Category Archives: business

Beef over Texas beef (Oct. 27, 2025)

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On Monday’s show, we’ll discuss the Trump administration’s plan to quadruple Argentine beef imports. This proposal has drawn sharp criticism from U.S. cattle producers as well as Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller.

Commissioner Miller isn’t just raising concerns—he also has an alternative plan to address the issue.

In addition, we’ll explore some of the opportunities and challenges facing Houston’s East End neighborhood, highlighting the community’s growth and ongoing developments.

Stay tuned for an in-depth conversation on these important topics.
https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/shows/houston-matters/2025/10/27/534184/beef-over-texas-beef-oct-27-2025/?utm_source=rss-houston-matters-article&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link

American Water Works, Essential Utilities to merge in all-stock deal

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American Water Works and Essential Utilities to Merge in All-Stock Deal

On Monday, American Water Works Company, Inc. (NYSE: AWK) and Essential Utilities (NYSE: WTRG) announced an all-stock merger agreement that will create a leading regulated U.S. water and wastewater public utility. The combined enterprise value of the merged company is approximately $63 billion.

Under the terms of the deal, shareholders of Essential Utilities (NYSE: WTRG) will receive shares in the new company, further details of which are yet to be disclosed.

This merger aims to enhance operational efficiencies and expand service capabilities to better serve customers across the United States.

Stay tuned for more updates on this significant development in the water utility sector.
https://seekingalpha.com/news/4508501-american-water-works-essential-utilities-to-merge-in-all-stock-deal?utm_source=feed_news_all&utm_medium=referral&feed_item_type=news

Trump: U.S.-China trade deal, TikTok sale likely this week

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President Donald Trump announced that a trade agreement with China and a final deal for TikTok (BDNCE) could be reached this week.

He is scheduled to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday in South Korea to discuss these important matters.

“I’ve got a lot,” Trump said, indicating progress on the negotiations. Further details are expected following the meeting.
https://seekingalpha.com/news/4508490-trump-us-china-trade-deal-tiktok-sale?utm_source=feed_news_all&utm_medium=referral&feed_item_type=news

Why IonQ Could Be the Best Quantum Computing Stock To Buy

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The U.S. government is reportedly in talks to take equity stakes in leading quantum computing companies, including IonQ, Rigetti Computing, and D-Wave Quantum, as part of a broader national security initiative. This move aims to strengthen America’s position in frontier technologies amid increasing global competition.

### Market Reaction and Stock Volatility

Following the news, shares of all three companies experienced significant gains. IonQ stock, in particular, has seen extreme volatility in recent weeks. The company’s shares surged to around $82 in mid-October after J.P. Morgan Chase announced a $10 billion investment program targeting 27 strategically important industries, including quantum computing. However, the stock then dropped nearly 30% within days as investors locked in profits amid broader market concerns about banking sector stresses and rising gold prices, which pushed traders away from high-risk tech stocks.

By late October, IonQ shares had slid back toward the mid-$50 range before the reports of potential government investment reignited investor interest.

### Government Denial and Industry Outlook

A U.S. Department of Commerce official has denied that such equity talks are underway. Nonetheless, the media reports have reignited enthusiasm around the quantum computing sector. Top investor George Budwell, ranked among the top 1% of stock professionals by TipRanks, remains bullish on IonQ, calling it “the quantum play to bet on” should government backing materialize. Budwell emphasizes that government support typically favors companies closest to deployment readiness, a position he believes IonQ holds.

### IonQ’s Technical Advantages

IonQ recently achieved a record-breaking algorithmic qubit score of #AQ 64 ahead of schedule, a key metric measuring the complexity of problems a quantum computer can reliably solve. The company reports approximately 99.99% 2-qubit gate fidelity, meaning operations execute correctly 9,999 times out of 10,000.

This high fidelity is achieved using IonQ’s trapped-ion technology, which operates without requiring extreme cryogenic conditions, setting it apart from competitors employing other quantum computing approaches. The superior accuracy allows IonQ’s systems to chain together more operations before errors accumulate, enhancing overall computational power.

