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Harris County commissioner warns homeowners could soon see a large property tax increase

Precious F. Moore
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HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — One Harris County commissioner had a warning for homeowners ahead of a property tax rate increase that could be coming.

On Thursday, commissioners met and discussed the county’s financial situation. Later this month, they’ll receive a proposed budget and vote on it by October.

Although we haven’t seen numbers, Commissioner Tom Ramsey said homeowners may not like what’s coming.

“Please understand the tax rate that we will be considering in just a few short weeks is probably the greatest tax rate increase in the history of Harris County,” Ramsey said.

Budget Director Daniel Ramos said that in order to close the county’s $130 million deficit, he’s planning to propose a three-cent increase to the general fund tax rate.

Ramos said that the flood control district is also eyeing a three-cent increase; Ramsey added that the hospital district is thinking of asking for the same.

If that happens, Ramsey said the property tax rate could climb from 62 cents to 71 cents.

“In this time of affordability, where you can’t turn on the TV. That’s what people want to talk about,” Ramsey said. “For us to be considering a significant tax increase this year would be not listening to the folks that are out there.”

ABC13 asked the budget office how much more the average homeowner could pay with these potential increases, but they couldn’t provide an answer on Thursday. Ellis disputed Ramsey’s statements and told ABC13 he doesn’t believe homeowners will see an increase that could add hundreds of dollars to their property taxes.

“There won’t be a change with the rate we have,” Ellis said.

Judge Lina Hidalgo wanted to give taxpayers an option on the ballot to decide if the rate would be even higher for a childcare program. On Thursday, she asked commissioners to have voters decide on a penny tax to generate more than $60 million for the program.

It’s something she attempted last year, and on Thursday, it failed. This time, it failed again after no other commissioner would move it forward.

“I’m so sorry that this is your position,” Hidalgo said. “Really, my heart hurts about it. I don’t have children, but I know that people who have children want the best start for the children.”

Commissioners voted 4-1 to increase constable pay to $305,000, a year after it was raised to over $290,000. Since 2024, constable pay has increased by over 129%. In comparison, Travis County, Tarrant County, and Dallas County all reported 2025 salaries for constables under $150,000. The money, according to the court, cannot come from the constables’ offices’ budgets.

Commissioners also voted to increase pay for the county attorney, district attorney, district clerk, county clerk, and tax assessor.

Vinícius Renews With Real Madrid as Barcelona Moves for Rodri

Michael Esparza
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Vinícius Renews With Real Madrid as Barcelona Moves for Rodri

The European soccer market produced two major developments Thursday. Real Madrid secured Vinícius Júnior through 2032, while Barcelona entered the competition to sign Manchester City midfielder Rodri.

Neither move involves a routine roster decision. Vinícius was entering the final year of his previous contract, while Rodri has attracted interest from Spain’s two largest clubs.

Vinícius Júnior Signs Through 2032

Real Madrid officially extended Vinícius Júnior’s contract through June 30, 2032. His previous agreement was scheduled to expire in 2027.

The renewal ends months of uncertainty surrounding the Brazilian forward. Arsenal had reportedly explored a transfer while Madrid and Vinícius negotiated compensation and the length of a new deal.

Vinícius joined Real Madrid from Flamengo in 2018 at age 18. He has since recorded 128 goals in 375 appearances.

The 26-year-old has won 14 trophies with Madrid. Those honors include two Champions League titles, three LaLiga championships and three Club World Cups.

Vinícius scored in Madrid’s Champions League final victories in 2022 and 2024. He also received FIFA’s Best Men’s Player award for 2024.

Real Madrid described him as one of the central players in one of the club’s most successful periods. The new agreement keeps Vinícius at the Santiago Bernabéu through most of his prime years, according to El País.

Barcelona Enters Race for Rodri

Barcelona is exploring a transfer for Manchester City midfielder Rodri. Reports in Spain indicate that the player has authorized Barcelona to begin discussions with City.

Manager Hansi Flick has reportedly spoken with the Spanish international. However, Barcelona had not announced a formal agreement as of Thursday.

