on June 19.
Hearn denies causing any damage, saying he only touched material already coming off.
Five other people have been arrested and five issued citations related to vandalism at the Reflecting Pool.
The Reflecting Pool underwent a $13 million renovation this spring to fix leaks and repaint.
Despite repairs, the pool has faced problems like algae growth and peeling sealant.
President Donald Trump has blamed vandals for damage to the pool’s new coating.
Hearn’s lawyers say the charges are an attempt by the Trump administration to shift blame for the pool’s issues.
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Two weeks after strong earthquakes hit Venezuela, thousands of people are still missing and families are searching for their loved ones among the rubble. The official death count is about 3,811, but many people remain unaccounted for, causing ongoing uncertainty for many families.
Key Facts
Two powerful earthquakes recently struck Venezuela.
About 3,811 people have been confirmed dead so far.
Around 40,000 missing persons cases have been reported on crowdsourcing websites.
The number of missing people is uncertain due to possible duplicates and some people being found.
Families like Adolfo Guerra’s are searching in disaster areas for missing relatives.
Guerra traveled 400 km to look for his daughter Alexandra, who has not yet been found.
Conditions at the search site are difficult, with no proper shelter or facilities.
Rescuers recovered bodies, adding to the harsh reality for those still hoping for survivors.
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Kentucky Senator Mitch McConnell has been hospitalized since June 14 with an undisclosed medical condition and has not appeared publicly since. Some Republicans and the Kentucky governor are calling for more information and transparency about his health.
Key Facts
Senator Mitch McConnell was admitted to the hospital on June 14.
McConnell has not been seen publicly or provided detailed updates about his condition.
Republican Representative Marlin Stutzman publicly questioned if McConnell is still alive.
Stutzman and Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear have asked McConnell’s office for clearer health updates.
McConnell’s office said he is recovering and continuing to work while Congress is out of session.
There is growing concern from both political parties about the lack of information.
McConnell is Kentucky’s longest-serving senator.
The senator’s office last issued a statement saying he is improving and appreciates support.
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A fire at a shoe factory in Jinjiang city, Fujian province, China, killed 28 people on July 9, 2026. Authorities rescued 213 others, arrested the factory owner and managers, and launched an investigation into the cause of the fire.
Key Facts
The fire occurred at the Huiteng shoe factory in Jinjiang, a city known for its shoe industry.
There were 237 workers and 2 visitors inside when the fire started.
28 people died, including 2 who died after being taken to the hospital.
213 people were rescued or evacuated safely.
Chinese President Xi Jinping called for a full search and rescue effort and demanded a quick investigation.
The factory owner and other responsible persons were arrested.
The company’s financial accounts have been frozen as part of the investigation.
Videos showed the factory building severely damaged, with thick smoke and fire on several floors.
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France has returned 23 Syrian archaeological artifacts after keeping them for about 15 years following a loan for an exhibition. The return happened during French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Damascus, Syria, marking the first visit by a major Western leader since President Bashar Assad’s ouster in 2024.
Key Facts
The 23 artifacts include Roman bronze objects, Byzantine and Islamic-era pieces, and a colorful mosaic panel from the Umayyad Mosque.
These items were loaned to an exhibition in Paris in 2011 but stayed in France as diplomatic ties between France and Syria were cut under Assad’s rule.
The artifacts belong to museums in Damascus, Aleppo, Latakia, and Palmyra.
The returned pieces cover Syrian history from the ninth millennium B.C. to the 14th and 15th centuries A.D.
Syria described France as the first country to cooperate in its national campaign to recover antiquities kept abroad.
The artifacts were flown back to Syria on President Macron’s plane and displayed at the National Museum in Damascus.
Syria’s deputy director-general of antiquities called the return a historic moment amid years of conflict and diplomatic isolation.
The visit by President Macron is considered a landmark event as the first major Western leader to come to Syria since President Assad’s removal.
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