The reopening comes after US agriculture inspectors gave the all-clear, allowing cattle imports to resume under new safeguards that include rigorous testing and inspections before they even reach the border. The measures are aimed at preventing the spread of the flesh-eating fly larva, which threatens the $113 billion US cattle industry. Containment efforts have already had a significant impact on local communities, including job losses and disrupted trade.

The port at Columbus, New Mexico is the third to resume importing Mexican cattle under these new protocols, which involve multiple layers of treatment and inspection before animals are allowed to cross into the country. This includes tests, shots, and thorough inspections that take place before livestock even approach the border. By implementing these additional measures, officials and ranchers in both countries hope to restore confidence in the safety of imported cattle.

The New World screwworm has caused significant disruptions to local economies and trade, particularly for communities reliant on cattle imports. With the reopening of this crossing, there is potential for some relief from the strain on beef supplies due to drought-depleted herds. However, experts warn that shoppers should not expect a rapid decrease in prices anytime soon.

The parasite responsible for screwworm, a significant livestock disease, was largely eradicated in the US in the 1960s after being an annual scourge. However, it reappeared in Mexico in 2024 and made its way into Texas in June, marking the first confirmed case in the country.

Since then, more than 60 cases have been reported in Texas and New Mexico, affecting cattle, sheep, goats, horses, and even dogs. The outbreak has also spread to wildlife, with a recent confirmation of screwworm infestation in an elk discovered by a hunter.

The US imports approximately one million head of cattle annually from Mexico, but the current situation requires caution and careful management to prevent further animal health risks. According to Dudley Hoskins, undersecretary for the Department of Agriculture, it will take time to return to pre-outbreak import levels while maintaining vigilance against screwworm.

Cattle passing through key border ports like Columbus and Santa Teresa near El Paso are a crucial part of the US-Mexico livestock trade. Gerardo Fierro, executive director of the New Mexico Border Authority, estimates that this trade generates $1 billion in value for the area each year.

The reopening of the Columbus port is expected to facilitate the safe and legal movement of cattle through these ports, provided that animal health risks can be managed at an acceptable level. This will involve ongoing monitoring and mitigation efforts to prevent further screwworm infestations.

The reopening of a border crossing for cattle in New Mexico has brought relief to local ranchers whose livelihoods were severely impacted by the closure due to screwworm infestations. The community had seen a significant decline in jobs and tax revenue as ranchers stopped crossing into the state, resulting in lost sales on supplies, lodging, and food.

The reopening is indeed a welcome development for the region, with one rancher expressing his gratitude: "This means a lot." Another border crossing in Arizona is also set to reopen later this year, providing further opportunities for cattle trade between the two countries.

To ensure the safe movement of cattle across the border, a rigorous process has been put in place. Private veterinarians check for diseases such as tuberculosis at the ranches before the animals are transported to Mexico, where they undergo additional inspections by Mexican government-accredited veterinarians.

These checks include thorough head-to-tail examinations by US Department of Agriculture (USDA) officials while the cattle are still in Mexico. The final step involves dipping, a process where the cows are immersed in insecticide vats to eliminate any remaining parasites.

The government's long-standing effort to control flesh-eating screwworm has led to a significant breakthrough, paving the way for a border crossing to reopen.

A new $610 million factory in Texas is being built to produce 300 million sterile flies per week, supplementing existing facilities in Mexico and Panama. These sterile male flies are released from planes to mate with wild females, ultimately leading to their demise and a reduction in screwworm populations.

The reopening of the border crossing has provided Mexican ranchers with a market for their feeder cattle once again. However, U.S. ranchers will need time to rebuild herds that have dwindled due to years of drought, resulting in higher prices for supplies.

ABC News Health: https://abcnews.com/Health/wireStory/tighter-checks-flesh-eating-screwworm-border-crossing-reopens-137581016

Alaska's vast size is often underestimated by visitors, who assume that it's easy to drive from one attraction to another. However, the reality is that our road network is limited, and traveling long distances can be time-consuming.

One of the most significant misconceptions about Alaska is its size, if we were divided into two states, each half would be larger than Texas. This makes it essential for visitors to plan their itinerary carefully and consider alternative transportation methods, such as flying or taking a guided tour.