Manchester City must still approve a transfer, and the clubs would need to agree on a fee. Reports have placed Rodri’s possible valuation between €50 million and €80 million.

Real Madrid had also shown interest in the midfielder. Barcelona’s entry could create one of the summer window’s most closely watched negotiations.

Rodri would add an experienced defensive midfielder to a Barcelona group already built around Pedri, who is under contract through June 2030. Pedri signed that extension with Barcelona in January 2025.

Rodri won the 2024 Ballon d’Or and helped Spain capture the 2026 World Cup. He has one year remaining on his Manchester City contract, increasing the pressure on the English club to extend or sell him.

The possible move remains a negotiation rather than a completed signing. Cadena SER reported that Barcelona expects to make an offer.

Barcelona Adds Karim Adeyemi

Barcelona has already completed the signing of Karim Adeyemi from Borussia Dortmund. The German forward signed through June 2031.

Adeyemi can play on either wing or as a center forward. His speed gives Flick another direct attacking option.

He completed his Dortmund career with 36 goals and 25 assists in 146 appearances. Barcelona confirmed the transfer through its official website.

Manchester United Rebuilds Midfield

Manchester United added Belgian captain Youri Tielemans following his successful run with Aston Villa.

Tielemans helped Villa win the Europa League before moving to Old Trafford. He also captained Belgium during its run to the World Cup quarterfinals.

United signed Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos as well. The two moves provide additional passing, leadership and depth in central areas.

Bayern and Atlético Complete Long-Term Deals

Bayern Munich signed Moroccan international Ismael Saibari from PSV Eindhoven through 2031. The versatile attacker produced 42 goals and 29 assists with PSV.

Atlético Madrid added Danish defensive midfielder Morten Hjulmand from Sporting CP. His contract also runs through 2031.

Hjulmand brings physical strength, defensive positioning and experience from Portugal and Italy. Atlético also added Alejandro Grimaldo from Bayer Leverkusen.

Liverpool Keeps Szoboszlai

Liverpool signed Dominik Szoboszlai to a new long-term contract after his strongest individual season at Anfield.

The Hungarian midfielder recorded 13 goals and 12 assists in 53 appearances. Liverpool supporters selected him as the men’s player of the season.

Szoboszlai’s extension follows 147 appearances and two major trophies since his 2023 arrival.

The Premier League window closes Sept. 1, while Germany’s market ends Aug. 31. Spain’s window also runs through Sept. 1, leaving Barcelona limited time to complete any agreement for Rodri.

Alley Theatre Reveals Four New Plays for 2026 All New Festival

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Alley Theatre Reveals Four New Plays for 2026 All New Festival

Alley Theatre will bring four emerging theatrical works to Houston during the 2026 Alley All New Festival. The three-day event runs Oct. 23-25 and features free staged readings by Liz Duffy Adams, Jake Brasch, Gloria Majule and Luis Quintero.

The festival will coincide with the world premiere of Majule’s “Uhuru,” which Alley Theatre developed during its 2024 festival. Full casting and a detailed reading schedule will be announced later.

2026 Alley All New Festival Supports New Plays

Established in 2016, Alley All New Festival serves as an incubator for new American plays. Of its 46 featured works, 33 have continued to a world premiere.

Previous festival selections have reached Broadway, Off-Broadway and London’s West End. Other productions have appeared in Chicago, Los Angeles, Washington, Seattle and Dallas.

Artistic Director Rob Melrose described the festival as one of his favorite periods in Alley Theatre’s season. Multiple groups of playwrights, actors and directors develop their projects at the theater simultaneously.

“The whole theatre feels alive with energy and excitement,” Melrose said. “The amount of work, ideas, and inspiration you are able to experience in one weekend is really exciting.”

‘Lunacy’ Combines History and Science Fiction

Liz Duffy Adams returns to the Alley with “Lunacy, or, The Emperor and Empress of the Moon.” Houston audiences may recognize Adams from “Born with Teeth” and “Dear Alien.”

Her new play takes inspiration from Aphra Behn’s Restoration comedy “The Emperor of the Moon.” The story combines a historical period piece with science fiction set inside humanity’s first lunar colony.

