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Ohio State Tops College Football Rankings After Week 1 as LSU Jumps

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The college football rankings after Week 1 kept Ohio State firmly at No. 1. However, LSU surged into the top 10, Oregon dropped four spots and Michigan fell out of the AP Top 25.

Both major polls also placed five Texas programs among the nation’s top 25 teams.

Ohio State Leads College Football Rankings After Week 1

Ohio State remained No. 1 after routing Ball State 56-3 in its season opener. The Buckeyes collected 46 first-place votes in the AP poll and 50 in the coaches poll.

Georgia climbed to No. 2 in both rankings. Notre Dame, Texas and defending national champion Indiana also moved higher following opening victories.

Oregon experienced the biggest change near the top. The Ducks fell from No. 2 to No. 6 after defeating Boise State 34-27. Oregon entered the game as a heavy favorite.

LSU delivered one of Week 1’s strongest performances. The Tigers defeated Clemson 51-10 in Lane Kiffin’s debut as head coach.

That result lifted LSU from No. 11 to No. 8 in the AP Top 25. The Tigers jumped five positions to No. 8 in the US LBM Coaches Poll.

Updated AP Top 25

1–5: Ohio State, Georgia, Notre Dame, Texas, Indiana
6–10: Oregon, Miami, LSU, Ole Miss, Texas A&M
11–15: Oklahoma, Alabama, Texas Tech, USC, BYU
16–20: Penn State, SMU, Tennessee, Washington, Utah
21–25: Iowa, Houston, Missouri, Louisville, Virginia

Virginia entered the rankings at No. 25. The Cavaliers received only one vote in the preseason poll.

Michigan dropped completely out after narrowly defeating Western Michigan 13-12. The Wolverines previously held the No. 16 position.

Louisville remained No. 24 despite losing 41-38 to Ole Miss. A walk-off field goal decided the matchup.

Updated US LBM Coaches Poll

1–5: Ohio State, Georgia, Texas, Notre Dame, Indiana
6–10: Oregon, Miami, LSU, Texas A&M, Oklahoma
11–15: Ole Miss, Alabama, Texas Tech, USC, BYU
16–20: Penn State, SMU, Tennessee, Washington, Utah
21–24: Iowa, Houston, Missouri, Michigan
Tied No. 25: Virginia and Florida

The US LBM Coaches Poll kept Michigan at No. 24. Florida and Virginia shared the final position with 157 points each.

Louisville did not make the coaches’ top 25. However, the Cardinals led the group of teams receiving votes.

Texas Teams Hold Strong Positions

Texas leads the state’s ranked programs after a 59-7 victory over Texas State. The Longhorns moved to No. 3 in the coaches poll and No. 4 in the AP poll.

Texas A&M ranks No. 9 with the coaches and No. 10 with AP voters. The Aggies opened their season with a 50-0 victory over Missouri State.

Texas Tech holds No. 13 in both polls, while SMU ranks No. 17 in both. Houston also landed at No. 22 in each ranking.

The Cougars defeated Oregon State 33-20 at TDECU Stadium. Quarterback Conner Weigman passed for 305 yards and accounted for two touchdowns, according to Houston Athletics.

Top-Five Matchup Comes to Austin

The rankings create a major Week 2 matchup between Ohio State and Texas. The teams will meet Saturday, Sept. 12, at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin.

Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Central, according to Texas Athletics. The result could reshape both polls and provide an early test for two national championship contenders.

Texas college football fans will have five ranked programs to follow as conference races begin taking shape.

Toluca vs. Monterrey Rematch Set for Oct. 3 at Shell Energy Stadium

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The Toluca vs. Monterrey rematch will bring two Liga MX powers back to Shell Energy Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 3. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. CT in Houston.

The clubs will return only 27 days after Toluca defeated C.F. Monterrey in the 2026 Leagues Cup Final at the same venue.

