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Harris County Burn Ban Takes Effect in Unincorporated Areas

Que Onda Editorial
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Harris County Burn Ban Takes Effect in Unincorporated Areas

A Harris County burn ban took effect immediately Thursday, Sept. 17, after approval from Harris County Commissioners Court. The ban applies to unincorporated areas of the county and will remain in place for 90 days unless the court suspends or extends it.

The Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office requested the ban because prolonged dry conditions continue to create fire risks across parts of the county.

Dry Conditions Prompt Harris County Burn Ban

Recent rainfall has improved conditions in some communities. However, Fire Marshal Laurie L. Christensen said the rain has not reached every area equally.

“The county has received a significant amount of rainfall in the last couple of weeks, but it has not reached all areas of the county equally,” Christensen said.

Harris County covers more than 1,700 square miles. Conditions can therefore vary significantly from one community to another.

“While conditions in some areas may have improved, the threat of a fire spreading quickly remains in parts of the county,” Christensen said. She added that those conditions can create further challenges for first responders.

The Fire Marshal’s Office has not recorded a significant increase in outdoor fire calls. Still, local fire chiefs supported the burn ban request. Officials also coordinated with the Texas A&M Forest Service before submitting the request.

What the Burn Ban Prohibits

The order prohibits outdoor burning unless it occurs inside an enclosure that contains all flames and sparks.

Several activities remain permitted under the order:

  • Outdoor burning authorized by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
  • Approved ceremonial fires
  • Noncommercial cooking, including backyard cookouts and barbecues
  • Welding and other “hot work” that complies with county fire codes

Violating the burn ban is a Class C misdemeanor. A violation can result in a fine of up to $500.

Someone who starts a fire that damages another person’s property could also face additional charges. Depending on the circumstances, those charges may include reckless damage or destruction, a Class C misdemeanor, or felony arson.

Safety Tips During Dry Weather

Officials urge residents to use caution with activities that produce heat, flames or sparks. Dry vegetation and windy weather can allow a small fire to spread quickly.

Smokers should fully extinguish cigarettes and never leave smoking materials unattended. Cigarettes should not be discarded in mulch, dried grass, leaves, landscaping or potted plants. Drivers should never throw cigarette butts from vehicle windows.

Residents should also avoid driving or parking vehicles on dry grass and leaves. Hot exhaust systems can ignite nearby vegetation. Trailer safety chains should be adjusted so they do not drag on the road and create sparks.

Lawnmowers should only be used on maintained lawns. Metal mower blades can strike rocks and produce sparks when used around weeds or dry grass.

Outdoor Cooking Precautions

Backyard cooking remains allowed, but grills should be placed away from dry grass and other combustible materials. Residents should only use lighter fluid designed for grilling. Gasoline and other flammable liquids should never be used to start a grill.

Charcoal starter fluid should not be added after the grill is burning. Doing so can cause a dangerous flare-up.

After cooking, residents should allow charcoal to cool completely. Coals should then be placed in a metal container and soaked with water before disposal.

Anyone who sees an unattended fire should call 911 and notify the local fire department immediately. Even a small fire can rapidly threaten nearby homes, businesses and residents.

Forecast updates and emergency information are available through ReadyHarris.org. Residents can also register for ReadyHarris Alerts or ReadyHarris Accessible Alerts.

Houston Chicken Wing Festival Apologizes After Weekend Meltdown

Que Onda Editorial
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Houston Chicken Wing Festival Apologizes After Weekend Meltdown

The Houston Chicken Wing Festival is issuing apologies and refunds after its inaugural event failed to meet advertised expectations. Attendees reported missing wings, rejected tasting tickets and a canceled cooking competition at Buffalo Bayou Park.

Bayou City Hangouts organized the festival Sunday, Sept. 13, at The Water Works. The group has acknowledged problems with food availability, vendor participation and communication.

Houston Chicken Wing Festival Draws Complaints

Organizers promoted the event as a celebration of Houston’s best chicken wings. Plans included live entertainment, a wing-eating contest and a cook-off to select the city’s best wings.

