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As long as inflation continues to slow, mortgage rates should ease throughout the remainder of 2024, improving affordability for hopeful homebuyers. See more mortgage rates on Zillow Real Estate on ZillowMortgage CalculatorUse our free mortgage calculator to see how today's mortgage rates would impact your monthly payments. Mortgage Rates for Buying a Home30-Year Fixed Mortgage Rates Decrease Slightly (-0.09%)The current average 30-year fixed mortgage rate is 6.62%, down nine basis points from where it was this time last week, according to Zillow data. 15-Year Fixed Mortgage Rates Essentially Flat (+0.01%)The average 15-year mortgage rate is 5.99%, just one basis point higher than last week. Mortgage Refinance Rates30-Year Fixed Refinance Rates Increase Slightly (+0.16%)The average 30-year refinance rate is 7.86%, 16 basis points up from last week.

Persons: you'll, It's, refinance Organizations: of Labor Statistics, Federal Reserve, Zillow, FHA Locations: Chevron

☆ Biden and Trump are vying for the veteran vote in the 2024 race. Here's how their policies on veteran affairs stack up.
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-05 | by ( Thomas Novelly | Rebecca Kheel | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +10 min

Biden shepherded through the PACT Act , which has been described as the biggest expansion of veterans benefits in a generation. "Someone who may have had a rare cancer that was benefited by the PACT Act, that's the most important thing to them. President Joe Biden delivers a speech about the PACT Act at the Westwood Park YMCA in Nashua, New Hampshire. After Jackson's bid ended, Robert Wilkie, who had been working at the Pentagon, was nominated and confirmed as VA secretary. Denis McDonough, who was Obama's chief of staff, has served as VA secretary since the beginning of the Biden administration.

Persons: —, Joe Biden, Donald Trump, Biden, Trump, Patrick Murray, Military.com, John Tully, Joe Parsetich, Barack Obama, Cheriss, VFW's Murray, Donald J, Veterans Affairs David Shulkin, Michael Reynolds, Trump's, David Shulkin, Obama, Shulkin, Ronny Jackson, Jackson, Jackson's, Robert Wilkie, Veterans Affairs Denis McDonough, Chip Somodevilla, Denis McDonough, Donald Remy, Tanya Bradsher, McDonough Organizations: Service, Business, Department of Veterans Affairs, Biden shepherded, Veterans, Foreign, PACT, American, Westwood, Getty, Disabled American Veterans, White, Biden, US, Veterans Affairs, Wimbledon, Shulkin, White House, Pentagon, Trump, Cross Locations: France, Nashua , New Hampshire, Rose, Trump's, Europe, Texas

It was a one-time, lump-sum special separation benefit offered to service members when the U.S. had to reduce its active-duty force. Courtesy Vernon ReffittThousands have found themselves in Reffitt’s position due to a little-known law that prohibits veterans from receiving both disability and special separation pay. Under the law, the VA has to recoup special separation benefits from veterans before those eligible can begin receiving disability payments. Army veteran Daphne Young said she would not have taken the separation pay had she known. Under the law, veterans have a chance to pursue a waiver of their recoupment responsibilities for voluntary separation pay, but the standards are high.

Persons: Vernon Reffitt, Reffitt, Stephanie Rennane, Rennane, it’s, Daphne Young, Daphne Young Young, Young, Marquis Barefield, Barefield, Shane Collins, Collins, Ruben Gallego, Gallego, I’ve Organizations: Department of Veterans Affairs, RAND Corporation, NBC News, Army, Young, DAV, American Veterans, Veterans, recoupment, RAND, Marine, Marines, Pentagon, Defense Locations: U.S, Twin City , Georgia, Panama, Honduras, Germany, Columbus , Georgia, Iraq, Afghanistan, Twin Falls , Idaho, United States

WASHINGTON — After he gave his State of the Union speech in March, President Joe Biden seemed to have quieted persistent fears that, at 81, he was no longer up to the job. But a Democratic lawmaker who shook hands with Biden in the House chamber that night was troubled by his appearance. Biden's poor showing at the debate with Donald Trump last week threatens to end his campaign just four months before the election. A third Democratic lawmaker said that in recent months, Biden looked "exceedingly tired" when the two were together. Yet the interview comes eight days after Biden's appearance onstage with Trump — time enough for perceptions of his poor performance to calcify.

