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Houston plastic surgeon facing four malpractice suits in one year

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Houston Plastic Surgeon Lawsuits Follow Patient Deaths, Severe Injuries

Multiple Houston plastic surgeon lawsuits have raised questions about Dr. Dare Ajibade’s cosmetic surgery practice. Court records reviewed by KTRK’s 13 Investigates connect Ajibade to allegations involving two patient deaths and severe complications.

Ajibade has denied performing negligent surgery in one case. Representatives for Ajibade and the clinics have also said they cannot comment on pending litigation or patient matters.

Family Files Lawsuit After Mother’s Death

Susan Easley underwent liposuction with Ajibade at a Virginia facility in May 2024. Her son, Gavin Easley, said he spoke with her after the Friday procedure.

After several days without contact, Gavin and his wife found Susan dead inside a Washington, D.C.-area hotel bathroom on May 13, 2024.

The medical examiner ruled that Susan experienced sudden cardiac death related to cardiovascular disease following laser-assisted liposuction and a fat transfer.

A lawsuit filed by her family alleges the procedure lasted more than six hours. It also claims Susan received an unsafe amount of lidocaine and left the facility prematurely.

According to the lawsuit, Susan later called the clinic to report nausea and vomiting. The filing alleges staff did not direct her to an emergency room.

Ajibade denied performing negligent surgery in a civil court response. He also generally denied the lawsuit’s allegations.

Houston Plastic Surgeon Lawsuits Detail Other Cases

Adebola Britt, 49, experienced cardiac arrest after a November 2025 procedure at DVA Plastic Surgery in Houston’s Montrose neighborhood, according to her family’s attorney.

A 911 caller reported that Britt was not breathing. She died five days later, on Nov. 12, 2025.

The Harris County medical examiner listed her cause of death as sudden death following abdominoplasty and liposuction procedures. Britt’s family retained an attorney but had not filed a lawsuit when KTRK published its investigation.

In another case, the family of 27-year-old Junis Maldonado filed a medical malpractice lawsuit in San Antonio on June 23, 2026.

The lawsuit alleges Maldonado suffered seizures and cardiopulmonary arrest during a May liposuction procedure. Medical workers resuscitated her, but the filing claims she experienced a brain injury caused by insufficient oxygen.

According to the lawsuit, Maldonado now has a tracheostomy and feeding tube. Her doctors reportedly expect permanent cognitive, neurological and physical disabilities.

A spokesperson representing Ajibade and the clinic said patient safety remains their highest priority. The spokesperson declined to discuss the pending case.

Fort Worth Patient Alleges Burns

Rosa Caldera traveled from Fort Worth to Houston for a $15,000 liposuction procedure in 2024. Her lawsuit alleges the surgery lasted approximately 10 hours.

Caldera said she awoke in extreme pain before an ambulance transported her to a hospital. She was initially admitted to intensive care and remained hospitalized for two days.

After returning home, Caldera underwent skin graft surgery for a third-degree abdominal burn, according to her lawsuit. She said her physical recovery took about one year, while the emotional effects continue.

Ajibade did not directly respond to KTRK’s questions about the cases. An unsigned clinic email cited patient privacy.

Texas Medical Board Previously Took Action

The Texas Medical Board lists a public action involving Ajibade. The board found that his treatment during a liposuction procedure did not meet the standard of care.

Ajibade resolved the matter by agreeing to a fine and continuing medical education. KTRK reported finding no disciplinary action in the other states where he holds licenses.

The board said it could not comment on pending or potential litigation. The civil allegations also remain unresolved, and no court finding of liability was reported.

Patients considering cosmetic surgery can review a physician’s license and disciplinary history through the Texas Medical Board. They can also confirm a facility’s credentials and discuss emergency plans before scheduling a procedure.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Ukraine Launches Massive Moscow Drone Assault as Russia Threatens U.K.

Ukraine launched one of its largest drone attacks on Russia since the full-scale invasion began in 2022. The Ukraine drone strike on Moscow came as Russia warned Britain of consequences for supplying Kyiv with attack drones.

Russian officials reported no deaths or major damage from the latest assault. However, the attack disrupted daily life around the heavily defended capital and intensified concerns about a widening drone campaign.

Ukraine drone strike targets Moscow region

Russian authorities said nearly 800 Ukrainian drones crossed into the country during the overnight attack. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin reported that 620 drones flew toward the capital’s surrounding region.