Tickets for Toluca vs. Monterrey Rematch

Houston Dynamo FC season ticket members can access a presale beginning Thursday, Sept. 10, at 10 a.m. CT.

Tickets will go on sale to the public Friday, Sept. 11, at 10 a.m. CT. Fans can purchase tickets through Tixr, the official ticketing partner of Houston Dynamo FC, according to the stadium announcement.

A Fan Fest will begin outside Shell Energy Stadium at 2 p.m. CT. The pregame celebration will feature live music, food, team mascots, club legends and championship trophies.

Toluca Returns as Leagues Cup Champion

Toluca captured the 2026 Leagues Cup title with a 2-0 victory over Monterrey on Sept. 6. A sold-out crowd of 21,144 attended the championship match at Shell Energy Stadium.

Alexis Vega opened the scoring in the fourth minute. Helinho added Toluca’s second goal in the 70th minute to secure the trophy.

The victory made Toluca the first Liga MX club to win Leagues Cup during the tournament’s modern era. That era began with the competition’s expansion in 2023.

Toluca also earned direct entry into the Round of 16 of the 2027 Concacaf Champions Cup. The club’s championship completed an all-Liga MX podium in the tournament, according to Leagues Cup.

Two Accomplished Liga MX Clubs

Toluca enters the October match as the reigning Leagues Cup champion. Los Diablos Rojos also won consecutive Liga MX titles in the Clausura 2025 and Apertura 2025 tournaments.

Founded in 1917, Toluca has won 12 Liga MX championships. That record places the club among the most successful teams in Mexican soccer.

C.F. Monterrey was founded in 1945 and has claimed five Liga MX championships. Rayados reached their first Leagues Cup Final in 2026 after a strong run through the knockout rounds.

Monterrey defeated Chicago Fire FC in the Quarterfinals. The club then eliminated Club América in a penalty shootout during the Semifinals.

Championship Rivals Return to Houston

The quick rematch gives Monterrey an opportunity to respond after its championship defeat. Toluca, meanwhile, will look to repeat its winning performance at Shell Energy Stadium.

The matchup also offers Houston’s large Liga MX fan base another chance to see two prominent Mexican clubs in person. Fans planning to attend should review event and ticket information before arriving at the stadium.

Spider-Man Leads Labor Day Box Office for Sixth Straight Weekend

Spider-Man: Brand New Day remained the top movie at the Labor Day box office, extending its first-place run to six consecutive weekends. The Sony superhero film earned an estimated $18.2 million from Friday through Sunday.

Sony projected a four-day holiday total of approximately $23.3 million. The movie has now earned more than $917 million domestically and $2.4 billion worldwide.

Spider-Man Dominates the Labor Day Box Office

Brand New Day became only the second movie this decade to lead the domestic box office for six straight weekends. Avatar: The Way of Water previously reached that milestone after its 2022 release.

The fourth standalone Spider-Man movie starring Tom Holland also passed $900 million in domestic ticket sales. It is approaching the domestic record held by Star Wars: The Force Awakens, which earned about $936.7 million.

The superhero film has shown staying power despite several major releases entering theaters since its July debut. Its holiday performance also helped close a strong summer season for Hollywood.

The Odyssey Holds Strong in Second Place

Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey remained in second place with approximately $13.1 million over the three-day weekend, according to The Numbers.

Universal projected a four-day Labor Day total near $17.2 million. The epic has earned about $585 million domestically after eight weekends.

Its worldwide total has climbed to approximately $1.63 billion. That makes it one of the year’s largest global releases.

The movie declined only slightly from the previous weekend. Its strong hold reflects continued audience interest even as the fall release calendar begins.

Coyote vs. Acme Continues Theatrical Run

Coyote vs. Acme finished third with an estimated $12 million during its second weekend. The live-action and animated comedy expanded to 3,727 North American theaters.

Its domestic total reached approximately $34.5 million through Sunday. The movie’s release followed years of uncertainty after its original distributor shelved the completed project.

