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Large clinical trial finds targeted therapy helped patients live longer than chemotherapy

• An experimental targeted drug nearly doubled median survival for people with previously treated metastatic pancreatic cancer.

• The phase three clinical trial compared the daily pill with standard chemotherapy in nearly 500 patients worldwide.

• Researchers say the findings could lead to a new treatment option for patients with few effective alternatives.

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most difficult cancers to treat, especially after it has spread to other parts of the body and stopped responding to initial therapy. For many patients in that situation, treatment options are limited and survival has historically remained short.

Now, a large international clinical trial is offering new hope with an experimental targeted drug that significantly outperformed standard chemotherapy.

The medication, called daraxonrasib, works differently from traditional chemotherapy. Instead of attacking rapidly growing cells, it targets the RAS signaling pathway, which drives the growth of more than 90% of pancreatic cancers.

According to researchers, the study marks the first time a phase three trial has shown such a substantial survival benefit over chemotherapy for patients with previously treated metastatic pancreatic cancer.

For years weve made incremental gains in treating pancreatic cancer, researcher Dr. Zev Wainberg said in a news release.

Now, for the first time, we have demonstrated that targeted inhibition of RAS using an oral inhibitor is changing the landscape of this terrible disease. Seeing this magnitude of benefit in a randomized phase three study is very encouraging for all patients with advanced pancreatic cancer and is a paradigm shift in this deadly disease.

The study

The phase three trial enrolled 479 adults with metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma whose cancer had continued growing after one previous course of chemotherapy.

Participants were randomly assigned to receive either a 300-milligram daily dose of daraxonrasib or one of several commonly used chemotherapy treatments selected by their physician.

Researchers followed patients to compare how long they lived overall, how long their cancer remained under control, how their tumors responded to treatment, and how the therapies affected quality of life.

They also monitored side effects throughout the study. Because the trial randomly assigned participants to one treatment or the other, researchers were able to directly compare outcomes between the two groups.

The results

The results were striking. Patients who received daraxonrasib had a median overall survival of 13.2 months, compared with 6.7 months for those treated with chemotherapy.

The drug also delayed disease progression for longer and produced higher tumor response rates.

Patients taking daraxonrasib generally maintained their quality of life for a longer period, although side effects were common. The most frequently reported side effects included rash, diarrhea, and nausea, while serious treatment-related side effects occurred less often than with chemotherapy.

For consumers, these findings represent an encouraging step forward rather than an immediate change in care. Daraxonrasib remains an experimental treatment, but the results suggest it could become a valuable option for patients whose metastatic pancreatic cancer has progressed after initial chemotherapy.

While additional regulatory review is still needed before the drug becomes widely available, the study offers new optimism for a disease that has long had few effective treatment options.

Were this drug to be approved by the FDA, it would mark a dramatic shift in how pancreatic cancer is treated, researcher Brian Wolpin said in a news release.

A new home insurance risk index reveals which U.S. counties face the biggest insurance challenges

• A new Insurify analysis found that Florida, Louisiana, and North Carolina are home to many of the nation's least insurable counties, where homeowners face the highest insurance costs and risks.

• The rankings are based on factors including natural disaster risk, home age, property values, and local insurance premiums, all of which influence how expensive and difficult it is to insure a home.

• Experts say homeowners can help lower their insurance costs by weather-proofing their homes, shopping around for coverage regularly, and asking insurers about available discounts.

Home insurance has become more expensive and in some parts of the country, it's also becoming much harder to get.

As extreme weather events grow more frequent and costly, insurers are raising rates, limiting coverage, or pulling out of high-risk areas altogether. A new home insurance risk index from Insurify highlights the counties where homeowners are facing the greatest insurance burden, with many of the hardest-hit areas concentrated in Florida, Louisiana, and North Carolina.

To better understand what's driving these trends and what they could mean for homeowners, ConsumerAffairs spoke with Insurify Senior Economic Analyst Matt Brannon about why some counties are becoming increasingly difficult to insure and how climate risk is reshaping the home insurance market.

