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States Sue to Block Trump Public Charge Rule for Green Cards

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States Sue to Block Trump Public Charge Rule for Green Cards

A coalition of 22 states and the District of Columbia sued Monday to stop the Trump public charge rule from taking effect. The policy could make it harder for some immigrants using public benefits to receive green cards.

The Department of Homeland Security scheduled the rule to take effect Sept. 18. Unless a court intervenes, immigration officers will receive broader authority to consider public assistance during certain visa and residency decisions.

What the Trump Public Charge Rule Changes

Federal immigration law allows the government to deny admission or permanent residency to someone considered likely to become a “public charge.” The term generally refers to a person expected to depend primarily on government assistance.

A 2022 regulation limited the benefits officers could consider. Those included certain cash assistance programs and long-term institutional care paid by the government.

The Trump administration’s rule rescinds those limits. Officers could consider all means-tested public benefits received by applicants covered by the public charge standard.

The federal rule does not provide a complete list of programs that could affect an application. Instead, officers would examine each person’s circumstances, including the type, amount and duration of assistance.

Programs discussed in the Federal Register notice include Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program, SNAP food assistance, housing assistance and WIC.

The policy would apply nationwide, including in Texas.

States Challenge Green Card Policy

New York Attorney General Letitia James is leading the lawsuit with California Attorney General Rob Bonta and Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul.

Other participating states include Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan and Minnesota. Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania also joined.

Texas is not part of the coalition.

The states filed their complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. They want the court to declare the rule unlawful and prevent DHS from using it.

A separate coalition of local governments filed another lawsuit in the same court. That group includes New York City, Chicago, Seattle, San Francisco, Santa Clara County and King County, Washington.

The plaintiffs argue that the administration exceeded its legal authority. They also describe the rule as arbitrary and inconsistent with the traditional meaning of “public charge.”

Families Could Avoid Available Benefits

State and local officials say the rule could discourage immigrant families from using programs for which they legally qualify.

The lawsuits also raise concerns about mixed-status families. These households may include immigrants alongside U.S. citizens, including children.

Officials argue that some benefits used by family members could become part of an applicant’s review. A parent, for example, could worry that a citizen child’s health coverage or school meals might affect a green card application.

DHS acknowledged that reduced enrollment could affect immigrants and U.S. citizens in mixed-status households. However, the department said broader reviews would better follow federal law.

The administration says applicants should demonstrate financial self-sufficiency. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services said officers would examine all relevant facts individually.

Lawsuits Do Not Automatically Stop the Rule

Filing a lawsuit does not immediately suspend a federal policy. A judge must issue an order blocking the rule before its Sept. 18 effective date.

The new policy also does not apply to every immigrant or every type of immigration application. Public charge rules contain exemptions, and individual circumstances can differ significantly.

Immigrant families should not cancel health coverage, food assistance or other benefits solely because of general information online. Anyone concerned about an application should consult a qualified immigration attorney or a federally recognized nonprofit legal provider.

The court’s response could determine whether the administration may begin using the expanded standard. Until then, affected families should monitor official updates and seek trusted legal guidance before changing their benefits.

New 32-Hour Workweek Bill Introduced in Congress

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New 32-Hour Workweek Bill Introduced in Congress

A new 32-hour workweek bill could change when millions of American workers qualify for overtime pay. The proposal would gradually lower the federal overtime threshold from 40 hours to 32 hours per week.

Rep. Mark Takano, a California Democrat, introduced the Thirty-Two Hour Workweek Act on Sept. 8. Sen. Bernie Sanders, an independent from Vermont, is leading the effort in the Senate.

However, the proposal has only been introduced. It has not passed either chamber of Congress or become law.

How the 32-Hour Workweek Bill Would Operate

The legislation would amend the Fair Labor Standards Act, the federal law governing wages and overtime protections.

Under current law, most covered, nonexempt employees qualify for time-and-a-half pay after working more than 40 hours during one week. The bill would eventually move that threshold to 32 hours.

The transition would happen gradually. According to the official bill text, the overtime threshold would fall to 38 hours during the first year. It would then drop to 36 hours in the second year and 34 hours in the third.