General admission was free, although donations were encouraged. However, attendees could purchase tasting passes and VIP packages for additional benefits.

The advertised tasting pass cost as much as $45. It included up to 10 competition wings, voting access and entry to festival activities.

VIP tickets reached $90. Those packages promised early admission, covered seating and festival merchandise.

A portion of the event’s proceeds was expected to benefit Kids’ Meals Inc. The Houston nonprofit provides meals to children facing food insecurity.

Vendors Run Out of Wings

Organizers expected five chicken wing vendors to participate in the competition. However, only three wing vendors attended, according to reports.

Two vendors reportedly ran out of wings before the scheduled competition began. Organizers then canceled the cook-off and attempted to turn away arriving guests.

Festival entry records showed that nearly 500 people attended. The full event included 39 participating businesses, but only three served chicken wings.

That shortage quickly created problems for guests expecting multiple tastings. Some attendees said they could not redeem tickets or receive the wings included with their passes.

Organizers had originally planned to use wristbands for tastings. A printing issue forced them to distribute 10 individual tickets to tasting pass and VIP customers instead.

Each ticket represented one wing. However, at least one vendor reportedly did not understand or accept the changed system.

Vendor Describes Communication Problems

Antonio Bailey of Dallas-based Blasian Creations told Chron that his team traveled from Dallas one day before the festival. He said several competition details appeared to change after the team arrived.

Bailey said vendors expected wristband holders, not guests carrying individual tickets. He also said his team learned during the event that the cooking competition would not take place.

Bayou City Hangouts leaders MaKayla Hoover and Amanda DeVaul said organizers regularly communicated with vendors before the festival. However, the breakdown involving tasting tickets showed that important information did not reach every participant.

Competition vendors paid at least $150, plus processing fees and optional costs, for festival space. Planning documents reportedly asked each competitor to prepare at least 300 wings.

Organizers Promise Refunds and Changes

Bayou City Hangouts released a public response Monday following complaints from attendees and vendors.

“You expected more from us. We understand that,” the organization said.

Organizers said some circumstances were outside their control. Still, they acknowledged concerns involving food supplies, tickets, vendor communication and overall event management.

The group is working to refund tasting pass holders who did not receive their promised wings. Organizers are also considering a future cook-off to replace the canceled competition.

Despite the difficult debut, Bayou City Hangouts said it plans to bring the Houston Chicken Wing Festival back. No date for another festival or replacement competition has been announced.

For Houston residents, the organizers’ refund process and promised changes will determine whether the event can rebuild public trust. Clearer vendor commitments and realistic food estimates will be essential before another festival moves forward.

Andre Johnson Comments on C.J. Stroud’s Body Language

Michael Esparza
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Andre Johnson Comments on C.J. Stroud’s Body Language

Andre Johnson’s comments on C.J. Stroud have started a debate about leadership and sideline demeanor in Houston. The Texans legend criticized the quarterback’s body language following the team’s season-opening loss to the Buffalo Bills.

Johnson addressed Stroud during an appearance on the “LGND TLK” podcast. Former NBA player Kendrick Perkins and Houston rapper Lil Keke host the program.

Andre Johnson Questions C.J. Stroud’s Body Language

Johnson said Stroud’s demeanor concerned him because teammates look to their quarterback during difficult moments.

“I dislike his body language. His body language is bad,” Johnson said during the podcast.

The Pro Football Hall of Famer explained that a quarterback’s attitude can influence the rest of the team. Johnson said negative reactions can spread when players see their leader appearing frustrated.

His comments carried additional weight because of his history with the franchise. Johnson played 12 seasons with Houston and remains one of the most accomplished players in Texans history.

However, Johnson’s criticism focused on Stroud’s visible reactions. It did not dismiss the quarterback’s overall ability or potential.

C.J. Stroud Responds to Andre Johnson’s Comments

Stroud delivered a measured response when reporters asked about Johnson’s remarks Wednesday.

“I respect Dre as a person. I appreciate his critiques,” Stroud said. He added that his attention remained on Houston’s upcoming game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Stroud also pointed to the captain’s patch on his uniform. He said teammates selected him for that responsibility because of how he leads and relates to the locker room.

