Disaster Relief: The U.S. Small Business Administration will offer low-interest disaster loans to Randolph and Saline County businesses, nonprofits, homeowners and renters after April storms, with physical-damage applications due Oct. 27 and economic-injury applications due May 28. Market Signals: On Montreal’s Island, the Tardif Index fell to 18.1/100 in August, shifting the market into a strong buyer’s territory as listings rose and sales fell, while prices largely held. Local Housing Policy: Ontario’s REALTORS say housing affordability is the top municipal-election issue, with 71% of voters backing candidates who prioritize it and 70% supporting more missing-middle housing. Fraud & Investor Risk: Federal prosecutors charged former Marin County real estate investment executives with an alleged Ponzi-style scheme tied to Pacific Private Money, seeking up to 20 years in prison. Commercial Real Estate Dealmaking: Newmark acquired Altus Group’s development advisory business, adding 335 professionals and expanding services across feasibility, strategy, and cost/risk analysis. AI & Homebuying Tech: A LendingTree survey finds 72% of Americans would use AI for parts of buying or selling, but only 37% would let it run the whole purchase with minimal human input. EV Charging Reliability: Newer charging hardware and payment improvements are reducing dead-charge failures, but the remaining friction still affects buyer confidence in public charging. Luxury Supply Crunch: San Francisco’s AI-driven wealth surge is fueling a “mansion shortage,” pushing bidding wars and record high-end pricing. Charter School Asset Fight: Illinois nonprofit Aspira’s bankruptcy sale of a taxpayer-funded school property is headed to a judge’s decision on where remaining proceeds should go, with Chicago Public Schools pressing its claim.