Persons: Joe Biden, Donald Trump's, WASHINGTON —, Biden, Donald Trump, who've, they've, Ronald Reagan, —, Sen, Chris Coons, he's, Coons, " Coons, I've, who've vouched, Gerry Connolly, " Connolly, Connolly, Reagan, it's, I'm, You've, It's Organizations: U.S, Supreme, Republican, White, WASHINGTON, Democratic, Air Force, Trump, Biden, White House, Joint Chiefs, Staff, Los Angeles Times, Army Rangers, Omaha, ABC Locations: Washington , U.S, D, France, Paris, Pointe du Hoc

☆ Live Election Updates: Pressure Mounts on Biden as He Heads Into Meeting With Governors
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-03 | by ( Maggie Astor | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +11 min

On Tuesday, Mr. Biden suffered his first formal call to resign from the race from a Democratic member of Congress. At the White House press briefing on Tuesday, Karine Jean-Pierre, the White House press secretary, faced a nearly hourlong barrage of questions about the president’s abilities, medications and physical examinations, including whether he had received a neurological test. But he also preemptively announced whom he would endorse if Mr. Biden departed the ticket. Period.”Image Many Democrats worry that Mr. Biden has moved too slowly to confront fears about his mental fitness and stamina. “I came back and nearly fell asleep onstage,” Mr. Biden said.

Persons: Biden, wringing, Mr, Biden “, Nancy Pelosi, Puck, Biden’s, George Stephanopoulos, Kamala Harris, David Walter Banks, Hakeem Jeffries, Chuck Schumer, Jeffries, Tim Walz, Karine Jean, Pierre, ”, Jean, Trump, Jeff Zients, Jen O’Malley Dillon, James E, Harris, preemptively, “, ” Mr, Clyburn, Ms, Joe Biden’s, Joe Biden, Haiyun Jiang, Jared Golden of, Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, Washington —, Sheldon Whitehouse, Lloyd Doggett of, Doggett, Privately, Dan Sena, Gavin Newsom, Pete Buttigieg, Gretchen Whitmer, David Walters of, David, Katie Glueck, Nicholas Nehamas Organizations: Democratic Party, Democratic, Biden, PAC, Republicans, White, ABC News, Credit, The New York Times, Gov, Democratic Governors Association, White House, Mr, MSNBC, CBS News, Trump, House Democratic, CNN, Transportation, Former Gov, Democratic National Committee, “ Locations: New Mexico , New Hampshire, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Washington, Minnesota, South Carolina, San Francisco, Rhode, Lloyd Doggett of Texas, Austin, Trump, California, Michigan, David Walters of Oklahoma, McLean , Va, Europe

This should remove some upward pressure off of mortgage rates and allow them to trend down a bit. See more mortgage rates on Zillow Real Estate on ZillowMortgage CalculatorUse our free mortgage calculator to see how today's mortgage rates would impact your monthly payments. Mortgage Rates for Buying a Home30-Year Fixed Mortgage Rates Tick Up (+0.20%)The current average 30-year fixed mortgage rate is 6.73%, up 20 basis points from where it was this time last week, according to Zillow data. 15-Year Fixed Mortgage Rates Rise (+0.17%)The average 15-year mortgage rate is 6.12%, 17 basis points higher than last week. Mortgage Refinance Rates30-Year Fixed Refinance Rates Increase Slightly (+0.11%)The average 30-year refinance rate is 7.81%, 11 basis points up from last week.

Persons: you'll, It's, refinance Organizations: Investors, Federal Reserve, Zillow, FHA Locations: Chevron

Domestically, slot machines are prohibited on military bases, though casinos are frequently located nearby. The VA began treating gambling disorders in the late 1960s, about nine years after Congress banned slot machines from domestic bases. The Department of Defense declined CNBC's request for an interview, but said in a statement there hasn't been any systemwide increases in resources to address problem gambling. "DoD researchers are aware of changes in gambling availability due to new mobile and sports gambling options and will consider these variables in future military gambling research," a department spokesperson said in an email. The military is conducting a new survey, with results expected in the fall, the spokesperson addedThe Department of Defense operates slot machines on military bases abroad.

Persons: Dave Yeager, Yeager, servicemembers, Heather Chapman, It's, Dominick DePhilippis, Chapman, hasn't Organizations: Istock, Army, Defense Department, CNBC, Department of Defense, Office, Lewis, McChord, Department of Veterans Affairs, DoD Locations: South Korea, Washington, U.S

☆ Trump Has a Weird Way of Winning - The New York Times
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-01 | by ( Katherine Miller | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Donald Trump didn’t sound any different, not really, during the debate than the way everyone knows him to be. He didn’t sound any different on Friday afternoon, either, at his post-debate rally in Chesapeake, Va. The world around him convulses and Mr. Trump pretty much stays the same. With Mr. Trump specifically, the way people talk about him like he’s the sly fox, there’s a version of this post-debate rally where he really deviated from the norm — went shorter, did something slightly different, to shape how people viewed last week. In politics, there’s a rule about not getting in the way of an opponent’s crisis, but in that parallel version of Friday’s rally, perhaps Mr. Trump would pursue some news-making surprise to press the advantage.

