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Foreclosures surged 21% in the first half of 2026, new data shows

Foreclosures surged 21% in the first half of 2026, new data shows

Summary

Foreclosures in the U.S. rose by 21% in the first half of 2026 compared to last year, showing more homeowners are facing money problems. Some states like Idaho, Colorado, and Georgia saw the biggest increases, while Florida had the most foreclosures overall.

Key Facts

  • There were nearly 228,000 foreclosure filings from January to June 2026.
  • Foreclosure filings increased 21% from 2025 and 28% from 2024.
  • Foreclosures happen when homeowners miss mortgage payments, often due to job loss or other financial troubles.
  • Idaho saw a 59% increase in foreclosures; Colorado 57%; Georgia 52%.
  • Florida had the highest rate of foreclosures, with one in every 2,106 homes affected in June.
  • Foreclosure rates are returning to the levels seen before the pandemic in 2019.
  • Short sales, where homes sell for less than what is owed to avoid foreclosure, rose 16% in early 2026.
  • Rising foreclosures and short sales indicate increasing financial pressure on homeowners.
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Vance: Israeli government members ‘hate’ Iran deal

Vance: Israeli government members ‘hate’ Iran deal

Summary

Vice President Vance said that some members of the Israeli government strongly dislike the recent U.S.-Iran deal based on a 14-point agreement signed last month. He also mentioned that there is discussion about Israel's role in influencing U.S. politics.

Key Facts

  • Vice President Vance spoke on Wednesday about the U.S.-Iran deal.
  • The deal is based on a 14-point memorandum of understanding signed last month.
  • Some people in the Israeli government dislike the deal.
  • There is talk about Israel's influence on American politics.
  • The statement highlights differing views within the Israeli government regarding the agreement with Iran.
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52 percent of Pennsylvania voters would like to see Fetterman leave Democratic Party: Poll

52 percent of Pennsylvania voters would like to see Fetterman leave Democratic Party: Poll

Summary

A new poll shows that 52 percent of voters in Pennsylvania want Senator John Fetterman to leave the Democratic Party. Fetterman’s approval rating is 48 percent, but many voters would prefer if he joined the Republican Party instead.

Key Facts

  • 52 percent of Pennsylvania voters want Senator John Fetterman to leave the Democratic Party.
  • Senator Fetterman has a 48 percent approval rating according to Quinnipiac University.
  • There is speculation that Republicans have been trying to recruit Fetterman.
  • Fetterman is known as a centrist Democrat.
  • 57 percent of a subgroup of voters want Fetterman to change parties (specific subgroup details were not included).
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Private schools offer 41% more tree shade than state schools in England

Private schools offer 41% more tree shade than state schools in England

Summary

A study found that private schools in England have 41% more tree shade than state schools, helping cool outdoor areas during hot weather. Schools in poorer areas have much less tree cover, making classrooms hotter during heatwaves.

Key Facts

  • Private schools in England have 41% more tree cover than state schools.
  • Schools with many students eligible for free meals have 29% less tree cover than wealthier schools.
  • Tree cover helps reduce temperatures by 12°C to 18°C through shade and cooling effects.
  • Schools in rural areas have more trees than those in cities, but poorer rural schools still have less tree cover.
  • Some schools have lost mature trees, despite the cooling benefits they provide.
  • Cities like Blackpool, Bradford, and Luton have schools with very low tree cover, while wealthier areas like Wokingham and Richmond have more trees around schools.
  • During recent heatwaves, teachers used methods like wet towels and water trays to help students stay cool indoors.
  • The study used government data and mapping to analyze tree cover within 100 meters of school locations.
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Burnham too influenced by ‘vested interests’ to offer change, Polanski says

Burnham too influenced by ‘vested interests’ to offer change, Polanski says

Summary

Zack Polanski, leader of the Green Party in England and Wales, criticized Andy Burnham, the incoming UK prime minister, for being influenced by powerful interests and not offering real change on issues like wealth taxes, Gaza, rent controls, and climate action. The Greens are planning a media campaign to highlight areas where they believe Burnham is weak or cautious compared to their stronger policy proposals.