### Cloud Accessibility and Commercial Progress

IonQ’s quantum hardware is accessible through major cloud platforms including Amazon Web Services Braket, Microsoft Azure Quantum, and Google Cloud Marketplace. This widespread cloud availability enables enterprises to experiment with quantum workloads without the need for in-house infrastructure development.

Financially, IonQ has demonstrated strong growth. The company reported $20.7 million in revenue in its most recent quarter, marking an 82% increase year-over-year and surpassing company guidance.

Additionally, IonQ has partnered with the Electric Power Board (EPB) of Chattanooga on a $22 million quantum hub initiative. EPB will host one of IonQ’s systems and collaborate on grid optimization projects. IonQ is also opening a new local office in Chattanooga to support training and customer engagement.

### Institutional Confidence and Analyst Ratings

Amazon recently disclosed a $36.7 million stake in IonQ, signaling growing institutional confidence in the company’s technology and business model. George Budwell highlights IonQ’s competitive edge, noting its best-in-class cloud availability and established enterprise pathways among pure-play quantum companies. He asserts, “If the government takes a stake or procurements follow, customers and talent would gravitate toward the perceived winner.”

Wall Street analysts maintain a Strong Buy consensus rating on IonQ stock. Currently, six analysts recommend buying the stock, two suggest holding, and none recommend selling.

### Risks and Future Outlook

Despite the optimism, Budwell cautions that the development of scaled, fault-tolerant quantum solutions remains years away. The technology still faces significant challenges before achieving commercial-scale deployment.

Furthermore, while government investment discussions have sparked excitement, there is no guarantee that such support materializes.

In summary, IonQ presents a compelling opportunity in the quantum computing sector, supported by strong technical achievements, strategic partnerships, and increasing institutional backing. However, investors should remain mindful of the inherent risks and the nascent stage of the technology.
https://coincentral.com/why-ionq-could-be-the-best-quantum-computing-stock-to-buy/

Asian shares gain as Trump says he expects a trade deal with China

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**Asian Shares Rally as U.S. Futures Jump; Japan’s Nikkei 225 Tops 50,000 for the First Time**

*BANGKOK (AP)* — Asian shares surged and U.S. futures climbed on Monday, buoyed by strong performances from Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225, which surpassed the 50,000 mark for the first time in history. Positive developments in trade relations between the U.S., China, and other major trading partners contributed to the upbeat market sentiment.

U.S. President Donald Trump visited Malaysia for a summit with Southeast Asian nations, where he reached preliminary trade agreements with Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Meanwhile, a trade deal between the United States and China appeared closer to fruition. Officials from both of the world’s largest economies announced on Sunday that they had reached an initial consensus, setting the stage for Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping to work toward finalizing the deal during a high-stakes meeting later in the week.

“This isn’t just photo-op diplomacy. Behind the showmanship, Washington and Beijing’s top trade lieutenants have quietly mapped out a framework that might, just might, keep the world’s two largest economies from tearing up the field again,” said Stephen Innes of SPI Asset Management in a commentary.

Following Malaysia, Trump was scheduled to visit Japan before concluding his Asian tour in South Korea, where he is expected to meet Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum.

A report released Monday by the APEC secretariat forecast that annual growth in the Pacific region will slow to 3% this year from 3.6% last year, partly due to trade restrictions and higher tariffs.

### Japan’s Market Rally

In Japan, newly installed Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi enjoys high levels of public support for her market-friendly policies. The Nikkei 225 index climbed 2.1% to 50,329.08, hitting record intraday highs. Takaichi, Japan’s first female prime minister, favors raising defense spending, boosting stocks of major defense contractors such as Kawasaki Heavy Industries, which rose 8.7%. Other defense-related companies also gained, with IHI Corp. up 2.6% and Hitachi increasing 2.7%.