Persons: Donald Trump, convulses, Trump, there’s, Joe Biden, — Mr Locations: Chesapeake , Va

☆ These gay military veterans wonder what Biden’s new pardon means for them
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-30 | by ( Ramon Sanchez | Ray Sanchez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +12 min

The pardon won’t automatically change the record of convicted veterans, but it will allow them to apply for a certificate that will help them receive withheld benefits. “Our nation’s service members stand on the frontlines of freedom, and risk their lives in order to defend our country. Despite their courage and great sacrifice, thousands of LGBTQI+ service members were forced out of the military because of their sexual orientation or gender identity,” Biden said. A service member’s discharge status can determine what Veterans Affairs benefits they are eligible for. To get their records changed under the pardon, veterans will need to complete an online application, which will go to their military service department.

Persons: Mona McGuire, Karla Lehmann, “, ” McGuire, McGuire, ”, Lehmann, Joe Biden, Biden, ‘ What’s, ’ ” Lehmann, Biden’s, ” Biden, Christie Bhageloe, Bhageloe, Don’t, Ruth Castro, ’ McGuire, “ I’m, I’m, …, ’, I’ve, ” “, America’s Organizations: CNN, US Army, Army, Milwaukee Police Department, Michigan State Police, Armed Forces, Military, Department of Justice, Veterans, Department of Defense, Defense Department, Affairs, Pentagon, Department, 164th Military Police Company, Army Board for, Military Records, Department of Locations: West Germany, Milwaukee, Mineola , Texas, Wisconsin

☆ Opinion | Biden Cannot Go on Like This
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-28 | by ( Frank Bruni | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

I’m not sure I’d ever watched Donald Trump lie so incessantly, extravagantly and unabashedly, and that’s saying something. He lied about his relationship with the military, about his concern for the environment — about pretty much any and every subject that came up. But President Biden failed to take advantage of it. Biden, 81, came into his face-off with Trump knowing that many voters were concerned about his age and had doubts about his sharpness. And he and they spent much of the past week devoted to preparation, preparation, preparation, pausing occasionally to assure nervous Democrats that Biden had this thing under control.

Persons: I’m, I’d, Donald Trump, Biden, He’d Organizations: Capitol, Trump Locations: Charlottesville, Va

☆ Both mortgage rates and weekly mortgage demand are stuck in place, suggesting a slow summer housing market
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-26 | by ( Diana Olick | In Dianaolick | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

High home prices continue to rise, mortgage rates aren't coming off recent highs, and consumers are unimpressed by the small increase in home listings. All of that is reflected in weekly mortgage demand, which has been stuck for the second week in a row. Total mortgage application volume was essentially flat last week, up just 0.8% from the previous week, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association's seasonally adjusted index. Mortgage rates didn't move much either. Any hint at the current state of inflation tends to have an impact on bond yields and, consequently, mortgage rates.

Persons: Joel Kan, Kan Organizations: Mortgage Locations: Hawthorn Woods , Illinois

CNN —President Joe Biden is expected to pardon US veterans who were convicted by the military over a 60-year period under a military law that banned gay sex, three US officials told CNN. The granting of pardons won’t automatically change convicted veterans’ records but allows those impacted to apply for a certificate of pardon that will help them receive withheld benefits. A service member’s discharge status can determine what kind of Veterans Affairs benefits they are eligible for. “For decades, our LGBTQ+ service members were forced to hide or were prevented from serving altogether,” Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said at the time. If a certificate of pardon is issued, the service member will then have to apply to their respective military department’s board of corrections to have their military records corrected.

Persons: Joe Biden, won’t, Don’t, ”, Lloyd Austin Organizations: CNN, Military, Veterans Affairs, Pentagon, ”, Department

☆ Drawn-Out Heat Wave Expected to Finally Let Up in Many Parts of the U.S.
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-24 | by ( Isabelle Taft | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

The unusually early heat wave that shattered temperature records across the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic States and Midwest last week is expected to subside by Monday, bringing relief to tens of millions of Americans. The National Weather Service forecast lower temperatures for much of the Mid-Atlantic on Monday. Philadelphia is also expected to have a much lower heat index value, at 82 degrees, down from 104 on Sunday, forecasters say. Places like Baltimore and Dulles, Va., broke daily temperature records two days in a row. But regions in the Southeast and Southern Plains are expected this week to remain hot — possibly at dangerous levels — with potential highs in the low 100s, according to the Weather Service.