The quarterback completed 26 of 38 passes for 274 yards and two touchdowns against Buffalo. However, he lost two fumbles in the Texans’ 36-31 defeat. Buffalo recovered the second fumble in the closing seconds, ending Houston’s comeback attempt.

Texans Teammates Defend Their Quarterback

Defensive end Will Anderson Jr. defended Stroud’s leadership after Johnson’s comments became public. Anderson said players voted Stroud a captain because he represents the qualities they expect from a team leader.

Anderson also credited Stroud with encouraging teammates and helping the group reset after difficult plays. He described the quarterback as enthusiastic and supportive on the sideline.

Head coach DeMeco Ryans offered a similar assessment before Johnson’s criticism surfaced. Ryans praised Stroud’s command, confidence and decision-making against Buffalo.

“His demeanor — he was just even-keeled the entire game,” Ryans said, according to the Texans’ official website.

Running back David Montgomery also described Stroud as calm inside the huddle. Montgomery said that consistency helps other players settle down when pressure increases.

Those evaluations contrast with Johnson’s outside perspective. However, they also show how body language can produce different interpretations depending on the observer.

Houston Turns Its Attention to Cincinnati

The discussion arrives early in a season carrying high expectations for Stroud and the Texans. Houston showed offensive progress against Buffalo but could not finish the game.

Stroud’s response avoided a public disagreement with one of the franchise’s most respected former players. He also left open the possibility of speaking directly with Johnson.

The Texans will now have an opportunity to answer the debate on the field. Houston hosts Cincinnati on Sept. 20, giving Stroud another chance to demonstrate his leadership under pressure.

For Texans fans, the coming weeks should offer a clearer measure than any single sideline reaction. Performance, communication and the team’s response to adversity will determine how Houston’s leadership develops.

Drake Confirms 2027 World Tour Following ‘FOMO’ Film Premiere

Que Onda Editorial
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Drake Confirms 2027 World Tour Following ‘FOMO’ Film Premiere

Drake has confirmed plans for a 2027 world tour following the release of his new visual project, FOMO: Fear of Missing Out. The Toronto rapper announced the tour while attending the film’s premiere Tuesday, Sept. 15.

However, Drake has not released tour dates, cities, venues or ticket information. He only indicated that international performances and other major shows are planned.

Drake 2027 World Tour Announced

“Obviously, a tour is coming,” Drake told CTV’s etalk before the FOMO premiere. He also said fans worldwide could expect to see him during 2027.

The announcement marks Drake’s first confirmation of a major tour connected to his recent projects. Additional details, including the tour’s official name and supporting performers, remain unknown.

Drake’s last major North American run was the It’s All a Blur Tour. The tour began in July 2023 and continued through April 2024. It featured appearances by 21 Savage and J. Cole.

He later traveled to Australia for the Anita Max Win Tour in February 2025. Drake also joined PartyNextDoor for the European Some Special Shows 4 U concert series later that year.

No Texas stops have been announced for the 2027 tour. Houston, Austin, San Antonio and Dallas fans will have to wait for Drake or an official promoter to release the complete schedule.

What Is Drake’s ‘FOMO’ Film?

FOMO stands for Fear of Missing Out. Drake began teasing the project in August with family photographs and the caption “FOMO 2026.”

The mysterious promotion led to theories about a new album, documentary or tour. Drake later described the project as a “not so short film” directed and scored by his creative circle.

The film premiered through a YouTube livestream on Sept. 15. Drake also described the independently financed project as “self-funded surrealism.”

According to Pitchfork, the film includes scenes of Drake piloting a speedboat, exercising and spending time with family and friends. Sexyy Red appears in the project, which also features new music and several music-video segments.

The complete stream was removed from YouTube after its premiere. An official date for a wider release has not been announced.

New Music Featured in ‘Fear of Missing Out’

The visual project includes Drake’s remix of Ella Langley’s country-pop hit “Choosin’ Texas.” The new version also features Don Toliver and adds a slower R&B approach to the original song.

