NYTIMES (The New York Times) - U.S. and Iran Take Break in Nuclear Talks to Confer With Capitals
Officials from the United States and Iran are holding high-stakes negotiations in Geneva.
NYTIMES (The New York Times) - Clinton Deposition Is Paused as Lawmakers Confer About Leaked Photo
Hillary Clinton had demanded a public hearing, which Republicans rejected. She is protesting that if a member is leaking to the press, reporters should be let in.
AXIOS (Emily Peck) - Mortgage rate dips below 6% for the first time since 2022
Data: Freddie Mac via Fred ; Chart: Axios Visuals The average rate on the 30-year mortgage dipped below 6% for the first time since 2022, per closely watched Freddie Mac data released Thursday. Why it matters: Lower home loan rates may help juice the housing market, which has been in the dumps since interest rates first spiked four years ago. Between the lines: It's also a boost for President Trump, who boasted about mortgage rates coming down in his State of the Union's address Tuesday. Yes, but: Higher home costs and widespread economic uncertainty is also holding back the real estate market.
Data: Freddie Mac via Fred ; Chart: Axios Visuals The average rate on the 30-year mortgage dipped below 6% for the first time since 2022, per closely watched Freddie Mac data released Thursday. Why it matters: Lower home loan rates may help juice the housing market, which has been in the dumps since interest rates first spiked four years ago. Between the lines: It's also a boost for President Trump, who boasted about mortgage rates coming down in his State of the Union's address Tuesday. Yes, but: Higher home costs and widespread economic uncertainty is also holding back the real estate market.Open
AXIOS (Andrew Solender) - House Democratic leaders to force vote on reining in Trump's Iran war powers
House Democratic leadership on Thursday announced plans to force a vote next week on a resolution that would require President Trump to seek congressional authorization to use military force in Iran . Why it matters: The vote has a chance to pass in the House, with even some House Republicans expressing opposition as the White House inches closer to a potential major war in the Middle East. - Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), a staunch anti-interventionist, is leading the war powers effort with progressive Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.). - "I have asked for a classified briefing defining the mission in Iran. In the absence of new information, I will support the War Powers resolution in the House next week," Rep. Warren Davidson (R-Ohio) posted to…
House Democratic leadership on Thursday announced plans to force a vote next week on a resolution that would require President Trump to seek congressional authorization to use military force in Iran . Why it matters: The vote has a chance to pass in the House, with even some House Republicans expressing opposition as the White House inches closer to a potential major war in the Middle East. - Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), a staunch anti-interventionist, is leading the war powers effort with progressive Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.). - "I have asked for a classified briefing defining the mission in Iran. In the absence of new information, I will support the War Powers resolution in the House next week," Rep. Warren Davidson (R-Ohio) posted to…Open
NPR (Stephan Bisaha) - Mortgage rates fall below 6% for the first time in years
The average home loan rate has dropped below 6% for the first time since 2022. Will that help thaw the frozen housing market?
The average home loan rate has dropped below 6% for the first time since 2022. Will that help thaw the frozen housing market?Open
NYTIMES (Sachi Kitajima Mulkey) - Sorry, SpaceX: It’s Getting Too Crowded Up There
Elon Musk wants to launch a million satellites, but researchers say global warming is changing the upper atmosphere in ways that makes space junk linger.
NYTIMES (Natan Odenheimer) - Israeli Intelligence Agent Charged in Smuggling Goods Into Gaza
The indictment against an agent of the Shin Bet security agency added to a growing list of Israelis accused of exploiting their positions in the security forces to profit from the war in Gaza.
NYTIMES (Simon Romero) - Venezuela’s Capital, Laid Low by Misrule, Is Stirring Back to Life
New restaurants are popping up in Caracas. Nightclubs are bursting at the seams. The streets are eerily safe — with big exceptions. Could a revival be on the horizon?
AXIOS (Kate Santaliz) - Hillary Clinton testifies she never met Epstein, accuses GOP of "cover-up"
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton testified that she has no new information regarding Jeffrey Epstein's criminal activities during a deposition before the House Oversight Committee on Thursday. Why it matters: Bill and Hillary Clinton's depositions on Thursday and Friday mark the first time a former first couple has appeared before a congressional panel under subpoena. - They cap a months-long standoff with House Republicans that nearly led to the Clintons being held in contempt of Congress . - "You have compelled me to testify, fully aware that I have no knowledge that would assist your investigation, in order to distract attention from President Trump's actions and to cover them up despite legitimate calls for answers,"…
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton testified that she has no new information regarding Jeffrey Epstein's criminal activities during a deposition before the House Oversight Committee on Thursday. Why it matters: Bill and Hillary Clinton's depositions on Thursday and Friday mark the first time a former first couple has appeared before a congressional panel under subpoena. - They cap a months-long standoff with House Republicans that nearly led to the Clintons being held in contempt of Congress . - "You have compelled me to testify, fully aware that I have no knowledge that would assist your investigation, in order to distract attention from President Trump's actions and to cover them up despite legitimate calls for answers,"…Open
ABCNEWS - WATCH: Cuba says four killed on Florida-registered speedboat were attempting 'infiltration'
Four people on a speedboat were killed and six injured in a "confrontation" near Cuba after those on the U.S.-registered vessel opened fire on Cuban troops, the Cuban Ministry of the Interior said.