Russian air defenses reportedly destroyed 180 drones over the Moscow region. Officials did not provide independent evidence supporting the interception figures.

Flights faced disruptions as authorities temporarily restricted operations at several airports. Falling debris was also reported in communities outside the capital.

The barrage followed another large Ukrainian attack two days earlier. Russia said more than 800 drones entered its airspace during that operation.

That earlier attack struck areas near Moscow and caused a major fire at a Wildberries distribution facility in Podolsk. Russian officials reported deaths and injuries across several affected regions.

Ukraine has increasingly used long-range drones to target military facilities, oil refineries and industrial sites inside Russia. Kyiv says the campaign seeks to weaken Russia’s ability to finance and support its invasion.

The origin of every drone used in the latest assault could not be independently confirmed.

Russia warns U.K. over drone supplies

Russia’s embassy in London accused the British government of deliberately escalating the conflict. The embassy claimed British-made drones had been used for strikes deep inside Russian territory.

Russian officials warned that Britain would face consequences if its military assistance continued. Moscow did not specify what actions it might take.

The United Kingdom has become a major supplier of drones and other military equipment to Ukraine. In April, the British government announced plans to deliver at least 120,000 drones during 2026.

The package includes long-range strike drones, reconnaissance systems, maritime equipment and battlefield support drones. Britain says the equipment helps Ukraine defend itself against Russia’s invasion.

A later British aid package increased the planned total to 150,000 drones. It also included air-defense missiles and radar systems.

British officials have maintained that Ukraine has the right to defend itself. The government has not confirmed that specific British-supplied drones participated in the latest Moscow attack.

Aerial attacks intensify on both sides

The Moscow assault unfolded as Russia continued its own missile and drone attacks against Ukraine. A Russian strike on Pechenihy, a village in the northeastern Kharkiv region, killed at least 10 people.

Regional officials said another 17 people suffered injuries. The attack damaged homes and other civilian structures.

Russia has regularly launched large groups of one-way attack drones and missiles at Ukrainian cities. Ukraine has responded by expanding its domestic long-range drone production and striking targets inside Russia.

Claims made by either military during active combat are often difficult to verify independently. Both governments also release limited information about operational targets and damage.

The escalating exchanges show how drones are reshaping the war far beyond the front lines. They also raise new questions about the involvement of Ukraine’s Western partners and the risk of broader confrontation.

Residents across Ukraine and Russia continue to face disruptions as the aerial campaigns expand. International leaders are watching whether the latest attacks lead to further escalation or renewed diplomatic pressure.

Cinemark Backs Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery Merger

Cinemark has joined AMC Theatres and Regal in supporting Paramount’s proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. The theater chains point to commitments involving theatrical releases, exclusive cinema windows and future film investment.

The endorsement comes as the Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger faces an antitrust challenge from 12 states. The companies have postponed closing the deal while the case proceeds in federal court.

Cinemark supports Paramount-Warner merger

Cinemark CEO Sean Gamble has described Paramount and Warner Bros. as longtime partners of the movie theater industry. He said Paramount had made positive statements about film volume and theatrical release windows.

However, Gamble previously called for firm commitments that would protect a sustainable film and exhibition business. Theater owners depend on a consistent supply of new movies to attract customers and fill screens.

Paramount has since strengthened its promises to exhibitors. The company plans to release at least 30 theatrical films annually after completing the merger. That would include about 15 releases from Paramount and 15 from Warner Bros.

The combined studio would also maintain an exclusive theatrical period before making movies available at home. Paramount has pledged a minimum 45-day window before premium digital rentals and purchases.

Those commitments have helped Paramount gain support from the country’s three largest theater chains. Plano-based Cinemark operates nearly 500 theaters across the United States and Latin America.

AMC and Regal also back the deal

AMC Theatres CEO Adam Aron expressed support for the merger during CinemaCon in April. Aron cited Paramount CEO David Ellison’s history in film production and his commitment to making movies for theaters.

Regal CEO Eduardo Acuña later argued that a prolonged antitrust trial could create more uncertainty for the industry. Regal also highlighted Paramount’s promises concerning theatrical films and release windows.

The three chains have a major interest in maintaining a strong theatrical calendar. More wide releases can increase ticket sales while also supporting food, beverage and merchandise revenue.

Paramount’s proposal would combine two major Hollywood studios. The enlarged company would control franchises including “Mission: Impossible,” “Top Gun,” “Harry Potter,” the DC Universe and “SpongeBob SquarePants.”