Adams developed the work with input from NASA scientists. The play moves across time, genres and space while exploring humanity’s enduring fascination with the moon.

Majule and Brasch Explore Community and Family

Gloria Majule’s “African Moms’ Book Club” follows four wealthy Tanzanian women who meet monthly to select a book. Their decision to read the Bible again becomes more complicated when a new member arrives from abroad.

Tensions expose divisions within the women’s polished lives and firmly held beliefs. Milwaukee Repertory Theater originally commissioned the play through its John D. Lewis New Play Development Program.

Jake Brasch’s “Family Weekend” takes place at a substance abuse treatment center in rural Colorado. Visiting families confront their relationships, a counselor and an elk that refuses to leave.

The dark comedy examines addiction, family responsibilities and the limits of love. Brasch previously earned attention for the Off-Broadway production of “The Reservoir.”

Quintero Reimagines an Ancient Tragedy

Luis Quintero will present “Hippolytus/Phedra,” a hip-hop-infused opera inspired by the ancient story of Phedra and Hippolytus.

The Queen of Troizen secretly desires her stepson while King Theseus remains absent. The growing conflict turns love into a potentially destructive force.

Quintero drew from works by Euripides, Seneca, Jean Racine and Sarah Kane. The adaptation follows his acclaimed hip-hop and battle-rap production “Medea: Re-Versed.”

‘Uhuru’ Receives Its World Premiere

Festival visitors can add a performance of “Uhuru” to their schedule. The Gloria Majule dramedy runs Oct. 16 through Nov. 8 under the direction of Shariffa Ali.

The play follows a Tanzanian American tourist, two missionaries and their guide during a Tanzanian-only ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro. Their journey raises questions about identity, access and belonging.

Free Readings and Weekend Packages

All four staged readings are free and open to the public. The programming is recommended for mature audiences.

Weekend packages cost $175 through Sept. 4 before increasing to $195. Packages include preferred seating, artist panels, receptions, an exclusive dinner, lounge access and a ticket to “Uhuru.”

Schedules and updates will be available at alleytheatre.org/allnew. Single tickets for Alley Theatre’s 80th season are also on sale.

Harris County ICE Shooting Investigation Could Move Toward Criminal Charges

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Harris County ICE Shooting Investigation Could Move Toward Criminal Charges

The Harris County District Attorney’s Office could take a major step in its investigation of the fatal ICE shooting of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo. Prosecutors may pursue criminal charges if evidence shows that a federal agent violated Texas law.

District Attorney Sean Teare has described the Harris County ICE shooting investigation as an independent criminal inquiry. His office has issued dozens of subpoenas while seeking evidence and identifying the agents involved.

ICE Agent Shot Salgado Araujo in Houston

Salgado Araujo, 52, was shot by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent on July 7. He was driving his brother and two coworkers to a construction job when agents stopped his white work van in Houston’s Magnolia Park area.

The Department of Homeland Security said Salgado Araujo attempted to evade arrest and used the van as a weapon. DHS said the agent fired in self-defense after Salgado Araujo tried to run over an officer.

The three passengers have disputed that account. Two witnesses said in federal court statements that agents stood beside the van, rather than in its path.

Federal officials later acknowledged that Salgado Araujo was not the person agents originally intended to arrest. DHS also said the agents did not record the encounter with body cameras.

Criminal Charges Remain Possible

Teare said his office is prepared to charge federal agents if investigators find evidence of criminal wrongdoing.

“If the case and the evidence directs us that criminal wrongdoing occurred, we are more than prepared to file criminal charges,” Teare said.

Any criminal case would likely require prosecutors to present evidence to a Harris County grand jury. Grand jurors could then decide whether probable cause exists to issue an indictment.

No agent has been charged. A homicide ruling from the medical examiner describes how a person died and does not automatically establish that a crime occurred.

Federal Evidence Remains a Major Issue

The district attorney has accused federal agencies of withholding important information. As of late July, Teare said DHS and ICE had not provided the name of the agent who fired the fatal shot.