After the third year, covered employees would receive overtime pay after working more than 32 hours per week.

The changes would begin at least 180 days after the bill became law. Employers would still have the option to schedule employees for more than 32 hours. However, covered hours beyond that threshold would generally require additional pay.

Proposal Does Not Guarantee a Four-Day Schedule

The bill would not automatically establish a four-day workweek for every employee. It would change federal overtime rules rather than require companies to close on a specific day.

Employers could organize 32 hours across four or more days. They could also maintain 40-hour schedules if they paid eligible workers overtime for the additional hours.

The proposal includes daily overtime requirements. Covered employees would receive time-and-a-half pay for working more than eight hours in one day. Hours beyond 12 would require double pay.

Some workers would not qualify because the Fair Labor Standards Act contains exemptions. Certain executives, administrators and professionals are among the employees who may be exempt from federal overtime rules.

The Department of Labor currently requires covered, nonexempt workers to receive at least time-and-a-half pay after 40 weekly hours.

Pay and Benefits Included in Proposal

Supporters say reducing hours should not result in lower weekly compensation or lost benefits. The bill states that employers could not reduce newly covered employees’ total weekly compensation rate or benefits because of the change.

Takano and Sanders argue that workers should benefit from productivity gains connected to automation and artificial intelligence. Labor organizations supporting the proposal include the AFL-CIO, United Auto Workers, SEIU and National Nurses United.

“Federal labor protections have not seen meaningful change for over 85 years,” Takano’s office said while announcing the legislation.

Businesses Raise Cost Concerns

Critics have warned that a shorter standard workweek could increase operating costs. Employers might need to pay more overtime or hire additional workers to maintain current schedules.

Business representatives raised similar concerns when Sanders introduced an earlier version in 2024. They argued that manufacturing, health care, restaurants and other labor-intensive industries could face significant challenges.

Supporters point to shorter-workweek trials that maintained productivity while improving employee well-being. However, results can vary by company and industry.

The House bill, H.R. 10323, is currently before the House Committee on Education and Workforce. It must advance through Congress and receive presidential approval before affecting workers in Texas or elsewhere.

For now, employees and employers should follow existing federal overtime rules. The proposal’s progress will determine whether the 40-hour standard faces its most significant change in decades.

Texans vs. Bills Week 1 Loss Exposes Cracks in Houston’s Hyped Defense

Michael Esparza
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Texans vs. Bills Week 1 Loss Exposes Cracks in Houston’s Hyped Defense

The Texans vs. Bills Week 1 matchup exposed an unexpected weakness for Houston. The defense surrendered 409 yards as Buffalo escaped with a 36-31 win Sunday at Reliant Stadium.

Houston’s offense made mistakes, including two lost fumbles. However, it also scored enough points to keep the game close. Ultimately, a defense expected to rank among the NFL’s best failed to protect several leads.

Texans Defense Falls Short of Expectations

Houston entered the season with a defense widely viewed as one of the league’s strongest units. Instead, Josh Allen and the Bills repeatedly created explosive plays.

Allen completed 20 of 29 passes for 334 yards and two touchdowns. He also rushed for 23 yards and two scores. Buffalo averaged 7.9 yards per play despite running only 52 offensive plays.

The Texans struggled most against Buffalo’s passing attack. Dalton Kincaid caught five passes for 130 yards. Meanwhile, DJ Moore recorded five receptions for 100 yards and a touchdown.

Houston’s secondary also committed critical mistakes. A pass interference penalty against Kamari Lassiter placed Buffalo at the one-yard line during the second quarter. Allen scored on a quarterback sneak on the next play.

Another breakdown allowed Moore to score on a 43-yard reception shortly before halftime. Buffalo scored 21 points during the second quarter and entered halftime with a 24-21 lead.

Late Drive Defines Texans vs. Bills Week 1

Houston briefly reclaimed a 31-30 advantage after Ka’imi Fairbairn made a 58-yard field goal. That left the defense needing one final stop.

Instead, Buffalo drove 93 yards for the winning touchdown. Kincaid delivered a 35-yard reception before Allen found Joshua Palmer for a 34-yard score.