Organizations: National Weather Service, Weather Service Locations: States, Midwest, Washington, Philadelphia, Trenton , N.J, East Coast, Baltimore, Dulles, Va, Southeast, Southern Plains, Kansas , Oklahoma , Arkansas , Mississippi , Alabama, Georgia, Florida

☆ U.S.Heat Wave Enters 7th Day, but End Is in Sight: Updates and News
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-23 | by ( Kate Selig | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +2 min

The end of the unusually early heat wave that gripped much of the United States over the past seven days is in sight. Baltimore reached 101 degrees, breaking the daily high temperature record of 100 degrees, set in 1988. And in Dulles, Va., the temperature reached 100 degrees, breaking the previous record of 99 degrees, also set in 1988. The National Weather Service warned that the heat wave could be the longest experienced in decades for some locations. The health consequences of this heat wave are starting to show up in the data.

Organizations: National Weather Service, Washington , D.C, Baltimore, Centers for Disease Control Locations: United States, States, East Coast, Washington ,, New York, Dulles, Va, New England, Ohio, Detroit, Chicago

☆ Virginia GOP primary between House caucus chair and Trump-backed challenger too early to call
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-18 | by ( Arit John | Eric Bradner | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

CNN —The Republican primary race between Virginia Rep. Bob Good, the House Freedom Caucus chair who angered allies of former President Donald Trump and former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, and state Sen. John McGuire was too early to call Tuesday night. The congressman from Virginia’s 5th Congressional District has faced a fierce effort to knock him out from a broad swath of the GOP in what became the most expensive House Republican primary of the cycle. Vindman’s role in Trump’s impeachment likely made a difference in his campaign. After spending most of his career in Illinois, Bondar moved to Texas in 2020, living outside Dallas – where he voted in this March’s Republican primary. State voting records show Bondar’s early in-person ballot in his primary race is the first time he has voted in Oklahoma.

Persons: Bob Good, Donald Trump, Kevin McCarthy, Sen, John McGuire, McCarthy, Good, Ron DeSantis, McGuire, we’re, ”, Trump’s, Eugene Vindman, Abigail Spanberger, Alexander Vindman, Volodymyr Zelensky, Trump, Hunter Biden, Joe Biden, –, National Security Council –, Vindman’s, Cole, Tom Cole, Paul Bondar, Bondar, impeaching Trump, “, ” Trump, Dallas –, Paul Bonder, Cheyenne Stanley, he’d Organizations: CNN, Republican, Virginia Rep, Congressional, GOP, Florida Gov, Democratic, Eugene, Virginia’s, Congressional District, Trump, Ukrainian, National Security Council, CIA, Oklahoma, Cole Americans, Security, PAC, University of Oklahoma, University of Texas, State, Longhorn Locations: Virginia’s, Oklahoma, Illinois, Texas, Dallas, Caddo

☆ Election Updates: A Democratic brawl in a Virginia race may put a House seat in play in November.
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-18 | by ( Jonathan Weisman | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +7 min

One of the field’s top fund-raisers, Krystle Kaul, faces charges of embellishing her résumé well beyond the usual flourishes of a political campaign. Ms. Filler-Corn was the first woman and first Jewish speaker of the Virginia State House. Mr. Helmer is a Rhodes scholar and an Army veteran who served in Afghanistan, Iraq, and as a member of the Virginia House. Then last week, an anonymous Democratic official, speaking through her lawyer, accused Mr. Helmer of groping her and later making sexually crude remarks. “That would be presumptuous.”Democratic voters in the district peppered by texts attacking Mr. Helmer could be forgiven if they do not know where to turn.