Federal authorities also had not shared other evidence normally available during an officer-involved shooting investigation. Teare called that lack of cooperation unprecedented during his 20 years in law enforcement.

The FBI is investigating whether a federal officer was assaulted. The DHS Office of Inspector General and the Texas Rangers are also reviewing the shooting.

Houston officials have provided prosecutors with a 911 recording, METRO bus camera footage and other resources, according to the City of Houston.

Substance in Van Was Not an Illegal Drug

An FBI search warrant had raised questions about small bags containing a white substance inside Salgado Araujo’s van. The affidavit suggested the material could have been methamphetamine.

Testing later found that the substance was not a narcotic or other illegal drug, the Harris County District Attorney’s Office confirmed. Attorneys for the passengers said the workers carried salt to mix with water during construction work in the Texas heat.

DHS has not said suspected drugs played a role in the original traffic stop or shooting.

Investigation Could Take Months

Harris County commissioners have formally supported Teare’s investigation. Commissioner Rodney Ellis has also proposed providing continued county funding for the inquiry.

Teare has warned that reaching a final decision could take months or possibly years, particularly without full federal cooperation.

The outcome will determine whether the shooting remains a federal administrative matter or moves into a Texas criminal courtroom. For Salgado Araujo’s family and Houston’s Latino community, the investigation represents the primary local effort to establish an independent account of what happened.

FDA Approves mFlusiva, First mRNA Flu Vaccine in the United States

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FDA Approves mFlusiva, First mRNA Flu Vaccine in the United States

The Food and Drug Administration has approved Moderna’s mFlusiva, the first U.S. influenza vaccine made with messenger RNA technology. The new mRNA flu vaccine is intended for adults age 50 and older.

Moderna expects limited supplies to reach select retailers ahead of the 2026-2027 flu season. Other seasonal flu vaccines have already started arriving at pharmacies and medical offices.

Approval Covers Adults Age 50 and Older

The FDA granted traditional approval for mFlusiva in adults ages 50 through 64. That decision was based on a large clinical trial involving about 40,000 adults.

The study found approximately 27% fewer flu cases among mFlusiva recipients compared with people receiving a standard flu vaccine.

For adults age 65 and older, the FDA granted accelerated approval. That pathway allows a product to reach patients based on evidence considered likely to predict a clinical benefit.

A smaller study found that mFlusiva produced a strong immune response when compared with an existing high-dose flu vaccine for older adults. Moderna must conduct an additional study to confirm its benefits in that age group.

How the mRNA Flu Vaccine Works

Traditional flu vaccines often use weakened, inactive or laboratory-produced pieces of influenza viruses. Many are manufactured using chicken eggs, a process that can take several months.

MFlusiva instead delivers genetic instructions that teach cells to produce harmless proteins resembling parts of the influenza virus. The immune system then learns to recognize those proteins and respond to future exposure.

The vaccine does not contain a live influenza virus. Its mRNA also does not enter the cell’s nucleus or change a person’s DNA.

MFlusiva targets three influenza strains: A/H1N1, A/H3N2 and the B/Victoria lineage. The FDA’s scientific review describes it as a single intramuscular injection supplied in a prefilled syringe.

Study Found No Major Safety Problems

Moderna’s clinical data identified no major safety concerns. However, short-term reactions occurred somewhat more frequently with mFlusiva than with traditional flu shots.

Reported reactions included pain at the injection site, fever, headache, fatigue and muscle aches. Those effects were generally temporary.

An independent FDA advisory committee reviewed the evidence in June. The panel unanimously concluded that the vaccine’s benefits outweighed its risks for both approved age groups.

The FDA initially declined to review Moderna’s application earlier in 2026, citing concerns about the submission and study design. The agency reversed that decision after the company amended its application.

New Option Arrives Before Flu Season

Seasonal influenza vaccines require regular updates because circulating viruses change over time. Manufacturers select new formulations each year based on strains expected to spread during the upcoming season.

Messenger RNA vaccines can be redesigned and manufactured more quickly than many traditional shots. That speed could become important if influenza strains change unexpectedly or a new pandemic threat emerges.

