Home mortgage applications have increased because interest rates for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages have dropped to 6.35%, the lowest rate since October 2024. This decline in rates is happening as Treasury yields fall, linked to signs of a weaker job market.
Key Facts
Mortgage rates have dropped to 6.35%, the lowest since October 2024.
The rate fell from 6.5% the previous week and had been above 6.5% for most of the past year.
Purchase applications for homes have increased significantly, reaching the highest year-over-year growth in over four years.
Applications to buy and refinance homes rose on a weekly and annual basis.
Nearly half of all mortgage applications were for refinancing.
The drop in rates is partly due to lower Treasury yields, influenced by a weakening job market.
A recent jobs report showed only 22,000 new jobs added in August.
The Federal Reserve is expected to cut interest rates soon, but this may not immediately lead to further mortgage rate drops.
Reality Winner, a former NSA contractor, leaked a classified document about Russian cyber activity related to the 2016 U.S. election. She was identified and sentenced to prison under the Espionage Act, serving part of a 5-year sentence. Now released, she reflects on her experience and has written a memoir.
Key Facts
In 2017, Reality Winner leaked an NSA document about Russian cyber attacks on U.S. election systems.
She sent the document to The Intercept, which led to her identification by the NSA.
Winner was convicted under the Espionage Act, receiving a 10-year sentence, later reduced to 5 years through a plea deal.
She served time in prison before being released in 2021.
Winner's story is covered in different media, including a documentary, a film, and a play.
She cannot discuss certain classified details due to a non-disclosure agreement.
Winner's memoir is titled "I Am Not Your Enemy."
She described poor conditions during her incarceration in a county jail.
Sir Keir Starmer appointed Peter Mandelson as the UK's ambassador to the US despite Mandelson's past association with Jeffrey Epstein. The appointment considered Mandelson's political skills as outweighing the risks, but recent revelations about the depth of his connection with Epstein led to his dismissal.
Key Facts
Sir Keir Starmer appointed Peter Mandelson as the UK ambassador to the US.
Mandelson had a previous relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, who was convicted of sexual offenses.
The relationship between Mandelson and Epstein was known and discussed during the appointment process.
New details about the frequency and nature of this relationship came out, leading to Mandelson's dismissal.
Mandelson had previously been effective in his ambassador role, particularly in trade and building relationships with the White House.
Sir Keir Starmer's decision to appoint Mandelson despite Epstein ties has faced criticism from within the Labour Party.
Mandelson's career in public life is now likely over due to the recent revelations.
Charlie Kirk, co-founder of Turning Point USA, was shot and killed at Utah Valley University. The shooter fired from a nearby rooftop and ran away, leaving behind a rifle. Authorities are searching for the suspect, who blended in with the college crowd.
Key Facts
Charlie Kirk was the CEO and co-founder of Turning Point USA.
He was shot while speaking at Utah Valley University in Utah.
The shooter fired one shot from a rooftop and then fled.
A rifle was found in a wooded area near the university.
Police believe the shooter blended in with the college population.
The FBI released photos of a person of interest related to the shooting.
Utah Valley University campus was evacuated and classes were canceled.
Two people were detained but later released without charges.
Right-wing activist Charlie Kirk was shot and killed while speaking at Utah Valley University. A timeline of the incident has been compiled to explain how it unfolded. This event is part of broader issues related to gun violence in the United States.
Key Facts
Charlie Kirk, a right-wing activist, was a speaker at an event at Utah Valley University.
During his speech, an incident occurred in which Kirk was shot and killed.
BBC Verify has been gathering information to create a timeline of the shooting incident.
The event is part of ongoing concerns about gun violence in the United States.
Charlie Kirk was known as an influential ally of former President Donald Trump.
U.S. inflation increased in August, marking the fastest rise since the start of the year. This comes before a significant Federal Reserve meeting where officials will decide on changing interest rates.
Key Facts
U.S. inflation rose to 2.9% in the year to August, up from 2.7% in July.