The decisive touchdown came one play after Lassiter dropped a possible interception in the end zone. Palmer then beat the coverage across the middle, giving Buffalo the lead with 1:36 remaining.

Houston’s defense did not force a turnover. It also allowed Buffalo to produce 409 total yards and 323 net passing yards. The performance fell well below the standard established during the 2025 season.

The 36 points would have represented Houston’s highest total allowed in any game last season.

Offense Keeps Houston Within Reach

The offense carried Houston through much of the afternoon. C.J. Stroud completed 26 of 38 passes for 274 yards and two touchdowns without an interception.

David Montgomery scored three touchdowns in his Texans debut. He rushed for two scores and caught another touchdown during the fourth quarter.

Houston recorded 26 first downs, converted both fourth-down attempts and controlled possession for more than 36 minutes. The Texans also ran 73 plays and finished with 377 net yards, according to the official game recap.

Still, Stroud’s two lost fumbles proved costly. Buffalo recovered the first near midfield and turned it into an opening field goal. The second ended Houston’s final opportunity with nine seconds remaining.

Greg Rousseau forced both turnovers. His final strip-sack came after Houston had reached Buffalo’s nine-yard line with a chance to win.

Penalties Add to Costly Mistakes

The Texans committed seven penalties for 106 yards. Several flags extended Buffalo possessions or erased favorable field position.

Houston overcame some of those mistakes because the offense remained efficient. However, penalties, turnovers and defensive breakdowns created too many obstacles against an experienced contender.

The offense showed clear signs of progress. Scoring 31 points and reaching the red zone on the final drive should provide encouragement.

The defense now faces greater pressure to match its preseason expectations. Houston cannot afford another performance in which the offense scores more than 30 points and still needs a last-minute touchdown to survive

25th Anniversary of 9/11 Honors Lives Lost and a Legacy of Service

Michael Esparza
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25th Anniversary of 9/11 Honors Lives Lost and a Legacy of Service

Americans are marking the 25th anniversary of 9/11 with ceremonies, moments of silence and acts of service. The nation is honoring 2,977 people killed in the coordinated terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.

Families gathered Friday at the National September 11 Memorial in New York City. Other observances took place at the Pentagon and the Flight 93 National Memorial in Pennsylvania.

Ceremonies Mark the 25th Anniversary of 9/11

The New York ceremony centered on the annual reading of victims’ names by family members. The program also honored those killed in the 1993 World Trade Center bombing.

Seven moments of silence marked important times from the attacks and their aftermath. Six recognized when the towers were struck and fell, the Pentagon attack and the Flight 93 crash. A seventh honored people who later died from 9/11-related illnesses and injuries.

The National September 11 Memorial & Museum began its program at 8:30 a.m. Eastern time. The first silence came at 8:46 a.m., when American Airlines Flight 11 struck the World Trade Center’s North Tower.

The National Park Service also held ceremonies near the Wall of Names at the Flight 93 National Memorial. Bells marked the attacks’ timeline, while family members presented the names of Flight 93’s passengers and crew.

Remembering the Victims and First Responders

The attacks claimed lives in New York City, Arlington, Virginia, and near Shanksville, Pennsylvania. The victims included airline passengers, office workers, military personnel and emergency responders.

Among those killed were 343 New York City firefighters and paramedics. Twenty-three New York Police Department officers also died. Hundreds of other emergency workers joined rescue efforts in the towers and surrounding streets.

Their actions became a lasting part of the nation’s remembrance. Many first responders entered burning buildings while thousands of people tried to escape.

The attacks also left enduring health consequences. Rescue workers, cleanup crews, survivors and area residents faced exposure to hazardous dust and debris.

The federal World Trade Center Health Program now serves nearly 150,000 members nationwide. It provides monitoring and treatment for qualifying physical and mental health conditions linked to 9/11.

Teaching a New Generation

The anniversary carries added importance because many Americans have no personal memory of the attacks. The 9/11 Memorial & Museum estimates that 100 million Americans were born later or were too young to remember.

Schools, museums and families now hold greater responsibility for preserving the history. That work includes explaining the attacks and recognizing the courage, compassion and unity that followed.