Persons: Dan Helmer, Eileen, Krystle Kaul, Suhas Subramanyam, Jennifer Wexton, Subramanyam, Helmer, Barbara Comstock, Donald J, Trump, Mr, “, Ms, Wexton, Helmer of groping, Kaul, Michele Davis Younger, ”, Will Reinert, Subramanyam’s, Aliscia Andrews, Alexander Isaac, Avram Fechter Organizations: Congressional, Democratic, Senate, Republican, Virginia State House, Army, Virginia State House Democrats, Washington Post, Loudoun County Democratic Party, National Organization for Women, ”, Republicans, Democrat, National Republican Congressional, ” Democratic, Virginia Democratic, Federal, Commission, PAC, United States Central Command, Department of Defense, Marine Corps, Loudoun County Democratic Locations: Washington, Israel, Virginia, Rhodes, Afghanistan, Iraq, Democratic, Loudoun County, Va

☆ As Social Security faces looming fund depletion, there's fierce debate over whether a commission can help
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-15 | by ( Lorie Konish | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +9 min

"A vote for a commission is a vote to cut Social Security," the man shouted before he was escorted off the floor. How the last major reforms, in 1983, came togetherPresident Ronald Reagan signs the Social Security Act Amendment into law on April 20, 1983. The changes involved taxes on Social Security benefits, increases to payroll tax rates, a future increase to the retirement age and a near-term postponement of cost-of-living adjustments. Social Security Commission Chairman Alan Greenspan, left, shakes hands with Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, prior to a Social Security hearing on Feb. 15, 1983. Lawmakers divided on best path forwardToday, lawmakers are divided on the best path forward to address Social Security.

Persons: —, Scott Peters, Peters, Bill Huizenga, Joe Manchin, Mitt Romney, — Rep, John Larson, Connecticut —, It's, " Larson, Larson, Nancy Altman, Ronald Reagan, Alan Greenspan, Greenspan, Jim Baker, Reagan, Tip O'Neill, Robert M, Ball, O'Neill, Sen, Charles Grassley, Bob Dole, John Danforth, Altman, Bruce D, Schobel, Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders, California —, they're, Hakeem Jeffries, Conn, Brian Higgins, Jimmy Gomez, Jeffries, Dan Kildee, Richard Neal, Tom Williams Organizations: iStock, Social, Social Security, AARP, CNBC, Rep, Democratic, Corbis, National Commission, Social Security Reform, Greenspan, Federal Reserve, House, White, Finance, Economic Policy Institute, Republican, Greenspan Commission, Senate Finance, Bettmann, Getty, Congress, Democratic House, White House, Democrats, Security, Capitol Visitor Center, CQ, Inc Locations: Sens, R, Utah, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Iowa, California, D

☆ What Trump told CEOs in their private meeting
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-13 | by ( Brian Schwartz | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Trump also mentioned to the CEOs a recent proposal he rolled out in Nevada, to eliminate taxes on worker tips. Trump then told the CEOs a story about how excited tipped workers were about his proposal, prompting laughter from the corporate leaders, according to multiple sources. Trump spoke for about an hour at the Business Roundtable's quarterly meeting. For Trump and the CEOs who attended, the meeting represented an effort to mend relations after some have distanced themselves from the former president. Trump told a meeting full of House Republicans earlier in the day about the idea of imposing an "all tariff policy" that would ultimately enable the U.S. to get rid of the income tax.

Persons: Donald Trump, Trump, Tim Cook, Jamie Dimon, Jane Fraser, Brian Moynihan, Joe Biden's, Jeff Zients, Cook Organizations: National Republican, Committee, Business, Apple, JPMorgan, Citigroup, Bank of America, CNBC, Representatives, Trump, Capitol Hill, Biden, Republicans Locations: Washington , DC, Washington, Nevada, Charlottesville, Va

Where patients traveled for abortions Number of patients 10,000 1,000 100 2023 171,300 patients traveled Alaska Wash. N.D. Hawaii Minn. Ore. N.Y . Number of patients 10,000 1,000 100 2023 171,300 patients traveled 2019 73,100 patients traveled Alaska Alaska Wash. Wash. Maine Mont. An exodus from Texas 10,000 1,000 100 Number of patients 2023 35,500 Texas patients traveled Wash. N.Y. Mass. Texas 10,000 1,000 100 Number of patients 2023 35,500 Texas patients traveled Wash. N.Y. Mass. Change in abortions by state State Abortions 2023 Change from 2019 Nonresident share Wyo.