Identifying risk

Insurify's Home Insurance Risk Index scored more than 3,100 U.S. counties based on factors that influence how difficult and expensive it is to insure a home.

First we look at natural-hazard and extreme-weather risk, Brannon said. Counties with more vulnerability to natural disasters (e.g., wildfires, earthquakes, flooding, hail, etc.) are more prone to frequent and costly insurance claims.

The second factor assessed is the age of a county's housing stock. Because of outdated building codes, worn-down materials, and a lack of regular upkeep, older properties are more susceptible to damage from severe weather. We also look at the number of residential structures in a county and the ratio of residential to commercial structures.

Additionally, we examine the countys median home value, as insurers generally charge higher premiums for more expensive homes, since they are more costly for the insurer to afford to replace. Finally, we incorporated average annual home insurance premiums by county, which capture risk factors that physical hazard models dont fully reflect. Factors like local litigation and claims environments, crime rates, rebuilding cost inflation, and insurance market dynamics all play a part in determining how risky it is to insure a home.

Which areas have the greatest risk?

Monroe County, Florida, home to the Florida Keys, ranked as the least insurable county in the country with a score of 99.5 out of 100. Homeowners there pay an average of $22,436 per year for insurance nearly eight times the national average.

Overall, 19 of the 20 least insurable counties are located along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts, where hurricanes, storm surge, and high winds create significant risks. Jackson County, Oklahoma, was the only non-coastal county to make the top 20, largely because of its exposure to tornadoes and hail.

The report also found that Louisiana is home to three of the five least insurable counties, while California stands out on the West Coast because of wildfire risk, with Los Angeles and Santa Cruz counties both receiving scores above 95.

More broadly, the analysis found that densely-populated counties tend to have higher insurance risk scores than more rural areas, highlighting how a combination of climate threats, home values, and rebuilding costs is making insurance more expensive and in some cases, harder to obtain for millions of homeowners.

Can you lower your risk?

Because the highest risks are found in areas with extreme weather, Brannon recommends homeowners take the necessary precautions to weather-proof their homes as much as possible.

Upgrade to impact-rated windows and doors, install hurricane shutters, and consider a more wind-resistant roof, he suggested. While home hardening measures can be costly, several coastal states provide assistance programs. For example, Louisiana contains four of the nation's ten least insurable counties. Homeowners in these areas can apply for the Fortify Homes grant, which offers grants of up to $10,000 for roofing improvements.

Some insurers will even give discounts to homeowners who make these improvements. In Florida, state law requires insurers to give discounts to homeowners in risky areas who make certain weather-resistant improvements.

Do your homework

While homeowners living in these high-risk areas are likely to going to bear the brunt of higher insurance premiums, Brannon says that taking the time to do your homework and see what offers exist can potentially help you save.

The very best way to save money on home insurance is to compare rates, he said. Many people think insurance is a set it and forget it situation, but it shouldnt be. Rates can be volatile, and business strategies vary by insurer. So the company that gave you the best rate five years ago may not be the company offering the best rates for your property today.

We recommend reviewing every six months to make sure you have an affordable and adequate policy. You can also look into bundling coverage. Finally, ask your insurance agent about ways to save. They are the experts who are there to help you.

The states where driving is most frustrating, with California leading the way

• California ranks No. 1: Heavy traffic, long commutes, and poor roads make it America's most stressful state for drivers.

• Stress goes beyond traffic: Crashes, potholes, aggressive drivers, bad weather, and costly repairs all add to the daily commute.

• Drive smarter: Leave early, use navigation apps, keep up with maintenance, and consider a dash cam or adaptive cruise control.

If it feels like driving has become more stressful lately, you're not imagining it.

A new study from Nicolet Law ranked the states where driving is most stressful, looking at everything from traffic congestion and commute times to road conditions, crash rates, and even weather-related disruptions.