For example, some attractions and activities are seasonal, and tourists may find that certain experiences they had hoped to enjoy are not available during their visit.

Alaska's vast size and limited road network mean that driving from one community to another can be a time-consuming affair. In fact, it's not uncommon for people to spend hours behind the wheel traveling between larger towns.

This can make it difficult to see everything Alaska has to offer in just one trip. The state is so large that even with careful planning, tourists may find themselves having to skip certain attractions or activities.

One way to avoid this problem is to focus on getting a feel for each community you visit rather than trying to rush through multiple destinations. By giving yourself some extra time in each place, you can take advantage of unexpected opportunities and be more flexible when the weather doesn't cooperate.

For instance, if you're planning to hike or kayak, be prepared for changing weather conditions that might force you to adjust your plans on short notice.

We often take for granted what is considered "outside" to locals, but for Alaskans, it's any place outside their home state. This mindset can be particularly relevant when planning a trip to Alaska, where some visitors may not realize that the state has its own unique customs and norms.

When navigating Alaska's roads, it's essential to remember that the state doesn't use numerical designations for highways like other places do. Instead, highways are named after notable figures or geographical features, which can make it easier to get around but also requires some adjustments on the part of visitors who rely heavily on GPS.

Some popular attractions and activities in Alaska have specific seasonal availability. The northern lights, a major draw for many tourists, can typically be seen between late August and late April. This means that planning a trip during these months may increase your chances of witnessing this natural phenomenon.

Many Alaskan towns offer cultural centers where visitors can learn about the state's rich Native heritage. These facilities often serve as both visitor information hubs and museums, providing an immersive experience into Alaska Native traditions and customs.

Visitors to Alaska often overlook the importance of adapting to unpredictable weather conditions. The state's volatile climate can be a challenge for tourists who assume they can plan their activities around fixed schedules.

Wildlife viewing in Alaska is also subject to unexpected changes, as animals roam freely and don't follow traditional patterns or timetables. This unpredictability makes it essential for visitors to remain flexible with their plans and be prepared for sudden changes in the weather or wildlife behavior.

While dressing in layers can help tourists stay comfortable, a critical element is wearing protective outerwear that shields against rain, wind, and other harsh elements.

Business Insider: https://www.businessinsider.com/alaska-mistakes-to-avoid-from-local-tips-2026-10

Peralta, a former member of the Brewers' pitching staff, is set to face his old team for what could be his final start with Tampa Bay as a pending free agent. He has been a key contributor to the Rays' rotation this season and will look to help them even up the series.

The game is scheduled to start at 8 PM ET on Fox, and there are no weather concerns that might impact play. The Rays are listed as -120 favorites at DraftKings, but despite their popularity with bettors, they're actually taking a relatively small percentage of wagers.

According to betting trends, there's a strong lean towards the Over on the total of 7 runs, which could indicate that fans and bettors alike expect a high-scoring game. The Brewers are still favored to win the series in five games, with odds of +210.

The Brewers' task in Game 3 will be to contain their former teammates from the Rays, who have been grinding out victories throughout this postseason. To do so, they'll need to play a clean game, free of errors that can give opponents momentum.

Milwaukee's experience with comebacks is well-documented, having overcome four-run deficits on two separate occasions in these playoffs. This feat has only been achieved by five teams in MLB history, with the Brewers joining an exclusive group alongside the Phillies from 2022. Their ability to rally from adversity is a testament to their strong team management.

The Brewers' winning streak of seven games in the postseason is a new team record, with no other club having achieved such a feat since Texas notched eight consecutive victories in 2023. Moreover, Milwaukee has dominated opponents in the late innings, outscoring them by an impressive 15-2 margin from the seventh inning onwards.

Their ability to close out games has been a key factor in their success, and it will be crucial as they look to wrap up the series against the Rays. A sweep would make history for the Brewers, who aim to become the first club since the LCS became a best-of-seven format in 1985 to achieve this feat.

The stakes are high for both teams, with neither wanting to suffer a sweep in the World Series. The last time it happened was in 2012, when the Tigers defeated the Giants.

The Milwaukee Brewers' playoff wins have been largely thanks to their relief pitchers, who have earned victories in eight of nine postseason games this year.

