Tuesday, September 8, 2026

Houston’s Miss America, Toy Safety Study, and Three-Year Degrees

Tuesday, September 8, 2026

Good morning! On this day in 1900, a powerful hurricane devastated Galveston, killing at least 6,000 people on the island and an estimated 10,000 to 12,000 overall. It remains the deadliest natural disaster in U.S. history.

Today's issue of The Texas Flyover is a shortened holiday edition to allow The Texas Flyover staff to enjoy Monday's Labor Day holiday with friends and family. Our regular edition will return tomorrow.

For the first time in American history, a major political party is holding a full national convention in a midterm year. Two nights, one Dallas arena, and around 20,000 people expected through the doors, but the biggest surprise isn't who's speaking; it's whether the major TV networks will even show up to cover it. On The Flyover Podcast, Ayla counts down the 10 things you need to know about this week's unprecedented convention, including a viral website stunt that has both parties talking. Tune in here!

Later today, you’ll get an email from our partner Fisher Investments with its latest outlook on what could keep the bull market running.

When it comes to peptides, there are more options than ever, and figuring out what actually makes sense for you can feel like guesswork. Today’s sponsor, The Pep Report, takes a different approach: start with your DNA and use your genetics to help narrow down the options.

Houston’s Regan Hutsell Wins Miss America

Houston dancer Regan Hutsell won Miss America 2027 Sunday in West Palm Beach, Florida, becoming the first Miss Texas to claim the national title in more than 50 years. Hutsell is the fourth Texan to win and the competition’s 99th titleholder.

The former Radio City Rockette and trained ballet dancer performed a jazz routine and won preliminary talent and fitness awards. She will receive a $50,000 scholarship.

Hutsell studies health sciences online at Liberty University and hopes to become a physical therapist. Her community service initiative, Your Body Is Your Home, promotes self-worth and a healthier body image, drawing on her recovery from an eating disorder.

SFA Provost Flags Three-Year Degree Challenges

Gov. Greg Abbott directed the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to recommend three-year bachelor’s degree pathways requiring roughly 90 credit hours instead of the customary 120. The proposal aims to reduce costs, accelerate graduation, and meet workforce needs.

The board is expected to submit recommendations by Dec. 31, and lawmakers could consider legislation in 2027. Eligible fields have not yet been selected.

Stephen F. Austin State University Provost Jordan Barkley said some programs would be difficult to compress. Programs governed by specialized accreditation may require clinical experience, internships, or other training that cannot simply be removed, leaving SFA to determine which degrees could fit the shorter format.

Study Flags Metals in Border Toys

A UTEP-led study found that 12% of 333 children’s toys purchased in El Paso and Ciudad Juárez had total metal concentrations above thresholds drawn from U.S. or Mexican safety standards.

Researchers collected 109 toys in El Paso and 224 in Ciudad Juárez over 11 months and screened their surfaces using X-ray fluorescence. Seventy-eight percent contained at least one element of potential concern, while approximately one in eight contained three or more.

Toys purchased in Ciudad Juárez were about three times more likely to exceed safety thresholds than those bought in El Paso. Nickel appeared in more than one-third of all samples, while lead was detected in 3%, primarily in inexpensive children’s jewelry. Arsenic and cadmium were found only in toys purchased in Ciudad Juárez..

Published in Environmental Pollution, the research is the first binational screening of hazardous metals in toys sold along the U.S.-Mexico border. The authors cautioned that additional testing would be needed to determine whether the toys violated regulations.

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➤ Texas City: Officials approved plans for Texas’ first Latitude Margaritaville, a resort-style community for adults 55 and older. The 1,318-acre development is expected to include approximately 3,500 single-family homes, villas, and cottages, with a tentative 2028 opening. (See Plans)

➤ Harris County: County Judge Lina Hidalgo called for a special Commissioners Court meeting to examine the county’s Flock camera contract, citing concerns about privacy, oversight, and access to collected data. The court is scheduled to hold the special meeting at 9 a.m. today. (More)

➤ Hays County: The county secured a $39.2 million federal award to build an overpass above the Union Pacific railroad crossing on Centerpoint Road. The $49 million project would widen the road to four lanes and add shared-use paths for pedestrians and cyclists. (See Details)

➤ Mineola: The 17th annual Okrapalooza brought Texas chefs together Sunday for an okra cook-off, live music, and fundraising at the Venue at Cope Ranch. Proceeds support Promise of Peace Gardens and its efforts to provide food to families across Wood County. (More)

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Do you follow the Miss America competition?