The museum introduced new educational programming for the anniversary. Its digital learning experience includes accounts from a survivor, a first responder and victims’ relatives.

President Donald Trump proclaimed Sept. 11, 2026, as Patriot Day. He directed federal facilities to fly American flags at half-staff in memory of the victims.

Congress first designated Sept. 11 as Patriot Day in December 2001. The date also became a National Day of Service and Remembrance.

AmeriCorps encourages communities to honor the anniversary through volunteer projects. Those efforts may include supporting veterans, first responders, food banks and neighborhood organizations.

Twenty-five years later, remembrance extends beyond recounting a national tragedy. It also means preserving victims’ stories, caring for affected families and supporting responders who still face health challenges. Community service and education can help carry that responsibility into the next generation.

¡Que Onda! Magazine Houston – Special Edition – Edición 1359

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¡Que Onda! Magazine Houston – Special Edition – Edición 1359

Introducing Mariachi Águilas de Oro: HCC’s First Mariachi Ensemble

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Introducing Mariachi Águilas de Oro: HCC’s First Mariachi Ensemble

Student group makes historic debut at annual Houston Mariachi Festival

The sounds of violins, trumpets, guitarróns and audience applause filled the Wortham Theater on Aug. 28 as Houston City College’s (HCC’s) newly formed student mariachi ensemble, Mariachi Águilas de Oro (Golden Eagles), made its public debut at the annual Houston Mariachi Festival.

The performance marked a historic milestone for HCC, bringing to life a vision more than a year in the making.

“Mariachi is more than music. It’s a bridge between heritage and hope,” said HCC Chancellor Margaret Ford Fisher, Ed.D. “Through this new ensemble, our students are finding their voice, strengthening their connection to HCC and carrying forward a tradition that reminds us that belonging is at the heart of student success.”

For the student musicians who took the stage alongside the University of Houston’s Mariachi Pumas, the performance represented more than a musical achievement. It was an opportunity to share their culture, connect with audiences and showcase their passion for mariachi music.

“I love to be able to express my feelings through my instrument, the violin, and being able to sing to people,” said Isaias Luis-Torres, lead singer and group president, who has been playing mariachi since high school. “I love to see how much the music impacts their lives. Sometimes people cry. Sometimes people laugh. It’s amazing to see.”

For Luis-Torres and his bandmates, the performance capped months of rehearsals and a shared commitment to preserving a cultural tradition deeply rooted in Houston’s East End and beyond.

From Vision to Reality

Mariachi Águilas de Oro began with a simple but ambitious idea: create a mariachi program that would celebrate cultural heritage while fostering student engagement, belonging and pathways to four-year institutions.

Encouraged by Dr. Ford Fisher and HCC alumnus Ben Mendez, college leaders worked to turn that vision into a reality.

“I see this inaugural ensemble and performance as a powerful expression of what student success can look like when culture, community and opportunity come together,” said HCC Southeast President Frances Villagran-Glover, D.A.

Mariachi Águilas de Oro originated as a club with nearly a dozen students, including graduates of Cesar Chávez, Carver and Klein Collins High Schools, as well as Kinder HSPVA. The ensemble is open to all HCC students who wish to learn mariachi music and culture, regardless of academic major or previous musical experience. Current members are pursuing studies in engineering, business and other academic pathways.

“This is open to everyone who wants to play mariachi music but also to learn about the history and culture of mariachi,” said Martin Perez, Ed.D., dean of Student Success at HCC Southeast.

That sense of connection extends beyond the rehearsal room. Mariachi provides a way to honor family traditions and share a musical heritage with new audiences.

HCC student Josue Ramirez has been playing mariachi since he was 10 and sees the music as a family tradition both at home and on campus.

“When you are up there playing and doing something you enjoy, something magical happens that brings forth emotion and lets you release emotions as well,” Ramirez said. “The audience feels that. You see it in their smiles. You see their faces in awe. You see them feel all these different emotions, and it’s great to share that sort of energy.”

Through rehearsals and performances, students are building leadership, teamwork and confidence.

Building a Legacy

The group’s first public appearance at the Mariachi Festival is only the beginning.