FOMO also includes personal footage involving Drake’s mother, Sandi Graham, and members of his extended circle. The mix of home-video material, performances and music videos gives the project a loose, experimental format.

The film follows a busy release year for Drake. In May, he released Iceman, Maid of Honour and Habibti as three connected albums.

Those releases provided more than two hours of music and numerous accompanying videos. However, Drake has not confirmed which projects will shape the 2027 tour’s setlist.

Tour Dates and Tickets Still Pending

Drake’s statement confirms that touring is part of his 2027 schedule. He offered no specific timeline for a formal announcement.

Ticket prices, presale registration and on-sale dates also remain unavailable. Fans should rely on Drake’s verified accounts, official venue websites and established ticketing platforms for confirmed information.

The FOMO premiere has now delivered both a new visual project and Drake’s first public confirmation of a 2027 world tour. More information is expected as venues and dates are finalized.

UT Austin Students Speak Out After GOP Nominee Calls Them ‘Foreigners’

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UT Austin Students Speak Out After GOP Nominee Calls Them ‘Foreigners’

University of Texas at Austin students are speaking out after Republican nominee Bo French described students of South Asian descent as “foreigners.” His viral post used an image of Longhorn fans celebrating a football victory.

Students pictured in the image said French made assumptions based on their appearance. Several Texas Republicans also criticized the comments as racist or divisive.

Bo French Post Targets UT Students

French is the Republican nominee for the Texas Railroad Commission. The statewide agency regulates Texas’ oil and natural gas industry.

On Sunday, French shared a photo from the student section at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. The image showed several South Asian students wearing burnt orange and celebrating the Longhorns’ comeback victory over Ohio State.

French compared the scene to a UT graduation and described it as a problem. In another post, he claimed Americans were being displaced by foreigners.

French did not have information about the students’ citizenship or immigration status, according to The Texas Tribune. At least one student in the picture, UT senior Dhairya Gupta, is a naturalized U.S. citizen.

UT Austin Students Reject ‘Foreigners’ Label

Gupta said he regularly encounters offensive comments online. However, he was surprised to see a statewide candidate target him and his friends.

“When I look at that picture, I don’t see a problem,” Gupta told the Tribune.

UT sophomore Arsheeya Moyeen said the image lacked important context. Students had waited for hours in the heat before entering the stadium. When the student section opened, they ran toward available seats near the field.

Moyeen said using the photograph to support claims about race and immigration was unprofessional. She also expressed concern that offensive generalizations have become common on social media.

Lisa Varghese, another UT sophomore in the section, said football should bring people together. She accused French of using skin color to divide Texans.

UT Enrollment Data Contradicts Broader Claim

Texas law requires 90% of UT Austin’s incoming freshman class to consist of Texas residents. The remaining 10% includes both international and out-of-state students.

International students represented about 4% of UT’s undergraduate enrollment during the 2025-26 academic year.

State law also requires 75% of the freshman class to come through automatic admission. UT offers that admission to eligible Texas students graduating in the top 5% of their high school classes.

Asian students make up about 26% of UT’s degree-seeking undergraduate population. Race cannot be considered in admissions following the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2023 decision restricting race-conscious college admissions.

University Leaders Defend Longhorn Community

Kevin Eltife, chairman of the UT System Board of Regents, responded with a statement supporting the students. He said the crowd at the football game consisted of Longhorn fans who made the university proud.

UT President Jim Davis also praised the student body. He wrote that UT students are exceptional and “all of them are Longhorns.”

French defended his position during a conservative radio appearance Monday. He argued that supporting Texas residents over international students is not racist.

The controversy also drew criticism from Republican officials. U.S. Sen. John Cornyn called on party leaders to condemn the post. Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows said immigration policies can be debated without demeaning people based on race or ethnicity.

Former House Speaker Dade Phelan called French unfit for office. Other Republicans, including former Texas GOP Chairman Matt Rinaldi, defended French or criticized Cornyn.

Gov. Greg Abbott said the photograph showed how Texans unite around college football. However, he also reiterated his support for restrictions on H-1B visas at public universities.

