SALT LAKE CITY — The opening week of the college football season has certainly set the stage for an exciting year ahead, filled with surprises and shifts in expectations. As teams took to the field, the initial perceptions formed during the preseason began to unravel, leading to significant changes in the Associated Press Top 25 rankings.

The first week of games provided a glimpse into the strengths and weaknesses of various teams, prompting a reevaluation of their standings. While the results may not fully define the season, they offer a clearer picture of what to expect moving forward. This week, the AP Top 25 ballot reflects those insights, highlighting the teams that have emerged as early contenders.

As the summer season of 2025 comes to a close, moviegoers are treated to a nostalgic reminder of cinema’s past with the re-release of Steven Spielberg’s iconic thriller, Jaws. Marking its 50th anniversary, this classic film continues to make waves at the box office, even as the current summer season struggles to keep pace with previous years.

Despite the hype surrounding Jaws, it opened in second place over the Labor Day weekend, trailing behind Zach Cregger’s horror hit Weapons, which has dominated the box office for four consecutive weekends. Weapons grossed an estimated $12.8 million over the four-day holiday, bringing its total to an impressive $235.2 million globally. In contrast, Jaws managed to reel in $9.9 million over the four-day weekend, including $8.1 million from the three-day period. This performance, while respectable for a film that debuted half a century ago, highlights the challenges faced by new releases in a crowded market.

In a stark warning to the global financial community, Christine Lagarde, the President of the European Central Bank, has raised alarms over the potential erosion of the US Federal Reserve’s independence under President Donald Trump’s administration. Lagarde emphasized that any attempts to undermine the Fed’s autonomy would pose a “very serious danger” not just to the US economy, but to the global economic landscape as well.

The Federal Reserve, which serves as the central bank of the United States, plays a crucial role in promoting employment and maintaining price stability. Its independence from political influence is vital for making decisions that affect interest rates and, consequently, the overall economic environment. However, recent actions by President Trump have sparked concerns regarding the Fed’s ability to operate free from political pressure.

In the ever-evolving landscape of pop music, few artists can seamlessly blend humor with relatable themes of heartbreak quite like Sabrina Carpenter. With her latest album, Man’s Best Friend, the Pennsylvania-native showcases her unique ability to tackle the complexities of modern dating with a witty twist. Just a year after the success of her breakthrough album, Short n’ Sweet, Carpenter teams up once again with a trusted crew, including industry heavyweights Jack Antonoff, Amy Allen, and John Ryan, to deliver a collection of songs that are as groovy as they are introspective.

On a seemingly ordinary Saturday evening at Hersheypark, a heart-stopping incident unfolded as a young boy was spotted walking along the monorail track, suspended high above the ground. Eyewitness accounts and videos shared online captured the tense moments as park-goers rallied to ensure the child’s safety.

The scene was chaotic but hopeful, with groups of concerned spectators gathering beneath the monorail, bracing for the possibility that the boy might jump or fall. The air was thick with tension as onlookers shouted encouragement, urging the child to make his way toward a man positioned on a nearby rooftop. This man, displaying remarkable bravery, ultimately decided to take matters into his own hands. He jumped onto the monorail track and managed to reach the boy, pulling him to safety just moments before any potential disaster could occur.

As the Labor Day weekend approaches, the excitement surrounding the Powerball lottery has reached a fever pitch. The jackpot has ballooned to an astonishing $1.1 billion after no tickets matched all six numbers in the most recent drawing. This colossal prize now ranks as the fifth-largest in Powerball’s storied history, captivating the attention of millions across the nation.

The last time a player won the grand prize was on May 31, 2025, when a lucky Californian took home a $204.5 million jackpot. Since then, the lack of winners has led to a staggering 39-drawing streak, resulting in a surge of ticket sales and an ever-increasing jackpot. With the next drawing scheduled for Monday, anticipation is building as hopeful players flock to purchase their tickets.

In a striking turn of events, Cracker Barrel, the beloved Tennessee-based restaurant chain, has found itself at the center of a heated cultural debate following its recent rebranding effort. The company initially sought to modernize its image with a minimalist logo redesign that sparked outrage among conservative circles, leading to significant backlash and a subsequent reversal of the decision.

The controversy began when Cracker Barrel unveiled a new logo that aimed to eliminate the traditional imagery of Uncle Herschel and the barrel, focusing instead on the name itself. This attempt to refresh the brand, part of a massive $700 million rebranding initiative, ignited a culture war that drew the attention of high-profile figures, including former President Donald Trump. His criticism of the redesign, coupled with a notable dip in the company’s stock price, prompted Cracker Barrel executives to reconsider their approach. Ultimately, they decided to revert to the iconic “Old Timer” logo, featuring a man leaning against a barrel, which many customers had come to cherish.

In a significant court hearing that took place on August 29, 2025, Federal Reserve Board Governor Lisa Cook found herself at the center of a legal battle against President Donald Trump. Cook is seeking to prevent Trump from firing her while her lawsuit against him unfolds in the courts. The hearing, held in U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C., concluded without a ruling from Judge Jia Cobb, leaving Cook’s future at the Federal Reserve uncertain.

As of August 27, 2025, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has made significant adjustments to the approval process for COVID-19 vaccines, now limiting access primarily to higher-risk individuals, including those aged 65 and older and younger people with underlying health conditions. This decision has led to widespread confusion regarding who can receive the vaccine, how it will be administered, and whether it will be covered by insurance.

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has stated that vaccines will be available “for all patients who choose them” after consulting with their healthcare providers. However, medical experts and organizations have raised concerns about the complexities that may arise as patients and healthcare providers navigate the patchwork of guidance surrounding vaccine access.

In a significant and somber development, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have confirmed the recovery of the body of Ilan Weiss, a hostage who was murdered during the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The announcement comes as part of a broader effort to locate and recover hostages taken during the hostilities.

The IDF’s operation not only led to the discovery of Weiss’s remains but also revealed what appears to be the remains of an additional hostage, whose identity has not yet been disclosed. This tragic news has sent ripples of grief and anger through the community, as families of hostages continue to endure the agonizing uncertainty surrounding their loved ones.