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Today, 25 years later, America pauses to remember the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks as well as the acts of heroism that were on display on that fateful day in 2001. May God comfort those who grieve today and may He bless the resolve of these United States of America.
In Mississippi
NOAA selects Mississippi State to host new Northern Gulf research institute
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has selected Mississippi State University to host its new Cooperative Institute in the Northern Gulf of America, an award valued at up to $100 million over five years.
Known as CINGA, the institute will bring together researchers from across the Gulf Coast to advance environmental research, forecasting, coastal resilience and sustainable resource management. CINGA builds on the foundation of the Northern Gulf Institute, which MSU has led in partnership with NOAA for 20 years.
MSU President Mark E. Keenum said the designation reinforces MSU’s position as a national leader in coastal and ocean research while expanding opportunities for Mississippi scientists, students and communities to address some of the Gulf region’s most pressing challenges.
National News & Foreign Policy
1. Solemn ceremonies mark 25 years since 9/11 terrorist attacks
The New York Times reports that “solemn ceremonies at ground zero in New York, and across the United States, will mourn the thousands of lives lost” 25 years ago in the 9/11 terrorist acts. President Trump is scheduled to speak at the Pentagon.
“Twenty-five years ago this morning, out of a very clear, very blue sky, a 135-ton airliner going over 400 miles an hour slammed into the 96th floor of a Manhattan office building, setting in motion one of the darkest, deadliest days New York and the nation have ever known,” NYT reported. “And on this morning, as on every Sept. 11 since 2001, survivors, mourners and politicians are gathering in Manhattan for the city’s most somber ritual: reading the names of the nearly 3,000 people killed that day in the terror attacks in New York, at the Pentagon and in Shanksville, Pa. Similar observances are scheduled at the other two sites.”
NYT continued, “At this morning’s ceremony in New York, all four living ex-presidents — Clinton, Bush, Obama and Biden — are expected to attend. So is Mr. Mamdani, the city’s first Muslim mayor, despite a petition signed by thousands of victims’ family members urging him not to.”
2. Vance rouses GOP crowd to close out midterm convention
As The Hill reports, “Vice President Vance roused the closing night crowd at the Republican National Committee’s Dallas convention amid growing chatter about his 2028 prospects.”
“The Thursday night keynote — interrupted at one point with chants of ’48’ — offered the vice president a chance to charm the base that will be critical if he decides to run to succeed President Trump in the next election,” The Hill reported.
“We got to take care of business this November. Then we’ll worry about what comes next,” Vance said in response to the crowd.
The Hill added, “Widely seen as the MAGA movement’s heir apparent, Vance has played coy about his future plans as Republicans steer focus to winning the midterms. But attendees were quick to say they have their eye on Vance for 2028, alongside Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who was not attending.”
Sports
1. Mississippi Big 3 set for Saturday matchups
No. 9 Ole Miss, Mississippi State and Southern Miss are back in action this weekend, with all three looking to move to 2-0 on the season.
- Ole Miss hosts Charlotte in Oxford. Kickoff is set for 6:45 p.m. The game will air on ESPN 2.
- Mississippi State travels to Minnesota. The game is scheduled to start at 2:30 p.m. and will air on CBS.
- Southern Miss visits Auburn in a game to be aired on the SEC Network. Kickoff is 6:45 p.m.
2. JUCO football score roundup for Week 3
Mississippi’s community colleges took the field for Week 3 on Thursday, with the biggest upset coming from Co-Lin who took down No. 6 Northwest. No. 4 MGCCC continued to roll, topping No. 11 Itawamba, and No. 9 East Mississippi was all gas, no brakes from Pearl River.
Here is a roundup of the scores from across the state’s JUCO gridiron games:
- Holmes 7 – Hinds 21
- Coahoma 19 – East Central 24
- No. 6 Northwest 16 – Co-Lin 17
- Pearl River 3 – No. 9 East Mississippi 44
- No. 11 Itawamba 24 – No. 4 MGCCC 50
- Northeast 28 – Jones 31
- MS Delta 24 – Southwest 41
Markets & Business
1. Futures up as oil prices fall
CNBC reports that “stock futures moved higher early Friday as oil prices declined and traders looked ahead to August’s consumer price index report.”
“The gains came as crude prices eased, giving back some of the sharp gains seen this week due to escalating tensions in the Middle East. West Texas Intermediate futures dropped 3.3% to $99.08 per barrel. Brent futures slid 3.6% to $103.76 per barrel,” CNBC reported. “Both contracts remained on pace for weekly advances of around 8%, putting pressure on U.S. equities. Week to date, the Dow is on pace for a 2.5% decline, while the S&P 500 is heading for a 1.6% loss. The Nasdaq is also on track for a 1.6% slide.”
CNBC noted, “Rates have also risen sharply this week, fueled by worries that higher energy prices would drive upward pressure on inflation. The 10-year Treasury note yield topped 4.95% this week, reaching levels not seen since October 2023.”
2. Homes sales at lowest level in over a year
According to the Wall Street Journal, “Home sales in August fell to their lowest level in more than a year, after rising mortgage rates dealt another blow to a hobbled housing market.”
“Sales of existing homes declined 2% in August over the previous month to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 3.98 million, the National Association of Realtors said Thursday. That is the lowest since June 2025, when the rate was 3.93 million,” WSJ reported. “The decline in sales was roughly in line with expectations. Economists surveyed by The Wall Street Journal had forecast a 2.2% drop.”
WSJ further reported, “The housing market is now well into its fourth year of stagnant sales. Mortgage rates jumped after the beginning of the war in Iran and have continued rising toward 7% as hopes for a clean end to the conflict fade.”