MFlusiva will join several existing flu vaccines for older adults. Current federal guidance recommends enhanced vaccines for people age 65 and older when they are available.

The new approval does not change the general recommendation that most people age 6 months and older receive an annual flu vaccine. Vaccine selection should account for a person’s age, health conditions and medical history.

Availability and insurance coverage may differ by pharmacy or health provider. Adults interested in mFlusiva can confirm local supply and eligibility as the fall vaccination season approaches.

NFL Returns as Panthers and Cardinals Open Preseason in Hall of Fame Game

Michael Esparza
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NFL Returns as Panthers and Cardinals Open Preseason in Hall of Fame Game

Football is back as the Carolina Panthers and Arizona Cardinals meet in the 2026 NFL Hall of Fame Game. The annual exhibition contest officially opens the NFL preseason Thursday night in Canton, Ohio.

Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. Eastern, or 7 p.m. Central, at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. NBC will carry the national broadcast.

2026 NFL Hall of Fame Game Opens Preseason

The Hall of Fame Game marks the first NFL action since the Seattle Seahawks defeated the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX. It also launches the league’s 107th season in the city where professional football began.

The game gives the Panthers and Cardinals an early opportunity to evaluate rookies, backup quarterbacks and players competing for roster positions. Both teams receive an additional preseason game because they are playing one week before the rest of the league.

Established starters typically receive limited playing time in the Hall of Fame Game. Some may not play as coaches seek to protect key players from injuries.

However, the exhibition remains important for younger players. Strong performances can influence roster decisions before teams reduce their squads to the regular-season limit.

Matchup Honors Fitzgerald and Kuechly

The Panthers-Cardinals matchup carries direct connections to the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026.

Former Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald will enter the Hall after spending his entire 17-season career with Arizona. Fitzgerald became one of the NFL’s most productive receivers and helped lead the Cardinals to Super Bowl XLIII.

Carolina will be represented by former linebacker Luke Kuechly. The Panthers selected Kuechly in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft. He earned seven Pro Bowl selections and won the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award in 2013.

“Both of these teams are eager to come to Canton to open their season and to celebrate members of the Class of 2026 who meant so much to their organizations,” Hall of Fame President Jim Porter said when the matchup was announced by the NFL.

Hall of Fame Class Includes Five Legends

Fitzgerald and Kuechly will be enshrined alongside quarterback Drew Brees, running back Roger Craig and kicker Adam Vinatieri.

The enshrinement ceremony begins at noon Eastern on Saturday, Aug. 8. It will take place at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium.

Brees won Super Bowl XLIV with the New Orleans Saints and retired as one of the league’s leading passers. Vinatieri made several of the most important kicks in NFL playoff history.

Craig helped the San Francisco 49ers win three Super Bowls. He was also the first NFL player to record 1,000 rushing yards and 1,000 receiving yards in the same season.

The complete Enshrinement Week schedule is available through the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Texas Teams Begin Preseason Next Week

The Houston Texans open their preseason at home against the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday, Aug. 13. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. Central on ABC 13.

Houston will also host the Las Vegas Raiders on Aug. 20 before visiting Carolina on Aug. 28. The Texans’ Spanish-language radio broadcasts are available on Mega 101.

The Dallas Cowboys begin their preseason against the defending champion Seahawks in Seattle on Aug. 15. Dallas will then visit Arizona before hosting New Orleans on Aug. 28.

The regular season begins Sept. 9 with a Super Bowl rematch between Seattle and New England. Until then, the Hall of Fame Game offers fans the first look at the players fighting to earn a place in the 2026 season.

Robert Pattinson Confronts True-Crime Fame in A24’s ‘Primetime’ Trailer

Michael Esparza
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Robert Pattinson Confronts True-Crime Fame in A24’s ‘Primetime’ Trailer

A24 has released the first full trailer for “Primetime,” starring Robert Pattinson as television journalist Chris Hansen. The crime drama explores the rise of NBC’s controversial “To Catch a Predator” investigations.