Persons: Roe, Wade, Nev, S.C, W.Va Calif, “, ”, —, Amy Hagstrom Miller, “ We’re, John Seago, “ We’ve, Mia, Uber, Hagstrom Miller, Kelly Baden, Allison Cowett, Megan Jeyifo, Kelly Flynn Organizations: Nev . N.J ., Ind . Utah Colo, N.Y ., Ind . Utah W.Va, Guttmacher Institute Orange, La . Texas Fla, Md . Utah W.Va Colo, D.C, Alaska, W.Va, La . Texas, Ind . Utah D.C, La . Texas Texas, New York City, Texas Fla, Midwest, Mich . Iowa Ohio, ., Illinois Wis ., Illinois Wis . Iowa Ill, Guttmacher Institute, Republicans, Kan, Colo, Ill, Del, Utah, Hawaii, Iowa, Ohio, Maine, Family Planning, Chicago Abortion, N.Y, Tenn, California S.C Locations: Alaska, N.D, Hawaii Minn, Ore, N.Y, Idaho Wis, S.D . Mich, Pa, Nev . N.J, Nev . N.J . Ohio, Ill, Ind . Utah, W.Va Md, Calif, Kan . Va, Mo, Ky, N.C, Tenn, Ariz, ., N.M . Ala . Miss ., La . Texas Fla, N.Y . Idaho, S.D . Wis, Mich, Ind . Utah W.Va Md, Colo, Kan, Mo . Va . Ky, S.C . Ala . Miss ., Texas, New Mexico, Southern, Illinois, South Carolina, Georgia, North Carolina, Nev . N.J . Ohio Md, La . Texas, Alaska Wash . Maine, Minn, Mass, Wis, S.D . Idaho Mich, Wyo, Pa . Iowa, . Ohio Ind, Md . Utah, Va, Mo . Calif, Okla, S.C . Miss ., Ala, Hawaii, N.Y Idaho, La, Fla, N.Y Idaho Wis, Nev . Ohio Md, W.Va Colo . Va, N.M . Ala, Alaska Alaska, Wash . Maine, . Idaho, Nev Nev, N.J, Neb ., . Ohio Ohio, Ind, Ind . Utah Md . Utah, Kan . Va . Calif, S.C . Miss . Ala . Miss ., La . Texas Texas Fla, Wisconsin, Columbus , Ga, New York, ” Texas, Pa . N.J, Nev . Md, Colo . Va, N.M . Ga, N.M . Texas, Mich . Iowa, Okla ., Illinois Wis, Illinois Wis . Iowa, Miss . Texas, Maryland , Minnesota, Virginia, Conn, Houston, Albuquerque, States, ” Illinois, Chicago, N.Y Pa . N.J, Md, Va . N.C, California, Ala . Miss, . Pa . Md, Miss . Ala, Florida , Georgia, Florida, state’s, Florida , North Carolina

☆ A brief drop in mortgage rates caused a huge surge in demand, but it may be short-lived
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-12 | by ( Diana Olick | In Dianaolick | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Mortgage rates dropped for much of last week, causing total mortgage application volume to surge nearly 16% compared with the previous week, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association's seasonally adjusted index. But rates jumped back up again after a stronger-than-expected monthly employment report Friday. For the bulk of the week, rates were lower than that, but Friday's news caused rates to jump 12 basis points, according to a separate survey from Mortgage News Daily. Homebuyers are not only contending with high interest rates but also high home prices. A monthly survey from Fannie Mae found 86% of consumers say now is a bad time to buy a home.

Persons: Mike Fratantoni, Fannie Mae, Fratantoni, Matthew Graham of Organizations: Mortgage, Mortgage News, Federal Reserve, Matthew Graham of Mortgage News

☆ These chefs and restaurants are the 2024 James Beard Award winners
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-11 | by ( Marnie Hunter | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

CNN —The Oscars of the food world — the James Beard Awards — were handed out Monday night to many chefs and restaurants reflecting cultures and regions that have long been overlooked when honoring culinary achievement in the United States. Outstanding Chef winner Michael Rafidi dedicated his award to Palestinian people all over the world in his acceptance speech. The 2024 winners bring heritage from all over the globe — the Philippines, Mexico, Japan, Peru, Vietnam, Senegal — to tables across the United States. This year’s awards also bring recognition to restaurants in many smaller towns and states that have not historically been recognized with James Beard Awards. Chef Masako Morishita received the James Beard Award for Emerging Chef.