While Mariachi Águilas de Oro currently operates as a student club, HCC leaders envision growing the ensemble into a formalized program modeled after successful university-based mariachi programs, including the ones at UH and University of Houston-Downtown.

The group also serves as a visible ambassador for HCC, representing the college at cultural celebrations, recruitment events, community festivals, graduations and outreach activities.

Support for the program

A key factor in launching the Mariachi Águilas de Oro was support from the HCC Foundation, which provided funding for the group’s uniforms. The investment helped ensure students could perform with professionalism and pride while eliminating financial barriers to participation. The organization is open to all students.

The HCC-blue uniforms with gold trim allow students to represent the college with distinction while honoring and preserving the mariachi tradition for future generations.

“We are not just representing HCC, we are representing a culture,” Luis-Torres added. “All the performers who have done it way before us have played all those beautiful notes before us. We have to continue preserving those beautiful notes.”

Harris County Frontline Pay Raises Advance in Proposed Budget

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Harris County Frontline Pay Raises Advance in Proposed Budget

Harris County commissioners approved a measure supporting Harris County frontline pay raises for employees who deliver mental health and disability services. The funding would increase wages for 222 employees at The Harris Center for Mental Health and Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.

The employees serve residents with complex behavioral health and support needs. However, they are not Harris County employees. Therefore, they were excluded from the county’s new $20 hourly living wage policy.

Harris County Frontline Pay Raises Extend Living Wage

Commissioner Lesley Briones led the effort to extend the $20 minimum wage standard to Harris Center workers. The measure won approval during a Harris County Commissioners Court meeting Tuesday.

The proposal also includes a 6% raise for all Harris Center employees, according to United Workers of Harris Center Local 6154.

“One job should be enough to live on,” Briones said. She added that the budget prioritizes essential services and working families.

Keena Pace, executive director of The Harris Center, said the investment recognizes the value of employees’ work. The organization provides behavioral health and intellectual and developmental disability services across the region.

Brian Kelley, secretary-treasurer of United Workers of Harris Center Local 6154, welcomed the 6% increase. He said the raise would help employees afford the region’s rising living costs.

Budget Supports Worker Training and Safety

The proposed budget includes several other investments intended to support working families. One is Apprenticeship Advantage, a workforce program that has served more than 1,800 people.

County officials said the program’s trades participants have achieved a 100% job placement rate. It connects residents with training for skilled jobs and pathways toward higher-paying careers.

The proposal also funds inspectors and staff responsible for enforcing the county’s Workplace Safety Policy. Commissioners approved positions supporting the policy earlier in 2026, according to Harris County meeting records.

The policy requires site-specific safety plans and inspections for county-funded projects. It also calls for heat illness prevention measures and paid 10-minute breaks every four hours. Workers may stop working when they identify unsafe conditions.

Jennifer Hernandez, government affairs director for IUPAT District Council 10, said the funding would help ensure meaningful enforcement. She said strong safety standards benefit workers and taxpayers.

Employees Gain a Formal Workplace Voice

Another budget item would implement Harris County’s Consultation Policy for 5,691 eligible employees. Commissioners Court adopted the framework in August, and it takes effect Oct. 1, according to the Harris County Office of County Administration.

The policy allows eligible workers to elect a consultation agent. That representative can participate in discussions involving workplace rules, job conditions and grievances.

Jozette Dowdell of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees said county workers helped develop the policy. She said employee participation can improve county operations.

Hany Khalil, executive director of the Texas Gulf Coast Area Labor Federation, said the combined investments address wages, safety, job security and employee representation.

Together, the proposals would direct more county resources toward frontline workers and the services they provide.

Reform UK Police Investigation Expands After Undercover Sting

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Reform UK Police Investigation Expands After Undercover Sting

British police have expanded an investigation into Reform UK following allegations involving foreign political contributions. The Reform UK police investigation now includes claims raised by an undercover report broadcast by Channel 4 News. Scotland Yard said detectives identified “potential offences requiring investigation.”

What the Undercover Footage Allegedly Showed

The report involved journalists posing as a British supporter and his wealthy American father. The supposed father was an actor, while the “son” was an undercover reporter working with the investigative group Verbatim.