Trump has frequently criticized Japan for restricting access to its auto market, citing it as one justification for imposing tariffs of 25%—later reduced to 15%—on Japan, one of America’s most vital Asian allies. In response, the Japanese government has proposed purchasing a fleet of Ford F-150 trucks for inspecting roads and infrastructure, signaling openness to U.S. products.

### Gains Across Asia-Pacific Markets

South Korea saw shares surge as well, with the Kospi rising 2% to a record 4,018.73. Investors are optimistic about a possible trade agreement with the United States. Chinese markets also posted solid gains: Hong Kong’s Hang Seng increased by 1% to 26,427.34, and the Shanghai Composite rose 1% to 3,991.35.

In Australia, the S&P/ASX 200 picked up 0.3% to 9,047.40, while Taiwan’s Taiex gained 2.1%, and India’s Sensex was up 0.5%.

### U.S. Stocks Hit Records

On Friday, U.S. stocks reached record highs after inflation data proved less severe than anticipated. The S&P 500 rose 0.8% to 6,791.69, surpassing its previous all-time high set earlier this month. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rallied 1% to 47,207.12, and the Nasdaq composite climbed 1.1% to a record 23,204.87.

The encouraging inflation figures suggest less financial strain for lower- and middle-income households grappling with high price increases. More importantly for Wall Street, the data may clear the way for the Federal Reserve to continue cutting interest rates to support a slowing job market.

The Fed cut its main interest rate last month for the first time this year but has so far been cautious about additional cuts due to concerns that lower rates might exacerbate inflation.

Most large U.S. companies reported stronger-than-expected profits last quarter, further raising hopes for steady economic growth.

### Commodities and Currency Movements

Early Monday trading saw U.S. benchmark crude oil rise 15 cents to $61.65 per barrel, while Brent crude, the international standard, increased 12 cents to $65.32 per barrel. The U.S. dollar strengthened against the Japanese yen to 153.15 from 152.85 yen. Conversely, the euro slipped to $1.1622 from $1.1636.
https://wtop.com/world/2025/10/asian-shares-gain-japans-nikkei-tops-50000-level-as-trump-seeks-trade-deals/

Report: Taylor Sheridan Leaving Paramount for a New Studio

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Taylor Sheridan’s Next Chapter Could Reshape Prestige Television

Taylor Sheridan, the acclaimed creator behind hits like Yellowstone and Landman, is reportedly preparing to leave his longtime home at Paramount. This move signals a major shift in Hollywood’s ongoing battle for top storytelling talent and could redefine Sheridan’s creative reach in both film and television.

**Taylor Sheridan Reportedly Leaving Paramount**

According to Puck News, Sheridan will depart Paramount once his existing film and television commitments conclude. He has finalized a significant new deal with NBCUniversal that will cover both film and TV production.

The arrangement includes an eight-year film agreement starting in March 2026, followed by a five-year overall television deal beginning in 2028, coinciding with the end of Sheridan’s current contract with Paramount. Additionally, his production company, 101 Studios—led by David Glasser—will also transition to Universal.

**Reasons Behind the Move**

Sources familiar with the situation reveal that Sheridan grew dissatisfied with changes at Paramount following David Ellison’s acquisition of the studio in August 2025. Many executives Sheridan had worked closely with were either removed or reassigned, and new leadership under streaming chief Cindy Holland began questioning several of his production budgets.

Further straining the relationship, Ellison reportedly sought to involve Paramount in a separate film deal Sheridan made with Warner Bros. These tensions contributed to Sheridan’s decision to explore other opportunities.

**Competitive Interest from Top Studios**

Represented by CAA, manager Scott Greenberg, and lawyers Neil Meyer and Emily Downs, Sheridan held discussions earlier this year with multiple studios including Warner Bros. Discovery, Amazon, Netflix, Apple, and NBCUniversal.

Ultimately, Sheridan chose NBCUniversal following meetings with Donna Langley. Langley, who recently expanded her role to oversee both film and television at NBCU, has a strong track record working with renowned filmmakers such as Steven Spielberg, Jordan Peele, and Christopher Nolan—an aspect that reportedly appealed to Sheridan.