Key Facts

  • Zack Polanski said Andy Burnham is “too in hock to vested interests” to deliver real change.
  • The Green Party’s membership has more than tripled under Polanski’s leadership.
  • The Greens are gaining support from former Labour voters unhappy with Labour leader Keir Starmer.
  • Burnham reportedly chose Shabana Mahmood over Ed Miliband as chancellor, seen by Greens as a sign of being influenced by the financial sector.
  • Greens want rent controls, while Burnham has supported the idea but not committed to it as prime minister.
  • Greens propose a separate wealth tax supported by 81% of Labour voters, while Burnham may only adjust capital gains tax thresholds.
  • Polanski contrasted Greens’ call to ban UK arms exports to Israel with Burnham’s apology for Labour’s early response to Gaza.
  • The Greens accuse Burnham of not taking strong enough action on climate change, noting he is open to further North Sea fossil fuel drilling.
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Ali Zalzali’s shows gothic glamour in his début couture collection

Ali Zalzali’s shows gothic glamour in his début couture collection

Summary

Fashion designer Ali Zalzali presented his first couture collection called "Natura Morta," inspired by nature and life cycles. He also created a short film to show the feeling behind his handmade pieces, which mix classic and modern styles and reflect his personal background.

Key Facts

  • Ali Zalzali launched his debut couture collection named "Natura Morta."
  • The collection features flowing, botanical shapes inspired by the cycles of plants and human life.
  • Zalzali made a short film to express the atmosphere of his handmade fashion pieces.
  • His designs blend contemporary and classical art influences.
  • Zalzali’s background includes growing up in Lebanon, studying in Italy, and starting his fashion label in Paris.
  • The article discusses how haute couture (high-end custom fashion) can be surprisingly sustainable.
  • The coverage mentions the combination of technology and human creativity in art.
  • The piece is part of a broader cultural discussion including other artists and fashion events.
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Uber eyes Delivery Hero in $15B acquisition bid

Uber eyes Delivery Hero in $15B acquisition bid

Summary

Uber agreed to buy Delivery Hero, a German food delivery company, in a deal worth nearly $15 billion. This purchase will make Uber the largest food delivery company outside of China and expand its services to many more countries.

Key Facts

  • Uber is buying Delivery Hero for about $15 billion.
  • Delivery Hero is based in Germany and offers food delivery services.
  • The deal will create the biggest food delivery group outside of China.
  • Uber's CEO is Dara Khosrowshahi.
  • After the acquisition, Uber will operate in twice as many markets for both mobility (rides) and delivery.
  • The combined company aims to offer more delivery options in more places.
  • The transaction will increase Uber’s reach in the global food delivery market.
  • This move signals Uber’s focus on growing its delivery services alongside ride-hailing.
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Drained Reflecting Pool shows liner more grey than blue

Drained Reflecting Pool shows liner more grey than blue

Summary

The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool was recently renovated and refilled. After the work, people noticed that the bottom of the pool looks more gray than the bright blue color expected.

Key Facts

  • The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool was recently renovated.
  • The pool was drained during the renovation.
  • The bottom of the pool was repainted to match a bright blue color representing the American flag.
  • After the renovation, the liner appears more gray than blue.
  • The color change surprised some observers.
  • A federal contract was involved in the repainting work.
  • The renovation finished last month.
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If export controls are an AI kill switch, the process needs reform

If export controls are an AI kill switch, the process needs reform

Summary

The article argues that export controls on artificial intelligence (AI) should require the government to clearly explain and prove its reasons publicly. It suggests there should be a fair review process to avoid unpredictable or unfair decisions.

Key Facts

  • Export controls refer to government limits on sharing technology with other countries.
  • These controls are seen as a way to stop or limit AI development abroad.
  • The article calls for transparency in how these controls are applied.
  • It recommends a process to review government actions to ensure fairness.
  • The goal is to prevent random or unjust decisions that could harm innovation.
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How 5 States Gave Property Tax Relief in Their 2027 Budget

How 5 States Gave Property Tax Relief in Their 2027 Budget

Summary

Five U.S. states have introduced property tax relief measures in their 2027 budgets to help homeowners facing rising costs. These measures include tax cuts, expanded exemptions, and proposals to reduce or eliminate property taxes, amid concerns about housing affordability and increasing insurance and mortgage costs.

Key Facts

  • Property taxes rose by over 30% between 2019 and 2025, following a large increase in home values.
  • Home prices increased by 54% nationwide since 2020, driven by low borrowing costs and limited housing supply during the pandemic.
  • Homeowners are also seeing a 72% increase in average monthly insurance premiums due to more frequent natural disasters and higher construction costs.
  • Mortgage rates have climbed to 6-7%, nearly doubling since the pandemic lows, making homeownership more expensive.
  • Florida plans a property tax cut that would raise the homestead exemption to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028, subject to voter approval.
  • Indiana is considering a bill to phase out property taxes by 2028, funded by a larger state sales tax, but the bill has limited support.
  • New Jersey’s $60.7 billion budget includes $4.1 billion for property tax relief targeting homeowners aged 65 and older.
  • Lawmakers are debating how to balance property tax relief with potential losses in revenue for local governments and public services.
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How much interest will a $5,000 no-penalty CD earn now?