Robert Gasser will take the mound for Game 3 against the Tampa Bay Rays, marking his first full season as a major league starter after debuting three years ago. In those 20 starts, he compiled a respectable record and ERA despite facing tough opponents.

Gasser's performance in the playoffs has been limited to just two appearances so far, but he has yet to receive a decision in either outing. His numbers are impressive, however, with only six hits allowed over nine innings pitched.

The SportsLine Projection Model is calling for Gasser to pitch around 5.4 innings, striking out approximately 4.8 batters while allowing 4.4 hits and 1.9 earned runs against the Rays.

The Brewers' Freddy Peralta is set to face his former team, the Rays, in Game 3 of the World Series after being traded away from Milwaukee.

Peralta's performance since joining Tampa Bay has been impressive, with him not allowing more than one earned run in any outing since August 26. In the playoffs, he boasts a stellar record of 2-0, along with a hold and a minuscule ERA of 1.08 over four appearances spanning 16.2 innings.

In his most recent outing against the Brewers while still with the Mets on July 20, Peralta was rocked for seven runs over five and a third innings. His former teammates Andrew Vaughn and Cooper Pratt both hit home runs off him that day.

The SportsLine Projection Model forecasts Peralta to pitch around 5.1 innings in Game 3, striking out approximately 5.2 batters while allowing 4.8 hits against the Rays.

Peralta has a strong track record at Tropicana Field, boasting a 1.45 ERA over seven starts since joining Tampa Bay, with 37 and a third innings pitched.

Tropicana Field has hosted a World Series game only once since 2008, and it's clear that home-field advantage plays a significant role there.

The model predicts a close contest between the two teams, favoring the Brewers with a score of 4.3-3.7, but some experts have opted for Tampa Bay +1 as insurance, recognizing the potential for a competitive game.

CBS Sports: https://www.cbssports.com/betting/news/brewers-vs-rays-world-series-game-3-picks-freddy-peralta-aims-to-handle-former-club-make-this-a-series/

This trend is evident in several key states, where retiring or ousted GOP incumbents are choosing not to get involved in the campaigns of those seeking to replace them. In Texas, for instance, outgoing Senator John Cornyn has raised money for various Republican Senate candidates, but has not extended the same support to Attorney General Ken Paxton.

Paxton's primary victory over Cornyn was backed by Trump, and since then, Cornyn has been vocal about his concerns regarding Paxton's vulnerabilities as a candidate. He has even suggested that Democrats could potentially flip Texas blue for the first time in decades.

In North Carolina, Senator Thom Tillis is another example of an outgoing Republican who appears to be distancing himself from his party's chosen candidate, former RNC Chair Michael Whatley. Despite their differences with Trump on policy, Tillis has played a relatively minor role in supporting Whatley's campaign against Democrat Roy Cooper.

Tillis' reluctance to get involved in the North Carolina Senate campaign is particularly noteworthy given Whatley's struggles to close the gap with Cooper.

Outgoing Republicans are facing criticism for their reluctance to support their potential successors in key Senate battlegrounds.

Several lawmakers have come to the defense of these outgoing senators, citing their past contributions to the party and its successes.

North Dakota Senator Kevin Cramer praised Thom Tillis and John Cornyn, stating that they "have contributed immensely" to the party's achievements.

Cramer's comments reflect a growing divide within the Republican Party, with some members seeking a return to pre-Trump era priorities and values.

This tension is playing out in several Senate battlegrounds where Republicans are struggling to maintain their seats.

The lack of support from outgoing Republican lawmakers is proving to be a significant challenge for their potential successors.

In North Carolina's Senate race, Thom Tillis' decision not to seek reelection last year has been cited as one reason why his former colleague Mark Meadows hasn't been more actively involved in the campaign.

However, some argue that Meadows could have made a difference if he had chosen to stay in the state and help keep the seat competitive.

By failing to do so, the party is now facing a potential wipeout on November 3.

Many Republicans who are stepping down from office this year are choosing not to endorse their successors, a move that has drawn criticism from more Trump-aligned forces within the party.

Some of these outgoing lawmakers have been vocal in their criticism of the party's increasingly polarized politics, with Representative Mark Amodei from Nevada suggesting that the only criteria for supporting a candidate should be whether they are genuinely qualified for the role.