Footage appeared to show senior Reform UK figures discussing how foreign-backed money could support the party. One conversation reportedly involved a proposed £500,000 contribution routed through the U.K.-based son.

British broadcaster Channel 4 aired the investigation on Sept. 3. The Metropolitan Police later received several reports concerning political donations and polling.

Dan Jukes, a longtime adviser to party leader Nigel Farage, appeared in the footage. Reform UK policy chief James Orr also appeared in a separate recording. Both men have denied wrongdoing.

Reform UK Police Investigation Joins Earlier Inquiry

The Metropolitan Police said the new allegations resemble matters already under review by its special inquiry team. That earlier investigation concerns donations made to Reform UK before Britain’s July 2024 general election.

Police are now seeking relevant footage from the broadcast. Detectives are also working with the Electoral Commission and Crown Prosecution Service as the inquiry continues.

No arrests have been announced in connection with the latest allegations. Police also said nobody had been interviewed under caution over the new claims as of Sept. 9.

The Electoral Commission said it was considering the available information and possible regulatory action. Its review is running alongside the criminal inquiry.

Polling Payments Face Scrutiny

Investigators are also examining more than £30,000 in polling costs. The undercover team allegedly funded surveys commissioned for Reform UK that later appeared in national newspapers.

Authorities will consider whether the polling represented an undeclared contribution benefiting the party. If treated as an in-kind donation from an impermissible source, the arrangement could violate political-finance rules.

Separate footage appeared to show Farage discussing the polling results during a meeting with the undercover participants. Farage has said he was not listening when the proposed donation structure was explained.

The party suspended Jukes and Orr after the broadcast. They also stepped down from their positions while Reform UK began an internal review.

What British Donation Rules Require

Political parties in Great Britain may accept contributions above £500 only from permissible sources. These generally include registered British voters, most U.K.-registered companies and certain eligible organizations.

Parties must also identify the actual source of a contribution. Electoral Commission guidance says attempting to evade donation controls is an offense.

Those rules prevent an eligible person from acting as a hidden channel for an impermissible donor. They also cover certain goods and services provided for a party’s benefit.

However, an investigation does not establish guilt. Police and prosecutors must determine whether an offense occurred and whether evidence supports further action.

Reform UK Denies Wrongdoing

Reform UK said it denies wrongdoing and will cooperate fully with investigators. The party declined further comment while the inquiry remains active.

Farage has said he is “100% confident” the party never accepted illegal foreign donations. He described Jukes’ recorded comments as “loose pub talk” and said no funding rules were broken.

The investigation places renewed attention on transparency in British political financing. Voters can follow updates from police, prosecutors and the Electoral Commission as authorities determine whether the allegations warrant charges or regulatory penalties.

Apple Unveils iPhone Duo, Its First Foldable iPhone

Michael Esparza
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Apple entered the foldable smartphone market Wednesday with the new iPhone Duo foldable. The company also introduced the iPhone 18 Pro lineup, updated Apple Watches and AirPods 5.

The announcements came during Apple’s “Surprise and Shine” event in Cupertino, California. It was the first major product presentation led by CEO John Ternus.

iPhone Duo Foldable Expands Apple’s Lineup

The iPhone Duo is Apple’s first phone with a folding display. Its inner screen is 80% larger than the display on Apple’s next-largest iPhone.

The device opens to provide a tablet-style workspace for entertainment, reading and productivity. When folded, it functions like a traditional smartphone with an exterior display.

Apple also added Apple Pencil support. That feature could make the larger screen useful for drawing, handwritten notes and document editing.

The launch moves Apple into a market already occupied by Samsung, Google and Motorola. Samsung began selling foldable smartphones in 2019.

However, foldable phones still represent a smaller share of the overall smartphone business. Apple’s arrival could bring more attention to the category and encourage wider consumer adoption.

Detailed availability information for the iPhone Duo was not immediately announced during the event.

iPhone 18 Pro Adds Camera and Battery Upgrades

Apple also unveiled the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. Both phones use the new A20 Pro processor.

The chip includes a seven-core graphics unit. Apple says it can improve graphics performance by up to 30%.

Both models feature a 48-megapixel main camera with variable aperture. The camera can adjust how much light enters its lens, offering greater control in different environments.

