Average 30-year US mortgage rate climbs to 6.55%, highest level in nearly a year

July 18, 2026

The average long-term U.S. mortgage rate climbed this week to its highest level in nearly a year, driving up borrowing costs for prospective homebuyers. The benchmark 30-year fixed rate mortgage rate rose to 6.55% from 6.49% last week, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday. One year ago, the average rate was 6.75%. Higher mortgage rates can add hundreds of dollars a month in costs for borrowers, limiting homebuyers’ purchasing power at a time when affordability challenges continue to sideline many aspiring homeowners. Mortgage rates are influenced by several factors, from the ...

Pajama Factory named to list of America’s fastest-growing, mission-driven companies

July 11, 2026

WILLIAMSPORT — Pajama Factory recently announced it was selected as a winner of the inaugural PurposeBuilt100, an exclusive national recognition honoring the 100 fastest-growing mission-driven businesses in America. The distinction places Pajama Factory among a select group of ...

PepsiCo says economic concerns weighed on customers in North American during recent quarter

July 11, 2026

NEW YORK (AP) — PepsiCo reported stronger-than-expected revenue in the second quarter despite weaker demand in North America, where it said consumers tightened their budgets as the Iran war caused gas prices to spike. “I think the consumer is worse than what we had anticipated, and ...

Local tree trimmers rescue puppies

June 27, 2026

PHOTO PROVIDED While supporting storm restoration efforts in the Albany, N.Y. area, a tree trimming crew from Patriot Tree Surgeons, LLC, was focused on helping communities recover from the storm and restoring service where it was needed the most. During the deployment, a local resident ...

Local Pizza Hut celebrates employees with special week

June 20, 2026

LAURA TARANTELLA/THE EXPRESS Employees and management at Pizza Hut in Flemington pose for a photo during Dinosaur Day, one of several themed celebrations held during Employee Appreciation Week. General Manager Celina Dix organized a variety of themed days throughout the week to recognize and ...

Average 30-year U.S. mortgage rate falls to 6.47%, tracking lower bond yields as Iran war winds down

June 20, 2026

WASHINGTON (AP) — The average long-term U.S. mortgage rate fell this week, tracking Treasury yields that have retreated since a deal to end the war with Iran was announced. The benchmark 30-year fixed rate mortgage rate fell to 6.47% from 6.52% last week, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday. One year ago, the average rate was 6.81%. Borrowing costs on 15-year fixed-rate mortgages, often sought by borrowers refinancing a home loan, also came down this week. That average rate fell to 5.81% from 5.84% last week. A year ago, it was at 5.96%, Freddie Mac said. Mortgage rates are ...