The increase in consumer prices is the fastest since the beginning of 2023.
The U.S. Federal Reserve will soon meet to decide whether to change interest rates.
The Federal Reserve has not changed interest rates since last year.
The impact of President Donald Trump's import tariffs on prices is still under consideration by policymakers.
President Trump has criticized the Federal Reserve for not lowering rates as quickly as central banks in the UK and Europe.
Hospitals in England are struggling to keep up with patient demand due to increased NHS waiting lists. The number of planned procedures waiting to be completed rose in July, and many appointments were canceled due to a doctors' strike. The NHS is trying to address these challenges while also improving cancer care and managing high emergency service demand.
Key Facts
NHS waiting lists for routine treatment in England rose to 7.4 million in July.
A doctors' strike in July caused 50,000 appointment cancellations.
1,429 patients waited more than 18 months for treatment in July, up from June.
The government aims to treat 65% of patients within 18 weeks by March 2026.
Only 61.3% of treatments met the 18-week standard in July.
NHS Providers report high pressure on emergency services and staff.
Cancer care showed progress, with 69.2% of urgent referrals treated within 62 days in July.
Ambulance response times improved, despite ongoing pressure.
At least 22 Palestinians were killed amid ongoing Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip, adding to prior casualties. Amnesty International has criticized the forced displacement of Palestinians from Gaza City as unlawful. Many people are fleeing, but some cannot afford transportation or find shelter.
Key Facts
22 Palestinians, including children, were recently killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza.
These deaths add to the 72 Palestinians killed over the previous 24 hours.
Israel is carrying out a military campaign in Gaza City against the group Hamas.
Rights group Amnesty International calls the displacement of Palestinians from Gaza City "unlawful and inhumane."
Approximately 200,000 Palestinians have been displaced from Gaza City recently.
Some people are unable to leave due to transport costs or lack of shelter.
The World Health Organization (WHO) announced it will stay in Gaza City despite Israeli orders to evacuate.
Zambia is seeking more compensation from a Chinese-owned copper mine after a toxic spill earlier in the year. The spill, involving harmful metals, polluted a major river and affected local communities. The company responsible has disputed findings of the spill's extent, but Zambia insists on a thorough assessment to ensure proper compensation.
Key Facts
Zambia wants more compensation from Sino-Metals Leach Zambia after a toxic spill that happened in February.
The spill occurred when a dam holding mine waste collapsed, polluting the Kafue River.
The spill released harmful metals like cyanide, arsenic, and lead into the river, which is a key drinking water source.
A South African company found the spill involved about 1.5 million tonnes of toxic waste.
The World Health Organization's safety levels for metals were exceeded in water samples after the spill.
The Finnish government and the U.S. embassy issued health alerts due to the contamination.
Zambia's Vice-President emphasized compensation should be based on a detailed impact assessment.
Local communities report ongoing health issues and have not all received promised compensation.
Newcastle United cancelled tickets bought by a school 200 miles away for a game against Barcelona. The tickets came from unauthorized reselling, and affected season ticket holders lost their tickets without a refund.
Key Facts
Newcastle United cancelled 45 tickets for their game against Barcelona.
The High School of Dundee, located about 200 miles away, purchased the tickets.
The tickets were originally sold by fans through unauthorized reselling.
The club cancelled the season tickets of the fans who resold them.
These tickets will be available again to Newcastle United supporters.
A school spokesman said the school bought the tickets in good faith.
Lisa Mole from the Newcastle United Supporters Trust commented on the matter.
Former U.S. Senator Bob Menendez’s wife, Nadine Menendez, received a 4½-year prison sentence for her involvement in a bribery scheme. She was found guilty of using her husband’s political influence in exchange for money, gold bars, and a luxury car. She will also have three years of supervised release after completing her prison term.
Key Facts
Nadine Menendez, wife of former Senator Bob Menendez, was sentenced to 4½ years in prison.