The issue of party loyalty has become a contentious one, with some Trump-aligned groups accusing moderate Republicans of "bedwetting for not falling in line behind the party's most extreme candidates.

Despite facing criticism from within their own party, these outgoing lawmakers have continued to campaign for fellow Republicans, attending events and fundraisers for Senate candidates such as Susan Collins of Maine, Jon Husted of Ohio, and Dan Sullivan of Alaska.

Brian Kemp's endorsement and public support for Mike Collins' Senate campaign have been welcomed by some of Collins' allies, who believe the governor should be more actively involved in helping Republicans win their seats.

A GOP strategist working on races in Georgia expressed frustration that Kemp has not done enough to help Collins' campaign, saying he needs to be on the trail and someone who needs to help if Republicans are going to win". The strategist spoke anonymously due to internal party dynamics.

In response to criticism, a representative for Kemp referred to Collins' statement of support, indicating the governor's involvement in the campaign is limited to public endorsements and fundraisers. Despite this, some Republicans remain unsatisfied with Kemp's level of engagement.

Across the country, other frustrated Republicans have criticized Trump's interference in Senate primaries, accusing him of supporting candidates who are deemed too weak for their roles. Some point to South Carolina as an example of the president's influence.

Rep. Ralph Norman has refused to campaign alongside Sen. Darline Graham, who defeated him in the primary with Trump's backing. Graham faces scrutiny over her lack of experience in elected office and is being outpaced by Democrat Annie Andrews in fundraising efforts.

Norman's decision not to back Graham is a reflection of his own disappointment with Trump's treatment of South Carolina, which he believes was unfair.

In contrast, other outgoing Republicans are showing their support for their handpicked successors, defending them against criticism and attacks. For instance, Bacon is throwing his weight behind Brinker Harding, an Omaha city councilmember who is vying to replace him in a blue-leaning Nebraska district where Bacon's departure has left a power vacuum.

This loyalty to their chosen candidates is evident even when they are not the most popular choice among party members.

Politico: https://www.politico.com/news/2026/10/26/republicans-trump-spurned-cornyn-tillis-amodei-01134258

Hinojosa, a 52-year-old civil rights and labor lawyer, has been representing parts of Austin in the Texas House since 2017. If elected, she would be the first female governor in three decades and the first Democrat to hold the position in over thirty years. According to recent polling data, Abbott currently leads Hinojosa by a margin of four percentage points, with 52% of voters supporting him compared to 48% for her.

The recent controversy surrounding public schools in Texas has sparked bipartisan anger towards Governor Greg Abbott. According to Hinojosa, this widespread discontent is a clear indication that her agenda is not limited to any particular party's ideology.

Hinojosa emphasized that her populist approach aims to benefit all Texans, rather than adhering to traditional partisan lines. She highlighted the issue of data centers as an area where both parties can find common ground, citing concerns over their impact on local communities and rural areas in Texas.

The campaign trail in Texas has seen its share of intense debates and discussions on various issues. Governor Abbott's administration has been vocal about its priorities, which include making Texas a leader in education, implementing stricter regulations for data centers, eliminating tax incentives for these facilities, and reducing costs for working families.

Hinojosa, her opponent, is banking on high voter turnout and enthusiasm among her supporters to secure a win. With Texas being a traditionally red state for over three decades, she faces an uphill battle. However, she remains confident about her chances in next week's election.

CBS News Politics: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/gina-hinojosa-texas-governors-race-face-the-nation/

The simulation was published in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society and is set to provide astronomers with a valuable tool for testing theories about the cosmos. By comparing observations from telescopes such as the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) and the Nancy Roman Space Telescope with Lumina's predictions, scientists can determine whether their understanding of the universe remains accurate or requires revision.

The JWST and Nancy Roman Space Telescope have been instrumental in uncovering the universe's earliest chapters in unprecedented detail. The new simulation will enable researchers to analyze these findings further, shedding light on how the cosmos evolved after the big bang.

Lumina's predictions can be compared with observations from various telescopes to assess the accuracy of existing theories about the universe's evolution. This comparison will help scientists determine whether new discoveries are required to rethink existing laws governing the universe.

The night sky has long been a source of fascination for astronomers, who have developed increasingly sophisticated models to explain the formation of stars, galaxies, and other cosmic structures. These theories are now being transformed into detailed predictions using supercomputer simulations.

