What's Happening

Politics

Is the Election One Big Vibe Check?

What's going on: When VP Kamala Harris announced Gov. Tim Walz (D-MN) as her running mate, the internet was hyped, declaring he had “peak Midwestern-dad vibes.” The New York Times called Walz “the vibes pick for a vibes election.” But, what do “vibes” actually mean in a political context? Vibes have always been elusive (you don’t define them, you feel them), but, politically, they may be measured in excitement, ambiance, and “auramaxxing” at rallies. Essentially, it's a fresh way to gauge so-called likeability, a similarly slippery quality that politicians have been trying to chase and measurefor, well, forever. For instance, in 2004, many credited George W. Bush’s win to a poll that found 57% of undecided voters would rather drink a beer with Bush than his opponent. Similar polls emerged during the 2016 presidential race — most said they'd rather have a brew with former President Trump over Hillary Clinton, though voters were split on who they'd invite into their home for dinner.

What it means: Both parties have tried to capitalize on the squishy notion of vibes during this election — whether they were making brat memes or hiring Kid Rock to play their convention. There's also been a stark change in “vibes” (and enthusiasm) since Harris replaced President Biden on the ticket. But are vibes enough? And should they be? Many scholars have criticized the likeability question as being influenced by a society that tends to judge people based on race, sex, and religion. Plus, behind every politician with a big personality is a list of their policies, which, um, are worth checking out too. Independent voters, in particular, have grappled with whether to vote based on policy vs. personality in recent elections. We'll see what kind of vibes Trump and Harris bring to their debate next month. 

Related: Trump Took a Private Jet Ride With This Project 2025 Leader (WaPo Gift Link)

Money

Mortgage Rates Drop to Lowest Level in Over a Year

What's going on:  It’s been hard out there for prospective homebuyers, but things are starting to look up — as mortgage rates go down. There was a sharp drop in the average rate on the standard 30-year fixed mortgage, which is the most common house loan in the US. The rate averaged 6.47% this week, a steep decline from last week’s 6.73% and the lowest it’s been since May 2023. Economists attribute this drop to turbulence in the global financial markets, which caused major financial indexes to plunge earlier in the week — TGIF, right? This market instability has increased the likelihood that the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates next month, potentially setting off a domino effect that benefits homebuyers and sellers. 

What it means:  The decline in mortgage rates could make it easier for first-time homebuyers to enter the market and allow current homeowners to refinance. While economists are optimistic that borrowing costs could drop even further this year, it’s important to note that these rate reductions aren’t a magic solution for making homeownership accessible for all. For many, the prospect of actually buying a home remains out of reach, despite the positive trend.

Related: Is This $80K Tiny Home Worth It? (It Does Have A Deck) (People)

Sports

Basketball Stars Bond Over More Than Going for Gold

What's going on: The female athletes have been shining at the Paris Olympics — particularly the moms putting in overtime. Case in point: Team USA’s women’s basketball team. WNBA stars have taken their talents to the Games as they eye their eighth consecutive gold medal, and some brought their kids along to experience the magic of the Olympics. It inspired USA Basketball to host the Paris Toddler Olympics — where everyone got a gold medal. The women’s team hopes to host a birthday party for power forward Breanna Stewart’s daughter ahead of their semifinal match-up against Australia today.

What it means: Child care has long been an issue (and still is) in the US for working parents. One report found that parents in some states and the District of Columbia pay at least double in child care costs for two children compared to what they pay for rent. The issue has been central to salary negotiations in the WNBA, which has improved its policies for working moms to include a child care stipend and better maternity leave. At this year’s Olympic Games, mothers are finally getting the recognition they deserve, including the Egyptian fencer who competed while seven months pregnant and gold medal-winning New Zealand rowers. As Sabrina Ionescu put it, “You can’t really put into words like how strong these women are.”

Related: Here Are the Olympic Bromances You Need to Know About (theSkimm’s Well Played)