**Paramount’s Response**

Despite David Ellison previously praising Sheridan as “a singular genius and content creator” and expressing a desire to retain him “as long as he wants to be telling stories,” Paramount had not extended Sheridan’s television deal beyond 2028.

Current Paramount projects including Tulsa King, Mayor of Kingstown, Landman, Lioness, and upcoming Yellowstone spinoffs are expected to remain with the company even after Sheridan’s departure.

—

This move marks a pivotal moment in Taylor Sheridan’s career and could have lasting impacts on the landscape of prestige television and film production in the years to come.
https://www.comingsoon.net/tv/news/2048361-paramount-taylor-sheridan-leaving-why

Review: Kate Hudson Fulfills the Promise of Her 2000 Oscar Nomination in Sudsy Musical “Song Sung Blue” About Neil Diamond Performers

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Waaaay back in 2000, Kate Hudson received an Oscar nomination for her intuitive performance as band muse Penny Lane in Cameron Crowe’s *Almost Famous*. What followed for the next 25 years was a seesaw of roles mostly in romcoms that came and went. Nothing ever stuck. In the meantime, she became a successful entrepreneur with the Fabletics activewear brand.

Then, in May 2024, Hudson released a very good record album that I reviewed in this column. She turned out to be a terrific singer and performer. So when I heard she’d be in a movie about a couple who perform Neil Diamond songs professionally, I had a feeling it would work out. My feeling turned out to be right.

In Craig Brewer’s *Song Sung Blue*, Hudson plays Claire Sardina, who in the late 1980s has been singing around Milwaukee as country great Patsy Cline. No wallflower, Claire has a voice and the looks that help her make a little money from the impersonation. Into her life comes Mike, also on the circuit in Milwaukee, playing his guitar and doing tributes to various rock stars.

The pair meet, team up, and become “Lightning and Thunder.” They marry, blend their families, and get so popular locally that Eddie Vedder asks them to open for Pearl Jam. All of this was reported in a 2008 documentary, including real-life health and living issues that would fill any soap opera.

Along the way, Claire is hit by an out-of-control car that careens into their front lawn. I won’t spoil what happens next. Mike faces significant heart trouble from years of booze and drugs, so you know things are going to go sideways.

You sense bad times are coming because the first half of the film — full of music and laughs — is just too much fun. All the characters get along, the main duo are very talented, and they seem to be gaining local stardom. Then the bottom drops out.

Let’s pause here for a moment.

Craig Brewer directed *Hustle and Flow*, so he knows how to make a music movie. Hugh Jackman is a Broadway star when he’s not playing “Wolverine,” so we know he can sing. These two are big building blocks for the film.

Also, Neil Diamond has a huge catalog of hits, including what’s become a dreaded overused singalong in “Sweet Caroline.” But Jackman’s Mike, thanks to smart turns in the screenplay, doesn’t like “Sweet Caroline.” He says Neil Diamond’s music is more than that. So even though it’s heard, it’s never rammed down our throats.

Mike prefers songs like “Song Sung Blue” and “Play Me,” and he sings the heck out of them. (The only song really missing is one of my favorites, “Solitary Man.”)

Nothing prepares you for Kate Hudson, though. She’s charming and understated. She has a Milwaukee accent that sounds like it’s sawing through trees but doesn’t come out in her vibrant singing. When tragedy befalls Claire, Hudson handles it without too much mishegos. Brewer won’t let her, because the movie is about the music and how it sustains these people through hard times.

There are plenty of very good supporting characters. Mike and Claire each have a daughter, played respectively by King Princess and Ella Anderson. Michael Imperioli, of *Sopranos* fame, plays a guitarist and Buddy Holly imitator. He’s very good. Fisher Stevens and James Belushi are likable managers of Mike and Claire.

Mustafa Shakir doesn’t get enough time to do his James Brown impressions, but in the end, it’s all about Jackman and Hudson. They have lots of chemistry and make lovely music together.