The transaction values Warner Bros. Discovery at an enterprise value of approximately $110 billion. Under the agreement, Warner Bros. Discovery would become a wholly owned Paramount subsidiary.

Merger continues to face opposition

Support from Cinemark, AMC and Regal does not resolve the deal’s legal challenges. A coalition of state attorneys general sued to block the transaction, arguing that it could reduce competition.

The states contend that combining two major studios may give the company too much power over theatrical distribution, streaming and television programming. The Writers Guild of America has filed a separate challenge.

Paramount rejects those claims. The company argues that the merger would create a stronger competitor against larger streaming and technology companies.

The U.S. Department of Justice closed its investigation after determining that the transaction was unlikely to harm competition. Regulators in several international markets have also cleared the acquisition.

Still, Paramount agreed to delay closing until the state lawsuit is resolved or the merger agreement approaches its June 2027 expiration. The companies maintain that they remain committed to completing the transaction.

For moviegoers, the dispute could influence how many films reach Cinemark, AMC and Regal screens. The court’s decision may also shape theatrical release schedules across the entertainment industry.

Disney and ABC Sue FCC Over Broadcast License

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Disney and ABC sued the Federal Communications Commission on Tuesday, Aug. 18, seeking to stop an early review of eight television licenses. The Disney ABC FCC lawsuit alleges that federal officials violated the First Amendment by targeting protected programming and editorial decisions.

The complaint was filed in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. Disney, ABC and the eight affected local stations are asking the court to halt the renewal proceedings.

Disney ABC FCC lawsuit challenges early review

The dispute began when the FCC ordered Disney and ABC to submit early renewal applications in April. The stations filed those applications on May 28.

Broadcast television licenses generally remain valid for eight years. According to an FCC public notice, none of the affected licenses would normally require renewal before 2028.

The FCC said the accelerated process supports an investigation into possible violations of federal nondiscrimination rules. Those rules apply to hiring, promotions, compensation and workplace opportunities.

The agency also said it must determine whether each station operates in the public interest. The FCC may deny a renewal after a hearing if a station fails to meet federal standards.

Disney and ABC dispute the agency’s explanation. Their lawsuit describes the review as retaliation for news coverage and television programming criticized by President Donald Trump’s administration.

ABC raises First Amendment concerns

The companies allege that government pressure has escalated into threats against ABC’s ability to broadcast. They argue that those actions could influence newsroom decisions and programming choices.

“Again and again, the Administration has attacked ABC’s speech,” the complaint states. It says those attacks have included criticism of stories reported by ABC journalists and viewpoints aired on network programs.

ABC also cited disagreements involving “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” and “The View.” The network has challenged FCC efforts to reconsider whether certain political interviews on “The View” qualify for a news-program exemption from equal-time rules.

The lawsuit seeks an injunction and temporary restraining order. Both would prevent the FCC from advancing or threatening action tied to the early applications while the case proceeds.

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has defended the agency’s approach. He has said broadcasters receive access to public airwaves and must meet public-interest obligations.

Carr has also denied that the agency singled out Disney. In correspondence with lawmakers, he noted that the FCC has considered early renewals involving other broadcasters.

Houston’s KTRK-TV among affected stations

The proceeding directly affects KTRK-TV, ABC’s owned-and-operated station in Houston. The other stations serve Fresno, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, New York, Durham and Philadelphia.

FCC records show that the licenses remain active while the agency considers their renewal. Therefore, the lawsuit does not immediately remove any station from the air.

Still, the case carries significant implications for Houston viewers and broadcasters nationwide. A ruling could help define how far federal regulators may go when reviewing licenses held by news organizations.

FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez, the commission’s only Democrat, supported the legal challenge. She accused the agency of using possible license revocations to punish speech disliked by the administration. The FCC did not immediately provide a new response to the lawsuit.

The court will now consider whether the early review may continue. Houston residents can follow updates from KTRK-TV, the FCC and the federal court as the case develops.

Hayden Panettiere Death Investigation: Ex-Boyfriend Was at Scene

The Hayden Panettiere death investigation remains open after the actress died in Greenville, South Carolina. A police report confirms that her former boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, was at the apartment during the emergency response.

Panettiere, known for “Heroes,” “Nashville” and the “Scream” franchise, died Aug. 16. She was 36.