The new “Primetime” trailer presents Pattinson’s Hansen as an ambitious reporter pursuing television history. However, the footage also raises questions about fame, public justice and the boundaries of televised investigations.

‘Primetime’ Trailer Revisits 2006 Television

Set in 2006, “Primetime” follows Hansen as “To Catch a Predator” becomes a national television phenomenon. The NBC program used online decoys, hidden cameras and coordinated police operations to identify adults seeking sexual contact with minors.

Hansen became known for calmly confronting suspects inside staged homes. Police often arrested the men after they left the interview area.

The trailer recreates the production’s hidden cameras, control rooms and tense confrontations. It also shows the program’s growing popularity placing pressure on Hansen and his team to pursue larger stories.

Pattinson adopts Hansen’s distinctive voice and restrained interviewing style. His performance gradually shifts as the reporter becomes more focused on ratings, recognition and the program’s expanding reach.

Film Examines Media and Ethical Questions

“Primetime” is described as a drama inspired by “To Catch a Predator,” rather than a documentary. Its story appears positioned to examine both the program’s public impact and its disputed reporting methods.

The original series aired as part of “Dateline NBC” from 2004 through 2007. It became a cultural reference point despite producing only 20 episodes.

Critics questioned whether the operations blurred the lines among journalism, law enforcement and entertainment. Questions also emerged about the level of coordination between NBC, police and the online watchdog group Perverted-Justice.

One of the program’s most controversial operations occurred in North Texas during 2006. Kaufman County assistant district attorney Bill Conradt died by suicide as police and an NBC camera crew arrived at his Terrell home.

Conradt had been targeted during an operation centered in Murphy, Texas. The Collin County district attorney later declined to prosecute the cases arising from that sting.

Lance Oppenheim Makes Narrative Feature Debut

Lance Oppenheim directed “Primetime” from a screenplay by Ajon Singh. The movie marks Oppenheim’s narrative feature debut after his documentary projects “Some Kind of Heaven,” “Spermworld” and the HBO series “Ren Faire.”

Oppenheim’s earlier work often examined unusual American communities and the people operating within them. “Primetime” brings that observational approach to the competitive world of television news.

Pattinson also serves as a producer. Additional producers include Ari Aster, Lars Knudsen, Fred Berger, Brian Kavanaugh-Jones, Brighton McCloskey and Tyler Campellone.

‘Primetime’ Cast and Release Date

The supporting cast includes Merritt Wever, Skyler Gisondo, Phoebe Bridgers, Matthew Maher and Bokeem Woodbine. Anna Faris and Sean Bridgers have also been connected to the film.

A24 has scheduled “Primetime” to open in theaters on Sept. 25, 2026, according to the studio’s official film page.

The full trailer suggests the movie will examine more than Hansen’s familiar confrontations. Its central focus appears to be the cost of turning criminal investigations into nationally watched entertainment.

Ford Names Affordable Fathom Electric Pickup, Sets $28,350 Base Price

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Ford Names Affordable Fathom Electric Pickup, Sets $28,350 Base Price

Ford has named its upcoming affordable electric pickup truck Fathom. The midsize EV will start at $28,350 when it joins the automaker’s lineup in 2027.

The Ford Fathom electric truck will be the first vehicle built on Ford’s new Universal EV Platform. Ford designed the platform to reduce production costs while retaining the features expected in a modern vehicle.

Ford Fathom Price Undercuts Most New EVs

The Fathom’s $28,350 starting price applies to a model with the standard-range battery. A $1,595 delivery charge raises the initial cost to $29,945 before taxes, registration or optional equipment.

That places the electric truck close to the Ford Maverick hybrid, which starts at $28,145. It also makes the Fathom one of the least expensive new electric vehicles announced for the U.S. market.

Ford has not released the truck’s estimated driving range, battery capacity or charging speed. Those specifications are expected closer to its public debut.

Preorders are scheduled to begin in early 2027. Ford has not announced an exact delivery date.

Affordable Truck Retains Modern Features

Ford is presenting the Fathom as a full-featured truck rather than a stripped-down commercial model. It will have four doors and enough seating for five adults.