Persons: James Beard, —, Serigne Mbaye, ” Mbaye, Michael Rafidi, ”, Paul Smith, Lula Drake Wine, Chef Masako Morishita, Beard, Deb Lindsey, Masako Morishita, Atsuko Fujimoto, Morishita, Adams Morgan, Fujimoto, Baker, Ruth Reichl, Reichl, “, foodie, James Beard’s, ” Beard, Hamissi Mamba, Nadia Nijimbere, MI, Yenvy Pham, Phở, WA Chris Viaud, NH Hollis Wells Silverman, Erika Whitaker, Kelly Whitaker, Sarah Minnick, Dean Neff, Renee Touponce, David Uygur, Christine Dong, Fariyal Abdullahi, Janet Becerra, SC Ryan Fernandez, Mel, Baker Susan Bae, Jesus Brazon, Manuel Brazon, Crystal Kass, Valentine, AZ Anna Posey, Hospitality Crawford, NC Gemma, Lula Cafe, Vin, California Geoff Davis, CA Rogelio Garcia, Auro, Lord Maynard Llera, Kuya, Los Angeles , CA Tara Monsod, Billy ” Ngo, Vinnie Cimino, Cordelia, Jose Salazar, Sarkar, Hajime Sato, Sozai, MI Jenner Tomaska, Tony Conte, Jesse Ito, Matt Kern, Harley Peet, Kevin Tien, Ann Ahmed, Rob Connoley, Dan Jacobs, Dan Van Rite, Christina Nguyen, Hai, Tim Nicholson, Brandon Cunningham, Ali Sabbah, Matt Vawter, Penelope Wong, Yuan Wonton, Nick Zocco, NY Atsushi Kono, Chris Mauricio, Charlie Mitchell, Clover, NY Jeremy Salamon, Conor Dennehy, Talulla, Maria Meza, David Standridge, Jake Stevens, Cara Tobin, Honey, Avery Adams, Matia, WA Kristi Brown, WA Josh Dorcak, Gregory Gourdet, Melissa Miranda, Jamie Davis, The, Washington , NC Rod Lassiter, Parnass Savang, James London, Chubby Fish, SC Robbie Robinson, Valerie Chang, FL Hunter Evans, Jackson, MS Gabriel Hernandez, Carlos Portela, Rene Andrade, Jeff Chanchaleune, Ma Der, Steve, Steve Riley, NM Eduardo Rodriguez, Zacatlán, Texas Emmanuel Chavez, Houston , TX Christopher Cullum, Cullum’s Attaboy, San Antonio , TX Tracy Malechek, Ezekiel, Birdie’s, Misti Norris, Petra, Ana Liz Pulido, Ana Liz Taqueria Organizations: CNN, Dakar NOLA, Lyric Opera, Michelin, Beverages Program, Chefs, The Washington Post, Washington Commanders, The New York Times, Gourmet Magazine, James, James Beard Foundation, Hav, Seattle , WA Nikko Cagalanan, SC, NY, Dakar, FL Kisser, Nashville , TN Oro, Caracas Bakery, AZ, Hospitality, IL, NY Woodford Food & Beverage, Beverages, SC The Morris, D.C, BEST, Social Haus, UT, New, New York State, Pacific, FL, Houston , TX Locations: United States, New Orleans, West Africa, Chicago, Portland , Oregon, Pacific, Albi, Washington, Ramallah, Philippines, Mexico, Japan, Peru, Vietnam, Senegal, West Virginia, Charleston , West Virginia, Columbia , South Carolina, Mission , Texas, Mystic , Connecticut, Easton , Maryland, Portland , Maine, Tokyo, Perry’s, Adams, DC, Bakery, Detroit, Seattle, WA, Greenleaf, Ansanm, Milford, Wolfeboro, NH, The Wells, Boulder, Portland, Wilmington ,, Albi , Washington, The, Lucia, Dallas , TX, Santa Fe, Marfa ,, San Antonio ,, Springs, , New York, Pancita, Seattle , WA, Kultura, Charleston, Southern Junction, Buffalo, Waitsburg, Lockhart, TX, Carmel, Dorchester, Dakar NOLA , New Orleans, LA Hayward, McMinnville, Kaya, Orlando, Nashville , TN, Nixta , Minneapolis, Shan, Bozeman, Albuquerque, Long Beach ,, Hudson, Caracas, Doral, Miami, Phoenix, Elske, IL, Son, Raleigh, NC, Dallas ,, New York, NY, Columbia, San Francisco ,, Anaheim , Anaheim, , Washington, Waxlight, Montpelier, VT, Baltimore, , New Orleans, LA, Brownsville ,, California, Burdell, Oakland, Calistoga, Los Angeles ,, San Diego ,, Kru, Sacramento, Lakes, MI, Cleveland ,, Mita’s, Cincinnati, Indienne, Clawson, Esmé, NJ, PA, Philadelphia, Fenwick, Bas Rouge, Easton, KS, MN, MO, WI, Khâluna, Minneapolis, St, Louis, EsterEv, Milwaukee, Hai Hai , Minneapolis, Omaha, UT, WY, Greenough, Salt Lake City, Rootstalk, Breckenridge, Denver, Urban, Sofreh, Brooklyn, Kono , New York, Harana, Accord, Clover Hill, RI, Cambridge, Dolores, Providence ,, Leeward, Burlington, Island, MÄS, Ashland, kann, Musang, KY, TN, The Hackney, Washington , NC, Talat, Atlanta, West Columbia, Maty’s, Elvie’s, Verde Mesa, San Juan, Saffron , New Orleans, AZ, NM, Bacanora, Oklahoma City, Henderson, Mesa, Tatemó, Houston ,, Austin ,, Mission