Apple estimates up to 24 hours of battery life for the iPhone 18 Pro. The Pro Max increases that estimate to 30 hours.

The iPhone 18 Pro starts at $1,199, while the Pro Max starts at $1,299. Both include 256GB of storage and arrive in black, silver, glacier and burgundy.

Preorders begin Friday. The phones will reach customers and stores Sept. 18.

AirPods and Apple Watch Receive Updates

AirPods 5 will start at $129 and include active noise cancellation. Apple also introduced a $149 version with wireless charging, longer battery life and stem-based volume controls.

The Apple Watch Series 12 starts at $399. The Apple Watch Ultra 4 begins at $799.

Both watches include new processors, more frequent heart-rate monitoring and additional artificial intelligence features. Sound awareness can recognize doorbells, sirens and other important noises.

Apple also previewed Live Rewind, which can provide a brief transcript of a recent conversation. Siri Recap can create high-level meeting notes without saving the original audio.

The watch recording features will enter beta testing later this year. The new watches become available Sept. 18, with preorders beginning immediately.

The iPhone Duo represents the event’s biggest change to Apple’s smartphone design. Its launch gives consumers another foldable option while extending Apple’s hardware lineup beyond the traditional iPhone shape.

NFL Season Opens With Two Nights of Marquee Matchups

Michael Esparza
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NFL Season Opens With Two Nights of Marquee Matchups

The 2026 NFL season kickoff begins tonight with a Super Bowl rematch in Seattle. Opening week continues tomorrow with the league’s first regular-season game in Australia.

Both games feature playoff teams from last season. They will also place four of the NFL’s leading quarterbacks in national broadcast windows.

Patriots Face Seahawks Tonight

The New England Patriots will visit the Seattle Seahawks tonight at Lumen Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:20 p.m. Central Time on NBC and Peacock.

The game is a rematch of Super Bowl LX. Seattle defeated New England 29-13 in February to capture its second Lombardi Trophy.

Before kickoff, the Seahawks will unveil their championship banner. The ceremony will mark the start of Seattle’s title defense under head coach Mike Macdonald.

Tonight’s matchup also carries historical significance. It is only the second Wednesday season opener in NFL history. The Dallas Cowboys defeated the New York Giants in the previous one in 2012.

Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold returns after guiding the Seahawks to a 14-3 record last season. Receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba also remains a central part of the offense.

However, Seattle enters the season with several changes. Brian Fleury is the team’s new offensive coordinator. Running back Kenneth Walker III departed for Kansas City during free agency.

New England quarterback Drake Maye will try to improve on a difficult Super Bowl performance. Seattle pressured Maye throughout that game, recording six sacks and forcing three second-half turnovers.

The Patriots will be without running back TreVeyon Henderson tonight. The team ruled him out because of an ankle injury.

Seattle leads the all-time series 12-9. The Seahawks have also won the past four meetings between the teams.

NFL Season Kickoff Continues in Australia

The San Francisco 49ers will face the Los Angeles Rams tomorrow at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:35 p.m. Central Time on Netflix.

The game will begin Friday morning in Melbourne. It marks the first regular-season NFL contest played in Australia.

Los Angeles and San Francisco enter the season as familiar NFC West rivals. The Rams have won four of the past five meetings between coaches Sean McVay and Kyle Shanahan.

Quarterback Matthew Stafford returns after winning the league’s Most Valuable Player award last season. His offense includes Puka Nacua, Davante Adams and running back Kyren Williams.

The Rams also added former Kansas City defensive back Trent McDuffie during the offseason. Los Angeles reached the NFC Championship Game last season before falling short of the Super Bowl.

San Francisco counters with quarterback Brock Purdy and running back Christian McCaffrey. The 49ers also expect defensive leaders Nick Bosa and Fred Warner to return after injuries affected their previous season.

Tomorrow’s matchup launches an expanded international schedule. The NFL has planned nine international games across seven countries during the 2026 season.

Tonight’s championship rematch and tomorrow’s Australian showcase give the season an ambitious opening. Together, the games will provide two early tests for teams carrying serious postseason expectations.

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