The cabin will include a large, high-resolution touchscreen. Ford also plans to offer its BlueCruise hands-free highway driving technology, with Apple Maps integration for compatible routes.

Drivers will have access to a traditional cargo bed and a front storage compartment, commonly called a frunk. Ford projects that the cabin will offer more passenger volume than a Toyota RAV4.

The Fathom will also support bidirectional power. That technology allows an EV battery to provide electricity for tools, appliances or other equipment. Ford has not released the system’s power output.

New Platform Cuts Parts and Production Time

The Ford Fathom electric truck was developed by a small engineering team focused on efficiency and lower costs. Its Universal EV Platform uses fewer parts and a simplified electrical system.

Ford says the platform reduces the total parts count by 20% compared with a typical vehicle. It also uses 25% fewer fasteners and requires fewer assembly workstations.

The truck’s wiring harness will be about 4,000 feet shorter and 22 pounds lighter than the harness in one of Ford’s first-generation electric SUVs. Its structural lithium iron phosphate battery will also serve as the vehicle’s floor.

Ford says the battery chemistry does not use nickel or cobalt. The lower battery placement should create more cabin space and improve vehicle handling.

Fathom Production Planned for Kentucky

Ford will assemble the Fathom at its Louisville Assembly Plant in Kentucky. The company previously announced nearly $2 billion to prepare the factory for electric vehicle production.

The batteries will come from Ford’s BlueOval Battery Park in Michigan. Combined investments in the Kentucky and Michigan facilities total about $5 billion, according to Ford.

Ford expects the projects to create or secure nearly 4,000 jobs. The Fathom will serve U.S. buyers and international markets.

The affordable electric truck represents a major test of Ford’s revised EV strategy. Its price and standard technology could broaden access to electric vehicles, although range and charging details will remain important factors for buyers.

Senate Committee Advances Fauci Contempt of Congress Vote

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Senate Committee Advances Fauci Contempt of Congress Vote

The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee voted Thursday to hold Dr. Anthony Fauci in contempt of Congress. The party-line vote followed his refusal to answer questions during a hearing on the federal response to COVID-19.

The Fauci contempt of Congress vote passed 8-5 on Aug. 6. Republicans supported the resolution, while Democrats opposed it.

Fauci Invoked the Fifth Amendment

Fauci appeared before the committee under subpoena on July 29. He invoked his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination more than 100 times.

The committee’s investigation covers the origins of COVID-19, high-risk biological research and Fauci’s federal service. Fauci led the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases from 1984 through 2022.

Before questioning began, Fauci accused committee Chairman Rand Paul, R-Ky., of seeking statements that could support a criminal case against him. Fauci has denied Paul’s previous allegations that he gave false testimony to Congress.

Fauci Contempt of Congress Vote Centers on Pardon

Paul argued that Fauci lacked a valid reason to invoke the Fifth Amendment. Former President Joe Biden granted Fauci a broad pardon before leaving office in January 2025.

The pardon covered possible federal offenses connected to Fauci’s government service from Jan. 1, 2014, through Jan. 19, 2025. Paul said that protection removed the possibility of federal prosecution for conduct during that period.

“Dr. Fauci faced no risk of federal prosecution. All he had to do was tell the truth,” Paul said before the vote.

However, the pardon does not cover future conduct. It also does not prevent state prosecutions or a possible investigation involving testimony given after the pardon.

Legal experts have noted another complication. Trump administration officials have questioned Biden’s use of an autopen for pardons, although legal experts cited by the Associated Press said those pardons remain valid.

Democrats Challenge Committee’s Action

Committee Democrats argued that Fauci had a reasonable basis to fear prosecution. They said the hearing placed him at risk of making statements that could support new investigations.

Sen. Gary Peters of Michigan, the committee’s ranking Democrat, also warned about broader consequences for congressional oversight. Peters said future witnesses could cite the vote when refusing to participate in committee proceedings.

Republicans said Fauci’s opening statement discussed subjects covered by the investigation. Paul ruled that Fauci had waived his Fifth Amendment claim on those subjects and directed him to answer. Fauci continued to invoke the constitutional protection.