☆ Collectible toy market: This vintage action figure set a record at auction
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-10 | by ( Eva Rothenberg | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +11 min

The Rocket-Firing Boba Fett action figure, modeled after the “Star Wars” bounty hunter, was purchased in Dallas by an anonymous buyer for $525,000, Heritage Auctions announced last Monday. Dolls are for girls, action figures are for boysUnlike fine art or sports memorabilia, the collectible action figure market is only a handful of decades old because action figures have only been around since the mid-1960s. “The first action figure was G.I. He recounted how Hasbro executive Don Levine coined the term “action figure” as a marketing tool, because “we can’t call these dolls. Caravoulias recalls laying in bed as a kid in 1985 and wishing he could buy a $5 Rambo II action figure.

Persons: Boba, Barbie, ”, Justin Caravoulias, Joe, Boba Fett, Fett, Kenner, Brian Rachfal, “, Don Levine, ’, “ Nobody, Caravoulias, Price, Tom Derby, Darth Vader, It’s, Rambo, Rachfal, —, Paul Arnold, Arnold, Gary C, Knapp, they’re, ” Caravoulias, Circana, ” “ Barbie, ” James Zahn Organizations: New, New York CNN, “, Heritage Auctions, Heritage, Kenner, Hasbro, CNN, Derby, ‘ Power Rangers Locations: New York, United States, Dallas, American, Virginia Beach, Va

☆ Opinion | The Day My Old Church Canceled Me Was a Very Sad Day
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-09 | by ( David French | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

This week, the leaders of the Presbyterian Church in America will gather in Richmond, Va., for their annual General Assembly. The Presbyterian Church in America is a small, theologically conservative Christian denomination that was my family’s church home for more than 15 years. I am now deemed too divisive to speak to a gathering of Christians who share my faith. I was scheduled to speak about the challenges of dealing with toxic polarization, but I was considered too polarizing. There were misleading essays, vicious tweets, letters and even a parody song directed at the denomination and at me.

Persons: I’ve Organizations: Presbyterian Church, General Assembly Locations: America, Richmond , Va

☆ Mortgage demand falls for the second straight week, but all eyes are on Friday's jobs report
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-05 | by ( Diana Olick | In Dianaolick | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Mortgage interest rates last week moved to the highest level since early May, and that pushed mortgage demand lower for the second straight week. Total mortgage application volume fell 5.2% last week, compared with the previous week, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association's seasonally adjusted index. Mortgage applications to purchase a home fell 4% for the week and were 16% lower than the same week a year ago. Buyers are not only contending with higher interest rates. Mortgage rates ended last week with a sharp drop on Friday and then continued to slide this week.

Persons: –, Mike Fratantoni, Fratantoni, Matthew Graham of, Graham Organizations: Mortgage, MBA's, Government, Matthew Graham of Mortgage News Locations: Austin , Texas

☆ Boeing CEO to testify in Senate hearing June 18
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-05 | by ( Leslie Josephs | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun will testify before a Senate panel on June 18 to answer lawmaker questions about whistleblower allegations and quality control at the aircraft maker as it navigates a safety crisis. The hearing comes after a company engineer alleged the assembly of Boeing's 787 Dreamliners put excessive stress on the planes and reduce their lifespans, allegations Boeing called inaccurate. "We are committed to fostering a culture of accountability and transparency while upholding the highest standards of safety and quality." Boeing has been trying to regain its footing in the wake of two deadly crashes of its bestselling 737 Max in 2018 and 2019. Calhoun in March said he would step down by year's end, part of a broad executive shake-up at the plane maker.

Persons: Dave Calhoun, Sen, Mark Warner, Calhoun's, Richard Blumenthal, Conn, Dreamliners, Max, Calhoun Organizations: Capitol, Washington , D.C, Boeing, Investigations, Federal Aviation Administration, Alaska Airlines, FAA Locations: Washington ,

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