These simulations allow researchers to test their theories against actual observations, providing opportunities for new insights into how the universe works when those predictions don't match up. When observations do align with predictions, confidence in existing theories grows.

The James Webb Space Telescope has opened up a new frontier in astrophysics by allowing scientists to study the early universe in unprecedented detail. To make sense of what they're seeing with this telescope, researchers need to translate their theories into detailed predictions that can be tested against observations.

Lumina is one such simulation, representing the largest cosmological radiation-hydrodynamics simulation ever created. This massive undertaking models how the fundamental ingredients of the universe, gas, dark matter, and light, interact to form stars and galaxies over vast distances.

The massive simulation covers a staggering 100 times more space than its predecessors, making it the largest of its kind in history. This vast expanse is equivalent to a cube measuring approximately 1.5 billion light-years on each side, mirroring the scale that astronomers can currently observe with their most advanced telescopes.

According to Aaron Smith, an assistant professor of physics at the University of Texas at Dallas and one of the study's authors, We feel incredibly fortunate to be working on simulations like Lumina." This groundbreaking model allows researchers to witness for the first time how both hydrogen and helium underwent significant transformations across such a vast volume of the universe.

The creation of Lumina required an enormous computing power, with over 15,000 graphics processing units working in tandem on Frontier, one of the world's fastest supercomputers, based at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee.

Frontier's incredible processing capabilities enabled researchers to model a previously unimaginable scale of the early universe while still maintaining the level of detail necessary for studying galaxy formation, star birth, and black hole development.

The Lumina simulation is being used to test new theories about the formation and evolution of the universe. Researchers are using this platform to explore various aspects of cosmic development, including how gases move between galaxies.

Studies utilizing the Lumina simulation will examine the impact of radiation from the big bang on the universe's evolution. Additionally, investigators will analyze the emergence of regions with intense star formation over time.

Future research will shed more light on the complex processes that shaped the early universe, thanks to the unprecedented capabilities provided by the Lumina platform.

Phys.org: https://phys.org/news/2026-10-lumina-simulation-early-universe-life.html

However, state and local officials hold significant sway over data center development and energy infrastructure, making them crucial players in determining the future of the economy. As such, the outcome of lower-profile races may have a more profound impact on the nation's economic trajectory than the elections for federal offices.

Major tech companies, known as hyperscalers, are projected to spend upwards of $1 trillion by 2027 alone, with significant portions dedicated to artificial intelligence research and development. Analysts at JPMorgan estimate that AI-related investment was responsible for approximately one-fifth of GDP growth over the past year.

ING analysts forecast that AI will account for a third of economic growth in 2026, highlighting its increasingly prominent role in driving national economic output.

The outcome of this year's midterm elections may have significant implications for the US economy, particularly when it comes to state and local governance. According to some analysts, the direction of economic growth is more closely tied to state-level decision-making than national politics.

This dynamic was on full display in Virginia, where Amazon recently canceled plans to build data centers in Loudoun County after reaching an agreement with local officials amidst growing opposition from residents. The tech giant had bought property for the project in February for $427 million but ultimately decided not to proceed due to community backlash.

The decision is seen as a victory for local voices and highlights the challenges faced by companies seeking to build data centers in areas where there is significant public resistance. In contrast, Texas has emerged as another key hub for AI development, with Republican Governor Greg Abbott shifting from a strong supporter of data center projects to a more cautious stance amid his re-election bid.

As state-level politics continue to shape the future of data center construction, some economists are warning that local elections may pose a greater risk to this industry than national politics. With midterms just around the corner, companies and policymakers alike will be closely watching the outcome as it impacts their growth prospects and economic development strategies.

Regulations have already been relaxed under the current administration to facilitate data center construction, but any comprehensive legislation in Congress will be a slow process, according to industry experts.

Meanwhile, local officials pose an immediate threat through various means such as imposing moratoriums, conducting lengthy environmental reviews, and creating bottlenecks in connecting new data centers to the power grid.

The key midterm races that could impact data center development are taking place in states like Texas, the Carolinas, Ohio, Illinois, and Wisconsin, where local opposition to new data centers is a major concern.