With Jackman, this isn’t a big surprise. Didn’t you see *The Music Man*? But Hudson, daughter of Goldie Hawn, finally gets a spotlight and uses it with grace and wit. Why didn’t we know she was such a good singer before last year?

I predict, at the very least, Critics Choice and Golden Globe nominations, and who knows what else. I do hope there’s a soundtrack album.

*Song Sung Blue* opens Christmas Day, and you know what? You can take the whole family.
https://www.showbiz411.com/2025/10/27/review-kate-hudson-fulfills-the-promise-of-her-2000-oscar-nomination-in-sudsy-musical-song-sung-blue-about-neil-diamond-performers

Brennan wins at Black Desert on an invitation. Australia beats US to win International Crown

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Michael Brennan Dominates at Black Desert to Win Bank of Utah Championship

IVINS, Utah (AP) – Michael Brennan was just as dominant at Black Desert as he was on the PGA Tour Americas. He closed with a 5-under 66 to go from a sponsor exemption to a PGA Tour winner Sunday, securing a four-shot victory in the Bank of Utah Championship.

In his first PGA Tour start as a professional, Brennan became the first sponsor exemption to win since Nick Dunlap took The American Express in January 2024 as an amateur. The victory means Brennan, a 23-year-old Wake Forest standout, skips the Korn Ferry Tour next year and advances straight to the PGA Tour.

Brennan earned a two-year exemption on the PGA Tour, along with spots in the PGA Championship and the $20 million RBC Heritage. He was ranked No. 451 in the world when he left the South America portion of the PGA Tour Americas but had been dominant in Canada, with one win in Minnesota, winning three times in a four-tournament stretch and posting eight top 10s in 10 starts.

Winning the Fortinet Cup season points race gave him a fully exempt Korn Ferry Tour card. Now, Brennan will compete alongside Scottie Scheffler and the rest of golf’s best on the big stage.

Though not a perfect finish—he hit his second shot into a deep pit with lava rocks, took a penalty for an unplayable lie, and closed with a bogey—Brennan finished at 22-under 262, four shots clear of Rico Hoey (67).

A combination of power and poise at Black Desert Resort, the scenic Tom Weiskopf-designed course framed by red-rock cliffs and black lava, Brennan started the final round with a three-shot lead, ran off three birdies in his first five holes to stretch his lead to five shots, and was never seriously challenged.

Australia Wins LPGA International Crown in South Korea

GOYANG, South Korea (AP) – Australia defeated the United States team to claim the LPGA’s International Crown. Minjee Lee and Hannah Green both clinched their singles matches on the 17th hole to secure the title.

The foursomes match between Australians Stephanie Kyriacou and Grace Kim and Americans Lilia Vu and Lauren Coughlin ended in a tie, but it was inconsequential after Green secured her 2-and-1 victory over Yealimi Noh at the New Korea Country Club. Lee also defeated Angel Yin, 2 and 1.

This marks the first International Crown win for Australia, a title that eluded them in 2023 when Thailand, led by current world No. 1 Jeeno Thitikul, beat them in the final at Harding Park.

The World team finished in third place after Charley Hull and Lydia Ko both earned impressive singles wins against Japan.

Jungwhan Lee Claims First European Tour Title at Genesis Championship

CHEONAN, South Korea (AP) – Jungwhan Lee rallied from a four-shot deficit with a 7-under 64 to take a two-shot victory at the Genesis Championship, earning his first European Tour title.

The 34-year-old South Korean birdied five straight holes on the front nine and took the lead with a birdie on the 14th, finishing the tournament at 11-under 273. He edged out Laurie Canter and Nacho Elvira by two shots.

The victory grants Lee a two-year exemption on the European Tour and entry into the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in two weeks, the first of two DP World Tour playoff events.

Also notable was Jordan Gumberg, a former Arizona collegiate golfer, who holed out from 58 yards for eagle on the par-5 18th. This helped him tie for seventh and improve to No. 110 in the Race to Dubai, securing his card for next year.