Ex-boyfriend identified in police report

Hickerson and his brother were inside the apartment when police and emergency medical personnel arrived. The report identifies Hickerson as the person who called 911.

Officers responded to the Judson Mill Lofts on Easley Bridge Road at approximately 1:51 p.m. The emergency call concerned an unresponsive woman experiencing cardiac arrest.

A responding officer documented the behavior of the two men during the emergency. According to the report, they initially appeared to show little emotion. Hickerson became visibly upset after officials confirmed Panettiere’s death.

Those observations do not establish criminal involvement. Police have not identified Hickerson or anyone else as a suspect.

Hayden Panettiere death investigation continues

Officers found Panettiere unresponsive inside a bedroom. Emergency personnel performed advanced cardiac life support measures but could not revive her.

Authorities pronounced Panettiere dead at 2:32 p.m.

The police report also documents naloxone inside the apartment. Naloxone, widely known by the brand name Narcan, can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose.

However, the presence of naloxone does not determine what caused Panettiere’s death. Officials have not confirmed whether anyone administered it before first responders arrived.

Emergency dispatch communications included references to an overdose and cardiac arrest. Those initial descriptions also do not represent a final medical finding.

Cardiac arrest means the heart stopped beating. Several medical conditions, injuries or substances can lead to cardiac arrest.

No signs of trauma or foul play

Police said the preliminary investigation found no evidence of foul play or suspicious circumstances. Investigators also reported no visible signs of trauma that contributed to Panettiere’s death.

An autopsy has been completed. However, the official cause and manner of death remain pending.

Investigators are awaiting toxicology results and other medical findings. Toxicology testing can identify alcohol, medications or other substances in a person’s system.

The testing process may take several weeks or longer. Until officials release those results, reports identifying a specific cause remain unconfirmed.

Panettiere and Hickerson had a documented history

Panettiere began dating Hickerson in 2018. Their relationship later became the subject of multiple law enforcement cases involving domestic violence.

In 2021, Hickerson pleaded no contest to two felony counts involving injuries to Panettiere. A court sentenced him to jail and probation.

Panettiere later reconnected with Hickerson. She discussed the relationship and the abuse she experienced in her 2026 memoir, “This Is Me: A Reckoning.”

That history provides context but does not establish a connection to her death. Police have reported no current evidence of foul play.

Officials await final findings

Panettiere began acting as a child before gaining widespread recognition as Claire Bennet in “Heroes.” She later earned two Golden Globe nominations for portraying Juliette Barnes on “Nashville.”

Her other credits included “Remember the Titans,” “Scream 4,” “Scream VI” and the video game “Until Dawn.”

The Hayden Panettiere death investigation remains active. A definitive explanation will depend on the coroner’s final report, toxicology results and any additional findings released by investigators.

American Tourist Killed by Lightning While Hiking Mount Etna

An American tourist killed on Mount Etna was struck by lightning while hiking the active volcano in Sicily. Italian firefighters said the incident occurred Sunday evening, Aug. 16.

The 29-year-old man was visiting from Kansas. Authorities had not released his name as of Monday.

Helicopter Crew Recovers American Tourist on Mount Etna

Rescue personnel found the man near Rocca Capra, an exposed area within the Valle del Bove. He was located at about 1,400 meters, or nearly 4,600 feet, above sea level.

A helicopter crew recovered the tourist from the rugged volcanic landscape. Medical personnel later pronounced him dead.

Officials said lightning struck the man while he was hiking in an open, barren area. Such terrain provides little natural shelter when thunderstorms develop.

Authorities had closed some areas of Mount Etna because of prolonged volcanic activity. However, officials had not confirmed whether the tourist entered one of those restricted areas.

The circumstances surrounding his route remained under review. Officials did not immediately provide information about other hikers who may have been nearby.

Mount Etna Faced Recent Volcanic Activity

The fatal lightning strike followed a period of heightened activity at Mount Etna. Ash from the volcano disrupted operations at Catania’s airport for much of the previous week.

Volcanic ash can create serious risks for aircraft engines. Airport officials sometimes delay or cancel flights when ash clouds move across flight routes.

Italy’s Civil Protection Department lists Mount Etna at a yellow alert level. That designation indicates a state of attention and increased monitoring.

The Civil Protection Department identifies Mount Etna as Europe’s largest volcano. It rises about 3,350 meters, or nearly 11,000 feet, above sea level.

Etna covers approximately 1,250 square kilometers along Sicily’s eastern coast. Its summit contains several active craters, while hundreds of smaller volcanic cones cover its slopes.