How much interest will a $5,000 no-penalty CD earn now?

Summary

A $5,000 deposit in a no-penalty certificate of deposit (CD) can earn significantly more interest than a traditional savings account. No-penalty CDs allow you to withdraw money early without a fee while still earning higher fixed interest rates over different terms.

Key Facts

  • No-penalty CDs pay higher interest rates than typical savings accounts.
  • A 6-month no-penalty CD at 4.10% interest can earn about $101 on $5,000.
  • A 1-year no-penalty CD at 4.11% interest can earn about $205.50 on $5,000.
  • Longer CD terms, like 5 or 10 years, offer higher returns—up to $2,617 on $5,000 at 4.30%.
  • Traditional savings accounts earn around 0.38% interest, which would pay about $19 on $5,000 for a year.
  • No-penalty CDs let savers access their money early without losing interest, unlike traditional CDs.
  • Higher interest rates on no-penalty CDs mean potentially hundreds or thousands of dollars more in earnings compared to savings accounts.
  • The no-penalty feature provides flexibility similar to savings accounts but with much better returns.
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From the archives: Pat Oliphant and the art of political cartoons

From the archives: Pat Oliphant and the art of political cartoons

Summary

Pat Oliphant, a famous cartoonist known for his sharp political drawings, died on July 13, 2026, at age 90. He was recognized worldwide and won a Pulitzer Prize. In a 2000 interview, Oliphant discussed the history and impact of political cartoons.

Key Facts

  • Pat Oliphant was a Pulitzer Prize-winning political cartoonist.
  • His cartoons appeared in up to 500 publications globally.
  • Oliphant died on July 13, 2026, at the age of 90.
  • He created sharp, critical drawings of political figures.
  • In a 2000 CBS News interview, he spoke about caricature and censorship.
  • He referenced Honoré Daumier, a 19th-century French cartoonist whose work influenced press freedom.
  • Daumier’s cartoons of King Louis Philippe led to reduced press freedom in France in 1835.
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Meteorite that hit home contains "alien world chemistry," experts say

Meteorite that hit home contains "alien world chemistry," experts say

Summary

A meteorite that crashed into a New Jersey home in July 2024 contained rare materials and molecules linked to the origins of life. Scientists found that the meteorite had salty brine and organic compounds, suggesting that such space rocks may have delivered important chemicals to early Earth.

Key Facts

  • The meteorite landed in a New Jersey home in July 2024.
  • The homeowner preserved the fragments carefully, allowing detailed study.
  • The meteorite is a rare type called CM1/2 carbonaceous chondrite.
  • This is only the second time scientists have observed a fall of this meteorite type.
  • Scientists found evidence of salty liquid (brine) on the parent asteroid before the meteorite broke off.
  • The brine contained high salt levels that can help create molecules important for life.
  • The meteorite held organic materials like amino acids and magnesium organic compounds used in living things.
  • Some fragments will be kept at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City for future research.
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Blue Angels Under Investigation After Beach Flyover Video Goes Viral

Blue Angels Under Investigation After Beach Flyover Video Goes Viral

Summary

A U.S. Navy Blue Angels pilot is being reviewed after flying lower than usual over Pensacola Beach, Florida, on July 15. The low pass caused umbrellas, chairs, and tents to fly around during a public event, and videos of the incident have gone viral online.

Key Facts

  • The incident happened during the "Breakfast with the Blues" event before the Pensacola Beach Air Show.
  • A Blue Angels pilot flew lower than the normal flight path during an arrival maneuver.
  • The low flyover caused a disturbance, moving beach chairs, umbrellas, and tents.
  • The Blue Angels team confirmed the incident and said safety is their top priority.
  • Officials are conducting a full review of the event to understand what happened.
  • Videos shared on social media showed the flyover and sparked discussions on aviation safety.
  • Witnesses said this low pass was unusual and surprising compared to previous years.
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Senior defense officials considering military action against Cuba

Senior defense officials considering military action against Cuba

Summary

The U.S. Pentagon is making plans for a possible military action against Cuba. Senior defense officials are reviewing their options as part of these preparations.

Key Facts

  • The Pentagon is creating plans that could lead to military action in Cuba.
  • Senior U.S. defense officials are involved in considering the military options.
  • These plans suggest growing concern about events or threats related to Cuba.
  • The information comes from U.S. government sources.
  • No official decision has been announced yet regarding military action.
  • The situation is under active review and monitoring by U.S. defense leaders.
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Dozens rescued in central Texas after region hit by flash flooding for third day in a row

Dozens rescued in central Texas after region hit by flash flooding for third day in a row

Summary

Central Texas experienced heavy rain and dangerous flash floods for three days in a row. A tornado formed near San Antonio during the storm, and many people were rescued from flooded areas.