Steven Alker Rises to Top of Charles Schwab Cup with Simmons Bank Championships Win

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) – Steven Alker took over the top ranking in the Charles Schwab Cup with a commanding wire-to-wire win at the Simmons Bank Championships, closing with a 3-under 69 for a seven-shot victory.

Alker, who began the tournament with an opening round 61, earned his second PGA Tour Champions win of the year at Pleasant Valley Country Club. He pulled away after an eagle-birdie-birdie stretch to start the back nine.

Miguel Angel Jimenez has four wins this year but has only made three top 10s in his last eight starts on the senior circuit. The top 36 players will advance to the Charles Schwab Cup Championship next month in Arizona, with Tommy Gainey holding the 36th spot and no other movement in the standings.

Pongsapak “Fifa” Laopakdee Wins Asia-Pacific Amateur, Advances to Masters and British Open

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) – Pongsapak “Fifa” Laopakdee rallied from a six-shot deficit with a 4-under 68 and defeated 16-year-old Taisei Nagasaki of Japan on the third playoff hole to win the Asia-Pacific Amateur.

The junior at Arizona State became the first player from Thailand to win the tournament, which began in 2010. Both players birdied the 18th and 17th in the playoff until Nagasaki missed the green left on the 18th and settled for par, handing Laopakdee the victory.

Nagasaki had started the final round with a five-shot lead but missed a crucial 4-foot birdie putt on the 18th in regulation and finished with a 74.

Laopakdee’s win secures him invitations to the Masters and the British Open next year.

Other Notable Wins Across Global Tours

  • Yani Tseng closed with a 5-under 67 to win the rain-shortened Wistron Ladies Open in Taiwan by four shots, marking her first victory in 11 years and seventh on the Ladies European Tour.
  • Miguel Tabuena shot a third consecutive 7-under 65 to claim a three-shot victory at the International Series Philippines on the Asian Tour.
  • Matias Sanchez capped off a wire-to-wire win with a 1-under 71 for a two-shot victory at the Webex Players Series-South Australia on the PGA Tour of Australasia.
  • Hennie du Plessis won the Blu Label Unlimited Challenge on the Sunshine Tour with 14 points in the modified Stableford scoring system, needing only eight points to clinch the win.
  • Andrew Marshall captured his first Legends Tour title with a 6-under 66 for a two-shot victory at the Senior Italian Open.
  • Shuri Sakuma closed with a 5-under 67 for an 11-shot victory over Miyuu Abe in the Nobuta Group Masters on the Japan LPGA.
  • Shuying Li finished with a 4-under 68 to win by two shots at the Gwangnamilbo-Happiness Open on the Korea LPGA.

— AP Golf

https://wtop.com/australia/2025/10/brennan-wins-at-black-desert-on-an-invitation-australia-beats-us-to-win-international-crown/

Midland Kiwanis installs 2025-26 officers, sets goals

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Kathy Dotson, Lieutenant Governor for District 10, recently shared her thoughts on the Midland Kiwanis Club’s numerous accomplishments over the past year.

During the event, she also had the honor of officiating the installation of the club’s officers for the 2025-26 term.

Her remarks highlighted the dedication and impact of the club’s members, celebrating their commitment to community service and positive change.
https://www.ourmidland.com/news/article/midland-kiwanis-2025-officers-21120912.php

WWE makes an embarrassing botch after SmackDown; snubs Jimmy Uso

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The creative direction of Triple H is once again under criticism following an embarrassing botch during the recent WWE SmackDown event.

Fans and critics alike have expressed their disappointment, questioning the decision-making behind the scenes. This incident has sparked renewed debates about the overall quality and direction of WWE programming under Triple H’s leadership.

As WWE looks to move forward, many hope for improvements that will restore confidence in the product and deliver a better experience for the audience.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/wwe/news-wwe-makes-embarrassing-botch-smackdown-snubs-jimmy-uso