The volcano’s activity can change quickly. Italy’s National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology regularly monitors eruptions, tremors, ash emissions and lava flows.

Lightning Presents a Major Mountain Hazard

Officials noted that lightning has caused more deaths on Mount Etna in recent decades than volcanic activity. The last deaths directly connected to an eruption occurred in 1987.

High elevations and open landscapes can leave hikers exposed during sudden thunderstorms. Conditions on Mount Etna may also shift rapidly, even when weather appears stable at lower elevations.

The barren ground around Rocca Capra sits within the Valle del Bove, a large depression covered by lava from past eruptions. The area contains steep slopes, uneven volcanic rock and limited shelter.

Visitors should monitor local weather forecasts and official access restrictions before beginning an excursion. Marked trails and authorized guides can also provide important safety support.

Hikers should leave exposed ridges, summits and open areas when thunder becomes audible. Local closures must remain in effect even when volcanic activity appears distant or conditions seem calm.

The death serves as a reminder that Mount Etna presents both volcanic and mountain-related dangers. Travelers visiting the area should follow official guidance and avoid closed routes.

Spider-Man Leads Weekend Box Office as Dinosaur Films Battle for Third

The weekend box office remained under Spider-Man’s control from Aug. 14–16. “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” earned an estimated $70 million across the United States and Canada, according to industry estimates.

The superhero release easily secured its third consecutive weekend at No. 1. Meanwhile, two new dinosaur adventures competed in a close race for third place.

Spider-Man Dominates the Weekend Box Office

“Spider-Man: Brand New Day” increased its domestic total to approximately $785.8 million. The result made it the fourth-highest-grossing movie in North American box office history, without adjusting for inflation.

The Sony Pictures release also passed $2 billion worldwide. Only seven other movies had previously reached that global milestone.

The film achieved the mark in about 18 days. “Avengers: Endgame” remains the fastest movie to reach $2 billion, accomplishing the feat in 11 days during 2019.

Overall domestic ticket sales reached about $138.1 million for the three-day weekend. That represented a 32.4% decline from the previous frame, according to Box Office Mojo.

“The Odyssey” Holds Strong in Second Place

Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” remained in second place during its fifth weekend. The epic collected an estimated $23.2 million domestically.

Its North American total rose to about $504.7 million. International ticket sales also helped the film surpass $1.2 billion worldwide.

China contributed $36.6 million during the film’s opening days in that market. The strong international performance helped “The Odyssey” remain ahead of both major weekend newcomers.

Dinosaur Movies Compete for Third

“The End of Oak Street” opened in third place with an estimated $21 million from 3,446 locations. The original PG-13 action film stars Anne Hathaway and Ewan McGregor.

Written and directed by David Robert Mitchell, the movie follows suburban parents whose neighborhood is transported to prehistoric times. It earned an additional $26 million internationally for a $47 million global debut.

“Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie” followed closely with an estimated $20.5 million. Paramount Pictures released the animated family film in 3,545 North American theaters.

The movie received an A CinemaScore from opening-weekend audiences. Its worldwide total reached approximately $69 million.

Music and Independent Releases Enter the Top 10

“Katseye: Wild Hearts” placed fifth with $4 million from 724 screens. “Six: The Musical Live” followed with $3 million, while “The Brink of War” earned $2.7 million.

“Toy Story 5” remained in the chart with $2.3 million. “One Night Only” earned $2 million, and the Tamil-language romance “Vishwanath & Sons” completed the top 10 with $1.6 million.

The summer box office has now generated more than $4.2 billion. That total stands about 5.7% above the comparable 2019 season.

With major releases continuing into late August, moviegoers still have choices ranging from superheroes and historical epics to family animation and independent films.

Texas Opens at No. 5, Houston at No. 23 in Preseason AP Top 25

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Texas and Houston will begin the 2026 college football season with national rankings. The 2026 preseason AP Top 25 places the Longhorns fifth and the Cougars 23rd.

Ohio State leads the poll after receiving 40 first-place votes. Oregon follows at No. 2, while Georgia, Notre Dame and Texas complete the top five.

Texas Faces High Expectations and a Difficult Schedule

Texas will open inside the top five for the third consecutive season. The Longhorns began 2025 at No. 1 before finishing outside the College Football Playoff.

This year’s ranking keeps Texas among the leading national contenders. However, the Longhorns face one of the country’s most demanding schedules.