Ketchup Entertainment later acquired the film and scheduled a theatrical release. The unusual path to theaters generated attention among animation fans and film industry observers.

By Any Means Leads New Releases

Paramount’s By Any Means posted the strongest debut among new releases. The historical crime drama earned approximately $7.4 million from Friday through Sunday.

The film stars Mark Wahlberg and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II. It opened in more than 2,900 theaters and was projected to reach about $9.2 million over the four-day holiday period.

Insidious: Out of the Further completed the top five with approximately $6.5 million. The horror sequel raised its domestic total to about $54 million.

A rerelease of Pixar’s Cars followed with roughly $6.1 million. Its performance showed continued interest in family films and familiar theatrical titles.

Hollywood Ends Summer With Major Growth

The 2026 summer movie season generated approximately $4.61 billion in domestic ticket sales from May through August, according to entertainment data company Rentrak.

That total represented a 26.1% increase from summer 2025. It also ranked behind only 2013 among modern summer seasons based on unadjusted ticket revenue.

Higher ticket prices contributed to the total, while overall attendance remained below many pre-pandemic years. Still, hits such as Spider-Man: Brand New Day, The Odyssey and Toy Story 5 helped theaters achieve their strongest summer in more than a decade.

The Labor Day results now provide Hollywood with momentum heading into the fall movie season, when new horror films, dramas and awards contenders will compete for audiences.

Israeli Airstrikes Kill 12 in Southern Lebanon as Regional Tensions Widen

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Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon killed at least 12 people Monday as violence intensified across several Middle Eastern conflict zones. The dead included two children, four women and a paramedic, Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported.

The attacks came as new developments unfolded in Yemen, the Strait of Hormuz, the occupied West Bank and Gaza diplomacy.

Israeli Airstrikes in Lebanon Hit Kfar Rumman

Israel carried out two airstrikes in Kfar Rumman, a village near the southern Lebanese city of Nabatiyeh. One strike destroyed a residential building and killed 11 people, Lebanon’s Health Ministry said.

Eight people were wounded in that attack. The injured included three children and a paramedic.

A separate strike hit a vehicle and killed another paramedic. Two other people were wounded, according to the ministry.

The Israeli military said it targeted Hezbollah members accused of transferring weapons into the village. It described the strikes as retaliation for explosive drone attacks against Israeli soldiers near the Ali Taher ridge.

The military said it was reviewing reports that civilians were harmed. Hezbollah did not immediately claim responsibility for the reported drone attacks.

The latest violence follows repeated violations of a U.S.-brokered truce. Israel and Lebanon signed a framework agreement in June that called for an Israeli withdrawal and Hezbollah’s disarmament. However, little progress has been reported.

Fighting Escalates in Yemen

Iran-backed Houthi rebels claimed they shot down a Saudi armed reconnaissance aircraft over Yemen’s northern Jawf province Monday.

Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree said the aircraft was conducting hostile activity. The claim could not be independently verified, and Saudi Arabia offered no immediate response.

Yemeni government forces separately reported 13 airstrikes against Houthi positions and a missile launch site. Those claims also lacked independent confirmation.

United Nations envoy Hans Grundberg called the spread of fighting across several front lines extremely alarming. He warned that further escalation would deepen the suffering of Yemeni civilians.

Strait of Hormuz Dispute Grows

A senior United Arab Emirates official said no country should control the Strait of Hormuz. His statement followed Iran’s announcement that it planned a new exclusion zone near the major shipping route.

The waterway carries substantial amounts of global oil and commercial cargo. Continued instability has disrupted shipping and increased international energy concerns.

Oman also reported that 16 crew members were rescued from the Saudi-owned tanker Sidr. The vessel was attacked near the strait last week.

Saudi Arabia previously said two Filipino crew members died. Seven others remained unaccounted for Monday.

Violence Continues in West Bank

Palestinians mourned Omar al-Toubasi, who died during a confrontation involving Israeli settlers and soldiers in the occupied West Bank village of Hajja.