If anti-data center sentiments prevail in these elections, it could shift the focus of the 2028 presidential election campaign towards regulating the industry, potentially creating a more hostile environment for developers.

Despite the potential regulatory hurdles, the economic impact of a moratorium on new data centers would be delayed by six to eight quarters, as most of their value comes from the computing equipment inside, which is typically purchased after construction has begun.

The economic impact of the AI boom is expected to continue supporting business investment over the next couple of years, despite any potential slowdown in spending. This prediction comes from analysts who believe that a moratorium on new data centers may actually be beneficial for the sector.

A recent note from Morgan Stanley Wealth Management highlights the solid growth and strong earnings still being experienced by AI companies, with the long-term investment cycle remaining intact. Additionally, factors such as ongoing power deficits, a shortage of skilled labor to build data centers, and political opposition to new data center construction may elongate the AI investment cycle, reducing the likelihood of a market correction.

Fortune: https://fortune.com/2026/10/25/midterm-elections-house-senate-economy-gdp-growth-state-local-races-data-centers-blue-wave/

The effects are being felt nationwide as buyers become increasingly scarce due to high mortgage rates and rising home prices. Sellers who can afford it are choosing to pull their listings from the market, while others are being forced to lower their asking prices and contribute thousands of dollars towards buyer costs.

A stark contrast has emerged from the earlier part of this decade when sellers frequently received offers above their initial price. The surge in mortgage rates, coupled with years of rising home prices and high inflation, has brought the market to a standstill. As a result, many buyers are being priced out of the market or delaying purchases in anticipation of more favorable conditions.

The imbalance between supply and demand has created a difficult situation for sellers who must weigh their options carefully. Those who can afford it may choose to be more aggressive with price cuts and concessions in order to attract buyers. Others will need to consider holding out, even if it means putting major life plans on hold indefinitely.

As the market continues to stall, homeowners are facing an uncertain future. With sellers outnumbering buyers and mortgage rates remaining high, the outlook is bleak for those who rely on selling their home to move forward with their lives. The situation will likely continue to unfold in the coming months as buyers and sellers navigate this challenging landscape.

The stagnant real estate market has forced many homeowners to reevaluate their asking prices in order to attract buyers. This shift towards a more buyer-friendly market means sellers must be prepared to make concessions and potentially lower their prices to secure a sale.

For some homeowners, this reality is all too familiar. Liz Suder, for instance, had been trying to sell her four-bedroom home in Murphy, Texas, for over a year. Initially listed at $750,000 in April 2025, the price was repeatedly lowered as the months went by without a sale.

The situation has become increasingly challenging for sellers like Suder, who must navigate a complex and unpredictable market. With many buyers hesitant to make offers due to concerns about affordability and market volatility, sellers are being forced to get creative in their marketing efforts.

As the homebuying season approaches, Suder's experience serves as a cautionary tale for those considering listing their properties. In her case, it took repeated price reductions and a sweetened deal, including $9,000 towards repairs, to finally secure an offer at $650,000.

Suder's story highlights the difficulties faced by homeowners in a stagnant market where buyers hold the upper hand. As prices remain high and sales slow, sellers must be prepared to adapt their strategies and make concessions to attract buyers.

Homeowners like Rick Ganga are struggling to sell their properties as the housing market remains stagnant.

Ganga's three-bedroom, 2.5-bath house in Blaine, Washington, has been on the market since June 1 with an initial asking price of $825,000. Despite lowering the price to just under $800,000, he has received little interest from potential buyers.

The lack of offers and minimal traffic at his property is not unique to Ganga's situation. Many sellers in his neighborhood have been forced to drop their asking prices significantly, with some reducing theirs by as much as $100,000 or more.

However, Ganga's circumstances are different. He purchased the home just two years ago, which means he hasn't built up enough equity to lower the price without taking a significant loss.

The housing market downturn is having far-reaching consequences for homeowners like Ganga, who are being forced to put their plans on hold until they can sell their properties. For Ganga, this means delaying his transfer with his company to another state.

As mortgage rates continue to rise, the situation is unlikely to improve anytime soon, with the average 30-year rate surging to its highest level in nearly three years.

Homebuyers are increasingly asking sellers to cover part of their closing costs, a trend that's becoming more common in today's stagnant market. This practice has been around for a while, but higher mortgage rates have given buyers even more leverage to negotiate with sellers.