She was convicted of bribery, selling her husband's political influence for cash, gold, and a luxury car.
Her husband, a former chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, was also involved in corrupt schemes.
Some of the schemes included assistance to the Egyptian government from 2018 to 2023.
After prison, Nadine Menendez will have three years of supervised release.
The judge considered her difficult past and health issues when deciding her sentence.
The prison sentence aims to show that actions like these have consequences.
A journalist investigates how Germany's efforts to prevent anti-Semitism have led to the suppression of any criticism of Israel, especially regarding its actions in Gaza. Critics of Israel in Germany face arrests, job losses, and bans. The situation raises questions about democracy and human rights in the country.
Key Facts
Antony Loewenstein, an Australian journalist, is examining how Germany handles criticism of Israel.
Germany has strict measures that result in critics of Israel facing arrests, job losses, and being banned.
A Jewish philosopher described the situation as a "McCarthyism" for the 21st century, comparing it to the U.S. period of extreme anti-Communism and blacklisting.
Loewenstein explores the irony that efforts to fight anti-Semitism might be empowering right-wing groups linked to Germany’s past fascism.
Germany granted Loewenstein citizenship in 2011, though it historically persecuted his family.
The investigation includes meeting those affected by the laws against criticizing Israel and those enforcing them.
The report touches on issues related to democracy and human rights in Germany.
Far-right groups in Germany, traditionally associated with anti-Semitic views, are claiming to support Israel.
Consumer prices in the U.S. increased in August, with inflation reaching 2.9% compared to the previous year. The job market showed signs of slowing, as the number of people seeking unemployment benefits rose significantly. These trends pose challenges for the Federal Reserve as it considers interest rate cuts.
Key Facts
Inflation increased by 2.9% in August from the previous year, according to the Labor Department.
Core prices, which exclude food and energy costs, rose by 3.1%.
The Federal Reserve's inflation target is 2%, and the current rate is above this target.
Job growth slowed significantly, with only 22,000 new jobs added in August.
The unemployment rate in August increased slightly to 4.3%.
Weekly unemployment benefit claims rose by 27,000 to a total of 263,000.
Gas, grocery, and airfare prices all saw significant increases from July to August.
President Trump applied pressure on the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates, and a court ruled against his effort to fire Fed governor Lisa Cook.
Ireland's national broadcaster, RTÉ, has announced that it might not participate in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest if Israel takes part. RTÉ expressed concerns about the loss of lives in Gaza and other issues. Slovenia and Spain have also shown the possibility of withdrawing if Israel participates.
Key Facts
Ireland may skip the 2026 Eurovision if Israel is included.
RTÉ cited the ongoing situation in Gaza as a reason for their stance.
Slovenia's broadcaster RTVSLO also plans to withdraw if Israel participates.
Spain's Culture Minister mentioned a potential withdrawal for the same reason.
RTÉ expressed concern about the situation in Gaza and media access issues.
Over 70 former Eurovision contestants have previously called for Israel to be banned from the competition.
Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has extended the shutdown of its UK factories until next week due to a cyber attack. The attack, which happened at the end of last month, affected production and data, and some data might have been accessed by unauthorized parties. The company is working with UK authorities to resolve the issue.
Key Facts
Jaguar Land Rover stopped production at its UK plants due to a cyber attack.
The affected plants are located in Solihull, Halewood, and Wolverhampton.
The incident came to light on September 1 and has halted operations for about two weeks.
The company usually produces 1,000 cars daily, but the shutdown has paused this output.
A group called Scattered Lapsus$ Hunters claimed responsibility for the attack.
JLR is owned by Tata Motors, an Indian company.
JLR has informed regulators that some data might have been accessed during the attack.
The UK’s National Cyber Security Centre is helping JLR respond to the incident.
Peter Mandelson, a British politician, was removed from his role as the UK's ambassador to the US after connections to Jeffrey Epstein became public. Mandelson, known for his influence in the Labour Party, has had a prominent but tumultuous 40-year career in British politics.