The dispute has placed UT Austin students at the center of a statewide political debate. Their response emphasizes that ethnicity alone does not determine citizenship, residency or belonging in the Texas university community.

Gaza Building Collapse Kills at Least 21, Including 11 Children

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Gaza Building Collapse Kills at Least 21, Including 11 Children

A Gaza building collapse killed at least 21 people in Gaza City early Wednesday, Sept. 16. The victims included 11 children and five women, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.

At least 14 other people suffered injuries. Rescue crews finished searching the rubble Wednesday afternoon.

Gaza Building Collapse Strikes Displaced Families

About six displaced Palestinian families were sheltering inside the building when it collapsed. The structure had sustained damage from Israeli strikes earlier in the war.

Residents reportedly knew the building was unstable. However, Gaza Civil Defense officials said families had few other shelter options.

The collapse occurred while many residents were sleeping. Emergency workers and local residents searched the debris, sometimes using their bare hands because heavy equipment remained scarce.

Earlier reports placed the death toll between 12 and 20. Health Ministry spokesperson Zaher al-Wahidi later confirmed that at least 21 people had died.

Damaged Buildings Create Widespread Danger

Thousands of displaced families have moved into damaged buildings across Gaza. Many prefer the unstable structures to tents that offer limited protection from heat, wind and rain.

Gaza Civil Defense estimates that about 2,000 damaged buildings remain occupied. A United Nations official also warned that approximately 400 structures face an immediate risk of collapse, according to Reuters reporting.

The United Nations estimated in June that about 201,290 structures had sustained damage. That represented approximately 82% of all structures in the Gaza Strip. More than 134,000 were classified as destroyed, according to the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

Damaged concrete, weakened support columns and exposure to weather can increase the risk of sudden collapse. However, officials had not identified the immediate cause of Wednesday’s disaster.

Rescue Equipment and Shelter Remain Limited

Gaza rescue teams have only a small number of working excavators. Fuel shortages have further limited their ability to clear debris and recover victims.

The war has produced an estimated 61 million tons of debris, according to the United Nations. Clearing that material could take about seven years under current conditions.

Palestinian and U.N. officials have blamed Israeli restrictions for shortages of construction supplies and heavy machinery. Israel says restrictions aim to prevent militant groups from obtaining equipment that could have military uses.

Little reconstruction has occurred since an October 2025 ceasefire reduced large-scale fighting. Israel has said wider rebuilding cannot begin until Hamas disarms. Both Israel and Hamas have accused the other side of violating the agreement.

Conflict Continues Despite Ceasefire

The war began after the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. Militants killed about 1,200 people and took 251 hostages.

Israel’s military campaign has killed more than 73,700 Palestinians, according to Gaza health officials. The ministry does not separate civilians from combatants in its count. However, United Nations agencies generally consider its records reliable.

Wednesday’s collapse highlights the continuing risks facing displaced families even when they are away from active fighting. Without safer shelter, structural inspections and adequate rescue equipment, Gaza residents remain vulnerable inside buildings already weakened by war.

Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour Loses Four Acts After Macklemore’s Removal

Michael Esparza
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Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour Loses Four Acts After Macklemore’s Removal

The Ed Sheeran Loop Tour has lost four supporting acts following Macklemore’s removal from its upcoming shows. Aaron Rowe, Beoga, Lukas Graham and Finneas withdrew Tuesday in solidarity with the rapper.

Macklemore was removed after delivering pro-Palestinian remarks during Sheeran’s Sept. 4 and 5 concerts at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Sheeran said the tour promoter and venue operators made the final decision.

Four Acts Leave the Ed Sheeran Loop Tour

Irish singer-songwriter Aaron Rowe and Danish pop band Lukas Graham were scheduled to support Sheeran during his remaining North American concerts. Irish folk group Beoga had also been performing several songs during Sheeran’s set.

Finneas, a Grammy-winning singer, songwriter and producer, was scheduled for six South American dates later this year. He announced his departure Tuesday afternoon.

“Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed,” Finneas wrote on social media. He added that he stood with Palestine and its people.

Rowe called the decision difficult because of his friendship with Sheeran. However, he said he could not continue after Macklemore’s removal.

Beoga cited its commitment to Irish Artists for Palestine. Meanwhile, Lukas Graham said wealth should not determine who may discuss war and civilian suffering.

The four departures leave Sheeran without the supporting artists previously announced for the affected dates. No replacement lineup had been announced as of Tuesday evening. The Associated Press confirmed the withdrawals.

Why Macklemore Was Removed

During his New Jersey appearances, Macklemore discussed the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the occupied West Bank. He also said “Free Palestine” before performing “Hind’s Hall,” his protest song supporting Palestinians.

Macklemore later said several stadium operators would not host concerts featuring him. Messina Touring Group said venues warned that his continued participation could lead to cancellations affecting hundreds of thousands of fans.

Robert Kraft was among the venue owners who objected. The Kraft Group owns Gillette Stadium, where Sheeran has two September concerts scheduled.

Kraft said his decision reflected Macklemore’s recent comments and what he described as a history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery. He also expressed willingness to meet with Macklemore.

During the MetLife performance, Macklemore told Jewish audience members that his criticism of Israel was not criticism of them. He has repeatedly presented his statements as opposition to Israel’s actions in Gaza.

Sheeran Says Removal Was Not His Decision

Sheeran said Macklemore’s contract was with the promoter, not with him. He also said he held discussions with venues, promoters and activists in search of a solution.

“Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter’s decision, it was not mine,” Sheeran wrote. He said he respects Macklemore’s commitment but does not use his own concerts as political forums. Sheeran’s complete position was reported by Variety.

The Ed Sheeran Loop Tour remains scheduled to resume Sept. 19 in Philadelphia. Additional stops include Foxborough, Atlanta, Indianapolis, Charlotte and Arlington.

The Arlington concert is scheduled for Oct. 24 at AT&T Stadium. North Texas ticket holders should monitor the official Ed Sheeran website and venue channels for lineup or scheduling updates.

2026 Emmy Awards: ‘Widow’s Bay’ Breaks Record as ‘The Pitt’ Wins Best Drama

Michael Esparza
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2026 Emmy Awards: ‘Widow’s Bay’ Breaks Record as ‘The Pitt’ Wins Best Drama

The 2026 Emmy Awards crowned new favorites and celebrated television veterans Monday night in Los Angeles. “Widow’s Bay” dominated the ceremony, while “The Pitt” retained television’s top drama prize.

The 78th Emmy Awards aired live from the Peacock Theater on NBC and Peacock. Mariska Hargitay hosted the ceremony, becoming the first woman to lead the Emmys in 15 years.

‘Widow’s Bay’ Dominates the 2026 Emmy Awards

Apple TV’s “Widow’s Bay” won six awards during the televised ceremony. Its victories included outstanding comedy series, directing and writing.

Combined with eight Creative Arts Emmys, the show collected 14 awards. That total set a new single-season record for a comedy series, according to the Television Academy.

Created by Katie Dippold, the series follows a New England island community confronting a centuries-old curse. The horror-comedy earned acting awards for Matthew Rhys, Kate O’Flynn and Stephen Root.

Dippold won for comedy writing, while Hiro Murai received the directing award. O’Flynn and Root were among several first-time Emmy winners.

Matthew Rhys and Jean Smart Make History

Rhys became the first performer to win two lead acting Emmys in one year. He won lead actor in a comedy for “Widow’s Bay” and lead actor in a limited series for “The Beast in Me.”

The Welsh actor also received a trophy as an executive producer of “Widow’s Bay.” He previously won a drama acting Emmy for “The Americans” in 2018.

Jean Smart earned her fifth consecutive lead comedy actress award for the final season of “Hacks.” She won the honor for every season of the acclaimed HBO Max comedy.

The victory gave Smart eight acting Emmys. She tied the performer record held by Cloris Leachman and Julia Louis-Dreyfus.

