The Thursday Flyover Replay : Refinance Applications Surge, a Wooden Skyscraper, and Stonehenge Meteor Storm

The Thursday Flyover Replay : Refinance Applications Surge, a Wooden Skyscraper, and Stonehenge Meteor Storm

Presented by Russell Sherrard,

Narrated by Artificial Intelligence,

THE FLYOVER,

Thursday, AUGUST 15, 2024,

Good Morning! On this day in 1914, the Panama Canal opened for traffic. The SS Ancon, a cargo and passenger ship, was the first vessel to navigate the canal.

We hope you enjoyed reading today’s Flyover. Let us know how we’re doing by replying to Russell Sherrard at russellsherrard@reagan.com.

The sponsors keep the tanks full around here. Be sure to check out today’s sponsors.

TAKEOFF,

Mortgage Refinancing Surges,

Mortgage refinancing applications surged 35% last week and were up 118% compared to a year ago, as homeowners responded to a significant drop in mortgage rates over the past month.

The average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage fell slightly to 6.54% last week, but it was enough to increase the refinance share of mortgage activity to 48.6% of total applications, up from 41.7% the previous week and 29% a year ago.

In contrast, applications for home purchase mortgages rose just 3% for the week and remained 8% lower than a year ago, as buyers still face high home prices and low supply.

No Solution Yet for Stranded Astronauts,

NASA said Wednesday it would delay any decision on how to bring its two stranded astronauts home until the end of August while it works out several technical issues.

The astronauts, Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams, launched on Boeing’s Starliner in June 2024 for a planned eight-day mission but have been stuck there for over two months due to technical problems, including helium leaks and thruster failures.

Another complication is that switching the return flight to a SpaceX Crew Dragon ship would require the astronauts to travel without their specially designed spacesuits, which would raise new risks.

List: Overlooked U.S. Natural Wonders,

A list showcasing lesser-known U.S. scenic wonders includes unique rock formations, powerful waterfalls, and a beach strewn with “bowling balls.”

Aquatic marvels are heavily featured on the list. There’s Thor’s Well, a large sinkhole off the coast of Oregon known as the “gate to hell,” and California’s Bumpass Hell, a geothermal area named after a man who lost his leg there.

Other distinctive geological formations include Michigan’s Turnip Rock, Arizona’s Devil’s Bridge Trailhead, and Wisconsin’s ancient Apostle Islands Sea Caves.

Virginia’s Luray Caverns is highlighted for music lovers: Knocking on the hanging stalactites can produce an otherworldly melody.

POLITICS,

The U.S. approved a $20 billion arms sale to Israel on Tuesday, including fighter jets and munitions, sending a strong message of support amid threats from Iran and Hezbollah.

President Biden on Wednesday called for Syria to “immediately” release journalist Austin Tice on the 12th anniversary of his disappearance, stating that the U.S. knows Syria has Tice, despite its denial.

Republican and former NBA player Royce White on Tuesday defeated Joe Fraser in the Minnesota primary election and will face incumbent Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar on the November ballot.

A federal judge on Tuesday issued a preliminary injunction against UCLA, saying the university cannot allow Jewish students to be barred from classes and campus amid anti-Israel protests.

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Now, back to the News.

SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT,

New York Yankees star Juan Soto hit three home runs in a game for the first time in his career Tuesday night, connecting in three consecutive at-bats in a 4-1 victory over the Chicago White Sox.

Minnesota Vikings rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy will miss the entire 2024 NFL season after tearing the meniscus in his right knee during Saturday’s preseason victory over the Las Vegas Raiders.

The Dallas Cowboys became the first sports franchise in history to be valued at over $10 billion. No other NFL team is even within $2 billion of Dallas.

FINANCE,

Big Stock Move: Reborn Coffee, Inc. shares surged by 35% on Wednesday following the announcement of its expansion into China.

U.S. inflation fell to a 3-year low of 2.9% in July, signaling potential Fed rate cuts. Consumer prices rose 0.2% from June, with housing costs driving most increases.

Victoria’s Secret names Hillary Super, former CEO of Savage X Fenty, as its new chief executive to accelerate growth and appeal to younger consumers.

The U.S. Department of Justice is reportedly considering breaking up Google following an antitrust ruling, potentially forcing divestment of Android, AdWords, and Chrome.

SCIENCE AND TECH,

Images of colorful auroras, sandworm-shaped clouds of cosmic dust, and solar eruptions have made the shortlist for the Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2024 competition.

Scientists compared samples of Stonehenge’s “altar stone” with those of others across Britain and determined its likely origin to be Scotland, meaning Neolithic people hauled the 6-ton stone more than 450 miles.

Speaking of Stonehenge, a photographer took advantage of last weekend’s Perseid meteor shower and captured an astonishing photo of fireballs raining down on the prehistoric monument.

THE ROTATOR,
Thursday Polling Station,

Americans view most federal agencies favorably, though Republicans have grown more critical of the Justice Department, a new survey reveals. The National Park Service, Postal Service, and NASA garner top ratings across party lines.

An AP-NORC poll found that 69% of Americans say extreme heat is impacting their electricity bills, while 57% report it affecting outdoor activities.

A University of Rochester study found that the tech community is more polarized about artificial intelligence than the general public.

ET CETERA,

Milwaukee plans to build a 55-story timber skyscraper, potentially reaching 600 feet, more than doubling than current world record—also held by a Milwaukee building.

Timelapse video captured the Northern Lights and Perseid meteor shower simultaneously over Erin Prairie, Wisconsin.

A manhunt is still underway for Ramone Alston, a convicted murderer who escaped custody Tuesday en route to a North Carolina hospital. A $35,000 reward was offered for information leading to his capture.

Daily Quote,

“It’s an accident, so we have to accept it, and mistakes will happen.”

— Resident Gobi Penugonda on cable workers smashing a water main in a New Jersey neighborhood, causing the eruption of a massive geyser and forcing the area to close.

And thats the news for today.

And Now, A word From one of Our Sponsors,

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