The results may not surprise many drivers. California topped the list as the most stressful state for motorists, followed by Mississippi, Texas, Louisiana, and New Jersey.

Researchers found that California roads carry nearly 20,000 vehicles per lane each day far more than most states. Drivers also contend with long commutes and some of the country's worst road conditions.

Mississippi ranked second, largely because it had the highest fatal crash rate in the nation. Texas came in third due to a combination of dangerous weather, heavy traffic, and above-average crash rates.

Meanwhile, New Jersey earned a spot in the top five thanks to the longest average commute times in the country, with many workers spending more than an hour each day traveling to and from work.

Why driving feels more stressful

Traffic is only part of the problem. Many drivers are dealing with the following factors that can make every trip more frustrating:

• Congested roads

• Aggressive driving

• Rising repair costs

• Potholes and poor pavement

• Longer commutes

• Weather-related delays

• Increased accident risks

Even short daily trips can feel slightly mentally draining when you repeatedly face crowded roads that are in poor condition.

And that is not to mention the possible financial impacts. Poor road conditions can contribute to tire damage, suspension repairs, wheel alignments, and other costly vehicle maintenance issues.

How drivers can reduce stress behind the wheel

While you can't eliminate traffic, there are several ways to make driving safer and less stressful.

• Give yourself extra time: One of the biggest causes of driving stress is feeling rushed. Leaving just 10 to 15 minutes earlier can reduce the temptation to speed, weave through traffic, or make risky decisions.

• Use navigation apps even on familiar routes: Apps like Google Maps and Waze can alert you to accidents, construction zones, road closures, and traffic backups and then reroute you to a faster way to get to where youre going.

• Watch for potholes after storms: Potholes tend to rear their ugly head after a big rain and youll inevitably hit one. When you do, be sure to pay attention to signs of damage such as your steering pulling to one side, any weird tire vibrations, or any new suspension noises. By catching problems early, you can often prevent more expensive repairs down the road.

• Take advantage of adaptive cruise control: If your vehicle has adaptive cruise control, consider using it during longer highway commutes. Many drivers find it reduces fatigue by helping maintain safe following distances by automatically braking and accelerating to keep you in the flow of traffic.

• Consider a dash cam: A dash cam won't reduce commute time, but it can provide valuable evidence if you're involved in a crash or insurance dispute. Many quality models now cost less than $100.

• Don't overlook vehicle maintenance: Stressful driving conditions become even worse when your vehicle isn't operating properly. Before summer road trips or long commutes, get in the habit of routinely checking tire pressure, windshield wipers, and fluid levels.

Spring housing market fizzles as homeowners hold back listings

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• The spring home-selling season ended on a subdued note as fewer homeowners put their properties on the market, reflecting caution among both buyers and sellers.

• High mortgage rates, record home prices, and economic uncertainty are discouraging new listings, even as buyers gain more negotiating power.

• Housing experts say the slowdown could keep inventory from rising as quickly as expected, limiting relief for prospective buyers despite softer demand.

Record-high home prices that have risen much faster than the rate of inflation is one reason that its hard to buy a home. But inventory levels is another.

When home sales slow, you might think the selection would improve, but that hasnt happened this spring. The data show that homeowners increasingly decided against listing their homes amid stubbornly high borrowing costs and lingering economic uncertainty.

A new report from Redfin found that the pace of new home listings slowed significantly heading into summer, suggesting many would-be sellers are choosing to wait rather than enter a market where buyers remain cautious. The slowdown comes even as the median U.S. home sale price has climbed to a record high, a combination that has left both sides of the market reluctant to make a move.

Sluggish sales in 2026

The spring market is typically the busiest time of year for residential real estate, but 2026 has been marked by sluggish sales activity. Elevated mortgage rates continue to make monthly payments difficult for many prospective buyers, while homeowners who locked in ultra-low mortgage rates during the pandemic remain hesitant to trade them for loans carrying much higher interest rates.