Texas opens against Texas State on Sept. 5 at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium. The Longhorns then host No. 1 Ohio State on Sept. 12. The game will begin at 6:30 p.m. and air on ABC.

That matchup will give Texas an early opportunity to strengthen its playoff résumé. It will also mark the third consecutive season featuring a meeting between the programs.

The Texas schedule includes seven opponents ranked in the preseason poll. Those teams are Ohio State, Texas A&M, Ole Miss, Oklahoma, LSU, Tennessee and Missouri.

Texas will close the regular season against No. 8 Texas A&M on Nov. 27 in College Station.

Houston Returns to the Preseason AP Top 25

Houston’s No. 23 ranking is another sign of progress under head coach Willie Fritz. It is the Cougars’ first preseason AP ranking since 2022.

The ranking is also Houston’s highest preseason position since 2016. According to University of Houston Athletics, the program has appeared in 13 preseason AP polls since 1950.

Houston enters the season after winning 10 games in 2025. The Cougars concluded that campaign with a 38-35 Texas Bowl victory over LSU.

Starting quarterback Conner Weigman returns to lead the offense. Wide receiver Amare Thomas, a preseason All-America selection, also returns.

The defense brings back experienced defensive backs Jordan Allen, Will James and Kentrell Webb. Overall, 14 Houston players received preseason recognition from national or conference organizations.

Houston opens at home against Oregon State on Sept. 5. The Cougars host Southern one week later before visiting No. 12 Texas Tech on Sept. 18.

The Texas Tech game could quickly influence Houston’s position in the poll. It will also provide an early test in the Big 12 race.

Complete 2026 Preseason AP Top 25

The Associated Press poll was determined by 69 media members who cover college football.

  1. Ohio State
  2. Oregon
  3. Georgia
  4. Notre Dame
  5. Texas
  6. Indiana
  7. Miami
  8. Texas A&M
  9. Ole Miss
  10. Oklahoma
  11. LSU
  12. Texas Tech
  13. Alabama
  14. BYU, tied
  15. USC, tied
  16. Michigan
  17. Washington
  18. Penn State
  19. SMU
  20. Tennessee
  21. Utah
  22. Iowa
  23. Houston
  24. Louisville
  25. Missouri

The SEC leads all conferences with nine ranked teams. Five appear in the top 10. The Big Ten has eight ranked teams, including Ohio State and Oregon in the top two positions.

The Big 12 placed four teams in the poll. Texas Tech leads the conference at No. 12, followed by BYU, Utah and Houston.

Preseason rankings will change once games begin. Still, the poll gives Texas and Houston important national visibility before their season openers. Fans across Texas will soon learn whether both programs can meet those early expectations.

Apple iOS 26.6 Update Adds Security Fixes and Prepares iPhones for iOS 27

Apple has released the Apple iOS 26.6 update for compatible iPhones. The update focuses on security, reliability and preparations for the company’s next major operating system.

Apple released iOS 26.6 on July 27, 2026. It remains the latest public iOS version as of Aug. 17.

What Is Included in the Apple iOS 26.6 Update?

The update includes bug fixes and security improvements. Apple also optimized the iPhone’s Spotlight index to prepare devices for iOS 27.

Spotlight powers searches across apps, contacts, messages, files and other content. The optimization could help make a future upgrade smoother. However, Apple has not detailed how users will notice the change.

Unlike some earlier iOS 26 releases, version 26.6 does not introduce major visual features. Its main purpose is maintaining performance and protecting user data.

Apple notes that software updates may temporarily affect battery life or performance. Background tasks often continue after installation, including search indexing and app updates.

Apple Addresses Several Security Risks

Security is the most important reason to install iOS 26.6. Apple’s security report lists fixes across several parts of the operating system.

One vulnerability could allow an attacker with physical access to view sensitive information during iPhone Mirroring. Apple corrected the issue through improved system state management.

Other fixes address the Accounts Framework, kernel, file permissions and application security. Several WebKit vulnerabilities were also corrected. WebKit is the technology that powers Safari and web content inside many apps.

Some flaws could allow a malicious application to access protected information or execute unauthorized code. Others could cause Safari to crash when processing specially crafted web content.

Apple generally recommends installing current software to receive the latest protections.

Which iPhones Support iOS 26.6?

The update is available for iPhones that support iOS 26. Apple’s compatibility list includes the iPhone 11 series and newer models.