Israel’s military said soldiers opened fire after Palestinians threw stones. A local witness said settlers began the confrontation by attacking a resident.

The military reported that its gunfire struck people but did not provide further details. Several others were reportedly injured.

Meanwhile, diplomat Nickolay Mladenov warned that rising West Bank violence could undermine a future two-state solution. He also called for progress on the U.S.-brokered Gaza plan, including an Israeli withdrawal and Hamas’ disarmament.

Kosovo has committed personnel to an international stabilization force planned for Gaza. However, total commitments remain well below the force’s proposed 20,000 members.

The developments underscore continuing instability across the region. Communities with family connections to the Middle East can monitor official government and humanitarian updates as conditions develop.

Labor Day Gas Prices Reach Record $4.15 National Average

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Labor Day gas prices reached a holiday record on Monday, September 7. The national average climbed to about $4.15 per gallon of regular gasoline, according to AAA.

The price surpassed the previous Labor Day record of $3.82, set in 2012. However, it remains below the all-time national record of $5.02 from June 2022.

Labor Day Gas Prices Rise Nearly $1 From 2025

Regular gasoline averaged $4.1505 per gallon nationwide on Labor Day. That was nearly $1 higher than the average of about $3.20 one year earlier.

The increase made this the first Labor Day with a national average above $4. Gas prices had already remained elevated throughout much of the summer.

Rising fuel costs may affect more than holiday travel. Families with long commutes face higher weekly expenses. Businesses may also pay more to transport products and provide services.

Diesel prices have created additional pressure. The national diesel average reached a record $5.85 per gallon ahead of the holiday.

Higher diesel costs can raise expenses for trucking, farming and construction. Those increases may eventually reach consumers through higher delivery and retail prices.

Texas Drivers Pay Less Than National Average

Texas motorists continued to pay less than the national average. AAA reported a statewide regular gasoline average of about $3.67 per gallon Monday.

Still, that price was roughly 92 cents higher than one year earlier. Texas drivers paid an average of about $2.75 per gallon during the same period in 2025.

Houston’s average stood near $3.63 per gallon. That was also approximately 92 cents higher than the city’s year-ago average of $2.71.

Meanwhile, diesel reached a record average of about $5.50 across Texas. Houston’s diesel average climbed to approximately $5.36, another local record.

Fuel prices vary by location because of taxes, distribution expenses and nearby supply. Individual stations may charge considerably more or less than regional averages.

Global Conflict and Refinery Strain Drive Prices

Energy analysts have connected this year’s higher prices to the war involving the United States, Israel and Iran. Oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz have fallen sharply during the conflict.

The waterway normally handles a major share of global petroleum shipments. Reduced traffic has limited supplies and created uncertainty across energy markets.

Refinery conditions have added pressure. U.S. refineries were operating at about 98% capacity, according to the Associated Press. Extreme Texas heat and possible Gulf Coast hurricanes could disrupt production further.

Normally, gasoline becomes less expensive after Labor Day. Travel demand declines, and refineries begin producing cheaper winter-grade fuel.

Some market indicators suggest prices could fall during the coming months. However, military developments, refinery outages and severe weather could quickly change that outlook.

Drivers can compare prices through fuel apps and avoid stations located directly beside major highways. Even small differences can produce meaningful savings for families with long commutes.

For now, Texas motorists remain below the national average. However, record Labor Day gas prices and rising diesel costs continue to strain household and business budgets.

NFL Season Starts With Texans, Cowboys and Super Bowl Rematch in Week 1

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The 2026 NFL season begins Wednesday, Sept. 9, with four days of opening-week action. The schedule features a Super Bowl rematch, an international game and important matchups for the Houston Texans and Dallas Cowboys.

Games will air across several networks and streaming services. No single platform carries every live NFL game, so access depends on the matchup and local television market.

Super Bowl Rematch Opens the NFL Season

The New England Patriots visit the defending champion Seattle Seahawks on Wednesday at 7:20 p.m. Central. NBC and Peacock will carry the game.