"Homeowners are sitting on the sidelines because buyers are sitting on the sidelines," Redfin said in its analysis, noting that many sellers are unwilling to test the market if they believe they may have to negotiate on price or offer concessions.

The cooling in new listings follows several weeks of weakening demand indicators. Pending home sales have softened, mortgage purchase applications have eased, and buyer activity has remained below historical norms despite modest improvements in home touring activity.

Still, there are more sellers than buyers

The result is a market that is offering buyers more leverage than they have enjoyed in years.

Redfin estimates there are substantially more sellers than buyers nationwide, forcing many homeowners to compete by offering concessions such as paying closing costs, covering repairs, or buying down buyers' mortgage interest rates. A separate Redfin analysis found nearly half of recent home sales included some form of seller concession.

Fewer homeowners appear willing to list their properties. Many remain reluctant to sell because doing so would require purchasing another home at today's higher financing costs.

Others are concerned that economic uncertainty could make it harder to achieve their desired sale price.

That dynamic has prevented the large increase in housing inventory many economists expected earlier this year. While active listings have risen compared with last year, the decline in new listings could slow further inventory gains during the summer selling season.

New research suggests bedtime smartphone habits could make overnight phone use more common

• A new study found teens who spent more time on their phones before bed were more likely to use them again later that night.

• Researchers tracked smartphone activity objectively using an app rather than relying on self-reported screen time.

• The findings suggest cutting back on phone use before bedtime may help reduce overnight screen time.

For many teenagers, checking a phone before bed is part of the nightly routine. Whether it's scrolling social media, watching videos, texting friends, or playing games, those last few minutes of screen time can easily stretch longer than expected.

Now, new research suggests that what happens before bedtime may influence what happens after falling asleep, too.

Researchers found that when teens used their smartphones more than usual during the hour before bed, they were more likely to pick up their phones again later that same night. The study adds to researchers' understanding of how nighttime smartphone habits may develop and why late-night phone use can become a recurring pattern.

On evenings when adolescents used their smartphone more before bed, they used it for a longer time later that night, potentially leading to later bedtimes and greater sleep disruption, lead author Gina Marie Mathew said in a news release.

Limiting smartphone use before bed may help reduce nighttime phone use and thereby improve sleep among teens.

The study

The study included 229 adolescents from across the United States who owned or primarily used their own smartphones.

Participants first completed surveys about their backgrounds and sleep schedules before installing an app called RealityMeter, which objectively tracked their smartphone activity over an average of nearly 17 days.

Rather than asking teens to estimate their screen time, the researchers measured actual phone use. They focused on the hour leading up to each participant's typical bedtime and categorized activity into total smartphone use, social media use, and non-social media activities, such as messaging, gaming, or streaming videos.

The researchers then compared that pre-bedtime activity with smartphone use later in the night. Overnight use was defined as activity between midnight and 5 a.m. on school nights and between 1 a.m. and 6 a.m. on non-school nights.

They specifically examined whether teens spent at least 30 minutes using their phones during those overnight hours.

What the findings could mean

The results showed a clear pattern.

On evenings when teens spent at least 30 minutes using their phones before bed, they were more likely to spend at least 30 minutes using their phones later that same night compared with evenings when they spent less time on their devices before bed. The association was observed for overall smartphone use and for non-social media activities, while social media use showed a similar trend.

According to the researchers, this pattern suggests that smartphone use before bedtime may make additional phone use overnight more likely, increasing the opportunity for later bedtimes and interrupted sleep.

While the study did not test whether reducing bedtime phone use directly improves sleep, the researchers say limiting smartphone use before bed could be a practical strategy for helping reduce overnight phone activity and supporting healthier sleep habits.

Using passively measured, objective smartphone data allowed us to examine these associations at the within-person, nightly level, providing a granular look at how pre-bedtime phone use relates to additional late-night use in adolescents daily lives, Mathew said.