What Happens Next

The committee-approved calls for the matter to be certified to the U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia. The Justice Department would then decide whether to investigate or pursue a criminal contempt case.

Contempt resolutions have traditionally gone before the full Senate. Paul said he plans to send the committee’s recommendation directly to federal prosecutors, although he has not ruled out seeking a Senate floor vote.

The committee action does not amount to a criminal conviction. Prosecutors would still need to evaluate the referral, and Fauci could challenge any resulting case in court.

The dispute now raises a larger constitutional question about pardoned witnesses and compelled testimony. Its outcome could shape how Congress conducts oversight hearings involving former government officials.

‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ Crosses $1 Billion at Global Box Office

Michael Esparza
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‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ Crosses $1 Billion at Global Box Office

“Spider-Man: Brand New Day” has crossed $1 billion at the worldwide box office less than one week after its release. The latest Tom Holland superhero film reached the milestone following a record-breaking opening in North America.

Updated studio estimates place the movie’s global earnings at approximately $1.05 billion through Monday. The “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” box office total includes about $407 million from the United States and Canada.

International markets have contributed nearly $646 million to the film’s early run.

‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ Box Office Breaks Opening Record

“Brand New Day” opened with $360 million across the United States and Canada, according to final weekend figures. That total surpassed “Avengers: Endgame,” which earned $357 million during its 2019 debut.

Sony Pictures initially estimated a $355 million domestic opening. Stronger Sunday attendance pushed the final number above the previous record.

The movie earned another $572 million internationally during its opening weekend. Its original worldwide debut stood at approximately $932 million.

China led the international markets with $121 million. The United Kingdom contributed $49 million, followed by Mexico with $38 million and India with $31 million.

The film played on more than 73,500 screens outside North America. About 24.1 million people attended screenings during the opening weekend in the United States and Canada.

Tom Holland Returns as Peter Parker

“Spider-Man: Brand New Day” marks Holland’s fourth standalone movie as Peter Parker. It is also his seventh appearance as the character within the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

The story follows Peter after the events of 2021’s “Spider-Man: No Way Home.” That film ended with the world forgetting Peter Parker’s identity and personal connections.

Destin Daniel Cretton directed the new installment. His previous credits include Marvel Studios’ “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.”

Zendaya and Jacob Batalon return as MJ and Ned. The cast also features Sadie Sink, Jon Bernthal, Mark Ruffalo, Tramell Tillman and Michael Mando, according to the film’s official Marvel page.

Bernthal appears as the Punisher, while Ruffalo returns as Bruce Banner and the Hulk. Chris McKenna and Erik Sommers wrote the screenplay.

Third Spider-Man Film to Reach $1 Billion

“Brand New Day” is the third live-action Spider-Man movie to earn at least $1 billion worldwide.

“Spider-Man: Far From Home” became the franchise’s first billion-dollar release in 2019. It finished with approximately $1.13 billion globally.

“No Way Home” followed with more than $1.9 billion in 2021. Its performance made it one of the highest-grossing movies in history despite pandemic-era theater restrictions.

Holland’s first solo film, “Spider-Man: Homecoming,” earned about $880 million worldwide in 2017. Each of his four standalone Spider-Man movies has now generated at least $800 million globally.

“Brand New Day” reached $1 billion in about half the time required by “No Way Home,” which passed the mark after 12 days.

Milestone Strengthens the 2026 Box Office

“Brand New Day” is the fourth movie released in 2026 to cross $1 billion worldwide. It joins “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie,” “Michael” and “Toy Story 5.”

Its release also contributed to a record weekend for North American theaters. Combined ticket sales across all movies reached about $430 million, helped by strong business for “Brand New Day” and Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey.”

North American box office revenue is now more than 15% ahead of the same period in 2025, according to Rentrak. Annual ticket sales have passed $6.2 billion.

“Spider-Man: Brand New Day” remains in theaters as it begins its second weekend. Its rapid rise past $1 billion keeps the Spider-Man franchise among the world’s most commercially successful entertainment properties.

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