Allison Janney also reached eight acting wins Monday. She received the supporting drama actress award for playing a fictional president in Netflix’s “The Diplomat.”

‘The Pitt’ Repeats as Best Drama

“The Pitt” won outstanding drama series for the second consecutive year. The HBO Max medical drama became the first program since “Mad Men” to win for each of its first two seasons.

Noah Wyle repeated as lead actor in a drama for his performance in the series. Meanwhile, Rhea Seehorn earned her first acting Emmy for Apple TV’s “Pluribus.”

Seehorn won lead actress in a drama. “Pluribus” creator Vince Gilligan also received his first individual writing Emmy after earlier wins as a “Breaking Bad” producer.

“DTF St. Louis” captured outstanding limited or anthology series. Sally Field won lead actress in that category for “Remarkably Bright Creatures,” becoming the category’s oldest winner at age 79.

Tributes and Memorable Moments

Hargitay opened the ceremony with a musical segment celebrating television. Taylor Swift also appeared in a prerecorded “Law & Order: SVU” sketch.

Michael J. Fox received the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award. The honor recognized his entertainment career and advocacy through the Michael J. Fox Foundation.

The ceremony also remembered major television figures who died during the past year. Sally Field honored Dolly Parton before Reba McEntire performed “Appalachian Memories.”

“The Traitors” won outstanding reality competition series for a third consecutive year. “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” repeated as outstanding variety series.

The complete winners list reflects a television season shaped by bold new series and enduring performers. Viewers can find the winning programs across Apple TV, HBO Max, Netflix, Peacock and other platforms.

Macklemore Dropped From Ed Sheeran Tour After “Free Palestine” Speech

Que Onda Editorial
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Macklemore Dropped From Ed Sheeran Tour After “Free Palestine” Speech

Macklemore has been removed from the remaining U.S. dates of Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour. The change followed the rapper’s “Free Palestine” remarks during two performances at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

The Macklemore Ed Sheeran tour controversy grew after several organizations criticized the rapper’s comments. Multiple venues then reportedly refused to host shows with Macklemore on the lineup.

Macklemore Removed From Ed Sheeran Tour Dates

Messina Touring Group, which promotes the U.S. leg of Sheeran’s tour, confirmed Macklemore’s removal Monday.

The promoter said upcoming venues had informed organizers that they would not permit concerts featuring Macklemore. Keeping him on the lineup could have caused cancellations affecting hundreds of thousands of fans, the company said.

“After discussions with stakeholders, Macklemore will not be performing on the remaining support dates,” Messina Touring Group told Rolling Stone.

Macklemore had been scheduled to appear at eight of the final 10 U.S. shows. The Loop Tour continues without him, with Lukas Graham and Aaron Rowe remaining as supporting performers.

Sheeran had not issued a separate personal statement about the decision as of Monday.

“Free Palestine” Remarks Draw Criticism

Macklemore joined the tour for two shows at MetLife Stadium on Sept. 4 and 5. During his opening sets, he expressed support for Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank.

The Grammy-winning rapper told the audience that people in the region had not been forgotten. He then called for a “free Palestine” and performed “Hind’s Hall,” a song supporting Palestinian activism.

The Israeli-American Council later launched a petition calling for his removal. The organization argued that Macklemore used another artist’s tour to present a one-sided political message.

The Anti-Defamation League also criticized the performance, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Macklemore responded that supporting Palestinian rights should not be interpreted as criticism of Jewish people. He said his message focused on equal treatment, safety and freedom.

Rapper Responds to Removal

Macklemore addressed the decision in a lengthy social media statement Monday. He confirmed that he would no longer appear on the remaining tour dates.

“I am not a victim. Ed Sheeran is not a victim,” Macklemore wrote. He said the consequences facing successful performers should not overshadow Palestinian civilians affected by the conflict.

The rapper also said he had spoken privately with Sheeran about the controversy. Macklemore indicated that some people considered his language and use of the Palestinian flag hurtful.

However, Macklemore did not withdraw his position. He has regularly spoken about Palestinian issues during concerts and public appearances since 2023.