Senior economists at Realtor.com say this shift is indicative of the current market dynamics, where buyers are gaining an upper hand and forcing sellers to meet them halfway. The trend may be good news for home shoppers, but it's unlikely to address the underlying affordability issues that are keeping many prospective buyers out of the market.

The number of homebuyers in the 50 largest US metropolitan areas has been dwindling, with a recent analysis by Redfin showing a significant imbalance between buyers and sellers. Last month, there were about 63% more sellers than homebuyers across these regions, with the total number of buyers reaching its lowest point since 2013.

The considerable gap between buyers and sellers is likely to prolong the wait for homeowners like Ethan Butner, who has already accepted an offer on a new home but needs to sell his current property first. With more sellers than buyers in the market, it may take longer for him to find a buyer for his three-bathroom house in Troutdale, Oregon.

The homeowner's efforts to revamp his property have not yet yielded a buyer. Despite installing a new hot water heater and dishwasher, as well as replacing the flooring, the house remains unsold for over two months at its initial price of $480,000.

Butner has taken steps to make his three-bathroom home in Troutdale, Oregon more appealing to potential buyers. However, these efforts have not been enough to generate interest from a buyer willing and able to purchase the property at this time. The house remains on the market with a reduced asking price, but no sale has yet been secured.

Fortune: https://fortune.com/2026/10/25/housing-market-home-prices-buyers-sellers-supply-mortgage-rates/

Lucas, 82 years old, surrendered to law enforcement on Thursday morning as part of this process. She will be addressing the charges against her in court for the first time and faces five out of eight counts included in the indictment. The details surrounding these allegations remain unclear at present, with further information expected to emerge during the course of the legal proceedings.

At a press conference held earlier today in Norfolk, Virginia, Attorney General Todd Blanche addressed concerns that the timing of the charges may be politically motivated, given their proximity to the upcoming midterm elections. Blanche dismissed this notion, stating that Lucas is not on the ballot and thus does not pose an immediate threat to any particular candidate or party.

Federal investigators have been looking into allegations surrounding Virginia Democrat Louise Lucas for nearly six months, a timeframe that predates the current administration. This scrutiny began after law enforcement searched Lucas' office and her co-owned business, The Cannabis Outlet, in Portsmouth.

A spokesperson for Rep. Abigail Spanberger commented on the matter, emphasizing the importance of upholding the principle of presumed innocence until proven guilty in the American justice system. According to Spanberger, this standard applies equally to Senator Louise Lucas, who is at the center of the allegations.

In addition to Senator Lucas, several family members have been charged alongside her in the alleged scheme. These include her daughters, Lisa Lucas-Burke and Theresa Lucas-Lamb, as well as her grandson, Ryan Eichelberger.

The indictment's charges suggest that Senator Lucas' personal interests took precedence over her duties as a public servant. Medical marijuana is legal in Virginia, with licensed dispensaries allowed to sell it and individuals permitted to possess a certain amount for personal use.

Prosecutors have accused a prominent Virginia Democrat of violating state law by selling cannabis products from her dispensary that did not meet regulatory requirements. According to court documents, Lucas received multiple violation notices in 2023 and 2024 from the state's Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services related to The Cannabis Outlet.

Lucas was allegedly warned about the illegality of selling marijuana by a senior law enforcement official in multiple meetings, yet she continued to operate her dispensary. The indictment comes just weeks ahead of the November elections, where Lucas' daughter is running for the Portsmouth City Council.

The indictment of the Virginia Democrat has sparked debate about the timing and potential implications for the upcoming elections.

A key legislative achievement of Lucas involved pushing for a new congressional map through the Virginia Legislature, which added four Democratic-leaning seats and was approved in April via ballot referendum.

The map's approval was short-lived, however, as it was overturned by the Virginia Supreme Court in May, dealing a significant blow to state Democrats.

The controversy surrounding Virginia's proposed congressional district map has taken a dramatic turn. The map, which aimed to give Democrats an advantage in the state's electoral landscape, was seen as a retaliation against Republican efforts to redraw Texas' congressional map.