Seattle defeated New England 29-13 in Super Bowl LX. The rare opening-night rematch gives the Patriots an immediate opportunity to measure their offseason progress.

The Seahawks will begin their title defense without Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III, who joined Kansas City. However, Seattle returns quarterback Sam Darnold and receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba.

NFL Takes 49ers-Rams Rivalry to Australia

The San Francisco 49ers face the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday at 7:35 p.m. Central. Netflix will stream the game exclusively.

The NFC West matchup will take place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. It will be the first NFL regular-season game played in Australia.

San Francisco expects defensive stars Nick Bosa and Fred Warner to return from injuries. Meanwhile, the Rams enter the season with reigning MVP Matthew Stafford and a strengthened defense.

Los Angeles has won four of its last five meetings with San Francisco. Both teams reached the playoffs last season.

Texans Host Bills in AFC Showdown

The Buffalo Bills visit the Houston Texans on Sunday at noon Central on CBS. The matchup features one of the league’s strongest offenses against an established Houston defense.

Houston’s pass rush, led by Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter, will face a significant opening test. Buffalo begins a new era under first-year head coach Joe Brady.

The game will be available on the local CBS station in participating markets. Paramount+ subscribers can stream the CBS game available in their local market.

Cowboys Visit Giants on Sunday Night

The Dallas Cowboys open against the New York Giants at 7:20 p.m. Central on NBC and Peacock.

The NFC East rivals will meet in Week 1 for the eighth time in 15 seasons. Dallas enters the game with Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens leading its offense.

New York will counter with quarterback Jaxson Dart and a talented defensive front. The game will also mark John Harbaugh’s first home appearance as the Giants’ head coach.

Other Sunday games to watch include Green Bay at Minnesota and Washington at Philadelphia. Both divisional matchups begin at 3:25 p.m. Central.

Broncos-Chiefs Closes Week 1

The Denver Broncos visit the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday at 7:15 p.m. Central. ABC, ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes will carry the game.

Denver ended Kansas City’s nine-year run as AFC West champion last season. The Broncos now return with quarterback Bo Nix and one of the league’s strongest defenses.

Kansas City hopes to rebound after missing the playoffs. Patrick Mahomes’ health remains a major storyline following his serious knee injury last season.

How to Watch the 2026 NFL Season

Traditional television remains the simplest option for local games. CBS and FOX carry regional Sunday afternoon matchups. NBC airs Sunday Night Football, while ESPN and ABC carry Monday Night Football.

Several streaming services provide access without traditional cable:

  • Paramount+ streams the CBS game available in the subscriber’s local market.
  • FOX One streams locally available FOX games on supported devices.
  • Peacock carries NBC’s Sunday Night Football coverage.
  • ESPN provides access to Monday Night Football through eligible plans.
  • Prime Video becomes the main home of Thursday Night Football beginning in Week 2.
  • Netflix carries the 49ers-Rams opener and select special games.
  • NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube and YouTube TV carries out-of-market Sunday afternoon games.
  • NFL+ provides live local and prime-time games on phones and tablets. It also offers live audio for every game.

NFL+ Premium adds NFL RedZone and full, condensed and coaches-film replays. However, NFL+ does not include live Sunday Ticket games on televisions.

NFL RedZone offers live scoring coverage from Sunday afternoon games. It does not provide complete broadcasts of every matchup.

Fans seeking the broadest access generally need local network coverage, Sunday Ticket and the services carrying exclusive national games. Availability may vary by location, device and subscription plan.

The complete Week 1 schedule and local broadcast information are available through the NFL’s official viewing guide.

College Football Opening Weekend Brings Big Wins for University of Houston and Texas Teams

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The college football opening weekend brought dominant performances from national contenders and strong starts across Texas. The University of Houston joined several ranked state programs in opening the 2026 season with a victory.