Key Facts
Peter Mandelson was removed as the UK's ambassador to the US due to links with Jeffrey Epstein.
Mandelson got the ambassador role in December 2024 to build ties with the Trump administration.
He has been a significant figure in the Labour Party, helping modernize it in the 1990s.
Mandelson played a key role in electing Tony Blair as Labour leader in 1994.
He held various government positions, including Northern Ireland secretary and business secretary.
Known for his behind-the-scenes influence, Mandelson had a reputation as a political strategist.
Over his career, he resigned twice from government positions due to controversies.
Despite setbacks, Mandelson remained a significant figure in both UK and EU politics.
Spanish Sports Minister Pilar Alegria has suggested that Israeli sports teams should face bans similar to those imposed on Russian teams after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. This suggestion follows protests against the participation of the Israeli team, Israel-Premier Tech, in the Vuelta a Espana cycling race. The protests are linked to Spain's strong opposition to Israel's military actions in Gaza.
Key Facts
Spanish Sports Minister Pilar Alegria compared Israel's participation in sports to the bans on Russia after its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Protests in Spain have targeted the Israeli cycling team, Israel-Premier Tech, at the Vuelta a Espana race.
Israel-Premier Tech is a private cycling team, not a national team, and is owned by a billionaire.
The protests have led to some stages of the Vuelta being shortened for security reasons.
The Spanish government's stance on the Gaza conflict is one of the strongest pro-Palestinian positions in Europe.
Israeli military actions in Gaza are a response to a cross-border attack by Hamas, resulting in high civilian casualties.
Pilar Alegria suggested the cycling governing body, UCI, should decide on the ban against Israel-Premier Tech.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage is facing questions about the funding of a home worth £885,000, purchased by his partner, Laure Ferrari, in Clacton. Farage claims Ferrari bought the home with her own money, but a BBC investigation found no clear evidence of significant family wealth to support this claim. The investigation raises issues about possible tax avoidance linked to the property's ownership.
Key Facts
Nigel Farage is the leader of Reform UK and an MP for Clacton.
A home worth £885,000 in Clacton was bought by Farage's partner, Laure Ferrari, without a mortgage.
Farage claims Ferrari used her own funds from her wealthy French family to buy the house.
BBC could not find evidence of sufficient family wealth to fund the purchase.
Farage denies providing funds, stating his partner is the sole owner and beneficiary.
The purchase avoided additional stamp duty charges due to it being in Ferrari's name.
Questions arise due to Farage's previous criticism of others for avoiding stamp duty.
Ferrari's family business in France was liquidated without selling its assets.
Ukraine reclaimed 62 square kilometers of territory in eastern Ukraine last month, even as Russia's President Putin claimed that Russian forces were advancing. Ukraine's military reported gains in the Donetsk region, while Russia increased drone attacks on Ukrainian cities. Russian losses have continued despite ongoing assaults.
Key Facts
Ukraine recaptured 62 square kilometers of territory in August.
Most of Ukraine's recent gains were in the Donetsk region.
Russia captured area around Dobropillia but lost more ground than it gained.
Ukrainian forces reported retaking 26 square kilometers near Pokrovsk.
Russian forces claimed to have made total gains of 499 square kilometers in August.
Russia has escalated drone and missile attacks against Ukraine, targeting multiple cities.
Ukraine claims to have intercepted 87% of drones and half of the missiles during a recent wave of attacks.
Russian assaults have resulted in significant Russian casualties, estimated at over 299,000 since the beginning of the year.
French police are investigating incidents where pigs' heads were left outside mosques in Paris, potentially linked to foreign intelligence activities. Authorities suspect two foreign nationals, possibly connected to Russian intelligence, carried out the acts, which resemble previous provocations in France. Investigators linked a Serbian car and Croatian phone to both the pigs' heads incident and other similar acts in recent months.
Key Facts
French police found pigs' heads outside nine mosques in Paris and nearby suburbs.