Yesterday's Results:

Do you like things flavored with pumpkin spice?

1. No: 62%
2. Yes: 38%

The following stories are featured exclusively on The Flyover Podcast—a daily show that gives you the most important headlines in under 15 minutes.

➤ Republicans are holding the first-ever midterm national convention this week, but major networks may skip it. (Listen Now)

➤ OpenAI's own chief scientist is sounding the alarm on advanced AI, warning no one is prepared for what comes next. (Hear Why)

➤ How long do you think the average American takes in the shower, and is it too long? (Hear Details)

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Who is considered the “Mother of Texas State Parks”?

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Immigrant Driver's Licenses, Bellaire's New Caboose, and Wildlife Stamp Contest

Tuesday, September 8, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 1889, future U.S. Sen. Robert A. Taft, notable for the Taft-Hartley Labor Relations Act of 1947, was born in Cincinnati.

☀️ Today’s issue of The Ohio Flyover is a bit shorter than usual, giving our staff time to enjoy Monday’s Labor Day holiday with friends and family. We’ll be back with our regular edition tomorrow.

Later today, you’ll get an email from our partner Fisher Investments with its latest outlook on what could keep the bull market running.

Senators Target Drive-Only Licenses

Ohio's two U.S. senators are pressing for federal intervention to curb state-issued driver's licenses for illegal immigrants after last month’s Fulton County crash killed a man and injured two passengers.

Sen. Jon Husted, R-Ohio, said he plans to raise the issue with President Trump and suggested states that continue issuing the licenses could face the loss of federal highway funding.

Last week, Sen. Bernie Moreno blamed Connecticut’s policies for the fatal crash and asked Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont for data on the state's drive-only program.

Currently, 19 states and Washington, D.C., allow driver's licenses for people who can't establish lawful presence.

Bellaire Lays Track for a Caboose

Crews laid new railroad track in Bellaire for the first time in more than 150 years, and on Sept. 21 a bright blue Baltimore & Ohio caboose will roll onto it.

The Great Stone Viaduct Historical Education Society bought the car for $1, hauled it from Jackson to the Age of Steam Roundhouse in Sugarcreek, and repainted the exterior and windows in original B&O markings.

The interior isn't finished, but the car still has its two bunk beds, stove, sink, desk and toilet. It will sit permanently at the Viaduct Plaza, beside the 19th-century stone arcade that defines Bellaire's riverfront.

Society chair Ed Mowrer hopes the caboose does more than sit there. "We hope this is a catalyst," he said, calling Bellaire a village that needs some TLC.

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➤ Statewide: Bishop Watterson ranks No. 1 in Rivals’ most recent Ohio high school football rankings, followed by Elder, Walsh Jesuit, St. Edward, and Lakota West. (See Rankings)

➤ Also Statewide: Ohio residents 18 and older can enter the 18th annual Wildlife Legacy Stamp photo contest through Sept. 15. This year's theme is mammals, excluding white-tailed deer. (See Details)

➤ Northeast Ohio: House Republican Conference Chair Lisa McClain, R-Mich., said she supports Rep. Max Miller, R-Ohio, despite abuse allegations from two former partners. Miller denies the allegations and remains in his reelection race. (More)

➤ Columbus: Lawrence Rose, 47, was charged with aggravated arson after allegedly breaking into St. Stephen's Episcopal Church near The Ohio State University and setting fire to a backpack in the basement. (More)

➤ Cuyahoga County: The county recorded nearly 4,400 distracted-driving crashes from 2021 through 2025, the most in Ohio, while Ohio State Highway Patrol citations in the county rose 113% year over year. (See Data)

➤ Toledo: Ann Jerkins Harris Academy of Excellence canceled classes today after neighboring St. Agnes Church was demolished Sunday following Saturday's fire. The school sustained minor damage. (More)

➤ Dayton: The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force closes Wednesday while Wright-Patterson Air Force Base runs a simulated active shooter exercise. (More)

Enjoy reading The Ohio Flyover? Click here to share with your friends and family.

Flying together with our sponsor

One Test. 710,000+ Genetic Markers.

If you’re already researching peptides, or simply curious about what your genetics may reveal, this could help you ask better questions before deciding what to try.

The Flyover readers get 10% off automatically. Get your pep report here.