The weekend also produced a remarkable finish. Michigan escaped an upset bid after officials restored one second to the clock.

University of Houston Opens With a Victory

No. 23 University of Houston defeated Oregon State 33-20 in its season opener. The Cougars joined Texas, Texas A&M and Texas Tech among the state’s ranked winners.

The victory gave Houston an encouraging start before the schedule becomes more demanding. It also allowed the Cougars to build early momentum for their Big 12 campaign.

Houston entered the season ranked in the AP Top 25 after showing progress during the previous year. The opening result reinforced expectations that the Cougars can remain competitive in a deep conference race.

Michigan Survives Opening Weekend Scare

No. 16 Michigan defeated Western Michigan 13-12 in the weekend’s most dramatic ending.

Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood initially threw an incomplete Hail Mary as the scoreboard reached zero. Officials then ruled that one second remained. Underwood used the added play to connect with JJ Buchanan for a 47-yard touchdown.

The victory marked a dramatic debut for Michigan coach Kyle Whittingham. It also denied Western Michigan one of the season’s first major upsets.

No. 2 Oregon also faced pressure before defeating Boise State 34-27. Meanwhile, No. 9 Ole Miss survived No. 24 Louisville 41-38 in Sunday’s only matchup between ranked teams.

National Contenders Start Strong

Defending national champion Indiana opened its title defense with a 52-16 victory over North Texas.

New quarterback Josh Hoover completed 13 of 16 passes for 231 yards and four touchdowns. The former TCU quarterback replaced Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza, who became the No. 1 NFL draft pick.

No. 1 Ohio State routed Ball State 56-3. Star receiver Jeremiah Smith recorded eight catches for 151 yards and two touchdowns during the first half.

No. 7 Miami defeated Stanford 45-6 behind two record-setting transfer stars. Darian Mensah threw five touchdown passes in his Hurricanes debut. Malachi Toney set a school record with 234 receiving yards and caught three touchdowns.

No. 11 LSU also made an early statement. The Tigers defeated Clemson 51-10 in Lane Kiffin’s first game as head coach.

No. 4 Notre Dame closed Sunday with a 41-13 victory over Wisconsin at Lambeau Field. No. 17 Washington defeated Washington State 24-10 in the Apple Cup.

Texas Programs Begin Season With Wins

No. 5 Texas defeated Texas State 59-7. The Longhorns entered the season with national championship expectations and quickly controlled their opening matchup.

No. 8 Texas A&M shut out Missouri State 50-0. No. 12 Texas Tech defeated Abilene Christian 33-10.

The University of Houston’s win completed an undefeated opening weekend for the four ranked Texas teams. Stronger opponents and conference games will provide more meaningful tests in the coming weeks.

Other ranked winners included Georgia, Oklahoma, Alabama, Southern California, Penn State, Tennessee and Iowa. The complete Week 1 results are available through the NCAA scoreboard.

Week 2 Brings New Challenges

Opening results rarely provide a complete picture of a season. Still, the first games showed which contenders have experienced playmakers and which teams need quick improvements.

The next AP Top 25 poll will reflect the weekend’s results. Attention will then shift toward Week 2 and the early College Football Playoff race.

For University of Houston supporters, the opening weekend delivered a ranked victory and reasons for optimism. The Cougars must now carry that momentum into the next stage of their schedule.

Amazon Cargo Plane Crash in Miami Kills Five as Investigators Examine Landing

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An Amazon cargo plane crash at Miami International Airport killed at least five people and injured five others Sunday. Federal investigators are examining why the Boeing 767 overran a runway, struck vehicles and caught fire.

The crash occurred around 2 p.m. Sept. 6 as 21 Air Flight 7598 landed after traveling from San Juan, Puerto Rico. The aircraft was operating for Amazon Air, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

Amazon Cargo Plane Crash Leaves Five Injured

The cargo jet crossed a perimeter road near warehouses and other businesses surrounding the airport. It struck several vehicles before stopping near two semitrucks.