Key Facts

  • Central Texas had heavy rain for three consecutive days.
  • The rain caused flash floods, which can happen suddenly and are very dangerous.
  • A tornado occurred close to San Antonio during the storm.
  • Dozens of people needed to be rescued due to flooding.
  • The storm system was responsible for both the floods and the tornado.
  • Emergency teams worked to help those trapped by the floodwaters.
  • Flash flooding can cause significant damage and threaten lives quickly.
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Trump fires U.S. attorney in Washington on heels of court appointment

Trump fires U.S. attorney in Washington on heels of court appointment

Summary

President Donald Trump fired Roger Rogoff, the U.S. attorney for the Western District of Washington, shortly after federal judges appointed him to the role. This action continues a pattern of conflict between the Trump administration and federal courts over temporary appointments of U.S. attorneys.

Key Facts

  • President Trump fired Roger Rogoff as U.S. attorney for the Western District of Washington.
  • Federal judges had legally appointed Rogoff after the previous temporary appointee’s term ended.
  • Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche criticized the judges for not consulting the administration before the appointment.
  • Senator Patty Murray opposed the firing, calling Rogoff qualified and accusing the administration of politicizing the office.
  • The Western District of Washington has lacked a Senate-confirmed U.S. attorney since mid-2023.
  • Trump previously fired another temporary U.S. attorney in Seattle after taking office in 2025.
  • Federal law allows courts to appoint interim U.S. attorneys after a 120-day term expires if no Senate-confirmed attorney is in place.
  • Similar disputes have occurred in other states, where judges appointed U.S. attorneys that Trump then fired.
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How World Cup football jerseys became political fashion in Latin America

How World Cup football jerseys became political fashion in Latin America

Summary

Football shirts in Latin America have become symbols used in political campaigns, especially in Brazil and Colombia. Politicians from the right have linked themselves to national football jerseys to show patriotism, leading to debate over the use of these popular sports symbols in politics.

Key Facts

  • Paulo Duarte, a Brazilian football fan, collects and sells Brazil’s national football shirts.
  • Brazil’s yellow-and-green football jersey has been used by right-wing politicians, including Jair Bolsonaro and his son Flavio Bolsonaro.
  • Flavio Bolsonaro recently called the Brazil jersey "Bolsonaro’s jersey" during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
  • In Colombia, President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella used the national football jersey in his political campaign.
  • Both Brazil and Colombia have been eliminated from the current World Cup, but the political use of football shirts continues.
  • Sociologist Bryan Clift explains that football shirts can represent a shared national identity and are powerful symbols for politicians.
  • The use of football jerseys in politics has caused tension between different political groups in Latin America.
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DR Congo's healthcare workers go on strike as Ebola epidemic spreads

DR Congo's healthcare workers go on strike as Ebola epidemic spreads

Summary

Healthcare workers in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have started a strike because they have not been paid. This strike is happening as the Ebola virus is spreading faster than in previous outbreaks, with over 2,000 cases and 754 deaths reported.

Key Facts

  • Healthcare workers in the DRC are on strike due to unpaid wages.
  • Ebola is spreading rapidly in the DRC, faster than before.
  • More than 2,000 people in the DRC have caught Ebola.
  • There have been 754 deaths linked to the Ebola outbreak.
  • The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned about the fast spread of Ebola.
  • The strike is affecting efforts to fight the Ebola epidemic in the DRC.
  • The news was reported by FRANCE 24 and journalist Emmet Livingstone.
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Epstein linked to Israeli ‘deep state’, US intel, says Vance: What we know

Epstein linked to Israeli ‘deep state’, US intel, says Vance: What we know

Summary

U.S. Vice President JD Vance said Jeffrey Epstein appeared connected to both Israeli intelligence and top U.S. intelligence agencies. Vance discussed these ties during a long interview and admitted the Trump administration made mistakes in handling information related to Epstein.

Key Facts

  • JD Vance stated Epstein had connections to Israeli intelligence, especially elements described as “left of centre” in Israel.
  • Vance also said Epstein had friendships across the U.S. political spectrum.
  • Epstein was known as a financier and socialite who was convicted of sex crimes and died in jail in 2019.
  • There are no official documents publicly confirming Epstein was an intelligence agent for the U.S. or Israel.
  • FBI files include a memo suggesting one source believed Epstein was a Mossad agent trained as a spy.
  • Epstein had email contact with Israeli politicians and funded some Israeli organizations.
  • Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denied Epstein worked for Israel.
  • Vance admitted the Trump administration mishandled communications about Epstein.
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