The map's approval was met with celebration from Democratic lawmakers, who took credit for their role in shaping it. One prominent Democrat even boasted on social media about her party's influence, saying "You all started it and we f*ing finished it," in reference to the earlier redistricting battle in Texas.

CBS News Politics: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/l-louise-lucas-charged-indictment-arrested-virginia/

For four weeks, the Longhorns' inconsistent play had yielded a 4-0 record and the top national ranking, including a dramatic win against Ohio State. However, Oklahoma exposed all of Texas's flaws in this game, forcing them to confront their mistakes head-on. The Sooners were initially expected to struggle on offense, but they managed to capitalize on the Longhorns' errors.

Texas handed Oklahoma a first-half touchdown when a blocked punt in the end zone resulted in a score for the Sooners. In the second half, an errant pass by Arch Manning was intercepted and returned for a touchdown, further contributing to the Longhorns' woes. The defense also struggled to contain Oklahoma's offense, which scored its first touchdown of the game after several drives were extended due to penalties.

Oklahoma confused Texas with an apparent fake-punt attempt that forced them to burn a timeout. However, instead of punting, the Sooners notched a 53-yard field goal that proved crucial in the closing minutes of the game. This was another mistake by the Longhorns' coaching staff and special teams unit, which has been struggling with consistency throughout the season.

The loss to Oklahoma exposed several areas where Texas needs to improve if it is to remain competitive in the Big 12 Conference. The team will need to work on its special teams play, defense, and overall execution if it hopes to bounce back from this setback and continue its winning streak.

The Longhorns' inconsistency was once again exposed as they struggled to maintain their momentum against a lesser opponent. This time, it was Oklahoma that capitalized on Texas's mistakes, handing them a tough defeat.

Texas's inability to play four complete quarters has become a recurring theme this season, and Saturday's game was no exception. Despite surviving against an inconsistent Tennessee team the previous week, they faltered against the Sooners.

The loss is a setback for the Longhorns, who had been on a winning streak prior to this game. To bounce back from this defeat, they will need to work on their special teams play and overall execution.

Texas's offseason investment in top transfer portal players has yet to yield the desired results. The team spent millions of dollars to bring in talent such as Cam Coleman, Hollywood Smothers, Raleek Brown, Melvin Siani, Trevor Goosby, and Ryan Wingo.

The lack of cohesion among these new recruits is evident, and it's clear that more work needs to be done to integrate them into the team.

The Texas Longhorns' offense has been a mixed bag this season, but it's clear that they have the potential to be one of the top units in the SEC. Despite struggling against Oklahoma, Wingo believes that the playbook is not too complicated for his team and that they can handle it.

However, the offense needs to work on being more consistent if they want to reach their full potential. Sarkisian has made an effort to simplify things for his players, but so far, it hasn't paid off in big games like Red River.

Manning's performance against Oklahoma was a microcosm of his inconsistent play over the past two years as a starter. While he had some bright moments with three huge touchdowns, his two interceptions proved costly and ultimately hurt Texas's chances.

The running game has been another area where Texas has struggled to make an impact in big games. Despite its importance to Sarkisian's team, it failed to materialize when it mattered most against Oklahoma.

One of the few bright spots for Texas was freshman running back Derrek Cooper, who showed flashes of brilliance on the final drive of the first half with 41 yards rushing and setting up a field goal. However, his opportunities were limited after that, with only two more carries for the rest of the game.

The Texas Longhorns' head coach, Sarkisian, faced questions about his playcalling role after the team's disappointing loss to Oklahoma. He was asked whether he would reevaluate his responsibilities in light of the game's issues.

Sarkisian also drew attention for not holding accountable some members of his staff, particularly special teams coordinator Jeff Banks, who has allowed two touchdowns in consecutive games. This lack of accountability is notable given that only three assistants from Sarkisian's initial staff at Alabama remain in their roles: Banks, offensive line coach Kyle Flood, and quarterbacks coach AJ Milwee.

The loss to Oklahoma will likely cost Texas its No. 1 ranking, and the team could fall several spots as a result. The Longhorns are set to face five consecutive ranked opponents, starting immediately, which means there's little time for self-reflection or assessment.

In his post-game press conference, quarterback Manning acknowledged that the team needs to improve, stating "We have to figure out how to be better."

CBS Sports: https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/texas-flaws-oklahoma-exposed-red-river/