Miami-Dade County officials reported five deaths. Three injured people remained in critical condition, while two others suffered less severe injuries.

Authorities had not publicly identified the victims as of Monday morning. They also had not confirmed whether those killed were aboard the plane or inside vehicles.

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Chief Ray Jadallah said the pilot and copilot were trapped in the cockpit. Other people were trapped inside vehicles. Emergency crews also rescued a person pinned beneath a vehicle, according to sources.

About 200 emergency personnel responded to the scene. Firefighters used specialized airport equipment and foam to control flames around the aircraft’s engine compartment.

Crews also worked to contain leaking fuel after extinguishing the main fire.

NTSB Investigates Runway Overrun

The National Transportation Safety Board sent a team to Miami led by Chair Jennifer Homendy. The FAA is also investigating.

No official cause has been announced. Investigators are expected to review the aircraft’s touchdown point, speed, braking systems and maintenance history.

Video from the landing appears to show the plane remaining above the runway longer than expected. However, investigators have not determined whether the aircraft landed too far down the runway.

Weather will also form part of the investigation. Thunderstorms were present in the area, with wind gusts reaching about 30 mph.

The aircraft was a 32-year-old Boeing 767-300. It originally carried passengers before its conversion into a cargo plane in 2015. North Carolina-based 21 Air operated the flight under contract for Amazon.

Amazon said it was heartbroken by the loss of life and was cooperating with authorities.

Miami Airport Delays Continue Monday

The crash forced Miami International Airport to close all runways and taxiways Sunday afternoon. Officials later lifted the ground stop after roughly three hours.

Two of the airport’s four runways had reopened by Monday morning. However, delays and cancellations continued as airlines worked through disrupted schedules, CBS Miami reported.

More than 160 flights were canceled Sunday, while nearly 325 experienced delays. Travelers should check directly with their airlines before arriving at the airport.

Officials asked the public to avoid the crash area while investigators examine the wreckage. Additional information about the victims, survivors and cause is expected as the federal investigation continues.

Houston’s Regan Hutsell Wins Miss America 2027, Ending Texas’ 50-Year Wait

Houston native Regan Hutsell was crowned Miss America 2027 on Sunday, Sept. 6, in West Palm Beach, Florida. Her victory makes her the first Texas representative to win the national title in more than 50 years.

Regan Hutsell Makes Texas History

Hutsell received the crown during the 99th Miss America competition at the Palm Beach County Convention Center. Miss America 2026 Cassie Donegan of New York crowned her successor.

The 25-year-old entered the competition as Miss Texas 2026 after previously holding the Miss Houston title. She advanced through fitness, talent, evening gown and interview rounds before reaching the final five.

During a rapid-response round, contestants explained the meaning of a selected word. Hutsell received “courage” and discussed the perseverance required throughout her life and pageant journey.

Shelby Bordelon of Louisiana finished as first runner-up. Kate Dimmett of Illinois placed second runner-up. Sharlize True Trujillo of California and Evelyn Smith of the District of Columbia completed the final five.

Texas Returns to the Miss America Spotlight

Hutsell becomes Texas’ fourth Miss America winner. The state’s previous winners were Jo-Carrol Dennison in 1942, Phyllis George in 1971 and Shirley Cothran in 1975, according to the Miss Texas Organization.

Cothran’s victory had remained the state’s most recent national title for more than five decades. However, Texas contestants came close during the previous three competitions. Ellie Breaux, Annette Addo-Yobo and Sadie Schiermeyer each finished as first runner-up.

Hutsell’s win brings the crown back to Texas while adding another achievement for Houston’s performing arts community.

From Professional Dance to Miss America 2027

Hutsell began dancing at age 4 and trained in ballet, jazz, tap and lyrical dance. Her professional career included work with the Radio City Rockettes and Birmingham Royal Ballet in the United Kingdom.

She drew from that experience for her Miss America talent performance. Hutsell performed a jazz routine to “Le Jazz Hot” and earned recognition during the preliminary competition.