Arlington Concert Among Affected Shows

Macklemore had been listed as a special guest for Sheeran’s Oct. 24 performance at AT&T Stadium in Arlington. The stadium’s original event announcement named Macklemore, Lukas Graham and Aaron Rowe as supporting acts.

His removal means North Texas ticket holders should no longer expect him to perform. The main concert remains scheduled, according to the official Loop Tour calendar.

Other affected venues include stadiums in Philadelphia, Foxborough, Atlanta, Indianapolis, Charlotte and Tampa.

The tour is scheduled to conclude Nov. 7 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. A South American leg will follow later in November and December.

Concertgoers should review updated event listings before attending. Support acts can change, and ticket holders should contact their authorized seller with questions about individual purchases.

Dave Chappelle Brings Karmagedon Tour to Houston in Fall 2026

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Dave Chappelle Brings Karmagedon Tour to Houston in Fall 2026

Comedy star Dave Chappelle will return to Houston this fall for a major arena performance. The Dave Chappelle Houston 2026 show is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 28, at Toyota Center.

The Houston date is part of Chappelle’s newly announced Karmagedon fall arena tour. The limited run will visit seven cities across the United States and Canada.

Dave Chappelle Houston 2026 Ticket Information

General ticket sales begin Thursday, Sept. 17, at noon local time. Tickets will be available through Live Nation and Toyota Center’s official sales channels.

Citi cardholders will receive access to an earlier presale. That presale begins Tuesday, Sept. 15, at 10 a.m. local time.

Ticket prices were not immediately announced. Show time and information about possible opening performers were also unavailable with the initial announcement.

Fans should verify prices and ticket policies through authorized sellers. Tickets purchased through resale platforms may cost more than their original value.

Toyota Center is located at 1510 Polk Street in downtown Houston.

Houston Show Will Be Phone-Free

Chappelle’s Houston performance will use a phone-free format. Guests will place cellphones, smartwatches and other recording devices inside secured Yondr pouches upon entering the venue.

Audience members will keep their pouches during the show. Staff will unlock the devices when the performance ends.

Guests who need to use a phone during the event can visit designated areas inside the venue. Anyone caught using a device inside the performance space could be removed.

Phone-free policies have become a regular feature of Chappelle’s live appearances. The rules help prevent unauthorized recordings and keep unreleased comedy material from circulating online.

Guests should review Toyota Center’s complete entry policy before arriving. Allowing additional time for the device-locking process could also make entry easier.

Karmagedon Tour Includes Two Texas Stops

Chappelle will begin the fall arena run Oct. 20 at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. He will then visit Charlotte, Toronto and Louisville.

The comedian will perform at Austin’s Moody Center on Oct. 26. The Houston show will follow two days later.

Chappelle will close the announced run Nov. 6 at Madison Square Garden. The New York performance will be part of the New York Comedy Festival.

The full announced tour schedule includes:

  • Oct. 20 — Nashville, Tennessee
  • Oct. 21 — Charlotte, North Carolina
  • Oct. 23 — Toronto, Ontario
  • Oct. 24 — Louisville, Kentucky
  • Oct. 26 — Austin, Texas
  • Oct. 28 — Houston, Texas
  • Nov. 6 — New York City

Additional dates had not been announced as of Monday.

Chappelle Returns After Sold-Out Houston Shows

Chappelle last performed in Houston in 2024 during the opening of Punch Line Houston. He joined Houston comedian Mo Amer for four sold-out shows at the downtown comedy club.

The comedian also maintained a busy performance schedule during summer 2026. His appearances included shows in Baltimore, Detroit, Cleveland, Chicago and San Diego.

He later returned to Yellow Springs, Ohio, for another edition of Dave Chappelle’s Summer Camp. The outdoor comedy event has become a recurring hometown production.

Chappelle is a six-time Grammy Award winner and five-time Emmy Award winner. He received the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in 2019.

The Oct. 28 performance gives Houston audiences another opportunity to see Chappelle in a much larger setting. Tickets go on sale Sept. 17 at noon.

Fans planning to attend should prepare before ticket sales open and review the phone-free requirements in advance.

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