The iPhone SE, beginning with the second-generation model, is also supported. Compatible devices include the iPhone 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17 families.

Available features can differ by device, language and region. Apple Intelligence features also require newer hardware and are not available on every iOS 26-compatible iPhone.

Users should back up important photos, messages and files before installing an operating system update. A backup can be completed through iCloud or a computer.

How to Install the iOS Update

Users can check for the update by opening Settings, selecting General and tapping Software Update. If iOS 26.6 is available, the screen will display a download and installation option.

The iPhone should have sufficient battery power and storage before installation. Connecting the device to Wi-Fi and a charger can help prevent interruptions.

Automatic updates are available under the same Software Update menu. When enabled, an iPhone can download and install eligible updates overnight while charging.

iOS 27 Is Coming This Fall

Apple has already previewed iOS 27, but the software has not received its general public release. The company says the free update will arrive in fall 2026.

Planned features include expanded Apple Intelligence tools, improved accessibility, enhanced iCloud Shared Albums and new Home app capabilities. Apple says iOS 27 will support the iPhone 11 and newer, along with the second-generation iPhone SE and later.

Apple Intelligence in iOS 27 will have narrower hardware requirements. Apple says those features will require an iPhone 16 model or later, an iPhone 15 Pro or an iPhone 15 Pro Max.

For now, installing iOS 26.6 gives supported iPhones Apple’s current security protections. Users can review the update details on their devices before beginning the installation.

Texans Sign Brett Rypien as Emergency Quarterback After Graham Mertz Injury

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The Houston Texans have added veteran quarterback Brett Rypien following an injury to Graham Mertz. The move gives Houston an experienced emergency option behind C.J. Stroud and Davis Mills.

The NFL transaction report confirmed that the Texans signed Brett Rypien on Saturday, Aug. 15. Houston also placed Mertz on injured reserve.

Texans Sign Brett Rypien to Restore Quarterback Depth

Rypien joins the Texans during an important stretch of the preseason. The 30-year-old will have limited time to learn Houston’s offense before the team’s remaining exhibition games.

Houston entered training camp with Stroud, Mills and Mertz as its three quarterbacks. Mertz’s injury left the Texans needing another passer for practices and preseason action.

The team has not announced Rypien’s role beyond his addition to the roster. However, he is expected to work behind Stroud and Mills.

Stroud remains Houston’s starting quarterback. The Texans exercised his fifth-year contract option during the offseason, keeping him under team control through the 2027 season.

Mills provides experienced insurance as the primary backup. He has started 29 regular-season games since Houston selected him in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft.

Rypien now gives the Texans a third healthy quarterback. That depth helps Houston limit unnecessary preseason snaps for Stroud and Mills.

Graham Mertz Moves to Injured Reserve

Mertz suffered a knee injury during Houston’s preseason opener against the Los Angeles Chargers. The Texans later moved him to injured reserve as part of the roster transaction involving Rypien.

Houston drafted Mertz in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. The former Florida and Wisconsin quarterback spent his rookie season developing behind Stroud and Mills.

Mertz had previously recovered from a torn anterior cruciate ligament suffered during his final college season. The Texans have not publicly detailed a recovery timeline for his latest injury.

His absence creates an opportunity for Rypien to compete for the third quarterback position. Rypien could also become a practice squad candidate when Houston reduces its roster.

NFL teams must complete their final reduction to 53 players on Aug. 30. Roster decisions will depend on health, preseason performance and positional needs.

Brett Rypien Brings NFL Experience to Houston

Rypien entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent from Boise State in 2019. He spent his first several professional seasons with the Denver Broncos.

The veteran has also spent time with the Los Angeles Rams, Seattle Seahawks, New York Jets, Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings. His experience includes regular-season starts with Denver and Los Angeles.

Rypien is listed at 6 feet 2 inches and 210 pounds. His NFL player profile lists him as an eighth-year player.

His familiarity with several NFL systems could help him adjust quickly. Still, the preseason will offer the clearest measure of his progress in Houston’s offense.

The signing does not change the top of the Texans’ quarterback depth chart. Stroud remains the starter, while Mills is positioned as the immediate backup.

However, quarterback depth can become critical during a long NFL season. Rypien gives Houston another experienced option while Mertz begins his recovery.

Texans fans can watch the remaining preseason games for Rypien’s first possible appearance in a Houston uniform and further updates on the team’s quarterback rotation.