Her dance background also prepared her for the demands of the national title. Miss America makes public appearances, supports charitable programs and represents the organization throughout the year.

Hutsell received a $50,000 tuition scholarship with the crown, according to Parade. She has said she plans to complete her education and pursue a career as a physical therapist.

Advocating for Healthy Body Image

Hutsell’s community service initiative, “Your Body Is Your Home,” promotes physical and mental well-being. The campaign draws from her experience with body-image struggles, an eating disorder and dance-related injuries.

Through the initiative, she encourages healthier discussions about appearance, self-acceptance and personal care. She has emphasized that achievement should center on purpose rather than physical appearance.

As Miss America 2027, Hutsell will have a national platform to expand that message. Her historic victory also gives Houston and Texas communities a new representative on one of the country’s best-known stages.

Texas Clears First Routes in $14 Billion Permian Basin Grid Expansion

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Texas regulators have approved the first routes in the state’s $14 billion Permian Basin power grid expansion. The decision supports rising electricity demand in West Texas and benefits several Houston-based energy companies.

The Public Utility Commission of Texas unanimously approved the routes on Aug. 28. The decision allows Oncor Electric Delivery to begin securing easements, surveying property and preparing for construction.

Permian Basin Power Grid Expansion Moves Forward

The two approved corridors will add about 424 miles of 765-kilovolt transmission lines across 32 Texas counties. This extra-high-voltage technology can transport more electricity than the 345-kilovolt lines commonly used across the state.

One route will run about 242 miles from near Glen Rose to Howard County. The second will continue roughly 182 miles west toward the Culberson and Reeves county line.

Together, the two projects could cost approximately $3.9 billion. They represent an early phase of the broader Permian Basin Reliability Plan, estimated at nearly $14 billion.

Oncor expects its first 765-kilovolt line to begin operating by the end of 2028. The company has targeted 2030 for completing its projects under the larger reliability plan.

Houston Energy Companies Gain More Grid Capacity

The approval is significant for Houston-area oil and gas producers with major Permian Basin operations. Chevron, ConocoPhillips and ExxonMobil have supported efforts to expand the region’s electrical infrastructure.

A 2022 industry study found that Permian oil and gas operations could require more than 17 gigawatts of electricity by 2032. At the time, the regional grid provided about 4.2 gigawatts.

Limited access to the grid has forced some operators to rely on diesel generators and other on-site power sources. Additional transmission capacity could support electric drilling equipment, compressors and other field operations.

The expansion could also help companies reduce fuel costs and replace some diesel-powered equipment. However, the benefits will depend on construction schedules and future connections within the basin.

Electricity Demand Is Expected to Quadruple

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas expects Permian Basin peak demand to reach 26.4 gigawatts by 2038. That would be about four times the region’s earlier peak demand.

Oil and gas electrification remains a major driver. However, data centers, cryptocurrency mining facilities, hydrogen projects and manufacturing operations are also increasing electricity needs.

The new lines will move power from other parts of Texas into West Texas. Regulators selected 765-kilovolt infrastructure because it can carry large amounts of electricity over long distances.

The technology is new to Texas. However, more than 2,400 miles of similar lines already operate across the United States and Canada, according to Oncor.

Costs and Landowner Concerns Remain

The projects have faced opposition from ranchers, landowners and local officials along the proposed routes. Critics raised concerns about property rights, environmental effects and the size of the transmission corridors.

Some state lawmakers also urged regulators to delay approval while the Legislature considered changes to the routing process. The commission moved forward but required Oncor to consult with affected property owners.

Texas electricity customers are expected to fund much of the transmission investment through charges collected over time. The final effect on monthly bills will depend on financing, construction costs and regulatory decisions.

The approval marks a major step for the Permian Basin power grid expansion and Houston’s energy sector. Texas communities, businesses and consumers will continue watching its costs, construction timeline and effect on grid reliability.